Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 04:02

HEADLINES
Golden Dome test marks first major success
EU extends advisory; ceasefire risks near Hormuz
Haredi protests draft; nationwide travel routes disrupted

The time is now 4:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the first major test of the Golden Dome for America missile defense system was a complete success, marking an early milestone for the ambitious homeland defense project.

In Regional Impacts, the EU aviation safety agency extended its conflict-zone advisory for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until July 1, warning that short-term violations of the US-Iran ceasefire remain possible, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines should avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon and exercise caution across the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Palestinian sources said Adam Abu Nuhayd, a member of the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, was killed yesterday in an Israeli strike on a site in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. In a related note, US President Donald Trump claimed Iranian airspace is safe for US aircraft during a speech ahead of the midterm elections.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel became a divisive issue which lost some endorsees in primary races, Jewish Democrats say, as two JDCA-endorsed candidates lost their contests over Israel positions. In New York’s 10th Congressional District, Brad Lander defeated Dan Goldman in a contest that centered on views toward Israel; Lander describes himself as a liberal Zionist while Goldman portrayed himself as unabashedly pro-Israel, with Goldman's stance cited in the context of the loss. In another strand, Rubio lands in the Gulf to sell President Trump’s Iran peace deal, including a proposed $300 billion fund, to wary allies, with Rubio saying the discussions will address concerns raised by regional partners as Vice President JD Vance leads Iran-related talks in Switzerland during this period. Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American, won the New York State Senate Democratic primary in Queens on a platform calling to defund “Israel’s genocide in Gaza” and to stop New York-based organizations from funding Israel through the “Not On Our Dime” campaign. The same week, a broader progressive wave is noted in New York politics, with Lander’s primary victory framed as part of mounting momentum for progressive candidates, a development linked to Mamdani’s endorsements and positions on Israel.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, haredi activists are set to protest at key travel infrastructure nationwide, denouncing the IDF draft. Vehicle convoys are scheduled to depart from at least 19 cities at 4:00 p.m. to protest the implementation of the mandatory draft, as well as arrests of haredi men labeled draft evaders. The demonstration is being organized by Agudat Yisrael and is expected to involve other groups within the haredi community, with convoys planned to move along major routes including Highways 1, 4 and 6 and key junctions in Jerusalem and across the country, reflecting broad nationwide disruptions.

In Uplifting News, Iran’s national team will enter the United States two days before their World Cup 2026 matches, a relaxation of travel rules announced by the US Department of Homeland Security. The team will travel to Seattle two days before their Group G match against Egypt, with plans to return to their base camp in Tijuana immediately after each game for the remainder of the tournament. Iran has said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA over the travel requirements, with manager Amir Ghalenoei calling Iran “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.” Separately, in New York’s primaries, a progressive wave is highlighted as Mamdani-era momentum is noted, with coverage focusing on endorsements and the broader shift in the city’s Democratic politics as candidates aligned with progressive platforms fare well.

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://t.me/selena_updates/66151
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900345
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125282
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-900338
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900340
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-900334
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900333
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900343
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/24/new-york-primary-brad-lander-dan-goldman-progressive-surge/