Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-20 at 10:01

HEADLINES
Iran Claims Hormuz Closure Stoking Tensions
Antisemitic Chants Erupt At Trafalgar Square
Einot Petzael Oasis Hidden Jordan Valley Gem

The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s leadership has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to vessel traffic, saying the closure is a response to what it calls relentless violations in Lebanon and breaches of the war-ending agreement by the United States. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned all ships to avoid Hormuz, describing the strait as closed due to US breaches of the war-ending deal and ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations and non-withdrawal in Lebanon, a position echoed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy in recent statements. An official Iran statement quoting the Quran described the closure as a measure in response to these violations in south Lebanon. In the last day, roughly twenty vessels transited Hormuz, most along routes near Oman, with no attacks reported by Iran. Iranian officials have also cited US violations of the Memorandum of Understanding, describing Israel’s continued strikes against Hezbollah as the triggering factor. In the same reporting, there is note that Vice President Vance described talks with Iran as still having a chance, reflecting ongoing diplomatic channels even as Tehran asserts the closure.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vice President JD Vance said he expects to reschedule his trip to Switzerland for US-Iran nuclear talks in the coming days, describing the process as a delicate diplomatic dance. He told Fox News there is no evidence that Iran is closing the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iranian state media reports that Iran’s top joint military command ordered the closure to vessel traffic. In Switzerland, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are already on the ground as discussions proceed. Vance stressed that things are going well with the talks and that the United States remains committed to giving diplomacy a chance to sustain the ceasefire.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Islamist Khalid Siddiq, known for antisemitic lyrics, led “Free Palestine” chants from the stage at Trafalgar Square during an Eid event organized by London City Hall and backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan. The performer had previously released songs describing Israelis as “aliens living there illegally” and featuring lines such as “For Palestine, empty this clip,” “Say this prayer then aim where their heads at,” and “I carry a shovel to bury a kuff.” The event drew thousands and Siddiq appeared as one of the featured performers.

In Uplifting News, Einot Petzael in the Jordan Valley is highlighted as a hidden oasis with a crystal-clear pool fed by springs, greenery and limestone cliffs, a place rich with wildlife and ancient history dating back to Herod’s Phasaelis and biblical Ataroth, largely unknown to most Israelis. The reserve offers a serene scene with gazelle in the meadows and a tranquil watercourse that invites visitors to pause and reflect. Also in this section, Inside the 2026 FIFA World Cup from a roaring USMNT to regime-defying Iranians recounts a father–son trip to Los Angeles for the tournament, where the US national team delivered a big win while Iranian protesters outside the stadium drew attention with competing flags.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899968
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https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-899967
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-899875