Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-26 at 07:05
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HEADLINES1. Israel Launches Covert Iran Operations Amid Escalating Tensions2. Hezbollah Suffer Heavy Losses as Israel Targets Lebanon Stronghold3. Gaza Hostage Crisis Drags On as Aid Theft Sparks HaltThe time is now 03:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel remains deeply engaged in its current conflict with Iran and its proxies across the region. Reports confirm that Israel conducted covert commando operations inside Iran during the recent hostilities, with the IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir confirming the critical role of ground forces in securing air dominance and gathering intelligence during Operation Rising Lion. While the specifics remain classified, these actions underscore Israel’s active efforts to weaken Iranian military capabilities.In recent developments, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the deaths of nine senior officers in a targeted attack on their headquarters in Tehran. Despite this, Iran continues to deny suffering significant setbacks, and the regime’s leadership remains unshaken publicly. Meanwhile, Iran’s regional proxies are experiencing shifts: Lebanon’s Hezbollah, once a formidable force, has reportedly suffered heavy losses due to Israeli strikes, with many fighters killed or captured. Lebanon’s attempts to expel Hezbollah are also underway, as local factions face internal pressure and external military pressure from Israel.Gaza’s hostage situation remains a point of intense concern. Over 620 days since October 7, families of the abducted demand action for their return. In Tel Aviv, protests under the banner “What about the hostages?” continue, with families and women’s groups calling for the immediate release of all captives and an end to the war. Israeli officials acknowledge the challenge, with some attributing ongoing delays to Hamas’s interference, as the organization reportedly continues to divert humanitarian aid for its own gain despite new security measures.In Lebanon, Lebanese sources report that Israeli forces infiltrated approximately 1.6 kilometers into southern Lebanon last night, targeting a Hezbollah operative named Ahmad Ali Shaikh, who was eliminated in the operation. A sign was left at the site, accusing him of operating for Hezbollah and endangering local civilians. These incursions are part of Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hezbollah’s operational capacity.Meanwhile, tensions persist over aid to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Hamas has resumed stealing humanitarian supplies, despite new precautions. As a result, Israel has temporarily halted aid transfers, with officials warning that Hamas’s theft of aid undermines efforts to alleviate civilian suffering. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the government’s handling, highlighting the danger of aid being diverted to Hamas’s military infrastructure.On the diplomatic front, the US continues to observe regional developments closely. Special envoy WitteKopf expressed optimism about a possible expansion of the Abraham Accords, with reports of daily contacts between the United States, Israel, and several Arab states. President Trump, meanwhile, publicly supported Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, describing his trial as a “witch hunt” and urging Israel to end what he calls a travesty of justice. Trump’s comments reflect ongoing US political debates over Israel’s leadership and judicial proceedings.In Iran, uncertainty surrounds Ayatollah Khamenei’s health; he has not been seen or heard from in nearly a week, fueling speculation about his condition and role in recent ceasefire negotiations. Iranian sources remain silent, and some analysts suggest that his absence might signal internal instability or a shift in the regime’s leadership.Regional security remains tense. Iraqi sources report that Iran’s air defenses shot down an unidentified drone near the Iran-Iraq border, possibly Israeli. Meanwhile, in Syria, new jihadist leadership has indicated that peace talks with Israel might be possible before the end of President Trump’s current term, with daily contacts reportedly ongoing between Syria, Israel, and the US—an unprecedented development in this ongoing conflict.Finally, domestic Israeli concerns include the ongoing hostage crisis, with advocacy groups like Om’etz calling for immediate action to bring the captives home, emphasizing the deteriorating health and mental states of the hostages. Additionally, Israeli officials have expressed outrage over the perceived mishandling of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with some ministers calling for a complete halt until Hamas’s interference is addressed.This complex tapestry of conflict, diplomacy, and internal political debate underscores Israel’s multifaceted security challenges and the regional instability that continues to dominate the Middle East.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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