Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-13 at 23:02

HEADLINES
Iran's Vahidi presses for missiles on Israel
US cuts Europe-based F-16s and tankers
Protesters push Oct 7 inquiry bill

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Ahmad Vahidi, wanted over the 1994 AMIA bombing, has emerged as a key power broker in Tehran, pressing for missile strikes on Israel and tougher terms in US talks.

In US Military Role, the United States plans to significantly reduce the aircraft and warships it makes available for NATO operations in Europe, a move that would limit NATO's ability to launch long-range strikes and conduct surveillance. The plan would cut F-16 and F-15E fighters from roughly 150 to 100, reduce maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15, and remove all eight aerial refueling tanker jets. It would redeploy a missile-launching submarine and an aircraft carrier, and one of two groups of bombers previously assigned for Europe’s defense may be reallocated. NATO spokesperson said there has historically been an over-reliance on US forces, and as Europe and Canada invest more in defense, the balance of responsibility can shift.

Iran has accused the US of targeting drinking water facilities in southern Iran with precision bombs, saying water tanks and reservoirs were struck and taken out of service. Mehr quoted the CEO of Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company describing two concrete water-storage reservoirs with a combined capacity of 2,500 cubic meters that were struck. Iran called the action a war crime and a flagrant violation of human rights, while US President Donald Trump has not confirmed whether recent US attacks were in response to anything.

In Regional Impacts, vessel traffic visible in the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours shows no vessels transiting using the Iranian traffic separation scheme; however, a few vessels did transit through Omani waters along the previously established Project Freedom safe route.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, JCPOA 2.0: Trump's deal risks undercutting efforts against the Iranian threat - editorial argues that the framework is not adequate and could be dangerous, warning that a memorandum of understanding could open a new 60-day period of technical negotiations that may enable concessions before hard questions are answered. Emerging US-Iran deal criticized in Israel, Iran by opponents of countries’ leaderships notes opposition leader Yair Lapid’s claim that the deal fails to meet Jerusalem's war goals and reports of protests in Iran arguing Tehran made excessive concessions. US, Iran inch closer to deal, timing remains unclear reports that US and Pakistani leaders anticipate a framework signing, with Tehran casting doubt on timing and hardline protesters opposing. Ahead of signing, confusion swirls over Trump’s Iran deal highlights questions on uranium, sanctions relief, missiles, and whether the deal would constrain Israel's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, anti-government protesters pan bill for political Oct. 7 inquiry, saying the coalition’s legislation to form a politically appointed commission of inquiry would probe failures around the Hamas onslaught rather than establishing a state commission, with a first-reading vote expected this week and arguments ranging over how six members would be appointed. Head of IDF Ground Forces Planning Department, Colonel Netanel Lasri, dies at age 40 after a long battle with cancer; he previously led the 9th Battalion in the 401st Brigade and served in the Golan and Hermon Brigades, earning the Chief of Staff Award in 2020 and later overseeing planning for the IDF ground forces until his passing.

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.ynetnews.com/article/rkh007qjzmx
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899275
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899274
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21509
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899266
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-14-2026/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-iran-inch-closer-deal-timing-remains-unclear
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h18ytwozmx
https://www.timesofisrael.com/anti-government-protesters-pan-bill-for-political-oct-7-inquiry-said-set-for-vote-this-week/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899272