Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-09 at 16:02

HEADLINES
US delays Iran strike revival plans
UN map records 5,330 settler attacks
Lebanon pilot zone to take control

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says there have been no updates on 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. He said decisions to resume a larger conflict will be made by the president and by CENTCOM, and that he usually learns about them at the time they do it. He cautioned against overconfidence by Iran and said the regime has shown itself not to be serious about making peace, and that any step toward regime change would have to be taken by the Iranian people. There has been no decision announced on pursuing regime change, according to Huckabee, who noted there have been ample opportunities to broker an agreement with the US, but that the Iranian leadership has not pursued such courses.

In Regional Impacts, a UN agency’s map shows over 5,330 alleged settler attacks in the West Bank since 2023, resulting in casualties, property damage or both, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The report notes the West Bank Palestinian regions hit hardest are Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron, with 1,352, 1,226 and 935 incidents respectively, while Jenin and Tulkarm register lower figures. It also records 64 Palestinians killed and 5,173 injured in this context, and states there is no clear distinction in the data between Hamas or Islamic Jihad and civilians; there was no immediate comment from the IDF at press time. Separately, President Trump’s comments in Ankara indicate the United States is weighing its ties with Turkey in deciding on an F-35 sale, arguing that ties with Turkey are stronger than with other allies and suggesting the move could be considered. Erdogan said Turkey had been promised five aircraft and that Trump keeps his commitments, signaling a broader rebalancing of influence in the eastern Mediterranean. In a note on regional dynamics, missiles were launched from Kuwait.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the first pilot zone in Lebanon, where the Lebanese army will take control of an area now occupied by Israeli forces, is planned to launch in a matter of days, with further zones being mapped out and planned.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Avigdor Liberman says Netanyahu has dismantled Israel’s relationship with the United States and has become a burden to President Trump, with the relationship already hurting Trump in the upcoming US midterm elections. Liberman argues that Trump understands he has given too much and has been harmed by Netanyahu, and he outlines his aim to lead the country after the next elections.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Messi conspiracy video from an Egyptian pundit blames Israel for Egypt’s World Cup defeat to Argentina, claiming Israel and FIFA manipulated the match and alleging that Messi’s ties to Israel and to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s circles extend to bringing Messi to Inter Miami, among other assertions about Israel’s influence over the event and broader Israel-FIFA connections.

In Uplifting News, the Jerusalem Film Festival opens its 43rd edition at Sultan’s Pool with about 6,000 guests under the stars, honoring Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa as guest of honor and naming him jury chair for the Israeli competition. The festival runs through July 19, features more than 100 international and Israeli films, and hosts more than 30 international guests, marking the first year since 2023 that the event has not been held under the shadow of war.

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-902067
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902064
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902062
https://t.me/hnaftali/23848
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902061
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902069
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902065
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-902071