Episode Details

HEADLINES
Israel Shares Iran Plot to Kill Trump
Platner Exit Sparks Israel Policy Debate
Leviev Family Drops Tinder Swindler Complaint

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Israel shared new intelligence with the US about a new Iranian plot to assassinate US President Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday night, citing people familiar with the matter. The report follows the latest round of attacks between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The White House reportedly referred the Journal to comments Trump made in Ankara during the NATO summit, where he said, “They want to take out the US leader, me. I’m on every list.” In Mashhad, crowds at former supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral cortege chanted slogans demanding revenge on Trump, including calls that “we will kill you.”

In US Policy Concerning Israel, following the implosion of Graham Platner, a harsh critic of Israel who lobbed a parting shot about “genocide” in Gaza in his video this week, quitting the Maine Senate race, a number of possible replacements have emerged. There is a significant range of views among the possible candidates on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee pro-Israel lobby, arms sales to Israel and whether there was a genocide in Gaza, based on their past and recent comments. In statements to JTA, pro-Israel groups Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America both urged the party to nominate a candidate aligned with their values; Platner had drawn concern from Jewish groups because of his covered-up Nazi tattoo and stance on Israel. DMFI’s president and CEO, Brian Romick, said he doesn’t understand why progressives had supported “a candidate with so many obvious red flags, including an allegation of sexual assault and a Nazi tattoo.” Platner has denied the assault allegation and claimed to not know what the tattoo was.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, members of Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev’s family have called to withdraw the criminal complaint filed against Simon Leviev, known as the Tinder Swindler, after an agreement between the parties was reached. The agreement was submitted for approval to the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court after more than four years of legal proceedings. Under the agreement, the complaint will be dropped without an acquittal. It was also agreed that the defendants would not be entitled to reimbursement of legal costs or attorneys’ fees. The agreement remains subject to court approval. Attorney Guy Ophir, who represents the Leviev family, said the arrangement followed a court position that most of the acts attributed to Hayut were carried out outside Israel’s borders, and therefore the attorney general’s approval was required.

In Uplifting News, the Maccabiah baseball field is a symbol of Israeli resilience – and a home – for players and fans. The Ezra Schwartz Memorial Field in Ra’anana hosted a six-game series between Team USA and Team Israel, with the Americans winning game seven 5-1 to move the series to a 4-3 margin in favor of the United States after a first-half duel that left the series tied 3-3. The tournament, delayed last year by the 12-day war with Iran, showcased the dedication of athletes who train and compete despite off-field challenges, underscoring the community bonds formed around the game.

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://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902082

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