Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-13 at 23:01

HEADLINES
Oil spikes on renewed US-Iran strikes
Two Gulf tankers struck; Indian crew killed
Jerusalem protests halt roads over rail project

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, oil prices jumped more than 3% on renewed US-Iran strikes that raised fresh concerns about energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global trade. Brent crude futures rose to about $78.40 a barrel, up roughly 3.14%, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed to around $73.58, up about 3.04%, with earlier moves exceeding 4% earlier in the session. The market remains sensitive to the flow of tanker traffic through Hormuz, with the volume of inbound vessels closely watched as any disruption could affect production and lift prices, a view echoed by UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. The Strait accounts for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas in peacetime, underscoring why shipping disruptions are a key concern for energy markets. CENTCOM said it completed a wave of strikes against dozens of Iranian targets using precision munitions, aimed at limiting Tehran’s ability to attack shipping in the Strait. The targets included Iranian air defense and coastal defense capabilities, among others, reflecting an effort to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.

In Regional Impacts, a fire at a Netanya Japanika branch was sparked by a stolen piece of military ordnance, according to Israeli police, with investigators describing the act as criminal and connected to ongoing disputes between criminal groups. The incident produced property damage but no injuries, and authorities are pursuing leads as to motive and those responsible. This comes amid a string of similar incidents—four fragmentation grenades thrown in central Israel on Monday and another blast in Herzliya—marking the fifth such attack in roughly 24 hours, with police saying some events caused disruptions and minor damage. In the Strait of Hormuz area, two national oil tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern lane in Omani waters, causing fires that were brought under control; one Indian crew member was killed and eight others wounded, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals, according to the UAE Defense Ministry, which condemned the attack and said the UAE retains the right to respond to threats. The ministry also said two ships were damaged. Separately, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a tanker struck by an unknown projectile northeast of Qalhat, Oman, with no crew injuries. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, targeting several facilities including warehouses, a satellite communications center, and the residential building housing US forces, according to state media reporting from Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, protesters blocking Jerusalem roads near Bar Ilan Street and at Zaks Junction prompted police to declare a public disturbance and dispersed crowds as some demonstrators attempted to damage a light rail construction site. Traffic disruptions were reported, with authorities detailing efforts to restore public safety, and the protests come after weeks of demonstrations tied to the Jerusalem light rail project, which has caused substantial damage estimates in the hundreds of millions of shekels to the city’s light rail system. Meanwhile, the coalition is moving ahead with a bill to extend mandatory military service to 32 months, despite the IDF’s calls for 36 months of service from some quarters. In parallel, a liveblog note reported that US forces conducted a five-hour wave of strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM stating the mission targeted coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities in Iran to degrade its ability to threaten shipping; CENTCOM also said American forces remain vigilant and ready. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced attacks on Bahrain in retaliation, including strikes on facilities tied to US forces.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, former Vice President Mike Pence condemned antisemitism after authorities in his Indiana hometown said an arson attack on an Israeli flag displayed at a local barn may have been bias-motivated, with the FBI joining the investigation and officials saying no determination had yet been made. Pence called the act despicable and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement, stressing that there is no tolerance for antisemitism in America. Separately, PEN America’s president resigned after a report warned of threats to Jewish and Israeli authors, with Dinaw Mengestu arguing that the First Amendment protects boycotts and that the organization should defend free expression rights rather than police protest action; PEN America said it would respect his decision and noted its history of internal debates over Israel.

In Uplifting News, Keren Hayesod announced the appointment of Ambassador Eli Vered Hazan as its next World Chairman. Hazan, currently Israel’s ambassador to Singapore and formerly vice president for public diplomacy at the Jerusalem Institute for Justice, will succeed Sam Grundwerg, who led the organization for eight years. Keren Hayesod said Hazan brings public leadership experience and a long record of strengthening Israel’s international relations and ties with Jewish communities worldwide. The organization, established in 1920, works to strengthen Israeli society, promote Aliyah, and enrich the Jewish Diaspora, and Hazan’s leadership is viewed as a continuation of efforts to advance those goals.

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-902417
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902422
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902418
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902413
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-july-14-2026/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902425
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902420
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902421