Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-02 at 12:05
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HEADLINESIran halts nuclear cooperation amid escalating strikesSaudi backs Israel’s Gaza removal demandsIsrael seeks US backing for Iran strikesThe time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. It is 8:00 AM, and here are the top stories shaping the Middle East and beyond. Israel remains firmly engaged in its ongoing conflict with Iran, with recent reports indicating that Tehran has formally suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. This move follows last month’s intense 12-day war, which saw Israel and the United States carry out unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s parliament has approved legislation to halt all cooperation with the IAEA, citing Israeli and American attacks as violations of its sovereignty. Tehran accuses the UN agency of “deceptive and fraudulent reporting,” and senior judiciary officials have called for holding IAEA director Rafael Grossi accountable. This suspension raises significant concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially given the recent damage to facilities like Fordow, which Iran admits suffered “serious and heavy” harm during the strikes. Meanwhile, tensions are mounting on the diplomatic front. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has called for the activation of the “Snapback” sanctions mechanism against Iran, urging the international community to respond decisively to Tehran’s breaches. Sa’ar emphasized that Iran’s actions threaten regional stability and warned that the regime's nuclear and military efforts must be curtailed. Across the region, Israel continues to seek strategic support, including efforts to engage China in influencing Iran. Israeli diplomats have appealed to Beijing to leverage its economic ties—particularly its near 90% purchase of Iranian oil—to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear and regional activities. In the broader geopolitical picture, Saudi Arabia supports Israel’s goal of removing Hamas from Gaza’s leadership, framing the exile of the terror group as a condition for normalization. Saudi officials are reportedly insisting that Hamas be ousted before any peace talks can proceed, a stance that complicates recent efforts toward regional normalization and the resumption of diplomatic relations. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed to reinstating the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, fearing it would enable Hamas proxies to regain control. On the military front, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly seeking assurances from President Trump during his upcoming visit to Washington that Israel will be authorized to carry out strikes against Iran if its nuclear program restarts. Israeli officials are preparing for potential follow-up operations against Iranian ballistic missile and nuclear sites, emphasizing the importance of American backing in deterring Tehran’s ambitions. In other regional developments, the situation of hostages remains urgent. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has pledged support for a ceasefire and hostage deal, promising to act as a “security net” to ensure their release. Meanwhile, internal Israeli politics continue to unfold, with the court approving the cancellation of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s testimony scheduled for next week, coinciding with his trip to the United States. Internationally, the conflict’s ripple effects are evident. Iran is seeking international recognition and compensation for what it calls acts of aggression by the United States and Israel. Tehran also plans to intensify cyber efforts against US interests, with reports of pro-Iranian hackers threatening to release emails tied to President Trump. Meanwhile, in Australia, rapper Kanye West’s visa has been revoked after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” which Australian authorities condemned as promoting Nazi ideology, highlighting ongoing global debates over hate speech and free expression.Domestically, Israel’s economy shows resilience, with the stock market continuing its upward trend amid geopolitical tensions. The shekel is strengthening against the dollar, supported by recent regional and international developments. In a tragic incident, a 24-year-old worker was injured in Beit Shemesh after falling from a height of about seven meters during work. Elsewhere, a 68-year-old woman was hit by a truck in Kiryat Bialik and sustained moderate injuries. In cultural news, the Eurovision Song Contest has sparked controversy, with Iceland’s public broadcaster suggesting that Israeli artists compete under a neutral flag amid calls to ban Israel from the event. Finally, in the United States, the ongoing tension over the Iran nuclear issue continues to influence diplomatic and security strategies. Israeli ministers are debating a coalition plan to block a Gaza ceasefire, while President Trump has expressed support for negotiations to end the conflict, contingent on American guarantees for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran’s nuclear resurgence. That’s a summary of today’s key updates. We will continue to monitor these developments and bring you the latest as it unfolds. I’m your correspondent, reporting live.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. 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