Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Iran hits Ali Al Salem missiles intercepted
Trump weighs Kharg Island seizure and troops
Strait of Hormuz shipping slows after blockade

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the IRGC says it targeted a gathering of US soldiers at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait early Thursday morning, including a strike on early‑warning radar systems in a dual missile and drone attack. US military communications systems and fuel storage tanks were reportedly targeted at Azraq base in Jordan. Local Jordanian media reports that eight Iranian missiles were intercepted. This is a developing story.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump is weighing options to expand the Iran conflict, including the use of American ground troops to seize strategically important Iranian islands such as Kharg Island and operations near the Strait of Hormuz, with a Situation Room discussion noting no final decision and a preference for a diplomatic settlement. The alternatives under consideration include seizing Kharg Island with US troops, occupying smaller islands near the Strait’s entrance, and expanding operations against Iranian-controlled territory near the Strait. Separately, the US military said it completed its latest wave of strikes on Iran, conducted at Trump’s direction, with Bandar Abbas—Iran’s principal port city on the Strait of Hormuz—targeted. Centcom said forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities, and earlier this morning hit coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in a 90‑minute strike. Trump this week reiterated threats to hit Iranian energy targets and bridges. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites essential for civilians, underscoring the limits and risks of escalation.

In Regional Impacts, fewer vessels traveled through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the first day after the US reimposed its naval blockade on Iranian ports, with seven vessels crossing the strait, mostly on the Iranian route, down from 13 the previous day. The Strait, which carries about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments, has seen hostilities intensify since Iran said it had closed the strait. On Wednesday four empty vessels entered the Gulf, while three exited carrying LPG, coal, and fuel oil. On Tuesday a Suezmax tanker carrying about one million barrels of Saudi crude exited with its transponder switched off. There were no Very Large Crude Carriers or LNG tankers passing through the strait on Wednesday.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the House rejected an amendment to cut off aid to Israel on Wednesday, with a 314‑104 vote to defeat the measure; 103 Democrats and one Republican backed it, reflecting a rift between progressives and Israel over the Gaza war. The amendment would have barred any funding in the appropriations bill from being used for Israel and blocked $3.3 billion in annual security assistance. One lawmaker argued the heavy civilian toll in Gaza demanded reevaluation of policy, while others defended continued aid for defensive weapons. In a separate interview on the Joe Rogan podcast, the vice president suggested Israel is attempting to sway public opinion to keep the conflict going indefinitely, called for reassessing US‑Israel relations, and said Israeli pressure did not push the United States to war with Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an editorial argues the haredi draft question should be decided by voters, not outgoing lawmakers, criticizing a last‑minute move to freeze arrests of haredi draft evaders for six months. The Knesset approved the measure by a narrow margin, while the High Court issued a provisional order suspending its entry into force. The piece contends the move is an irresponsible attempt to preserve haredi participation in the coalition and delays addressing equality in national service. Separately, a look back at the 25th Knesset notes judicial reform and the haredi draft crisis as central themes as the term ends, marking Israel’s most dramatic period in memory. A new Channel 13 poll shows the anti‑Netanyahu bloc reaching a 61‑seat majority for the first time, with the Trooper‑Hendel party crossing the electoral threshold and seats allocated to Yair Golan, Bezalel Smotrich, Gadi Eisenkot, and Naftali Bennett. The Knesset also held a minute of silence for US Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at 71; preliminary medical findings attributed his death to an aortic dissection, and Prime Minister Netanyahu called him one of Israel’s greatest friends as lawmakers honored his legacy.

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-902659
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-mulling-invasion-of-iranian-islands-report/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/us-military-says-it-completed-latest-strikes-iran-targets-included-bandar-abbas
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/fewer-vessels-travel-through-hormuz-us-iran-continue-strikes
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902655
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjyjztremg
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902642
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjohjabege
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57226
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57227