Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-09 at 14:01

HEADLINES
Israel kills PIJ commander Rashid Al-Qadhi
Emanuel backs Palestinian state rejects AIPAC funds
Netanyahu says Iran won't have nuclear weapon

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 the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli military says it carried out at least four strikes in the last 72 hours in Gaza, including a strike on Wednesday in the southern Gaza Strip that killed Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander Rashid Al-Qadhi. The military described him as a leader in PIJ's Production Array, central to producing and supplying weapons for the group's military wing. Also on Wednesday, the IDF conducted a strike in northern Gaza that killed Hamas sniper Abdullah Baha al-Din Razak Al-Souti; the army said steps were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. On Tuesday, the Israeli military, using Shin Bet intelligence, carried out a targeted strike in the southern Gaza Strip that killed Wahid Abu Salam, who previously served as commander of the Western Company in Khan Yunis. The military noted that Salam participated in the October 7, 2023 raid and kidnapping of Israeli civilians and had been involved in more recent plots and posed an immediate threat to Israeli forces in the area.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 US presidential hopeful, told the Post that he won’t take money from AIPAC, backs a Palestinian state, and stands by sanctions on Israel. The interview places Emanuel in the conversation about the US-Israel relationship, including calls for sanctions on violent settlers and officials who enable harm and a reconsideration of policy in the region. Separately, officials told the Post that the current round of Washington’s clashes with Iran is not expected to draw Israel into the exchanges at this time, though the military remains ready for any eventuality. The officials said the prevailing view is that Iran does not plan to pull Israel into the conflict absent direction from the United States. Reports also note Iranian strikes have triggered sirens in Jordan, with ten missiles intercepted over Jordan, and have targeted US assets in the region, including the Azraq Air Base. Bahrain and Kuwait reported sirens as well, and Iran’s air force is moving jets to secure the skies over the funeral procession of the former supreme leader.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, “with or without a deal,” during a speech at the graduation ceremony for the IDF’s 192nd pilot course at Hatzerim Air Force Base. He argued that without action, Iran would have armed itself with nuclear weapons and credited recent operations with delivering a severe blow to the Iranian regime. He stressed that the military is prepared for any scenario, viewing air superiority as a core security pillar, and highlighted a push for weapons independence and equipping pilots with advanced tools. Netanyahu also referenced joint operations with the United States that he said averted a threat of immediate annihilation and reduced risk to the Western world.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Arab Israeli football talent Anan Khalaili is set to move from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium to Inter Milan for about 25 million euros, the highest transfer fee ever for an Israeli player. He would earn roughly 2 million euros per season, including bonuses, with Maccabi Haifa receiving about 3.5 million euros representing 15% of the contract. Khalaili, 21, a right wing-back born in Haifa, had a standout 2025/26 season with Saint-Gilloise, starting 44 of 46 games, scoring six goals and providing five assists; he stands 1.83 meters tall. The transfer is expected to be finalized in about 48 hours, with Khalaili set to arrive in Milan.

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-902050
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902056
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902049
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902052
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-902053