Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-22 at 21:02

HEADLINES
- IRGC Mine Attack Sparks Hormuz Crisis
- Twelfth Night of US Strikes on Iran
- House Approves 1.15 Trillion Defense Bill

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, sirens sounded in Kuwait on Thursday morning, with the Kuwaiti army saying air defense systems were intercepting hostile Iranian drone threats. Hours later, an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a mine in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC spokesperson claimed responsibility for the attack, saying three oil tankers incited and tempted by the US military passed through a mined area south of the Strait of Hormuz; the other two vessels reportedly turned around and retreated. The IRGC stated the Strait of Hormuz is under its control, a claim US Central Command has refuted. He added that US interventions in Iran have no effect on the world except for an energy crisis and a reduction of agricultural fertilizers, and warned that these evils will bring only greater discredit and defeat to the United States. The Revolutionary Guards said they achieved victory over the “aggressor enemy” the United States.

In US Military Role, the US military began a 12th consecutive night of strikes in Iran on Thursday morning, CENTCOM said. Explosions were heard in Sirik and Bushehr as the strikes continued, with CENTCOM saying the mission will persist to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters. The Deputy Governor of Khuzestan province reported a target near Ahwaz, and Iranian state media reported casualties near the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq, though officials initially said there were no casualties. The developing situation remains fluid.

In Regional Impacts, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office withdrew embassy staff from Iran on Wednesday because of the ongoing security situation, warning of more attacks and possible escalation. The move followed remarks from the US about threats to Iranian infrastructure. The FCDO noted the Middle East situation remains unpredictable. Earlier, the UK government site cited that since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in multiple locations, reflecting heightened regional tensions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US House of Representatives narrowly passed the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, approving about $1.15 trillion in military spending by a vote of 216 to 212. Democrats objected to the price tag and to the ongoing war with Iran, while Republicans argued the spending is necessary to support the military, fund defense systems, equipment, and troop housing, and to sustain relations with Israel. The bill includes provisions related to defense and security cooperation with Israel, fueling partisan disagreements over defense priorities and foreign policy.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, police arrested two suspects in Jerusalem on Tuesday after they were linked to a planned attack, with covert Border Police operations in Shuafat and subsequent searches in A-Ram yielding illegal weapons and items including a Glock pistol, ammunition, a hunting rifle, two Palestinian flags, a police vest, an M5 scope, and an FN pistol. Three suspects in their 20s were detained, with two having detentions extended and a third released under conditions. Separately, an opinion-letter about Prime Minister Netanyahu argues that honest dialogue should not be replaced by erasing Israeli humanity or Jewish pain, underscoring ongoing domestic debate about leadership and policy.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Reed College agreed to broad reforms to settle federal antisemitism investigations, announced by the Anti-Defamation League and the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. The settlement requires changes including language asserting that targeting Jews who identify with Zionism is discriminatory, and it will require the college to hire a third-party consultant to monitor and report on its adherence to anti-discrimination commitments under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Ambassador Yechiel Leiter notes that what is good for the United States is good for Israel, explaining that a piece of legislation in Israel has implications for American business owners. He describes how the policy moves could impact cross-border commerce and economic ties, emphasizing the practical effects on US–Israel business activity.

In Uplifting News, a freed hostage, Bar Kuperstein, delivers a message for Tisha B’Av, describing strength and faith from captivity. He recounts fasting in Hamas tunnels and saving food a day in advance to break the fast, saying faith and hope sustained them through hardship. Today in photos, thousands gathered at the Western Wall for Tisha B’Av lamentations, with figures such as Itamar Ben-Gvir, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot in attendance. The observance marks a 25-hour fast and includes the reading of Megillat Eicha, reflecting on a historic day of grief and reflection in Jewish tradition.

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-903376
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903372
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903379
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-903377
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-903380
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903375
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903374
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57587
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57588
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903371