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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-26 at 15:04
HEADLINES
1. Iran Declares Victory as Middle East Tensions Escalate
2. Israel Executes Covert Operation, Targets IRGC Leaders
3. Syria and Lebanon Open Diplomatic Doors Amid Conflict
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today’s top story centers on ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, with Israel continuing its military operations amidst escalating tensions with Iran and its proxies. The Israeli Defense Forces have reported significant activity in southern Israel, including rocket and missile launches from Gaza, prompting alert sirens and evacuations in border communities. Israeli officials emphasize that these measures are part of defensive actions aimed at degrading hostile capabilities and safeguarding civilians.
Meanwhile, the broader regional conflict persists with notable developments. Iran’s leadership has publicly declared victory following a 12-day war that involved Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a video statement asserting that Iran nearly brought Israel to its knees and mocked President Donald Trump’s calls for Iranian surrender. He claimed Iran’s ballistic missile attacks demonstrated its strength, and he congratulated the Iranian nation for what he described as a victory over what he called the “fake Zionist regime.”
In parallel, Iran’s official military body, the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced the death of Major General Mohammad Saeed Izadi, also known as Hajj Ramadan, who was said to have fallen during the recent conflict. This underscores the ongoing toll of the hostilities, even as a ceasefire has been in place for several days.
Syria has confirmed that indirect negotiations with Israel are ongoing through international mediators. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara visited the Golan Heights and Quneitra, listening to local grievances and emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military actions via diplomatic channels. This marks a notable shift, as reports of direct talks between Israel and Syria have increased, suggesting new diplomatic openings.
Lebanon’s leader, Walid Jumblatt, spoke of a potential normalization of relations and a new regional era. He called for Lebanese armed groups to hand over weapons to the state, acknowledging that regional dynamics are shifting toward a different phase of diplomacy and cooperation.
On the domestic front, Israeli security authorities have detained a 23-year-old resident of Jaffa on suspicion of illegal weapons possession and espionage activities linked to Iran. Authorities also responded to an attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, where clashes between clans resulted in significant destruction and casualties.
Internationally, the United States under the current administration has expressed strong support for Israel. President Trump publicly called for the dismissal of “fake news” outlets and reaffirmed his backing of Israeli security efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked Trump for his support, especially amid ongoing legal challenges and political pressures at home.
In other regional news, Saudi Arabia replaced the Kiswa—the cloth covering the Kaaba—in Mecca, coinciding with the Islamic month of Muharram. The event is symbolic, marking the start of a period of mourning for Shia Muslims, who also observe Ashura by commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn.
International tensions remain high as Iran’s parliament approved legislation to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, citing US and Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. Moscow expressed concern over Iran’s move, urging continued dialogue and emphasizing Iran’s non-weaponized nuclear stance.
Finally, in a striking development, Israeli intelligence reportedly s
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