Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-04 at 13:01

HEADLINES
Erdogan launches Turkey Pakistan energy defense ties
Edelstein exits Likud over enlistment bill
Elbit to hire 4000 workers by 2026

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 Regional Impacts, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the current government of Israel must not be allowed to spread the smell of gunpowder and blood in our region again during a Saturday meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul. He added that with the Islamabad Agreement between Washington and Tehran, the world breathed a sigh of relief, and that any solution that does not rely on the countries of the region will not be sustainable, and no solution can last if it is outside the will of the countries of the region and without their contribution. Erdogan also announced a new cooperation plan with Turkey in the energy, transport, critical minerals, information technology, and defense sectors, while pursuing a bilateral trade target of $5 billion. Officials from both countries attended a business forum in Istanbul. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Turkish firms wanted to contribute to projects in Pakistan and share Turkey’s energy-sector expertise as Pakistan undergoes a transformation of its electricity sector. Earlier on Wednesday, Le Monde reported that Turkey is developing a space and ballistic capacity.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, MK Yuli Edelstein announced that he is leaving Likud in a Friday press conference, saying, “That is a very difficult sentence to say,” as allies expressed surprise at his decision. He is expected to vote against legislation advanced by the coalition as part of the haredi parties’ deal with Netanyahu, and he is poised to embark on a new political path, apparently alongside figures such as Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked, with other names like Shvut Raanan and Davidi Ben Zion being considered for the party. The official launch is anticipated after Tisha B’Av, in about three weeks, as the rift between Edelstein and Likud has deepened over the haredi enlistment bill.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Elbit Systems is expanding its production and development capabilities, with president and CEO Bezalel Machlis saying the company plans to hire 2,000 new workers worldwide by the end of the year, bringing the total to 4,000 in 2026 after 2,000 hires in the first half of the year. Machlis attributed the move to changes in how wars are fought, noting that the length of conflicts and the scale of munition use require a different level of industrial readiness, with production rates not seen before. The expansion includes a major push to increase local production, including at the Ramat Beka site, to raise munitions output and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Machlis also noted very strong international demand for Israeli products and highlighted a significant opportunity in Europe, as countries seek to boost defense and production independence.

In Uplifting News, The Drisco at 160: Inside Tel Aviv’s restored hidden gem of old-world hospitality - review celebrates the Drisco Hotel’s 160th anniversary, offering a window into Tel Aviv-Jaffa’s past with restored historic charm, comfortable rooms, and acclaimed dining at George & John. Guests are welcomed into the George & John dining area, where old-world décor and background music ranging from Sinatra to Louis Armstrong create a timeless ambiance, underscoring the hotel’s place in the American-German Colony and the roots of Israeli hospitality. The Drisco’s location on Auerbach Street, anchored in the colony’s historic character, contrasts with nearby streets and embodies a tranquil, orderly hospitality experience that stands out in Tel Aviv. Happy 250th Independence Day, America!

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-901385
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901380
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-901384
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-901386
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/78113