Episode Details

HEADLINES
Mojtaba Khamenei vows swift retaliation
Israeli drone strikes hit vehicle near Nuseirat
Khanna detained by settlers in West Bank

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s leadership pledged revenge for the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a written statement attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The statement says it will avenge “your pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of these two wars by holding their criminal and disgraced killers accountable,” and frames vengeance as the demand of the Iranian nation. It adds that such action does not depend on the presence of any official and cites global support, saying that soon free people worldwide will carry out part of this divine mission. Separately, US officials described Iran as preparing a public statement promising free passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with officials cautioning that if the statement is not accompanied by actions, the trajectory could lead to renewed and expanded US strikes on Iran. In another development, Mojtaba Khamenei—unseen since reports of injuries in the opening stages of conflict—pledged swift retaliation for his father’s death as Tehran denies seeking talks and Trump threatens large-scale strikes with missiles reportedly ready.

In Regional Impacts, sources in Gaza report Israeli drones conducted four strikes on a vehicle traveling along the coastal road near the town of Nuseirat in central Gaza, close to the outlet of the Wadi Gaza. Some reports say the vehicle’s occupants managed to exit the vehicle, which is thought to be related to the subsequent rocket fire. There are reported injuries as a result of the strikes, and footage or documentation from the scene has been circulating.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Representative Ro Khanna said his delegation was detained by Israeli settlers armed with American-made rifles during a West Bank visit this week, described as a direct look at the human toll of Israeli occupation. He said the group was blocked from moving and held for more than an hour while they appealed to the US Embassy in Jerusalem for help, with an aide noting the lengthy detention and that Israeli security forces appeared to be on the settlers’ side. Separately, a hand grenade exploded overnight at the Blue luxury complex in north Tel Aviv near Hatzuk Beach. Authorities believe the blast was criminally motivated, caused only minor damage, and there were no injuries; police are reviewing security footage and statements as part of the investigation. Also, ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered outside Cafe BaSimta in Jerusalem for a second straight Saturday as supporters of the cafe, including many observant Jews who walked across the city, demonstrated in favor of keeping the cafe open on Shabbat, framing their stance around the call for “a Jerusalem for everyone.”

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/iran-news/article-902159
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22090
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk00kfjjege
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126334
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902160