Episode Details

HEADLINES
- Vance: Israel to restrain Lebanon strikes
- Israel encircles Bint Jbeil amid Hezbollah clashes
- Trump eyes NATO troop shifts for Israel

The time is now 7:01 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, Vice President JD Vance said Israel offered to restrain its strikes in Lebanon to help the Iran-Israel-US ceasefire effort succeed, stressing that the move did not indicate Hezbollah would be included in any deal. He cautioned that Iran’s belief Lebanon would be part of the ceasefire stemmed from a misunderstanding, which he described as not binding, and that it would be Iran’s choice to let the talks fall apart over Lebanon, a choice he deemed unwise. In a separate development, Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand an explanation after an Italian UN convoy came under fire in southern Lebanon; Rome’s defense ministry said warning shots were fired about two kilometers from Shama to Beirut, the convoy halted and returned to base, and no injuries were reported. The UN mission in the area, UNIFIL, continues to monitor hostilities along the border as clashes with Hezbollah persist. Lebanese outlet Al-Mayadeen reported an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Lebanon, noting a reported fatality and five others wounded, illustrating the human cost of the ongoing fighting. In another development, Israel encircled the border town of Bint Jbeil after deadly strikes on Hezbollah, with Washington signaling that Israel can press the campaign even as Iran calls for a ceasefire; the IDF has said more than 1,500 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in the operation and the town remains surrounded.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, the Trump administration is weighing a plan to punish NATO members deemed unhelpful to the United States and Israel during the Iran war by repositioning some American troops to allies more supportive of the campaign, a proposal described to the Wall Street Journal by administration officials. The plan could involve moving troops out of certain NATO partners and stationing them in countries more supportive of the war effort, a move discussed as President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met at the White House amid strains in alliance solidarity. Trump has criticized European allies for not backing the US-Israeli bombing campaign and has warned of potential changes to NATO involvement as the two-week ceasefire pauses were referenced in remarks surrounding the broader conflict. Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on the United States to choose between maintaining a temporary ceasefire and continuing to support Israel’s war against Hezbollah, asserting that the terms of the ceasefire explicitly include Lebanon; US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have denied Lebanon’s inclusion, while Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed the complaint, claiming the United States has violated several clauses of Iran’s proposed 10-point plan.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF Home Front Command announced guideline updates with major changes taking effect Thursday morning. Beginning at 6 a.m., schools will open in most of the country, and limits on gatherings will be canceled; in areas near the Lebanon border, the current guidelines remain in place for now. The updates come after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire among Iran, Israel and the United States earlier in the day, with US President Donald Trump saying Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that provides a workable basis for negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the ceasefire if Iran immediately reopens the Strait of Hormuz and halts all attacks in the region.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.