Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-15 at 08:01

HEADLINES- Hormuz Mine Clearance Delays Global Oil Shipping- Knesset Panel Grants Gotliv Immunity- Palestine Action Ban Lawful UK Court RulesThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz is safe from mines could delay a return to normal shipping traffic by weeks following a deal to reopen the waterway, shipping and maritime security sources say. The operation by conventional minesweepers and state-of-the-art underwater drones could continue for 40 to 50 days before many insurance, shipping, or oil companies are confident enough to sail through, according to assessments from five Western maritime security sources. That could potentially hold up tens of millions of barrels of oil, in addition to the oil supply from the Gulf already blocked since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, according to estimates based on pre-war flows. Every export barrel from the Gulf is crucial, given stockpiles in the world's largest economies are headed toward their lowest levels since at least 2003, according to analysis last week by the US Energy Information Administration. Even though Iran and the US quietly helped ships pass through the blockaded waterway in recent weeks, shipping officials continued to urge caution after the US and Iran said on Sunday they had reached a preliminary agreement to end their war and reopen the strait.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Netanyahu 'needs Trump,' won't give up on US support so easily, fmr. comms. advisor says. The former communications adviser, Aviv Bushinsky, told an interview that Netanyahu may have to swallow the bitter pill of the United States's agreement with Iran in order to say "I told you so" later. He explained that despite ongoing disagreements between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu would not easily yield Trump’s backing. “On the one hand, Netanyahu remembers and bears grudges, but on the other hand, he is very practical,” Bushinsky said, noting that Netanyahu has shown pragmatism in past exchanges and that there remains a strong partnership even amid flashes of friction.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Knesset panel approves immunity for Tally Gotliv in Shin Bet identity disclosure case. The House Committee voted in favor of granting Likud MK Tally Gotliv immunity after she was indicted for disclosing and publishing classified confidential information in violation of the Shin Bet law. Eleven lawmakers voted in favor, while three voted against after three days of discussions spanning from the early morning into the afternoon. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, who filed the indictment, attended two of the lengthy debates last week; she did not join the Monday panel, sending representatives from her office to present its stance. The Knesset plenum still must vote to finalize the decision. Baharav-Miara argued that Gotliv’s actions did not qualify her for parliamentary immunity in this case.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Ban on British-designated terror org. Palestine Action is lawful, rules UK court of appeal. The British government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization is lawful, London’s Court of Appeal ruled on Monday. Palestine Action had increasingly targeted Israel-linked defense companies in Britain, with a particular focus on Elbit Systems. The court rejected a challenge from the group after a High Court ruling last year that the ban unlawfully interfered with freedom of expression, though the matter remained proscribed pending the government’s appeal. Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, the senior judge, said the group’s behavior did not resemble that of a non-violent, direct-action organization, and that proscription was justified and proportionate. Lawyers for Britain’s interior minister, Shabana Mahmood, had argued that concluding the ban had a significant impact on freedom of expression was overstated, while Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, said the proscription imposes severe restrictions on fundamental rights.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli-made 'Kfir' aircraft will fly until 2030, following new deal between Sri Lanka, IAI. The Sri Lankan Air Force announced that the first upgraded Kfir jet, refurbished by Israel Aerospace Industries, made a successful maiden flight as part of a $50 million upgrade deal for five aircraft. Sri Lanka bought 12 Kfirs in 1996 and is upgrading five remaining jets with an advanced cockpit, a new mission computer, and additional avionics improvements. This comes decades after the Lavi program was canceled, and after the Israeli-made jet remained in service around the world. The Colombian Air Force also continues operating a Kfir squadron upgraded with an advanced Israeli radar, air-to-air refueling capability, and Rafael-made weapons, underscorin