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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-26 at 08:06
HEADLINES
Iran’s Nuclear Program Destroyed in Precision Strike
Khamenei’s Silence Sparks Iran Leadership Crisis
Israel Expands Offensive into Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions
The time is now 04:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 4 a.m., this is the latest from the Middle East and beyond. The CIA reports that intelligence indicates Iran’s nuclear program has been “severely damaged” following recent targeted strikes, including the operation dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer.” US officials confirm that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed, requiring years to rebuild, and that the damage has set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions significantly. President Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, described the strikes as “obliteration” and emphasized the rapid action taken to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Trump dismissed reports suggesting limited effects, asserting that Iran’s nuclear sites were completely destroyed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the United States, highlighting the operation’s importance for Israel’s security and warning that Iran’s efforts to rebuild would be met with force.
Meanwhile, Iran’s internal situation remains uncertain. For nearly a week, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not appeared publicly, fueling speculation about his health and role in recent events. Some Iranian officials cryptically suggest he is safe, but his whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns about leadership continuity during ongoing military tensions. Inside Iran, political factions are realigning; President Ebrahim Raisi’s moderate-diplomatic camp is gaining influence, advocating for renewed negotiations with the West. Conversely, conservative hardliners, led by figures like Saeed Jalili, remain vocal in their rejection of diplomacy and ceasefire agreements, warning against US influence.
On the battlefield, Israeli and Lebanese sources report ongoing Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Recent reports indicate Israeli forces infiltrated 1.6 kilometers into Lebanese territory, demolishing a Hezbollah-linked structure believed to be associated with a recently killed operative. The Israeli military continues to counter threats from Iran-backed militias, including the Houthis in Yemen, who persist with missile and drone attacks, complicating regional stability.
In domestic Israeli politics, support is growing among coalition members and the public for the recent military actions. Some ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have criticized humanitarian aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of stealing supplies and calling for an immediate halt until effective safeguards are established. There is also a renewed push to bring back the hostages held by Hamas, with advocacy groups demanding urgent action.
Internationally, diplomatic efforts continue. The Trump administration’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, hinted at upcoming peace initiatives, suggesting more countries may soon join the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel. Discussions are also ongoing regarding possible future negotiations with Iran, focusing on rebuilding a civilian nuclear program, though US and Israeli leaders remain firm on demands for Iran to surrender enriched uranium and cease missile development.
In the United Kingdom, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli issued a stark warning, urging Jewish communities to consider aliyah amid rising antisemitism. The UK’s political climate, he argues, is increasingly hostile to Jewish life, with some officials allegedly tolerating or even supporting anti-Jewish sentiments. Meanwhile, in Russia, the defense minister condemned Israel and US strikes on Iran as blatant violations of international law, c
Published on 2 weeks, 1 day ago