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

HEADLINES
Iran triples drone capacity targets THAAD
Israel sets October 27 election date
Stockholm Gaza protest mocks Auschwitz gate

The time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's defense minister Majid Ibn al-Reza said Tehran tripled its drone production capacity during the war, stressing that investment in advanced technologies is a core pillar of the country's defense and that drone capacity rose threefold at the height of the conflict. He added that drones helped Iran identify enemy weak points and, during the fighting, were used to target radar systems and degrade defenses such as THAAD batteries, reducing response times. Separately, channels affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that Iran fired missiles at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Regional Impacts, Iran opened a 3,000-km front across the Gulf to stretch US defenses, launching attacks on Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, and Jordan, creating a broad battlefield from Amman to the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say the aim is to widen the conflict and complicate efforts to halt Tehran, while presenting a multi-layered strategy that could frame attacks as the work of rogue elements to complicate de-escalation efforts. Another dimension is Iran’s effort to present proposals to manage Hormuz as part of a broader bargaining posture. Separately, the Revolutionary Guard fired three missiles toward a port and military base in Kuwait.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, observers note changing dynamics in American politics around Israel as public opinion shifts. One analysis cautions that bipartisan support in Congress has weakened amid broader public scrutiny, including a finding that roughly a third of Americans now view Israel as having committed genocide. A companion piece honors Lindsey Graham as a steadfast ally, highlighting his role in strengthening the US–Israel partnership and noting his long record of engagement and vocal advocacy as part of his public service.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel set October 27 as the election date, with the vote proceeding as planned and marking the first time since 1988 that elections would occur after a full four-year term. The decision was announced by the Knesset House Committee after a dissolution bill had been considered, and officials said the term will be completed without shortening the mandate. Separately, Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef suggested the party could be open to joining a government led by Eisenkot, raising questions about the long-standing alliance with Netanyahu’s bloc; Yosef said Netanyahu “won’t repent,” while Eisenkot could be more amenable to compromise, and there are reports of behind-the-scenes discussions about reconfiguring the ruling coalition.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Stockholm hosted a pro-Palestine protest that featured a mock Auschwitz gate bearing the word Gaza to critique Israel. The demonstrators sought the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a Palestinian pediatrician and hospital director detained by Israeli authorities, and called for adherence to international humanitarian law and protection for healthcare workers in war zones. The protest also depicted Gazan mothers and children and included a portrayal of Benjamin Netanyahu in a blood-stained guise, aiming to spotlight what organizers described as humanitarian concerns.

In Israeli Economy and Business, a Tel Aviv District Court convicted former Value Base senior analyst Shay Lipman of insider trading, securities fraud, and breach of trust after he admitted using his access to public company information to profit from trades in real estate firms. Under a plea, lipman faces a likely sentence of about 18 months in prison plus financial sanctions totaling roughly 275,000 shekels, with a sentencing hearing set for September 6. Lipman, who worked at Value Base from 2016 to 2021, used confidential information to trade in shares tied to three real estate developments, including Rani Zim Shopping Centers. Separately, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced a further reduction of the Knesset’s budget by 50 million NIS to support the economy, bringing total cuts since the 25th Knesset began to 376 million NIS; the funds will be deposited in the treasury, and Ohana emphasized that essential operations would remain intact while public funds are used prudently for citizens.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-902262
https://t.me/newssil/206445
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902250
https://t.me/hnaftali/23872
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902264
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902261
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902258
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902256
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902263
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902259
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902254
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902251