Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-11 at 16:02

HEADLINES
- Saronic Corsair rescues two US Army pilots
- IDF pushes deeper into Lebanon against Hezbollah
- Drones strike hits Iraqi Kurdistan, no casualties

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Unmanned naval drones gain importance on the battlefield, rescue of US troops proves it - analysis, unmanned surface vessels are expanding their role in military operations as part of a broad shift toward widespread drone use. From infantry quadcopters to large surveillance drones and the new LUCAS system of one-way attack drones, drone warfare is growing rapidly. Naval drones are already being drawn into real missions, with a recent operation involving a Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessel picking up two downed US Army pilots in Middle Eastern waters after their AH-64 helicopter went down near Oman. Reports note claims that Iranian forces downed the drone and that retaliation was pledged, underscoring how drone technology intersects with regional tensions. The broader point is clear: naval drones illustrate a turning point in how modern militaries project reach, flexibility, and rapid response, even as platforms diversify across services and theaters.

In IDF pushes deeper in into Lebanon to neutralize threat of Hezbollah, Israeli forces have advanced beyond the Litani River and are moving toward the Zaharani River, narrowing Hezbollah’s potential lines of threat from the north. With the Zaharani River only six kilometers away and Nabatieh three kilometers away, Hezbollah has grown concerned about the pace and direction of the push. Some defense officials deem complete disarmament unrealistic, but they argue that clearing Hezbollah back from major population centers could substantially reduce the risk to Israeli communities along the northern border. The IDF says it employed deceptive maneuvers to complicate Hezbollah’s video surveillance, drawing attention away from the actual direction of the advance. In the area, forces have uncovered Iranian-level tunnels and larger anti-tank weapons, underscoring a fighting landscape that remains volatile even as efforts aim to reduce the threat from drone-enabled capabilities in the region.

Drone attack reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as US-Iran tensions grow, two explosive-laden drones struck the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq, causing extensive damage to a building but no casualties. Local authorities said the Counter-Terrorism Service was assessing the incident, with no group claiming responsibility at this stage. Officials cited by Shafaq News described the strike as targeting vital civilian infrastructure, and the Kurdistan Regional Government noted a high volume of drone and missile attacks recorded in the region in recent times. The episode comes as tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified, and as Iraq’s prime minister visits the United States, highlighting how aerial threats are shaping security calculations across the wider area.

In Chief prosecutor warns police watchdog must remain independent as reform faces court challenge, petitions have been filed with the High Court of Justice against a newly passed law restructuring the Police Investigation Department known as Mahash, a move that centers on who oversees police oversight and how independent that oversight will be. Mahash investigates suspected criminal offenses by police officers, including cases of alleged violence, corruption, abuse of authority, and unlawful use of force at protests, and it also sometimes reviews matters involving Shin Bet personnel. Opponents argue the change could affect public trust in how complaints against officers are handled, especially in sensitive cases involving demonstrations or officials. The Knesset’s amendment to the Police Ordinance removed Mahash from the State Attorney’s Office and created a separate entity, a shift that has sparked questions about accountability and political pressure within the oversight framework.

Netanyahu vows to restore security in northern Israel as gov't approves NIS 4 b. to help North, the government has approved about 4 billion shekels to develop communities in the Galilee and surrounding areas, aiming to bolster security amid ongoing threats from Hezbollah. Netanyahu conveyed that the country is striking Hezbollah and eliminating hundreds of terrorists weekly, while acknowledging continuing challenges the state faces, including a focus on drone capabilities that are being developed as part of a broader security effort. The plan covers cities including Safed, Acre, Nof HaGalil, Nazareth, Afula, Tiberias, and Karmiel, with the objective of strengthening infrastructure and safety for residents who have faced sustained tension in the north as authorities work to restore a sense of normalcy over the coming years.

Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel, Slovenia’s government has revoked a 2025 ban on arms exports and transit to Israel, as well as most imports from Israel, saying the prohibition is no longer necessary because trade is already governed by national law and European Union rules. The Defense Ministry noted that existing legislation defines licensing procedures and controls, aligning the move with the EU Common Position on arms export controls. The 2025 restriction was introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, and in June a new center-right government led by Janez Jansa took office, a transition welcomed by Israel’s foreign ministry as a positive step in bilateral relations. The decision represents a shift in how arms trade is managed between the two countries in a broader regional context.

Meanwhile the oil price is coming down again, markets have seen a drop in crude costs as supply and demand dynamics shift and economic signals weigh on energy markets, providing a note of relief for some consumers and a reminder of the volatility that often accompanies global geopolitics and production decisions.

IDF widows, orphans receive over NIS 2m in scholarships, grants, the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization distributed more than 2 million shekels in scholarships and grants during its Ruach Ahat ceremony, honoring 478 awards that include academic scholarships, appreciation grants for IDF orphans serving in active reserve duty, and wedding gifts for members of the organization. The ceremony was attended by Orna Zamir, wife of the IDF Chief of Staff, along with leadership from the Defense Ministry and the organization, highlighting ongoing support for families who have paid a lasting price for security service.

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/defense-and-tech/article-899174
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899168
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899163
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-899159
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899157
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899161
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77832
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899156