Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-20 at 13:02

HEADLINES
US strikes near Bandar Abbas intensify
Dozens trapped in Taher Ridge tunnels
Gaza war crimes probes delayed again

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the United States has conducted strikes in Iran for nine days, targeting bridges and tunnels near Bandar Abbas as part of the ongoing confrontation with Tehran. Iran signals openness to talks while continuing to pursue its regional aims, with the IRGC cast as the hard line and the government seen as more conciliatory in a familiar good cop, bad cop dynamic. A prior Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides aimed at moving toward a deal, but Iran continued attacks on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with July 6 and 7 incidents cited as catalysts for the latest strikes. The fighting has stretched over days, leaving questions about each side’s objectives. Separately, Iranian attacks over the weekend damaged civilian infrastructure in Kuwait, including a power generation plant, a water desalination facility, and several residential areas during the hottest part of the year. Kuwait logged temperatures around 41 degrees Celsius, with forecasts higher, raising concerns of electricity shortages. Experts say such attacks could worsen civilian hardship but are unlikely to push Gulf states into joining the conflict.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, dozens of Hezbollah terrorists remain trapped inside a tunnel complex on the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon after an Israeli strike, with the complex dug deep underground and largely intact. Israeli forces are positioned at tunnel exits to prevent escape, and supplies are expected to run out within days. The tunnel network stretches more than a kilometer underground and has served as a command-and-control hub with weapons depots and rocket-launching facilities. The ridge has become the main point of friction between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu will not be arrested during a visit to the United States, arguing that Netanyahu is fighting against Iran and that only those who led Iran into the current crisis should face arrest. The remarks were shared on Truth Social as part of a broader defense of the Israeli prime minister. Separately, the rollout of the IDF’s Gaza war crimes probes has been delayed again; the precise cause is unclear but appears tied to pressure on the IDF legal division and possibly outside channels. Officials in the Justice Ministry reportedly supported publication as originally planned, the Foreign Ministry did not deny seeking delay, and the Prime Minister’s Office has not commented.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli defense firms are staging a strong presence at the Farnborough International Airshow. Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled ELLYON, a next-generation multi-role aircraft designed to operate from stand-off ranges and integrate electronic attack capabilities with SIGINT, ISTAR, long-range SAR/GMTI radar, electro-optical sensors, and satellite communications, aimed at shortening the intelligence cycle and expanding freedom of action in contested environments. Rafael is highlighting the Iron Beam laser defense system, while Elbit Systems is underscoring its role as a supplier to the British Armed Forces.

In Uplifting News, the Orthodox Union strengthens Jewish identity in the post-October 7 era. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Josh Joseph says the OU remains best known for kashrus—certifying about 1.5 million products worldwide—but its work extends far beyond that, funding and sustaining projects like NCSY, Yachad, and JLIC, plus a Daf Yomi program learning the Talmud daily by more than 10,000 participants. The OU emphasizes that its broader mission supports community education and engagement across a wide array of initiatives. IDF efforts abroad also continue in Venezuela, where the Home Front Command is conducting the longest humanitarian assistance mission in its history. About 32 Israeli experts are working near Caracas in La Guaira, assisting Venezuelan authorities as they move from immediate emergency response to rehabilitation, focusing on national situational analysis, decision support, prioritization, and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery that is expected to extend for months or years.

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/middle-east/article-903100
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903098
https://worldisraelnews.com/dozens-of-hezbollah-terrorists-trapped-in-tunnel-complex-report/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903105
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903104
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-903103
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-903092
https://t.me/selena_updates/67437