Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-22 at 10:03

HEADLINES- Iran Uses Hormuz Closure Threat as Leverage- Netanyahu IDF Has Full Freedom in Lebanon- US Licenses Iranian Oil Amid Peace TalksThe time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Iran turning Strait of Hormuz into strategic leverage tool, expert warns. Tehran’s move to announce the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the terms issued by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, signal an intent to keep using the vital waterway, according to an expert. The US Central Command said the waterway remained open, even as analytics show trade activity declining after Iran’s announcement. Data from analytics firm Kpler indicated a drop in traffic, while CENTCOM reported that 55 merchant ships transited the strait, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil to world markets. Windward AI noted that on the day before, only 32 ships had transited and that since June 8, about 65% of crude exports have been destined for China. Three sanctioned Very Large Crude Oil Carriers, including one Iranian-flagged vessel, were observed operating in the open, and Windward described loading in the open as part of a posture shift consistent with a more open theater.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Netanyahu: IDF has 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon, will remain there 'as long as necessary'. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the IDF retains freedom of action to confront threats in Lebanon and that there are no restrictions on the force's ability to protect residents in the North. "Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the North," he said, adding that Israel would stay in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary. CNN reported that Israel is weighing a symbolic withdrawal from certain areas along the Yellow Line as part of upcoming talks, a move being discussed by an Israeli source.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US authorizes Iranian oil sales amid talks on final peace deal. The US Treasury Department issued a general license permitting the production, delivery, and sale of crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products of Iranian origin through August 21, as part of ongoing talks in Switzerland aimed at a final peace agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the framework includes free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and allows IAEA inspectors into Iran, with waivers in place for exports of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, as well as associated services including banking transactions, insurance, and transportation. Transactions authorized under the license include the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil and related products through the period of the license. US officials emphasized that a positive trajectory in talks has also been reflected in follow-up comments from US officials, including remarks that a solid foundation for a final deal exists and that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, with continued technical discussions planned.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Who is Andy Burnham? Potential future UK PM's stance on Israel, antisemitism - explainer. After the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Labour MP Andy Burnham announced his intention to seek Labour leadership. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described Burnham as a “great ally” in the fight against antisemitism and someone who would stand with the Jewish community “always.” Burnham has a history of calling out antisemitism within his party, including statements in 2018 and 2019 emphasizing a firm response and the need to confront racism decisively.Fox News: “Vance sent a warning to the Jews. He said, ‘Watch out, Trump’s your daddy too.’” It has never really been about Israel. It has always been about the Jews. The Republican Party is rapidly becoming what the Democratic Party already became. Nobody wants to talk about it, but that is the reality. The so-called conservative movement is moving at breakneck speed toward the point where genuine believers in biblical truth will be treated as outsiders. Convictions are being traded for interests, and moral clarity for political expediency. Many will soon discover that they have become strangers in a movement they once called home.In Israeli Economy and Business, משלחת ביטחונית הגיעה לביקור עבודה בהודו ונפגשה עם צמרת מערכת הביטחון המקומית, במטרה להעמיק את שיתוף הפעולה הביטחוני והתעשייתי ולהרחיב את הייצוא הביטחוני מזרחה. A security delegation arrived for a working visit in India, meeting with senior leaders of the local security establishment to deepen defense cooperation and industrial collaboration and to broaden security exports toward the east.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://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900150https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900130https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900158https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900144https://www.jpost.com/international/article-900146https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77998https://t.me/newssil/205006