Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-20 at 21:01

HEADLINES
Iran targets Kuwait's Camp Arifjan with missiles
US conducts tenth night of Iran strikes
Houthi blockade threatens Bab el-Mandela Strait

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s IRGC claims it targeted US missile systems in Kuwait’s Camp Arifjan with surface-to-surface missiles, Iranian state television reported on Tuesday. The Kuwaiti army confirmed it intercepted the incoming missiles and drones and urged citizens to continue to adhere to safety guidelines, as sirens sounded across the country following the attacks. This is a developing story.

In US Military Role, the US Central Command announced the tenth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, saying the actions aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik Island, and Qeshm, according to Iranian media, with additional blasts heard in Shiraz and Bandar Lengeh. The Tasnim news agency, linked to the IRGC, also reported explosions in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Iran’s near-nuclear facilities drew attention as air defense systems near Bushehr were activated, and Mehr News reported that Isfahan’s nuclear facility area saw activity while noting no confirmed attack. The situation remains fluid as both sides monitor developments.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, following today’s announced blockade of Saudi Arabia by the Iranian‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen, markets and observers have begun weighing the odds of the Bab el-Mandela Strait closing again, with betting markets placing around a 19% chance of a closure by August 31.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, thousands of ultra‑Orthodox protesters gathered outside a central Israel military prison and outside the attorney general’s home in Tel Aviv to protest the arrest of a yeshiva student for draft dodging. Gur Hasidic leaders attended the rally alongside United Torah Judaism leadership, with tens of thousands bused in from across the country and clashes with military police reported at Beit Lid. As protests continued, roads in Jerusalem and surrounding areas were blocked or disrupted by demonstrators, and police worked to restore order. Separately, Israel objected to a draft platform for Australia’s Labor Party, saying the draft is one-sided and does not adequately address the roles and responsibilities of Palestinian leadership and Hamas. Israel’s embassy in Canberra issued a statement expressing these concerns and reaffirming its commitment to a future where Israelis and Palestinians live in peace and security, while noting that such a future cannot be built through unilateral declarations or external pressure.

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-903121
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903119
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22357
https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-protest-outside-military-prison-ags-home-over-arrest-of-yeshiva-student/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903120
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-pans-draft-of-australias-ruling-labor-partys-platform-ahead-of-debate/