Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-28 at 14:04
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HEADLINES1. Damascus Shrine Empty Amid Historic Iranian Influence2. Iran Reopens Airspace as Regional Tensions Escalate3. Lebanon Drone Attack Injures Civilian in SouthThe time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today at ten in the morning, the situation in the Middle East remains tense and complex. In Damascus, for the first time in many decades, the shrine of Sayyida Zainab, a significant Shiite religious site in the southern part of the Syrian capital, was observed to be empty of visitors during the evening of the holy month of Muharram. Syrian sources indicate that President Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has issued directives preventing access to the shrine, with some reports suggesting this ban could persist throughout the entire month. Historically, this shrine has served as a stronghold of Iranian influence during Bashar al-Assad's rule, symbolizing Iran's strategic foothold in the region.Meanwhile, Israel’s military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to operational preparedness. The Chief of Staff held discussions today with commanders of the 7114 battalion and the Benjamin Brigade. The military leadership expressed full support for their actions, emphasizing that any harm to Israel’s soldiers—whether active duty or reservists—will be met with resolute defense. Yesterday, the IDF responded to a serious incident near Malek village, where Israeli civilians entered a closed military zone and reportedly attacked security personnel with violence. The military highlighted ongoing challenges, including threats from extremist elements and the importance of maintaining law and order.In Lebanon, reports confirm that a drone attack targeted a vehicle in the southern region, injuring a civilian. Lebanese media have identified the injured individual as a civilian struck in Kounine, in the south. Additionally, a Hezbollah operative named Hassan Juma was identified as having been killed during an attack involving a UAV in the same area. The Lebanese border region continues to experience heightened tensions, with further indications of Iranian-backed militant activity.Iran remains deeply engaged in regional affairs. Today, Iran reopened its airspace for international transit flights, a move seen as a step toward normalizing some aspects of its aviation sector amid ongoing international sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran’s top military figure, Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Mohammad Bagheri, was transported in a ceremonial funeral procession, flanked by armed personnel amidst chants of Shiite slogans, reflecting the country's national and religious pride.On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi paid respects to Hossain Salami, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, who was recently killed in a targeted Israeli strike. Iran’s leadership continues to voice defiance against perceived threats, with Foreign Minister Araghchi asserting that Iran’s resistance against aggression will be a “jewel” on the crown of the nation’s long history, emphasizing Iran's refusal to surrender.Across the region, in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military reported that a drone targeted a vehicle in Kounine, with one civilian injured. In Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, there was a serious incident involving violence in the Old City. A young man in his twenties sustained critical injuries in an altercation near the issuing of the Temple Mount area. Authorities have detained several suspects, and investigations are ongoing. The incident is believed to be linked to broader tensions, with reports of an arson attempt and graffiti with provocative slogans at a police station in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, further illustrating the volatile atmosphere.In Iran, the funeral of Major General Mohammad Bagheri was marked by national mourning, with military officials and mourners paying homage. This comes as Iran’s government and military leadership continue to reinforce their stance of resistance and resolve amid regional and international pressures.In a related development, Iran has reactivated its central and western air corridors for international flights, signaling a move toward restoring some normalcy in its civil aviation after years of sanctions. Meanwhile, Iranian students in Tehran were seen paying homage during the funeral procession of Iranian scientists targeted and killed in Israeli covert operations, highlighting ongoing tensions and the persistent cycle of retaliation.These events echo a regional landscape marked by strategic contestation, militant activity, and diplomatic posturing. Israel remains vigilant and steadfast in its security measures, while regional actors and international powers continue to navigate a delicate balance of influence and confrontation. The coming days are expected to further reveal the dynamics shaping this turbulent and intricate geopolitical tableau.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/abualiexpress/99464)https://t.me/Newss0nline/53803)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209631)https://t.me/newssil/160577)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209626)https://t.me/abualiexpress/99463)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209622)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209621)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209620)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209619)https://t.me/abualiexpress/99462)https://t.me/abualiexpress/99461)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209618)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209617)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1209615)