Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-23 at 16:02

HEADLINES
- Drone Fiber-Optic Nest Emerges in Donbas
- Israel Kills Hezbollah Operatives Near Ridge
- Likud Primaries Draw 150000 Members

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

In Regional Impacts, a bird’s nest found in Ukraine’s Donbas region is partly woven from discarded fiber-optic cables used by combat drones, illustrating wildlife adapting to debris from drone warfare that has become central to reconnaissance and attacks. The nest reportedly fell from a tree toppled by a Russian glide bomb, and the discovery is attributed to Olena Tregub with documentation by researcher and serviceman Oleh Malchenko. The thin strands of optical fiber in the nest reflect how such materials are scattered in conflict zones where first-person-view drones operate. The report also notes that in a broader regional context, Hezbollah has launched dozens of unjammable fiber-optic drones toward Israeli territory for months; while Israel’s Defense Ministry says it has seen progress countering this threat, officials acknowledge a more effective solution is still sought.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces say they killed armed Hezbollah operatives in two separate incidents near the Ali Taher Ridge at the edge of Israel’s security zone; local Lebanese media reported casualties in one case. The military said warning shots were fired before direct fire was opened as fighters approached, and in the second incident four fighters on a bulldozer and a motorcycle were identified as a threat and targeted. The fighting comes as Jerusalem and Beirut began talks in Washington on a wide range of issues, with a ceasefire holding overall. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett warned that Israel-US ties are in a precarious period and urged Israel to rebuild its image in America, arguing that policy cannot rest on the support of a single president and that “Brand Israel” is viewed negatively by many Americans for the first time in decades. He emphasized that Washington’s shifting politics require a diversified approach. Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s missile program is not part of any memorandum of understanding with the United States and “will never be,” insisting regional peace can only be achieved through honest discussion and intraregional cooperation. Earlier reporting noted that Tehran would decide how to use assets unfrozen under a US deal, with roughly $12 billion expected to be released; Washington and Doha have been described as having influence over funds once unfrozen, though Tehran maintains final say. The discussions come as regional actors weigh the implications of sanctions relief and leverage over future security arrangements.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, an opinion piece argues that US policymakers have faced a cascade of failed promises regarding Iran and that the memorandum of understanding codifying those efforts does not represent victory but a continuation of strategic missteps. The author, who worked in the Clinton White House communications shop, recalls selling the Iran deal and contends JCPOA offered a path forward that avoids the calamities of force, a path the writer believes was neglected in later debates. The piece emphasizes that the United States should not anchor its long-term strategy to the position of a single president and that a durable approach requires broader, steadier diplomacy even as political winds shift.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Transportation Minister Miri Regev said Likud will hold democratic primaries in which around 150,000 party members will choose the Knesset slate, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s voice to be heard in the process. Regev said there will be no selection committee, and that reserved spots will be determined through joint discussion, noting Netanyahu’s role in delivering votes while underscoring that policy cannot hinge on any one individual alone. Separately, former Hadash chairman and MK Mohammad Barakeh was arrested on allegations of inciting terrorism at a 2022 rally; police said there is reasonable suspicion, and a court ordered a 30-day ban from entering the West Bank. Barakeh’s defense argued that political speech is protected expression, but authorities maintained the investigation supports the charge.

In Uplifting News, Visible allyship argues that support for LGBTQ+ Jews must be visible and not assumed, noting that Pride Month can raise questions about welcome for LGBTQ Jewish youth within Orthodox spaces and emphasizing concrete actions from straight allies to foster inclusion. A separate nationwide survey by Clalit Health Services and Myers JDC Brookdale Institute shows Israeli young adults reporting a notable improvement in mental health since October 7, with clinical depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms falling from 51% to 34% over two years; however about a quarter still report severe impairment in daily functioning, including 20% of ages 18 to 34 who struggle with daily tasks. Researchers credit extensive mental health programs and proactive care by Israel’s healthcare system for early gains, while noting that lingering challenges affect daily life for a substantial minority.

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/omg/article-899730
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900309
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900314
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900306
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900304
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900313
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900311
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900307
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/mind-and-spirit/article-900295