150,000 Israelis Woken by Overnight Rocket Fire, After Trump Says Hezbollah Will Halt Fire

After Hezbollah rocket launches deep into Israel yesterday (June 1), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Beirut could become a target if the attacks continue. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi answered that any Israeli strike on Beirut could collapse the entire ceasefire framework.

Iran also turned toward northern Israel. The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) warned residents of northern Israel to leave the area, and Tehran threatened to strike the north if Israel expands its operations against Beirut.

President Trump stepped in. He revealed a conversation with Netanyahu and with Hezbollah representatives: by his account, Hezbollah agreed to halt its rocket launches while Israel agreed to reduce its military action.

The understanding did not hold. Hezbollah launched multiple attacks overnight (June 1-2). Between 150,000 and 200,000 Israelis were woken by sirens and explosions as rockets targeted the north. The IDF issued evacuation warnings across parts of southern Lebanon, including the Nabatieh area, and Israeli aircraft carried out a series of retaliatory strikes.

Channel 12 reported that Israel told Trump that if Hezbollah keeps firing rockets, it will move forward with strikes in Beirut.

“Within Lebanon, there is no ceasefire, and the IDF continues its activities against Hezbollah.”

— Israel Katz · Defense Minister

IRGC Cruise Missile Hits Cargo Ship Off Umm Qasr

The Panama-flagged cargo vessel MSC SARISKA V took two hits from projectiles 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq yesterday (June 1), shortly after unloading at the port. The first projectile caused a large explosion on the starboard side. The second started a fire, since extinguished. No crew were injured.

UKMTO (UK Maritime Trade Operations) issued the initial incident report and advised vessels to transit with caution. Iraq’s Alsumaria News placed the explosion in Iraqi waters. Iraqi security authorities described the second blast as likely a drone strike.

The IRGC navy claimed responsibility on Iranian state TV, saying it fired a cruise missile at the ship because it is owned by “American enemy Zionists.” Iran called the strike retaliation for a U.S. attack on an Iranian ship in the Sea of Oman.

Goffman Takes Over Mossad

The Mossad held a command change ceremony today (June 2) at its headquarters. Goffman takes over as director, replacing David Barnea. President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu were expected to attend.

The swearing-in slipped yesterday (June 1) when a Netanyahu-Trump phone call on Lebanon ran long.

At Barnea’s farewell, Netanyahu turned to Iran: “The regime in Iran will fall in the end.”

Trump said he hopes to secure a 60-day extension of the ceasefire with Iran within the next week, with naval blockade measures suspended while Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. Iran’s Deputy Inspector of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Brigadier General Asadi, struck a different note: “We have not yet revealed all our capabilities. We possess many options that we will utilize if necessary.”