Category: Israel

Security Warning: Israel Falls Behind as Enemies Rearm

Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram delivered a sharp rebuke today (Wednesday) at the 22nd Herzliya Conference at Reichman University’s Institute for Policy and Strategy. In his remarks, Baram issued an extraordinary and severe warning about budget delays that have stalled for months the implementation of the IDF’s force buildup plan for the next decade—a 350 billion shekel program approved by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. Baram warned that the lag in Israel’s long-term force buildup is extremely dangerous.

Photo: Spokesperson and Public Relations Division at the Ministry of Defense

Baram sharply attacked the Budget Department at the Finance Ministry, arguing they treat the wartime reality as a “passing accounting event” and are thereby undermining the government’s ability to implement strategic decisions that have been made. According to him, while Iran is expected to invest enormous sums in building its military capabilities in the second half of 2026—an amount equivalent to Israel’s entire decade-long plan—Israel is forced to contend with obstructive bureaucracy. He warned that continuing this approach will pose an unprecedented risk to the country’s security readiness. “If we continue to act this way, the risk to Israel’s security preparedness will become extremely high,” he said.

Addressing the Iranian threat, the Defense Ministry chief explained that emerging international agreements could funnel hundreds of billions of dollars to Tehran, accelerating its military buildup. He emphasized that facing this danger, Israel must advance a new regional architecture, first and foremost with its strategic ally the United States. Baram noted that the war has sharpened the price of Iranian empowerment and created an identity of interests for forming a broader alliance—from India and the United Arab Emirates to Greece and Cyprus—that would combine Israeli technology with Gulf financial power.

Photo: Yossi Aloni

Baram also addressed American policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, clarifying that it should not be judged with provincial tools but rather as calculated risk management in an era of global attention shifting to the Asia theater and Taiwan. He stressed that the security partnership with Washington rests on cold interests, as a strong and independent Israel stabilizing the Middle East allows the United States to redirect resources to its core challenges. Baram revealed that a new security partnership agreement is currently being formulated that will yield strategic benefits for years to come.

Alongside this, Baram detailed emergency measures the Defense Ministry has taken to accelerate interceptor production, including addressing bottlenecks and critical procurement of raw materials, which have increased stockpiles of Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome missiles during the fighting. Concluding his remarks, Baram addressed care for the wounded and called for immediate implementation of the Mor Yosef Committee recommendations. He attacked the obstacles the Finance Ministry is placing on this issue and made clear that Israeli society will not accept harm to the rehabilitation of its heroes.

July 1, 2026
Netanyahu: “Lebanon Buffer Zone Is Now Inside Lebanon”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Wednesday) at the state memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers of the Second Lebanon War at Mount Herzl. Opening his remarks, the prime minister addressed bereaved families and expressed deep appreciation for the courage of the fallen. Netanyahu recalled the moving story of Major Roi Klein, who threw himself on a grenade during the Battle of Bint Jbeil and saved his soldiers, noting that Klein’s son recently enlisted as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade and continues his heroic father’s legacy.

Photo: Maayan Toaf, GPO

The prime minister addressed the current northern campaign, the “War of Revival,” detailing the tremendous achievements of Israeli forces against the Hezbollah terror organization. Netanyahu said that since the war began, Israeli forces have eliminated over 9,000 terrorists, including roughly 3,500 since the start of Operation “Lion’s Roar.” He emphasized that the vast majority of the enemy’s 150,000 missiles and rockets have been destroyed, the Beaufort fortress has been captured, and a wide buffer zone created: “The Gaza envelope is now inside Gaza. The Lebanon envelope is now inside Lebanon. This is a critical lesson.”

Netanyahu also addressed the recent diplomatic breakthrough with the signing of the understanding agreement with the Lebanese government, brokered by the United States. The prime minister clarified that the agreement severs the Lebanese arena from Iran and recognizes Israel’s right to maintain the buffer zone in southern Lebanon as long as needed. Closing his speech, Netanyahu read the words of Master Sergeant Keren Tendler, the first female flight mechanic, who fell in the Second Lebanon War: “God, take care of us and our country, bring peace in our heights, bestow blessing on all our land, please protect us and those who fight.”

July 1, 2026
Iran Calls for Assassination of Netanyahu and Trump

Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the 88-member body responsible for selecting and overseeing the Supreme Leader, issued an official declaration today (Wednesday) calling for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the New York Post.

Photo: Reuters

The call appeared in a 10-point document published by the Assembly. According to the senior clerics, killing “the evil prime minister of the Zionist regime” and “the criminal American president” is a religious duty that must be carried out under any circumstances. The council emphasized the action’s importance stems from the need to avenge the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The document states that anyone who gains access to the two men has a duty to “send them to hell.” Alongside the declaration, the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri displayed Trump’s face in a rifle scope on its front page, under the headline “Revenge is certain.”

Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO

The clerics also addressed ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the war. According to them, the diplomatic contacts are merely a “delay tactic” designed to give the U.S. time to plan additional rounds of attacks.

