Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-18 at 15:02

HEADLINESKhamenei approves Iran-Israel MOU, watches effectsHamas no longer controls Gaza; ISF deploysTrump says Iran deal outshines 2015 JCPOAThe 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, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on X that he eventually approved the memorandum of understanding based only on promises from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the negotiating team. He noted he had a different view, but out of the commitment given by the president and other members regarding safeguarding the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, he granted his permission. He argued that it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about. The Iranian leader then said that Iran would wait to see the deal’s effects, but that in-person negotiations did not constitute acceptance of the American position. This is a developing story.In US Military Role, Israel was stunned by Vance’s sharp criticism but avoided a response to prevent a deeper rift with Trump; Ben-Gvir and Zohar publicly replied while an official said Netanyahu brought Trump “the headache.”In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas doesn’t call the shots in Gaza anymore, a source familiar with the diplomatic efforts told The Jerusalem Post, and it controls less of Gaza than it did in the past. The Board of Peace, created after the US-backed Gaza ceasefire deal, said Hamas will not have veto power over the next steps as it pursues progress on security and the economy and as plans for Gaza advance. A Kosovo ambassador to Israel, Ines Demiri, visited the Life Support Area Endurance on the Gazan border, which the Board said would serve as a vital waypoint for the International Stabilization Force to refit while supporting restoration and humanitarian efforts; the ISF is expected to deploy to Gaza. Separately, Israel is pursuing a response to Hezbollah’s explosive drones, with the Israel Aerospace Industries chief stating that a solution should emerge in weeks. He outlined a multi-stage approach—detection, identification, and destruction—with several ideas already implemented, including methods to destroy attacking drones using kinetic and electronic means. He also criticized France for barring Israel from the Eurosatory weapons exhibition, noting that embargoes have a long history and that Israeli capabilities remain products of its technological development.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump has insisted that the deal he reached with Iran is superior to the 2015 agreement sealed by his predecessor, while critics say he has gained less and given up more to Tehran. The memorandum of understanding is a one-and-a-half-page, fourteen-point framework negotiated over several weeks and launched a sixty-day negotiation period to seek a full settlement of the nearly four-month war, with many hurdles still to overcome on issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Obama’s pact, by contrast, was a finished, detailed document titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that extended to more than 160 pages and was built through negotiations involving China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the European Union. Trump’s approach has been bilateral, between the United States and Iran, whereas Obama’s agreement involved multiple countries. A related development shows the Iranian president publishing the memorandum document signed by the United States, Iran and Pakistan in a publicly circulated photo.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Naftali Bennett presented his vision for Israel’s future, calling for the establishment of a constitution “in the spirit of the United States Declaration of Independence” and outlining plans for his government if elected. Leading the Together Party, he said one of his first priorities would be establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas massacre, to provide answers and prevent a recurrence, while addressing concerns on cost of living, education, crime, housing, international standing, and security. The High Court of Justice Ordered the state to explain why it should be allowed to continue holding Gaza detainees for weeks before bringing them before a judge under wartime amendments. The court gave the state until July 19 to respond, a dispute centered on the Incarceration of Unlawful Combatants Law of 2002 and the wartime amendments passed after October 7; rights organizations argue the framework allows prolonged detention without sufficient oversight. Separately, Jerusalem’s light rail service was partially suspended between the central bus station and Mount Herzl station as ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated near Prison 10, with an additional protest in the area and attendance by Shas lawmakers Michael Malkieli and Yonatan Mishraki.In Major AI models reproduce centuries-old antisemitic stereotypes, Israeli study finds, researchers Michael Gilead and Gal Gutman report that leading artificial intelligence systems consistently reproduce long-standing antisemitic tropes. In their study, entitled From Myth to Model: Representation of “The Jew” in Generative AI, the team used a method that forms chains of associations to reveal implicit biases. They focused on ChatGPT-4 Turbo and instructed it to compile a list of Jewish and non-Jewish American names, ages 18 to 80, then instructed the model to write short biographies for each name. The exercise produced 252 bios and highlighted how historical stereotypes can surface in contemporary AI outputs.In NYC - FOOTAGE, MASSIVE crowds as Knicks fans swarm into lower Manhattan ahead of today's Parade of Champions.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/iran-news/article-899886https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkzqvtbfgxhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899888https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-899862https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899891https://t.me/JewishNews24/55957https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899883https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899877https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899880https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899889https://t.me/JewishNews24/55955

