Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-13 at 20:02

HEADLINES
Iran accuses US of striking water reservoirs
UNRWA fires 70 amid Hamas concerns
Tunnels under Beaufort Ridge reveal Hezbollah plan

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Iran has accused the United States of targeting drinking water facilities in southern Iran with precision-guided munitions, saying two concrete water-storage reservoirs with a combined capacity of 2,500 cubic meters in the Bamani district were struck and taken out of service. Tehran's semi-official Mehr News Agency published photos of water tanks and quoted Abdul Hamid Hamzehpour, head of Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, describing the strikes as a violation of the Geneva Conventions and labeling them a calculated war crime that deprives 10 villages of drinking water. Iran cited international humanitarian law in its accusation, while CNN noted that an image appeared to show parts from a US-manufactured precision-guided missile, though confirmation that the munitions were used at the site could not be verified. The Iranian allegation comes as US policy toward Iran remains unsettled, and while US President Donald Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure, there was no public confirmation of responsibility for the reported attack. Separately, US Central Command announced that US forces have redirected 141 vessels and disabled 9 more in support of a naval blockade of Iran, with at least 42 ships allowed to pass carrying humanitarian cargo.

In Regional Impacts, UNRWA fired 70 employees this week after Israel and the NGO UN Watch accused them of Hamas affiliation, a move USAID-linked actions place within a broader review. UN Watch has long argued that UNRWA staff are intertwined with Hamas, presenting what it calls a network of influence; supporters say the agency’s leadership must address security concerns amid ongoing tensions. USAID had earlier announced it referred 101 current or former UNRWA staff members to the US State Department for suspension or disbarment over involvement in the October 7 massacre and/or ties to Hamas. UNRWA’s own statement framed the dismissals as steps to mitigate safety and security risks for the refugees the agency serves, noting that Israel had provided no evidence to support the accusations. UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer described today’s action as a small beginning in a longer effort to address what he calls a Hamas infiltration of the agency’s ranks, while UNRWA stressed the importance of safety for the people it assists.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said its 36th Division is continuing to clear tunnels beneath Beaufort Ridge, with troops uncovering maps that outline northern Israeli communities near the Lebanon border in one route. Hezbollah reportedly built an extensive underground complex intended for emergency use after losing Beaufort Castle, with infrastructure that could house hundreds of operatives and includes living quarters, plumbing and electrical systems, and defenses designed to target Israeli forces and civilians. In a separate operation, the IDF identified and struck two Hezbollah cells operating from an underground route in southern Lebanon, recovering Kalashnikov rifles and other equipment. The army also said it struck more than 70 Hezbollah infrastructure sites in 24 hours as part of the ongoing operation. On the political-military front, Israel is preparing for the possibility that a pending US–Iran agreement could prompt calls to halt its Lebanon ground advance to avoid complicating the deal, while briefings say some withdrawal terms will be discussed with Lebanon in Washington in June. Israeli security sources cited by KAN said the IDF was nearing Nabatieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, but officials emphasized that Beirut-area operations are limited in light of the deal, while government sources dismissed some reports of Hezbollah agreeing not to fire on northern towns as misinformation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that American leadership has been “too cute” in confronting antisemitism, delivering only enough condemnation to seem responsible while avoiding decisive action that would challenge anti-Israel support coalitions. The author contends that this cowardice has contributed to rising antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish individuals on campuses and in public spaces. A separate review of a history on the 1873 financial crisis notes how antisemitic myths about the Rothschilds resurfaced in the wake of the crash and depression, illustrating how stereotypes have persisted through economic upheaval. A third opinion piece discusses Dave Matthews’ comments on Israel and Gaza, arguing that his remarks alienated Jewish fans and reflected the heightened tensions in public discourse over the region.

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-899274
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21508
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899271
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899269
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899270
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898959
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899126
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898940