Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-16 at 13:02

HEADLINES
- Lebanon toll climbs after Israeli drone strikes
- Iran deal allows oil sales at signing
- Netanyahu ends cross examination as trial nears

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions continue to unfold across the region. Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon hit three vehicles, killing at least four people and wounding others, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. Two people were killed in a double-tap strike after a drone hit a car in the village of Mayfadoun and after people had gathered at the scene. A separate drone strike in the town of Shoukin killed two more people, the agency said. There was no immediate comment from the IDF on the reported strikes. Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force intercepted several Hezbollah rockets aimed at an IDF post in southern Lebanon, and the military said it then struck the rocket launcher used in the attack. The IDF also struck a suspicious vehicle in a separate area after firing a warning shot. Hezbollah told Reuters there would be no nuclear deal between Iran and the United States unless the Israelis withdraw from Lebanon, and Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Israel must withdraw from occupied areas and that the people of southern Lebanon should return to their homes. This is a developing story.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, policy moves with the Iran deal shape regional dynamics. A Wall Street Journal report describes a provision in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran that would allow Tehran to begin selling oil and fuel immediately upon signing, and would let Iran use banking, transportation and insurance services to facilitate those sales. The final text has been the subject of debate, with a signing expected in Switzerland on Friday and a binding UN Security Council resolution to adopt the agreement; Israel reportedly sought to see the text but was denied by a source cited in reporting. Separately, US President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to address constraints in weapons production and supply chains, citing limited capacity, fragile supply chains, long lead dependencies and related bottlenecks. The United States also denied Israel's request to view the Iran deal prior to the signing ceremony. The Wall Street Journal also reported that the US would immediately lift sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil and fuel upon signing. Some Jerusalemites suggest the MoU could leave Israel in this conflict for a longer period, reflecting perceived strains between Washington and Jerusalem.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu’s cross-examination concludes after year-long testimony phase. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cross-examination in his criminal trial ended on Tuesday after 94 questioning days, moving toward the final phase of testimony before the defense resumes. If kept on schedule, his testimony could end by month’s end or within the next two to three weeks. He is expected to return to the Tel Aviv District Court for questioning by the attorneys representing his co-defendants, Arnon Mozes and Shaul Elovitch, followed by a brief re-examination by his own lawyers. Separately, Sama Safi, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American psychology student at Birzeit University, was arrested on June 2 during an IDF raid and has been held without charge, according to US officials and family statements. An IDF spokesperson said Safi and three other Birzeit students were arrested after promoting hostile terrorist activity and related activities; Safi’s next hearing is scheduled for Sunday.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, condemnations and workplace discrimination draw scrutiny. Israel rebuked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for comparing the Gaza war to the Holocaust, calling the remarks deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The Foreign Ministry said such comparisons are unacceptable and deeply disturbing, noting Lukashenko’s comments in an interview with Al Arabiya. In a separate case, Jewish start-up founders Gabe and Aiden Einhorn faced a viral incident after a job applicant on Handshake wrote, “Not interested in working for a jew.” Cornell University said it takes all reports of discrimination and hate speech seriously and will conduct a thorough review under university policy. The applicant identified as Aiden Franco, who reportedly said he learned the interviewees were Jewish after the fact. The exchange drew wider public attention as part of ongoing debates over bias and free expression in hiring.

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/defense-news/article-899611
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899597
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899599
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899613
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899610
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899606
https://t.me/hnaftali/23490
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899591
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899612
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899604
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899605
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899601