Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 23:02

HEADLINES
Sixth straight night strikes on Iran
Wildfire smoke blankets New York air
Knesset dissolves as Israel heads to election

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US military said late on Thursday it completed its latest wave of strikes on Iran, carried out at President Donald Trump's direction and marking a sixth consecutive night of American attacks. US Central Command said forces, including fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships, launched precision munitions that hit dozens of Iranian targets such as coastal surveillance and air defense sites, military logistics infrastructure, and maritime capabilities. On Thursday evening, US projectiles struck Qeshm Island and areas near Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. Iranian outlets reported strikes late Thursday on three bridges and the train station in coastal Bandar Khamir and on Iranshahr Airport, though Reuters could not immediately verify. Tehran launched missiles and drones targeting US military bases in neighbouring states, including a recently expanded air base in Jordan that Iran said was used in a operations against US targets.

In Regional Impacts, New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that smoke from the Canadian wildfires would blanket New York today, with air quality expected to worsen to very unhealthy levels across much of the state. Residents are urged to stay indoors if possible, wear an N95 mask if they must go outside, stay hydrated, and check on seniors and those with underlying health conditions. Free N95 masks are being distributed by the MTA, Port Authority, and National Guard at major locations throughout New York City. Real-time air quality updates are available at AirNow.gov. Syrian authorities have arrested Colonel Ahmad Habib Ali, a former chemical weapons officer who headed a department at the Scientific Studies and Research Center and oversaw sarin storage and production at Unit 417. Investigations indicate Ali supervised the production of about 20 aerial bombs, each containing roughly 250 kilograms of sarin, used against Syrian towns and cities from 2013 to 2017. The case remains under investigation before referral to the judiciary, with authorities and rights advocates discussing the broader implications for Syria’s chemical weapons program.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Syrian authorities thwarted an attempted weapons smuggling on its border with Iraq, reportedly heading to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, state media said Thursday. The truck, carrying advanced weapons and rockets, was halted as part of the investigation, which concluded its intended destination was Hezbollah in Lebanon, a group that has been at war with Israel since early March.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, it’s no secret that JD Vance has lost the confidence of many Jewish Republicans, who have taken issue with his reprimanding of Israeli officials, indulgence of anti-Israel conspiracy theories and silence on Tucker Carlson, the prominent pundit who has turned against Israel. But Vance is still thought by many to be Donald Trump’s likeliest successor at the top of the party’s ticket in 2028, leaving the GOP’s Jewish supporters with the question of whom to back when Trump’s second term ends. Many are finding an answer elsewhere in the Trump administration. “The overwhelming majority of American Jewish MAGA voters, donors, and policymakers are enthusiastically supporting a Marco Rubio presidential run,” Shabbos Kestenbaum told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency this week. “I look forward to voting for him as well.” Kestenbaum said in May that in American Jewish conservative circles, it’s Rubio by a margin of 99 to 1.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an Israeli judicial oversight official has upheld a complaint against Chief Rabbi David Yosef over public remarks criticizing the country’s judiciary during a dispute surrounding a High Court hearing that took place on Shabbat. Retired Judge Asher Kula, who serves as commissioner for complaints against judges, concluded that Yosef’s comments fell outside the scope of his official responsibilities and were not entitled to the special protections generally afforded to statements made in the course of performing his duties. Police escorted Israeli Tax Authority inspectors from a neighborhood in the central city of Bnei Brak on Thursday after a crowd surrounded their vehicle and damaged it during a violent protest. The unrest began in the Kiryat Viznitz neighborhood after tax inspectors arrived to conduct inspections, with hundreds gathering as students left nearby educational institutions. Israel heads to election on October 27 after the Knesset dissolves itself, with lawmakers approving the dissolution and increased campaign funding in a 62-0 vote following a last-minute dispute with Shas leader Aryeh Deril; mandatory IDF service will remain at 32 months.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, British retailer Marks & Spencer has launched an investigation after anti-Israel boycott stickers were placed on Israeli-grown Maris Piper potato packages at a store in Worthing, West Sussex. The incident came to light after a customer purchased the potatoes and noticed the sticker covering the original “Product of Israel” label. UK Lawyers for Israel has called on M&S chief executive Stuart Machin to investigate.

In Uplifting News, a US Navy Blue Angels jet performed a dramatic low-altitude flyover above Pensacola Beach, Florida, generating a powerful jet wash that sent umbrellas, tents, chairs and other beach items flying.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/us-military-says-it-completed-latest-strikes-iran-marking-6th-consecutive-night
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57270
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902810
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57279
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902808
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57276
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57272
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1nremv4gl
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57273
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57275