Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 13:02

HEADLINES
- Netanyahu warns Iran regime must fall
- Herzog hails Bahrain partnership amid Iran attacks
- Adams Pahlavi discuss democratic Iran in Paris

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conflict with Iran will end “when the Iranian regime falls, or weakens to such an extent that it understands that it must end its nuclear program,” remarks he offered in a Sunday interview. He added that if Iran attacks Israel, either directly or through proxies, with ballistic missiles, UAVs, or killer drones, it will be a terrible mistake and Israel’s response will be very, very forceful. Netanyahu also noted that the decision whether to renew major strikes against Iran is “in many ways” the decision of the United States and President Donald Trump, and he warned Tehran could rebuild sites damaged or destroyed in past strikes.

In Regional Impacts, President Isaac Herzog spoke with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, calling Bahrain an “important partner in shaping the future of the Middle East” and saying they discussed strengthening friendship, the Abraham Accords, and the importance of cooperation for security, stability, and prosperity across the region. The discussion came as Bahrain has suffered several Iranian missile and drone attacks in recent weeks, with Bahrain’s interior ministry urging citizens to remain calm and head to shelter after each attack, and Herzog noting the ongoing developments and the need for dialogue.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, World Jewish Congress Israel President Sylvan Adams met Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in Paris to discuss a democratic future for Iran and the possible restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and a future democratic Iran. Adams said they were discussing a shared hope for the freedom and liberation of the Iranian people, who have suffered for years, and pledged support from the Jewish community. Pahlavi spoke of a long‑standing historical bond, saying what they seek to achieve began 2,500 years ago, and that Iran and Israel are the only two countries in the world that share a biblical connection. He added that thousands of Iranians have recently been killed, not for a strait or a nuclear agreement, but for freedom, and that international support remains essential.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, former Biden administration officials told The New Yorker that the administration’s unconditional support for Israel helped empower Prime Minister Netanyahu to broaden the Gaza war into Lebanon and Iran. They describe Biden's approach as aiming to deter a larger confrontation while fearing that pressuring Israel could provoke bigger Iranian strikes, a dynamic some said created a moral hazard by sustaining a high level of backing for Israel as the conflict expanded beyond Gaza. The interviews depict a complex balance in Washington between support for an ally and concern about wider regional escalation.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice ruled to publish the name of Border Police officer Hananel Sabag, who is charged with reckless homicide in the fatal shooting of his friend, IDF soldier Yosef Chaim Rabuch, outside Rabuch’s home in Kiryat Arba in October 2025. The court rejected Sabag’s appeal against publication, clearing his name for reporting in connection with the charges. The indictment lists charges of reckless homicide, firearm negligence, and unlawful possession of a weapon, and reports indicate Sabag and Rabuch were close friends who planned an outing that day before an accidental discharge occurred.

In Uplifting News, Nicole Raviv is forging a new Israeli sound by blending Hebrew, Arabic, and pop. The Jaffa music video set is alive with crew, styling, and a dynamic performance as Raviv sings “Hayati” in Arabic, then in Hebrew, and again in Arabic. The single is part of an album expected to be released by the end of 2026. The production highlights cultural crossovers, including a Moroccan tea set that once belonged to Raviv’s grandmother and other local touches, as she builds a genre‑bridging project that resonates across communities.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-903681
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-903487
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903714
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-903694
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903702
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903705