Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-17 at 17:01

HEADLINES
US to Base Refueling Jets at Ben-Gurion
Orthodox Oppose Permanent DST Prayer Times Risk
Since Oct 7 Israel Faces Delegitimization Campaign

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, officials say the United States plans to send dozens more refueling aircraft to Israel as part of discussions about expanding military operations against Iran. The plan would position these aircraft at Ben-Gurion Airport because the base is considered less exposed to Iranian attacks than other regional facilities. Washington has not yet finalized a decision on a larger offensive, but options under consideration include strikes on Iranian infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and the Pickaxe Mountain site. In parallel, US forces conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran, with CENTCOM reporting that four commercial vessels were redirected, one vessel was disabled, and another was boarded as part of a renewed blockade of ships traveling to and from Iran. Separately, US forces destroyed at least seven bridges in southern Iran around Bandar Abbas, a hub for IRGC operations.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Orthodox Jewish groups oppose making daylight saving time permanent, warning that the change would push winter sunrises and the earliest permissible prayer times an hour later, creating public safety risks and challenges for religious life. Agudath Israel of America urged the Senate to reject the Sunshine Protection Act, even as the House passed the measure by a wide margin. If enacted, winter sunrises could move past 9 a.m. in parts of the country, and morning synagogue attendance would be affected. Separately, an opinion piece notes that as Israel enters a 100-day election campaign, the vote centers on government responsibility for the October 7, 2023 attack and not on traditional foreign or defense policy; there is a broad consensus on maintaining a proactive defense posture and strategic ascendancy, rather than returning to containment or diplomacy alone.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that since October 7 Israel has faced a global campaign to delegitimize the state beyond the battlefield. The author contends that adversaries are increasingly waging a coordinated effort of narratives, disinformation, lawfare, diplomatic isolation, media manipulation, and psychological warfare aimed at undermining Israel’s legitimacy rather than its territory. The piece highlights a barrage of accusations—“Genocide,” “war crimes,” “apartheid,” “ethnic cleansing,” and related slogans—propelled through governments, international institutions, media, universities, activists, influencers, and social platforms, describing these as non-explosive missiles aimed at public perception and legitimacy.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the British Embassy and the UK Department for Business and Trade hosted a tasting to introduce four new British gins to the Israeli market. Israel’s trade with the UK is substantial, totaling about £6 billion in goods and services in 2025. More than 75% of imported gin in Israel comes from British distilleries, underscoring the UK’s prominence in the country’s gin market, where British brands are increasingly present alongside Israel’s Sabra 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/article-902850
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjiq91100vzg
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22239
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902853
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902729
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902689
https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-gin-finds-a-thirsty-audience-in-israel/