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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-29 at 12:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Restores Gaza Border Communities Amid Tensions
2. Major Hamas Tunnels Disrupted in Hebron Crackdown
3. Iran’s Market Collapse Sparks Nuclear Power Standoff
The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today in the Middle East and Israel, significant developments continue to unfold amidst ongoing tensions and military activities. The Israeli government has authorized the return of residents to all communities surrounding Gaza by the end of July, with funding for evacuation efforts to be discontinued. This decision signals a shift towards restoring normalcy in the border regions, following recent intense military operations.
In more tragic news, a 16-year-old girl has died after a tractor accident near Beit HaArava in the Jordan Valley. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite life-saving efforts, her injuries were fatal.
Security forces in Israel have reported the apprehension of approximately 560 illegal migrants across various regions last week, including during attempts to infiltrate from Judea and Samaria. Additionally, 61 suspects have been detained on charges related to smuggling, transportation, and employment of illegal migrants.
In the realm of intelligence and counterterrorism, Israeli forces in southern Syria continue their efforts to prevent militant activity along the border. Operations have led to the arrest of several suspects linked to terrorist groups, and recent raids targeted weapons depots and militant hideouts. The IDF emphasizes that these operations aim to prevent imminent attacks and reinforce border security.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli security uncovered a large underground Hamas infrastructure in Hebron. Over 60 individuals affiliated with Hamas were detained, and a network of ten cells was dismantled. The operation revealed a sophisticated underground route used for storing weapons and hiding wanted persons, with plans for future attacks thwarted. Investigations linked some suspects to past attacks, including the 2010 shooting at Bani Naim and the recent attack at the Jerusalem tunnel checkpoint in November 2023.
In domestic affairs, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently involved in a classified court hearing in Jerusalem. Reports indicate that the session is ongoing, with the Prime Minister present, amid heightened political scrutiny.
Internationally, former US President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, suggesting negotiations could conclude within the week. However, Israeli officials remain skeptical, citing Hamas’s rigid demands and lack of flexibility. The region remains volatile, with both sides cautious about commitments to cease hostilities.
In the broader context, Iran continues to assert its defiance. Following recent Israeli and American attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the Iranian stock market experienced a sharp collapse, with nearly all stocks trading in red and billions of rials withdrawn by investors. Iran’s leadership signals that its nuclear and missile programs are non-negotiable, and it remains committed to exporting its revolutionary ideology, despite economic sanctions and military setbacks.
On the military front, the Iranian Chief of Staff expressed skepticism regarding the intentions of adversaries, warning that Iran’s forces are prepared for any escalation. Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest air assault of the war in Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles, resulting in significant damage and casualties, as diplomatic efforts stall.
Within Israel, a major security breakthrough occurred in Hebron, where the Shin Bet uncovered an extensive Hamas underground network intended for imminent attacks. Over 60 terrorists were arrested, weapons and explosives confiscated, and a
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