Episode Details

HEADLINES
36 F-16s and 12 F-22s head East
Geneva talks inch toward Iran nuclear deal
Red Sea skiff attack triggers shipping warning

The time is now 7:02 AM 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, military movements signal a substantial air buildup as reports indicate 36 F-16s and 12 F-22s are heading from US bases in Italy and Germany toward the Middle East today, signaling a large display of air power. A security incident in the Red Sea near Yemen involved exchanges of gunfire between vessels, with details still emerging. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Office has issued a warning to commercial traffic near the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab that a vessel was hailed by a white skiff with five men on board, followed by small-arms fire, with two additional skiffs reported in the area. Indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program opened in Geneva, with the United States and Iran participating through mediators in Oman; US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were part of the talks alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions come as Washington says it could be open to mutual adjustments, while Tehran has signaled it is seeking a deal. President Trump said he would be involved indirectly and noted prior actions aimed at pressing Tehran. In a separate development, reports describe an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Aden by armed boats, with five men aboard, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are conducting a multi-day exercise dubbed Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz, closing parts of the Strait for several hours.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities say 52 sheep perished in a fire at a pen in Samua, south of Hebron; police and Fire and Rescue investigators attribute the blaze to an electrical short that ignited tarpaulin coverings, and investigators say there is no immediate indication of criminal or nationalist motive. In central Israel, a Gaza terrorist who was imprisoned and released under the Shalit deal infiltrated the country and was stopped at the entrance to a mall before arrest.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a new batch of Channel 7 podcasts highlights conversations with notable figures. Betzalel Smotrich discusses the loss of his cousin, his views on conscription and the economy, while Shgev Kalfon, a captivity survivor, shares with Yoni Kampinsky his reflections on captivity and the blessing of Rabbi David Abuchachira that came true. Ari Spitzer, who lost an arm and both legs in combat, describes how he uses his experiences to motivate others. Aluf (ret.) Golan Va’akh recounts moments when he almost lost his life and the song he learned from Yossi Hershkowitz. All this and more is featured on Channel 7’s new podcasts.

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/abualiexpress/114846
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285926
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18036
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-886942
https://t.me/newssil/191760
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18035

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