Netanyahu: Israel must achieve ‘weapons independence’

(June 23, 2026 / JNS)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that he greatly appreciates U.S. support but that Israel must free itself from outside dependence and build an “independent armaments system.” He spoke on June 18 during a meeting at a combat officers course for Israel Defense Forces reservists, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Tuesday. “Right now we are facing Iran and its proxies. We have struck them. It is not over yet, but it depends on our strength. Where we will be in 30 years—that depends on our strength. Therefore, what we are doing now is building superior strength,” the prime minister was cited as saying.

“I want weapons independence. I greatly appreciate the support we have received, and that I have also brought over the years, from our American friends. Today I say: We need our own independent armaments system. We produce our own weapons,” Netanyahu continued. “[We must] free ourselves from dependence, to build more and more power, to introduce more and more technology, to train more and more generations of commanders like you, because that is what will ultimately determine where we end up.

With God’s help and with your help, we will be in a good place,” he said. Netanyahu had said in the past that he plans to gradually terminate U.S. military aid. Under the current 10-year Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries expiring in 2028, the United States provides Israel with roughly $3.8 billion in annual military assistance. (Ed note: And BiBi is exactly correct. Israel must free itself from ALL the US Presidents who don't know their Bible or Bible Prophecy.) (Source)

Contradicting Vance, Iran says no plans for IAEA inspections of damaged nuclear sites

In 2nd apparent pushback against Trump’s VP, envoy says Iran will be ‘only country’ to determine how to use its unfrozen assets, warns Lebanon clash poses risk to deal.

Iran has neither held a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi in Switzerland nor plans for the UN nuclear watchdog to inspect Iran’s damaged nuclear facilities, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Esmaeil Baghaei said there was no protocol for such inspections, adding that Iran will continue its current obligations as a member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and under its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The comments contradicted a statement by US Vice President JD Vance, who said Monday that “the Iranians have agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country.” 

Speaking to reporters at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, Vance called Iran’s ostensible invitation to UN nuclear inspectors “a major milestone for the American people and the first step in permanently denuclearizing or permanently ending a nuclear weapons program in Iran.” Iran had already pushed back against Vance’s comments on Monday, with Baghaei telling the official IRNA news agency that Tehran had not negotiated on its nuclear program and had not accepted any new commitments during Sunday’s talks with the US.

The IAEA has accused Iran of obstructing inspections and failing to give a full account of its highly enriched uranium stockpile after the material was apparently buried in US strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites during last June’s 12-day Israel-Iran war. Tehran, which routinely calls for the destruction of Israel, maintains that its nuclear program is for purely civilian purposes. However, before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium to levels far beyond what’s necessary for any peaceful application, and consistently obstructed international inspectors from checking its facilities. Israel has also said Iran was taking steps toward weaponization. (Ed note: Kind of makes one want to ask, "who's lying?)   (Read More)

No Handshake, No Photo-Op: Iran's Frosty Optics SHOCK Vance As Araghchi IGNORES Him At Peace Talks

A moment of striking diplomatic tension unfolded in Switzerland as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared in the same room during high-stakes U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, but without any public interaction. Footage from the summit showed Araghchi greeting and embracing Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Vance remained at a distance with his delegation. 

The optics quickly drew attention as both sides seek to build on last week's interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict and preventing further regional escalation. Reports from the talks claimed that the Iranian delegation refused to enter the negotiation hall until media personnel had left and also declined to take a joint photograph with the U.S. delegation (Source)

Iran brags that negotiators snubbed Vance during photo op at peace talks — here’s what the video shows

The Iranians bragged that the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi snubbed Vice President JD Vance during a photo op opportunity before peace talks Sunday. Footage showed Araqchi walking into the room where Vance, the rest of the US delegation, and mediators were waiting in front of the cameras — before he was then captured leaving after embracing Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Iranian state media also claimed that its delegation refused to participate in any joint media appearance before talks with the US — a claim which US officials have hit back at. “Iranian representatives previously agreed to a press availability at the beginning of the meeting,” a US official explained to The Post. “They even brought state media with them to cover it, who were pre-staged at the event. Despite this, they left the meeting upon seeing the volume of press in attendance and then distributed an inaccurate account of the situation through state media.”

Meanwhile, lefty critics of Vance on social media also harped on about another moment during the photo op before talks between the US and Iran unfolded. Right before the talks got underway, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani walked by Vance and embraced Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. (Read More)

Iran’s lead negotiator insists Strait of Hormuz will be managed by Iran

The lead negotiator of the Iranian delegation, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insists the Strait of Hormuz will be managed by Iran and will follow international laws.

Ghalibaf, who is also the speaker of the parliament, speaks with Iran state media on a plane on his way back from Switzerland.

“Hopefully we can activate the strait again, in terms of passage, and bring prosperity back to regional and global economy,” he says. Ghalibaf confirms that the issue of releasing the frozen assets as well as the sale of Iranian oil were discussed in the talks with the US today. (Source)

Israel Katz's promises face tough reality when Trump limits the IDF - analysis

There is an interesting debate going on in Israel about when and where the country must listen to Trump imposing limits to maintain his support on other critical military and other issues.

What happens when you promise the country that there will be no limits on the IDF’s actions repeatedly, and then there repeatedly are limits? This is the dilemma that Defense Minister Israel Katz has after many prior promises and another promise Monday night. It happened in June 2025 when he publicly promised that Israel would strike Iran again on a massive scale after the Islamic Republic briefly, and without much impact, violated the ceasefire negotiated by US President Donald Trump.

