Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-02 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Democrats Realign on Israel Policy Elevating Kiros
Avi Loeb Heads White House UFO Panel
Jerusalem Hosts 2026 Maccabiah Games

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Doha-style shift in attitude within the Democratic Party is being observed as primary results in Pennsylvania, New York, and Colorado highlight debates over Israel policy and the visibility of an anti-Israel wing. The report notes that Democrats should not repeat past misjudgments about anti-Israel sentiment as the party moves through this electoral cycle. Denver voters ousted 15-term congresswoman Diana DeGette in favor of Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist whose background includes a law career and public critique of Israel-related rhetoric. Kiros published an open letter arguing that calls for the elimination of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism and urged contextualization of the October 7 massacre; she also faced questions over remarks about a deadly Boulder attack. The piece frames these developments as part of a broader realignment within the party on Israel policy, echoing cautionary headlines about political movements that once seemed peripheral.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Trump administration has tapped Israeli-born Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb to lead a new White House panel examining unexplained UFO sightings reported by US military personnel. Loeb, a controversial figure who has argued that some unexplained objects could reflect alien technology, will head a team reviewing classified footage, intelligence, and unexplained aerial encounters as part of a push to declassify more information on UFOs. The appointment has sparked debate: supporters view Loeb as a bold thinker willing to challenge established scientific orthodoxy, while critics accuse him of promoting fringe theories without sufficient evidence. Loeb says the investigation will begin from a national security perspective, while privately arguing that better data could determine whether humanity is truly alone.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, authorities respond to a mix of security incidents and societal debates shaping daily life. The IDF has been dispatched to the West Bank village of Mukhmas near Jerusalem to search for Israeli civilians last heard from in the area, with officials saying they are working to rule out kidnapping or a security event. Reports indicate a car carrying nine Israelis entered the village while pursued by police, the vehicle was found damaged and no passengers were present, and the situation remains a developing story. Separately, Israel Police clashed with protesters outside the Knesset commemorating 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre, with protesters describing violent attempts to disperse them. The TEMA Leadership Network showcased a year-long study, Spectrum of Worldviews, at a Tel Aviv conference with more than 150 public figures from across Israeli society, aiming to foster inclusive dialogue among communities such as Religious Zionists, Arab society, the haredi community, and secular groups. Additional reporting notes Breslov Hasidim who visited tombs in Mukhmas lost contact with security forces; troops reached some members who said others had left, and searches continued. Israel marked 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre with nationwide memorials, including a dawn gathering at 6:29 a.m., a convoy through hard-hit communities, a national moment of silence, and an exhibition of 1,000 personal belongings of victims and hostages; former hostage Rom Braslavski was set to address the main ceremony in Tel Aviv, while IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir described the day as a stark reminder of the attack on the Jewish people, with organizers emphasizing accountability. Safed’s Rabbinical Court could close this fall as the Finance Ministry promotes merging it with a court in Tiberias, drawing opposition from several rabbis; the Rabbinical Courts Administration says it is doing everything in its power to stop the closure, with discussions involving the Government Housing Administration, and the ministry stating changes were requested by the Rabbinical Courts Administration. After more than 600 days of reserve duty, Captain R describes being torn apart as he prepares for another deployment while his pregnant wife tends to their two children, underscoring the ongoing toll on families as the war persists.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a man was sentenced to one year in prison for the 2023 death of a Jewish protester in California. Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury for escalating a verbal confrontation at a pro-Israel versus pro-Palestine rally in Thousand Oaks into a fatal assault, striking Paul Kessler in the head with a megaphone and leaving him with fatal injuries. Alnaji remained at the scene and provided information to investigators, receiving a year in county jail and two years of probation.

In Uplifting News, Jerusalem opens the 2026 Maccabiah Games, often called the Jewish Olympics, with a powerful display of unity. Five thousand athletes from more than 30 countries have gathered in the Israeli capital, less than a year after the event was postponed due to war with Iran. The opening ceremony featured the Parade of Nations, performances by leading Israeli artists, and the lighting of the Maccabiah torch by Olympic and Paralympic champions. President Isaac Herzog called the games a demonstration of Jewish strength, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Jews worldwide to stand tall in the face of rising antisemitism. About 2,200 Israeli athletes and 900 US competitors are expected to participate over the two-week event, which organizers say will be one of the largest celebrations of global Jewish solidarity in Israel.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901139
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-appoints-israeli-born-scientist-to-lead-ufo-investigation/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-901175
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901174
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901173
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1mgavmqzg
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-marks-1000-days-since-october-7-massacre/
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8334
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901169
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjc1xhxqzl
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-901172
https://worldisraelnews.com/jewish-olympics-open-in-jerusalem-with-powerful-display-of-unity/