HEADLINESIsrael to counter Hezbollah drones within weeksUS sanctions Frangieh, Qomati and Hezbollah firmsBennett pushes constitution and Oct 7 inquiryThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, a flood of memes on social media has emerged in the wake of the drone attack on Moscow's refineries.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel Aerospace Industries chief Boaz Levy said Israel expects to find a solution to Hezbollah’s explosive drones in a matter of weeks, not months, with the response organized in stages of detection, identification, and destruction. He noted several ideas have already been implemented, some of which work, including methods to destroy attacking drones using kinetic and electronic means, and he said the effort is led by MAFAT in the Defense Ministry. Levy also criticized France for barring Israel from the Eurosatory weapons exhibition, arguing that embargoes have accompanied Israel since the 1960s and recalling how past restrictions helped spur the development of Israel’s aerospace capabilities. Separately, the US Treasury announced sanctions on former Lebanese MP Suleiman Frangieh and on Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s Political Council, along with five companies tied to Hezbollah-linked financial and commercial networks: Al Ahed Trading and Investment in Syria, HEAL Administrative Services in Iraq, Globe International SPC in Oman, Globe Technology Providers in Lebanon, and TYKE SAL in Lebanon.In US Policy Concerning Israel, former president Donald Trump said he would most likely endorse Netanyahu in the next Israeli election but wants to see who else is running, telling KAN News that he likes Bibi but needs to assess other candidates and that he has a good relationship with Netanyahu while urging him to be more rational. The remarks followed recent criticisms of Netanyahu over Lebanon, including a “little dispute” Trump described. Separately, US Vice President JD Vance said the United States would not remove sanctions on Iran if Tehran were still funding a terrorist organization.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Naftali Bennett outlined his vision for Israel’s future, advocating a constitution “in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence” and detailing priorities to address cost of living, education, crime, housing costs, international standing, and security, while proposing the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 Hamas massacre. In a separate development, the High Court of Justice ordered the state to justify why it can hold Gaza detainees for weeks before bringing them before a judge under wartime amendments, giving the state until July 19 to respond and citing the Incarceration of Unlawful Combatants Law. Another report noted that Jerusalem’s light rail service between the central bus station and Mount Herzl was partially suspended as ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated near Prison 10 over a draft-dodging arrest. In related political news, Yoaz Hendel said the Reservists Party is in sensitive talks about a merger and could join an alliance ahead of elections, with discussions potentially linking to Blue and White or Chili Tropper; the party currently does not pass the electoral threshold on its own, and a merger would affect the value of votes cast for it.In Uplifting News, massive crowds filled lower Manhattan ahead of today’s Parade of Champions as Knicks fans gathered to celebrate.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/abualiexpress/124896https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-899862https://t.me/selena_updates/65891https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899871https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899883https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899877https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899880https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899873https://t.me/JewishNews24/55955

HEADLINESKhamenei breaks silence on US deal approvalCENTCOM lifts Hormuz blockade, reshapes postureTrump eyes Netanyahu endorsement after reviewThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Mojtaba Khamenei breaks silence on US deal: ‘I had a different view, but approved it’, Iran’s supreme leader issued his first statement after signing the memorandum of understanding, again in writing rather than on camera, saying Trump pursued the deal ‘out of weakness and need’.In US Military Role, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announces the complete lifting of the naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the blockade has been completely lifted, marking a change in the maritime posture near the Strait of Hormuz.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump: I’ll likely support Netanyahu in next election, but I need to see who is running. President Donald Trump said he is most likely to endorse Netanyahu in the next election but wants to review who else is running, noting he has a good relationship with the prime minister but that he wants him to be more rational and to be open to meeting. He also referenced a recent dispute over Lebanon and stressed the need for careful assessment of candidates.