Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-12 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz vows retaliation
American Jews warming to Mamdani over Netanyahu
Tel Aviv hosts Wesselmann All Out retrospective

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively unchanged despite the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region. Over the past 24 hours, just six merchant vessels were observed completing the transit via the Iranian (northern) traffic separation scheme, while none utilized the US-supported southern corridor through Omani waters, a snapshot seen on MarineTraffic.com. The traffic picture follows Iran's attack on the Cyprus-flagged M/V GFS Galaxy, subsequent US self-defense strikes against Iranian military targets, and reports of air raid sirens sounding across multiple Gulf states as regional tensions continue to escalate. Separately, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed "until further notice," rejecting President Trump's demand that Tehran publicly declare the shipping lane open. The IRGC said its forces struck an “unauthorized vessel" after accusing it of using an unapproved route and endangering maritime security, adding that the Strait will remain closed "until the end of US interference in the region," and warning that any further US military action would be met with a "severe response."

In Israeli Domestic Politics, American Jewish opinion appears to be shifting in a notable way according to an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. The survey finds 44% of American Jews have a very or somewhat favorable view of Mamdani, compared with 32% for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu's overall unfavorability among American Jews stands at 59%, while Mamdani's unfavorability sits at 39%. The report notes Mamdani’s more controversial stance, including his view that Israel should not exist as a Jewish state and his criticism of AIPAC.

In Uplifting News, Tom Wesselmann's American pop art takes center stage at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The exhibition Tom Wesselmann: All Out is Israel's first comprehensive look at the late American artist, running through December 26. It brings together over 40 works from the 1960s and 1970s, including pieces from his Great American Nude, Still Life, and Bedroom Paintings series, drawn from the Mugrabi private collection of Marie and Jose Mugrabi, with the museum calling the show a significant achievement in presenting the artist to Israeli audiences. United in art: Jerusalem's Manofim Festival returns with art, music, and performance for its 18th edition (July 14–18). The festival maintains its inclusive take on local life, and the program, translated by organizers, emphasizes lifting the art field to offer new perspectives on the city, with a five-day lineup that showcases visual art, music, and performance.

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/22104
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57008
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902175
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-901917
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-902022