Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-06 at 21:03

HEADLINES
US Marines Lead Southern Jackaroo Drill
Iran Strikes Hormuz Ships, Two Damaged
Reservists Demand Probe Into Channel 14

The time is now 9:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, conduct mechanized-infantry operations alongside Australian and Japanese Forces, as part of Exercise Southern Jackaroo at the Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland, Australia, July 2, 2026.

In Regional Impacts, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at least two missiles earlier at a pair of commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with both ships hit and suffering significant damages, but no casualties, according to Axios’ Barak Ravid. Separately, a vessel eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman was struck by an unknown projectile as it traveled southbound away from the Strait of Hormuz. No casualties have been reported at this time. @_MartinKelly_ reported earlier that the vessel, a Nakilat Shipping Qatar Limited tanker, which was loaded, reported being struck in the engine room. Based on the position of the strike, it’s fair to assess that the vessel was traveling in the proposed Oman-International Maritime Organization transit lanes and not the lanes proposed by Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). This may have induced an Iranian strike, as Iran continues to maintain that their PGSA transit routes are the only viable option for commercial maritime traffic.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Police remove haredi protesters attempting to block Jerusalem light rail construction. Police dispersed haredi rioters attempting to enter a light rail construction site and block traffic on Bar Ilan Street Monday evening, after weeks of protests aimed at blocking light rail construction on the street, a major route that runs through a heavily haredi neighborhood. The street was reopened to traffic following the altercation. On Sunday, Israeli Police announced that one person was arrested following damage to the construction site and physical disputes with construction workers. The rioters entered a light rail work compound, damaged infrastructure, attempted to block traffic routes, and disrupted public order at the site, according to the police statement. This is a developing story. Reservists demand criminal probe of right-wing Channel 14 for revealing classified info. A lobbying group made up of IDF reservists called on Monday for a criminal investigation into the pro-government Channel 14 station, accusing it of repeatedly publishing classified material that violated censorship rules, compromising operations and endangering security forces. The Iron Swords Fighters Forum, led by IDF Colonel (Reserve) Hanoch Daube — who battled the Hamas invasion on October 7 and later fought in Gaza — claimed that for more than two years, Channel 14 has systematically published sensitive security information, on some occasions even before the missions had been carried out. The group’s letter was sent to State Attorney Amit Aisman; Superintendent Boaz Balat, head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division of the Israel Police; and Brigadier General Netanel Kula, the chief military censor, calling for probing the network and its staff on suspicion of releasing sensitive material.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, A New York Times map tells America’s immigration story. So where are the Jews? - opinion. The map titled “How a Nation of Immigrants Traces Its Roots” highlights 200 “unique identities” represented across all 50 states, but Jews are omitted. In another development, Anti-Israel Democrat faces calls to quit Senate race over assault claim. Graham Platner denies ex-partner’s allegations of an assault in 2021, but the accusation has rocked a key Senate race and prompted state Democrats to urge him to withdraw. London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating abuse of Jewish attendees at London Pride after videos circulated showing antisemitic taunts toward participants carrying rainbow flags with the Star of David; investigators said they would review footage to determine if offenses were committed, in a context of rising concern about antisemitism in Britain since Hamas’ 2023 attack.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli employment rates dropped in May, Central Bureau of Statistics labor force survey reveals. There were 4,469,000 Israelis in the workforce (61.6%), with 126,500 unemployed (2.8%) and 4,342,500 employed (97.2%). The employment rate dipped from 60.1% in April to 59.9% in May. The Jerusalem district posted the highest unemployment at 4.1% in May, up from 3.4% in April, while Tel Aviv and central Israel registered the lowest rates at 2.4%. The share of full-time workers (35 hours or more per week) rose from 78.6% in April to 79.1% in May. In January, job vacancies stood at 152,134, the highest level since November 2022.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/21978
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21976
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21975
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901658
https://www.timesofisrael.com/reservists-demand-criminal-probe-of-right-wing-channel-14-for-revealing-classified-info/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-901660
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sknpdpymze
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-901659
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901569