Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-05 at 18:01

HEADLINES1) US Strikes Iranian Radar After Drone Assault2) Hebron seven month old killed by troops3) Parade Security Reflects Rising Antisemitism and ResolveThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites after shooting down four drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said. CENTCOM confirmed the four drones were one-way attack drones and posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic. In retaliation and to deter further launches, US forces hit Iranian surveillance sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island along the Strait of Hormuz. The actions come as Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks aimed at ending the three‑month war, with Tehran seeking access to oil revenue, sanctions relief, and leverage over the strait.In Regional Impacts, three Palestinians were injured during IDF operations in the Hebron area of the West Bank after soldiers fired toward a vehicle they say accelerated toward them; the Palestinians were uninvolved civilians and were evacuated for medical treatment. The incident is under review. Separately in Hebron, Israeli troops fired on a vehicle, killing a seven-month-old baby and lightly wounding the baby's parents; the army expressed deep sorrow and said the incident would be investigated. The Palestinian Authority identified the infant as Sam Fahd Abou Haikal, and the army noted an initial inquiry found those injured were uninvolved civilians.In Uplifting News, What New York's Israel Day Parade says about the future of American Jewry - opinion examines the annual parade on Fifth Avenue, noting an unprecedented level of police security and a security-focused environment. The piece describes the event under tight protection as a reflection of rising antisemitism and the community’s resolve, with the parade theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists” highlighted against a backdrop of high-threat security measures and tactical planning by police.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-attacks-iranian-coastal-sites-after-iran-launches-drones-latest-flarehttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkgsw1zbfghttps://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-06-2026/https://t.me/DefenderDome/21235https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898508https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-troops-fire-at-vehicle-in-hebron-killing-7-month-old-baby-and-wounding-his-parents/https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898380

HEADLINESFour Iranian drones downed, radar sites struckHebron seven-month-old baby killed by IDFHaredi riots target Jerusalem police stationThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, US Central Command has confirmed that forces earlier tonight shot down a total of four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM states, “posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.” In retaliation and to deter further launches, US forces struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.In Regional Impacts, three Palestinians were injured during IDF operations in the area of Hebron in the West Bank earlier on Friday after soldiers mistook a vehicle as having accelerated toward them. The Palestinians were identified as uninvolved civilians and were evacuated for medical treatment. The IDF stated that the incident is under review and expressed sorrow for the harm caused to innocent individuals. Separately in Tel Rumeida, Hebron, Israeli troops opened fire at a vehicle, killing a seven-month-old baby and lightly wounding his parents. The army said it perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them; an initial inquiry found those injured were uninvolved civilians, and the findings will be submitted for review. The army expressed deep sorrow for harm caused to uninvolved individuals.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, The Mossad’s secret bear: How a Kurdish rebel gift became an Israeli mystery recounts that in the 1970s Israeli agents and IDF officers helped Kurdish rebels in Iraq; as a gesture of thanks, Kurdish leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani gave them a Syrian bear cub named Shamo, launching a covert journey from Kurdistan to the Tel Aviv zoo.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Is the historic alliance between American Jewry and Israel in crisis? - opinion notes that the alliance has long been a pillar of Israel’s diplomatic, security, and strategic strength, with American Jews as partners in shaping public opinion and serving as a bridge to the United States. But since recent years, and especially since the events of October 7, questions have emerged about whether that alliance remains intact amid campus demonstrations, calls for boycotts, and ongoing debates about the balance of criticism and the state’s right to exist. Trump, campaigning for Republicans in Wisconsin, vows quick end to Iran war. The president told voters in Chippewa Falls that progress in negotiations could come soon and pledged to end the Iran conflict quickly, arguing that doing so would bring relief at the pump and on fertilizer prices, as Republicans seek to hold control of Congress amid economic concerns.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Hundreds of Haredi rioters try to break into Jerusalem police station, attack cops in Beit Shemesh. Riots on Friday night, following arrests of draft dodgers and after attacks on the home of a senior judge, saw rioters attempt to approach the Jerusalem Russian Compound police station and throw projectiles in Beit Shemesh, where officers used force to disperse them. Border Police units assisted as law enforcement worked to quell the disturbances, with injuries reported among participants and bystanders as the Sabbath began and protests continued through the night.