Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-28 at 13:01

HEADLINES
- Iran Attacks US Bases, Escalation Surges
- US framework to disarm proxies, Hezbollah strikes
- Likud delays primaries, draft evaders freeze

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran renewed its attacks on Gulf states early Sunday morning, despite the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Tehran and Washington. The Islamic Republic targeted US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain with missiles and drones shortly after President Trump renewed threats that Iran could be forced to militarily finish what he described as a hostile course if the agreement is not honored. The IRGC Navy Command announced plans for American bases in the region to “experience hell in the coming days,” while stating it had targeted US bases. The attack damaged a residential building in Muharraq province. The United States had previously launched attacks on Iran after a Panama-flagged tanker incident.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US-brokered framework lays out two pilot zones recommended by the IDF, where the Lebanese Armed Forces would deploy and disarm the Iranian proxy. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee praised the framework as a historic victory for President Donald Trump and his administration, writing that Jerusalem and Washington recognize that they are not at war with each other but with the terror group Hezbollah, and calling to “get rid of the cancer” so peace can prevail. Hezbollah renewed its rocket and drone attacks from Southern Lebanon on Israel on March 2, following the targeted killing in Tehran of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of “Operation Roaring Lion” on Feb. 28. Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad has become a target of Hezbollah supporters online, branded a traitor in a hostile cartoon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Likud Constitution Committee voted unanimously to postpone the party’s primaries to August 4, with updated rules and procedures expected to be released this week. While no decision has been announced on allowing Netanyahu to control the first slots, officials said changes to the primary process are being considered. The previous date had been July 28, and the deadline for voter registry was set for July 7, with a plan to push it to July 10. The move comes amid internal opposition from senior Likud figures to the proposed changes. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the hostages are home thanks to his opposition to an earlier Gaza deal, asserting he played a crucial role in how the war unfolded and describing having drawn a red line with Netanyahu. Defense Minister Israel Katz backed a plan to temporarily freeze arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, urging the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to advance the proposal this week; the plan includes defining who is a yeshiva student and other conditions. Be’er Ya’acov deputy council head Noam Sasson was indicted on three counts of fraud and breach of trust, aggravated fraud, making a false sworn statement, threats, and witness harassment, with multiple co-defendants facing related charges tied to a 2019–2020 public tender.

In Uplifting News, Tel Aviv plans a new beit oleh to support immigrants, lone soldiers, and others adjusting to life in Israel. The facility would be a place where olim hadashim can come to work, have Shabbat dinners, celebrate the holidays, receive lectures, perform shows, host parties, and organize events, according to Tel Aviv Vice-Mayor Guy Avner. The project aims to serve the city’s 25,000 olim hadashim and help integration with local Israelis, providing a hub where newcomers can connect with the community and build lasting ties.

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-900734
https://worldisraelnews.com/get-rid-of-the-cancer-huckabee-hails-historic-israel-lebanon-deal/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjnllt0ggg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900740
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900736
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900738
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-900737
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900739