Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-11 at 01:02

HEADLINES
- Iran Missile Arsenal Redefines Middle East Power
- Hamas Tightens Grip as Gaza Crumbles
- New Israel Fund Denounces GOP Israel Inquiry

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

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's missile arsenal, not Gulf deterrence, is the Middle East's real problem - opinion.
An opinion piece argues that Iran's missile program is not only a defensive stockpile but has become a standalone strategic language, used to deter, pressure, and project influence beyond its borders. The piece contends that the core issue is not a symmetrical arms race but a long-standing strategic imbalance that regional neighbors have had to adapt to rather than counterbalance. For decades the Gulf has relied on external defense while lacking the means to counter the offensive threat on its own terms. The article notes that major powers shape this dynamic, leaving a system where missile power thrives as a central element of regional influence.

In Gaza after war: Hamas intimidation, tent schools and weddings in ruins.
Despite war and devastation, Hamas remains in control of Gaza, suppressing dissent as residents struggle with poverty, costly attempts to leave, tent living and broken infrastructure while finding moments of joy through weddings and daily survival.

In New Israel Fund decries House GOP investigation over its alleged Israeli election spending, the nonprofit pushes back against the inquiry, stressing freedom of speech and First Amendment rights. The New Israel Fund asserted that its stance defends democracy, equality, and peace in Israel, with CEO Mickey Gitzin saying they will stand for the right of Jewish Americans to express views through their philanthropic support of charitable institutions in Israel and the United States. Representative Jerry Nadler condemned the lawmakers’ behavior as outrageous in a post on X. Separately, the City Department reported that Ana Maria Archila, a commissioner in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Office of International Affairs, was scheduled to meet Iran’s representative to the United Nations, but the State Department intervened and clarified that the meeting was not acceptable; Archila was reprimanded and ordered to cancel, and the Mamdani administration later said the meeting did not take place. Additionally, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier defended her attendance at a pro-Palestinian rally, saying that while targeting civilians is wrong, international law condemns and protects the right to resist, and she emphasized that protests will feature a range of viewpoints while international law governs what is permissible.

In IDF holds redesigned Arrowhead agility competition for combat soldiers, special units, the IDF marked the return of a multi-brigade fitness competition after a three-year hiatus. Troops from the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati Brigade, Golani Brigade, Nahal Brigade, Kfir Brigade, Lotar Unit, and Refaim Unit competed in events including running, shooting, and Krav Maga, with the course redesigned to simulate field conditions. Soldiers ran on a forest-and-sand-dunes course carrying 20 kg of weight, and practiced hauling stretchers together before engaging in shooting exercises. The second portion featured two Krav Maga scenarios, testing defense against a fellow soldier and an attacker attempting to take weapons. In parallel, Israel is set to approve a budget exceeding 1 billion shekels for road construction to and between West Bank settlements, including four that had been evacuated. The plan, prepared with the Settlement Administration, will be split between the Defense Ministry and the Transportation Ministry, and includes establishing “critical security components” to ensure safe and regulated movement. Smotrich described the move as part of a settlement-security initiative designed to fortify dozens of settlements and fortify security in Judea and Samaria.

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/opinion/article-902009
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/sjlqh8s7fe
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902155
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902152
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902154
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902150
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902148