Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 03:02

HEADLINES
Israel-US commit to security zones on borders
Iran warns regional infrastructure will be crushed
US caps Ben-Gurion refuel fleet at 20

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

In Operation Lion's Roar, Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke overnight with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, confirming in a statement on Thursday that Hegseth briefed him on US military operations in Iran, and that the two agreed to continue cooperation between the countries in response to any developments. Katz also briefed Hegseth on Israel’s operations against terrorist groups in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, and stressed Israel’s determination to remain in security zones along its borders to protect residents from threats posed by jihadist forces, a central lesson from the events of October 7. “We have never asked the US to act in our place along our borders. We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from every threat, and that is what we intend to do,” Katz said.

In Iranian Retaliation, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Khātam al-Anbiyā warned this morning that if the latest threats by the US president to attack Iran's infrastructure come to pass, all regional infrastructures would be crushed under Iran's forces, leaving no trace.

In US Military Role, Israel and the United States have agreed to cap the number of American refueling planes parked at Ben-Gurion International Airport at 20, with additional aircraft to be relocated to Israeli Air Force bases. The US had stationed as many as 72 refueling aircraft at Ben-Gurion, creating a bottleneck that affected commercial travel. There were also reports of American strikes tonight at Chebar Port in Iran.

In Regional Impacts, the United States announced sanctions on a network accused of procuring weapons for the IRGC, identifying seven individuals and organizations located in Iran, Italy, and Russia for attempting to source arms and drone components in violation of renewed UN restrictions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action aims to disrupt illicit networks that fund Iran's weapons programs. Separately, India ordered shipowners not to deploy Indian seafarers on voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing heightened security risks after two Indian seafarers were killed in recent attacks.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IRGC says it attacked a gathering of US soldiers at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and targeted radar at the base with missiles and drones. A military spokesperson said the conflict will expand if US strikes continue, and a Khatam al-Anbiya Base spokesperson said Iran would target all US infrastructure in the region in a “superior strike” if threats to Iranian infrastructure materialize. Bahrain and Jordan activated missile sirens.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump thinks Israeli withdrawal and redeployment in southern Lebanon and in southern Syria would be advantageous.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Dan Illouz says at least one-third of Likud lawmakers backed replacing the prime minister after Hamas’ 2023 attack, criticizing exemptions from military draft for ultra-Orthodox men and saying the coalition has abandoned its conservative principles.

In Uplifting News, Kyiv's Chief Rabbi leads humanitarian operations for the local community amid waves of Russian strikes. Chief Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, with volunteers and the JCC Beit Menachem Kyiv, has organized a broad effort to provide food, water, clothing, and medications, working with emergency services to support families left vulnerable by the bombardment. Markovitch said the duty is to be there for every person in need, bringing light during these dark moments, as Russian attacks have killed 14 people across Ukraine. In the Spiti Valley of northern India, Lingti Falls freezes into a spectacular ice sculpture as winter temperatures plunge far below freezing, with the frozen spray creating a dramatic, time-stopped scene.

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/defense-news/article-902665
https://t.me/newssil/206808
https://t.me/ILtoday/19565
https://t.me/newssil/206804
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902657
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/new-delhi-tells-shipowners-not-deploy-indian-seafarers-hormuz-routes
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902659
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126619
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1u911e8nml
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902664
https://t.me/newssil/206807