Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-08 at 06:01

HEADLINES
Netanyahu: Iran definitely has chemical weapons
Trump: Iran ceasefire over, diplomacy moot
Turkey F-35 sale tests Middle East balance

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 Iranian Retaliation, Netanyahu said Iran definitely has chemical weapons. He also asserted that Iran had lost its capability to produce nuclear weapons during Operation Roaring Lion, adding that the United States and Israeli strikes destroyed much of Iran’s infrastructure, centrifuges, factories, and even 20 of its top nuclear scientists, a setback he described as pushing the program back considerably. He warned against complacency toward the regime, emphasizing that vigilance remains essential.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump said the Iran ceasefire is over after renewed US–Iran strikes, labeling Iran as liars and scum and describing the memorandum of understanding with Tehran as a waste of time. He said he does not see value in continuing diplomacy with Tehran, though he would let negotiators speak if they want, and he stressed that if Iran possessed a nuclear weapon, it would be used by them.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump indicated the United States may consider selling F-35 fighters to Turkey, arguing that relations with Turkey are better than with other partners and that Ankara could help stabilize the region; Erdogan said Turkey had been promised five planes and that Trump keeps his commitments. Israel views the move differently, noting that Turkey hosts Hamas and has strained Israel’s interests, making the sale controversial for Jerusalem. Reuters reported that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth would meet Netanyahu to discuss a possible F-35 sale to Turkey, a sale Netanyahu opposes, saying it would disrupt the regional power balance; he told CNN that such a sale would destroy the power balance in the Middle East. The discussions also come amid signs of a potential shift toward closer ties with Ankara, including a possible easing of sanctions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Justice Minister Yariv Levin urged the government to defy a High Court ruling ordering a new Knesset vote for the appointment of state comptroller Rabello, arguing Rabello should assume the post and that there should be no fresh elections. The High Court had ruled the initial vote invalid and called for a revote, with the Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana yet to respond. Separately, Shin Bet chief David Zini drew scrutiny after excerpts from a speech circulated in which he emphasized loyalty to elected leaders and defended the rule of law, noting he would serve any elected government; full recordings later offered a more nuanced view, triggering a political storm over loyalty and the independence of the legal-judicial system.

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/iran-news/article-901824
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-declares-iran-ceasefire-over-after-renewed-us-iran-strikes/
https://t.me/ILtoday/19518
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901821
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/hegseth-meet-netanyahu-over-possible-sale-f-35s-turkey-source-tells-reuters
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901833
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901830