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

HEADLINES
Trump boasts 159-ship Iran destruction
Hormuz reopened, Iran may levy fees
IDF eliminates terrorist in Lebanon security zone

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Trump celebrated victory over Iran during the Salute to America celebration on the nation’s 250th anniversary, praising the United States for destroying Iran’s entire naval force “in a moment,” describing it as 159 ships. He said he rebuilt the military in his first term and referenced using it in what he called his “third time,” though he avoided elaborating on the controversy. He lauded the United States for its role on the world stage, declaring that for 250 years the country has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all nations. The celebration took place at the National Mall in Washington after a storm-related delay. The war with Iran began on February 28, 2026, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for world oil trade; officials say US forces used air and naval assets in the conflict, according to the White House.

In Regional Impacts, a weekly Arab press roundup discusses the Strait of Hormuz reopening and Iran acting as its policeman—controlling maritime traffic and speaking openly about levying fees. The White House says no such fees exist, claiming Tehran pledged not to impose them while warning that US warships remain nearby. The analysis notes that even the possibility of Iran collecting fees would grant Tehran a powerful political weapon, enabling it to decide which tankers may pass and potentially extract payments. Such control would give Iran leverage over Gulf exporters and energy-importing nations, and could be used to obstruct exports in any future dispute with a Gulf state or to pressure European or Asian buyers by slowing shipments.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF Spokesman says IDF soldiers on Saturday identified an armed terrorist operating inside the Security Zone in the Majdal Zoun area in southern Lebanon, in blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. Following the identification, the soldiers responded to the threat and opened fire at the terrorist. After extensive searches, the soldiers eliminated the terrorist. The IDF says it will continue operating to remove any threat to its soldiers and Israeli civilians.

In Uplifting News, America at 250: The promise of equality is still worth defending—editorial argues that as America marks 250 years, its unfinished promise of equality offers a lesson for democracies that endure when citizens defend their ideals while demanding better from their country. It notes that on July 4, 1776 the Declaration proclaimed that “all men are created equal,” even though enslaved people, women without voting rights, and Native Americans were excluded at the time, and some signers owned slaves. The words endured, and the Declaration became a standard by which to judge the nation, with Abraham Lincoln invoking it in the Civil War, abolitionists drawing on its language, and Martin Luther King Jr. describing it as a “promissory note” not yet honored. Reformers did not reject the promise; they demanded that America keep it. The piece frames these ideas as a guide for current democratic practice. A Hebrew-language note reports fireworks in Washington, DC, for the 250th anniversary, with Trump tweeting that the fireworks are the best of all time.

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/american-politics/article-901407
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901116
https://t.me/ILtoday/19480
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901396
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125962