Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-02 at 04:01

HEADLINES
Kyiv rocked by drone strike; 10 dead
Arad protests Gur Hassidim takeover
Israel-born Sharp signs three-year Kings contract

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, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday with drones and missiles, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 50 as residential buildings were struck in what Russia said was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 10 people were killed, and about 56 were injured, including two children, with roughly three dozen locations across the city damaged. A nine-story apartment building was partially collapsed after a direct hit, and emergency crews were seen at dawn dealing with the rubble and fires as the sun rose. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had earlier warned of an overnight attack and cut short his visit to Dublin for the start of Ireland’s six-month term leading the EU rotating presidency.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, residents of Arad launched a protest against what they describe as a takeover of the city by Gur Hassidim, with a rally planned for Thursday amid escalating tensions, arrests, and accusations of selective police enforcement. Organizers say the Gur community is attempting to gain control of the city, raising concerns about Arad’s character and residents. Tensions have flared in recent weeks, including clashes in which Gur Hassidim were filmed attempting to abduct teenagers and a Gur member was photographed with a knife during the incident. Four Arad residents were arrested during demonstrations and taken for questioning at the police station; none belonged to the Gur community, and one arrested individual was a mother of five. Demonstrators gathered outside the police station, with organizers accusing the Gur group of initiating violence and demanding accountability.

Opinion and context within the block reflect on Israel’s leadership and the October 7 massacre amid ongoing political drama. One piece argues that Netanyahu’s greatest victory, if elections proceed as scheduled in October 2026, may be political survival despite the catastrophe, while other reflections question the nature of leadership and inspiration in modern Israel. On the 1,000-day milestone since the October 7 attack, figures tied to the political and security establishment issued statements and memorials, including former military leaders and current politicians, with mentions of public protests outside the homes of senior officials and discussions about accountability on memory and security, and references to a UN address by Israel’s envoy.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Kobi Richter has spent a lifetime reinventing industries—from a highly decorated Israeli Air Force pilot to building global companies like Orbotech and Medinol—and today he believes Israel’s greatest innovation will come from bringing together people who have yet to join its innovation economy.

In Uplifting News, Israeli-American Emanuel Sharp has signed a three-year contract with the Sacramento Kings, reportedly worth about $6.35 million, with the first two years guaranteed and a team option for the third. Sharp was born and raised in Israel until age nine before moving to the United States, the son of basketball great Derrick Sharp and Justine Ellison Sharp. He played for Israel’s U16 team at the FIBA European championship, averaging 25 points per game, and after overcoming a serious leg injury in high school, he continued his career at the University of Houston.

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/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-901179
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901182
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901184
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901183
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901180
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/h1u1xk77fl
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-901181