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vance: Israel should not attack its only powerful ally left, must abide by peace in Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli critics of the MoU, warning that if Iran doesn’t change its behavior it won’t receive the benefits of the agreement, while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself in relation to the Lebanon ceasefire and urging adherence to the peace process that benefits the region.In US Policy Concerning Israel, 'Can’t kill your way out of every problem': JD Vance spars with Ben-Gvir, Smotrich over Iran deal. In remarks to the New York Times, Vance defended Washington’s Iran deal, pressed Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for concrete proposals, and argued that a country of nine million cannot solve security challenges by force alone, noting that Netanyahu has not scrutinized the deal as closely as the Israeli ministers.In US Policy Concerning Israel, טראמפ: אין תשלום של 300 מיליארד דולר לאיראן מארה״ב. זה פייק ניוז! כל מה שיש לארה״ב זה הצלחה, מחירי נפט נמוכים יותר וניצחון. תבדקו את שוק המניות. תעמולה דמוקרטית במשחק. Trump: There is no payment of $300 billion to Iran from the US that is real; this is fake news, he said, adding that the United States has achieved success, oil prices are lower, and victory, and urged people to check the stock market amid what he called Democratic propaganda.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Mark Levin responds to JD Vance. Mark Levin responded to JD Vance in reaction to his remarks on the Iran deal.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Health Ministry failed to test baby food after toddlers hospitalized in May, police say - report. Police opened an investigation into tainted Prinok baby food in May, and the Health Ministry did not request the product be tested at the time, despite concerns raised after two toddlers were hospitalized. The jar was later tested and found to contain sedatives, with investigators noting the jar was kept as evidence and that testing had not been ordered by the Health Ministry during the initial investigation.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Pro-Iran narratives target Azerbaijan’s Jewish war hero amid Israel-Baku disinformation row. Azerbaijani-language social media posts circulated recently questioning Albert Agarunov, a Jewish National Hero of Azerbaijan, and alleging Azerbaijan is used for Israeli operations against Iran. The posts described Agarunov’s story as a forgery and appeared alongside hashtags linked to pro-Iranian networks, referencing Iran, Tabriz, Islam and “Resistance.”In Uplifting News, Van Jones: Humanity has ‘special responsibility’ to defend Jews as he joins Genesis Prize board. The CNN commentator said humanity has a special responsibility to defend the Jewish people, framing Israel as home to about half of the world’s Jews and stressing the need to safeguard their future. An accompanying caption notes an American refueler evacuating from Ben Gurion Airport, described as gone too soon.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.ynetnews.com/article/r1ww0i11fglhttps://t.me/selena_updates/65886https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899871https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899872https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899868https://t.me/newssil/204602https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77954https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899864https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899869https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899865https://t.me/selena_updates/65883

HEADLINES- Netanyahu rejects pullout from Lebanon strip- Trump poised to back Netanyahu, awaits challengers- Prinok baby food tainted with sedativesThe time is now 1:01 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, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF will not withdraw from the security strip in southern Lebanon, arguing that restoring security to Israel’s north requires keeping forces in place for as long as security needs require it. He spoke during a ceremony marking the re-inauguration of Route 60 in the north, asserting that the ceasefire does not equate to a full pullout from the security zone, which runs about 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory. The stance comes as tensions rise between Jerusalem and Washington over a US-Iran agreement that envisions an end to hostilities in Lebanon and a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The Israeli military has described the zone as essential for operational purposes, and no timetable for withdrawal or clear conditions were provided.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said he will most likely endorse Benjamin Netanyahu in the next election but wants to see who is running first, noting he has a good relationship with Netanyahu and would be willing to meet him, provided the field is known and Netanyahu is “a little more rational.” He also referenced a “little dispute” over Lebanon and urged a softer approach rather than turning large targets into confrontations. US Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli critics of the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding, saying Israel must respect the peace process and that Washington’s framework remains important even as he pushed back on the premise that the United States is not aligned with Israeli security needs. Vance also defended the deal with Iran, challenging opponents to offer a concrete alternative proposal and highlighting that remaining aligned with Washington’s approach is essential, while cautioning that Beirut civilian deaths are not acceptable and stressing that final talks will decide next steps. A separate analysis described the US–Israel dynamic as a loyalty test at a time when Trump’s posture toward Israel blends public support with public admonitions, including claims from Trump that with the United States’s backing, Israel’s achievements would be more secure. In a related note, Vance reiterated that Israel must respect the Iran deal and that civilian harm in Beirut cannot be overlooked as the 60-day window with Iran proceeds toward whatever follows.In Israeli Domestic Politics, police say the Health Ministry failed to request testing on tainted Prinok baby food in May, leading to a delayed investigation after toddlers were hospitalized. The case began when an anxious mother brought a jar of the fruit puree to hospital and asked for testing, but authorities did not test the product at that time. The Health Ministry reportedly did not require the police to test the jar, and the jar was kept as evidence by the police during an ongoing inquiry. The investigation expanded after additional children were hospitalized, and this week the jar was tested and found to be laced with sedatives, prompting further scrutiny of the handling and safety protocols surrounding the product and the ministry’s role in coordinating with investigators.