Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-13 at 18:01

HEADLINES
US escalates Iran strikes, blocks Gulf shipping
Minab strike blamed on US, senators demand
Houthis threaten Saudi clash after Sana'a strike

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the president said in a Hugh Hewitt radio interview that the United States will “hit Iran hard tonight and tomorrow,” adding that there’s not a damn thing they can do about it and that Iran “has nothing.” CENTCOM later announced on X that it began launching the third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, directed by the Commander in Chief. Iranian semi-official media reported explosions in Kish Island, Sirik Island, Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas. Trump described Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified site near Natanz that hosts two buried tunnel complexes, as a potential target for a “nice, big, fat shot” and said the United States would probably give Pickaxe Mountain a shot relatively soon, while telling the Iranians to be ready as strikes continue. Satellite imagery has detected recent construction at the underground facility. Separately, Trump said the United States was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and would keep the Strait of Hormuz open — for a fee — after further missile and drone exchanges. Democratic senators led by Kirsten Gillibrand asked the administration to disclose within a week the findings from a US military investigation into the February 28 strike at a girls’ school in Minab. The initial internal assessment reportedly found US forces were likely responsible. The letter, signed by more than two dozen senators including Jack Reed, calls for an unclassified accounting of what happened, what went wrong, and what is being done to prevent recurrence, and for briefings to Congress. Iranian officials say the Minab strike killed more than 175 children and teachers.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, analysis suggests the Iranian-backed Houthis may be moving toward a renewed clash with Saudi Arabia after Riyadh said it targeted Sana’a airport, a move the Houthis control. The Houthis have warned of retaliation if flights from Iran are blocked and are seeking to open an air bridge to Iran to demonstrate they can break the siege on Sana’a. They also claimed on July 13 to have targeted the southern Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia. The group has attacked Israel multiple times since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and has increased attacks in 2025, even as a period of de-escalation in recent years had reduced such incidents. The potential for a renewed broadened conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia raises regional security concerns amid the ongoing conflict dynamics.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Getting to the heart of the Ro Khanna incident - analysis notes new details from both the IDF and Khanna’s entourage about the West Bank encounter last week, in which his group’s vehicle was detained for about an hour during a visit to Khirbet Zanuta. Reported information and video evidence present a picture that is less sensational than initial accounts in some respects, but still highlights the fragility and risks of foreign visits in contested areas. The episode underscores Israel’s ongoing political and security challenges in the West Bank and the sensitivity of international scrutiny over enforcement practices.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Knesset passes contentious haredi-backed bill to enshrine Torah study in Israel's Basic Law. The bill completed its final readings with 63 votes in favor and 52 against, enshrining Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel’s Basic Law. Critics argue the measure could encourage draft evasion and alter the status of yeshiva students who do not serve, potentially allowing them to continue receiving state benefits despite a national shortage of conscripts. The passage follows weeks of coalition tensions and warnings from haredi party leaders to disrupt the legislative agenda, as opposition leaders urged responsibility and careful consideration of the implications.

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-902414
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902410
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-will-take-out-pickaxe-mountain-iran
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rklcmrgeml
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-strike-irans-pickaxe-mountain-nuclear-site
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-strike-irans-pickaxe-mountain-nuclear-site
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-strike-irans-pickaxe-mountain-nuclear-site
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902415
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902409
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902405