Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-21 at 19:02

HEADLINES
UK Allows US Attacks From British Bases
Aoun White House Visit Signals Peace Window
Saudi UAE Reaffirm Ties Amid Gulf Rift

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, Newly sworn-in British Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved the use of British bases for attacks by the United States against Iran, Bloomberg reported. The decision, following a policy established by Burnham's predecessor Keir Starmer, qualifies the strikes as "defensive" rather than an active war. Starmer led a meeting with senior ministers and officials on Friday to discuss the UK's policy on the war, and Burnham's office issued no official statement. This comes as the conflict with Iran intensifies, with US President Donald Trump warning that the Iranian nuclear site in Pickaxe Mountain could become a target if a diplomatic resolution isn't reached. Iran’s top military commander, Khatem al-Anbia, on Tuesday warned that US and allied assets across the region would be targeted if Washington struck the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, state television reported. Amid heightened regional tensions, Arab Gulf states are pressing the US to ensure that Israel does not resume attacks on Iran. Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers at a hearing that the United States' war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, up nearly $8 billion since the last public estimate, a figure he said includes certain costs and anticipated expenditures through September 30. It was unclear how the Pentagon arrived at the number. A source told Reuters that the first six days of the war cost at least $11.3 billion. Hegseth also said that military training would need to be curtailed without urgent funding, and this marked his first appearance before lawmakers since the US restarted operations against Iran earlier this month. With six months to the midterm elections, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on favorable public opinion as they weigh the broader implications of the conflict.

In Regional Impacts, Senior Saudi and United Arab Emirates officials on Tuesday posted similar social media messages affirming their close historical ties and "wise leadership," a move that followed months of tensions owing to a rift between the two Gulf monarchies. "Emirati-Saudi relations are an extension of a shared history and deep-rooted fraternal ties between two brotherly peoples, united by a single destiny," Alhamed wrote. "The relationship between the Kingdom and the Emirates is a relationship between two peoples united by a shared history and heritage, and wise leadership in both countries," Al-Dosary's post said. Both posts said media should reflect those aspects of the relationship and avoid undermining them. The two Gulf heavyweight powers have seen their interests diverge on oil quotas and geopolitics, with disagreements over Yemen becoming public last year, highlighting the delicate balance in their regional alignment.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, A rare chance for peace between Israel and Lebanon must not be missed - opinion. On Tuesday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will arrive at the White House, the first official visit by a Lebanese president in 17 years. At a time of profound change in the region, this visit should not be viewed as routine diplomacy; it represents a rare opportunity to ask whether Lebanon and Israel can begin building a different future. We write this from opposite sides of a border that has too often been defined by fear, conflict, and missed opportunities. Our experiences are different, but our hope is shared. Avital is a former senior officer in the Israel Defense Forces, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and someone who has spent years living under the threat of Hezbollah rockets and attacks. She has witnessed firsthand the human cost of perpetual conflict and understands the necessity of security. Ahmed is a Lebanese citizen who grew up in the shadow of a hijacked state. He has watched his country’s vibrant potential be systematically suffocated by an armed terror organization that operates completely outside the law. Since October 7, 2023, Lebanon has been dragged, twice, into wars, underscoring the urgency of a path toward peace.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, On This Day — July 21, 1937 The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem met the German Consul in Mandate Palestine and sought German support, beginning a deeper collaboration that would make him one of the most enthusiastic advocates for the extermination of Jews. Amin al-Husseini fled British arrest for his role in the vicious Arab Revolt shortly thereafter and sought an alliance with Nazi Germany. He would later boast in his memoirs that he asked Hitler for a free hand to "eradicate every last Jew from Palestine and the Arab world," using "the scientific methods innovated by Germany." According to al-Husseini’s memoirs, Hitler replied: "The Jews are yours." Al-Husseini met with Adolf Eichmann during the latter’s 1937 visit to Mandate Palestine and maintained a close relationship with him. He actively supported the Nazi war effort, recruited Muslims for Waffen-SS units, and pushed for the Final Solution to extend into the Middle East. One of the most influential Arab leaders of the time didn’t just oppose "Zionism," he actively sought the total annihilation of Jews, collaborating with the regime carrying out the Holocaust.

In Uplifting News, Limmud LA to return in 2027 with more than 100 Jewish learning sessions. The Los Angeles festival, scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants and is accepting proposals from prospective presenters. Limmud LA will return to Los Angeles over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January 2027, offering more than 100 sessions covering Jewish religion, culture, history and contemporary life. The festival will run from January 16 through January 18, beginning with a Saturday night celebration followed by two full days of programming on Sunday and Monday. Organizers said they expect more than 1,000 participants from across the Los Angeles area. Limmud LA has opened a call for presenters, inviting members of the public to propose sessions on subjects including Torah, Jewish history, culture, and other areas of Jewish interest. Proposals can be submitted through the Limmud LA website. Presenters selected for the festival are expected to be announced in the fall, when participant registration will also open. The 2027 festival will be presented by Meyer Shwartzstein and Susan Kahn in memory of their daughter, Alex Shwarzstein, a longtime Jewish community member.

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/iran-news/article-903236
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/us-war-iran-has-cost-375-billion-so-far-pentagon-says
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-signal-unity-after-months-tension
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903238
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/78373
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-903239