Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-22 at 20:02

HEADLINES
US strikes Iran for 12th straight night
Iran vows eye for an eye defense
House OKs NDAA 2027 amid Iran war

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's foreign minister said, "Our defense doctrine is clear: eye for an eye."

In US Military Role, The US military began a 12th consecutive night of strikes in Iran, CENTCOM said in a post on X/Twitter. Several explosions were heard in the southern Iranian cities of Sirik and Bushehr on Thursday morning, according to local media reports. "The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," CENTCOM explained. Deputy Governor of Khuzestan province reported that a location near the southwestern city of Ahwaz was targeted in US missile attacks. This is a developing story.

In Regional Impacts, Sirens sounded in Kuwait as air defenses intercepted hostile Iranian drone threats. This is a developing story. Britain evacuated its personnel from Iran in an unusual series of threats and preparations for escalation, with Iranian officials making surprising threats after Trump's stated intention to strike a power plant for every ship attacked, and Britain has removed its diplomatic teams from Tehran; Israel believes the coming days will be crucial as it prepares for escalation.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, The US House of Representatives narrowly passed the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a massive defense bill authorizing about $1.15 trillion in military spending, despite Democrats' concerns about the price tag, the ongoing war with Iran, and a provision to boost Pentagon ties to Israel. The vote was 216 to 212, largely along party lines. The Pentagon says the Iran war has cost the United States about $37.5 billion so far. Separately, Israeli officials warn that a proposed US civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia could enable Saudi Arabia to eventually develop nuclear weapons and could discourage Israel from normalizing relations with Riyadh, with critics arguing the deal could lack sufficient oversight. Reporters note that discussions about moving ahead with civilian nuclear collaboration have circulated, though no deal has been publicly announced.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a letter to Mayor Mamdani argues that criticism cannot become erasure and urges continued honest dialogue about Benjamin Netanyahu. The writer defends Israelis who oppose Netanyahu and stresses that dissent does not cancel belonging; identifying as an American Jew, the author notes that Israel is not merely a foreign-policy issue and emphasizes the importance of engaging on leadership and conduct in Gaza.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Reed College has agreed to sweeping institutional reforms to settle federal antisemitism investigations, announced by the Anti-Defamation League and the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The college says it will insert language into its discrimination policy stating that targeting Jews who identify as Zionists is discriminatory, and will contract a third-party consultant to monitor adherence and report on effectiveness in upholding antisemitism protections.

In Uplifting News, Today in photos: Thousands gathered at the Western Wall to mark Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning and reflection that includes the reading of Megillat Eicha, with participants across the community observing the fast. In Sports, silk and song: one woman’s journey to the Holy Land, a former Team Canada cyclist turned artist and harpist brings music to wounded soldiers in Jerusalem, weaving faith, healing, and devotion to Israel into her work.

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://t.me/JewishNews24/57578
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903372
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903376
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1nenhc4zx
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-903377
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903373
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903375
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903374
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903371
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rkhk6fq4gg