Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-23 at 17:01

HEADLINES
Hezbollah Operatives Killed Near Ali Taher Ridge
Likud Primaries Proceed with Netanyahu Weighing In
Shin Bet Cancels Pride Month Budget Reallocation

The time is now 5:01 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, Israel and Lebanon held the fifth round of peace talks in Washington. Hezbollah and Iran are furious. In two separate incidents on Tuesday afternoon, the IDF said it killed armed Hezbollah operatives approaching its positions at the Ali Taher Ridge, at the edge of Israel’s security zone. In the first clash, Lebanese media reported two Hezbollah fighters were killed and two wounded. Later, four Hezbollah fighters on a bulldozer and a motorcycle were killed after allegedly attempting to disguise themselves as civilians, with some accounts suggesting they aimed to reach a nearby tunnel. The Israeli army said warning shots were fired and, when the threat persisted, its forces opened fire. The broader ceasefire appeared to hold as Jerusalem and Beirut began another round of direct talks in Washington addressing a wide range of issues.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud will go to primaries, but Netanyahu’s voice will be heard in the process. Transportation Minister Miri Regev said the party will conduct democratic primaries in which about 150,000 members will vote to determine the Knesset slate, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s input expected to be reflected in the outcome. Regev noted that Netanyahu’s position would be considered, and that a decision on reserved spots would come through joint discussion, including heads of local authorities. She stressed that the primary process is proceeding despite earlier uncertainty and that the party intends for 150,000 members to participate.

Former MK Mohammad Barakeh was arrested and banned from entering the West Bank, police say. Barakeh, a former Hadash leader, is accused of incitement during a 2022 rally for remarks police describe as praising terrorists. He was detained for questioning and ordered by Judge Oded Moreno of the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court to remain outside the West Bank for 30 days. Barakeh’s defense argued that political speech is protected expression, while the judge said the investigation showed reasonable suspicion of the alleged offense.

Zini cancels Shin Bet Pride Month event, pulls budget from LGBTQ group – report. Shin Bet director David Zini reportedly ordered the cancellation of a planned Pride Month event within the agency and redirected the LGBTQ employee group’s budget into the general budget, effectively shutting down the group’s dedicated funding. Channel 12 cited organizers who said they were told the event would not be approved, and that the changes drew criticism from workers and LGBTQ rights advocates who viewed them as a departure from the agency’s values of equality and inclusion.

In Uplifting News, Visible allyship: Why LGBTQ+ Jews shouldn't have to choose between their identities - opinion. The author argues that allyship must be visible, not assumed, and highlights the ongoing need for communities to support LGBTQ Jewish youths, particularly those raised in Orthodox spaces. The piece reflects on experiences of LGBTQ Jewish teens and calls for continued effort to ensure their full inclusion and safety within their communities.

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/hnaftali/23587
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900309
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900313
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-900311
https://www.timesofisrael.com/zini-cancels-shin-bet-pride-month-event-pulls-budget-from-lgbtq-group-report/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900307