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Azerbaijani-language social media posts have circulated questioning Albert Agarunov, a Jewish national hero of Azerbaijan, amid renewed Iranian and pro-Iranian claims that Azerbaijan is being used as a platform for Israeli operations against Iran. The posts describe Agarunov’s story as a forgery and include phrases such as the “Agarunov lie” alongside hashtags linked to Iran and Resistance networks. Some messages appear to come from accounts presenting themselves as opposition voices while adopting pro-Iranian rhetoric. Agarunov, a Mountain Jew from Baku who served as a tank commander in the First Karabakh War and was killed in 1992, is honored as a National Hero of Azerbaijan and is buried in Baku’s Alley of Martyrs beneath both Azerbaijani and Israeli flags. The spread of such narratives sits against a backdrop of tensions over Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel and broader regional narratives about Iran’s influence.In Uplifting News, Van Jones told Genesis Prize listeners that humanity bears a special responsibility to defend Jews, arguing that the Jewish people remain one of the world’s smallest and most vulnerable minority groups. He noted that roughly half of the world’s Jews live in Israel and emphasized that when this community comes under attack, the world has a duty to respond. Jones spoke as he joined the Genesis Prize Foundation’s advisory board, framing Israel’s security and existence within a wider historical context and urging continued vigilance against anti-Jewish sentiment.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-899856https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899871https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899872https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899868https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899860https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syfkuqzgmghttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899864https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899869https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899865

HEADLINESIran 60-day window begins today says VanceIsrael keeps Lebanon 10 km security zoneAzerbaijani posts deny Agarunov legacyThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vice President JD Vance said the 60-day window laid out in a memorandum of understanding approved by President Trump and Iranian leaders begins today, telling reporters at a White House briefing that the period officially started now and that Iran must change its behavior to receive any benefits under the agreement. He argued that those benefits do not come before the deal is fulfilled and dismissed criticisms that the benefits arrive before consummation as a talking point used by those who want the conflict to continue. In a separate interview with The New York Times, Vance defended Washington’s Iran accord and pressed Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to offer concrete proposals, noting, “What is your exact proposal?” He warned that you cannot solve security problems by killing your way out of them and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not scrutinized the deal as intensely as the Israeli ministers, suggesting Netanyahu may be closer to the details. Vance also pointed to tensions within the American and Israeli discourse around the agreement, noting that President Donald Trump signed the memorandum in France and has observed a perceived misalignment between Israeli leaders’ goals and the American public. A recent analysis described how Trump’s handling of the Iran issue has fed a dynamic in which Israel’s posture and Washington’s approach intertwine in a way that some see as a loyalty dynamic, with Trump at times pressing allies while facing Israeli concerns over regional concessions. Separately, a report in another language cited JD Vance as saying there are real differences within Iran and that a pragmatic camp appears to be gaining the upper hand in internal debate. In the same vein, Trump’s defense of the memorandum drew critics from both ends of the spectrum who argue concessions outweigh commitments, while Netanyahu seeks influence through pro-Israel media figures and lawmakers.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the IDF will not withdraw from the security strip in southern Lebanon until security is restored, saying maintaining the zone near the Lebanese border is necessary for Israel’s security and that there is no timetable for withdrawal. An Israeli source cited by The Jerusalem Post described ongoing negotiations with the United States over preserving the deployment in the security zone, which lies roughly 10 kilometers inside Lebanon. In addition, the Ministry of Defense announced a security drill tonight at the HaWeir crossing, running from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM the following day, with Highway 367 intermittently closed; residents were warned to expect the sound of gunfire and explosions during the exercise.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Azerbaijani-language social media posts have circulated that question the legacy of Albert Agarunov, a Jewish National Hero of Azerbaijan, renewing Iranian and pro-Iranian claims that Azerbaijan is being used as a platform for Israeli operations against Iran. The posts described Agarunov’s story as a forgery and used language associated with pro-Iranian and Resistance-linked networks, including references to Iran, Tabriz, Islam and the Azerbaijani term Müqavimət. Agarunov, a Mountain Jew from Baku who served as a tank commander and died in 1992, was later named a National Hero of Azerbaijan and is buried in Baku’s Alley of Martyrs beneath the flags of Azerbaijan and Israel. A school and official commemoration details accompany the reporting, highlighting how narratives tied to regional politics can impact perceptions of Jewish heritage in the area.In Uplifting News, the passage reads: Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held - To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. I will give you the riches hidden in darkness And hidden treasures of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.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-899872https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899868https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899860https://t.me/abualiexpress/124880https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1xzjqzzfxhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899856https://t.me/newssil/204566https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899869https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77950

