Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-18 at 15:02

HEADLINES
- Two US soldiers killed in Jordan, retaliation
- Iran vows broader war if US persists
- US issues global travel advisory amid tensions

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, United States Central Command said on Saturday that two US service members were killed in action in Jordan while four others were injured as American and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. One service member is currently missing in action, and those with injuries were evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged; other personnel evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty. CENTCOM said it would withhold further information, including the identities of the service members killed, for 24 hours after next of kin are identified. This remains a developing story.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s supreme leader issued sharp rhetoric toward the United States, calling the signature of the US president worthless and accusing Washington of bullying, hegemonic ambition, and savagery as part of the American way, signaling that further costs and lessons are in store for the United States as strikes continue on both sides.

In Iranian Retaliation, Mohsen Rezaee, a senior IRGC figure and adviser to the Supreme Leader, warned that if the United States continues the conflict in the next two or three days, Iran will enter a phase of full-scale attack and destruction against the enemy, saying the strategy would extend beyond retaliation and no political border would be safe from Iranian forces.

In US Military Role, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his first statement since the Jordan casualties, said, “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas issued a statement praising Belgium’s decision to ban imports from Zionist settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it a historic move aligned with humanitarian values and international law.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States issued a renewed travel advisory for global travel amid rising tensions in the Middle East, signaling heightened caution for travelers worldwide.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, War Minister Gantz commented that the deaths of Israeli soldiers strengthen the nation’s resolve, underscoring continued determination in the face of hostilities.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with the Argentine ambassador in Israel and conveyed a message to President Milei ahead of the World Cup final, expressing support for Milei and for Argentina and wishing them luck in the upcoming match.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a New York Times op-ed by Zohran Mamdani questioned the idea of arresting visiting world leaders, arguing that if enforcement of international criminal law were the standard, it would have to apply to more leaders, not just one, noting discourse around the case of Netanyahu and contrasting it with past actions.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Argentinian President Javier Milei met former hostage Iair Horn at a memorial marking 32 years since the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires; Horn, an Israeli with Argentinian citizenship, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz to Gaza and held for 498 days before release, while his brother Eitan Horn was held for 737 days. The ceremony, held at the AMIA center, used the slogan Today we cannot lose our memory, and AMIA President Osvaldo Armosa condemned the attack; the event began with the siren at 9:53 a.m.

In Uplifting News, pianist Igor Levit will return to Tel Aviv for a solo recital at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium on July 23, expressing solidarity with Israel and dedication to fighting antisemitism. Levit has led Against Silence, a campaign to support victims of hate crimes and strengthen Jewish life, with proceeds from related events directed to humanitarian causes.

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/article-902880
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https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902882
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