Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-03 at 15:02

HEADLINES
- US-Israel Pursue Iran Strike Option
- Houthis Threaten Saudi Amid Yemen Tensions
- Edelstein Leaves Likud for New Path

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump on Friday and congratulated him on the 250th anniversary of US independence. Netanyahu told Trump that the United States is “a guarantor of global freedom” and that Israel values the close relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister’s Office said. Additionally, the two leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States. Netanyahu and Trump last met on February 11, 2026. Later that month, the United States and Israel jointly attacked Iran. Their February meeting focused primarily on how the United States and Israel would respond if negotiations with Tehran failed to produce an agreement. Netanyahu requested that any attack also target Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile. The possibility of another joint US-Israeli attack has not been ruled out. Trump described the meeting as positive and touted the relationship between the US and Israel, saying, “It was a very good meeting, and the tremendous relationship between our two countries continues.” He added that pursuing negotiations with Iran remains his priority, while signaling that military action could again be considered.

In Regional Impacts, Egypt is set to open a new centralized defense-ministry complex in the New Administrative Capital, 22,000 acres, eight octagonal military structures, and a closed cyber network.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have threatened Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of sending fighter jets to stop an Iranian civilian plane from landing in Sanaa and warning that continued aggression would trigger attacks on airports and vital interests on land and at sea. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree warned of strikes on Saudi airports and “vital interests” if the Saudi–American blockade on Yemen continues, after an incident over Sana’a airspace. Iran is reported to be helping the Houthis break the siege.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has appointed Ellie Cohanim as Senior Policy Advisor at the US Mission to the United Nations this week, according to a press statement released by the mission on Tuesday. Born in Tehran, Cohanim's family fled the country following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and rebuilt their lives in New York. “Ellie’s story is the American story. Her family’s story has shaped her lifelong commitment to freedom, human dignity, and American leadership,” the statement said. Cohanim's diplomatic work is extensive, serving as deputy special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism during the first Trump administration and playing an instrumental role on the Abraham Accords’ “Warm Peace” team, facilitating partnerships with Arab nations. Waltz added that she has since dedicated her career to serving the United States by defending freedom, supporting persecuted communities, and speaking out against antisemitism. He described her appointment as reflecting the kind of conviction and courage needed at the United Nations. Cohanim has been a longtime anti-regime advocate, and has also used her platforms to spread awareness about the global rise in antisemitism.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Senior Likud renegade Yuli Edelstein announced he is leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party to forge “a new political path.” “I don’t intend to run in the Likud primaries. I’ll set off on a new political path,” Edelstein said in a snippet Channel 12 published Friday from an interview that will air in full Saturday night. The Likud party primaries are scheduled for August 4, ahead of the national election that is set to take place by October 27. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, who polls show is Netanyahu’s lead challenger in the upcoming election, wrote on X that Edelstein’s decision to leave Likud was “worthy of every praise.” “I hope Yuli Edelstein will be a symbol and example for others in the Likud who aren’t prepared to—” he added before the snippet ended.

In Uplifting News, fifty years ago today, Israel carried out Operation Jonathan in Entebbe, Uganda, to rescue hostages aboard an Air France flight hijacked by Palestinian and German terrorists. The hijackers had separated Israeli and Jewish passengers from most of the others, who were released, while the Israeli and Jewish passengers faced threats of execution. The world’s apparent indifference aided the hijackers as Israel prepared a long-distance raid; on July 4, Israeli commandos conducted the operation and rescued more than 100 hostages. The anniversary is being observed as a moment that demonstrated resolve in the face of terrorism and marked a turning point in how Israel is perceived internationally.

Former hostages return to Entebbe, confronting memory, trauma and history, gathering with relatives at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Jaffa to mark the 50th anniversary. Survivors and relatives reflect on the ordeal, with one survivor, Gonen, noting, “To be abducted in Athens on an Air France plane makes sense. But to be abducted at home, in the State of Israel, it was too much.” The event honors Sorin Hershcu, the Israeli paratrooper gravely wounded in the raid, and recalls the journey from Athens to Entebbe and the rescue of those held captive, underscoring the lasting memories and lessons of that confrontation with terrorism.

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/article-901357
https://t.me/hnaftali/23732
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https://t.me/hnaftali/23731
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-901351
https://www.timesofisrael.com/senior-likud-renegade-yuli-edelstein-leaving-party-to-forge-a-new-political-path/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-901235
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901356