Trump called back the aircraft that Katz sent to strike Iran. A small and insignificant symbolic strike was allowed. Katz never explained the turnaround.Similar incidents happened when Katz promised Israel would keep striking Iran after Trump’s April 7 ceasefire with Iran. He also leaked to many sources that Trump and Tehran were too far apart, so they would never reach a framework agreement – until they did. More recently, Katz has said the IDF can bomb and attack anything and everything in Lebanon, including in Beirut – except Trump has now said it cannot, so it has stopped.

Katz has said the IDF will not withdraw from any area it has taken over anytime in the near future. And yet leaks pretty much confirm that this promise will also be proved wrong. Late on Monday, Katz promised by direct video message to the public that the IDF will continue to act everywhere and anywhere it needs to. But leaks are rampant that on both the northern and southern borders, officially or unofficially, commanders are on edge about when they can use force and when they cannot, and how long they will need to retreat from their current positions.  (Ed note: This is not good on many levels.)    (Read More)

Netanyahu, Katz and Zamir issue a rare joint statement

The Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and IDF Chief of Staff issue a joint statement following reports of restrictions placed on the IDF's freedom of action in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued a rare joint statement on Monday evening amid growing controversy surrounding the IDF's rules of engagement in southern Lebanon and allegations of restrictions placed on troop operations. The statement was released following a conversation the three held with the Head of Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo. The statement declared that "the IDF will continue to act decisively to thwart threats against our soldiers and citizens, destroy terrorist infrastructure, and maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon." 

It further stated that "the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Chief of Staff made it clear that the safety of Israeli citizens and IDF forces will continue to be their absolute priority, without compromise." However, despite these declarations, military sources continue to claim that Israel's operational capacity is effectively restricted across the entirety of the territory beyond the "Yellow Line" in Lebanon. According to these sources, strikes that were previously approved by field commanders now require clearance from the highest echelons.

According to the same sources, the restrictions primarily impact proactive operations against Hezbollah targets deeper inside Lebanon. These include headquarters, weapons depots, manufacturing and military buildup sites, and terrorist infrastructure not classified as an immediate threat to forces on the ground. (Ed note: From the President who just said,"Can't put Hezbollah away." Now the IDF is back to, "restrictions primarily impact operations against Hezbollah targets deeper inside Lebanon.") (Read More)

Iran’s foreign minister says ‘major progress’ made to end Lebanon war in talks with US

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says there was “major progress” in talks with the United States over ending the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. “Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War,” Araghchi posts on X. He says the establishment of a de-confliction cell in the Lebanon conflict is the “1st real test.”

He notes other areas of progress in the negotiations in Switzerland. “Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.”

The conflict in Lebanon between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group has continued despite multiple declarations of truces, and has threatened to derail US-Iran peace talks, to which Israel is not a party. The memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran declared a ceasefire in Lebanon, but Israel has vowed to keep its military in a buffer zone in the country’s south. (Ed note: Okay, so now I'm worried. Just what did our boys, JD, Steve and Jared give up to get FM Araghchi to give the press such a glowing report?) (Source)

Iran, US agree on roadmap to reach deal in 60 days, will continue talks all week, mediators say

Iran’s FM says ‘major progress’ made to end Lebanon war as Qatar, Pakistan announce creation of ‘de-confliction cell’; Netanyahu: War created conditions for regime’s fall.

Iran and the United States agreed on a roadmap toward reaching a final deal to end the war within 60 days, mediators Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement on Monday following the first day of talks between the sides, as Tehran touted “major progress.” “The High Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks,” the joint statement from Qatar and Pakistan read, adding that the High-Level Committee was established to oversee the talks. The statement added that talks would continue all week.    

The statement came after clashing reports from US and Iranian sources during a rocky first day of negotiations. A senior US diplomat said overnight Sunday-Monday that Iran’s delegation was still present at the Swiss venue where the two countries had held talks, after Iranian state media reported that the team from Tehran had left the site in protest of US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats against the Islamic Republic. The talks, building off of a memorandum of understanding the two sides signed last week, aim to permanently end the Iran war and reach an agreement on sensitive topics such as Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel, which began the war with Iran in partnership with the US, is not a party to the talks, and the MOU’s terms have caused deep concern among Israeli officials. Iran and the US, meanwhile, have clashed over Israel’s continued conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where the MOU calls for a ceasefire. The mediators’ statement also said that Iran and the United States had agreed to set up a “de-confliction cell” with Lebanon to stop military operations there.

“The parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon,” the joint statement read. The statement mentioned neither Hezbollah nor Israel. Commenting after the first day of talks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there was “major progress” made.  (Ed note: I don't like it. If FM Araghchi has a smile on his face, that can't be good for everyone else.)   (Read More)

Iran warns US to ‘be careful’ after Trump threat

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warns the United States against making threats to the Islamic Republic, vowing that “our armed forces are ready to respond.”

“Don’t they think that if their threats had any effect, they would not have reached today’s state of desperation? We do not take American threats into account,” says Ghalibaf, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran over its support for Hezbollah.

“They would do better to be careful with their statements; our armed forces are ready to respond to them in a different manner. No matter what they say, we are the ones who act.” (Source)

Trump threatens Iran: "I’ll blow them to pieces"

US President Donald Trump told Fox News that Washington could become the “guardian angel" of the Strait of Hormuz and take 20% of the oil.

