Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-23 at 09:01

HEADLINES
Bennett Starlink Iran Plan Halted
Trump Pushes Nuclear Inspections Keeps Hormuz Open
Hezbollah Says Israel Breaks Ceasefire

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former prime minister Naftali Bennett said Israel smuggled Starlink internet receivers into Iran to aid anti-government protesters, but the effort was not carried through by the current government. Bennett told an audience that he had started a process of acquiring and smuggling tens of thousands of Starlink receptors to allow continuity of the internet and social networks inside Iran, with the aim of helping protesters coordinate and potentially topple the regime. He said the devices were intended for that purpose, but that the present Israeli government halted the plan, leaving the infrastructure inactive during the protests. Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to questions, and SpaceX was not available for comment.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump asserted that Iran has agreed to long-term nuclear inspections, a claim dismissed by Tehran. Trump also said in a string of posts that the United States would leave ships in the Strait of Hormuz to deter reimposition of a naval blockade if necessary, calling this the path to “Nuclear Honesty.” He added that if Iran did not agree, there would be no further negotiations, and he claimed the Strait would stay open while the option to reinstate a blockade remained. Iran has not held a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief, according to the report.

In Regional Impacts, Washington reported that the Lebanese delegation arrived at the site where a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon would take place, signaling continued diplomacy in the region.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah, signaling Iran’s position, said Israel has broken the ceasefire. Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are not leaving Lebanon, signaling continued military presence in the area.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington issued a 60-day general license allowing Iran to produce, deliver, and sell crude oil as part of ongoing diplomatic talks in Switzerland. Iran has committed to free transit through the Strait of Hormuz and to permit IAEA inspectors into the country, under the broader framework described by Treasury officials. Market reaction was swift, with Brent crude futures and US West Texas Intermediate slipping, and government data showing US crude stocks in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at 331.2 million barrels—the lowest since early June.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned he would leave the Likud if his demand for 10 reserved seats in the next election is not accepted, a stance deemed potentially damaging by some party officials who warn it could crush the party. At the same time, Netanyahu met with a reserve combat officers’ course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz to discuss multiple challenges, expressing appreciation for American support while urging Israel to reduce dependency and build an independent armaments network. In another development, Miri Regev criticized the claim that Iran’s regime has strengthened, arguing the assertion is false.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an Australian judge excluded video footage of two former Sydney nurses threatening Israeli patients from use as evidence, ruling it was obtained in breach of state law. The judge determined that evidence obtained improperly must be excluded, and the nurses will face trial in August. Separately, an opinion piece contends Europe condemns settlements while ignoring Zionism’s deeper roots, arguing Zionism is a long-standing national and cultural expression rooted in Jewish history, and questioning whether current diplomacy reflects balanced consideration.

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-900254
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900267
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900271
https://t.me/JewishNews24/56174
https://t.me/newssil/205077
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-900258
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900142