Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-04 at 22:01

HEADLINES
Iran clash reveals satellite activity Pickaxe Mountain
Cafe Basimta remains open amid ultra-Orthodox protests
Peter Paltchik auctions Olympic gi for PTSD

The time is now 10:01 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, even as Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow show little movement after last year’s US strikes.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the owner of Cafe Basimta in Jerusalem’s Nahlaot neighborhood says he will continue to open the cafe on weekends despite an ultra-Orthodox protest outside. The cafe had been highlighted by the Jerusalem Post magazine as a new specialty caffeine spot that could serve as a home away from home for those seeking a quiet area in Jerusalem. Yoel Ben David told Walla he feared violence and noted broad support from Jerusalem residents encouraging him to press on. He described tense moments and said protesters used children during the demonstration to bang on windows and overturn tables, and that his attempts at dialogue went unanswered.

In Uplifting News, Israeli judo Olympic bronze medalist Peter Paltchik is auctioning off the judo gi he wore during the Paris Olympics to fund PTSD treatments for ZAKA volunteers. The sale has a minimum bid of $50,000, and Paltchik said he would personally call the winner to thank them. In a separate development, Danielle Yablonka was crowned Miss Universe Israel 2026 amid claims the event was rigged. The ceremony took place at the FIU Jewish Museum of Florida and was attended by Joseph Shine, president of the Miss Israel Organization, and Miss Universe Israel 2024 Ofir Korsia. Yablonka, who previously finished as First Runner-Up in Miss Universe Israel 2025, was appointed to represent Israel at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico after the Miss Israel pageant was not held due to the ongoing conflict.

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://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901397
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901403
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901402