As talks on the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran got underway in Switzerland today (Sunday), US President Donald Trump told Fox News that Washington could become the “guardian angel" of the Strait of Hormuz and take 20% of the oil. “We may take control of the strait if we need to. I’ll blow them to pieces. If they don’t make a deal, we’ll charge transit fees," Trump added, issuing a threat toward Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that “Trump’s positions have changed 180 degrees compared to the past," adding: “We will not give up the right to enrichment; they too will be forced to accept it." Trump responded: “He’d better watch his mouth, he’d better shape up, or we’ll take over the rest of his country." Following his statement to Fox News, Trump published a post on Truth Social warning Iran to stop Hezbollah. "Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!" he warned. (Source)

Iran delegation left talks venue after Trump threat — state media

The Iranian delegation left the venue of talks with the United States seeking to permanently end the Middle East war after President Donald Trump threatened to strike the Islamic Republic, state media confirms. “The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, after meeting with the Qatari delegation as one of the mediating parties, left the building where the negotiations were being held,” state news agency IRNA says.

“At the same time as the talks began in Switzerland, Donald Trump published a message on X in which he repeated his threats and remarks against Iran,” it adds.

At the same time, a diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations says Iran is still engaged the in talks. “The Iranian delegation remains engaged in the talks and has not indicated to the mediators any intention to leave,” the diplomat says. The cause of the discrepancy is not immediately clear. (Source)

IDF captures Hezbollah drone factory and launch site hidden inside south Lebanon mountain

Troops raiding ‘airbase’ dozens of meters below village near border find cache of 50 Iranian-made explosive UAVs that would have been fired into Israel from secret hillside shafts

MAJDAL ZOUN, Lebanon — Buried beneath a hilltop village in southern Lebanon, just kilometers from the Israeli border, the Hezbollah terror group built an underground drone “airbase” from which it launched Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles at Israel. The subterranean facility, guarded by massive steel blast doors, was built in the past decade with direct Iranian assistance, including planning and funding, Israeli military officials told The Times of Israel during an organized media tour of the site last week. Journalists were brought into Lebanon at dusk, so that the visit to the tunnel would take place under the cover of darkness — an attempt by the military to mitigate the possibility of Hezbollah attacks on members of the press.

As the sun set over the Mediterranean, reporters were driven in a convoy of Humvees along the Lebanese coast before heading east toward Majdal Zoun, some six kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Israeli frontier. With just the moonlight and glowsticks to illuminate the way, soldiers led the group to the tunnel’s main entrance, which was accessible from the ground level on the north side of the mountain. The tunnel and surrounding area, which was delineated as part of the southern Lebanon security zone buffer area in an updated IDF map Thursday, were captured this month by a reservist commando and paratroopers formation.

Tbe operation took place amid a porous ceasefire in which both Isreal and Hezbollah have continued to attack each otherAccording to the Israel Defense Forces, the tunnel runs several hundred meters into the mountain, reaching depths of 29 meters (95 feet) under Majdal Zoun — including beneath a mosque. The IDF has uncovered similar Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon in the past, but commanders said this one was built to a “much higher standard,” comparable with an underground Iranian missile factory in Syriathat the military raided in September 2024. Soldiers and officers were made available to the tour on condition of anonymity, in line with military protocol. (Ed note: Do take time to check out all the pictures of the tunnel that the Times included in this article.)  (Read More)

IDF Exposes Massive Hezbollah Drone Factory Hidden Deep Beneath a Lebanon Mosque

The IDF has uncovered a massive subterranean Hezbollah drone factory hidden deep beneath a hilltop village mosque in Lebanon, revealing a highly sophisticated network engineered over a decade to launch aerial attacks.

An astonishing underground military network has been exposed following a detailed territorial discovery near the border, revealing the massive scale of hidden drone production facilities engineered right beneath civilian infrastructure. The IDF uncovered a highly sophisticated subterranean Hezbollah drone facility built over the past decade with direct foreign planning and funding assistance. The massive operation was hidden directly beneath Majdal Zoun, a prominent hilltop village located in Lebanon just kilometers away from the front lines, masking a complex tactical asset designed to sustaina prolonged war.

The sheer engineering scale of the underground compound demonstrates a long term strategic commitment to maintaining concealed production pipelines. Protected by massive steel blast doors, the specialized tunnel network extends several hundred meters directly into the mountain, reaching depths of 29 meters, which amounts to roughly 95 feet, while running directly beneath a local mosque. The subterranean passage was constructed with enough clearance and width to easily accommodate a standard vehicle, allowing for the seamless transportation of heavy military equipment, supplies, and drone components deep within the mountain side.

Inside the hidden facility, Hezbollah operatives assembled Iranian made unmanned aerial vehicles, utilizing specialized parts that had been systematically smuggled into Lebanon. Once the assembly process was complete, the group utilized the secure underground network to launch these aerial drones directly at Israel. The entire operation remained highly protected from aerial surveillance and standard reconnaissance due to its extreme depth and heavy reinforcement. (Read More)

Northern Israelis fear Trump’s Lebanon ceasefire will trap them in 'a living hell'

Mayor David Azoulay’s office in Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, features a portrait of US President Donald Trump and an American flag. It’s not an act of praise, but ironic protest. “Over the past four months, Israel’s policy has been driven entirely by Trump,” said Azoulay, from his office on the Lebanese border, which has become the central sticking point in US-Iranian negotiations to end the war. “Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu is trapped in a bear hug that is slowly suffocating us Israelis. Case in point: the memorandum of understanding with Iran.”

That’s especially true in northern Israel, which is at the heart of the fight between Israel and Hezbollah that even on Friday derailed the first round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland. It’s also become a source of tension in Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump, who has spent the week publicly slamming the Israeli premier and what he called Israel’s “vicious” approach to Lebanon.

