Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-23 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Trump claims Iran agrees to long-term inspections
Ron Arad remains exchange in Lebanon talks
Netanyahu threatens Likud exit over primaries

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

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump said Iran agreed to long-term nuclear inspections, a claim Tehran has rejected, as he also addressed US naval positioning near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump insisted Iran would allow inspections well into the future, while Iran said it has not agreed to such terms. He posted on social media that the United States would keep ships in the Strait of Hormuz to be ready to reimpose a blockade if necessary, arguing this would ensure “Nuclear Honesty.” He added that the Strait would remain open for now, with no further naval blockade, though ships would stay in place should a blockade be reinstituted. Trump also claimed a record amount of oil moved through Hormuz yesterday, saying 19 million barrels and predicting lower oil prices, while noting that Iran has not met with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief.

In Regional Impacts, Israeli and Lebanese negotiators are discussing the possible return of missing Israeli Air Force navigator Ron Arad’s remains in exchange for Lebanese prisoners, a development reported as talks in the United States move into a fifth stage focused on creating “pilot areas” for Israeli withdrawal to enable the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah. Israeli officials cautioned they had no new information on Arad beyond what was reported, but welcomed any credible intelligence. Arad disappeared in 1986 after a malfunctioning aircraft crash; he was captured by Amal and has been presumed dead for years, with Amal described by some figures as holding him as a bargaining chip. Separately, Lebanon’s Finance and Budget Committee approved a draft law offering a visa to wealthy investors who deposit $500,000 and pay a $50,000 government fee, in exchange for residency rights and a favorable tax regime intended to attract investment and create jobs as part of the country’s economic recovery. Washington also authorized a 60-day general license allowing Iran to produce, deliver, and sell crude oil until August 21, 2026, tied to ongoing talks in Switzerland and to commitments on safe Hormuz transit and IAEA inspections, with global oil prices drifting lower in response. Brent crude and WTI fell modestly, while US crude stocks in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined to the lowest level in weeks. In Washington, the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States met recently, a note indicating ongoing high-level engagement.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned he would leave the Likud party if his demand for 10 reserved seats in the next election is not accepted, a stance described by sources as part of tense internal negotiations over the party’s primaries. Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz reportedly warned the move could “crush the Likud,” while Netanyahu argued the current crisis could damage the party. There is also talk within the party of placing Gideon Sa’ar and Moshe Kahlon in the top ten slots, and a member of the party, David Bitan, criticized Netanyahu’s handling, particularly with regard to primary planning.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an Australian judge ruled that video footage of two former Sydney nurses threatening Israeli patients must be excluded from their case because it was obtained in breach of NSW laws. Judge Michael McHugh said evidence gathered improperly cannot be admitted, and all video evidence should be excluded from the trials, which are scheduled for August. The nurses have pleaded not guilty.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Anduril Industries is in talks to appoint former Israel Air Force Chief General (Reserve) Amikam Norkin to head its Israel operations as the company expands its defense technology footprint in the region. Norkin is currently managing partner at Ace Capital Partners, a fund backing Israeli and global start-ups in dual-use, aerospace, and defense tech, as Anduril seeks to mirror the model used by US defense giants in Israel. Separately, the IDF is pushing a rapid deployment of smarter, faster autonomous robots across the frontlines to counter threats such as IEDs and explosive drones. At a Defense Ministry–supported center, officers and defense tech partners describe turning urgent battlefield needs into fielded systems quickly, with commanders stressing that time to market and field readiness are critical to saving lives as they continuously adapt to new threats.

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-900265
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900274
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900269
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900267
https://t.me/ILtoday/19389
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900271
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-900258
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-900270
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-900268