Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-10 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Sudan RSF must withdraw from all cities
Two quakes kill 3,889 in Venezuela
Lebanon clash tests US Israel credibility

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

In Regional Impacts, the Sudan army's demand for full RSF withdrawal from cities and Venezuela's mounting earthquake toll frame two urgent regional concerns. Documents seen by Reuters show the army conditioned acceptance of a US proposal on the full withdrawal by the RSF from all cities it has occupied since May 11, 2023. The US plan called for an immediate 90-day humanitarian truce, negotiations on a permanent ceasefire, and a civilian-led transition to elections, with a UN-led mechanism to support limited withdrawals by the RSF, prioritizing North Darfur where al-Fashir was recently seized and North Kordofan where RSF drone strikes are ongoing. The army said the withdrawal must cover all cities it has occupied, a stance that has stalled past peace efforts. Meanwhile in Venezuela, two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding areas on June 24, causing a rising toll. The death count has reached 3,889 with 78 more deaths added, while 16,740 were reported injured and 17,907 left homeless in more than 80 shelters. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez called for sanctions to be lifted to aid reconstruction, arguing that sanctions have blocked resources that could fund employment and education programs; residents have expressed growing frustration with the pace of relief and recovery.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a sharp disagreement over Lebanon underscores a broader rift between Washington and Jerusalem on how to handle Hezbollah and the north. At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump said he believed Israel would withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected that view, stating, "We did not ask for permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need permission to stay in Lebanon," and that Israeli forces would remain until Hezbollah is disarmed. The clash over what happens on Israel's northern border touches the sovereignty of Lebanon and the credibility of the US-Israel alliance and has implications for regional security. Israel has long faced skepticism that international arrangements failed to prevent Hezbollah from entrenching along the border; Hezbollah has built an arsenal and established a forward base in southern Lebanon, making the border region volatile.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, editor notes that the alliance after the aid is gone must become a partnership, not an MoU. A very senior defense official said Israel's goal in Washington talks is to move from aid to partnership, with the idea described by some as a memorandum of partnership. The current memorandum of understanding provides about $38 billion over 10 years and expires in 2028; replacement talks opened last month, led by Defense Ministry Director-General Major-General (Reserve) Amir Baram and Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter. The ministry says the aim is to gradually transition from aid to a reciprocal partnership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed a resolution by Representative Marlin Stutzman to phase out the annual $3.8 billion in aid, signaling a shift in how the two allies frame their long-term relationship.

In Uplifting News, the Israeli officer giving Venezuelan earthquake survivors hope. The Home Front Command officer Avi Cohen is helping earthquake-hit Venezuelans determine whether they can return home, reassuring residents that damaged buildings are safe while warning that similar destruction could occur in Israel.

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-902092
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902088
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902073
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902075
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry0ap0pqzx