Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-17 at 21:02

HEADLINES
Iran US MOU Signed Amid Controversy
Ben Gurion Terminal One Reopens for Holidays
UN Warns Israeli Settlers Could Be Blacklisted

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, President Trump defended the Iranian ballistic missile program at the G7 Summit in France, saying that they “have to have some, because other people have some,” specifically mentioning Saudi Arabia, and adding that Iran’s missiles aren’t a problem, “Missiles, they hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet.”

In Regional Impacts, Ben Gurion Airport Terminal One will reopen ahead of the school holidays, with domestic flights resuming on June 28 and international flights on July 1. Terminal One is mainly used by budget airlines, while international service has operated from Terminal Three for the past four months. In May, the IAA’s Sharon Kedmi said up to three million Israelis could have their flights canceled due to American military activity at Ben-Gurion, which was reportedly using about 70% of the airport’s capabilities. Maariv reported that roughly half of the US refueling aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion are expected to be relocated to Israel Air Force bases to reduce the risk of flight disruption during the summer travel season, and that parking spaces at other airfields, including Megiddo, will be cleared for use by the IAF.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Trump said he signed the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war with Iran, with a White House official confirming the signing and a separate official noting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s signing as well; Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s nuclear materials would not be sent outside the country, argued that the regime would have the option of uranium dilution, and stated that Iran’s defensive capabilities “will not be discussed in any process or with any party,” adding that their missiles are “only meant to be fired, not to be negotiated.” He also said negotiations to est… were ongoing. Separately, reports describe the full text of the agreement as providing sweeping economic benefits to Iran while postponing many of the most contentious security issues to future negotiations; the signing took place at Versailles during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, with Trump acknowledging the signing and downstream plans for a Geneva ceremony being canceled.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran confirms that it has signed the US-Iran MOU and the White House has released footage of the moment when President Donald J. Trump signed the MOU during a dinner with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, in Versailles, France. Trump’s newly signed and released Iran deal is prompting controversy, with critics arguing that Tehran received substantial concessions while retaining leverage; the framework provides Iran with sweeping economic benefits while deferring many security issues to future negotiations, and a photograph of the signed document was transmitted to Iran and mediators, with plans for a formal Geneva signing ceremony canceled.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the UN warned that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children, as part of the UN’s annual Children and Armed Conflict report for 2025, which documented tens of thousands of grave violations and noted that the Gaza war has produced substantial child casualties, including 2,668 Palestinian children killed in Gaza and 57 in the West Bank. The report highlighted that the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel were among the countries with the highest violation levels. Separately, an article reproduces Zechariah 12:2-3, quoting, “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling... On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”

In Uplifting News, the Rebbe’s vision of human potential lives on through Friendship Circle, an organization that supports individuals with special needs by mobilizing volunteers to spend time with them, host events, and foster a sense of belonging, with the author describing the gala and the broader impact on families and communities. Also in this topic, declassified protocols show that in March 1976 Rabin warned of a hostage-bargain scenario to free terrorists arrested in Kenya, a demand later echoed by the Entebbe hijackers, illustrating how historical foresight preceded real-world events.

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://worldisraelnews.com/trump-formally-signs-iran-deal-giving-major-concessions-to-terror-regime-geneva-ceremony-cancelled/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899763
https://t.me/hnaftali/23524
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899760
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjmu6jgmzg