HEADLINESAmnesty labels Gulf drone strikes war crimesNetanyahu vows no pullout from Lebanon zoneTrump uses Iran deal to pressure IsraelThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Amnesty International says the drone strikes on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may constitute a war crime, publishing new evidence detailing the deaths and injuries. At least 28 people were killed and hundreds were injured after Iran launched unprovoked attacks on GCC countries, though information on the attacks was largely restricted by those states. Amnesty investigators looked at two countries attacked in March, which collectively killed four civilians and wounded at least 12. The researchers concluded that the Islamic regime likely used Shahed drones, a relatively cheap weapon able to travel about 2,000 kilometers at low altitude and capable of bypassing some air defenses. Between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on March 2, two drones struck the MT Stena Imperative oil tanker while it was in dry dock undergoing repairs at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard in Al Hidd, Bahrain. A Bangladeshi employee of the yard was among those affected.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed not to withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon until security is restored. Speaking during the re-inauguration ceremony for Route 60, Netanyahu said, “We will restore security to the north,” adding that maintaining the security strip requires that Israel not withdraw as long as its security needs require it. The IDF has described the security zone as about 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, and the military said the ceasefire does not mean a full withdrawal or a fixed timetable for leaving the area. The maritime security zone is described as a continuation of the land-based buffer, extending into the sea along a 280-degree course. Channel 12 reported that the expansion of the maritime zone signals continued commitment. In a related note, Ambassador Yechiel Leiter warned that Lebanon’s inclusion in the US-Iran memorandum could allow Tehran to protect Hezbollah.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran deal turns into global loyalty test as tension builds between Trump and Israel. US President Donald Trump arrived at the Group of Seven summit in France with a new US-Iran accord to sell, aiming to discipline a restless Israeli ally, and a message that he believes others would not have delivered. The week produced a diplomatic tone that sounded less like a standard summit communiqué and more like a rolling Trump production—part peace announcement, part grievance session, part loyalty test. The sharpest remarks were aimed at Prime Minister Netanyahu, whose latest strikes in Lebanon angered Washington as Trump sought to lock down an agreement with Tehran. Speaking in Évian-les-Bains, Trump said Netanyahu “has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” calling the Beirut strike “vicious” and “too much.” He added, “Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel,” and, “Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did.”In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice on Thursday asked the Knesset to consider voting for a third time for attorney Michael Rabello's appointment to state comptroller after the first two votes were disputed. Deputy Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg said there is an undesirable cloud and that some votes are problematic on their face, noting that MPs acted contrary to the Knesset legal adviser's instructions when creating a new rule allowing filming. The court proposed a procedural remedy to redo the vote, and it will wait until Sunday for responses. Rabello, Netanyahu’s longtime personal attorney, was elected on June 3 after a dramatic two-round Knesset vote, with petitions arguing the election was tainted by a violation of the secret ballot.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/iran-news/article-899842https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899856https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj3r9obfflhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899860https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899843

HEADLINESAmnesty flags GCC drone strikes war crimesIsraeli court orders Rabello comptroller vote redoTexas family returns ancient artifacts to EgyptThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Amnesty International says the Islamic regime's drone strikes on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may amount to war crimes, releasing new evidence on civilian deaths and injuries. The NGO says at least 28 people were killed and hundreds wounded across GCC after these attacks, with access to information from involved states heavily restricted. The report examines two March attacks that killed four civilians and wounded at least 12. Researchers say the strikes likely used Shahed drones, cheap systems capable of 2,000-km flights at low altitude, enabling them to bypass some air defenses. In one instance, two drones were observed near the MT Stena Imperative oil tanker while it sat in dry dock at ASRY in Al Hidd, Bahrain. SM Tareq, a Bangladeshi employee of ASRY, was killed, and two other workers were involved in the incident.