Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-13 at 14:02

HEADLINES
UAE Bypasses Hormuz with Oman Ports
Sinwar Welcomes Apocalyptic Nuclear War
US Announces Iran Blockade Starts Tomorrow

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, UAE plans to build new ports, oil hubs in Gulf of Oman to bypass Strait of Hormuz closure - report. The United Arab Emirates is planning a new port and container terminal on the Gulf of Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz, to be built in Fujairah, led by DP World, the country’s main port authority. The project would add major export infrastructure beyond the existing Fujairah harbor and seeks to reduce Dubai’s reliance on the Jebel Ali hub in the Persian Gulf. Emirati plans also call for improved infrastructure at Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and Fujairah as part of a broader push in the Gulf of Oman corridor. The move comes as tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran have disrupted navigation through the Strait, with ship attacks, mines, and fighting curtailing transit there. The decision to bypass the strait was reportedly recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the outset of the conflict with Iran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas's Yahya Sinwar welcomed apocalyptic nuclear war if it meant destroying Israel - analysis. A leaked letter attributed to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar suggests he believed Israel might use nuclear weapons in response to an October 7-style invasion, and that Sinwar would risk his own destruction to secure Israel’s destruction. Analysts say the document exposes both Sinwar’s extremism and a misread of Hamas’s leadership by opponents. The discussion centers on the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction and the idea that a faction motivated by apocalyptic ideology could value the destruction of the other side over its own survival. Separately, Saudi Arabia intercepts a Houthi missile attack launched in retaliation for earlier strikes on Sana’a; there were no reported casualties or damage. Abha International Airport was disrupted, and flight-tracking images indicate some flights were grounded as defenses repelled the missiles. Local reports also note explosions in Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia, with Houthis described as targeting the Saudis. Reports of an explosion heard in Abha, in southern Saudi Arabia, also reference Houthi attacks against Saudi targets.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Gov't tries to speed up US-Israel MoU talks as clock runs down on current Congress. Israel is seeking to accelerate negotiations with Washington over the future Memorandum of Understanding, with an expected return visit to the capital this week. The pace of talks has been slow, and it remains unclear whether a renewed MoU can be approved before January, when a new US Congress may take office. The MoU traditionally follows a ten-year cycle, renewing and updating military aid and strategic ties, and delays could face heightened opposition from a likely Democrat-controlled House and possibly the Senate. The context includes prior votes in which Democratic senators blocked certain weapons sales to Israel, underscoring potential political headwinds for any new deal. Separately, the United States formally announces that a blockade on Iran will commence tomorrow at 23:00 Israel time.

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/article-902388
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902396
https://t.me/newssil/206540
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902400
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-902393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902345
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902395