Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 18:02

HEADLINES
Israel readies Iran strike this weekend
Iranian Plot to Kill Israeli Officials Foiled
Iranian Attacks Hit US Sites Soldiers Injured

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Moshe Saada, a Likud member of Knesset, said in a Channel 14 News interview that an attack against Iran is approaching, stating that “we all know that we are approaching an attack on Iran, perhaps even as early as this weekend.” The remarks come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, with assessments of possible escalation in the coming days. Channel 14 highlighted the moment as a slip, yet Saada has in recent days suggested that military action could occur within days. The Prime Minister’s Office is reported to have viewed the comments seriously, and Saada’s past week of statements has led some to see his remarks as deliberate rather than incidental.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli intelligence agencies say they foiled an Iranian assassination plot targeting senior Israeli officials. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry allegedly worked through foreign criminal networks and intermediaries to assemble the operation, while the Mossad and Shin Bet described a recruitment model designed to distance Tehran from the plot. A central recruiter named Tharwat Ozkour, who uses the alias “Philip” and is based in France, traveled to Iran to meet with intelligence officials, received guidance, and coordinated with operatives through layers of intermediaries to mask Tehran’s involvement. Separately, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would be met with a crushing response, following a high-level security consultation that included top military and defense leadership. Western intelligence assessments cited during the meeting suggest Iran may seek to draw Israel into a confrontation or act first, with officials noting Jerusalem’s reluctance to return to war and strains in regional dynamics.

In Iranian Retaliation, a New York Times visual investigation reveals Iranian strikes damaged multiple US assets across the region, including living quarters, drone shelters, radar systems, and other facilities at nine US-linked sites over the past two weeks. A US military official cited by the Times said nearly a dozen US soldiers injured by Iranian attacks in July were airlifted to a US military hospital in Germany for treatment. The NYT corroborated imagery with on-the-ground video and blurred satellite images from NASA and the European Space Agency, while a Defense Department spokesperson declined to comment on satellite imagery due to operational security. The investigation ties the attacks to Iranian actions and indicates ongoing activity despite recent US countermeasures.

In Regional Impacts, Pakistani military chief Asim Munir leveraged a private oil transport venture with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps head Ahmad Vahidi to secure a mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Officials familiar with the matter say Munir dangled the continued operation of a joint venture transporting oil from Iran to Pakistan to secure a halt to attacks on Saudi Arabia. The arrangement, struck in late March amid broader regional tensions, has reportedly delivered dividends for the two military leaders and helped pave the Iran-Saudi agreement, with mediation proceeding while the venture continued to operate.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an analysis argues that if the United States proceeds with a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, Israel’s challenge will shift from trying to block it to shaping the final terms to protect security interests. Reactions in Israel ranged from political leaders criticizing the handling of the situation to calls for a careful approach to any agreement. Prominent figures questioned Netanyahu’s approach, while others urged focus on ensuring that any deal does not compromise regional security. The piece emphasizes that shaping the terms will be crucial for Israel’s strategic posture in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Opposition MK Efrat Rayten warned that any government measures restricting Israelis from returning home before the elections will face High Court scrutiny. In a letter to the Minister of Transportation and to aviation authorities, she argued that the election process must not be disrupted and that the public must be able to vote, urging readiness to handle anticipated demand and criticizing plans she described as operationally motivated. Separately, former ministers Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper outlined a new Zionist Home-The Reservists alliance, saying they will not rule out a coalition with Netanyahu if a broad Zionist government is formed and core principles are advanced. They stressed they would not be beholden to any single bloc and would prioritize their principles, while remaining open to broad coalition possibilities.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel is monitoring reports of clashes between Beitar Jerusalem fans and Cypriot AEK Larnaca supporters surrounding an Europa Conference League qualifier. The Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Ministry issued a warning as violent altercations surrounding the match were reported. The situation remains developing.

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-903509
https://worldisraelnews.com/mossad-shin-bet-foil-iranian-assassination-plot-targeting-senior-israeli-officials/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-903499
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903433
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pakistan-army-chief-leveraged-private-oil-venture-with-irgc-head-to-shield-saudi-arabia/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903505
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903450
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903510
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903500