Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-12 at 18:02

HEADLINES
- Haifa Man Indicted in Iran Espionage Ring
- Iranian Missiles Prompt Ceasefire; Trump Opposed
- Trump Blocks US Plan to Seize Uranium

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli authorities say a 44-year-old Haifa resident has been indicted for contacting a foreign agent and providing information to Iran. Prosecutors say Raanan Ben Haim Ohana carried out multiple missions for an Iranian operative between January and March 2025, including during the recent Israeli-US war with Iran. The indictment alleges he supplied the agent with detailed intelligence on security-check loopholes at ports and on how weapons could be smuggled into Israel, and he provided photographs of sensitive locations such as the Haifa waterfront and American warships. Investigators say cryptocurrency payments totaling about 2,500 shekels were transferred to Ohana. He was arrested in May on suspicion of working for an Iranian intelligence asset. Authorities say the case underscores ongoing Iranian-linked espionage amid ongoing hostilities. Separately, a year ago Israel shifted from focusing on an adversary’s intentions to preventing its capabilities in Operation Rising Lion. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Rising Lion, a campaign that is expected to reshape its security doctrine for generations. The core lesson described is that national security cannot rely on assessing an enemy’s intentions; intentions can change, but capabilities endure. A state with thousands of ballistic missiles, a large drone arsenal, and a nuclear infrastructure remains dangerous even if leadership appears uncertain about using them. The piece frames Rising Lion as a move away from relying on intent toward preventing what an adversary can do, citing historical context to illustrate how deterrence can hinge on capabilities rather than beliefs.

In Iranian Retaliation, the narrative centers on events surrounding Iran’s escalation and the responses it triggered. The report describes missiles fired by Iran and the ensuing debate in Washington and Jerusalem over how to respond. President Donald Trump reportedly urged no retaliation, engaging in a flurry of calls and public statements. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicated a resolute stance in discussions with the US leadership. As the confrontation unfolded, Israeli operations and strategic calculations—including the referenced efforts known as Am Lavi and the early weeks of Shagat HeAri—shaped the domestic and international posture. A ceasefire was declared after a period of intensifying activity, contrary to Israel’s position, and the conflict produced a heavy toll in southern Lebanon and a renewed emergency in the north, highlighting the broader regional risks and Iran’s ongoing assertiveness.

In US Military Role, reporting indicates American forces prepared an urgent plan to deploy ground troops into Iran to seize enriched uranium buried at nuclear sites, but President Trump blocked the mission over fears of Iranian retaliation, significant US casualties, and potential damage to the global economy.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israel Defense Forces say it has recently eliminated more than 10 Hezbollah field terror commanders involved in directing operations against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Among those killed were successive commanders of the Nasr Unit following the death of Hassan Salameh, as well as sector commanders in Beaufort, Bint Jbeil, Tyre, Hajir, Jibshit, Khiam, and Qana. The military says the strikes are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s command structure in southern Lebanon.

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/crime-in-israel/article-899214
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898846
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/13/we-did-everything-in-iran-except-what-could-have-ended-it/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjnqyl911zx
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55710