Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-17 at 22:02

HEADLINES
Terminal One reopens as summer traffic surges
Trump signs Iran war-ending MOU; Iran warns
34 new air defense commanders join IDF

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Flights from Ben-Gurion Airport Terminal One are set to reopen on June 28 for domestic travel, with international flights resuming on July 1, as part of preparations for the expected rise in passenger traffic during the summer months, the Israel Airports Authority announced on Wednesday. Terminal One is mainly used by budget airlines, and for the past four months domestic and international services have operated from Terminal Three. In May, IAA Director General Sharon Kedmi told KAN News that up to three million Israelis could have flights canceled due to American military activity at Ben-Gurion Airport, which was reportedly using about 70% of the airport’s capacity. Reports also indicate that roughly half of the US refueling aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion are expected to be relocated to Israel Air Force bases to reduce the risk of flight disruptions during the summer travel season, and parking spaces at other airfields including Megiddo will be cleared for IAF use.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump said he signed the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war with Iran, with a White House video release showing the signing and officials noting that both Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document, with US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf digitally signing as well. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s nuclear materials would not be sent outside the country, saying the agreement allows uranium dilution and that Iran would view continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon as a breach of commitment; he also stated that Iranian ballistic missiles are “only meant to be fired, not to be negotiated,” adding that Iran’s defensive capabilities will not be discussed in any process or with any party. Separately at a G7 setting, President Trump suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu is less justified in criticizing the Iran deal for not joining a 2020 joint operation to kill Qassem Soleimani, remarking that Israel did not participate in that event and pressing his broader critique during the session.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, 34 new officers joined the Israeli Air Force’s air defense array as commanders, taking on roles to defend Israeli communities from north to south.

In Uplifting News, The Rebbe’s vision of human potential lives on through Friendship Circle describes an organization that supports individuals with special needs and their families by sending volunteers to spend time with participants, hosting events, and building a welcoming community where everyone belongs, highlighting a perspective that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. Somaliland President visited Holon’s Save a Child’s Heart center, meeting nine Somaliland children receiving life-saving cardiac care at Wolfson Medical Center amid the opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem.

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-899762
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21556
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899761
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-suggests-israel-in-no-place-to-criticize-iran-deal-for-not-joining-2020-strike-on-soleimani/
https://t.me/hnaftali/23525
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899760
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1avrdezmx