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, What New York's Israel Day Parade says about the future of American Jewry - opinion notes that New York’s Israel Day Parade carried unprecedented police security as antisemitism rises, with the theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists” framed to project resilience. The security for the May 31 parade reflected a broader concern about safety for Jewish communities amid a climate many observers describe as increasingly hostile.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/DefenderDome/21235https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898508https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-troops-fire-at-vehicle-in-hebron-killing-7-month-old-baby-and-wounding-his-parents/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/palestinian-baby-killed-israeli-gunfire-occupied-west-bank-health-ministry-sayshttps://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/h1tqlrl11flhttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898174https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/trump-campaigning-republicans-wisconsin-vows-quick-end-iran-warhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-haredi-rioters-try-to-break-into-jerusalem-police-station-attack-cops-in-beit-shemesh/https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898380

HEADLINESArea 51 Sighting Fuels F-47 FrenzyTel Rumeida Baby Killed by GunfireDraft Arrests Spur Ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem ProtestsThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, video footage posted recently by the YouTube channel Project Fear, filmed near Area 51 at the Nevada Test and Training Range, appears to have captured a new sixth-generation fighter aircraft, possibly the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance, known more commonly as the Boeing F-47. The account attributes the sighting to footage circulated by Project Fear.In Regional Impacts, three Palestinians were injured during IDF operations in the Hebron area of the West Bank after soldiers said a vehicle accelerated toward them; the three Palestinians inside the car were identified as uninvolved civilians and were evacuated for medical treatment, and the IDF said the incident is under review and expressed sorrow for the harm caused to innocent individuals. In Tel Rumeida, a seven-month-old Palestinian baby, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was killed and his parents were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the area south of Hebron, according to the Palestinian health ministry; the grandmother described the family stopping near Checkpoint 17 after seeing Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the distance, shots were fired toward them, and the infant was killed at the scene while the mother was hospitalized and the father was in moderate condition. The Israeli military said that during operational activity in the Hebron area, soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them and fired; an initial military inquiry was reported to be underway. Explosions and air defense activity were reported within the last hour from Iran’s Kharg Island in the Northern Persian Gulf.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the opinion piece asks whether the historic alliance between American Jewry and Israel is in crisis, noting that for decades the relationship has been a pillar of Israel’s diplomatic, security, and strategic strength, with American Jews serving as significant supporters and advocates; the article argues that the question now is whether both sides still see themselves as part of the same historical story, given rising campus debates, antisemitic attitudes, and calls for boycott amid disagreements. In a separate report, President Donald Trump, campaigning in Wisconsin, vowed to end the Iran war quickly and to reduce high prices, saying progress in negotiations could come soon and urging voters to energize for midterm elections as he framed a swift resolution to the conflict and its economic impacts.In Israeli Domestic Politics, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters rioted in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh during demonstrations Friday night against the arrest of draft dodgers, with rioters repeatedly trying to approach the Russian Compound police station in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh police reporting stone-throwing and force used to disperse crowds; law enforcement, including Border Police, remained deployed late into the night as officers worked to restore order, with reports of injuries including a secular Israeli being injured. In a separate incident, a secular man passing by the protest outside the Lev HaBira Police Station in Jerusalem was pushed to the ground and suffered a head wound as rioters demonstrated over arrests tied to the earlier unrest surrounding Justice Noam Sohlberg’s home, with dozens of rioters arrested in connection to the events.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, What New York's Israel Day Parade says about the future of American Jewry – opinion discusses how New York’s Israel Day Parade, long a showcase of Jewish pride, has become a highly secured event on Fifth Avenue, reflecting a rise in antisemitism and the need for heightened security; the piece notes the parade's theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists” as a statement of resilience amid broader tensions, while observing that the security posture for the event has grown into a high-threat, tactical effort.In Uplifting News, Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee. Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/DefenderDome/21231https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898508https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/palestinian-baby-killed-israeli-gunfire-occupied-west-bank-health-ministry-sayshttps://t.me/DefenderDome/21234https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898174https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/trump-campaigning-republicans-wisconsin-vows-quick-end-iran-warhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-haredi-rioters-try-to-break-into-jerusalem-police-station-attack-cops-in-beit-shemesh/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898506https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898380https://t.me/hnaftali/23307

