Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-13 at 14:01

HEADLINES
NATO Escorts Arkia Flight Through Hungarian Airspace
Trump Says Iran Deal Near, Hormuz Opens
Torah Study National Service Sparks Debate

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, an Arkia Airbus en route from Tel Aviv to Prague briefly lost radio contact with air traffic control while passing through Hungarian airspace on Friday. NATO activated its highest air policing alert and scrambled two JAS 39 Gripen fighters to identify and escort the aircraft. The jets located the plane, drew near, and established visual contact, after which communications with the flight crew were restored. Early assessments point to a temporary frequency fluctuation as the likely cause. The aircraft was escorted through Hungarian airspace and exited around 8:10 p.m. local time, continuing to Austria without further incident. NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center coordinated the response with Hungarian authorities.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran is set to be signed tomorrow and that the Strait of Hormuz will open immediately after the signing, describing the agreement as distinct from prior arrangements and asserting there would be no exchange of money. In a separate development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump about efforts to end the Iran conflict, welcoming progress and saying Britain stands ready to support the implementation of any peace agreement and to work with international partners to ensure its success, including restoring freedom of navigation to ease global economic impact. Trump also referenced a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran that he said would be signed tomorrow.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, public debate over whether Torah study should be equated with national service has sparked significant backlash. Some Knesset members proposed legislation to recognize Torah study as a form of national service, but after criticism from within the coalition, the proposal was revised. Advocates say Torah study is a cornerstone of Jewish existence, while critics argue that defining it as national service would create political controversy. Separately, an opinion piece argues that Israel’s strategic conversation needs clarity, warning against hollow slogans and calling for a precise distinction between policy and strategy. In Haifa, Amir Maron, 37, was arrested on suspicion of incitement to violence against the LGBTQ community after remarks posted in response to Pride coverage; a Haifa magistrate released him, saying there was reasonable suspicion but no basis to keep him in custody, while the defense described the remarks as a one-time mistake. Finally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend a forthcoming G7 bilateral meeting with Trump and other Middle East leaders, according to a US official; Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it has no plans to send a negotiating team to Geneva or elsewhere in the near term, and US officials said they believe a strong deal with Iran has been reached, with demining support in the Strait of Hormuz anticipated as part of broader arrangements.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Bigger Picture is an Israeli startup using artificial intelligence to transform cinemas into social experiences by building digital profiles of customers and offering personalized services based on past purchases, aiming to reconnect younger generations with in-person gatherings. Founder Amit Bohensky says cinemas are aiming to create a social environment, but lack the technology to analyze and serve customers effectively. In another venture, Chana Koenig, who moved from New York to Israel, runs Cacao HaGalil near Kibbutz Evron, a boutique chocolate shop offering goat-milk treats for those with dairy sensitivities; Koenig’s creations emphasize goat milk and Belgian chocolate, reflecting a personal mission to make chocolate accessible to those with dietary constraints.

In Uplifting News, Helen Mirren has been named a Companion of Honor, one of the highest royal honors in the United Kingdom, recognizing major contributions to British life. Mirren, who portrayed Golda Meir and has spoken out against boycotts of Israel, joins other recipients including environmentalist David Attenborough, author Margaret Atwood, and former prime minister Gordon Brown in the king’s birthday honors list. The awards, announced by King Charles III, honor nearly 1,200 people across New Year and June lists.

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/international/article-899261
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899262
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/uks-starmer-trump-discuss-efforts-end-iran-conflict
https://t.me/selena_updates/65625
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899086
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899097
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-899256
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899260
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-899079
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-899138
https://www.timesofisrael.com/helen-mirren-receives-prestigious-british-royal-honor-alongside-jewish-recipients/