Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 17:02

HEADLINES
- Elbit's Iron Beam reshapes future warfare
- US Iran pact reshapes Israel Lebanon talks
- New Jewish-Arab party debuts amid polls

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Iron Beam laser defense system, developed by Elbit Systems, is at the center of discussions about future warfare. The system, which Israel covertly deployed against Hezbollah drones in October 2024 and publicly in December 2025, is manufactured by Elbit, with Rafael integrating it into the broader air-defense package that includes radar and other technologies. Elbit is the sole actor developing this ground-based air defense for aircraft, aiming to shoot down aerial threats from much closer range, and sometimes from above. A Jerusalem Post visit to Elbit’s facility offered a look at the laser’s inner workings and the laboratories where its components are developed, illustrating how the technology is being advanced and its potential impact on warfare.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Western diplomats note the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, which includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, is expected to influence negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Next week, an Israeli delegation led by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter is scheduled to meet in Washington with Lebanon’s delegation led by Nada Hamadeh Mawad and former Ambassador Simon Karam, with talks focusing on normalization and the continued implementation of the agreement reached earlier this month. The prior round produced a joint statement on a ceasefire in Lebanon, conditioned on Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon and disarming, while a pilot program would see the Lebanese Armed Forces enter designated areas to disarm Hezbollah as the IDF withdraws. Diplomats say Iran’s role shapes perceptions in these talks. Separately, Reuters reports that a memorandum of understanding stipulates an “investment” fund to be established in Iran as part of a final agreement, independent of sanctions talks. In another development, the United States has signaled a loosening of oil sanctions that could lift Iran’s oil-export revenue significantly; with the Strait of Hormuz opening, Iran could see oil revenues rise to about $100 billion within one to two years as more buyers enter the market, and current flows are already increasing.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, poll data and new party moves frame the current electoral landscape. A poll of Gaza border residents finds broad support for formal remembrance of the October 7 massacre, with more than 90% backing a law to enshrine memory and commemoration, and 71% supporting a permanent public participation mechanism tied to legal requirements. The survey also shows strong preference for local leadership in decisions affecting damaged buildings and commemoration efforts, with 79.2% and 85.2% respectively favoring local input or leadership. Ahead of the elections, a new Jewish-Arab party, A Place For All of Us, has launched, proposing shared leadership and equality. Led by co-chairs Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green and drawing activists from the Left-wing Standing Together movement, the party aims to address daily issues—violence, security concerns, cost of living, housing, education—and to advance a peace agenda while highlighting equal participation for Jews and Arabs. In the political arena, Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly rebuked the IDF chief over the disclosure of a canceled Iran strike, calling the letter detailing a major strike wave halted an hour before takeoff a national mistake that caused embarrassment with Trump, as the US-Iran deal moves toward signing.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities describe a calculated threat against pro-Israel lawmakers. The FBI human complaint alleges that Proper circulated images and messages from TrackAIPAC.com highlighting lawmakers because of their support for Israel and ties to pro-Israel political action committees. The plan involved drones, gunfire, and multiple attack teams during a UFC Fight Night event on the White House grounds, with five suspects identified and investigations noting the targeting of lawmakers such as US Senator Marsha Blackburn. The Times of Israel reported on the case as authorities disrupted the plot.

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-899617
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899622
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byy0jn1zmg
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/16/us-lifting-oil-sanctions-could-hand-iran-100-billion-within-two-years/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899607
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899621
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1fagejgme
https://worldisraelnews.com/suspects-in-alleged-white-house-ufc-attack-plot-targeted-pro-israel-lawmakers-fbi-says/