HEADLINESPossible F-47 sixth-gen fighter spottedIDF Hebron operation injures uninvolved civiliansIran seeks $24B, warns of wider warThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, video footage posted recently by the YouTube channel Project Fear, filmed near Area 51 at the Nevada Test and Training Range, appears to have captured a new sixth-generation fighter aircraft, possibly the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance, known more commonly as the Boeing F-47.In Regional Impacts, three Palestinians were injured during IDF operations in the Hebron area of the West Bank after soldiers mistook a vehicle for accelerating toward them; the Palestinians were identified as uninvolved civilians and were evacuated for medical treatment, and the IDF said the incident is under review and expressed sorrow for harm to innocent individuals. Explosions and air defense activity were reported within the last hour from Iran’s Kharg Island in the Northern Persian Gulf. An opinion piece discusses the cost of leaving the Palestinian issue unresolved after October 7, arguing there are two ways to view the attacks: one that mollifying the Palestinians may be unlikely and another that the Palestinian issue cannot be ignored, noting broad Palestinian support in some quarters. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid appeared on Lebanon’s LBCI TV to discuss his interview with a senior Lebanese official, saying the discussion could help Israelis and Lebanese understand each other better and that such exchanges could reduce demonization, though Lebanon still enforces a law criminalizing interactions with Israel.In US Policy Concerning Israel, an opinion asks whether the historic alliance between American Jewry and Israel is in crisis, noting that while the alliance has been a pillar of support, recent years have seen disruptions on campuses and shifts in public opinion after October 7. Reports say the US-Iran negotiations are approaching a critical stage as Tehran demands billions and warns of a wider war, with references to discussions by Witkoff and Kushner on an implementation plan as the US denies Iran fired warning shots near Navy ships. Iran’s negotiations stance is echoed by a CNN report in which a senior Iranian official describes an impasse and calls for the release of $24 billion in frozen assets, warning that failure to resolve the matter could widen conflict and that Iran could respond beyond the Persian Gulf, potentially signaling broader military options.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a secular man was attacked by a group of haredi protesters outside a Jerusalem police station after rioters were arrested at the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg; the man was pushed to the ground and suffered a head wound. A separate note from Netzah Yehuda, a group that works with ultra-Orthodox soldiers, says arrests of yeshiva students threaten enlistment and calls for focusing draft efforts on those not enrolled in a yeshiva rather than penalizing those committed to Torah study, arguing that arrests could deter young haredi men considering military service.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, What New York’s Israel Day Parade says about the future of American Jewry examines heightened security along Fifth Avenue, with the parade theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists” reflecting resilience amid rising antisemitism and a shift toward policing the event as a high-threat operation.In Uplifting News, Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/DefenderDome/21231https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898508https://t.me/DefenderDome/21234https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898119https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/first-israeli-journalist-appears-lebanons-lbci-tv-what-knowhttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898174https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byih4ngzfghttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898504https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898506https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898503https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898380https://t.me/hnaftali/23307

HEADLINESIran Demands Billions, Threatens Wider WarNorthern Israel Sees Red Alert SirensArrests of Yeshiva Students Spark OutcryThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US-Iran deal nears as Tehran demands billions and warns of wider war, Witkoff and Kushner consult nuclear experts on implementation plan as US denies Iranian claim it fired warning shots near Navy ships.In Regional Impacts, Red alert sirens sound in Northern Israel.In US Policy Concerning Israel, negotiations between the United States and Iran are deadlocked, Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei told CNN, with the ball in Trump’s court to break the impasse. A senior Iranian official said the talks hinge on releasing $24 billion in frozen assets, with about $12 billion released on signing and the remainder later, a demand Rezaei framed as a test for President Trump. He warned that if hostilities resume, the Islamic Republic would expand the war beyond the Persian Gulf and that the regime is prepared for a possible ground invasion, adding that the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a secular man was attacked by a group of haredi protesters outside the Lev HaBira Police Station in Jerusalem, suffering a head wound as rioters arrested over the investigation into attacks on the home