Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-29 at 07:07
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HEADLINES1. Israeli Strike Kills Iran’s Quds Commander in Surprise Attack2. Hezbollah’s Legitimacy Questioned Amid Lebanese Political Crisis3. Iran’s Supreme Leader Orders Crackdown After Regime’s Secret Ceasefire TalksThe time is now 03:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today at 3:00 AM, Israeli forces carried out a targeted operation in the city of Qom, Iran, resulting in the death of Ismail Shaqiri, the commander of the Quds Force named after Khomeini. According to official Iranian sources, Shaqiri was killed during this Israeli attack. Opposition reports suggest he was responsible for training Hamas operatives in parachuting techniques in Iran during the summer of 2023. The attack marks a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing efforts to target Iranian military assets linked to regional destabilization. Iran has yet to issue an official response, but the incident raises concerns about the potential for widening hostilities.Meanwhile, in Lebanon, political tensions are mounting. Jibran Basil, leader of the Free Patriot Stream party, has publicly criticized Hezbollah, asserting that the organization has lost its popular legitimacy in Lebanon’s ability to defend the country. In interviews over the weekend, Basil emphasized that Hezbollah’s ceasefire agreement with Israel should have initiated a disarmament process, which he claims has not yet begun. Basil further stated that Iran managed to defend itself without Hezbollah’s military involvement, calling into question Hezbollah’s deterrence capacity against Israel and within the broader resistance axis. He urged Hezbollah to prioritize building the Lebanese state and transferring its weapons to the government, stressing that this aligns with Lebanon’s national interests.In Gaza, Hamas has dismissed recent claims reported by Sky News Arabia, citing a “Palestinian source” who alleged Hamas set conditions for a prisoner swap and ceasefire negotiations. Hamas officials stated these reports are false and serve Israeli interests, emphasizing that their terms for any agreement are publicly known and not negotiated through anonymous sources. The organization reaffirmed its stance on clear, publicly declared conditions.On the diplomatic front, Israeli Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich was scrutinized after a military investigation found no evidence of live fire directed at Jewish rioters near Ramallah. The incident remains under review, with authorities examining whether warning shots were fired during clashes involving masked stone-throwers. In Iran, reports indicate that the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a crackdown on top Revolutionary Guards officials, following revelations that members of the council approved a ceasefire agreement with the United States without Khamenei’s authorization. The leader reportedly issued a public execution order in Tehran’s Freedom Square as a warning against deviation from the regime’s official line.In the broader regional security landscape, the Israeli Defense Forces warn that Iran’s primary strategic focus is shifting toward destabilizing Jordan. After setbacks in other theaters, Iran aims to turn Jordan into a new proxy battleground, with recent intelligence pointing to covert operations and sabotage efforts along the Jordanian border. The IDF has activated the Gilad Division and is deploying regional defense units, dubbed the “David Brigades,” to reinforce the eastern border and interior regions, including Judea and Samaria. These units, comprised partly of retrained naval personnel, are expected to become operational by late summer, with plans to establish new settlements and bolster border defenses, including a comprehensive fence system.In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian logistical center in Biryansk last night, causing a massive explosion and fire. Russia claims to have intercepted eleven drones, but the attack inflicted significant damage, highlighting the persistent intensity of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Additionally, the Baloch Nationalist Army has claimed responsibility for multiple operations across Balochistan, Iran, targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including checkpoints, cargo routes, and strategic equipment, with the goal of achieving independence for Balochistan.In Israel, public security remains tense. During a violent altercation in Adam settlement, one individual discharged a firearm, wounding another in a case police describe as having a criminal background. The incident is under investigation. Meanwhile, at Ben-Gurion Airport, Chief Samuel Zakai recounted the complex night of the Israeli aerial operation known as “Operation Lion’s Claw,” which targeted Iranian military assets. Zakai detailed how he was among the few aware of the operation beforehand and maintained secrecy throughout its execution, which involved significant coordination across international aviation authorities.Politically, former US President Donald Trump issued a strong statement, warning that the Biden administration’s policies threaten Israel’s security. Trump emphasized that the United States, which spends heavily on Israeli defense, will not tolerate ongoing judicial proceedings against Prime Minister Netanyahu. He also praised the late Lubavitcher Rebbe’s legacy, linking it to his own faith and commitment to fighting antisemitism, while criticizing European efforts to reimpose sanctions on Iran if negotiations fail.In the West Bank, Israeli military officials warn that recent violence involving Jewish settlers near Ramallah could spark larger conflagrations if ongoing support and tolerance for unlawful acts continue. The military is deploying additional units, including reserve brigades, to secure the border and maintain order amidst rising tensions.Finally, in international developments, French Foreign Minister announced that the European Union is preparing to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it refuses to engage in genuine negotiations over its nuclear program. The threat is linked to Iran’s recent reluctance to return to the negotiating table, with fears that sanctions could cripple the regime’s economy further if Iran continues to reject diplomatic efforts.This concludes your hourly update. From regional tensions to international diplomacy, these events underscore the fragile and complex security environment facing Israel and its neighbors.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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