Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-11 at 20:02

HEADLINES
Iran closes Hormuz as U.S. strikes escalate
Iran plots to assassinate Trump, warned
Ramon hails Smotrich 1967 annexation push

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Iran’s regime said the Strait of Hormuz would be closed again until further notice after it struck a vessel attempting to move through an unapproved route on Saturday night. In response, the United States Central Command announced it was conducting a round of strikes against Iranian targets, saying the action followed earlier attacks on commercial vessels and was carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief. CENTCOM added that Iran was given another opportunity to adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding but once again failed, and it noted that a civilian crew member aboard the damaged vessel was missing. The IRGC Navy said the ship had ignored warnings and was provoked by foreigners, and Iranian officials warned the strait would stay closed until further notice. In Washington, US officials framed the actions as a heavy response to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the strait, and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Iran had made a poor choice and now pays. Following the latest developments, the United States launched a series of military strikes against targets in Iran, including air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, missile and drone launch sites, maritime surveillance radars, and surface-to-air missile launchers. US retaliatory strikes are likely underway, with explosions and reports of strikes in Bushehr and other areas being reported after Iran’s claim of striking a vessel in the Strait.

In Regional Impacts, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was closed after a vessel traveled on an unauthorised route and was struck, warning that any retaliation would be met with a severe response. The IRGC Navy said several ships attempted to move through the waterway on an unauthorised route and disregarded warnings, adding that the strait was closed “until further notice” and until the end of US interference in the region. The IRGC also warned that acts of aggression would be met with a severe response and new enemy bases in the region would be targeted. US officials have been seeking a public Iranian pledge to stop attacks on ships and to keep all lanes open with no tolls, while President Trump indicated comments about a possible agreement on the matter, though specifics were not detailed. The strait’s closure remains in effect as tensions persist.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Fox News that Israel had warned the United States about an Iranian assassination plot against President Donald Trump, and he said there is little evidence of a peaceful part of the regime, noting that the anti-American chant has endured for decades. The Wall Street Journal had reported concerns that Israel might have aimed to lure the United States back into war, but Israel’s Embassy denied any such motive and said it shared intelligence with the United States as part of the two-nation partnership. Earlier on Saturday, Trump responded to the alleged plot as reporting around the issue continued to unfold.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former justice minister Haim Ramon praised Bezalel Smotrich, saying he deserved at least 15 seats for his actions in Judea and Samaria and that Smotrich had overseen significant annexation measures since 1967. Ramon discussed the government’s stance in the West Bank during a Gatekeeper podcast, arguing these moves represent major changes in the government’s term. In a separate take, an opinion piece notes that one detail in the IDF’s account changed the Ro Khanna story, arguing that the army’s description of events differed from a congressman’s account of being detained by settlers and that accountability and prosecution are warranted for unlawful road blocks.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece challenges Ilhan Omar to prove Gaza genocide claims or stop making them, presenting facts to counter the allegation and urging scrutiny of the claims. A second opinion piece reflects on Jewish success in AI and the ongoing debate about antisemitism, discussing the visibility of Jewish figures in technology and the cultural and historical factors that have shaped perceptions of Jewish achievement.

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
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