Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 20:01

HEADLINES
- Finish the job framing reshapes US-Israel policy
- Criminals-for-hire recruit youths to attack Jews
- Electric grid at risk of nationwide blackout

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a commentary argues that Israel’s approach since October 7 has been shaped by the aim to “finish the job,” presenting a frame that includes removing Hamas and addressing Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Iranian regime behind them. The piece questions whether the wars since October 7 were purely defensive, noting that some actions, such as the border operation in Lebanon and strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, carried defensive features but invites readers to reexamine the broader strategic choices. It also recalls reporting days on the Jerusalem Post Breaking News Desk in 2019, with near-constant sirens and Iron Dome interceptions, using that memory to frame the ongoing debate about Israel’s path forward.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Toronto’s police chief Myron Demkiw described a pattern of criminals-for-hire recruiting young people via encrypted messaging apps to carry out shootings against Jewish schools, synagogues, and the US Consulate, with attackers sometimes required to film their acts in exchange for payment. He said authorities are pursuing who funds these operations in coordination with the RCMP and the FBI, as arrests in several firearm-discharge cases unfold. The chief emphasized the persistent, cross-border nature of the threat.

In Israeli Economy and Business, researchers at Reichman University’s Yannay Institute warn of the risk that a prolonged loss of electricity could disrupt essential services across Israel if enemies were able to compromise the power grid. The warning follows earlier cautions from the Israel Electric Corporation and Noga, the national electricity system operator, as public discussion grows around resilience and preparedness for a potential nationwide blackout.

In Uplifting News, Britain’s Jewish Culture Month aims to move conversation beyond October 7, wrapping up this week with more than 150 events across the country under the banner Less Oy, More Joy to remind audiences that British Jewish life includes architecture, literature, music and other facets beyond conflict, according to Adam Ma’anit of the Board of Deputies. Separately, the Jerusalem Film Festival announced its Israeli lineup for the 43rd edition, running July 9-19, featuring a wide-ranging program of Israeli features, documentaries, shorts, experimental works and restored classics, with most titles world premieres. The festival will award around NIS 1 million in prizes across Israeli and international competitions, and the Haggiag Competition for Israeli Feature Films will include How to Feel, Amal, and The Wedding Entertainer.

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/article-899630
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899632
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899626
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-899631
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-899628