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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-21 at 23:04
HEADLINES
Israel Launches Targeted Strikes on Iran Drones Escalate Regional Tensions
Iran Attacks Israel with Wave of Drones Amid Nuclear Threats
US and Arab Nations Shift Stances as Middle East Crisis Deepens
The time is now 07:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Tonight, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Israel faces an ongoing series of military confrontations and threats from Iran and its proxies. Reports confirm that the Israeli Air Force has conducted targeted strikes against UAVs and weapons depots deep within Iran, including the destruction of Iranian F-14 fighter jets in the country's heartland. Sirens sounded earlier in the southern Golan Heights, warning residents of drone infiltration, and military officials have identified additional unmanned aircraft en route to Israel, with some reports indicating a large-scale deployment of drones rather than ballistic missiles. The Israeli defense system remains alert, and there are ongoing efforts to intercept these threats.
Meanwhile, Iran has publicly announced that it has launched a wave of tens of drones in an attack aimed at Israel. Iranian state media reported the initiation of what they described as the 19th wave of their operation "Etemad Emet," though there is no confirmed evidence of missile launches at this time. Iranian officials have also claimed that they targeted five Israeli supply trucks in the region, signaling a broadening of their efforts.
In the broader regional context, the conflict has prompted Israel to consider preemptive actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials have made clear to US counterparts that Israel is prepared to act independently if necessary, particularly concerning the Iranian Fordow nuclear site. Reports suggest that Israel may proceed with strikes on this fortified facility without waiting for US approval, as the window for diplomatic patience narrows.
Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump has issued a cryptic comment on social media, stating that “only time will tell” what the outcome will be regarding Iran. This statement comes after reports that he had initially given Iran an approximate week to respond before the United States might take further action, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding American involvement.
On the diplomatic front, recent assessments reveal shifting regional alignments. Israel’s military successes and strategic initiatives have garnered cautious praise from some Arab nations like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, who view Israel’s operational capabilities as a stabilizing factor. Conversely, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are reevaluating their positions, concerned about the potential for wider regional conflict and the implications of Israel's assertiveness. These nations had previously believed in a decline of American and Israeli influence, but recent events have challenged that narrative, exposing vulnerabilities and prompting reconsideration of alliances.
In the United States, the political climate remains divided. A notable incident involved a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, who was released from detention after facing deportation threats. Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian advocate, publicly declared his commitment to speaking for Palestine despite risks, and his case has drawn attention to ongoing tensions over free speech and political activism related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Meanwhile, at home, Israeli security forces responded to internal unrest with increased vigilance. A severe assault in Ashkelon left a 30-year-old man critically injured in a violent incident, leading to emergency medical intervention and hospitalization. Additionally, a series of alerts and interceptions of hostile aircraft—specifi
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