Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-25 at 18:01

HEADLINES
Iran Warns Lebanon to Withdraw, Israel Strikes
Rubio Visits UAE, Kuwait to Safeguard Hormuz
Bedouin Protests Rise Over Negev Demolitions

The time is now 6:01 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, tensions flare as Iran's Quds Force commander issues a Lebanon warning and Tehran's diplomats target Western bases. Esmail Qaani warned on social media that Israel must withdraw from Lebanon, saying, "You Zionists must leave all of Lebanon. This land is the arena of resistance and steadfastness, not a playground for occupiers." Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi accused Italy and Romania of allowing the United States to use their bases to attack Iran, warning that providing territory for aggression incurs international responsibility under General Assembly resolutions. Hezbollah appears emboldened by regional shifts, with analysis suggesting the group expects Israel to withdraw completely and vows that the next generation will realize a vision of conquering the Galilee. In Washington, US efforts in the Gulf continue, with Marco Rubio visiting the UAE and Kuwait and meeting with partners in Bahrain; officials say the trips underscore strong partnerships and concerns about maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, and Qatar and Switzerland are involved in mediation efforts while JD Vance is cited as the point person on Iran talks. Initial reports also say the Israeli Air Force has begun striking targets in southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, protests intensified as Bedouin communities protested the demolition of illegal homes in the Negev outside the Beersheba offices of the Regulation of Bedouin Settlement Authority. Bedouin leaders, including Rahat Mayor Talal Alkernawi, urged coexistence while condemning the demolition policy, and some spoke of planning a tent city at the entrances to Beersheba, Ofakim, and Dimona as a next step after Ben-Gvir’s remarks about demolishing more homes. At a Local Government Conference, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reiterated that he would continue demolishing illegally built homes in the Negev, prompting criticism from residents who say the approach is unacceptable and inflames tensions. Separately, marathon meetings are planned in the Knesset House Committee to rapidly advance the Basic Law: Torah Study, a bill pushed by haredi parties to enshrine Torah study in Basic Law, a move critics argue could encourage draft evasion and change the status of yeshiva students who do not serve. Shas and United Torah Judaism are driving the effort, and opposition members, including Merav Ben-Ari, have pressed for more preparation time as meetings are scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

In Uplifting News, Roman Sorkin delivered a defining moment for Maccabi Tel Aviv as his late three-pointer with 32 seconds left sealed an 83-79 championship-clinching win over Hapoel Tel Aviv, giving Maccabi a 3-1 series victory and the club’s 58th Israeli League title. The win capped a season of growth for Sorkin, who admitted he had been too focused on himself earlier and credited his teammates for helping him refocus. After a rough stretch, including a quiet Game 3, he trusted the moment and delivered when the team needed him most, marking a turning point in his personal and team narrative.

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-900560
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry58y7ogml
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900574
https://t.me/newssil/205307
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900552
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900577
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-900584