Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-20 at 04:01

HEADLINES
Iran strikes widen as US readies war
US launches ninth night strikes on Iran
Mayors oppose haredi draft exemption bill

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran says it conducted strikes across the country and asserts two oil tankers were disabled in the Strait of Hormuz, while a US official says Washington is preparing for a broader war but warns that air defenses and long-range munitions are not sufficient. Jordan also reports an Iranian strike on the Mawafak Salti Air Base.

In US Military Role, the US military carried out its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, with confirmed strikes in Tabriz, Bandar Imam Khomeini, Bandar-e-Mahshahr, Khormoj, Sirik, Bandar-e-Jask, Chabahar and Konarak, targeting Iranian military command centers, air-defense and coastal-surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran launched attacks against targets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan.

In Regional Impacts, Iranian media report attacks in Bushehr.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States remains open to a diplomatic solution with Iran if attacks in the Strait of Hormuz end, Rubio says. He notes a growing split in Iran between militant extremists who continue to attack the US and those concerned with the economy, and suggests that if the more constructive voices prevail and take control of negotiations, that would be a positive development.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, more than 70 mayors and council leaders filed a petition condemning the haredi draft exemption bill, arguing that while studying Torah is important, defending the land remains essential. The petition emphasizes that many residents can study Torah and still serve in the IDF and security forces, and it lists signatories including several major-city mayors and regional leaders.

In Uplifting News, It’s a boy! Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha welcomed their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, born on Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Vance said the baby and mother are healthy, and the other children are excited to meet their new brother; the family’s older children are Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

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
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