Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-18 at 20:02

HEADLINES
Israel braces for long war with Iran
Iran invites UN inspectors, US may accompany
Likud adviser resigns amid resignations wave

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former Navy commander Major General (Reserve) Eliezer Marom warned that Israel must prepare for repeated rounds of fighting with Iran as the region enters a new phase where diplomatic agreements may not bring stability and could even fuel escalation. He told 103FM that “we are in a long war with Iran” and that Israel should expect operations or wars lasting several days or weeks every few months, especially if an agreement is signed. Marom also criticized the conduct of Israel’s political leadership, saying the prime minister’s inner circle does not exist and that one person makes decisions, noting that Ron Dermer left and should be called up for reserve duty; he touched on diplomatic moves surrounding Lebanon as well.

Iran will invite the UN’s nuclear watchdog to inspect its enriched-material sites and would allow US inspectors to accompany the visit, US officials told The Associated Press. The arrangement is described as part of a general path outlined in a new memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, with a 60-day window and no explicit commitments from Tehran. A side letter drafted with the IAEA would extend the invitation to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi and could enable US inspectors to accompany him. The document reportedly states that Iran’s enriched nuclear material will not be removed from the country but diluted inside Iran under IAEA supervision, and it also sets limits on US forces in the region.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran talks in Switzerland thrown into doubt after threats over IDF strikes in Lebanon. Iran reportedly suspended its delegation’s trip to Switzerland following Israeli strikes in Lebanon; Pakistan’s prime minister canceled his visit, and Vance said his own trip was uncertain, while CNN reported Washington and Tehran are working on secret proposals to implement the 14-point memorandum.

In US Military Role, Secretary Hegseth has announced a six-month review at the Department of War that will examine America’s force posture and basing in Europe as part of the NATO 3.0 Review.

In Regional Impacts, Moscow was covered by a black cloud following a huge fire at the oil refinery after the Ukrainian massive strikes, with oil rains being reported in parts of the city and suburbs.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lieutenant Colonel Bar Vackert, recalling the Beaufort raid, said he studied the fortress through tourists’ YouTube videos before leading Golani reconnaissance troops to a strategic Lebanese ridge, where they found Hezbollah positions and a tunnel network; he now speaks about fear, attrition, women in combat, and a war he says may last for years.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud legal adviser Avi Halevy announced his immediate resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, effective June 19, 2026, thanking Netanyahu for the trust placed in him and calling it a privilege to serve while noting the broader trend of resignations among MKs and government-affiliated officials. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, meanwhile, said that an IDF withdrawal beyond the yellow line in Lebanon would be a failure and that Israel must hold strategic points in the north, including Tebnin and the outskirts of Nabatieh. He argued that Israel’s military and strategic position is stronger than Iran’s and that achievements would not be erased even if an agreement eventually materializes, while criticizing US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

In Israeli Economy and Business, public transit fares in Israel will not increase this year after the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety postponed a planned summer price hike, with officials reportedly considering eliminating the automatic fare adjustment mechanism that has driven recent increases.

In Uplifting News, Knicks fans at the parade route climbed scaffolding to catch a glimpse of the championship celebration as the New York Knicks arrived for the start of their parade down Canyon of Heroes in New York City, celebrating the team’s NBA Finals win. The Israel Tennis & Education Centers awarded NIS 200,000 in Anna and Michael Kahan Scholarships to four leading Israeli tennis players—Maayan Laron, Amit Vales, Bar Shporen, and Re’em Elkayam—supporting international competition, training, equipment, and a comprehensive support system that includes mental coaching and fitness training, marking the program’s 10th anniversary.

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-899906
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https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hjvzjlzfze
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899908
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899904
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55977
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55974
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-899899