The Galilee Panhandle, a strategic finger of land wedged between the Lebanese and Syrian borders, used to house 50,000 Israeli Jews before three years of Hezbollah rocket attacks left its communities hollowed out. While not entirely deserted, many residents have yet to return, and the streets sit empty amid widespread business closures. In Metula, which was evacuated in October 2023 on fear that Hezbollah would attempt a deadly cross-border infiltration similar to the Hamas assault from Gaza, only two-thirds of the residents have returned. Those who did harbor little faith that real change is feasible. (Ed note: The town of Metula is not just near the border; it physically sits directly on the border with the state of Lebanon.) (Read More)

Sharaa rules out Syria intervening in Lebanon after Trump again suggests it fight Hezbollah

I’m close to giving it over to Syria,’ US president says of war with Iran-backed terror group; Netanyahu defends buffer zone as Lebanon conflict threatens to derail Iran talks.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday ruled out intervening militarily in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, after US President Donald Trump again suggested Damascus could get involved and expressed frustration with Israel’s fight against the Iran-backed terror group. Trump’s comments to Fox News on Sunday came as the conflict in Lebanon has threatened to derail US-Iranian negotiations underway in Switzerland. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on the Israeli military’s need to maintain a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as the IDF reportedly urged Israel’s political leadership to intensify negotiations with the Lebanese government. The sides are slated to meet again this week.

Trump and US Vice President JD Vance have both repeatedly complained about Israel’s conduct in the Lebanon conflict, portraying it as a possible spoiler of the talks with Iran. Trump lashed out at Hezbollah in a social media post earlier on Sunday, but has chided Israel both for civilian casualties in its Lebanon strikes, and for not defeating Hezbollah quickly enough.

He repeated those sentiments in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying he is “disappointed Israel can’t put Hezbollah away.” “They can’t do anything without knocking buildings down,” the president added. Then, referriIAF ng to the fight against Hezbollah, he said, “I’m close to giving it over to Syria.” But Sharaa, who has been focused on rebuilding Syria and gaining domestic and international legitimacy since his Islamist forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, rejected the idea of Syrian forces going to war against Hezbollah, a former Assad ally. (Ed note: "Can't put Hezbollah away?" Come on, Trump! The IDF had Hezbollah in a hole and YOU told Israel to 'stand down' over the matter. The IAF had Hezbollah commanders in a building in a district of Beirut, and you screamed, "Why are you always blowing up buildings?" Because Hezbollah and Hamas always hide in buildings.) Always keep one eye on the state of Syria.) (Read More)

Trump claims he can control IDF actions in Lebanon because Israelis respect him

Nonetheless, Israel said to rebuff private US request to withdraw from Lebanon; president says relationship with Netanyahu is ‘good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane'.

US President Donald Trump said this week that he would be able to keep Israel from launching new attacks in Lebanon because the country has a lot of respect for him, thanks to his previous policies regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. Trump was asked during an interview with Axios — which was taped on Thursday and aired Friday — whether he’d be able to “control Israel from attacking Lebanon,” as Washington and Jerusalem have publicly disagreed about the decision to tie Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah to the controversial memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. “Yeah, I will be,” the president responded.

“They have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say,” he added, recalling how he pulled the US out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal orchestrated by the Obama administration and which Jerusalem opposed, and how he authorized a major attack on Iran’s three main nuclear sites during Israel’s 12-day war with Tehran last June. Trump has fumed over the scope of Israel’s attacks in Lebanon in recent days, insisting they have hampered efforts to reach and maintain an agreement with Iran.

Israel has agreed to refrain from attacking Beirut in response to that US anger but has kept its troops in a large buffer zone in southern Lebanon, which would appear to violate the terms of the deal that the US reached with Iran, given that the agreement states that all military operations in Lebanon must cease. The deal signed by Trump and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to end a conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, calling for a cessation of fighting between the US, Iran and their allies on all fronts, including Lebanon. It also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the launch of a 60-day negotiation period on broader issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program.

Israel had no part in negotiating the deal, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has distanced himself from it. Still, the terms of the opening clause, permanently ending the war and ruling out any resumption, indicate that it is binding on the US, Iran “and their allies.” Israeli officials are bitterly opposed to the deal’s terms, which resolve none of the war’s key goals, notably eliminating Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and creating the conditions for the fall of the regime. (Read More)

Iran says Israel-Hezbollah conflict to top agenda in today’s talks with the US

Iran says that the conflict in Lebanon between Israel and the Hezbollah terror group will top the agenda in talks with the United States in Switzerland today, as well as issues such as frozen Iranian funds and the sale of the country’s oil.

“The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today’s talks,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says in a video shared by IRNA state news agency. Tehran said on Thursday it had signed a deal with Washington to end months of hostilities that began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on the Iranian regime.

Israel had no part in negotiating the memorandum of understanding. Still, the terms of the opening clause, permanently ending the war and ruling out any resumption, indicate that it is binding on the US, Iran “and their allies.” Israel had resisted efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon to be made part of the US-Iran deal. Channel 12 reported yesterday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the IDF to “hold its fire” in Lebanon, amid a flare-up that Israel blamed on Hezbollah’s attacks on troops in south Lebanon. (Source)

Tehran says closing Strait of Hormuz again following Lebanon flare-up

(

June 20, 2026 / JNS)
The top command center of the Iran Armed Forces announced on Saturday it is again shutting maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of Israel’s actions in Lebanon, Reuters cited the Islamic Republic’s Mehr state news agency as reporting. “It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic; It is noted that this first step is a response to the enemy’s breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, further steps will be planned and taken to force the enemy to comply with its obligations,” the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a recorded message, according to AFP. The U.S. Central Command said on Saturday that commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased throughout the day.

“Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today as 55 merchant ships transited, moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets,” it continued.
CENTCOM further said that the Joint Maritime Information Center issued an advisory this week affirming safe passage for all vessels along a designated route that is free of arbitrary requirement claims or impediments. The U.S. and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 17 that stipulates, in the first clause, that the “the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon” must be ensured. U.S. Vice President JD Vance spoke with Fox News overnight Friday, saying that the choke point has been opened, facilitating the transportation of 16 million barrels of oil per dy.

Asked if Iranian forces are redirecting vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, Vance said he is “skeptical” of such reports. The vice president noted that mines are still present in the 20-mile stretch of the choke point, and therefore it could be that forces of the Iran’s navy warned ships against crossing in these areas. He continued that de-mining the strait could take up to 30 days, as stressed in the MoU. “But no, we’re not seeing any evidence of the Iranians still closing the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines though,” Vance said. (Read More)

Dozen of Hezbollah terrorists trapped in terror stronghold

Political echelon orders IDF to hold fire in southern Lebanon; IDF opposes directive.

The IDF has received orders from the political echelon to hold fire in southern Lebanon. The military expressed opposition to the ceasefire directive. The IDF maintains high alert in light of threats from Iran and continues to operate in the southern Lebanon area. The ceasefire does not include the withdrawal of IDF forces from southern Lebanon. The troops continue to hold the forward defense zone, known as the "Yellow Line," and operate within it.

At the same time, IDF forces maintain operational control over the Ali Taher Ridge complex near the city of Nabatieh, considered a stronghold of the Hezbollah terrorist organization. According to a senior source, the IDF currently holds operational control of the area, and dozens of Hezbollah terrorists are trapped within the complex, unable to leave. Over the course of Saturday, heavy exchanges of fire occurred between the IDF and Hezbollah. Hezbollah claims 111 fatalities from Israeli strikes in Lebanon over the weekend, following the tank disaster in which the commander of the 52nd Armor Battalion, Lt. Col. Dor Ben Simchon, and three other soldiers were killed.

Lt. Col. Ben Simchon and the three soldiers, whose names have not yet been released, were killed during the night between Thursday and Friday in an operation in the village of Tabnit near the ridge, as part of efforts to seize Hezbollah’s underground complex at Ali Taher. A senior IDF official stated that the disaster resulted from a drone strike or an anti-tank missile hit, and not an operational accident. "Ed note: No wonder the IDF is mad. As they are fighting for their lives and the lives of the citizens in northern Israel and have the enemy, Hezbollah trapped, only to have yet another US President tells them to stop their attack. Enter Trump accusing Israel of taking too long to finish off Hezbollah.)  (Read More)

'Trump Has Changed His Attitude': Macron Reveals What Happened Behind Closed Doors at the G7

France Turns Up the Heat on Israel: Macron Says Trump Has Changed — and Netanyahu Has No Strategy.

French President Emmanuel Macron launched a sharp diplomatic broadside against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, describing his conduct of the war as destructive and lacking any strategic logic, while claiming that President Donald Trump has recently shifted his attitude toward the Israeli leader. Speaking in an interview on the French television network France 2, a day after the G7 summit concluded in Évian in the French Alps, Macron offered his most pointed criticism yet of Netanyahu's leadership. "It does not appear that Netanyahu has any strategic plan," Macron said. "He has achieved real security results and has defended his country against real aggression," he acknowledged, before adding that the policy as a whole was "destructive."

Macron accused Israel of causing widespread civilian harm in Gaza that was "completely unjustifiable," and condemned what he described as new settlement activity and unacceptable acts in Judea and Samaria, arguing the policy "feeds resentment and violence among all populations of the region." The most striking claim in the interview was Macron's assertion that Trump himself has grown frustrated with Netanyahu. "Trump has changed his attitude toward Netanyahu in recent days," Macron said, "and only under those conditions will it be possible to achieve real change." He did not elaborate on what had specifically triggered the shift, but the comments land against a well-documented backdrop of strain between Washington and Jerusalem. Trump confirmed in early June that he had called Netanyahu "f***ing crazy" during a heated phone call over Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon, though he later described the relationship as strong.

Some officials in the Trump administration have been working to establish informal channels with Israel's opposition, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot, amid growing concern over hard-right members of the Netanyahu government seen as extremists and frustration with the inability to advance various diplomatic agendas. (Read More)

JD Vance Breaks With Netanyahu: “America Is the Senior Partner, Israel Is the Junior Partner”

In a revealing podcast interview, Vice President JD Vance questioned the assumption that Washington and Jerusalem always share the same interests, described Netanyahu as a difficult leader, and made clear that America has no interest in turning Iran into a failed state. Vice President JD Vance delivered one of the clearest statements yet about the Trump administration's view of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and America's role in the Middle East.

Speaking on the popular "Diary of a CEO" podcast, Vance emphasized that foreign policy should be guided by national interests rather than personal trust or sentiment. When asked whether he trusted Israel and its government, Vance offered a blunt response. "I don't trust anybody." The Vice President explained that international relations are based on shared interests rather than personal confidence. "When our interests align, we work very well together," Vance said. "But do I trust anyone? No. We simply have to stay focused on our interests at all times."

