Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 13:01

HEADLINES
Oman Iran push Hormuz toll-free passage talks
US Iran deal sinks Netanyahu's influence
Large-scale Gaza demolition plan sparks warning

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iran, Oman push to become administrators of Strait of Hormuz as toll system remains unclear. Oman and Iran have agreed to pursue discussions on the potential future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters and saying they will keep dialogue open through a joint working group to determine how navigation would be managed, what services would be provided, and the costs in line with international standards. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said the countries are committed to toll-free safe passage through the strait, while Tehran has long pressed for navigational fees and other payments. The statement marks a notable shift for Oman, which has largely stayed quiet amid Iranian declarations about shared administration. In a broader regional thread, US Vice President JD Vance has been leading discussions with Iran while also engaging on Lebanon, signaling a focus on Lebanon’s Christian community amid a long-running division between those who back Hezbollah and those who oppose it. The Lebanon story is set against a backdrop in which Christians, historically a major political bloc, have seen their role in government shift since past conflicts. Separately, the European Union’s diplomatic service has proposed a three-year mission to advise and train Lebanese forces to bolster border and maritime security, aimed at freeing the Lebanese army to focus on disarming Hezbollah. The plan envisions strengthening the capacities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, requires approval from EU member states, would run for an initial three-year mandate, and would not replace UNIFIL as its mandate nears expiration at the end of 2026.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Pushing Iran, Hamas regimes towards collapse might not be possible, military expert says. Dr. Colonel (Reserve) Michael Milstein, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center in Tel Aviv University, said in a 103FM interview that while Iran and Hamas have absorbed heavy blows, their ideological commitment remains strong and collapse is not assured. He argued that any meaningful change would likely come from broader regional upheaval such as an Arab Spring rather than Israeli efforts alone, and he cautioned that the Switzerland-backed agreement could have implications for Israel’s northern border and Hezbollah. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces said they struck a vehicle carrying suspects who crossed the security perimeter in the Mount Ali Taher area, posing a threat to troops, marking a direct military response in the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US-Iran deal may leave Netanyahu as biggest casualty - analysis. Analysts and former US officials suggest the interim pact to end the war that the US and Israel launched over Iran may undermine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-built image as the leader who could bend Washington to his Iran policy. Netanyahu has long been described as the “American whisperer,” a figure who could secure alignment with US presidents and maintain pressure on Tehran; the evolving arrangement appears to shift influence away from that dynamic and recast how Israel and the United States approach Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ex-general calls to dismantle Palestinian Authority, squash internal threats - interview. Brigadier General (Reserve) Erez Wiener, now leading the right-leaning security NGO Bithonistim, argued that closing the Palestinian Authority is a necessary step for Israel’s long-term security, saying the PA educates children toward terror and arms enemies. Wiener described the PA as a negative factor that compromises security in Judea and Samaria. Judea and Samaria / West Bank Israeli Duvdevan forces killed Mohamed Zayed, a resident of Yamun near Jenin, during a joint IDF and Shin Bet counterterrorism operation today. Zayed was an arms dealer who supplied weapons to the terrorist responsible for a 2025 attack that wounded two IDF soldiers; he had been evading arrest, moving between safe houses, and was killed after attempting to flee and presenting a threat to the troops.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli firms in talks over large-scale demolition, rubble removal in Gaza, sources say. Negotiations have begun with Israeli companies for the large-scale demolition of structures in the Gaza Strip, with discussions describing the scope as unprecedented. The plan envisions turning vast quantities of rubble into recycled construction materials, transporting a substantial portion elsewhere, and leveling areas in preparation for future housing—before Hamas has been disarmed and Gaza demilitarized. A security official cautioned that the pace and scale of these moves could carry broader consequences, warning that at this rate there may be no option but to resume fighting.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900407