Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-09 at 03:03

HEADLINES
US vows escalation after Iran strikes Hormuz
Turkey backs F35 return risks regional shifts
Vietnam Israel defense ties deepen amid friction

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, President Donald Trump said Iran has sought to make a deal after previously declaring the Memorandum of Understanding over, telling reporters on Air Force One after the NATO summit in Turkey that Iran “have very little left, and they want to make a deal so badly,” but he questioned whether they would honor it, calling Iran “a little bit out of control” for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that the United States would strike Iran “20-to-1” in response, saying retaliatory actions were taken “last night” and that today’s actions were in retaliation for that night. He joked that he was “number one on their list” and suggested others might consider changing professions as these tensions persist.

In US Military Role, Washington signaled it is prepared for an escalation lasting days, weeks, or even months as the United States conducts ongoing strikes and Iran conducts retaliatory attacks on US bases in the Gulf. A senior US official told Axios that the administration has grown frustrated by Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and is adopting a more forceful approach to deter further harm to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The official said the current campaign could extend for “a day, a week, or a month,” depending on Iran’s actions, with a blunt warning that the United States is not “f—ing around.”

In Regional Impacts, the region is watching Turkey’s evolving role closely as Ankara’s moves on Western defense ties unfold. Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly argued against Turkey’s return to the F-35 program, while President Trump signaled openness to lifting CAATSA sanctions and restoring Ankara’s access to the F-35, a development that would shift regional calculations. As Turkey weighs its next moves, Israel remains wary of how Turkey’s pursuit of Western integration could intersect with regional security, including Hamas’s leadership questions and Iran’s broader pressures. A separate analysis notes Israel’s concern over Turkey’s rise in the region and the potential for Turkish and Qatari influence to shape any future arrangements with Hamas, which has moved to dissolve its governing committee but is described as unlikely to surrender its weapons. Experts warn that if Iran continues to destabilize the region, a rising Sunni power could assume a leading rival role to Israel, complicating alliances and security planning.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the White House is preparing for what could be a multi-day to multi-week clash with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Officials told Axios that the duration and intensity depend on Iran’s next moves, with some signaling that Washington believes it has more room to escalate because hundreds of oil tankers have recently traversed the Hormuz route without a price spike. A senior official framed the message bluntly, saying, “we’re going to slap them a bit so they understand we’re not f—ing around,” as part of a broader effort to deter continued Iranian attacks on shipping.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Defense Minister Katz defended Israel’s position, saying the country will stay 8 to 10 kilometers inside Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, even as the US weighs possible Trump-Netanyahu-Aoun discussions at a regional level. The stance reflects a determination to reinforce deterrence while regional leaders consider possible diplomatic alignments amid shifting security dynamics.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Vietnam’s engagement with Israeli defense firms persists despite political frictions in Europe. Vietnamese officials, led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, spent significant time with Israeli companies at Eurosatory in Paris, defying a ban on an Israel pavilion and restrictions on displaying Israeli products. Israel’s defense export profile shows Asia-Pacific as a growing destination, rising to 32% of total exports in 2025 from 23% previously, with cooperation deepening during ongoing tensions. Israeli firm 4Model recently signed an exclusivity agreement linked to Vietnamese interests, underscoring continued defense cooperation despite external pressures.

In Uplifting News, Hebrew University remains a premier destination for Olim, with over a century of history shaping the nation’s future. As Israel’s top-ranked university and a regular presence in global rankings, HUJI offers extensive programs across disciplines, world-class facilities, and English-language tracks, supporting students from more than 90 countries and providing early career development opportunities that help new immigrants integrate and contribute. Meanwhile, a separate note highlights a humanitarian effort in southeast China, where flood victims are being rescued with the aid of drones, illustrating how technology enables critical responses in crisis zones.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-901952
https://worldisraelnews.com/not-f-ing-around-us-gearing-up-for-renewed-iran-war/
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-901951
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-901876
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-901955
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryg7mt3xfg
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-901950
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-901634
https://t.me/newssil/206237