Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 17:01

HEADLINES
IDF Downs Hezbollah Drone Ali Taher Ridge
Houthis Hit Aramco Refinery Fires Rage
Netanyahu to Washington for Trump Iran Talks

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF shot down a Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon after it appeared to be gathering intelligence on Israeli troops in the Ali Taher Ridge area. The drone was equipped with a camera but was unarmed, and the incident is described as developing.

Large columns of black smoke continue to rise south of the ARAMCO Jazan refinery in Saudi Arabia, where fires remain from Friday night’s Houthi strikes.

The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV aired footage it says shows the fire and damage at Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Jizan, southwestern Saudi Arabia, from Friday night’s attacks.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu says he will travel to Washington tomorrow at President Trump’s invitation, where he will meet with the president to discuss key issues, including the situation in Iran, and provide an update on Israel’s ongoing operations against terrorism in Judea and Samaria. He will also attend the memorial service of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, saying Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a suspicious object was found outside the home of MK Avi Maoz, head of the Noam Party; Israel Police bomb squads responded, inspected the object, and took it for further examination.

Bennett’s T-shirt and jeans aim to project blue-collar appeal, youth and energy to voters. The campaign has replaced suits with jeans and T-shirts at public events and interviews in an effort to appear younger, more accessible, and energetic ahead of the October election, part of a broader strategy by campaign managers to reshape his public image and conduct in appearances.

We want them to feel at home: RZP has done a great deal for olim, Smotrich tells The Jerusalem Post. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says new immigrants should back the Religious Zionist Party, noting measures like tax exemptions for olim, recognition of foreign diplomas, rental assistance, and expanded work by the Aliyah Ministry. He stressed the party’s commitment to security and argued they would end the idea of dividing the land and handing over territory, while also supporting judicial reform to ensure a democracy where the Knesset, government, and judiciary do not step on each other’s toes.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s diamond exports have plunged to an unprecedented low, totaling just $2.4 billion in the first half of 2026, the lowest figure in the industry’s history, as weaker global demand, competition from lab-grown stones, and a new 10% US tariff weigh on the sector. Israel Diamond Exchange President Nissim Zuaretz is stepping down after two years in the role, with Diamond Controller Natalie Gutman calling the condition “unprecedented.”

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-903733
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57698
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57702
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57697
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903735
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903732
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903730
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57701