Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-19 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Two US Service Members Killed in Jordan
Permanent Israel Gulf Defense Alliance Emerges
Argentina Renews AMIA Justice Push Against Iran

The time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, US Central Command says two American service members have been killed after Iran launched a drone and missile attack in Jordan. Four injured service members were evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and later released.

In US Military Role, US Central Command has announced the eighth night of retaliatory strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone storage sites, carried out under the direction of the Commander in Chief, President Donald J. Trump. The strikes also targeted elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps believed responsible for ballistic missiles and drones used against American bases in Jordan, which killed two service members and injured others. In a separate move, dozens of US aerial refueling tankers bound for Israel will operate from Israeli Air Force bases rather than Ben Gurion Airport to avoid disrupting civilian flights, a decision coordinated by the United States and Israeli militaries after Israel limited tanker operations at Ben Gurion. The United States has also reported strikes against targets southeast of Ahwaz in the Khuzestan Province. The Israeli Defense Forces said it is supporting the large-scale deployment while ensuring civilian air travel continues with minimal disruption. Israel has signaled that its response will depend on Tehran.

In Regional Impacts, Iran's attacks have underscored the case for a permanent regional defense alliance between Israel and Gulf states. The strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and other Gulf territories show that countries do not need to be at war with Iran to be affected, and the traditional model of relying solely on US protection is no longer sufficient. Hosting US forces and coordinating defense efforts are seen as essential to protect ports, energy facilities, and bases, with closer cooperation across security, intelligence and military planning.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Argentina renewed its demand for justice in the AMIA bombing, accusing Iran and its Hezbollah proxy of carrying out the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history. The 1994 bombing at the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires killed 85 people and wounded more than 300. At a memorial ceremony, Argentina’s president Milei met Israeli-Argentine survivor Iair Horn, and his brother Eitan Horn, who had been in Hamas captivity for 737 days before his release. Argentine officials praised Milei’s stance against Tehran, including designation of Hamas and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as threats, highlighting the ongoing fight against Iran-backed terrorism.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said he could not care less about Iran quitting the nuclear agreement, insisting that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains Washington’s priority. He called the deaths of two American service members in Jordan a very sad thing, saying they died in service of the country. Trump’s remarks followed Tehran’s rejection of his signature on the deal and its warning of a more offensive and destructive phase if American attacks continue. Hours later, US Central Command announced an eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, including targets tied to the Jordan attack; Iran later claimed it attacked US military targets in Kuwait.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former Likud minister Yuli Edelstein criticized the party over draft legislation that would exempt many ultra-Orthodox men from military service. He said hundreds of thousands of reservists feel insulted and suggested the move could carry political consequences. Edelstein also criticized Likud members who attacked the Israeli Defense Forces chief of staff for opposing the legislation, calling that response political and nonsense. He noted that the prime minister’s alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties appears to be a priority, but added that the IDF has an immediate need for soldiers.

In Uplifting News, a study of Gesher Benot Ya'akov in northern Israel shows that early humans around 780,000 years ago located basalt sources ideal for large cutting tools such as handaxes and cleavers, indicating precise knowledge of the landscape and planning in tool production. The site preserves multiple Acheulian settlements and evidence of fire use, plant and animal processing, and fish consumption. Basalt played a special role, requiring large basalt slabs, careful shaping, and skilled work. In a separate development, the Abu Ghanem and Abu Zaid families in Kafr Qasim ended a long-running feud by raising a white flag and shaking hands at a reconciliation ceremony, aiming to end years of bloodshed that included multiple murders and harm to bystanders.

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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https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-on-iran-quitting-nuclear-deal-i-couldnt-care-less/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902895
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https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1vcx0tvme