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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-29 at 15:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Nears Control of Gaza Amid Ceasefire Talks
2. US Trump Honors Israel With Star of David Coin
3. Iran Warns of Retaliation Over Regional Tensions
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At eleven o'clock, this is the latest update on the ongoing regional tensions and military developments.
Israel is preparing for a potentially pivotal cabinet meeting to decide the future of its military operations in Gaza. The Israeli Diplomatic-Security Cabinet will convene this evening with senior security officials, coalition leaders, and Minister Ron Dermer. Reports indicate that the IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, will present operational updates, highlighting that Israeli forces are nearing full control over approximately seventy-five percent of the Gaza Strip. Despite this progress, some senior officials caution that Hamas retains significant operational capabilities, and the war's objectives remain unfulfilled. Discussions are also considering a possible partial deal, which would include a temporary ceasefire and the partial release of hostages, in line with the "Witkoff framework." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Witkoff are expected to explore these options, especially in light of recent statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting the possibility of a ceasefire soon.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government has begun to restore residents to communities near Gaza, citing the IDF's assessment that security risks have diminished. However, this evaluation faces criticism from opposition figures who argue that Hamas continues to control parts of the Strip and maintains command structures. Some ministers are concerned that a temporary ceasefire might become a de facto long-term arrangement, especially given mounting diplomatic pressure from the United States.
In the Gaza region, the conflict remains deadly. Today, a soldier from the IDF’s 601st Combat Engineering Battalion, Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, from Ra'anana, was killed by an explosive device during operations in Jabaliya. The military has confirmed his death and is investigating the incident. The loss was announced amid reports of ongoing clashes and the destruction of Hamas infrastructure.
On the Iranian front, the Iranian Chief of Staff expressed serious doubts about Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire agreement, raising concerns over potential violations. Additionally, the deputy coordinator of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad-Reza Naghdi, issued a stern warning that threats against Iran’s religious authorities will be met with severe consequences, including the capture or killing of Americans in the region if harm comes to their leaders.
In a notable gesture, US President Donald Trump issued a special victory coin featuring a large Star of David, symbolizing what he described as a "victory" over Iran. Trump also made headlines by suggesting that an American group of wealthy individuals might acquire TikTok, potentially preventing its ban amid concerns over Chinese surveillance.
Meanwhile, in Israel, tension persists domestically. A 25-year-old woman was moderately injured in a traffic accident in Be'er Sheva, and a 20-year-old IDF soldier was killed in Gaza following an explosion during combat operations. Additionally, a soldier from the 401st Brigade was confirmed killed after an explosive detonation in Gaza, and his family was notified of his passing.
On the political front, there is controversy surrounding Almog Cohen, a deputy minister, who has resigned due to the stalled progress of a law to establish a new airport in Nabatim. In the meantime, other security-related developments include a fire near Hukkuk, with over thirty-five firefighting teams actively combating the blaze that has consumed agricultural structur
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