Episode Details

HEADLINES
Trump ceasefire ends if Iran kills Americans
Hezbollah drones strike Northern Command chief Milo
US mediates Israel Lebanon ceasefire pilot zones

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, President Trump told his aides that the ceasefire with Iran will be permanent unless American service members are killed, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing US officials. He said the United States would tolerate limited exchanges of fire and keep a fragile ceasefire in place, and that he would consider ending the ceasefire and resuming broader military action if Tehran kills American troops. Officials cited in the report said the truce remains in place for now despite recent violence, and Trump spoke publicly in optimistic terms about negotiations, suggesting a deal could be reached soon.

In US Military Role, the Wall Street Journal report says Trump told aides the ceasefire will end only if Tehran kills American troops. Recent strikes by Iran targeting US bases in the region have increased pressure and raised questions about the ceasefire’s durability, though the president has shown reluctance to escalate into a full-scale war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNBC that the US and Israel would resume military action against Iran if needed, adding that Iran surely knows what Trump has said about a potential return to full-scale action. Netanyahu described a tactical dynamic at play, saying there is a strategic calculation in escalation decisions.

In Regional Impacts, Gaza residents report four drone strikes in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in southwestern Gaza.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, it can now be revealed that Hezbollah FPV explosive drones struck the vehicle of Northern Command chief Major General Rafi Milo during a visit to southern Lebanon; Milo and an officer had exited the vehicle moments before the hit, and no injuries were reported. The incident, being disclosed now, did not occur in recent days and underscores Hezbollah’s drone threat and the potential consequences if a senior commander had been harmed.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is mediating an unprecedented Israel-Lebanon deal that includes a ceasefire, the creation of pilot zones for the Lebanese army to take control, and movement toward a comprehensive agreement. The talks are described as the fourth round of US-backed discussions, with US officials focused on de-escalation. Prime Minister Trump has personally sought to de-escalate fighting in Lebanon, urging restraint from Israel. A reporter asked about ceasefire definitions, and Trump replied, “In that part of the world, ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner.”

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Riot at Justice Sohlberg’s home exposes a dangerous double standard on Israeli rule of law. Netanyahu condemned the riot and said law enforcement must apply the full force of the law against the rioters. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Judiciary, the national judges’ representative body, and political figures across the spectrum also condemned the attack. The piece argues leadership must choose between a law-abiding country where court rulings are binding and criminal acts carry consequences, or a country where every faction decides which laws it recognizes; it calls for enforcing draft orders, arresting and prosecuting protesters, and identifying organizers behind violence.

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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