of Justice Noam Sohlberg reportedly attempted to breach the main entrance, with police dispersing the crowd; in Beit Shemesh, rioters were seen throwing stones at police, and more than 60 extremist haredi rioters were arrested earlier this week after property damage to Sohlberg’s home. Separately, Netzah Yehuda Organization CEO Yossi Levi urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the recent wave of arrests of haredi yeshiva students, arguing that focus should be on those not enrolled in a yeshiva and warning that arrests could discourage youth from enlisting, including those who might join combat service.In Uplifting News, Trump claims unnamed drug can bring people back from death, boasting success of Right To Try Act, saying a case where someone given the last rites recovered after taking the drug demonstrates its potential; he linked the claim to the Right to Try Act, which allows terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments not fully approved by the FDA, and noted that TrumpRx.gov, launched in February, now lists over 750 medications as of May 2026. Gal Gadot fans will be glad to hear that her latest film In the Hand of Dante will begin streaming on Netflix on June 24, directed by Julian Schnabel and featuring a cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese, and Gerard Butler; with the World Cup opening soon, Israeli viewers can watch selected matches live on KAN 11 and the Sports Channel. What is jazz? Jerusalem festival proves there’s no single answer as the Jerusalem Jazz Festival (June 9-11 at the Israel Museum) showcases a range from traditional jazz trios to global sounds and fusion acts, underscoring the genre’s freedom to absorb diverse influences.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/omg/article-898276https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898429https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898301https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898506https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898503https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byih4ngzfghttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898504https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8252

HEADLINESNorthern Israel under red alert amid clashesIran seeks 24B assets as talks stallExplosions echo in Kurdistan near Iran borderThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Red alert sirens sound in Northern Israel.In Iranian Retaliation, negotiations between the United States and Iran are at a deadlock, Mohsen Rezaei told CNN. He said Trump must break the deadlock and framed the demand for $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets as a test for the president. He warned that if hostilities resume, Iran would expand the war beyond the Persian Gulf by attacking other American bases, and he said the regime is prepared for a possible ground invasion; the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities.In Regional Impacts, initial reports of explosions heard over the Kurdistan Region of Northeastern Iraq, near the border with Iran. A wedding in Gaza this week is cited in discussions about genocide and starvation in Gaza.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump claimed that an unnamed drug could bring people back from the dead during a maternal healthcare event, praising the Right To Try Act. He noted that some drugs work, some don't, and described the process as the ultimate test. He highlighted the TrumpRx.gov site, unveiled in February to offer discounted prescription medicines, and said that as of May 2026, the site lists over 750 medications.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a secular man passing the Lev HaBira Police Station was pushed to the ground and suffered a head wound as haredi protesters demonstrated in Jerusalem over the arrest of rioters who targeted the home of Justice Noam Sohlberg. Police were trying to repel the crowd; separate protests also took place in Beit Shemesh where rioters threw stones at police. Earlier this week, over 60 extremist haredi rioters were arrested for damage to Sohlberg's home, including smashing windows and damaging his car; eight rioters were arrested Monday after breaking into a Beit Shemesh police station. Separately, Netzah Yehuda Organization CEO Yossi Levi called on Netanyahu to end arrests of yeshiva students, saying that focusing on those not enrolled in a yeshiva would better support recruitment for military service and unity.In Uplifting News, What to watch in Israel this week: Gal Gadot, 'Hooligans' is bold, ‘American Classic’ charms. Gal Gadot’s In the Hand of Dante will begin streaming on Netflix June 24, directed by Julian Schnabel, and featuring an ensemble cast including Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese, and Gerard Butler. Israeli viewers can also watch World Cup matches live on KAN 11 and the Sports Channel. What is jazz? Jerusalem festival proves there’s no single answer. The Jerusalem Jazz Festival runs June 9-11 at the Israel Museum and showcases a wide range of jazz styles, tracing the art form from ragtime through Louis Armstrong to Benny Goodman, highlighting the free, evolving nature of jazz.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/omg/article-898276https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898429https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898301https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898506https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898503https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898504https://t.me/DefenderDome/21228https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8252https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77279

