Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-19 at 22:01

HEADLINES
Mamdani Blasts AIPAC as Monsters
Trump Praises Netanyahu Iran War MOU
Milk and Honey Flavor Debuts in Israel

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 US Policy Concerning Israel, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the American Israel Public Affairs Committee as "monsters," accusing the group of spending "millions in dark money" to turn voters against democracy and to back what he called Netanyahu's wars. He spoke at a rally headlined by Senator Bernie Sanders in Brooklyn ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic primaries for progressive congressional candidates, urging support for Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier. In a fiery 30-minute address, Mamdani also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Gaza war, portraying AIPAC as a force that fears democracy and opposes moves toward genocide and Netanyahu’s wars.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump praised Netanyahu as a "warrior PM" and touted a "great relationship with Israel" during remarks at the unveiling of a new Air Force One plane gifted to the United States by Qatar. Trump referenced a broader Iran confrontation and noted the United States had signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran to permanently end the war and begin 60 days of talks, a framework that Jerusalem has cautioned over. The deal calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon, though Israel has insisted it will not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon and that it is not bound by the MOU.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Axios reports that Trump adviser Jared Witkoff is headed to Switzerland for Iran nuclear talks, with Jared Kushner already on site. Separately, a 20-year-old Palestinian was killed in a West Bank car crash near Ma’ale Adumim, and two Israelis were injured in the incident.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Ben & Jerry’s Israel has launched a new flavor called Milk and Honey, described as the “most Israeli flavor ever.” The pint uses ingredients sourced from Israeli dairy and apiary operations and features Stars of David in the chocolate fudge pieces. The flavor marks the company’s post-split identity after a 2021 boycott dispute with its American parent. Production centers are in southern Israel, with milk from Kibbutz Alumim, honey from Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, and the Stars of David crafted by hand at the Korint factory in Beersheba, a project of the Shkulo Tov social enterprise that helps integrate people with disabilities.

In Uplifting News, next month’s Maccabiah will honor 18 fallen soldiers with special memorial pins designed in collaboration with bereaved families. One pin paying tribute to Staff Sergeant Adi Leon will feature a drawing from a letter he wrote before entering Gaza.

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.timesofisrael.com/mamdani-calls-aipac-monsters-in-rally-ahead-of-ny-primaries/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-calls-netanyahu-a-warrior-pm-touts-great-ties-with-israel-amid-tensions-over-iran/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-20-2026/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-899951
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryxuduxzge