Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-07 at 06:02

HEADLINES
Damascus blasts hit Macron hotel, 18 injured
Hamas Gaza govt move deception, experts say
Netanyahu blocks Noam Sohlberg led inquiry

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, blasts were heard in Damascus on Tuesday after explosive devices detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, security sources said. The explosions are believed to have been caused by an explosive device planted on a vehicle near Macron's hotel. Damascus's state news agency reported 18 people injured, including four police officers. The first blast struck soon after Macron's motorcade left for the presidential palace, and footage showed flames and smoke rising from a trash can; a second blast occurred a few meters away next to an ambulance that had arrived at the scene. Emergency crews fought the blaze as flames and thick smoke rose in a busy area between the tourism ministry and the national museum, across from the Four Seasons where Macron had been meeting civil society groups. Macron's office later confirmed he was unharmed and did not hear the explosions as his visit continued.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas's move to dissolve its Gaza government is described by experts as a deception aimed at preserving its weapons. Dr. Moshe Elad, a Palestinian affairs expert, told 103FM that the announcement is “pulling the wool over everyone's eyes” and that there is nothing real here, especially for Hamas, as the group seeks to surrender governance while keeping its main asset: weapons. He argued that giving up governance while preserving arms allows Hamas to rule without a credible substitute and that any replacement body touted by supporters may struggle to gain traction. Separately, IDF Northern Command officials expressed doubt that the Lebanese Armed Forces will carry out the framework signed with Israel and Beirut to clear Hezbollah infrastructure, citing a sizable Shiite segment within the LAF that could sympathize with Hezbollah. Until the LAF launches a pilot program and sets a date, the IDF plans to maintain positions in southern Lebanon. The process envisions the LAF removing explosives, collecting weapons and military equipment, and destroying Hezbollah and Iranian work sites built over two decades.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, analysis argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a compromise involving Noam Sohlberg in designing a state inquiry into the October 7 disaster, not over clashes with activist judges, but to steer the inquiry away from findings that could be unfavorable to his government. The Knesset on Monday night approved a first reading of a politicized probe, while a proposed arrangement would have seen High Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg lead the inquiry instead of High Court President Isaac Amit. Supporters of the alternative say it could have produced a more balanced truth-and-healing process, but opponents say Netanyahu’s stance reflects a desire to manage the outcome.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, vandals damaged photos of three women murdered on October 7, 2023 at a hitchhiking spot near Yokne’am Junction. The pictures of Shani Gabay, Adi Landman, and Rotem Levi were displayed with other victims’ photos, and none of the other images were damaged. The Yokne’am municipality condemned the act as serious and unacceptable, pledged to continue commemorations, and said it would cooperate with law enforcement to find those responsible. Family members spoke of their pain at the losses. In a separate report, Jackson Hinkle, identified as a prominent American anti-Semite on the social network X, attended funeral rites associated with Khamenei and used the platform to call for death to the United States, to Jews, and to Israel. He was described as born in California and now living in Russia.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the government approved the merger of Elta into Israel Aerospace Industries ahead of a potential IPO. IAI could be valued at about 100 billion shekels, following strong 2025 sales of around $7.8 billion, a net profit near $415 million, and an order backlog of about $29 billion. The company employs roughly 15,000 people. Under the merger, Elta will become a division of IAI and will cease to exist as a separate legal entity, a move aimed at eliminating bureaucracy and speeding up deals and approvals. Plans are also under consideration for an initial public listing on Nasdaq in the United States as well as the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

In Uplifting News, Jerusalem authorities announced road closures for the annual Maccabiah Night Run, with traffic restrictions in place from 5:00 p.m. until about 11:00 p.m. Road closures include Ruppin, Rabin, Ben Zvi, Hazaz, Lorch, Fichman, Tchernichovsky, Shai Agnon, Ha-Rav Herzog, Shota Rustaveli, Museums Boulevard, Elyashar, Brodetski, and Balfour, and parking will be prohibited on Ben Zvi and Ruppin from Monday 8:00 p.m. to Tuesday midnight. Thousands are expected to participate in 5 km, 10 km, or half-marathon routes along the course past the Knesset, the Jerusalem Science Museum, Hebrew University, the Rose Garden, and Givat Ram Stadium, with music and light displays marking the event.

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/article-901697
https://worldisraelnews.com/explosions-rock-damascus-near-hotel-hosting-french-president/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901688
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-901686
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901722
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-901715
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126093
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-901695
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-901702