The comments came as the Trump administration continues to defend its controversial agreement with Iran. During the interview, host Steven Bartlett referenced reports of a heated conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israeli military operations that reportedly took place shortly before a planned concluding of the agreement. According to the account discussed during the podcast, Trump expressed frustration with the timing of the strikes and described Netanyahu as "a very difficult person." The discussion quickly turned to the broader U.S.-Israel relationship. Vance rejected the idea that the two countries always share identical goals.

"Some people describe the United States and Israel as fundamentally aligned on everything. That's simply not true," he said. "We are different countries with different needs and different geography." The Vice President pointed out that historical examples demonstrate these differences. In the early 2000s, Israel viewed Iran as its primary strategic concern, while the United States was focused on the threat posed by Al-Qaeda. Perhaps the most striking part of the interview came when Vance openly described the balance of power between Washington and Jerusalem. "We are the world's superpower," he said. "Accordingly, we are the senior partner, and they are the junior partner. That's how it works. (Read More)

Hardliner reveals ‘top-secret’ Khamenei objections to US talks on state TV

A hardline lawmaker sparked a major backlash after reading excerpts from what were described as top-secret letters by Iran’s Supreme Leader on state TV, claiming he opposed US talks, before he was interrupted and the program was abruptly cut off. Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had repeatedly objected to the course of negotiations with the United States and set conditions that were not reflected in the Iran-US memorandum of understanding. His remarks came as Iran’s negotiating team travelled to Switzerland for a new round of technical talks with the United States, days after Tehran and Washington signed the MoU aimed at ending the war and opening the way for further negotiations.

“The Supreme Leader explicitly expresses his dissatisfaction,” Nabavian said on the program. “He says, ‘Why did you not observe the conditions?’ ”He said Khamenei had written that Iran was “neither in a hurry nor under any compulsion to negotiate or reach an agreement,” adding that the talks should be aimed at “ending the war and securing compensation,” not the nuclear issue. According to Nabavian, Khamenei had also told negotiators not to discuss what he called “the main issue," apparently referring to Tehran's nuclear program. “I will read one sentence. There is no other choice,” Nabavian said, before quoting from what he described as Khamenei’s correspondence: “What has taken shape in the Pakistan negotiations is fundamentally different from what was supposed to happen and from what constituted the condition for the legitimacy of the negotiations.”

Nabavian said Khamenei then called for the negotiations to be stopped. He also said Khamenei repeated his position on the nuclear file on April 4, April 18 and April 24, insisting that Iran should either achieve “victory” by forcing the other side to fully recognize its right to enrichment, or remove the nuclear issue from the agenda of negotiations “forever.” On the Strait of Hormuz, Nabavian said Khamenei viewed the waterway as a key point of leverage against Washington.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a very important key,” Nabavian quoted him as saying. “If the Americans want pressure taken off their throat, they must first implement preconditions, foremost among them the payment of compensation and debts.” Nabavian added that “none of these things” had appeared in the MoU. He said Khamenei had insisted that management of the Strait of Hormuz must remain exclusively in Iran’s hands, “not even with Oman, let alone other countries. (Read More)

Iranian MP Fired Live on Air After Reading Khamenei's 'Top Secret' Letters

A stunning broadcast meltdown on Iranian state television has triggered a political firestorm in Tehran, after a hardline parliamentarian began reading classified correspondence from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei live on air — only to be abruptly cut off and fired moments later. Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of Iran's influential National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stunned viewers during what was supposed to be a routine interview when he pulled out documents he described as "top secret" letters and internal communications from Khamenei himself. The move, clearly intended as a protest against the regime's diplomatic posture, sent producers scrambling to kill the feed.

Within minutes of the broadcast being terminated, Iran's state broadcasting authority announced it was pursuing criminal charges against Nabavian for disclosing classified state secrets. A senior network executive was forced to resign immediately, according to sources familiar with the matter. Before the feed was cut, Nabavian managed to reveal explosive details about Khamenei's true position on the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States — a stance sharply at odds with the public messaging from Iran's diplomatic team currently in Switzerland.

According to the classified letters Nabavian cited, Khamenei expressed fierce opposition throughout April to the direction of talks with Washington, repeatedly questioning why Iranian negotiators were abandoning the regime's core red lines. The Supreme Leader made clear, Nabavian stated, that Iran faced no time pressure whatsoever and should never rush into an agreement at any cost. The documents revealed that Khamenei's sole objective for the talks was securing an end to the war and extracting massive financial compensation from the West — not addressing Iran's nuclear program. In fact, the Supreme Leader explicitly ordered negotiators to remove the nuclear issue from the agenda "forever," unless the international community granted Iran full recognition of its right to enrich uranium without restrictions. (Read More)

Fallen commander's wife sends final farewell

Ariel, the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Simhon, commander of Battalion 52 in the 401st Armored Brigade, who was killed in action in southern Lebanon, published a heartbreaking farewell message on Facebook. She recalled the first time she met Dor, writing: “Eight years ago I began at the IDF Tactical Command School. There were 120 men before me, and I wondered how there wasn’t even one ‘hot guy’ there for me. Then you came to present a lesson learned from a road accident you caused - an educational experience, and luckily it arrived. I said, ‘Oh, there he is.’ In the first year you only bothered me, and in the second year you chased after me like crazy (even if that isn’t exactly true, you’re not here to deny it, so I’m telling the truth now)." 

