Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-28 at 04:02

HEADLINES
- Iran to Iraq visit amid militia threat
- Hindu Kush quake injures dozens, damages Pakistan
- Jaffa car bombing kills man, probe opens

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, a strong earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, with tremors felt from Kabul across the border into Pakistan. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center reported a magnitude 6 quake at a depth of about 100 kilometers. Earlier, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake was recorded in Pakistan, according to the same agency. There were no immediate official reports of casualties or damage in Afghanistan, with checks ongoing, per the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority. In Pakistan, authorities said more than 20 people were injured and dozens of houses damaged in Musakhail district, while around 125 houses were damaged in Balochistan and relief teams were sent with tents, food, solar panels, blankets, and other supplies. Residents in Swat district reported panic, though there were no immediate casualty reports.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Iraq on Sunday, according to Mehr News Agency citing Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The visit appears meant to reaffirm Iraq as Tehran's partner and comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the threat of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Baghaei said the trip was announced, noting it had not been publicized earlier, suggesting urgency or sensitivity. The visit coincides with rumors in Baghdad of a Green Zone raid as Iraq pursues an anti-corruption drive that some outlets say could target senior officials or politicians; targets remain unclear, with speculation ranging from Sunni Arab parties to Iranian-linked figures. Iraq has been trying to rein in Iranian-backed militias, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi seeking to demonstrate control over chaos.

A Hebrew-language report within this topic notes damage to a building in Bahrain after what is described as an Iranian attack tonight, though no further details were provided.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, opinions on the Lebanon deal dominate discussion, with commentators arguing the agreement may be the lesser evil but questioning Prime Minister Netanyahu’s fitness after his recent remarks and a lengthy monologue at a Saturday press conference. The piece suggests the Lebanon accord will not by itself bring lasting peace and asks whether leadership clarity and restraint are needed. Separately, a car exploded in Jaffa on Sunday morning, killing at least one man and wounding another person; police said they are investigating the cause and considering a link to a prior murder in Jaffa. The vehicle travelled about 100 meters before the blast, and a kindergarten located roughly 50 meters away was noted by authorities, who are exploring possible connections to other events.

Ben-Gurion's Terminal 1 reopens to domestic flights, with international flights set to begin from Terminal 1 on July 1, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Terminal 1 had been closed in March after the Iran war, with all flights moved to Terminal 3. The reopening follows plans to relocate US Air Force refueling aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion, with IAF bases taking over to free capacity. National Security Council Director Shmuel Ben-Ezra is overseeing the operation, and IAA Director General Sharon Kedmi indicated in May that Ben-Gurion was operating at about one-third capacity.

Time to go home: Iran's World Cup dream ends after Austria's last-gasp equalizer sends them out. Iran’s campaign in Group G included draws with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, and a stoppage-time scare against Egypt earlier in the tournament. The late Austrian goal against Algeria forced Iran to wait on other results to reach the knockout stage, but the final outcome left Iran out of the eight best third-placed teams. Visa uncertainties and the need to move between tournament bases added to the challenges, yet Iran left the competition unbeaten in group play.

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/international/article-900678
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900676
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900673
https://t.me/newssil/205391
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900674
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-900666
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900668
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900677