Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-05 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Iran to Charge Hormuz Ships After Deal
Trump Claims Iran Navy Destroyed in Moment
Israel Supreme Court Orders Fresh Comptroller Election

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 Iran threatens ‘divine retribution’ against US and Israel, the warning from the IRGC Navy commander comes as Tehran stages a massive state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Tehran announced plans to begin charging commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz once the current 60-day agreement with Washington expires, while offering preferential treatment to countries that backed Iran during the war. The move underscores the fragility of US-Iran negotiations and the importance of ensuring free navigation through a strait that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG.

In US Military Role, Trump celebrates victory over Iran, claiming the United States destroyed Iran's entire naval force 'in a moment' consisting of 159 ships during his Fourth of July address. He reminded listeners that the war began on February 28, 2026, and noted the Strait of Hormuz had been closed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. He touted the nation's strength and leadership on the world stage, saying, "For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all of the nations of the world."

In Regional Impacts, a weekly Arab media selection notes that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, yet Iran has begun behaving as its policeman—controlling maritime traffic and speaking openly about levying fees. The White House insists no such fees exist, claiming Tehran pledged not to impose them while warning that US warships remain nearby. The piece argues that even the prospect of fees gives Tehran a dangerous political weapon, and that control over passage could force Gulf exporters and energy importers to depend on Iranian permission in future disputes, potentially pressuring European or Asian importers by selective shielding or slowing shipments. Separately, enormous crowds overwhelmed central Tehran for the funeral of Khamenei, with attendees cheering for revenge and chanting death to America and Trump.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that in the second round of voting for the state comptroller, a substantive flaw occurred regarding the secrecy of the ballot, requiring the vote to be invalidated and held again. As a result, Israel enters an interim period without a sitting state comptroller, with Matanyahu Englman’s term ending on Sunday while the appointment of Rabello is frozen pending a new Knesset vote. The High Court of Justice ordered that a new election be held in the Knesset for the position, ensuring a fresh process before a replacement can take office.

In Uplifting News, America at 250: The promise of equality is still worth defending - editorial looks at 250 years of American history and argues the unfinished promise of equality offers a lesson for democracies that endure when citizens defend their ideals while demanding better from their country. The piece recalls the Declaration of Independence claim that all are created equal, acknowledges the nation’s history of slavery, women’s suffrage limits, and Native American exclusion, and credits figures like Abraham Lincoln, abolitionists, and Martin Luther King Jr. for advancing the promise. It emphasizes that democracy remains viable when people push for progress and hold leaders to account.

In Uplifting News, Israeli Olympian auctions medal-winning gi to heal October 7 heroes, Israeli Olympic bronze medalist Peter Paltchik is auctioning the judo gi he wore to win his medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics to fund PTSD treatment for ZAKA volunteers who endured the horrors of recovering victims of the October 7 Hamas massacre and the war that followed. Describing the gi as the “armor” that carried him, Paltchik says it now belongs to the volunteers who stood on Israel’s front lines. Proceeds will fund therapy, trauma recovery, crisis support, and mental health programs for volunteers and their families. Bidding starts at $50,000, with Paltchik personally thanking the winning bidder.

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://worldisraelnews.com/iran-threatens-divine-retribution-against-us-and-israel/
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-901407
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901116
https://t.me/hnaftali/23760
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901405
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901396
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-olympian-auctions-medal-winning-gi-to-heal-october-7-heroes/