Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-12 at 07:02

HEADLINES
Lebanese boycott ousts Israeli surgeon from conference
Graham dies, remembered as unwavering Israel hawk
Clashes erupt as Rahat hosts Sukkot visit

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli-American surgeon removed from Lebanon conference after boycott campaign. Prof. Sharona Ross was due to address the event via video link, but objections from Lebanese doctors, boycott activists and a Hezbollah-affiliated health minister led organizers to cancel her appearance.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Lindsey Graham’s voice for Israel has fallen silent. He was described as a true friend of Israel and a hawk on Iran, advocating strong action against Tehran and supporting hard lines on the nuclear issue. In an interview shortly before his death at 71, he said, “I’ll stand with Israel until the day I die. It is our greatest ally.” He opposed proposals to end US military aid to Israel, calling such ideas a serious mistake, and he was among those pressing for a tough approach toward Iran, including arguments for a rapid, uncompromising stance prior to military actions associated with Operation Rising Lion.

Also in US Policy Concerning Israel, congressional hopeful John Deaton warned that mixed messages from Trump and Netanyahu over the war with Iran are eroding American trust in Israel and strengthening Tehran. He described himself as a moderate Republican, urged greater scrutiny of US aid to Israel and Ukraine, and said he would refuse campaign contributions from AIPAC to reassure voters about his commitment to Israel. Deaton also criticized Netanyahu for weaponizing accusations of antisemitism to shield policy criticisms, while acknowledging that antisemitism remains a problem in the United States.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Clashes erupt in Bedouin city Rahat in protest of Sukkot's visit. MK Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionist Party visited Rahat as head of the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee, and clashes broke out as residents tried to prevent the visit. Some schools in the city were closed, but the tour proceeded under heightened supervision by the Knesset and the Israel Police. Sukkot said he would not accept Israel becoming a place where a member of Knesset or a committee chair cannot enter an Israeli city to perform oversight, adding that attempts at intimidation and violence will not deter him and that the Education Committee will continue to visit places requiring parliamentary oversight, regardless of political affiliation or community.

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.ynetnews.com/article/s1icfaxezx
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902223
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902222
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902221