Biton described their relationship as one they quickly realized was meant to be. “We started a wonderful relationship, and relatively quickly we knew it was ‘the one.’ We went through so much together until the proposal, here in your kibbutz. Of course, yes. Yes to that smile that lit up every face. Yes to your wisdom. Yes to the love that came in so many different ways. Yes to the beauty that was so deeply inside you and radiated outward. And yes to the kibbutznik who dared to get married in shorts and leather sandals."

She wrote that their years together were the happiest of her life. “As a fighting family, we were together through difficult periods, but in the long run you gave me the seven most beautiful years of my life. Seven years of real love, of innocence that is hard to explain, of building a home together, of creating a family. Now you have left me with the two most amazing daughters in the world. Maybe now I’ll stop getting upset when people tell me how much they look like you. I hope they will keep your presence alive with me every single day."

She thanked him for the person he was and the impact he had on her. "Thank you for making me a better person, for being a supportive husband, and for teaching me how to mow the lawn. Even as I write this, I know there are so many people here, because you simply couldn’t not fall in love with. Every weekend at home I had to share you with many people who loved you, and I’m glad you felt that love during your life." “You were a commander who was a people person; you were a commander of a mission. Your dedication inspires admiration, and your intelligence served this country well. I would walk around proudly and say that I’m the wife of a commander." (Read More)

Iran Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashings for Performing Without a Hijab

In 2024, Parastoo Ahmadi, age 29, livestreamed a video of her singing the patriotic song Az Khoone Javanane Vatan (From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland) that went viral, generating millions of views. She and several musicians who performed with her was briefly detained before being released, but according to court documents obtained by The Guardian, she received a harsh and brutal punishment by the regime for not wearing a hijab.   

Bahar Ghandehari, the director of advocacy at the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, said that the punishment shows the severity of Iran’s human rights abuses. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed, despite the Iranian authorities’ wartime propaganda campaign aimed at improving their image,” said Ghandehari.    

Moein Khazaeli, a human rights lawyer counseling Iranian activists, said the sentence had no legal standing. “Singing, performing music and producing or disseminating musical works by women are not criminalised under Iranian criminal law. Consequently, such activities cannot reasonably be construed as the ‘production, distribution or publication of obscene content’,” he said. “The imposition of a flogging sentence against artists, civil society activists or other citizens is not merely a matter of domestic criminal law,” he continued. “It also raises serious concerns regarding states’ international obligations to prohibit torture and safeguard human dignity. For this reason, numerous human rights organizations consider flogging not a legitimate form of punishment, but rather a form of torture and inhuman treatment.”  (Ed note: Will she survive the 74 lashes?  She won't be the first, or the last woman to be beaten and raped to death for not wearing a Hijab.)   (Source)

Iran Threatens Missile Strike on Israel Tonight, Closes Strait of Hormuz Over Lebanon Fighting

Iran threatened to launch missiles at Israel tonight and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, accusing the U.S. of failing to stop Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

Iran's military command issued a direct threat Saturday to launch missiles at Israel tonight, as Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all shipping and accused the United States of failing to enforce a ceasefire over Lebanon, in a dramatic escalation that threatens to unravel the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed just days ago. Iran's military declared Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon as justification, according to Iranian state media. U.S. Central Command pushed back shortly afterward, saying commercial ship traffic in the strait had actually increased Saturday "as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation."

The Srugim document obtained by JFeed adds a direct military threat to the closure announcement: a Hezbollah-affiliated network citing Iranian sources warned that "if the aggression against Lebanon continues, Iranian missiles may be launched at Israel tonight." The Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a formal statement that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically critical waterways, would be completely closed to vessel traffic. The announcement came just hours after U.S. Vice President JD Vance sought to calm global markets by declaring there were no signs Iran was moving to block the strait.

Tehran blamed Washington for failing to enforce Article One of the memorandum of understanding, which Iran says obligates the United States to halt what it called "the ongoing ceasefire violations by the Zionist regime in southern Lebanon." The statement explicitly cited continued Israeli Air Force strikes in Lebanon and the IDF's refusal to withdraw from the south of the country as grounds for the escalation. Iran also warned that the Hormuz closure was only a first step. "If the aggression continues, additional measures will be planned and taken to compel the enemy to honor its commitments," the statement read. (Read More)

Netanyahu braces for Trump pressure on Israel's military moves

Israel Hayom has learned that Jerusalem is preparing for growing diplomatic pressure from Washington. Sources close to the prime minister say Israel must "act wisely" and not respond emotionally. In light of US President Donald Trump's reversal on Iran, Israel is preparing for a period of at least several months in which pressure will be applied on it to limit its military operations.

Israel Hayom has learned that the line adopted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the demands expected from Trump is to "say 'yes' where possible, and 'no' as much as necessary." Sources close to Netanyahu further say Israel must "act wisely" in the current situation and respond with its head, not its gut. Netanyahu's aides also stress that Israel will safeguard its own security. "The enemies are around our borders, not anyone else's, and we will act against them," a diplomatic source said.

It should be noted that at this stage, there is no known US demand for the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces troops from southern Lebanon. The understanding in Israel is that such a demand may come only if a full nuclear agreement is signed between Iran and the US, and the assessment in Jerusalem is that no such agreement will be reached. Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing an Israeli source, that Netanyahu is trying to influence the final agreement with Iran through right-wing media figures and pro-Israel senators, with the aim of applying pressure on US President Donald Trump. (Source)

Sovereignty without conquest: Israel must not surrender its autonomy to US - opinion

The greatest strength of the US-Israel relationship has always been that it united two independent democracies pursuing common objectives while retaining the freedom to protect their own interests.

