Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-06 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Israel indicts Tajik national for Iranian spying
Netanyahu warns US against Turkey F-35 sales
Court mulls canceling Israel Land Authority chief

The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the latest data on Strait of Hormuz traffic show that over the past 24 hours the vast majority of vessels continued to transit via the Iranian northern traffic separation scheme, with only a small share opting for the US-backed southern corridor through Omani waters; AIS use is not mandatory, so the total number of transits may be higher than the published figure. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has released a Joint Maritime Information Center advisory announcing an expanded southern transit corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. Use of the corridor remains voluntary, but vessels are advised the route is open 24 hours a day, and ships are urged to keep AIS active, maintain radar and navigation lights, and monitor VHF radio continuously while transiting.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Tel Aviv prosecutors filed an indictment charging Bekhruz Shakhriv Dodobaev, a Tajik national whose temporary Israeli residency had expired by May, with contact with a foreign agent and nine counts of communicating information that could benefit an enemy, plus four counts of communicating information to an enemy with intent to harm state security. The indictment alleges Dodobaev gathered and relayed information on missile-impact sites, Haifa Port, and an Elbit Systems facility to Iranian intelligence contacts in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, after being approached via Telegram by a contact seeking work in early 2026. He allegedly operated under handlers using the names Anna, Uri, and Polina, and was paid through digital wallets for assignments that included sending footage and photographs.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the United States should not supply Turkey with F-35 fighter jets or engine components, saying such moves would upset the regional power balance and threaten Israeli air superiority. He cited Turkey’s leadership and actions, including its stance toward Hamas and opposition to action against Iran, and argued that Ankara’s policies reflect a regime influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood. Netanyahu’s remarks were conveyed in interviews with Fox and Friends.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court proposed canceling Eliyahu’s appointment as head of the Israel Land Authority. Justices Yael Willner, Ofer Grosskopf, and Khaled Kabub gave the state, Eliyahu, and the petitioners 48 hours to respond to the court’s proposal. The court said any interim appointment would have to follow applicable rules, but did not decide whether Eliyahu could serve as acting head while the renewed process is underway. The petitions challenge whether the search committee adequately established exceptional qualifications in light of Eliyahu’s connection to Smotrich, one of the ministers involved in the appointment. Government representatives did not dispute the political connection, but argued it reflected an earlier period. The justices noted the scoring that placed Eliyahu ahead of others and questioned whether the scoring and process justified the exceptional qualifications.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, President Isaac Herzog rebuked a senior Turkish official’s antisemitic remark, saying Israel is here to stay and a blessing to the world. Speaking at the state memorial ceremony for Theodor Herzl at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Herzog referenced comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan describing Israeli authorities as a burden on humanity, and asserted that Israel stands on the front line against terror and that its innovations benefit billions.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel is launching a new competitive process to search for more natural gas in its economic waters, opening five new blocks covering about 7,100 square kilometers. The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry says hundreds of billions of cubic meters may remain undiscovered, and discovery could meet domestic needs, spur competition, boost state revenues, and lower electricity tariffs. Israel has earned over 30 billion shekels from direct gas revenues so far and expects to reach hundreds of billions over 30 years. Energy Minister Eli Cohen described natural gas as a strategic asset that strengthens Israel’s economic and diplomatic standing, and said the policy is to expand exploration, attract international energy giants, and increase production for the domestic market and for export. The process runs alongside plans for a 150-kilometer electricity cable linking southern and central Israel.

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.

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