Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-20 at 02:02

HEADLINES
Islamic Resistance of Iraq threatens US bases
US widens Iran war as deaths mount
Turkey pushes Hamas legitimacy through law

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

In Iranian Retaliation, The Islamic Resistance of Iraq announced that if the United States continues to escalate attacks against Iran, it will directly target US forces, bases, and interests in Iraq and throughout the region. It also said it has not carried out any attacks on US bases in recent days.

In US Military Role, US moves toward wider Iran war as American military death toll rises. US forces are deploying additional fighter squadrons to the Middle East after three soldiers were killed in recent Iranian attacks, and Washington has launched another round of strikes against Iranian military targets as casualties mount. CENTCOM said three American service members have died since large-scale fighting resumed eight days ago, with remains found at a Jordan base potentially raising that number to four, and a separate northern Iraq incident noting a service member killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. President Trump said the United States had carried out another wave of retaliatory attacks against Iran. Reports also describe US movements to shift assets, with the New York Times noting shipments of F-35 and F-16 aircraft from Europe toward the Middle East while The Washington Post cautions that the United States appears close to returning to full-scale war with Iran. Separately, US forces carried out a ninth straight night of strikes against regime targets in Iran.

In Regional Impacts, Rodent infestation rises in Gaza border communities, hundreds of traps set out. Sanitation officials have distributed hundreds of traps to combat a rodent infestation near the Gaza Strip, but the effort appears insufficient. Residents have reported droppings near children’s beds and, in some cases, injuries requiring hospital treatment. A maintenance worker described a surge of traps, with some believing the rodents are coming from inside the Gaza Strip due to rainy weather and extensive excavation work. Authorities acknowledge limited capacity to address hazards beyond the border, and concerns persist about the wider public health impact in border communities.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Erdogan’s strategy to legitimize Hamas through law and global advocacy. A 769-page book published by Turkey’s presidency accuses Israel of genocide and war crimes, while a new JCAP report warns it outlines a broader plan to expand Ankara’s influence in Gaza, Jerusalem and a future Palestinian security system.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Winning the war is not enough to permanently secure Israel's survival and security - editorial. The editorial argues that military campaigns can destroy launchers, command centers, and weapons stockpiles, but they cannot by themselves create a durable security reality. The piece cautions that historical lessons show victories on the battlefield do not automatically translate into lasting strategic gains, and emphasizes the need to convert military achievements into stable security.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Employee Union chairman says inspectors will not return to Bnei Brak without security - report. Following a meeting with the city’s mayor, the Tax Authority said operations in Bnei Brak would resume, though union representatives questioned whether assurances would keep workers safe. The discussion included several senior officials, and the union chair indicated skepticism about safety guarantees.

In Uplifting News, Evidence found of the destruction of First Temple-era Jerusalem. Archaeologists excavating in Jerusalem’s City of David uncovered burned First Temple-era wooden beams believed to have been part of a building that burned during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The beams were found in the Givati Parking Lot excavation, preserved by melted plaster after the fire, offering a rare glimpse into that ancient episode nearly 2,600 years ago.

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/opinion/article-903001
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903015
https://worldisraelnews.com/evidence-found-of-the-destruction-of-first-temple-era-jerusalem/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903014
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-moves-toward-wider-iran-war-as-american-military-death-toll-rises/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy2f0moemg
https://t.me/abualiexpress/126872
https://t.me/ILtoday/19585
https://t.me/selena_updates/67404