Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-25 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Iran Threatens Israel Over Lebanon Withdrawal Now
Beersheba Bedouins Protest Demolitions Outside Authority
Rainbow Flags Allowed at Seattle Egypt Iran

The time is now 7:00 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, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds force commander Esmail Qaani threatened on Thursday that Israel must withdraw from Lebanon today or be forced to retreat in defeat tomorrow, stating on social media: "You Zionists must leave all of Lebanon. This land is the arena of resistance and steadfastness, not a playground for occupiers." Separately, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi blamed Italy and Romania for allowing the United States to use their air bases in attacks on Iran, calling such actions an act of aggression and saying these countries bear international responsibility. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in remarks to Fox News, cited Italy as an example of European support for the United States.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, hundreds of Bedouin residents protested outside the Regulation of Bedouin Settlement Authority offices in Beersheba over the demolition of homes in Bedouin communities. The demonstration followed comments by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said he would continue demolishing “more and more and more” illegally built homes in the Negev. Rahat mayor Talal Alkernawi voiced a desire for peace and coexistence and condemned the minister’s approach, mentioning plans to establish a tent city at the entrances to Beersheba, Ofakim, and Dimona. Ben-Gvir had earlier spoken at a Local Government Conference, describing the protests and defending demolition policy while noting that Bedouin families whose homes were demolished were said to be sleeping in a school in Arad. In related political moves, marathon meetings in the Knesset House Committee were set to advance the Basic Law: Torah Study bill pushed by haredi parties. The legislation would enshrine Torah study in the Basic Law, a move critics say could encourage draft evasion and alter the status of yeshiva students who do not serve. The first committee meeting is eight hours long on Sunday, with two more sessions planned for Monday and Tuesday; the opposition, led by Merav Ben-Ari, argued there was insufficient time to prepare.

In Uplifting News, Roman Sorkin delivered a defining moment for Maccabi Tel Aviv as he drilled the go-ahead three with 32 seconds left in Game 4 to lift the team to an 83-79 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv, sealing a 3-1 series win and the club’s 58th Israeli League title. Sorkin described the moment as a turning point in his personal approach, saying, "I owed a lot to my team after the last game and a half. I was too focused on myself, and that’s part of the old me. People here count on me." Elsewhere at the World Cup, FIFA announced that fans will be allowed to bring rainbow flags to Egypt vs Iran in Seattle, dubbed a Pride Match during Seattle’s Pride weekend. Both Egypt and Iran objected to the draw on cultural and religious grounds, and homosexuality is criminalized in both countries. FIFA emphasized that the World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct permits rainbow flags and other symbols of sexual orientation and gender identity, provided they are used within the code’s guidelines and size limits.

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.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
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900583