Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-01 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Israel Iran threat crushed by two strikes
Israel Lebanon framework paves path to peace
West Bank settlement orders surge redefine borders

The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Defense Minister Israel Katz told a memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers from the Second Lebanon War that Israel had twice struck Iran with proactive preemptive attacks, saying the moves crushed the nuclear program it was advancing and removed an existential threat from the citizens of Israel, with a third strike possible if necessary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke, noting that Lebanon bears the price of the North’s war due to Hezbollah, describing the group as a jihadist force that has turned large parts of Lebanon into militant bases. He recalled his own experiences in Lebanon as a soldier and the memory of leaving the country with his troops.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Isaac Herzog addressed the joint plenary of the Romanian Parliament during his state visit, praising the United States for sponsoring a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. He described the memorandum of understanding as a major breakthrough that can serve as a cornerstone for peace and urged the European Union and the international community to support it, to bolster stability and Lebanon’s economy and the security of Israel. The framework includes 14 points, among them Israel beginning a phased withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the Lebanese Armed Forces retaking sovereignty by disarming Hezbollah, with the United States designated as the monitoring body. Separately, the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, reiterated Washington’s commitment to blocking Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said there is no evidence of a new pragmatic leadership in Tehran, emphasizing that the administration intends to maintain pressure while seeking a peaceful agreement if possible and not allowing Iran to pose a continued threat to both Israel and the United States.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a June study by Bimkom shows a sharp rise in the use of settlement jurisdiction orders in the West Bank since October 2023, with 114 orders establishing, expanding, or dividing settlement jurisdictions. Collectively, these orders added about 6,200 acres to Israeli settlement jurisdictions and led to 53 new settlements, with expansion continuing during the Gaza war through administrative measures alongside construction in Area C. Jurisdiction orders redefine settlement boundaries and set the legal framework for future growth. In parallel, Azerbaijan’s chief rabbi has written to Knesset leadership asking it not to advance recognition of the Armenian Genocide, arguing that such a move would affect the Jewish community in Azerbaijan, which enjoys safety and religious freedom; he noted that Jews in Azerbaijan can walk in public wearing a kippah in Baku without fear and urged consideration of the community’s concerns before taking steps on recognition.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that antisemitism crosses political lines and discusses the idea that American Jews might shift toward the Republican side as some voters view Republicans as more pro-Israel. It notes shifts in how Israel and AIPAC are viewed in campaigns and discusses the tension between domestic political concerns and security in a climate where anti-Israel rhetoric has appeared on multiple fronts.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Soroka University Medical Center announced a strategic cooperation with Azerbaijani healthcare providers, including hospitals in Azerbaijan and joint work in pediatrics, neurosurgery, and child development; Soroka doctors have begun working in Azerbaijani facilities, with collaboration extending to neonatal units and the Sussman Institute for Child Development, and discussions underway to expand nursing education, with Azerbaijan’s health minister awarding Dr. Mickey Gidon for his role in advancing pediatric neurosurgery. Airwallex, an Australian fintech unicorn, plans to expand its Israel operations from Tel Aviv after an $11 billion valuation and a $320 million funding round led by Addition, with participation from other investors; the company aims to grow headcount and deepen its activities in Israel, incorporating artificial intelligence and agentic commerce into its products. Mor Institute launched what it calls Israel’s first comprehensive preventive genetic test, a saliva-based screen covering 173 genes linked to hereditary cancers, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and other conditions, designed for adults 18 and older to help guide personalized medical surveillance and prevention, including risks related to BRCA1/BRCA2 and other hereditary cancers.

In Uplifting News, two Mexican doctors at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center welcomed their first child while watching Mexico advance to the next round of the World Cup, turning delivery room moments and national sports into a shared celebration. Israeli-born psychic Uri Geller spoke about countering a curse placed on England’s Harry Kane by a Ghanaian witch doctor, saying his positive energy and intention were aimed at protecting the player from injury so he could continue in the tournament.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-901080
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901106
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-901095
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901108
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-901092
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by26ocmqfe
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901031
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901111
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-900860
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-901102
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-901099
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-901064