Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-20 at 11:02

HEADLINES
- Iran Claims US Bases Struck in Bahrain
- US F-16s F-35s Rolling to Middle East
- Houthis Declare Naval Blockade Against Saudi

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have struck and destroyed US military sites and equipment in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to the IRGC-run Fars News Agency. The IRGC said it struck US drone maintenance facilities at Bahrain’s Sakhir Air Base and vessel preparation sheds at Salman port, and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait was also allegedly struck. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said missile sirens sounded across the country, advising citizens and residents to take cover until further notice. Kuwait’s army said it was confronting Iranian missile and drone attacks. This is a developing story.

In US Military Role, The United States is planning to send additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Middle East, per a CNN report citing a US official. The jets, plus additional aerial refueling aircraft, will be relocated from bases in Europe. This is a developing story.

In Regional Impacts, The alarm sirens are sounding once again in Bahrain, warning of an incoming Iranian drone or missile attack as tensions in the region continue to rise.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Monday declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia effective immediately, their military spokesperson said in a televised speech. The group announced a maritime embargo against the "criminal Saudi enemy," based on the equation of "an eye for an eye," effective immediately upon the issuance of the statement. Spokesperson Brigadier-General Yahya Saree said any "foolish act" by Saudi Arabia would be met with a comprehensive and decisive escalation. The blockade was described as retaliation for Saudi actions in what the Houthis call an ongoing siege on their people for nearly 12 years, including alleged plundering of resources and a blockade of ports and airports by land, sea, and air. The Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia last week after accusing Riyadh of bombing an airport under Houthi control, breaking a four-year truce. The strikes marked the first claimed actions since a broader informal truce went into effect in March 2022 following Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett met with 30 leaders of Israeli women’s organizations as part of his election campaign, saying the Together Party’s policy on women would be led by MK Meirav Cohen and Liran Avisar Ben Horin. He criticized the current government’s policies toward women, calling the four years "years of darkness and chaos," and said his government would act firmly and professionally, using state tools to combat violence against women. He noted that his coalition had more female ministers and directors-general than any previous Israeli government. In a separate clash, Rabbi Dov Lando, head of Degel Hatorah, attacked religious Zionists for waging wars not intended to protect Israel, prompting Netanyahu to defend IDF soldiers and warn against attacks on the soldiers. Degel Hatorah later cautioned Netanyahu not to attack the spiritual leaders.

In Uplifting News, Beyond the OU symbol: Orthodox Union strengthens Jewish identity after Oct. 7 - interview, The Orthodox Union is more than its familiar "OU" kosher label, says Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Josh Joseph. While kashrus remains a core part of its work, serving 1.5 million products worldwide, the organization reinvests funds into community programs. The OU runs NCSY, Yachad, and JLIC, and oversees a Daf Yomi initiative with more than 10,000 daily learners. It also supports other initiatives such as the Teach Coalition and related efforts beyond its traditional brand.

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-903087
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903093
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22330
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903077
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903017
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903064
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-903092