Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 22:02

HEADLINES
IRGC-N Rejects Transit Framework Threatening Shipping
Venezuela Quakes Devastate Thousands Feared Dead
Wounded Soldiers Challenge Pentagon Injury Labels

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s IRGC-N has rejected the Omani-International Maritime Organization transit framework announced earlier. Per the release, in what is seemingly a veiled threat to resume the targeting of commercial shipping and/or limit mine clearance efforts, the IRGC-N said “The proposed route is unacceptable and poses serious safety risks.”

In US Military Role, wounded US soldiers accuse Pentagon of downplaying injuries - report. The Army has strongly disputed this claim, telling CBS that military designations, including “not seriously injured” and “combat casualty,” have specific definitions that have been misconstrued. For example, Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Bearman, who was hit with shrapnel during an Iranian drone strike on a US base in Kuwait in March, later had medical records showing concussion, hearing and vision loss, and lung damage, yet was classified as not seriously injured. Sergeant First Class Cory Hicks suffered severe shrapnel wounds and underwent emergency surgeries in Kuwait, but an Army official told his wife that the injuries were “minor.” The Pentagon says these designations reflect defined categories and are not meant to minimize injuries.

In US Military Role, Trump meets arms makers as US pushes to rebuild missile stockpiles. Defense executives are set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House as Washington seeks to expand weapons production after the war with Iran and other conflicts strained Pentagon stockpiles, alongside a $35 billion THAAD contract awarded to Lockheed Martin. The administration is also moving forward with a sale of GE jet engines to Turkey for its KAAN fighter program, a package including roughly 80 engines valued at over $700 million that could be finalized ahead of NATO’s summit, signaling a significant step in US-Turkey defense cooperation despite concerns over Turkey’s S-400 purchase.

In Regional Impacts, Rescue work underway after quakes rock Venezuela, 'high casualties' likely. A pair of powerful earthquakes struck west of Venezuela’s capital, a magnitude 7.2 quake followed less than a minute later by a 7.5 tremor, the USGS reported. The agency warned that high casualties and extensive damage are probable, with reports of collapsed buildings, rescues, and a growing number of injured. Officials suggested the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000. Rescue-and-recovery efforts are fully underway across Caracas, with dozens of collapsed buildings reported in the city and across northern Venezuela; Utter devastation has been seen in La Guaira as the coastal region bears the brunt of the twin quakes.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Nearly half of Americans think US is ‘too supportive’ of Israel — poll. A Quinnipiac survey found 48% of American voters believe the United States is too supportive of Israel, the highest figure since the question began in 2017; 60% say a war in Iran is not worth it, while 34% say it is worth it. The poll shows 38% think support for Israel is about right, and 7% say the US is not supportive enough. By party, Democrats leaning toward “too supportive” at 66%, Republicans at 20%, and independents at 55% for too supportive. In a related development, Trump branded Mamdani-backed Israel critics who swept the New York primaries as “communists,” underscoring ongoing domestic discord over Israel policy.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF soldier found handcuffed in West Bank town. A preliminary investigation found the soldier was unarmed and had entered the West Bank town of Tarqumiyah with criminal intentions. The soldier was taken to the Hebron police station, and the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division is now investigating the case. This is a developing story.

In Uplifting News, I am so so heartbroken Not sure how many of you here know my life before October 7, but I used to solo travel around the world, with 48 countries on my list and hopefully more soon. Venezuela is in my top 3 and in fact, just tonight I was telling someone about my trip there and how the Venezuelans are among the kindest, warmest, and most hospitable people I’ve ever met. This country is so much more than the headlines you see in the news. I attached for you some glimpses from my amazing time there at the beginning of 2023 Please pray for Venezuela. They really need it now.

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
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