Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-14 at 20:02

HEADLINES
US blocks Hormuz strikes Iran targets
Kuwait hit by Iran strike sparks fire
Sanctions tighten Hormuz with wind-down licenses

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a release that “US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives.” The United States has renewed its naval blockade and launched strikes on Iranian military targets as the blockade took effect, with Iran reporting explosions across the Gulf while Kuwait said it intercepted missiles and drones and Bahrain confirmed it was attacked. A new wave of strikes on Iran appears likely as explosions are reported in Sirik and other areas along the Strait of Hormuz.

In Regional Impacts, Iranian strikes cause massive explosions in Kuwait, drones strike US military in Jordan — report. Iran struck a critical facility in Kuwait, causing a large fire, with Kuwait’s KUNA later reporting the blaze had been brought under control and six teams backed by the army and National Guard responding with no injuries. In a separate incident, Iran claimed to have targeted US military sites on Jordan’s Azraq base with drones, with Iraqi media later citing a report of a missile strike. US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper condemned Iranian attacks on seven commercial ships over the past week, saying civilians across the region had been targeted and that nearly a dozen people were killed, missing, or injured.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing limited wind-down activities in the Strait of Hormuz as new Iran sanctions were imposed. The wind-down is permitted until September 12, and any payments under the license must be made via specific protocols; the general license covers offloading of cargo involving individuals and ships listed under the new sanctions. Twenty ships are listed, along with 24 entities and 10 individuals, and the license makes clear no new commercial contracts with those groups are allowed. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “hiding in seclusion while his regime crumbles” as the measures were announced. Separately, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he will not support an amendment to cut off US military aid to Israel, arguing the proposal is overly broad and would hamper humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and embassy operations; leadership will not compel votes, and the amendment is expected to fail. California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that West Bank annexation under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could move Israel toward an apartheid state, though he said he does not believe Israel is currently an apartheid state; he cited Netanyahu’s domestic political calculations and the rightward tilt as a concern, noting his visit to Israel after October 7.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Mahmoud Khalil filed a lawsuit alleging Betar and Canary Mission conspired with the US government to target him for his advocacy. Khalil contends that pro-Israel groups helped identify campus pro-Palestinian activists for government action, part of what he describes as a network that criminalizes solidarity with Palestine; he recalled his arrest and 104 days in immigration detention, followed by a release and a stay in the deportation case.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Health Ministry warned that illegal tahini imported from abroad may contain Salmonella. The brand Algimal Tahini (Hagamel) was imported without proper permits, with the White Tahini products — 1 kilogram produced in March and 500 grams produced in April — testing positive for Salmonella. Consumers are urged not to eat these products, and the Health Ministry advised contacting the department for guidance. The Salmonella risk can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal illness, and may be more dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Separately, a Tel Aviv conference reported that terror victims from October 7 face ongoing financial strain: 27% have returned to their previous level of employment, 61.8% say their financial situation has deteriorated, and about one-third have received inconsistent government support; 34% have returned to work only partially. The findings, presented by the 121 Association, underscore calls for improved rehabilitation and mental health policy ahead of the next Knesset and government.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902526
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902529
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902528
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902523