Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 17:01

HEADLINES
- Gaza building collapse kills IDF contractor
- Progressives oust pro-Israel incumbents in NY
- Netanyahu trial tests credibility in court

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

In Regional Impacts, Raed Abu Al-Qian, a civilian IDF contractor from Hura, was killed by a building collapse in the Gaza Strip, the military said. He had been working on engineering projects in Gaza on behalf of the Defense Ministry, and his family has been notified. On Tuesday, defense officials told Walla that the IDF had achieved operational control over 70% of the Gaza Strip, with a security source noting the area under Israeli control could grow in the coming months as Hamas drags its feet, entrenching itself in the field, recruiting operatives, and preparing for war with Israel. The Southern Command conducts daily assessments across Gaza, coordinating with IDF and Shin Bet intelligence to respond to emerging threats. Earlier on Wednesday, Walla reported that Israeli companies have begun negotiations regarding large-scale demolition of Gaza’s structures, described as unprecedented in scope. The peace government has a desire to advance the reconstruction process.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, New York’s Democratic primaries highlighted shifts in the party’s power centers and its approach to Israel, with progressives backing Mamdani-backed candidates winning seats over pro-Israel incumbents. The victories include wins against incumbents seen as pro-Israel, while Brad Lander—who is Jewish—represents a new dynamic in the liberal Jewish vote, and a smaller group of pro-Israel victors may seek to carry that mantle forward. Establishment Jewish figures and their allies were reading the outcomes as signaling change, though some downplayed broader significance. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, noted that the results show DSA- and Mamdani-backed candidates can win in different areas of New York City. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to “100% inspections” by IAEA and US teams, rejecting Iranian officials’ disputes over access. In a phone call with a Fox News correspondent, Trump said inspections would move forward but offered no timetable, adding there was “no rush” to enter Iran and asserting the Iranians “know they’re wrong.” The remarks come amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations over inspection access under a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, The breaking point: How haredi draft evasion laws are tearing Israel apart argues that internal division is the most dangerous weapon facing the nation, calling for elected leaders to oppose the politics of division and to engage with respect even when disagreeing. The piece urges dialogue between MK Yisrael Eichler and MK Gilad Kariv and expresses hope that Yitzhak Pindrus and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana can find common ground on shared ways of life, while expecting Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf to participate in constructive discussion. Secular-Haredi clashes expose a deeper fight over the southern city’s future, with street protests during anti-draft actions underscoring long-running tensions over demographics, public space, and the growing influence of the local Hasidic community. As his testimony ends, Netanyahu’s credibility remains at the heart of his case, with the trial moving forward after 98 hearing days of direct testimony and the cross-examination that followed. The proceedings will continue with remaining defense witnesses, and the three separate affairs cited in the 2020 indictment—Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000—will be followed by written and oral summaries before a verdict is issued by the three-judge Jerusalem District Court panel.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-900432
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-900430
https://worldisraelnews.com/president-trump-says-iran-agreed-to-100-inspections-by-iaea-and-u-s-teams/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900426
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjmth3fffg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900425