Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-09 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Israel strikes Iran after near missile exchange
US Apache Downed Near Strait of Hormuz
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Suspended Over Harassment

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, for a few hours on Sunday night it seemed entirely possible that Israel would absorb an Iranian missile attack and move on. The missiles triggered sirens across northern Israel, sending millions of Israelis toward protected spaces, and there were no casualties reported. By early Monday morning, the Israel Air Force struck targets in western and central Iran, defying calls from the United States not to escalate. The strikes were selective, and Israel did not unleash its full capacity. The motive appeared not to restart a broader conflict but to respond while Israel remains tied to multiple fronts since October 7, including a new challenge as the Houthis joined the fray. Reserve duty has stretched families and businesses to their limits.

In Regional Impacts, US President Donald Trump confirmed a US Army Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, and its two crew members were safely rescued. He said an incident report would be released later on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether the downing was caused by Iranian fire, mechanical failure, or other issues. The New York Times, citing two people briefed, reported that Apache helicopters, along with fighter jets and drones, have been used by CENTCOM to break Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The report said this is the first downed Apache since hostilities with Iran began in February, while Iran has claimed to have shot down about 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones in the same period. CENTCOM said on Sunday that two Iranian drones were shot down threatening international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, reports from southern Lebanon describe a series of attacks in the Arabiya area near the Al-Abbasiyah road in the Tyre district.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, here is a summary of last night's news: Trump said he does not think Netanyahu will return to war with Iran because things are going well and Iran is doing what it should. US Vice President J.D. Vance said there are cases where the interests of Israel and the United States diverge, and the main goal in Iran is to ensure Tehran does not possess nuclear weapons, with a long-term agreement possible even if Israel may not like that. Trump, at a rally supporting Senator Lindsey Graham, said, “We will declare a total victory over Iran in the next two weeks. We are currently negotiating, and they want to reach a very good agreement. They are ready to give us everything, they are ready to give up nuclear weapons.” An American Apache attack helicopter crashed last night in the Strait of Hormuz; the crew was rescued safely, and it is not reported whether it was a malfunction or another event. Joy in Israel: The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, was suspended from his position amid a sexual harassment case, according to Yair Altman.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, new Gaza border region teachers and psychologists are offered a grant of up to 72,000 NIS by the Israeli government. The grant is announced jointly by the Financial Ministry's Wages and Labor Agreements Department, the Education Ministry, and the Tekuma Administration. Tekuma region grants are intended to strengthen the area’s education system by encouraging new employment and promoting educational activities. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the initiative strengthens schools and helps build the layer of educational leadership that will accompany the children of the Gaza border area in the years to come. The professionals sought include those versed in English, computers, physics, biology, chemistry, technology, therapeutic professions, kindergarten teaching, and educational counseling, with exceptional cases made for additional subjects determined to have a unique need in the region. The highest grants will be awarded to professionals who relocate to the region from a distance of at least 30 kilometers.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Republican Representative Thomas Massie took to the House floor to call for an investigation into Israel’s 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, elevating a longstanding conspiracy theory that has persisted among critics of Israel. The attack occurred on June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, off the Sinai Peninsula, killing 34 crew members and injuring 171. Israel later apologized, explaining it had mistaken the ship for an Egyptian vessel, and paid damages to the United States and families of the victims. Multiple US investigations, including by the CIA, determined the assault was a mistake, but the incident remains a touchstone for critics of Israel. Tribeca Festival denounced jokes on the red carpet alluding to allegations of rape against Israeli prison guards involved with Palestinian prisoners, made by comedian Elon Gold and pro-Israel influencer Lizzy Savetsky. Savetsky posted a highlights reel reflecting the comments; Gold responded with remarks about being “raped by Israeli dogs,” and Savetsky countered with comments about Palestinians. The festival condemned the jokes, and there was no immediate public reply from Gold.

In Uplifting News, Victor Wembanyama delivered 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in his first NBA Finals win, guiding the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks and reducing the series deficit to 2-1. The win came before a Madison Square Garden crowd that included President Donald Trump.

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
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https://t.me/JewishNews24/55496