Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Trump Iran policy reshapes Israel strategy
Encrypted apps fuel Toronto antisemitic attacks
Israel blackout study warns of disruption

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an opinion piece traces how Trump’s stance on Iran interconnected with Israel’s regional actions, arguing that Trump pulled the plug on Iran after years of Israeli effort to shape the strategic landscape it knows how to wage. The author repeats the refrain “Finish the job” and asks what finishing would actually entail, noting it would involve removing Hamas and the conditions that sustain it, and addressing Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Iranian regime behind them. The piece questions whether the wars since October 7, 2023, were truly defensive, noting that some actions had defensive features such as the pager operation in Lebanon and strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, while inviting readers to consider the broader implications. The author draws on memories of years reporting on sirens, interceptions, and casualties to frame the current debate and leaves the central question open for reflection.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, public opinion on Trump in Israel has flipped.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Toronto’s police chief says youths are being recruited through encrypted messaging apps to carry out shootings at targets around the city, including Jewish schools and synagogues as well as the US consulate, with payment tied to filming their attacks. He says investigators are trying to determine who is paying, with the FBI, RCMP, and local authorities pursuing leads after a shooting at the US Consulate and the killing of a veteran Toronto police officer during a raid linked to these incidents. He describes the pattern as criminals-for-hire and notes ongoing efforts to uncover funding sources.

In Israeli Economy and Business, a new study from Reichman University’s Yannay Institute for Energy Security warns that a prolonged nationwide power outage could cause widespread disruption to essential services if Israel’s electricity supply were knocked out. The research follows warnings from the Israel Electric Corporation and Noga, Israel’s national electricity system operator, and underscores the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of a potential large-scale blackout.

In Uplifting News, Britain’s Jewish Culture Month wrapped up with a broader aim to move conversation beyond October 7, emphasizing that Jewish identity in Britain is about far more than conflict and highlighting contributions in art, music, and literature through more than 150 events under the banner “Less Oy, More Joy.” Separately, the Jerusalem Film Festival announced its Israeli lineup for the 43rd edition, running July 9-19, featuring a broad program of world premieres across features, documentaries, shorts, and restored classics, with prizes totaling about 1 million Israeli shekels and notable titles such as How to Feel, Amal, and The Wedding Entertainer among the Israeli selections.

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/israel-news/article-899630
https://t.me/newssil/204338
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899632
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899626
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-899631
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-899628