Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 20:01

HEADLINES
- US halts Hormuz bombing after gains
- Iran's supreme leader backs Hezbollah vows jihad
- Israel weighs total drone ban amid threats

The time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended ending the recent bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz after concluding it had largely achieved its objectives and reached the limit of its effectiveness. According to reports, two weeks of strikes significantly degraded Iran’s ability to attack shipping and most planned targets had been hit. The remaining roughly 20% of designated Operation Epic Fury targets would require a return to major combat operations, and in the absence of such a decision there was little military value in continuing the limited bombing campaign. Cooper’s assessment, along with warnings from Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine about dwindling air defense interceptor stocks, helped influence President Trump’s decision to pause US strikes on Friday. US-Iran talks are continuing while both sides appear to be observing an informal quiet-for-quiet pause.

In Regional Impacts, Pentagon warnings over dwindling Patriot and THAAD stocks have exposed a deeper Western production crisis; former Israeli general Eran Ortal explains how interception policy may change and why Israel could also feel the impact.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is quoted as praising Hezbollah and calling for continued jihad and attacks against Israel, saying there remains no path forward except jihad and resistance against the United States and Israel. He framed Hezbollah’s steadfast commitment as an inspiring message for those seeking liberation from global arrogance and described Iran’s defense of Hezbollah as a strategic mandate, with conditions for any peace talks including halting Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. The report also notes that the IDF shot down a Hezbollah drone over southern Lebanon; the drone was equipped with a camera and unarmed, and was observed gathering intelligence on IDF soldiers at the Ali Taher Ridge area. The article adds that Israel is weighing a possible total ban on the use of drones in its airspace amid concerns about Hezbollah and Iranian attacks.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel Police bomb squads responded to the scene outside the home of MK Avi Maoz, head of the far-right Noam Party; they inspected a suspicious object and took it for further examination. This is a developing story.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Toronto police are investigating suspected antisemitic attacks on Jewish businesses after shattered windows were found at two Kiva’s Bagel Bar locations. At the Yonge Street and St. Clair site, police found a bullet hole in the front window, while at the Steeles Avenue West location a shattered window was observed with no gunfire evidence. No injuries were reported, and investigators are treating the incidents as hate-motivated crimes as they work to determine suspects and motives.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/22447
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1iusjnhfg
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903737
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-903733
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903735
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903734