Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-17 at 07:02

HEADLINES
IRGC drones attack merchant ships US intercept
G7 backs interim Iran deal Hezbollah standoff
Netanyahu trial defense hits absurd prosecution theory

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, since the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States was digitally signed on Sunday, Iran has launched several drones every night toward merchant ships. The drones were launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but American forces intercepted them.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, leaders of the G7 welcomed an interim deal to end the conflict and called for Hezbollah disarmament and a Lebanon ceasefire as they diversify energy routes away from the Strait of Hormuz. Details of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement have trickled out ahead of its formal unveiling expected on Friday near the Swiss border, with negotiations anticipated toward a final settlement to end the war that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. A Hezbollah spokesperson told Reuters Iran would not accept a permanent truce if the Israeli occupation does not end.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the rebuttal stage in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial continued at the Tel Aviv District Court on Wednesday, with the questioning shifting from the prosecution’s cross-examination to the attorneys for Netanyahu’s co-defendants in the media-related cases. The hearing featured Sharon Kleinman, the attorney for Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes, who questioned Netanyahu over the prosecution’s claim that alleged understandings between Netanyahu and Mozes were reflected in less negative coverage of the prime minister in Yediot Aharonot and Ynet after their sixth meeting in December 2014. “This thesis by the prosecution is absolutely absurd,” Netanyahu said when asked to respond. Case 2000 centers on conversations between Netanyahu and Mozes ahead of the 2015 election. Mozes offered to improve coverage of Netanyahu in Yediot Aharonot and Ynet and worsen coverage of his rivals in exchange for Netanyahu using his influence to promote restrictions on Israel Hayom.

Gov't call center quality falls, public service scores climb, digital access rises, audit finds. State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman found that public service improved in most of the seven bodies examined, but warned that several key agencies still provide service below the average, especially through telephone call centers. The agencies reviewed include the National Insurance Institute, the Israel Tax Authority, the Population and Immigration Authority, the Transportation Ministry, Amidar, the Israel Electric Corporation, and the Israel Land Authority, with comparisons to the prior report from November 2024. Englman stressed that call centers remain a weakness even as overall service shows progress, noting that about a third of annual public-service complaints relate to how agencies interact with the public.

השב״כ מעורב בחקירת פרשת מחיות הפרי. הממצאים ותוצאות הבדיקות הועברו לארגון | יולי כהן N12. The Shin Bet is involved in an investigation tied to a case described in the report, with findings and test results having been forwarded to the organization.

In Uplifting News, Canada pledges $100m for Palestinian aid amid UNRWA staff Hamas controversy. The funding brings Canada’s total contribution to $500 million for the Palestinian territories, and will support the UN, the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and other NGO partners to deliver emergency medical assistance, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, shelter, protection services, and stabilization initiatives. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand said the aid would be delivered through international partners, and the package also includes the International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine, launched with the United Kingdom and Australia to support civil society groups working to build peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

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://t.me/selena_updates/65804
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-899674
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-899681
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899678
https://t.me/newssil/204381
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899656