HEADLINES Israel's Defense Minister Urges Action Against Iran Hostage Negotiations Stalled Amid Gaza Tensions Israel Faces Rising Antisemitism and Economic Strain The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. The current situation in Israel remains tense as the nation grapples with multiple fronts in its ongoing conflict, particularly against Iran and its various proxies. Here are the latest developments: Iran and Nuclear Threats A senior Israeli defense source emphasized that the opportunity to disable Iran's nuclear program remains significant, despite recent missed chances for direct strikes. The source noted a consensus among the defense establishment regarding the necessity and feasibility of an attack on Iran's nuclear sites. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the current diplomatic and operational climate has never been more conducive for military action against Iran. This comes as the backdrop of a recent Israeli airstrike on Iranian military facilities, which highlighted the Israeli Air Force's superior capabilities. Gaza and Hostage Negotiations In Gaza, tensions continue as Israel maintains a security perimeter, asserting that any hostage deals with Hamas are contingent on their cooperation. A senior defense official indicated that the Hamas leadership remains fragmented, complicating negotiations for the return of Israeli hostages. The Israeli government is reportedly exploring options to introduce private US contractors to manage humanitarian aid in Gaza without assuming legal or financial responsibility for the territory. Lebanon and Hezbollah The Israel Air Force conducted a series of strikes in Dahieh, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure embedded within civilian areas. The IDF highlighted efforts to minimize civilian harm during these operations. As Hezbollah faces pressure, there's a notable shift in the rhetoric from Lebanese officials regarding potential normalization with Israel, despite legal prohibitions against such discussions. International Reactions and the ICC In international news, the US government has vehemently rejected the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The US response has been characterized by strong condemnations from various political figures, who labeled the ICC as lacking credibility and accused it of antisemitism. The Irish Prime Minister, however, described the ICC's actions as serious and significant, urging cooperation with the Court's investigations. Domestic Developments On the home front, Israel's economic indicators show signs of strain, with the Purchasing Managers' Index declining sharply, reflecting concerns about the economic impact of ongoing military operations. Additionally, a significant legal case has emerged involving the alleged theft of sensitive military information by a former communications advisor, raising questions about national security and internal accountability. Travel and Safety Concerns Travel to and from Israel has been challenging, although airlines Arkia and Israir have received government approval to resume flights to the United States shortly. Meanwhile, incidents of antisemitism are reportedly rising in Europe, with concerns voiced about the safety of Jewish communities, particularly in Spain. As the situation develops, the implications of these multifaceted conflicts and political dynamics will continue to unfold, impacting both regional stability and international relations. 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...