Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-29 at 04:01

HEADLINES
- Iranian cyberattacks surge against Israel in 2026
- Hezbollah lists Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
- Ultra orthodox protests halt draft dodger arrest

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli security officials say Iranian cyberattacks have surged since the US-Israeli offensive against Iran began this year. Yossi Karadi, director-general of Israel's National Cyber Directorate, said in June 2025 the country logged around 1,600 hostile cyber incidents, rising to about 4,800 in June 2026. He described the Iranian campaign as a multi-layered system led by the Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with civilians and activists below that core who hack either out of conviction or for pay. Some groups are highly skilled, and there is no ceasefire in cyberspace. The attacks have targeted Israel's critical infrastructure, central organizations, small to medium-sized companies, and the public, with smaller hits on law practices and accounting firms. Israel says it has managed to fend off attacks on critical infrastructure so far, though penetrations occur and easier targets have sometimes seen their computer systems wiped. Karadi also noted that Iran uses digital propaganda as part of its cyber war, including Lego-style AI animation videos.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah published tonight a detailed communique listing what it describes as Israeli violations in southern Lebanon yesterday, naming attacks by fighter jets on residential buildings in Nabatieh and in the village of Meifadon, a drone strike on open ground in the village of Paron, and the explosion of residential structures.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a large group of ultra-Orthodox protesters halted the arrest of a draft dodger in Maale Adumim near Jerusalem, according to KAN News. After being alerted to the arrest by the extremist Jerusalem Faction, dozens of protesters arrived at the scene. Military Police left the area, prompting celebrations among the protesters. Footage shows a police officer telling protesters, "I didn't even bring any patrol cars, I came alone." The draft-dodger arrests issue has grown in recent weeks, culminating in large protests across the country, including thousands who blocked Highways 1 and 4, with heavy traffic on 28 other major roads, Maariv reports.

In Uplifting News, scientists have baked sourdough bread using yeast found growing in the guts of a frozen mummy, Oetzi the Iceman, who lived more than 5,300 years ago on the border of Austria and Italy. The mummy has been kept at minus six degrees Celsius since discovery. Researchers published in Microbiome that cold-adapted yeasts and certain bacteria persist in his tissues, offering a rare window into the Copper Age gut ecosystem. The team says the yeast could have uses beyond baking, including brewing beer, though the study focused on broader implications for archaeology and human history. Separately, an Israeli rescue delegation has arrived at disaster zones in Venezuela. The 16-member team, led by Magen, Ready for Rescue, and SmartAID, is working with local emergency forces to conduct search-and-rescue operations, examine damaged buildings, and provide initial humanitarian aid. Officials say the scale of destruction is exceptionally severe, with rescue efforts still underway to find additional survivors.

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/article-900764
https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-cyberattacks-on-israel-surged-in-2026-cyber-chief-says/
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125612
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900766
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-900399
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8326