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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-02 at 08:07
HEADLINES
1. Israel Conducts Overnight Strike Detaining Iran-Backed Terrorists
2. Iran Suspends Nuclear Agency Cooperation Amid Damaged Fordow Site
3. Iran Prepares to Mine Strait of Hormuz, Threatening Oil Flows
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., tensions and military activity in the Middle East remain high. The Israel Defense Forces reported a significant overnight operation in southern Syria, where they detained terrorists linked to Iran’s regime. The operation involved units from the Golani Brigade, in coordination with military intelligence, and resulted in the arrest of several Iranian-backed militants in the Huaran area, specifically around Umm al-Luqs and Ein al-Bassali. During the raid, weapons including firearms and grenades were seized, and multiple terrorists were apprehended following weeks of intelligence gathering and interrogations. Israeli authorities emphasized their commitment to preventing Iranian influence and disrupting terror networks operating in the region, especially following increased Iranian activity in nearby areas.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, a move that complicates ongoing efforts to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian acknowledged significant damage to the Fordow nuclear site, following recent US strikes, which Tehran admits have seriously impacted its nuclear infrastructure. This suspension of cooperation raises concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional stability.
In the political arena, Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir has called on Finance Minister Smotrich to join him in opposing a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza, amid reports that the United States has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and hostage releases, a move that has sparked debate within Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump have held multiple meetings in recent months, emphasizing their shared stance against Iran’s nuclear program and regional threats. President Trump has publicly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, and both leaders have expressed a desire for a decisive resolution to the Gaza conflict that includes disarming Hamas.
On the international front, Qatar has submitted a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza, aiming to bridge gaps with Hamas amid ongoing hostilities. The plan reportedly addresses some of Hamas’ concerns but does not guarantee an end to the conflict, raising questions about its viability. The United States has indicated that while Israel is eager to end the fighting, a comprehensive ceasefire must involve the removal and disarmament of Hamas, which remains a significant obstacle due to the organization’s rejection of such terms.
Further complicating the regional security picture, US intelligence sources reveal that Iran has prepared to mine the Strait of Hormuz following recent Israeli airstrikes, raising fears of potential disruption of global oil supplies. Although no mines have yet been deployed, this development underscores Iran’s ongoing efforts to threaten vital maritime routes.
On a broader international note, a landmark legal settlement was reached in Sweden, where Karolinska University Hospital issued a formal apology and agreed to pay damages to Dr. Erik Svensson, a Jewish neurosurgeon subjected to systemic antisemitic harassment. This case highlights ongoing issues of antisemitism within European institutions and marks a significant step in addressing workplace discrimination.
In cultural news, Iceland has proposed to the European Broadcasting Union that Israeli participation in Eurovision 2026 be conditional upon the removal of national symbols, amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This move reflects broader debat
Published on 6 days, 3 hours ago