Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 00:02

HEADLINES
US Avoids Broader War Over Missile Toll
UN Chief Arrives Damascus for Landmark Visit
Gulf States Forge Regional Defense Against Iran

The time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Trump has decided not to escalate the conflict with Iran, citing concerns that a broader war could deplete interceptor missiles in the region. Officials say White House discussions have focused on the depletion of interceptor missiles, a concern intensified after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian missile breached air defenses. General Dan Caine said a return to full-scale war with Iran is doable, but would severely reduce missiles available to US Central Command in the Middle East. White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump remains inclined toward a diplomatic solution but will keep options open if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies.

In Regional Impacts, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Damascus for the UN’s first visit by a secretary-general in 17 years, signaling growing international engagement with Syria’s new leadership after the fall of the Assad regime. The trip follows talks between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump, and a new pipeline agreement linking Iraq to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, along with an easing of sanctions. Guterres said the UN stands with Syria at a pivotal moment, while Syrian officials pressed for greater international support for reconstruction as Aleppo’s UNESCO-listed Old City undergoes restoration. Officials say 3.5 million Syrians have returned home since the war, and reconstruction has become the government’s top priority.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Wall Street Journal editorial argues that it is time for Israel and the United States to help turn the Gulf’s growing willingness to confront Iran into a formal regional defense alliance. Bahrain and Kuwait secretly sent fighter jets earlier this month to strike Iranian drone and missile facilities, while the United Arab Emirates reportedly supplied intelligence and defensive air cover. Kuwait denied taking part, and Bahrain has remained silent. The piece describes a Middle East that would have been hard to imagine a few years ago, with Gulf states moving from waiting for Washington to respond to provocations toward direct action against Iran, including Saudi Arabia in direct conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis, who have threatened further attacks as regional dynamics unfold.

Also in US Policy Concerning Israel, Troy Jackson won the Maine Democratic Senate nomination, omitting any mention of Israel or AIPAC in his acceptance remarks. He secured the nomination by a landslide, 566 to 5, and will face incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Likud Court rejected a proposed clause that would have allowed the party to cancel its primaries during a security emergency, ruling postponement should be the preferred option and that the party should prepare for electronic voting. It also approved allowing a candidate elected in the primaries to be moved to a reserved spot and authorized the placement of a New Hope candidate on the party list. The court declared there is no room to cancel the primaries, preserving the primaries as the proper method for selecting Likud candidates. Netanyahu’s Wing of Zion remains grounded as an international arrest warrant limits travel, keeping the unit focused on training, inspections and maintenance, with operating costs of about 60 million shekels over three years.

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-903628
https://worldisraelnews.com/un-chief-visits-syria-for-first-time-in-17-years-as-country-reopens-to-world/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-903624
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903614
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-903626
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903627
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjxthemhme