Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-18 at 05:01

HEADLINES
- San Diego man charged in Hamas fundraising
- Israeli airstrike hits Zabdin in Lebanon
- Labor union warns LGBTQ coordinators funding cuts

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

In US Military Role, a US refueling aircraft departed Ben Gurion Airport, and the image is credited to the talented photographer Barak Shaked, with two comments noted on the post.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, of San Diego, was arrested on suspicion of funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas through fundraising campaigns that appeared humanitarian, including through the charity Ikram - The Arab Charity Foundation Inc. Prosecutors say the funds were intended to support Hamas. Sabassi was charged with terrorism, sanctions evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements and could face lengthy prison terms if convicted. Separately, Lebanese channels reported an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle strike in the village of Zabdin in southern Lebanon this morning, the fourth such strike reported in the area.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Histadrut HaMaof, a branch of Israel’s national labor federation, warned that cutting funding for municipal LGBTQ+ coordinators could lead to layoffs and reduced services for vulnerable communities. The union urged the government to halt the plan and hold talks with workers’ representatives before any funding is cut. Local authorities deliver many social services through municipalities and regional councils, and funding supports programs for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ residents. The coordinators inside local authorities help develop programs, connect residents with services, and advise on LGBTQ+ issues.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Kalamazoo’s OutFront organization faced debate after two volunteers at a Pride festival wore items supporting Israel. One volunteer wore a dress featuring the Star of David, and the other wore a hat with the Israeli flag. The organization said many community members were hurt, distressed, or angered by the presence of Israeli symbols, while Jewish attendees described mixed reactions and ongoing discussions about symbolism and impact.

In Israeli Economy and Business, analysts say the region is rerouting energy networks as a new regional order takes shape, with investment in pipelines and energy projects expected to be a central feature. The shifting dynamics come as some see potential benefits from a US-Iran rapprochement, while countries seek routes that avoid overreliance on any single corridor. Syrian state media reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi and US presidential envoy Tom Barrack discussed plans to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline during talks in Baghdad, and Iraq also requested an extension of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan agreement, underscoring the importance of cross-border energy infrastructure in the region.

In Uplifting News, firefighters rescued 25 people from a burning apartment building in Netanya overnight, with 13 requiring hospital treatment. Ten were reported in mild condition and three, a mother and her children, were listed as in satisfactory condition. The fire on Macdonald Street was brought under control, and investigators from the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority are examining the scene to determine the cause.

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://t.me/abualiexpress/124847
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899788
https://t.me/abualiexpress/124849
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899794
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899803
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899811
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899777