Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-15 at 10:02

HEADLINES
US hits Iran coastal defenses on Tunb
Israeli High Court halts haredi draft law
Knesset restores Chief Rabbinate kashrut oversight

The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, The United States conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran, CENTCOM said, targeting coastal defense systems, cruise missile storage, and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island in a 90-minute operation. This followed seven hours of strikes earlier that day against missile and drone sites, naval assets, and coastal defenses designed to curb Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Iran has controlled Greater Tunb since 1971, though the United Arab Emirates maintains a claim to the territory. CENTCOM also released preliminary statistics from the second naval blockade of Iran, noting that two vessels were redirected in the first 17 hours. Iran’s state media reported explosions in Shiraz earlier in the day and Mehr News Agency said air defenses around the Bushehr nuclear power plant had been activated, though there was no official comment.

In Regional Impacts, New damage was seen at an aircraft maintenance building at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a result of a ballistic missile strike during the recent renewed round of hostilities with Iran. A Hebrew-language report described soldiers exchanging messages on social networks amid the conflict. Syria arrest warrants and actions also surfaced, with authorities announcing the arrest of former Colonel Ahmad Habib Ali, who they say managed sarin stockpiles and supervised the production of around 20 chemical bombs used in 2013 and 2017.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Aliyah and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer said he will not run for re-election in 2026 but will continue to serve in his position until the end of his term, thanking his supporters; Bezalel Smotrich posted that he respects the decision and is confident Sofer will find another way to serve Israel outside of politics. This comes after Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel announced her resignation on Tuesday. The High Court of Justice temporarily froze a Knesset law that would halt arrest, investigation, and enforcement proceedings against qualifying haredi yeshiva students who failed to report for military service. Justice Ofer Grosskopf issued a provisional order suspending the law’s entry into force and called for explanations as to why it should not be struck down, with petitions to be heard by an expanded Supreme Court panel and replies due four days before a future hearing. The ruling followed petitions from Israel Hofsheet and from Yesh Atid lawmakers, including opposition leader Yair Lapid. Separately, the Knesset voted to repeal the 2021 kashrut reform, restoring certification to the Chief Rabbinate and authorized local rabbis; within the IDF, the Military Rabbinate will continue to issue official certificates. The reform returns oversight of kashrut standards to the Chief Rabbinate Council and designated public rabbis, with the official system governed by new regulations and oversight.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron said any new government must curb defense-led state spending and bolster investment in education and infrastructure, warning that debt levels must not continue to rise. He noted the debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed to about 70% from roughly 60% in 2023 and that defense spending can total as much as 8% of GDP. Yaron also urged better integration of ultra-Orthodox populations into the labor market. In a separate effort to strengthen trade ties, the British Embassy in Israel and the UK Department for Business and Trade hosted the Distilling Excellence: UK Gin Showcase in Tel Aviv, highlighting British gin producers as exports to Israel approach £4 million. Exports to Israel in 2024 were £3.99 million, and Israel’s gin market is estimated at £9.73 million annually, with more than 75% of the gin imported into Israel originating from Britain. The event featured brands such as Brighton Gin, Shortcross Gin, Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin, and Cotswolds Dry Gin, with participation from Israeli producer Milk & Honey.

In Uplifting News, Israel launched Masa Diplomacy, a new Masa program intended to empower Diaspora Jewish youth with skills for Israel advocacy and public diplomacy on an international stage. The government approved the program, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar, in response to rising antisemitism and disinformation surrounding Israel. The initiative includes approximately NIS 1 million in scholarships for about 70 participants in the 2026-2027 academic year, with content days on online advocacy, public speaking workshops, educational tours, seminars led by active diplomats and other experts, and a six-week program culminating in a capstone project evaluated by the MFA. The program aims to strengthen participants’ connection to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

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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