Episode Details

HEADLINES
Saab Arrest Exposes Maduro-Hezbollah Ties
Gaza Case Closed Schem Released
Australian Teen Charged Over Herzog Threats

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, two developments are shaping the regional narrative. An official American source told Reuters that Alex Saab, described as the central liaison of the Maduro regime to Hezbollah, was arrested in a joint operation by Venezuelan and United States authorities and is expected to be extradited to the United States in the coming days. Vice President Vance said that Trump will try to achieve what he can through non-military means, but if he feels the military option is the only one, he will choose that option.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities announced the closure of a rape case involving a former Gaza hostage. Tel Aviv-based fitness trainer Mia Schem was released without indictment after a year-long investigation, which was closed due to insufficient evidence. The case was opened in March 2025 after Schem arrived at Tel Aviv North Police. Schem’s attorney said police leaked her name and violated her privacy, and argued that there remain unanswered questions in the investigation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two developments are noted. Australian authorities have charged a 19-year-old man over online death threats aimed at President Isaac Herzog ahead of his planned visit to Australia; the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail, bail was refused, and he will appear before a Sydney court. President Herzog is due to arrive in Australia for a five-day visit. Separately, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, director of the New York Jewish Agenda, to lead the Office to Combat Antisemitism; Wisdom’s group is progressive and Zionist, and her appointment has drawn mixed reactions from Jewish leaders. Wisdom has spoken out against antisemitism on both the left and right, and the office coordinates the city’s agency response to antisemitism, with Wisdom's leadership bringing a Zionist-aligned stance to the role.

In Uplifting News, a remarkable act of courage and endurance from Australia is highlighted. A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appleby, swam about four kilometers over four hours in rough seas off Quindalup in southwestern Australia to rescue his mother and two younger siblings after strong winds dragged the family out to open water on a surfboard and kayak. He began with a life jacket, later swimming without it to gain speed, and the family was found safe.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68461
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68460
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885666
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skiuck11vzl
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885668
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mamdani-appoints-head-of-progressive-jewish-group-to-lead-antisemitism-office/

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