Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-12 at 00:02

HEADLINES
US Strikes Near Hormuz, Iran Tensions Escalate
Torah Law Sparks Israeli Gender-Integration Clash
Seinfeld Dismisses Free Palestine Request

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US forces conducted strikes near the Strait of Hormuz using precision munitions, with CENTCOM saying the actions were carried out by the US Air Force and Navy fighter jets after renewed regional strikes. Iranian state media reported that a drinking water reservoir near the strait was damaged, cutting supply to about 20,000 residents, and published images of munition fragments that experts cited as resembling a US-made bomb, including components associated with a GBU-39 series precision-guided munition. Separately, NBC reported, citing two US officials, that the military was three hours from striking Iran when President Trump announced a deal and canceled the operation; the planned strikes were described as very similar to those carried out on Wednesday, and Kharg Island was not on the target list, though US planning for a potential invasion of Kharg Island had existed for months. The officials noted that Washington had previously struck Kharg Island in April, targeting military infrastructure including air defenses.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the memorandum of understanding being formulated with Iran as a framework for entering negotiations; although Israel is not a party to the memorandum, Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment that the final agreement would include the removal of enriched nuclear material, the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on missile production, and an end to Iran’s support for its regional proxies.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the debate over the Torah Study law continued as editors and lawmakers criticized the move as political surrender dressed in sacred language, noting the bill passed preliminarily in the Knesset by 56 votes to 43 and highlighting that some coalition members broke ranks and that the original version had sought to equate the status of long-term Torah learners with IDF soldiers, a provision later removed but still viewed as problematic. In a separate commentary, the High Court’s order to launch a pilot examining the integration of female combat soldiers into the Armored Corps sparked pushback from hesder yeshivot, which argued the arrangement conflicts with halacha; the IDF said no option being considered would put men and women in the same framework, while a senior officer described a dilemma where a few female soldiers each year weigh against broader institutional disputes. Meanwhile, the annual Tel Aviv Pride Parade proceeded as planned, with security forces deployed across the route and nearby streets closed to traffic from early morning, to ensure the safety of participants.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Seinfeld laughed off a streamer’s request to say “Free Palestine” outside Madison Square Garden, replying, “It doesn’t exist,” in a moment that circulated widely on social media; the exchange added to a string of recent public remarks by the comedian, who has become a prominent Israel supporter since October 7, 2023, including a 2023 visit to Israel and meetings with families of hostages.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s National Licensing Authority approved a building permit for an eight-story hotel at Ben Gurion Airport, developed by the Israel Airports Authority. The hotel will be located adjacent to Terminal 3, directly above the Hold Baggage Screening facility on the terminal’s east side, with construction slated to begin by the end of the decade after the HBS building is completed to boost passenger convenience for international travelers.

In Uplifting News, security footage captured a moment when a heavy gate collapsed on 13th Avenue and 49th Street in Boro Park, with a passerby narrowly avoiding injury after having just walked past seconds earlier.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-899190
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899189
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55668
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899170
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899171
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899118
https://www.timesofisrael.com/seinfeld-laughs-at-streamer-asking-him-to-say-free-palestine-after-knicks-win-it-doesnt-exist/
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55671
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55674