Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-29 at 23:02

HEADLINES
US lawmakers push for unclassified Iran briefing
Knesset blocks Red Cross visits for prisoners
Shorthanded Israel advances to qualifiers

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said at a Monday press conference that he hopes a full unclassified briefing on the US-Iran war would happen sooner rather than later. He argued Iran is in a stronger position relative to the United States since the Trump-era conflict began, and that the war has adversely affected American national security. He noted that Special US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress on US-Iran peace talks for the first time since a memorandum of understanding with Tehran was signed earlier this month, and lawmakers were told a final deal would prevent Iran from keeping its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. When asked where he and the Democratic Party stand on Israel, Jeffries said his position has and remains the same.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset rejected a bill aimed at preventing representatives of the International Red Cross from visiting Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centers after its first reading on Monday. The proposal received 36 votes in favor but was removed from the agenda after 42 MKs voted against it. The bill would also prohibit sharing information regarding detainees without the approval of the national security minister or the defense minister. An explanatory statement cited “the security risk involved in the entry of external elements into prisons” as the reason for the bill. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir described the legislation as “correct and important,” noting that Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas did not receive visits from the Red Cross. He criticized those who voted against it.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues the United States’ fight against global antisemitism is at risk under the current administration, calling for a stronger antisemitism monitor that can build bridges, call out hatred, and mobilize others. The author, a former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, draws on experiences across Europe and Central Asia and warns against merging the antisemitism office with the Special Envoy on Holocaust Issues, a move that could erase the SEHI office and dilute the offices’ distinct missions. The piece emphasizes that the office requires diplomatic outreach and coalition-building worldwide, and it notes the author’s personal connection as the child of a Holocaust survivor. Also in this topic, footage from Tokyo shows a “Free Palestine” protest where support was expressed for Hamas, a terrorist organization that Japan recognizes as such. The article argues that no country should tolerate public support for terrorists and calls for deporting those involved.

In Uplifting News, Next man up: Shorthanded Israel ready for tough basketball World Cup qualifiers. The Israel National Basketball Team has already advanced to the next stage of qualifying, which will be played against Germany and Croatia at the end of August. The team will head to Latvia to play Germany in what is described as a home matchup due to security considerations, then move on to Osijek for a road game against Croatia for the final two games of Group E. Beit Halachmi’s squad enters these games at 2-2, and the progress carries into the second phase in late August. Head coach Ariel Beit Halachmi and captain Tomer Ginat spoke about the challenge ahead, with Beit Halachmi noting that Ginat’s return is a crucial boost and expressing confidence in the group as they work to empower the players and build belief as they prepare for the games.

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/international/article-900895
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900891
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900894
https://t.me/hnaftali/23650
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-900893