HEADLINES- Lebanon rejects Iran's grip, claims independence- Trump: US succeeds with Iran, no nukes- Haredi groups press Netanyahu to end arrestsThe time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun used a CNN interview to push back on Hezbollah and Iran, telling Christiane Amanpour that Lebanese people are not Hezbollah’s people and are fed up with a war that he called futile. He said Iran is using Lebanon for its own interests and that the regime is not trying to help Lebanon; the people are paying the price. Aoun also condemned IRGC statements tying Lebanon to a potential US-Iran ceasefire, calling that usage unacceptable and declaring, "It's not your country, it's our country." Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concurred, arguing that the Iranian regime is bringing destruction and ruin to Lebanon and noting Iran’s rejection of the recent ceasefire framework.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said that the United States is having great success with Iran and that Iran is not in a position to have a nuclear weapon.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Haredi military aid organization urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the wave of arrests of young Haredi yeshiva students, warning that arrests threaten Haredi enlistment and unity. Netzah Yehuda Organization chief Yossi Levi wrote to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz that recruitment should focus on Haredim not enrolled in yeshivas, and that arrests or threats do not bring a solution and may push potential enlistees away, including those interested in combat service. Separately, dozens of Haredi protesters tried to break into a Jerusalem police station over arrests of demonstrators outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Montreal police said a man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to commit an arson attack on Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount, with minor damage and no injuries. The temple had been vandalized last year with antisemitic graffiti. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow urged proactive steps to fight antisemitism, stressing that while criticism of Israel can be legitimate, attacks or libel against the Jewish state and its supporters contribute to violence, and called on politicians and law enforcement to respond with courage and resolve.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898499https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77276https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898503https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1jbg9gbgxhttps://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898505

HEADLINESIsrael covert ops in Azerbaijan ignite IranIran strikes Al Udeid, vows wider warLebanon pleads for diplomacy, Hezbollah disarmamentThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel deployed commandos, intelligence personnel, and Mossad operatives to Azerbaijan to support operations against Iran during the broader campaign, operating from the south near the Iranian border, about 60 kilometers from Tabriz. The force included several dozen soldiers from Israeli special forces and the elite heliborne combat and rescue force, along with Mossad operatives. Their tasks encompassed intelligence gathering and drone operations, initially planned as rescue-ready deployments in case of emergencies inside Iran, but later expanding to include military and intelligence duties. Azerbaijan hosted covert bases as part of this effort. Iran retaliated by striking the US Air Force’s Combined Air Operations Centre at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with ballistic missiles, severely damaging the facility that has run America’s air campaigns in the Middle East for more than two decades; no personnel were injured since the facility was not in use at the time, and the US continues directing the air campaign from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Separately, Iran said it fired warning missiles and drones at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the US Navy of harassing maritime traffic; CENTCOM denied the claim, saying it did not attack or fire on US Navy vessels and that US forces continue to operate freely while enforcing the ongoing blockade. The US also said it intercepted the stateless vessel M/T DAVINA in the Indian Ocean as part of maritime enforcement. A senior Iranian official, Mohsen Rezaee, told CNN that if the war continues and the naval blockade remains, Iran will expand hostilities to the Indian Ocean, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, attacking additional American bases and promising heavier losses for the United States. In a separate development, Captain Eitan Shmuel Lamberg, a 21-year-old tank officer of the 75th Battalion, was killed in combat in Southern Lebanon by an anti-tank missile. There is also a clearly stated push for more significant Israeli military actions against Hezbollah.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told CNN that Lebanon’s people are not Hezbollah’s people and that they deserve an opportunity for diplomacy rather than perpetual war. He described the war as futile and said negotiations could benefit both Lebanon and Israel. Aoun also criticized Iran for using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its own negotiations and asserted that decisions about Lebanon’s sovereignty and security must rest with the Lebanese state. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam supported calls to disarm Hezbollah and withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps opposed the ceasefire framework, complicating regional tensions. Aoun’s remarks reflect a broader push from Lebanese leadership to reduce external interference and emphasize Lebanon’s sovereignty amid ongoing regional conflict.