July 1, 2026
Shas Backs Muezzin Bill Amid Clash With Ben-Gvir

Against the backdrop of today’s (Wednesday) debates over a proposed Basic Law on Torah study and coalition agreements, the Shas party announced it will vote in favor of the “Muezzin Bill” sponsored by the Jewish Power faction. The move comes amid escalating political clashes between Shas and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following the defeat of his bill to ban Red Cross visits to terrorists earlier this week.

Photo: Jonathan Zindel, Flash90

The tensions peaked after the ultra-Orthodox factions voted against Ben-Gvir’s bill on Monday, as part of their decision not to vote with the coalition until the Basic Law on Torah study advances. In an official statement, Shas claimed Ben-Gvir sabotaged his own bill: “Shas regrets that Minister Ben-Gvir did not bring the Red Cross bill today as well, and thus Shas would have supported it and brought it to approval.”

Shas officials claimed Ben-Gvir insisted on bringing the bill to a vote Monday despite their request to wait until today, and attacked: “It appears Ben-Gvir was driven by a goal to tank the bill in order to score points through clashes with his right-wing bloc partners.” Meanwhile, alongside the political confrontation, the “Muezzin Bill” will come up for debate today—a measure that has drawn fierce opposition from Arab factions. If passed, the bill would impose significant restrictions on broadcasting loud announcements, limit broadcast hours, and require special permits to operate public address systems in mosques.

Photo: Jonathan Zindel, Flash90

Under the proposed law, permits would be evaluated based on criteria including noise levels, the mosque’s location, and its proximity to residential areas. The bill grants broad enforcement powers to police: an officer could demand immediate cessation of noise, and in cases of ongoing violations, police would have authority to confiscate the mosque’s public address systems.

Jewish Power said in a statement: “MK Zvika Fogel’s Muezzin Bill will come to a vote today in the Knesset plenum for first reading. According to the notice given to Minister Ben-Gvir, all coalition factions, the ultra-Orthodox parties, and even the Yisrael Beiteinu faction are expected to support the bill—and we welcome this. The law will provide significant enforcement tools to law enforcement authorities for enforcement against unreasonable noise from mosque muezzins, from which Israeli citizens have suffered for many years.”

July 1, 2026
Smotrich Jabs Netanyahu: Some Talk Unity, Others Act

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took a direct shot at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, pushing back against the premier’s recent call for a broad national unity government amid Israel’s tense security situation. Speaking at a Jerusalem conference, Smotrich said pointedly: “There are those who talk about unity—and those who act in unity.”

Photo: Jonathan Zindel, Flash90

At the conference—attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, and Construction Minister Ze’ev Elkin—Smotrich argued his coalition is already delivering unity through action. “We’re removing an existential threat from the people of Israel, investing tens of billions in the periphery, and taking care of reservists—without asking who votes for whom,” he said. Then came the jab at Netanyahu: “There are those who talk about unity—we act in unity.”

Days earlier, Netanyahu announced in a media statement his intention to form a broad government, claiming that during a sensitive security and political period, “there are forces that want to lead to a deep rift in the nation.” He added: “I intend to establish a broad national government. Enough with the boycotts.”

Photo: Screenshot

In a special interview on the show “The Patriots” on Tuesday, the Prime Minister made clear there’s no intention to dismantle the current bloc or prefer “new partners” over those who have walked with him all along.

July 1, 2026
Iran Reacts to Khamenei Threats: Obey or Be Punished

After Defense Minister Israel Katz made it clear that Israel would not hesitate to launch another campaign if necessary and even threatened the life of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Tehran was quick to respond today (Wednesday) with a blunt threat against Israel: “Obey or be punished.”

Photo: Arab Networks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed on his X account that “the terms of the memorandum of understanding are completely clear and public,” and sent a stinging jab at Israel: “Trump has committed the U.S. to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv.”

He later intensified his tone and threatened that if Israel did not listen to Washington, Iran would act itself: “If they ignore their master, Iran will school them,” adding that “any threat to our people and our leadership will receive an immediate and strong response.”

Photo: Haim Goldberg, Flash90

The Iranian response was published alongside Katz’s remarks in a press statement, where he defined Mojtaba Khamenei as “a son of death,” and clarified: “They are good merchants and are trying to squeeze concessions in negotiations. Iran cannot be allowed to produce nuclear weapons. They will reach an agreement – that’s good.”

July 1, 2026
Mike Huckabee Presents Israeli FM with One-Dollar Bill

During the ceremony for the land allocation agreement to build the permanent U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, a symbolic moment unfolded when U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee gave Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar a one-dollar bill on Wednesday—in accordance with the terms of the agreement signed between the two countries.

Photo: Boaz Oppenheim, GOP

In his remarks, Huckabee addressed the partnership between Israel and the United States, saying: “This partnership is eternal, just as the Jewish people are eternal.” He then explained the meaning of the gesture: “Mr. Minister, I know that in the agreement we are signing, it is stipulated that the lease of the land will be for a period of 99 years. And during those 99 years, with the option to extend, the payment required is just one dollar.”

