Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-25 at 14:01

HEADLINES
CENTCOM Eyes Doha Talks With IRGC
Ever Lovely Targeted Near Hormuz Strait
Herzog Helicopter Emergency Landing After Bird Strike

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Vice President JD Vance told the media outlet Unherd on Thursday that CENTCOM officials will meet with Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials in Doha, Qatar, to resolve conflicts between the sides, saying the move would create a channel on the Iranian side to reduce tension. He described arranging for an IRGC presence in Doha as a means to settle disputes, a development that observers may find jarring given CENTCOM’s recent involvement in regional military activity. The statement comes as US law designates the IRGC as a terrorist organization, leaving questions about the legality of such talks in a gray area. Commentators note that traditionally the CIA leads talks with hostile states, and it remains unclear why CENTCOM is directing this dialogue despite the broader history of allied operations in the region.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, cargo ship Ever Lovely reported a suspected attack while crossing the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, with UK maritime authorities noting the ship appeared to be struck on its starboard side. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said safe passage through the strait would be possible only through routes designated by Iran and warned it would take action against vessels that do not comply. The vessel, Singapore-flagged, was identified as Ever Lovely, with initial assessments deeming the strike an attack and the incident leading to damage to the ship’s bridge but no injuries or environmental impact reported. The UN’s International Maritime Organization is assisting ships seeking to transit the Gulf, and authorities are advising cautious passage while investigations proceed. The incident comes as hundreds of ships remain in the Gulf amid a broader conflict, underscoring heightened security concerns for commercial traffic.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an IDF helicopter carrying President Isaac Herzog made an emergency landing at the Palmachim air force base after striking a bird; the helicopter landed safely, and Herzog departed again minutes later in a replacement helicopter, with no injuries or damage reported. The aircraft was handed over to IAF technical personnel for maintenance and the episode is under review. Separately, the Police Internal Investigations Department questioned an officer over an assault allegation at the Geha Highway protests by Haredi demonstrators; the officer was released without restrictions as the investigation continues. Videos circulating on social media showed clashes during protests against the proposed Haredi draft legislation, with demonstrations ranging across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ramat Gan, and authorities dispersing crowds amid traffic disruptions and tense confrontations. Police officials reiterated the right to protest as a democratic tenet while pursuing the ongoing inquiry.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Health Ministry announced that two Zol Begadol supermarket branches found to have sold baby food tainted with sedatives have been barred from selling edible or cosmetic products until a robust quality assurance system is in place. A total of five tainted products were identified during the investigation, with three turned in by customers and two found on store shelves; all five showed signs of tampering prior to purchase. The affected stores may only sell non-edible, non-cosmetic items until they establish procedures to prevent further incidents. The plan requires reducing uncontrolled access to affected products, regular inspections, staff training to recognize damaged items, and immediate reporting of any suspicions to the Health Ministry. Police are continuing their investigation into the matter, which centers on laboratory findings of clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of Prinok baby fruit puree sold at the two branches.

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-900563
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900561
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900565
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900554
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-900546