Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 08:03

HEADLINES
Iran to press Gaza in US talks
Houthis bypass sanctions with crypto networks
Israel seals Hezbollah tunnels in Tebnit

The time is now 8:02 AM 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, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told senior Hamas official Basem Naim in a phone call that Tehran will raise the issue of what it calls the occupiers' aggression against Gaza in talks with the United States. Araghchi, a senior member of Iran's negotiating team, said the Iranian delegation would press Washington on Gaza as part of ongoing discussions, while Naim praised Iran's steadfast support for the Palestinian people and thanked Tehran for its consistent position on the Palestinian cause. The report notes that a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June stresses the cessation of aggression on all fronts, and was described as shaping how the two sides might address the Gaza conflict in future talks. Separately, Yemeni Houthis are described as financing their war effort through complex crypto networks built on tokens, temporary wallets, and cash-out routes, a system analysts say bypasses traditional sanctions. A UN Panel of Experts report for Yemen, submitted in October 2025, notes limited effectiveness of sanctions and highlights the Houthis’ growing use of alternative channels and control over Yemen’s telecom sector to move revenues to the war. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces say they have boxed in Hezbollah fighters in Tebnit, sealing the underground tunnel entrances as fears grow of a possible kidnapping attempt. Military sources say militants remain inside the underground system, with mediation efforts urging surrender under the ceasefire framework, though the situation on the ground could change rapidly.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel should build an independent armaments network to end its reliance on American military aid. Speaking to reservists at a combat officers' course in Gush Etzion, he stressed that while the United States has provided support, Israel must manufacture its own armaments, strengthen its capabilities, and train more commanders to determine where the country stands in the years ahead. He added appreciation for American assistance but argued that self-reliance in defense technology would shape the future strength of the state. The remarks come as a congressional proposal was filed in Congress by Representative Mar..., noted in the report.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, rabbis and public leaders have approached Yuli Edelstein and Ayelet Shaked to discuss creating a new political framework aimed at mainstream Right-wing voters who are dissatisfied with the current coalition as well as modern Orthodox Israelis who do not align with Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party. The initiative would explore establishing a new party to unite constituencies on the Right and center-right ahead of the next election. When asked if Israelis could expect to vote for her in the upcoming election, Shaked told The Jerusalem Post, “You’ll have to wait.” Edelstein did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier this month, Yoaz Hendel suggested his Reservist Party is likely to join a political alliance, though it is not expected to run on its own.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the British Medical Association has moved to investigate the NHS’s use of the IHRA antisemitism definition over concerns about free speech. The BMA passed Motion 55 at its annual representative meeting, expressing grave concern about the adoption of the IHRA definition in the NHS without proper consultation or risk assessment. The motion calls on the BMA to examine the impact of IHRA adoption on NHS staff, particularly regarding the chilling effect on legitimate political speech and professional expression of concerns about Israel. The conference featured Israel-related motions as part of its agenda and debates.

In Israeli Economy and Business, nations are racing to secure sovereign AI as chips, energy and data-center power become strategic assets. Ezra Gardner, co-founder of Varana Capital, says the map is being redrawn as governments pursue sovereign AI capacity. The Pax Silica Initiative is led by the United States and joined by partners including Japan, South Korea, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, along with several EU member states, with membership expected to reach 24 countries. The coalition centers on strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-density data centers needed to run large-scale AI models.

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/iran-news/article-900362
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900373
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900355
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900352
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900371
https://t.me/hnaftali/23594
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-900374
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-900380