Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-21 at 22:02

HEADLINESIsrael UAE Unite Against Iran ThreatGraham Eyes Hormuz Force TollsUltra Orthodox Draft Exemptions Roil IsraelThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, US envoy to the UN Mike Waltz says Israel and the UAE have worked together militarily to defend each other against Iran. The remark underscores ongoing security coordination as tensions with Tehran persist.In US Military Role, Senator Lindsey Graham described potential steps if diplomacy with Iran falters, saying President Trump could move to assert control of the Strait of Hormuz by force, levy a toll to fund operations, and respond with overwhelming force if Iran contests control.In Regional Impacts, two South Korean operated vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz after a memorandum of understanding on a ceasefire was signed last week, with the ships sailing normally but not yet fully exiting the high‑risk zone; they have no South Korean crew on board and are not bound for South Korea, while 22 other South Korean‑operated ships remain stranded in the Strait. Separately, Iran-US peace talks in Switzerland extended into Day 2 as Tehran again signaled it could close the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed US threats; discussions center on extending the ceasefire for another 60 days, with Vice President JD Vance negotiating and accounts from both sides offering different perspectives on the talks.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell after Iran re‑closed the waterway following Israeli strikes on Lebanon; five vessels passed the strait on Sunday, down from 26 ships the day before, according to data from analytics firm Kpler, as Iran’s move came after a period when it briefly lifted a blockade to extend the 60‑day ceasefire and allow talks to proceed; the US military says commercial vessels continue to operate.In Israeli Domestic Politics, debate over ultra‑Orthodox draft exemptions tests wartime unity as hardline factions pressure the government over promised exemptions and the broader political crisis. In related security news, the IDF says two terrorists were killed after they threw Molotov cocktails toward the Karmei Tzur community during a counterterrorism operation, with a third attacker wounded as firefighters tackled resulting blazes; the IDF and Shin Bet also announced the unmasking of five Hamas operatives from Turkey who directed military actions in Israel and the West Bank, overseeing recruitment, weapons, and funding.In Colombia’s De La Espriella, who vowed to move the embassy to Jerusalem, leads the presidential race by a slim margin, presenting a pro‑Israel stance with a tough anti‑crime agenda and closer ties to Washington, signaling a reversal of President Gustavo Petro’s break with Israel as final vote verification begins.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/JewishNews24/56089https://t.me/JewishNews24/56090https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/two-south-korean-operated-vessels-passed-through-strait-hormuz-after-mou-signedhttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/us-iran-talks-go-day-2-after-trump-threats-hormuz-closurehttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900090https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899820https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900088https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjzqcg8zmg