Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-09 at 02:02

HEADLINES
Israel strikes Iran; Houthis join fight
US Apache down near Strait of Hormuz
Trump vows Iran victory in two weeks

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel strikes back after Iran's missile attack as it defies calls to absorb the blow. For a few hours on Sunday night, it seemed possible that Israel would absorb the Iranian strike with no casualties, as missiles triggered sirens across northern Israel and drove millions to protected spaces. There were no deaths or serious injuries reported. By early Monday, the Israel Air Force struck targets in western and central Iran, a measured response that stopped short of a full-scale attack. The move comes as Israel deals with the aftermath of October 7 and fights on multiple fronts, a situation amplified when the Houthis joined the fray on Monday. Reserve duty has stretched families and businesses to their limits, and the public remains watching a cautious approach to escalation.

In US Military Role, a US Army Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said the crew are fine and that there were no injuries, with an incident report to be released later. It remains unclear whether the helicopter was shot down by Iranian fire, suffered mechanical failure, or encountered another problem. A New York Times report cited two officials briefed on the incident, noting that Apache helicopters, along with fighter jets and drones, have been used by CENTCOM as part of efforts to break Iran's blockade of the Strait, and that this is the first Apache downed since hostilities began. Iran has claimed to have shot down 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones in the same period.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, reports from southern Lebanon describe a series of attacks in the Arabiya area near the Al-Abbasiyah road in the Tyre district. The report gives no additional details beyond noting the sequence of attacks.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump said the United States will declare total victory over Iran within two weeks, arguing that Iran’s negotiators are prepared to give the US everything and that oil prices would fall as a result. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the US will reach a deal in its own interests, even if Israel disagrees or opposes it, and that the main goal is to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The administration says it will push ahead with a long-term agreement in Iran, even amid potential friction with Israel, as the United States pursues its broader objectives.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government is offering a grant of up to 72,000 NIS to new teachers and psychologists in the Gaza border area. The program seeks professionals in English, computers, physics, biology, chemistry, technology, therapeutic professions, kindergarten teaching, and educational counseling, with exceptional cases for other subjects identified as needed. The highest grants will go to those relocating at least 30 kilometers, and the amount will reflect the length of service and the specific subject area, as determined by the Tekuma Administration in coordination with the Education and Finance ministries. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the initiative strengthens schools and builds educational leadership for the Gaza border region.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Republican Representative Thomas Massie used the House floor to call for a probe into Israel’s 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, reviving a long-standing conspiracy theory and honoring survivors of the incident. Massie described the attack as one carried out by IDF jets and torpedo boats during the Six-Day War, despite widespread conclusions that it was a mistake and multiple investigations that found no deliberate wrongdoing. The incident killed 34 crew members and injured 171. Separately, the Tribeca Festival denounced jokes on the red carpet by Elon Gold and pro-Israel influencer Lizzy Savetsky that referenced allegations of rape by Israeli prison guards, with Savetsky later saying the jokes were not about rape and Gold not responding to requests for comment. The festival condemned the jokes as inappropriate, highlighting ongoing tensions over Israel-related humor at cultural events.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898773
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-898795
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77579
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77578
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898796
https://t.me/hnaftali/23412
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898793
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-898790
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898791