Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-09 at 07:02

HEADLINES
Azerbaijan denies hosting Israeli strikes against Iran
Soar imagery shows Ramon airbase damage
UNRWA staff suspended over Hamas ties

The time is now 7:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Azerbaijan rejects claims it hosted Israeli operations against Iran. The government says the reports are entirely baseless and that it has never allowed its territory to be used for military operations, intelligence activities, or hostile purposes against another state. Azerbaijan borders Iran and maintains deep security and energy ties with Israel, including gas sales to Europe, and it works closely with Turkey while engaging with Russia. The country has framed itself as a connectivity state linking regions and seeks to avoid being pulled into the wars around it.

In Iranian Retaliation, satellite imagery from Soar shows a possible damage to a hangar at the Ramon David Air Base near the Emek region as part of the escalation with Iran. The image-based assessment highlights how such incidents reflect the broader intensity of the confrontation.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the report describes a hardline message from the IDF toward Iran and Hezbollah and notes a cabinet discussion about Hezbollah that included a controversial proposal described as “this hurts them the most” — detaining women and sending them to prisons in Israel. It also cites remarks attributed to former US President Donald Trump telling Netanyahu that “everything must end,” including the Lebanon front. The piece mentions concerns about escalation, including an American combat helicopter crash near the Hormuz Strait.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, more than 100 current or former UNRWA staff were referred to the US State Department for suspension or disbarment from their roles due to involvement with Hamas or affiliation with Hamas’s military wing. The referrals span school principals, teachers, security personnel, attendants, psychosocial counselors, and medical professionals. The USAID Office of Inspector General confirmed 101 individuals had been referred; among them, two deputy school principals were cited for serving in Hamas’s Izzadin al-Qassem Brigade, with one described as a deputy commander in Ain Jalut 5th Infantry Battalion and the other as a squad leader in the Khan Yunis Brigade. Another deputy principal was said to have served as a platoon commander in Hamas’s Nuseriat battalion with communications duties, and a teacher who also worked in a role with communications responsibilities.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar Party, challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a public debate after a Likud video claimed Eisenkot cannot form a government without Arab party support. Eisenkot said, “Netanyahu, enough with the incitement videos... set a date and a place. Come to a public debate. We’ll answer the public’s questions. A true leader speaks with the public.” A separate opinion piece described Netanyahu as looking downtrodden during a pre-recorded press statement in northern Israel, contrasting his past “absolute victory” rhetoric with regional pressures from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, amid a sinking sense of options as the regional situation intensifies and as a deal involving the United States looms. Also, ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a road in Jerusalem’s Ramat Shlomo over false reports of a draft-dodger arrest; eight participants were arrested during the riot, and police raided homes of suspects connected to Beit Shemesh riots linked to June 1, with officials warning against attacks on government symbols or 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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-898851
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1330932
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1330925
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898840
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898849
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898813
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-898823