Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-09 at 15:01

HEADLINES
Missiles From Kuwait Escalate Israel Iran Clash
Damascus Bombings Near Macron Hotel Wound 18
Lebanese Army to Launch First Pilot Zone

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the missiles were launched from Kuwait.

In US Military Role, despite reports of explosions in Iran, a senior American official says the US military is not currently attacking in the country. American officials deny involvement, saying it is not us.

In Regional Impacts, the first pilot zone in Lebanon, where the Lebanese army will assume control of an area now occupied by Israeli forces, will launch in a matter of days, with additional zones planned. Iranian media report that the attacks are a joint operation by Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, with reports that the strikes are carried out from Kuwait.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the cell behind the Damascus bombings is in custody and authorities will reveal the identities of its members, their roles and links after investigations. Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron spent the night, wounding 18 people.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says he has had no updates on the prospects of a return to the heavy US strikes on Iran seen in the early months of the war, but it won’t work well for Tehran. Decisions will be made by the president and by CENTCOM, and he says he usually learns about the decisions at the same time as others. He cautions against assuming Iran can make such actions work in its favor, and notes there has been no decision about pursuing regime change in Tehran, which would have to come from the Iranian people.

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://t.me/hnaftali/23848
https://t.me/hnaftali/23847
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1342797
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902061
https://t.me/newssil/206328
https://t.me/newssil/206327
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/cell-behind-damascus-bombings-custody-syria-says
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902067