Huckabee then pulled out the bill and handed it to the foreign minister. “Sir, I want to give you my personal contribution to the people of Israel. So I’m giving you that one dollar, so you know we stand by our commitment to you,” he said. The ambassador’s gesture drew attention at the ceremony and symbolically illustrated the terms of the agreement, under which the United States will lease the land for the permanent building of its embassy in Jerusalem for a symbolic payment of one dollar for 99 years, with the option to extend the lease in the future.

July 1, 2026
Defense Minister Sends Warning to Iran: “We Must Not Wait”

Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered a sharp message to Iran today (Wednesday), making clear that Israel won’t hesitate to act again if required.

“The events of October 7 illustrated one clear truth to all of us: we cannot wait until the threat knocks on our doors,” Katz said during a state memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers of the Second Lebanon War. “We have struck Iran twice with preemptive attacks, and if necessary—we will strike a third time.”

Photo: Arab networks

Katz also addressed the fighting on the northern border, emphasizing that the goal isn’t to return to the pre-war reality but to fundamentally change the security situation. “We are not fighting in Lebanon to restore the previous status quo,” he said. “We are fighting to change the reality and bring security to residents of the north.”

Photo: IDF

Katz made clear that the IDF will continue holding security zones going forward. “The IDF will not withdraw and will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza—without time limit—to protect our residents and communities from jihadist elements.”

The defense minister also addressed bereaved families. “Your loved ones did not fall in vain. Especially in these difficult days, our duty is to remember that, facing our enemies, we are one people. The fallen came from all parts of Israeli society, and all carried the same responsibility on their shoulders: to defend the State of Israel and its citizens.”

July 1, 2026
The Move That Could Change Israel’s Next War

Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezalel (Butzi) Machlis announced a dramatic move to expand Israel’s defense independence at the Herzliya Conference at Reichman University on Tuesday night. Against the backdrop of lessons from recent wars, the company is significantly ramping up ammunition production at its facilities across Israel, primarily at the Ramat Beka site in the Negev. Machlis emphasized the goal is to ensure Israel won’t depend on foreign suppliers during emergencies.

Photo: Tomer Feder

The announcement comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israel’s independence and separation from American aid on the Patriots program last night. “Yes, I want to do a 10-year gradient. We very much appreciate the aid. When I was first elected in 1996, I came to Congress and for the first time said we’re going to make a free-market revolution and as a result we’ll separate from economic aid, and everyone’s jaws dropped. Everyone said look at this prime minister—giving up aid for a headline. We can do it, because our economy will soon reach a trillion dollars, and we can finance ourselves—already next year.”

Elbit’s Moves

To meet growing development and supply demands in Israel and worldwide, the company announced it has absorbed about 2,000 new employees over the past year and plans to recruit another 2,000 workers by 2026. Machlis noted that the length of the wars and the scale of ammunition use require completely different industrial preparation, with unprecedented production rates. He said the company is proactively recruiting Jewish talent from abroad in cooperation with the Jewish Agency, alongside absorbing wounded soldiers.

Photo: Elbit Systems

Addressing new technological threats, Machlis highlighted the massive work being done in cooperation with the Defense Ministry, MAFAT (the Defense Ministry’s research and development directorate), and defense industries to develop advanced solutions against the drone threat and loitering munitions. He estimated that directed energy weapons and lasers will provide a central solution in coming years, especially against drone swarms. He added that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and robotics in defense systems is becoming more significant than ever, as part of lessons from the fighting in Ukraine.

The Elbit CEO also addressed international boycott attempts, primarily the storm surrounding Israeli companies’ participation in the Eurosatory exhibition in France. According to him, attempts to harm the company achieved the opposite result—the publicity Elbit received was greater than any marketing campaign they could have done. He shared that during the exhibition, Jewish employees from competing European defense industries approached him, expressing a strong desire to immigrate to Israel and join the local defense effort.

July 1, 2026
Terrorist Neutralized After Stabbing Attempt in Lod

An attempted attack in Lod occurred a short time ago (Wednesday) when a terrorist – an Arab resident of the city – tried to stab a police officer, and was neutralized by another police officer who was by his side. The attacker was pronounced dead at the scene, and additional police forces were called to the scene for further treatment and scans.

Photo: Shutterstock

According to the police, YSM fighters identified a suspect in the city, and when they tried to check him, he tried to escape. The forces began a chase after him, during which the terrorist tried to stab one of them with a knife. Currently, the incident is being defined by the police as an attack. An initial investigation also revealed that the terrorist is known to the police in Lod, and that he had previously served a prison sentence and was being investigated on suspicion of weapons offenses.

The police stated that “according to an initial report, a short time ago, during a police activity in the city of Lod, a police car from the Lod station identified a suspect holding a knife and called for him to stop. The suspect began running towards a team of YSM fighters operating at the scene, and allegedly tried to stab one of the fighters.”

It was also reported: “The fighter fired at the attacker and neutralized him. There were no casualties among our forces. Large forces from the Central District Police are at the scene, isolating the scene and collecting evidence. The circumstances of the incident and the background are being examined. The Central District Commander, Chief Amir Cohen, is making his way to the scene and is conducting a situation assessment.”

July 1, 2026