Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-01 at 05:01

HEADLINES
Alon Gaza War Could Have Ended Earlier
Targets 37 Crypto Wallets Linked to IRGC
Bernie-Backed Kiros Upsets DeGette in Denver Primary

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

In Regional Impacts, the Gaza war could have ended a full year earlier, perhaps achieving more from Hamas in terms of disarmament, according to Major-General (Reserve) Nitzan Alon, who led hostage negotiations. He said prolonging the conflict led to many unnecessary losses among Israeli soldiers and to the deaths of about 40 hostages. Alon, who oversaw hostage reunifications for roughly two years, says he pressed for earlier deals but was denied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Responding to Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich’s claim that he was most responsible for returning the hostages, Alon pushed back, noting that about 40 hostages taken alive were killed or died in captivity, despite some negotiations and decisions that might have been pursued earlier.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced sanctions on 37 cryptocurrency wallets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, totalling about 24 million NIS, used to fund Iranian terror proxies including Hezbollah. Katz said the campaign targets the financing routes of Iran’s terrorist axis, arguing that cutting these funds prevents cash from reaching Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and other proxies. This action follows the United States’ Operation Economic Fury, which froze nearly half a billion dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency tied to Iran and highlights how shadow banking networks help Iran evade sanctions. Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu visited IDF troops in Southern Lebanon and urged Iran and Hezbollah to “get out of here,” praising the soldiers for helping secure a new US-brokered agreement with Beirut intended to restore a sense of security and prosperity along the border.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old former attorney endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, won the Democratic primary in a Denver-area district, defeating 15-term Representative Diana DeGette. Kiros has called Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide and has advocated for a full arms embargo on Israel for even defensive weapons. Endorsed by Sanders, she prevailed despite being outfunded more than two-to-one, and has positions in favor of Medicare for All and abolishing ICE. DeGette supports sending only defensive weapons to Israel, and the race drew attention for Kiros’s criticisms of Democrats who support Israel and her ties to far-left groups.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition leaders accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of falsely claiming Iran had nuclear bombs, saying his statements amount to an attempt to rewrite history to justify policies and to alarm the public.

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-901047
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901046
https://t.me/ILtoday/19443
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-901027
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bynrrbmqfg