Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 04:02

HEADLINES
Israel halts planned Iran strike amid pressure
Dermer says Iran weakened since Oct 7
CIA warns Iran unlikely to honor deal

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli Air Force chief Major General Omer Tischler confirmed that a planned large-scale strike on Iran was canceled one hour before departure, even as the air force had previously hit several Iranian targets in response to Iranian missile fire at Israel. He noted that in parallel with the defensive fight, the air force conducted an offensive about 1,500 kilometers from home, striking dozens of targets in Iran and significantly damaging the Iranian air defense system and other regime components. The proposed broad sortie, which would have targeted hundreds of sites inside Iran, did not go forward, and the strike was halted during briefing. The cancellation was reportedly ordered after the United States pressed Israel not to escalate the fighting, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tied to the decision.

In Iran weakened, Hezbollah shattered since Oct. 7, former strategic affairs minister Dermer asserts, former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer told an audience that Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas have been significantly weakened since October 7 and that Israel should take a step back to reassess the strategic picture. He recalled that two and a half years ago Iran posed an existential threat, but three years later Iran’s nuclear capability has been destroyed. He cited Iran’s remaining leverage as its enriched material located in two deeply buried sites, while its ballistic capabilities have been set back by years. Dermer argued that current discussions should not be described as a nuclear deal but rather as an effort to ease international economic pressure, and, in his view, to address broader regional concerns, while tensions with Iran continue to be managed.

In American Jewish leaders across political spectrum express alarm at Trump’s Iran deal, American Jewish groups across the right and left are united in concern over the deal announced with Iran, even as its terms remain unclear. The piece notes that the 2018 agreement with Iran divided opinion, but this time around the groups express a more unified sense of worry. President Trump has suggested the deal reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and Vice President JD Vance told ABC that the deal would include substantial sanctions relief in exchange for Iran agreeing to curb its nuclear weapons program. It remains unclear what concessions Iran has made on its nuclear program, and there are no clear indications about Tehran’s ballistic missile program or its regional proxies.

In CIA director warned Trump Iran unlikely to adhere to nuclear deal – report, the report cites that CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly warned President Trump and other senior officials that US intelligence questions whether Iran will honor the nuclear concessions sought in a final agreement. Axios, citing three sources, said Ratcliffe’s warning came as the administration defended a memorandum of understanding intended to extend a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin 60 days of negotiations toward a broader nuclear agreement. The internal debate included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raising questions, while Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner argued in favor. The discussions occurred ahead of Sunday’s announcement of the framework.

In Bennett launches critique against Netanyahu, claims he is the 'only one' who can defeat him, former prime minister Naftali Bennett sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview on Kan News, saying the current government is no longer capable of advancing Israel and that Netanyahu’s approach has compromised Israel’s standing on the world stage. Bennett asserted that as long as Netanyahu remains prime minister, Iran will not relinquish a nuclear weapon, and he described Netanyahu’s statements as a form of “anti-leadership.” He argued that a different leadership could bring about significant change and that Israel could act more independently of personal interests to achieve national goals.

In Former PM Bennett considering breaking up newly-formed political alliance, Bennett is reportedly examining the possibility of dissolving his Beyachad partnership with Yair Lapid as polls show a slide in support. Channel 13 cited political correspondent Michael Shemesh in reporting that Bennett’s camp has discussed this option in recent days as his joint platform loses momentum and opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, have overtaken him in the anti-Netanyahu bloc. Inside Bennett’s camp, some critics say the alliance has become a political burden rather than an asset, complicating his ability to present a broad alternative to Netanyahu.

In Trump-backed Oklahoma congressional candidate supports Israel, says the Antichrist will be Jewish, Jackson Lahmeyer, a pro-Israel pastor and founder of Pastors for Trump, leads in a crowded Oklahoma primary for the 1st District with endorsements from President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Lahmeyer is known for outspoken opposition to Sharia law and has tied his campaign to strong Israel advocacy, while also addressing personal-life allegations reported by the Daily Mail by saying the matter was handled privately. The article notes Lahmeyer’s stance on Israel and his provocative framing around religious themes, including the claim that the Antichrist will be Jewish. Oklahoma’s 1st District is home to a significant Jewish community, which figures into the broader national conversation around this race.

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.timesofisrael.com/israeli-air-force-chief-confirms-major-strike-on-iran-was-called-off-last-week/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899533
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-899530
https://worldisraelnews.com/cia-director-warned-trump-iran-unlikely-to-adhere-to-nuclear-deal-report/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899535
https://worldisraelnews.com/former-pm-bennett-considering-breaking-up-newly-formed-political-alliance/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899532