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said the US is having great success with Iran and that Iran is not in a position to have a nuclear weapon. A CNN report noted that any potential peace deal between the United States and Iran hinges on the Trump administration releasing about $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, with warnings that resuming fighting could push Washington into a “dark corridor.” Separately, Mohsen Rezaee urged CNN that Trump must act independently of Israel, lift the blockade by releasing Iran’s assets, and suggested that such steps could open a new horizon for cooperation between Iran and the United States.In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece examines how Israelis should prepare for the 2026 elections, suggesting multiple scenarios in which elections could occur without a coalition forming, potentially keeping the country in election mode for an extended period. The author reflects on Israeli democracy, noting contrasts with other political landscapes and the enduring importance of turnout and coalition-building in the country’s political culture.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898477https://t.me/DefenderDome/21223https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898491https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77275https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898499https://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanese-president-says-iran-using-his-country-as-bargaining-chip-in-talks-with-us/https://t.me/ILtoday/19230https://t.me/ILtoday/19229https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77273https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77276https://t.me/JewishNews24/55354https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77274https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898282

HEADLINESIsrael deploys commandos to Azerbaijan near IranIran fires warning missiles near US shipsAoun backs negotiations to end Lebanon warThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel deployed commandos, intelligence personnel, and Mossad operatives to Azerbaijan to support operations against Iran during what CNN described as Operation Roaring Lion. The forces operated from the south of Azerbaijan, near the northwest border with Iran, with their closest point about 60 kilometers from the Iranian city of Tabriz, which had been struck by the Israeli Air Force during the operation. The units included several dozen soldiers from Israeli special forces and the elite heliborne combat and rescue force, along with Mossad operatives, conducting intelligence-gathering and drone operations. They were initially deployed as potential rescue teams in case of emergency inside Iranian territory, but their mission reportedly expanded to include military and intelligence-gathering roles, with covert bases linked to Azerbaijan.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s navy said it fired warning missiles and drones at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the US Navy of harassing maritime traffic and seizing commercial vessels and oil tankers. United States Central Command denied the reports, saying Iran did not attack or fire at US Navy warships and that US forces continue to operate in regional waters while enforcing the ongoing blockade against Iran. Earlier, US Indo-Pacific Command said US forces had intercepted the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Davina in the Indian Ocean overnight, and it pledged to continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran. The exchange comes as tensions rise over maritime security around Iran, with Washington enforcing sanctions on Iranian oil shipments and Tehran warning of shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, following a US strike on Iranian targets in Goru earlier in the week.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told CNN that Hezbollah and Iran are pressing Lebanon and that the Lebanese people are “fed up” with the war with Israel. He pressed that negotiations offer a huge opportunity for both countries and emphasized that Lebanon is not Iran’s to use as a bargaining chip. Aoun criticized Iran’s use of Lebanon to advance its own interests and disputed statements from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps linking Lebanon to a potential US-Iran ceasefire, calling that approach unacceptable. He warned that only negotiations, not continued confrontation, can bring safety and security to the region and posed a direct question to Israelis about whether perpetual war is truly what they want.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a prominent opinion piece argued that Trump’s mixed messages cannot obscure his record on confronting Iran, noting that his fluctuating rhetoric—ranging from calls to bomb Iran’s sites to remarks about meeting with Iranian leaders and easing sanctions—complicates regional security and reveals a non-dogmatic approach that can be both refreshing and potentially dangerous. Separately, the Treasury's sanctions crackdown targeted a network moving hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-origin liquefied petroleum gas to end users in South and East Asia, using UAE and China fronts, foreign bank accounts, and Iran’s shadow fleet to disguise the shipments as Omani to evade sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would continue to sever Iran’s shadow fleet and banking networks. The sanctions come as President Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal, saying Iran appears ready to reach an agreement but suggesting any written arrangement should achieve the same goals without unnecessary harm.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a longtime observer outlines ten scenarios Israelis should prepare for in 2026, noting that the country’s multi-party system and history of shifting coalitions can lead to repeated elections and the possibility of remaining in election mode for an extended period. Separately, Ireland reported that hardline right-wing figures Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich were banned from traveling to Ireland, a development Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said reflected concerns about their rhetoric and actions, including a controversial incident with detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla. Ireland’s justice authorities were cited as having instructed officials to prohibit travel, a stance that drew comments about potential EU-level sanctions and the broader diplomatic strain.