Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-08 at 02:02

HEADLINES
- US strikes 80 Iranian targets amid retaliation
- Emanuel warns Greater Israel fantasy harms alliance
- Israel leads humanitarian mission to quake-hit Venezuela

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, the United States has launched massive strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets in retaliation for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The action is described as part of ending appeasement of the Ayatollahs, and it is framed as a call for the world to stand united against what is described as the world’s number one sponsor of terrorism.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Rahm Emanuel is set to tell a Tel Aviv audience that the pursuit of a “Greater Israel” is a corrosive fantasy that could harm the Israel–US alliance. He will warn that Prime Minister Netanyahu is leading the country toward a dead end that has left Israel more isolated, criticizing past US policy of unconditional support and arguing that such an approach has contributed to hardship for Palestinians and to Israel’s current fragility. Emanuel, a veteran Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, is described as urging a condition-based approach to support and engagement with Israel.

Also in US Policy Concerning Israel, American Priorities PAC, an anti-AIPAC group, said it will spend to back Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic US Senate primary despite his pledge to reject super PAC money. The group says it will do whatever it takes to help El-Sayed, who has positioned himself against corporate-backed influence, while El-Sayed has not publicly commented on the plan. Separately, Somaya Bashir, a candidate seen as a strong contender for a Arab Democrats Knesset slate, faces scrutiny over Gaza and LGBTQ positions and over irregularities in a 2022 Labor membership drive; she says rivals are smearing her.

In Uplifting News, Gazans are reacting to Egypt’s loss to Argentina in yesterday’s World Cup match, with two comments noted on social discussions about the game. Israel’s humanitarian mission to Venezuela reflects the country’s values, as Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez thanked Israel for sending a highly specialized 30-member IDF delegation led by Brigadier-General Elad Edri to assist after twin earthquakes that left thousands dead and many injured or displaced. The Israeli team mapped roughly 1,300 damaged buildings and advised on debris and on which structures should be demolished or salvageable. Argentina ultimately defeated Egypt 3-2 after leading 2-0 midgame, a result that sparked celebrations in Gaza, Palestinian villages in the West Bank, and across the Arab world, while Egyptian coaches and others questioned refereeing and directed criticism toward the crowd.

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/hnaftali/23793
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-901812
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-901811
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syiudiiqgg
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126151
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901789
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126147