Episode Details

HEADLINES
Iran's half-ton warhead threat rivals nuclear menace
Hezbollah overseen by IRGC officers
Trump weighs bigger Iran strike plan

The time is now 1:02 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, a former Israeli member of parliament warned that Tehran’s ballistic missile threat is on par with a nuclear menace, noting a warhead around half a ton of explosives and suggesting that if 30,000 such missiles were launched, the impact could be comparable to the Hiroshima blast. He argued that even with that scale, Iran’s air force is antiquated and far from the capabilities of Israeli and Western air powers, predicting Iranian pilots would face a steep challenge against more modern aircraft. The remarks come as concern grows over Iran’s effort to tighten its grip on regional proxies amid the prospect of direct confrontation with the United States. Reports indicate Hezbollah is now reportedly overseen by IRGC officers rather than its Lebanese leadership, with these officers coordinating intensified military and security preparations and guiding strategic plans from Tehran. Separately, Iran is said to have struck a deal with Russia to purchase thousands of shoulder‑launched air‑defense missiles for about half a billion euros. In southern Lebanon, UNIFIL has accused the Israeli military of dispersing a non‑toxic chemical substance near areas along the Blue Line, a claim the IDF declined to comment on.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Hamas appears to be nearing the final stage of its internal leadership elections, with the contest narrowed to two figures for the head of its political wing: Khalil al‑Hayya and Khaled Mashaal. The political wing is currently managed by a five‑member council comprising Khaled Mashaal, Zaher Jabarin, Khalil al‑Hayya, Muhammad Ismail Darwish and Nizar Ouadallah, after the previous head Yahya Sinwar was killed in a clash with Israeli forces in Rafah during the war.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump is weighing a much bigger attack on Iran in coming months should Tehran refuse to accept his demands on its nuclear program. The discussions include options ranging from a weeklong campaign to a broader effort aimed at regime change, with potential targets that could include the IRGC headquarters, Iran’s nuclear sites, or its ballistic missile program, and reports of possible arrangements for a limited, medically oriented nuclear enrichment program as an off‑ramp. Separately, a security official told The New York Times that the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford is located south of Italy and will soon arrive off the coast of Israel. In domestic politics, senior analysts reviewing the 2024 Democratic primary loss concluded that Kamala Harris lost significant support due to President Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Tucker Carlson has asserted that Israel controls America.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, today in the Knesset a debate on a 40‑signatures initiative will feature speeches by Prime Minister Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Elbit Systems acknowledged that competition with Erdogan’s Turkey is intense, noting a clear message from him. The company pointed to a surge in global demand for Israeli-made unmanned aerial systems as part of the backdrop to the competitive environment.

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.

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