Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 11:02

HEADLINES
Iran plot to assassinate Israeli leaders exposed
Ali al-Zaidi visits Tehran amid shifting alliances
IRGC deploys to Yemen to bolster Houthis

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Mossad exposes Iran’s plot to infiltrate hit squads and assassinate Israeli leaders. Israeli intelligence says Iran’s Intelligence Ministry recruited foreign operatives through criminal proxies to gather intelligence and carry out assassinations inside Israel; the network was exposed through cooperation with agencies abroad. Iran is avoiding strikes on Israel over fear of Hezbollah's collapse in Lebanon if fighting resumes, according to retired military Lieutenant-Colonel (Reserve) Or Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute and former head of the military intelligence Hezbollah desk. Horowitz said Hezbollah is in a difficult military state in friction with IDF troops, and that Iran and Hezbollah understand that. He described what he calls a historic change in Lebanon and suggested Hezbollah is weaker than ever before; the US State Department announced this week that activity had begun in three pilot zones in Lebanon, in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, under the tripartite framework with the US, Israel, and Lebanon.

In Regional Impacts, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrives in Iran to meet with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Zaidi’s visit focuses on regional security issues, trade, and energy supplies, and comes after he met with US President Donald Trump on July 14. Zaidi’s office said he was welcomed with an official reception at Saadabad Palace in Tehran and held a bilateral meeting with Pezeshkian to discuss files of common interest and regional cooperation. The visit is viewed as part of Washington’s broader approach to the region, with analysts noting that US policies toward Iraq dovetail with Syria’s stability and new oil and energy deals that would see Iraqi exports routed through Syria, supported by US envoy Tom Barrack. Zaidi stressed the aim of consolidating security and stability in the region as he prepared further talks with senior Iranian officials.

In Regional Impacts, Iraqi PM Zaidi’s meeting in Iran tests delicate balance between Washington and Tehran, analysis. The new Iraqi policies from Washington dovetail with Syria’s stability and new oil and energy deals that will see Iraq export oil through Syria, according to analysts who note the importance of Iraq’s relationship with Iran. The visit, following Zaidi’s earlier meeting with US President Trump, is seen as a signal that Baghdad seeks to manage tensions and foster regional coordination, with Iran’s influence in the region a central factor. US Ambassador Tom Barrack has supported these efforts as Iraq seeks a more stable role in a shifting regional order.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Exclusive-Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis, sources say. Iran moved Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, military advisers, and missile- and drone-related equipment into Yemen this month, according to four sources, suggesting Tehran aims to strengthen its Houthis’ ability to threaten Red Sea shipping. Four sources familiar with the matter, including two Iranian sources, Yemen’s information minister, and a regional security analyst, said Iran transferred 10 to 21 IRGC personnel on a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Yemen on July 13; the plane diverted to Hodeidah after the airport came under attack by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The IRGC personnel were said to travel to support Houthis and provide training on new missile systems, with reports that gold accompanied the flight to fund Houthi activities.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US-Saudi civil nuclear deal hinges on Riyadh joining Abraham Accords, Trump stresses. President Trump said a US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would be approved only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords and accepts a ban on uranium enrichment, according to his Truth Social post. He added that Washington does not oppose civilian nuclear facilities that do not enrich nuclear material, comparing the arrangement to existing deals with the UAE and others. The US Energy Department said it had signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, a 123 agreement, alongside an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement. Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the potential Saudi move, saying that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would be a historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East. Separately, Malaysia continues to expel Israelis found in the country, despite US pressure; Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the policy, and US lawmakers demanded a review of ties between the two countries, insisting that Israelis will not be allowed to set foot in Malaysia.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Malaysia continues to expel Israelis found in the country, despite US pressure. After Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Israelis would be deported, a number of US lawmakers urged a reevaluation of ties with Malaysia; officials said the policy will continue and that Israelis will not be allowed to enter the country.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF kills terrorist who attempted second West Bank stabbing attack in hours. The Israeli military said a terrorist was killed after carrying out a stabbing in the Ganim area of the West Bank, an incident described as the second such attack in the region on Thursday. Earlier, a 51-year-old man, Itamar Cohen, was seriously wounded in a stabbing at the Derech Avraham Farm near Elon Moreh; Cohen was stabbed in the chest while attempting to extinguish a fire set by residents of Beit Furik. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan spoke with Cohen, wishing him a speedy recovery and reinforcing the commitment to fighting terrorism and supporting settlements in the West Bank. The military said the incident is under investigation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, When 'genocide' is no longer enough: Why the Palestinians are pushing 'wholocide' - analysis. The Permanent Arab Committee for Human Rights argues for a new term, Wholocide, to describe Israel’s actions against Palestinians, contending that “genocide” is no longer strong enough. Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Muhannad al-Aklouk, explained that adopting the neologism ties to an effort to designate October 17 as a day to commemorate Gaza victims. He said the term was inspired by victims who described their experiences as akin to the horrors of the Day of Judgment, and urged human rights groups, universities, research and cultural centers, and media outlets to adopt it.

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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