Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-07 at 13:02

HEADLINES
Greece Fears Turkey F-35 Deal Upset Aegean
Hormuz Tankers Attacked, No Casualties Yet
Israel Detains Hundreds Crossing Mount Hermon Border

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, President Trump's offer to Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets is drawing concern in Greece, where officials fear it could unsettle the military balance in the Aegean and reward Ankara amid long-running tensions with its NATO ally. Athens is slated to receive its first 20 F-35s between 2028 and the early 2030s, making the stealth jet a centerpiece of Greece's future air force. Greece's leading defense correspondent says the Hellenic Air Force wants to maintain air superiority over the Aegean, and the possibility of Turkey acquiring F-35s is not welcome. While Greek officials have not commented publicly on the potential deal, Athens has reportedly communicated its concerns to successive US administrations. The Greek stance, officials say, reflects years of friction in the region as the two allies have navigated competing security interests. In a separate development, Israeli authorities are dealing with a recurring pattern of activists pressing into Syria from the Israeli side near Mount Hermon, with the IDF detaining hundreds of demonstrators and police processing others who attempted further crossings, a pattern some say risks undermining security policy along the buffer zone. IDF and police actions have met with cautious, often limited official penalties, as prosecutors and security agencies debate how to address such violations. In the Strait of Hormuz, two tankers were attacked off Qatar on Tuesday, with UKMTO reporting damage to both ships from incidents involving an unknown projectile and a drone, respectively. No casualties or environmental damage were reported, and the incidents remain under investigation. Earlier reports cited officials suggesting Iran fired missiles at ships transiting the strait, including a Qatari LNG tanker whose captain described an engine-room fire, while Qatar’s foreign ministry criticized the attacks.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that he had spoken with Donald Trump about concerns that a US sale of F-35s to Turkey could upset the regional balance of power. Netanyahu stressed that Turkey is not a trustworthy ally, even as the United States and Israel remain close, and he acknowledged that allies can have differences. He also noted that the two leaders share a willingness to pursue shared goals, including negotiating Iran’s nuclear program, when appropriate. The statements mark a continuing dynamic as Washington weighs security partnerships in a tense regional environment.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, analysts say Netanyahu’s ongoing legislative blitz could draw voter backlash but may also reinforce ties with the parties needed to form his next government. As Israel approaches the date marking 19 years in office across three terms, observers point to Netanyahu’s track record of reading the public mood and shifting policy emphasis toward security as a core organizing principle. The aim appears to be aligning political calculus with public sentiment to secure a coalition path, even as some potential opponents warn of risks to democratic norms.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s energy minister outlined a pipeline concept that would allow Gulf oil shipments to reach Europe via Israel, potentially bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The plan notes existing infrastructure from Eilat to Ashkelon and suggests connecting Arab states if feasible, with a land route seen as a way to reduce dependence on Iran and the Houthis. Saudi Arabia is also reportedly considering expanding its own pipeline capacity to the western Red Sea, highlighting regional interest in alternate routes amid ongoing tensions over shipping lanes.

In Uplifting News, Israeli police and the IDF rescued two gazelle fawns during a weapons raid in the Deheisheh area of the West Bank. The suspect, a 39-year-old resident, was taken in for questioning and admitted to offenses involving harming and illegally possessing protected natural assets, while several other pets were seized due to poor conditions. The fawns were cared for by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and later transported to the Wildlife Hospital at the Ramat Gan Safari.

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-901779
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901773
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901765
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-901780
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901782
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901766
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901769
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-901760