Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-17 at 14:01

HEADLINES
US Hits Iran Surveillance Tower Amid Expansion
IDF uncovers underground Hezbollah fortress targeting north
Shin Bet probes Iran timing leak

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US forces destroyed a surveillance tower along Iran's Gulf of Oman coastline, part of a surveillance network used for decades by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to track and target commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said. The strike on the Chah Bahar Shahid Kalantari Port surveillance tower came as part of the latest wave of strikes against Iran conducted early Friday morning. CENTCOM added that no US troops were killed or captured in the region, disputing IRGC claims. Axios, citing US and Israeli officials, reported that the United States has asked Israel to receive dozens of additional refueling aircraft to Ben Gurion Airport in preparation for a potentially expanded strike campaign on Iran, though some Israeli decision-makers have urged against the move due to congestion at the airport and concerns that Iran could respond with direct strikes on Israel. Separately, US officials said ten tankers are set to arrive Friday and Saturday and will be stationed at air force bases rather than Ben Gurion because of severe airport congestion.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IDF troops found an underground Hezbollah fortress in southern Lebanon built to conquer northern Israel, including living quarters, an operating room, Iranian anti-tank missiles and anti-helicopter mines, in a vast complex designed for prolonged combat.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich ordered an immediate suspension of handling war damage claims in Bnei Brak until the city’s mayor publicly condemns mob attacks that afternoon, after Tax Authority employees were violently assaulted by a crowd of hundreds and rescued by police. He said Tax Authority employees are not welcome in the city and instructed the Compensation Fund to suspend processing claims for damage caused during operations Rising Lion and Lion’s Roar until the municipality offers a clear condemnation. Shin Bet chief David Zini has reportedly asked the attorney general to authorize summoning Channel 12 journalists as part of an investigation into a leak about the timing of this year’s US-Israel strikes on Iran, saying testimony from journalists could help identify the leaker amid word that thousands knew of the plans; reports noted that Zini had previously discouraged pursuing such questions.

In Uplifting News, several Gazans now living in Antwerp, Belgium, gave interviews to Israeli media saying many residents of Gaza would leave the Strip if given the opportunity. One interviewee said many would prefer Israeli administration over either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority and urged Israel to allow uninvolved civilians to cross the military’s Yellow Line while eliminating the remaining Hamas terrorists. Another interviewee said a Hamas commander who had previously interrogated him in Gaza is now living in Belgium as a Belgian citizen and raising funds for the terrorist group, highlighting that Hamas terrorists have established networks in Europe.

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-902845
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22236
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjtwocd4mx
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/skitbyuefe
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902843
https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-chief-reportedly-seeks-okay-to-question-channel-12-journalists-over-iran-leak/
https://t.me/selena_updates/67306