Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 14:02

HEADLINES
Lebanon drone strikes kill four in south
Iran MoU draft excludes Israel
Netanyahu trial nears final testimony phase

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli drone strikes targeted three vehicles in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least four people and wounding others, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. Two people were killed in a double-tap strike, with a drone hitting a car in the village of Mayfadoun and a second strike after people had gathered at the scene. Another drone strike in the town of Shoukin killed two other people. There was no immediate comment from the IDF. Earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force intercepted several Hezbollah rockets launched toward an IDF post in southern Lebanon, and the IDF struck the rocket launcher used in the attack, destroying it. Israeli forces also struck a suspicious vehicle in an area where IDF soldiers were active, after firing a warning shot.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the administration’s push for the Iran Memorandum of Understanding is being led by Vice President JD Vance, who has been touring networks to frame the deal as a path to peace and stability in the Middle East and a potential broad transformation of the region. He described it as a big day for the American people and a win for those seeking stability in the Middle East, noting the possibility of substantial sanctions relief if Iran takes the steps toward reintegration. A draft of the MoU circulated by outlets outlines aims such as an immediate end to war on all fronts, including Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and release of funds currently sanctioned in the US. It envisions a rehabilitation and economic development plan for Iran with financing of at least $300 billion, while the fate of Iran's nuclear materials would be addressed in a final agreement. The draft also does not mention Israel. The signing ceremony is planned in Switzerland, and the US has reportedly denied Israel access to the draft ahead of the signing. In a separate note, a report suggested the deal could include immediate lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil and fuel upon signing.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu’s cross-examination concluded after 94 days of testimony, marking a key stage in his corruption trial as the court moves toward the final testimony phase. He will return to the court for questioning by the attorneys representing his co-defendants, followed by a brief re-examination by his own defense team, with the expectation that the testimony could conclude by the end of the month or within the next two to three weeks. The proceedings have focused on Case 2000, the alleged quid pro quo between Netanyahu and Mozes, with Mozes charged with offering and Netanyahu charged with fraud and breach of trust. Separately, the Foreign Ministry denied Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s claim that the Hebron Agreement had been annulled, saying no cancellation occurred and that only changes to planning authority had been made by the Civil Administration. The ministry noted that the core accord remains in place, even as planning powers over the Cave of the Patriarchs were adjusted. Forum Dvorah, an NGO focused on women’s rights, criticized hesder yeshivot for boycotting the IDF’s Armored Corps in protest of a pilot program to integrate women into the corps. The group urged the army not to yield to exclusion and argued that allowing such boycotts would amount to segregation.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Elbit Systems’ laser defense program known as Iron Beam is at the center of a detailed look inside the company’s facility, shedding light on the hardware and laboratories behind the system. The Iron Beam has been deployed against Hezbollah drones in a covert operation and, more recently, publicly referenced as part of Israel’s broader air-defense package. Elbit is the manufacturer of the laser itself, with integration partners working on extending its reach to aircraft, enabling threats to be intercepted at closer range or from above. The tour offered a close-up view of the laser modules and the development labs that support the ongoing evolution of this technology and its potential impact on future warfare.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-899611
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899616
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899615
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899606
https://t.me/hnaftali/23490
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899612
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899608
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899587
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899617