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an opinion piece reflects on Lebanon’s ongoing conflict. The author recalls a memory from 37 years ago of entering the Israeli Security Zone in South Lebanon with his Givati platoon, serving as a combat medic amid patrols and ambushes, and notes that the mission to defend northern settlements from Hezbollah remains the same. The piece conveys a somber view that, despite the decades that have passed, the cycle endures as younger soldiers and medics continue to face the same duties and risks in the region.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice on Thursday asked the Knesset to consider voting for a third time on attorney Michael Rabello’s appointment as state comptroller after the first two votes were disputed. The court said there is an undesirable cloud and some votes appear problematic on their face, pointing to a new rule allowing filming and urging the process be redone in a clean and proper way. It will wait for the Knesset’s responses by Sunday. Earlier petitions argued that the disputed vote violated the legally required secret ballot. The hearing was before Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg and Justices Gila Canfy-Steinitz and Ruth Ronnen, who are hearing seven petitions seeking to cancel Rabello’s election.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Travelodge apologized to a Jewish guest after a TV message reading “Free Palestine” appeared on the room screen in London. The hotel chain says it is close to completing a thorough internal review but has not determined how or when the message was put on the TV. The CEO spoke with the guest to offer apologies, and Travelodge said it is engaging with leaders in the Jewish community to reaffirm zero tolerance for antisemitism and any form of discrimination, and to ensure Jewish guests feel safe and welcome at all hotels. In a separate case, a Los Angeles man’s lawsuit claiming Jews blocked his admission to Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business was not allowed to proceed anonymously, with a judge calling safety fears not credible. The plaintiff, who filed as John Doe, argued a global conspiracy of “Jewish supremacists” influenced admissions; the judge allowed the case to proceed with normal naming, noting the plaintiff’s strong credentials but finding no credible basis for anonymity.In Uplifting News, a Texas family returned four ancient artifacts to Egypt, including a granite sphinx head, a bronze hippopotamus figurine, a double bronze statue of a king, and a bronze statue of Sobek. The pieces were part of a private collection and arrived in Cairo on June 5 before being transferred to the Egyptian Museum for documentation, restoration, and preparation for display. Shaaban Abdel Gawad, director-general of the antiquities repatriation department, said the granite sphinx head is the most prominent artifact among those recovered.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/iran-news/article-899842https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899573https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899843https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899850https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899845https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-899840

HEADLINESKhomeini Hails Victory as Iran Cracks DownAmnesty Warns Iran Drones Are War CrimesIsrael Braces Under Washington Pressure on OpsThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Ruhollah Mostafavi Musavi Khomeini, hailed the Memorandum of Understanding as a major victory for Tehran and said the greater jihad would begin, according to a speech aired by state media earlier this week. He urged that to maintain victory Iranians must stay away from pointless disputes born of ego and self-centeredness. The regime has struggled to suppress domestic dissent, most visibly during January demonstrations over worsening economic conditions. Human rights organizations say tens of thousands of protesters were killed and tens of thousands more detained, and the crackdown included a nationwide internet shutdown that blocked independent observers from documenting repression. The war with Israel and the United States has also highlighted apparent divisions within the regime’s senior leadership, with criticism from parliamentary hardliners who oppose the MoU fueling street demonstrations.In Regional Impacts, Amnesty International warned that Iran’s drone strikes on civilian sites in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain may constitute war crimes, citing new evidence of deaths and injuries beyond restricted reporting. At least 28 people were killed and hundreds injured in these attacks, which investigators say likely involved Shahed drones traveling long distances at low altitude to evade defenses. Amnesty detailed two March attacks—one near the MT Stena Imperative oil tanker in Bahrain’s dry dock—where a worker was killed and others wounded, underscoring concerns about civilian harm amid limited access for investigators. Separately, a different analysis suggests that President Trump’s decision to pursue an Iran deal was driven by economics and fear of midterm defeat rather than ideology, with warnings that keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed could trigger a global recession. Economists and White House aides reportedly warned that continued conflict or higher fuel costs could jeopardize Republican control of Congress, shaping concessions in pursuit of a deal, even as Trump publicly emphasized preventing a nuclear Iran.In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports indicate that following President Trump’s reversal on Iran, Israel is preparing for a period of months in which pressure from Washington to limit military operations will be applied. Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to be adopting a line of “say yes where possible, and no as much as necessary,” underscoring a cautious approach as officials stress the need to act with prudence and safeguard security. Israeli officials emphasize that enemies remain near the borders, and there is no known demand from the United States for the withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon at this time. The current expectation is that any such withdrawal demand would come only if a full nuclear agreement with Iran is reached, a scenario Jerusalem assesses as unlikely in the near term. CNN has also reported Netanyahu aiming to influence the final terms of any agreement with Washington, reflecting the tightrope Israel walks amid shifting leverage with the United States.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice on Thursday pressed the Knesset to consider a third vote for attorney Michael Rabello’s appointment as state comptroller after the first two votes were disputed. Justices noted an undesirable cloud and potential irregularities in the voting process, including a new rule permitting filming. The court proposed a clean, proper redo and said it would wait for the Knesset’s response by Sunday. Rabello is a longtime personal attorney to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and petitions sought to cancel his election and order another vote due to alleged procedural flaws. Separately, former prime minister Naftali Bennett announced an AI advisory committee aimed at shaping a long-term national policy on artificial intelligence to bolster Israel’s tech edge and position the country as a global and regional leader in AI. The committee will develop policy recommendations in innovation, education, regulation, and security and assess opportunities and challenges AI presents for the economy, society, and national security, as Bennett’s Together Party pivots in the lead-up to elections expected no later than October 27.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Germany’s independent antisemitism monitoring network, RIAS, reported a record 8,725 antisemitic incidents in 2025, including 178 physical attacks and 257 threats, with nearly 43% of threats occurring online. The surge included far-right antisemitic activity, and incidents ranged from anti-Jewish insults outside a prayer room in Kehl to a rabbi being shoved in a supermarket in Hesse, culminating in a deadly attack at Berlin’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. In the United States, an 8th-grade Jewish student in Colorado was described as being strangled with a laptop charging cord and subjected to repeated antisemitic bullying, according to a federal civil rights complaint filed by the ADL with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The complaint details incidents including a game dubbed “Jew touch tag” and other hostile actions that prompted a police response and a Juvenile Court referral for third-degree assault.In Uplifting News, thousands of soccer fans are visiting Mexico City’s cathedral to pray to a baby Jesus dressed in a Mexican soccer kit, seeking World Cup victory. The tradition, dating back to 1970, has drawn international visitors who pose for photos and ask for a miraculous result for their teams. A new parish priest briefly banned the practice, but the cathedral ultimately displayed the baby Jesus in the El Tri shirt, with Canon Manuel Corral noting that the faithful requested the tradition. The display reflects a long-standing custom, rooted in the city’s religious and cultural landscape, as supporters hope for a favorable World Cup outcome.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/iran-news/article-899818https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899842https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899825https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/18/netanyahu-braces-for-trump-pressure-on-israels-military-moves/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899843https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899832https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899838https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899834https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-899683

HEADLINESGulf wary funding Iran's 300 billion reconstructionSecret Hamas Records Reveal October 7 DeceptionBennett Forms AI Advisory to Boost IsraelThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Gulf states hesitate to fund $300 billion reconstruction for Iran, with concerns that the terms could empower Tehran to destabilize the region. Gulf states are seen as likely reluctant to contribute to the minimum $300 billion promised for Iran’s reconstruction in the Memorandum of Understanding after months of unprovoked attacks. President Donald Trump denied reports of the fund and said neither the United States nor Gulf partners would be expected to provide the endowment, though Vice President JD Vance had previously told CBS that Iran could receive a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by Gulf states if it complies with the agreement. The MoU calls for the United States and regional partners to develop a definitive plan with at least $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development, with the implementation mechanism to be finalized within 60 days and all required licenses, waivers, and permissions for relevant financial transactions to be granted by the United States. Such a commitment would be difficult for Gulf states to accept, according to Bahraini analyst Dr. Ahmed Alkhuzaie, who cautions about the regional balance and implications.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Secret Hamas records show a covert deception plan behind October 7, exclusive. New secret Hamas internal documents have been provided by IDF intelligence to a national research institute and released in a report, with six documents in total and three covered in this article. The documents illustrate Hamas’s progression from 2022 to 2023 in an effort to deceive Israel into complacency to enable a surprise attack by the IDF on October 7, 2023. The earliest document, dated September 13, 2022, is titled Building a Strategic Deception Plan Which Will Be the Basis for a Surprise Attack by Hamas on Israel. Section 5 of that document stresses the need to formulate a multi-disciplinary strategic deception plan spanning diplomacy, military, economic, and public relations, to advance ongoing hostage negotiations and related exchange issues as part of a broader strategy.