Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-08 at 05:02

HEADLINES
Netanyahu warns Iran still has chemical weapons
Trump ends Iran ceasefire vows tougher stance
Ireland bans Israeli settlement imports

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview on Newsmax's The Record With Greta Van Susteran on Tuesday that Iran “definitely” has chemical weapons and remains a threat. He argued that Iran lost the capability to produce nuclear weapons during Operation Roaring Lion, citing the destruction of infrastructure, centrifuges, and associated facilities, and the killing of 20 of Iran’s top nuclear scientists, saying the strikes pushed back Iran “considerably.” He cautioned that the regime should not be underestimated and that it could reconstitute capabilities if left unchecked. Separately, opposition sources in Iran reported this morning that the Bushehr area was attacked, targeting a Revolutionary Guards air and space facility, a Guards base, and a site near the air force base in Bushehr.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump, speaking at the opening of a NATO summit in Ankara, condemned Iran in strong terms, describing the regime as “scum,” “sick people,” and “dirty players” as the Iran agreement appeared in jeopardy, and saying the ceasefire was over. He asserted that the United States had made Iran “twenty times harder” to maneuver and urged removal of Tehran’s influence, saying diplomacy was not the path he preferred at that moment. In the same context, Trump said he had ordered his treasury secretary to cut off all trade with Spain, calling Madrid a terrible partner in NATO, while noting the alliance meeting in Ankara. He also said the memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the conflict was over and reiterated that he did not want to engage with Tehran, reinforcing his view that the Iran ceasefire is over.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a masked vandal smashed the Haaretz Tel Aviv entrance on Wednesday morning, throwing bricks through a glass door and leaving a hole in the entry; Haaretz said it filed a police report and would increase security for its staff while continuing to fulfill its mission to deliver independent journalism. Justice Minister Yariv Levin told the government to disobey a High Court ruling ordering a revote for the appointment of the state comptroller, arguing that Rabello should assume the position and that there should be no new elections. Shin Bet chief David Zini sparked controversy with remarks about loyalty to the executive branch and a critique of the legal establishment; the full recordings show a more nuanced message about his service and the prime minister’s delegation, with Zini noting there were candidates within the Shin Bet who could have been better suited for the role.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Ireland’s parliament passed legislation banning imports from Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, making Ireland the first European Union member to adopt a comprehensive import ban targeting Israeli settlements outside Israel’s internationally recognized borders. The measure, part of a response to the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, prohibits imports from Israeli residential, agricultural, and commercial enterprises located beyond the recognized borders. Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel in recent years, including actions in June that restricted a senior Israeli official’s movements, and the new law marks a broad diplomatic shift in European policy toward settlements.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-901824
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https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-he-ordered-cutting-all-trade-spain
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-interim-accord-iran-end-war-over
https://t.me/ILtoday/19518
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901832
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901830
https://t.me/newssil/206154
https://worldisraelnews.com/ireland-approves-bill-banning-imports-from-israeli-communities-in-judea-and-samaria/
https://t.me/newssil/206152