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898477https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898491https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898499https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898374https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-sanctions-network-smuggling-iranian-lpg-talks-falterhttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-sanctions-network-smuggling-iranian-lpg-talks-falterhttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-sanctions-network-smuggling-iranian-lpg-talks-falterhttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-sanctions-network-smuggling-iranian-lpg-talks-falterhttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898282https://www.jpost.com/international/article-898493

HEADLINES- Israel dispatches commandos to Azerbaijan near Iran- Iran fires warning missiles at US vessels- Hezbollah attacks Israeli forces; Aoun criticizes IranThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel deployed commandos and intelligence units to Azerbaijan to facilitate operations against Iran during the operation, according to CNN citing four sources familiar with the matter. The forces operated from the south of Azerbaijan near Iran, with at their closest about 60 kilometers from the Iranian city of Tabriz, which had been struck during the operation. The units included several dozen personnel from Israeli special forces, the elite heliborne combat and rescue force, and Mossad operatives, and they carried out intelligence gathering and drone operations. They were initially deployed as potential rescue teams in case of emergency inside Iranian territory, but their role expanded to include military and intelligence-gathering tasks, with locations in Azerbaijan among covert sites and bases.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s navy said it fired warning missiles and drones at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the US Navy of harassing maritime traffic and seizing commercial vessels and oil tankers, Iranian state media reported. United States Central Command denied the reports, saying US forces did not attack or fire on US Navy warships and that operations continue in regional waters while enforcing the ongoing blockade against Iran. Earlier, US Indo-Pacific Command said US forces had intercepted the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T DAVINA in the Indian Ocean overnight and pledged to continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran. The exchange comes amid heightened tensions over maritime security around Iran as Washington enforces sanctions on Iranian oil shipments and Tehran has repeatedly threatened shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz; on Monday, the US struck Iranian targets in Goru.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 24 attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon since midnight, with two of those attacks conducted by explosive drones, accounting for less than 10 percent of the total; as of now, red alerts have not been activated in northern communities today. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told CNN that Iran is using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States, saying the Lebanese people are paying the price for Iran’s interests and are fed up with the war between Israel and Hezbollah. He has long pressed for the peaceful disarmament of Hezbollah. In a CNN interview excerpt, Aoun described his message to the IRGC and Iran, underscoring his stance amid the wider tensions in the region.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump’s mixed messages cannot obscure his record on confronting Iran, an opinion piece argues that while Israel may bristle at Trump’s rhetoric, his determination to weaken Iran continues to shape regional security. A separate comment questions the dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu, suggesting that their interplay complicates the path to clear policy and outcomes in the conflict. Meanwhile, 85 House Democrats signed a letter urging President Trump’s administration to back up anti-annexation rhetoric with action against the E1 settlements in the West Bank, arguing that construction there would sever Palestinian contiguity and amount to annexation; the letter notes that Trump previously said he would not allow annexation and was organized by Reps. Mark Pocan and Jan Schakowsky.In Israeli Domestic Politics, hardline right-wing lawmakers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich were reported banned from travel to Ireland, with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin saying the Justice Ministry instructed officials to prohibit their entry. Martin described their behavior as reflecting a desire to see the elimination of Palestinians and suggested the move could invite EU sanctions, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the actions unacceptable and criticized the implications for Israel’s diplomatic stance.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 code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898477https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898491https://t.me/abualiexpress/123819https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/iran-using-lebanon-bargaining-chip-us-talks-lebanese-president-sayshttps://t.me/JewishNews24/55348https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898374https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898375https://www.timesofisrael.com/85-house-dems-urge-trump-to-back-up-anti-annexation-rhetoric-with-action-against-e1-settlements/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-898493