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

HEADLINES
US Poised to Strike Iran Protect Shipping
West Bank Violence Falls 25% Amid Crackdown
UK Plans Ban on Settlement Trade

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, CENTCOM spokesman Navy Captain Tim Hawkins told The Jerusalem Post that US forces remain ready to strike Iranian capabilities threatening commercial shipping. He said the recent daytime strikes against Iran, the first since the ceasefire was signed, demonstrate Washington’s readiness to act against threats to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Hawkins added that the president has directed the armed forces to hold Iranian forces accountable for attacks on commercial ships and innocent mariners, stressing that there is no excuse for Iran continuing to attack civilians. He emphasized that the mission’s objective is to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and mariners, even as military activity expands with daily strikes and the overall mission remains aimed at protecting international shipping.

In Regional Impacts, violence by extremist Israelis against Palestinians in the West Bank declined by about 25% since March, according to new data presented to Israel’s leadership. The figures show a 25% drop in incidents that injured Palestinians or endangered lives, with an 11% decrease when all acts of violence are counted. The decline follows intensified enforcement by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police, and a coordinated effort to disrupt and deter such attacks. Central Command chief Major-General Avi Bluth has signed 23 administrative restriction orders in recent weeks against Israelis involved in the violence, including bans from entering the West Bank and, in some cases, house arrest for up to six months.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, MK Dan Illouz announced he will not run for reelection with Likud, saying, “This is no longer the Likud. This is a party that has been hijacked.” He cited leadership’s handling of the October 7 massacre, legislation supporting haredi draft evaders, and the rising cost of living as reasons for leaving, noting a recent bill to freeze arrests of haredi draft dodgers as a disgrace and arguing the party has surrendered to the haredi parties. Shin Bet chief David Zini has approved the request to grant Sara Netanyahu lifelong security, with a recommendation to the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs; while N12 reported the final duration is not yet set, it is expected to be approved, and the lifelong protection will also extend to Yair and Avner Netanyahu. Former deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel unveiled a new right-wing party called Israel First, arguing the old political order favored sectoral interests over those serving on the front lines; the party promotes strong security and victory without compromise, a free economy, education for excellence, and the expansion of civil liberties. Transportation Ministry officials, led by Miri Regev, discussed unofficially limiting flights to prevent Israelis from returning in time to vote, amid fears many inbound voters would back opposition parties. Separately, up to 50,000 flight tickets may be canceled during July after an American decision to freeze the evacuation of its refuelers stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the UK is actively working on a plan to ban all import and export transactions with what it calls illegal Israeli settlements. Trade minister Chris Bryant told a parliamentary sub-committee that the plan would move beyond labeling goods from settlements to banning goods and services altogether, with attention paid to services such as mortgages, accounting, and legal work. Bryant said the approach would address four areas: import and export of goods and services, and he emphasized the need to prevent British businesses from supporting or facilitating settlement expansion. The development comes as the European Union has likewise pursued work aimed at restricting trade with settlements.

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/israel-news/article-902640
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902632
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902643
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902637
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902631
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902629
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902635