Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-03 at 03:02

HEADLINES
Soroka Hospital Expands After Iranian Strike
IDF Demolishes 83% of Hamas Tunnels
IDF Reservist Wounded in Lebanon Hezbollah Clash

The time is now 3:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, one year after an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba during the June 2025 conflict, the hospital is rebuilding and expanding with plans for a new inpatient tower, additional beds, fortified structures, a resilience unit, and advanced medical facilities. Backed by hundreds of millions of shekels in government and philanthropic funding, the project aims to make southern Israel's largest hospital stronger, safer, and better equipped to serve more than one million residents across the Negev.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, "Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear. Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves. Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference." The statement underscores Tehran's position on foreign presence in the region.

In Regional Impacts, Defense Minister Israel Katz said he was updated in an assessment today that the military has demolished 83% of the Hamas tunnels in the IDF-held portion of the Gaza Strip. The figure reflects progress in the Gaza front. In Kyiv, the death toll from Russia's strike has risen to 25, with emergency crews continuing to search through the rubble for additional victims.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an IDF reservist was severely wounded on Thursday during an altercation with a Hezbollah terrorist in Bint Jbail in southern Lebanon. The soldier has been evacuated to the hospital for treatment, and their family has been notified. Two other soldiers were lightly wounded and did not require evacuation. Searches for the terrorist are reportedly underway. Bint Jbail sits within Israel's security zone in Lebanon, about 4.5 kilometers from Moshav Avivim in the Upper Galilee. Earlier this week, a Hezbollah terrorist killed an IDF officer and wounded another during a memorial ceremony; Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF's current goal in Lebanon is to change the reality and bring security.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump on Israel said, "I've been the best president in the history of Israel."

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an active IDF reservist living in a southern city was arrested this week on suspicion of possessing and trafficking weapons. A special investigative team had been formed after intelligence raised concerns, and police and Military Police investigators seized a Kalashnikov rifle, a sniper rifle, and a large quantity of ammunition from the suspect’s home. The suspect admitted possessing the weapons and said they were from October 7, but authorities say there is substantial suspicion the weapons were intended for sale to criminal elements. Separately, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for sanctions on Israel, prompting a response from Gideon Sa’ar condemning the remarks as incitement to genocide. A Maariv poll also circulated, suggesting that if Netanyahu led a separate party, he could win about 16 seats, while Likud without Netanyahu would win around seven; together the two would total about 23 seats, a development that would soften the coalition’s edge amid a likely 60-seat opposition and 11 Arab seats.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities issued an arrest warrant for a suspect believed to have orchestrated a bombing in Monaco, with an Interpol red notice issued to locate and provisionally arrest the person wherever found. The red notice is not an international arrest warrant. French media reported the main suspect was a woman not located in Monaco or nearby France. Three people were wounded when the parcel bomb exploded at the entrance to a Ukrainian-born oligarch’s home; the targeted individual is a Jewish, active member of the Dnipro Jewish community, and authorities said the suspect fled toward France.

In Uplifting News, Israeli drones aid Mexican rescue teams in Venezuela’s earthquake aftermath, with Xtend’s Honey Badger and XTENDER unmanned aerial systems deployed to help rescuers reach dangerous areas. The collaboration, part of a government-led effort, has contributed to saving at least one life after more than 72 hours under rubble. Also, a bear wandered into a home in British Columbia, drawing attention to a lighter moment in the news cycle. The NYPD reported that the first half of 2026 saw the fewest shootings, shooting victims, and murders in the city’s recorded history. On a flight from New York to Israel, passengers aboard El Al observed a minyan and read Vayechal, with a Torah scroll onboard and Louis Scheiner receiving the third aliyah.

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
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