Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 19:01

HEADLINES
US widens strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure
IRGC hits US airbase in Jordan
Knesset passes 32-month mandatory service extension

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Washington says it plans to target Iranian infrastructure and energy facilities as strikes widen to an airport, bridges and a communications tower, with roads blocked and casualties reported as Tehran threatens regional sites and Jerusalem prepares for possible retaliation. CENTCOM has released imagery of US Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting a verification boarding of the tanker M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman as part of enforcing the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. US forces have redirected three commercial vessels trying to reach Iranian ports, disabled one non-compliant vessel, and boarded another to verify compliance as the 11th MEU remains aboard the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, continuing maritime security operations in the region. Tehran has warned it would target infrastructure across the region if President Trump follows through on threats to attack power plants and bridges in Iran, while the White House says the president remains open to diplomacy. Iranian Revolutionary Guards say they struck a US airbase in Jordan with ballistic missiles in retaliation for what Tehran described as an American attack near a children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz, where officials said the hospital was evacuated.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-aligned militia umbrella group, has released a statement announcing a $10 million bounty for anyone who kills President Donald J. Trump. The statement accuses Trump of responsibility for the 2020 strike that killed Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, describing the reward as being funded through donations from the group’s supporters. The announcement comes amid rapidly escalating regional tensions, as the US continues airstrikes against Iranian targets and Iran-backed groups across the Middle East have intensified threats against US interests.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset plenum passed late Thursday night the bill to extend mandatory military service to 32 months. Forty-three MKs voted in favor, with 12 against and one abstention. Under the temporary framework, the extension will apply to those enlisted in June 2029 and due to be discharged in January 2032, rather than shortening service for those who enlisted in July 2024 and are set to be discharged in January 2027. The explanatory notes say the extension is urgently required to meet the IDF’s goals and respond to security needs. The move comes amid the coalition’s legislative blitz before the Knesset recesses ahead of upcoming elections, as critics argue the measure could encourage draft evasion amid the IDF’s manpower challenges.

In Uplifting News, Israel's Yarden Garzon is pursuing a pro career in basketball with confidence she’ll reach the WNBA. The 22-year-old guard from Ra’anana starred in high school and local youth leagues, played three years at Indiana before transferring to Maryland for her senior season, and was projected to become the second Israeli to play in the WNBA. She went undrafted, briefly signed with the Phoenix Mercury and was released, and now prepares to take her talents to Zaragoza in Spain’s Euroleague system. Garzon told The Jerusalem Post she is focused on next season, saying, “I’m doing really well,” and that she’s ready for the next chapter of her professional career.

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.ynetnews.com/article/hjsh4s8nge
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-strikes-iran-for-sixth-consecutive-night-as-deescalation-chances-appear-to-fade/
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22220
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22218
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902804
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-902805