HEADLINES - **Israel Limits Meron Event Amid Security Concerns: Only Three Bonfires Permitted** - **Justice Minister Denies Netanyahu Quid Pro Quo in Corruption Trial** - **UN Halts Gaza Aid Distribution Due to Supply Shortages and Security Issues** The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. The Meron Lag Ba'omer event, a significant annual gathering, will be held at a reduced capacity this year due to the ongoing security situation. The decision, approved by the Knesset Plenum, allows only three bonfires to be lit on Mount Meron. The restricted plan aims to ensure the safety of attendees amidst the heightened tensions. In legal developments, Justice Minister Yariv Levin testified in the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denying any discussion of a proposed quid pro quo deal for favorable media coverage. This case, known as Case 2000, involves allegations that Netanyahu sought positive coverage from the Yedioth Ahronoth daily in exchange for legislation that would weaken its competitor, Israel Hayom. Levin asserted that Netanyahu had always opposed the bill and had instructed him to prevent its passage. The trial continues to scrutinize the prime minister's actions and intentions during the period in question. In international legal matters, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for himself and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding their conduct during the conflict with Hamas. Gallant labeled the ICC's actions as "despicable," emphasizing Israel's non-membership in the ICC treaty and its adherence to international law. He underscored the complexity of fighting Hamas, which, he argued, uses civilians as human shields, making the conflict particularly challenging. On the humanitarian front, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has suspended food distribution in Rafah, Gaza, citing a lack of supplies and security concerns. The closure of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings has disrupted the delivery of essential goods, leaving only seven out of 24 health centers operational. This situation underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza's civilian population. In political news, the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has significantly impacted the succession dynamics within Iran's leadership. Raisi was considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death shifts the focus to Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, although concerns about dynastic rule and internal opposition remain. The succession process is critical as it will shape Iran's future policy direction amidst ongoing domestic and international challenges. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the current circumstances preclude progress towards normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This statement reflects the broader geopolitical implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its ripple effects on regional diplomacy. Back in Israel, the Hostages & Missing Families Forum has urgently requested a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the war cabinet. The forum expressed frustration over the lack of negotiations regarding the hostages held by Hamas, urging immediate action to address their plight. On the economic front, a report by RISE Israel and Google warned that Israel might lag in the global artificial intelligence race due to a shortage of funds and talent. Despite being among the top ten AI ecosystems, Israel faces challenges in attracting investments and nurturing the necessary human capital to sustain its competitive edge in AI technologies. In a related security incident, shots were fired at an Israeli vehicle in the Jordan Valley in an...