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett forms AI advisory committee to boost Israel’s national tech policy ahead of elections and tensions with EU leadership. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett has established an advisory committee on artificial intelligence to develop a long-term national policy, aiming to boost Israel’s technological edge and position the country as a global and regional leader in AI. The committee will develop policy recommendations for the government in areas including innovation, education, regulation, and security, and it is intended to promote the use of AI technologies for the public and the economy. It will also examine opportunities and challenges posed by AI for the economy, society, and security, with the aim of strengthening Israel’s advantage in this field. Bennett’s Together Party remains in opposition and merged with Yesh Atid in April, with elections set no later than October 27. Separately in domestic politics, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has cut ties with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas after remarks comparing Israel to the racist South African apartheid regime. Sa’ar says he will sever all contact until she retracts the remarks, while Kallas responds that the EU remains committed to Israel and to a two-state solution and is open to continuing dialogue in a constructive spirit. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to a constructive relationship with Israel, and Kallas stressed continued engagement on the basis of shared interests and the two-state framework.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-899829https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899814https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899832https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899817

HEADLINESIran US Deal Reshapes Middle East PipelinesIDF Soldier Dies in Hezbollah IED AttackFoiled White House Plot Targets Pro-Israel OfficialsThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, the Middle East and the wider region are expressing positive expectations regarding the new agreement between the United States and Iran. As this develops, many countries and companies are looking to take advantage of a potential reduction in conflict to secure new trade deals. A key feature of the emerging regional order will be investment in new pipelines and energy projects. The conflict with Iran highlighted the risk of relying on a single maritime method of exporting oil and underscored concerns about destabilizing factors in the region, including Iran and, in some assessments, Israel. Nations are intent on securing routes that avoid proximity to Iran and Israel, with plausible options seen in routes through Syria or Turkey. Syrian state media reported talks in Baghdad where Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi and US presidential envoy Tom Barrack discussed plans to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline and reviewed regional developments and security issues. Iraq has also sought an extension of the agreement governing the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, signaling energy security and infrastructure planning as pivotal elements of the evolving regional order.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an Israeli Defense Forces soldier was killed in a Hezbollah IED explosion as tensions around a potential Iran-US deal continue. Separately, new Hamas deception documents provided by IDF Intelligence to The Jerusalem Post via the Meir Amit Terrorism and Intelligence Research Institute reveal Hamas plans to deceive Israeli security forces in the lead-up to the October 7, 2023 massacre. The six documents, with three covered in the report, trace Hamas’s efforts from 2022 into 2023 to create strategic misdirection across diplomatic, military, economic, and public relations channels, illustrating a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing a surprise attack.In US Policy Concerning Israel, authorities identified targets tied to pro-Israel groups in an alleged White House attack plot foiled over the weekend. Five men were charged with plotting to kill government officials and others attending an event at the White House, with prosecutors saying some targets included lawmakers who had received money from pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC. One suspect, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, was connected to an ultra-religious, anti-government online group; his family reported concerning online behavior, including suspicious recon-like activity and firearm purchases.Also in this topic, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all ties with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas after remarks that compared Israel to the apartheid regime of South Africa. The foreign minister’s stance drew support from others who condemned the remarks, while Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Israel and to the two-state solution, and indicated openness to continuing dialogue in a constructive spirit.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Kanye West concerts at a public Tampa stadium remain locked in despite fierce backlash over Nazi praise. Senator Rick Scott questioned why tax dollars would fund someone who has called himself a Nazi and praised Adolf Hitler, highlighting concerns about public funding for events with such associations. The Tampa Sports Authority has said it has no intention of canceling Ye’s concerts on June 26 and 28, noting a commitment to free speech while condemning antisemitism, and stressing that no taxpayer money is involved in the shows.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-899811https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-899819https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899814https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899784https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899817https://t.me/abualiexpress/124863https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899822