Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-23 at 07:02

HEADLINES
Iranian Drone Swarm Downs US F-15
Lebanese Figures Sign Call to Save Lebanon
Netanyahu Plans Likud Top Ten Shakeup

The time is now 7:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, a US F-15 pilot who was shot down over Iran in April described observing a coordinated formation of Iranian drones moving as one in a jellyfish-like shape. The downing of the jet, the first time Iran had brought down a US fighter, remains under investigation. The pilot reported multiple drones interconnected with smaller drones beneath larger ones like legs, with some describing the group as a minefield of drones. It is not clear whether the other crew member witnessed the formation, and initial assessments suggest the drone arrangement may have enabled the attack.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, more than 400 Lebanese public figures signed a declaration called “A Call to Save Lebanon,” urging an end to Iranian interference and support for state sovereignty. The initiative asks civilians to publicly back Beirut, its legitimate institutions, and diplomatic processes, and to end both Iranian interference and Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon. It notes a push for demilitarization of Hezbollah under the March law and underscores Hezbollah’s long-standing ties to Iran amid Lebanon’s ongoing political tensions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Hebrew-language post claims a New York City mayor criticized Israel yesterday over the killing of Ahmad Wissa, naming an Al Jazeera journalist. Separately, Vice President JD Vance urged Israel not to retaliate after Hezbollah attacks and to pursue a regional deconfliction channel to prevent wider war, arguing for a mechanism to manage incidents among Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah and other regional actors. The goal, he said, is to preserve Israel’s right to respond while reducing the risk of escalation.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing reserving seats for Gideon Sa’ar and Moshe Kahlon in the top ten slots of the Likud list, with Haim Bibas placed lower on the list. Reports indicate Netanyahu aims to reserve eight or nine candidates on the Knesset list, including three in the top ten, and he has also approached Ari Spitz about joining. The Likud is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the party’s future and whether to replace primaries with a selection committee amid party-wide pressure on leadership.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Spain’s Jewish groups defended Pilar Rahola after prosecutors opened preliminary proceedings following a complaint by activists who threw red paint at her during a 2024 conference. The activists allege that Rahola’s public statements could constitute hate speech or incitement against Palestinians, accusing her of acting as a paid collaborator of the Zionist regime and promoting dehumanizing rhetoric. In Boston, a middle school principal apologized to Arab, Muslim, Palestinian and Lebanese students who felt unseen or unsafe after a mandatory Holocaust lesson, drawing condemnation from Stop Antisemitism and sparking discussion about how history is taught and received in schools.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Autobrains announced a collaboration with Uber and Nvidia to launch Europe’s first autonomous commercial ride-hailing network in Munich, pending regulatory approval. The company describes a system that uses agentic artificial intelligence to break down reasoning into small tasks, aided by defense-sector tech such as satellite imagery, cameras, and drone connectivity. The effort centers on three layers for scalable robotaxi deployment: autonomous software, the Uber platform, and Nvidia hardware, with testing continuing under human supervision to demonstrate safety advantages.

In Uplifting News, China’s dog-focused Paw³ in Shanghai offers a preschool-like program for dogs, featuring games, snacks, treadmills, and music as part of a growing pet-services market driven by shifting demographics and rising willingness to treat pets as family. Founder Qian Yi says the program treats the dog as a child, reflecting broader trends in pet care. Also, Herodium, the royal fortress in the Judean Desert, opened for the International Conference on Israeli Heritage and Antiquities in Judea and Samaria, hosted by the Heritage Ministry and attended by dignitaries including Israel’s Heritage Minister and the US ambassador. The event showcased a multi-sensory production, Herod Vs Bar Kokhba: The Battle for Eternity, and marked a revival of the site after two millennia.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-900246
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900244
https://t.me/newssil/205071
https://worldisraelnews.com/vance-israel-should-respond-to-attacks-with-conversation-not-retaliation/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900241
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-900250
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-900248
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-900069
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-899679
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900236