For decades, Israel and the United States have proudly described their relationship as one built on shared values, shared interests, and shared threats. The relationship survived political disagreements, military conflicts, and changing administrations because it rests upon something deeper than temporary policy alignment: mutual respect between two sovereign democracies. Yet recent developments surrounding American negotiations with Iran raise an uncomfortable question that many Israelis are increasingly asking: Can a nation remain fully sovereign if another country, even its closest ally, expects it to comply with agreements it neither negotiated nor approved.

The issue is not whether the United States has the right to pursue diplomatic engagement with Iran. Every sovereign nation has that right. Nor is the issue whether Israel and America should occasionally disagree. Healthy alliances are built to withstand disagreements. The issue is whether Israel’s security decisions are gradually being subordinated to American political calculations. Recent media reports suggest that Washington has negotiated understandings with Tehran without meaningful Israeli participation and has subsequently expected Israel to conform to arrangements whose details remain unclear. If true, this represents more than a diplomatic disagreement. It raises fundamental questions about sovereignty itself.

The irony is difficult to ignore. When the United States concluded that Iran’s nuclear ambitions represented a threat to global stability, it was prepared to project military power halfway around the world. American leaders justified such actions under the universally accepted principle that nations have the right, and indeed the obligation, to protect themselves and their citizens from emerging existential threats. Israel shares that assessment regarding Iran. (Ed note: This article, dated June 19. 2026 is from a somewhat liberal Jerusalem Post.)  (Read More)

Israel fears Iran could use US deal to accelerate nuclear program

Israel's security establishment believes the Lebanese front must not be connected to Iran and oppose an IDF withdrawal. At the same time, officials warn that despite progress in talks between Washington and Tehran, Israel must formulate a new strategy on Iran and prepare for the possibility that it will exploit the coming months to advance its nuclear program. The Israeli security establishment does not know exactly what the details are of the emerging deal between the US and Iran, but security officials say now is the time to minimize the damage and try to influence the final agreement as much as possible during the 60 days in which it will be discussed. As for the Lebanese front, Israel's main task now is to try to separate Iran from Lebanon as much as possible, despite Iran's clear attempts to reconnect the two.

The way to do this, security officials believe, is through firm opposition to an IDF withdrawal back to the international border. There is near unanimity among Israel's political and security leadership regarding the need to keep the IDF deployed along the yellow line, at least in order to protect residents of the north. At the same time, the view at the top of the security establishment is that Israel should respond harshly, including with another strike in Dahiyeh, to any launch toward the State of Israel, even at the cost of another confrontation with Iran and American displeasure.

As of now, the soldiers positioned beyond the border line have not received new instructions, and they are continuing to destroy terrorist infrastructure and defend themselves against threats when necessary. At the same time, the IDF is also preparing for the possibility that Israel's political echelon will issue different instructions. Likewise, as has been evident over the past three days (as of the time of writing), Hezbollah is not firing at the State of Israel, and its forces are not advancing and are focusing on defending themselves. Ultimately, the test will be one of action, meaning whether Hezbollah fires at the State of Israel and what Israel does in response. (Read More)

Erev Shabbat Thoughts From Jerusalem As the World Turns Against Us

It's been a devastating week, five soldiers lost, Hezbollah's relentless fire, a world turning away. Here's what to do where there is nowhere left to look.

This has been a week that felt, for many of us, like the ground shifting beneath our feet. The Trump administration, the one so many American Jews and Israelis had placed extraordinary hope in, has in the space of days made moves that feel like a betrayal. Not a gentle pivot. A shock. The kind that leaves you staring at your phone at midnight wondering what world your children are inheriting. I've spoken to friends in Israel and in the U.S. this week, thoughtful people, informed people, and the word I keep hearing is the same: devastated. Alarmed. Hopeless. So as the sun starts its descent on another impossible week, here are a few thoughts from a religious Jew who is also, like you, just trying to make sense of this. Hashem has a plan. We don't know what it is.

I know that sounds simple. Maybe it sounds dismissive. It isn't. It's actually the hardest thing in the world to hold onto, because emunah doesn't mean believing when things look fine. Anyone can do that. Emunah means believing precisely when it looks bad. When the math doesn't add up. When the allies aren't there. When the news keeps coming and none of it is good. It might not look good. It might not feel good. That's part of the deal.

Today we lost four soldiers. Four. While the diplomatic world debated memorandums and frameworks and signing ceremonies, Hezbollah fired drones, UAVs, missiles and rockets at our people, and our soldiers were out there, as they are every single day, standing between those weapons and the rest of us. Their families will not have a normal Shabbat tonight. There are no words for that. We say Baruch Dayan HaEmet when the worst comes to bear, we bless the True Judge even then. Not because we understand. Not because we're not in pain. But because we recognize that the story isn't over, and the Author isn't lost, even when we are.

And so we do what our ancestors did thousands of years ago when they too faced enemies they could not defeat alone, when the walls were closing in and the nations turned away. We turn our eyes heavenward. We daven. We ask Hashem for mercy and for peace. ה' עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, ה' יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם. Hashem will give strength to His people. Hashem will bless His people with peace. Am Yisrael has survived things that should have ended us. It didn't. It won'tShabbat shalom. (Ed note: Thoughts from the author of this article, Gila Isaacson. The word "Hashem" (הַשֵּׁם) is a Hebrew term that literally translates to "the Name". In Judaism, it is used as a highly respectful, everyday substitute for the sacred, unpronounceable four-letter name of God (the Tetragrammaton, or YHWH).  (Source)