Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-08 at 12:01

HEADLINES
Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure, Double Targets
Trump Forecasts Israel Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon
Israeli Survey: 40% Say Iran Won War

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz, hit 'twice the number of targets' as US - report. Iran, according to Press TV citing an unnamed Iranian source, would reopen the Strait of Hormuz only under its own arrangements, in line with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The source adds that Iran would strike at least twice the number of targets hit in any American strike. The developments of the past 48 hours, the source says, show Iran will not back down from managing Hormuz, and any threat will receive a powerful response as the regime does not distinguish between the United States and its regional partners. The source also addressed threats from President Trump, saying he will gain nothing from such threats and that he will lose both the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations over a final agreement.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump says he thinks Israel will withdraw troops from southern Lebanon. President Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara that he believes Israel wants to withdraw from southern Lebanon, and he said he had discussed a withdrawal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump asserted that Israel and Lebanon have a deal mediated by the United States and that Israel will leave, with expectations that the arrangement will work out very well. Netanyahu, however, has indicated that Israel will not withdraw as long as Iran-backed Hezbollah remains a threat, after visiting Lebanese territory occupied by Israeli forces and addressing soldiers. Separately, the two governments reached a security arrangement on June 26 mediated by the United States under which Israel will hand over two areas to Lebanon’s army, a development described as a work in progress and a developing story.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Nearly 40% of Israelis feel Iran won war with US, INSS survey finds. The Institute for National Security Studies online survey, conducted June 16–22 among 805 Hebrew speakers and 152 Arabic speakers, shows that 40% believe Iran won the war against the United States, while 43% say the war ended without a decisive outcome. Only 15% believe Israel won, compared with 37% who say Iran was the victor. Coalition voters are more likely to see Israel as the winner (30%), while opposition voters tilt toward Iran (52%). Jewish respondents favor Israel’s victory at 18%, compared with 4% among Arab respondents. A slight majority, 68%, expect renewed hostilities with Iran in the coming year, a figure that recently declined from 73% in May. Shin Bet chief David Zini walks into yet another political trap - analysis. Shin Bet Director David Zini is at the center of controversy after a video surfaced showing him at a private event seemingly pledging personal allegiance to Prime Minister Netanyahu and criticizing the legal establishment, prompting questions about the independence of security services and political optics in a tense environment. Critics say the moment underscores how politicization boundaries can blur for security officials, while supporters view it as a political trap that could be exploited by opponents. Netanyahu and Defense Minister abruptly cancel National Defense College graduation over "security schedule." The prime minister and defense minister canceled the National Defense College graduation, citing a security schedule, a decision framed as necessary due to ongoing security considerations.

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-901896
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-901901
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901897
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901893
https://t.me/hnaftali/23817