Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-04 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Satellites reveal Iran's underground insurance policy
F-35B VTOL Demonstration Captivates National Mall
Kaplan Hospital veteran employee arrested for assault

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, new satellite images show activity at Pickaxe Mountain, an underground site in the Zagros Mountains where IAEA inspectors have not been allowed to visit. The site is described in reporting as Iran’s underground “insurance policy.” By contrast, Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow show little movement after last year’s US strikes.

In US Military Role, a US Marine Corps F-35B conducts a demonstration of its VTOL capabilities over the National Mall during the 250th July 4th celebrations. The demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s vertical takeoff and landing abilities during the national celebration.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, two opinion pieces mark the 250th anniversary by examining the relationship among the United States, Israel, and Jews. The first argues that the triangular relationship is at risk, with each side weakened in recent years, even as the historical bond and the story of American Jewry have shaped the nation’s experience. It notes how immigration helped forge enduring ties and underscores the ongoing influence of American ideals. The second recalls George Washington’s promise that the Republic would “give to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,” and it emphasizes that equal citizenship secured by law has allowed Americans of every faith to stand as equals in one republic. It cites Washington’s assertion that Jews would be able to sit in safety under their own vine and fig tree, with no one to make them afraid, and notes that for more than two centuries American Jews have honored that pledge.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a veteran employee at Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot was arrested on suspicion of assaulting two doctors who treated his son. Separately, HRF claims Ben-Gvir canceled a UN police summit visit to New York over legal complaints, though his office has not confirmed the cancellation. HRF says it filed a complaint with the US Justice Department and, with the Center for Constitutional Rights, appealed to New York Attorney General Letitia James to open an investigation, arguing that accountability is no longer theoretical.

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.ynetnews.com/article/sjenvbd7gl
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21919
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901276
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901277
https://t.me/newssil/205880
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901393