Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-21 at 12:02

HEADLINES
US signals possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain
Iraq treads carefully between US and Iran
Lebanon pilot zones spark US Israel debate

The time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, President Trump signaled on the July 13 Hugh Hewitt show that the United States would consider taking out Pickaxe Mountain, telling the Iranians to be ready, while also saying that there was no activity there. US and Israeli defense sources have told the Jerusalem Post in recent classified briefings that there is no current threat from the site, suggesting any strike would aim to neutralize a potential future threat. At the same time, major outlets have reported that Israeli intelligence told the US Iran had moved thousands of centrifuges and enriched uranium to Pickaxe Mountain. The competing reports illustrate the uncertainty over whether the facility is operational and whether a strike would achieve its goals; no order to strike has been issued to date.

In Regional Impacts, Iraq is grappling with how to balance its relations with Washington and Tehran. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met US officials in Washington to seek a constructive partnership and present himself as a forward-looking leader, then returned to Baghdad and met with Iran’s ambassador, raising questions about Iraq’s independence from Iranian influence. Over the past decade, Iranian-backed militias tied to the IRGC have grown strong within Iraq, numbering in the tens of thousands and possibly more than 100,000 fighters across dozens of brigades. Their presence complicates Iraq’s path to sovereignty and stability. Separately, the Israel Defense Forces have quietly built a large sand-wall barrier dividing the Gaza Strip, with satellite imagery showing more than 23 kilometers of barrier laid in recent months through areas where communities once stood and where homes have been demolished. The exact purpose remains unclear, and the scope of the project—potentially exceeding half the strip’s length—has not been publicly explained by the IDF.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas is viewed as unlikely to disarm under Khalil al-Hayya, the new head of its political bureau, according to expert Dr. Michael Milshtein. Hayya has functioned as the de facto leader in Qatar for years following the assassination of predecessors, and Milshtein says there is little ideological difference between Hayya and former leader Meshaal; he expects Hamas to retain control of Gaza and not move toward reconciliation with the Palestinian Authority. In Lebanon, meanwhile, the idea of pilot zones in the south remains contested among Beirut, Washington, and Jerusalem, as Hezbollah weighs heavily on what those zones should accomplish. The United States says pilot-zone operations began in Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya under the Rome framework and the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon, while Lebanon’s leadership seeks a deployment that secures an Israeli withdrawal and demonstrates the army’s capacity, all amid ongoing Hezbollah considerations.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met at the White House in what was described as a milestone for bilateral ties. Trump said the United States has a very good relationship with Lebanon and pledged strong support, stressing that Lebanon should be stable and secure. Aoun echoed that sentiment, calling the moment an opportunity for stability. Trump also said the Lebanese army would take control of villages from which Hezbollah had withdrawn, and he indicated he would speak with Hezbollah if asked by President Aoun. The exchange comes as Washington navigates regional security dynamics and the evolving role of Lebanese forces in southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel Aerospace Industries named Brigadier-General (ret.) Guy Barlev as its new chief executive, with the appointment now awaiting government approval. Barlev has served as IAI’s executive vice-president since 2020 and led the Systems Missiles & Space Group. Boaz Levy, IAI’s chairman, praised the thorough selection process and Barlev’s deep familiarity with international and local defense markets and customer needs. Barlev’s background includes time in the IDF, where his last role before retirement in 2015 was deputy commander of the Judea and Samaria Division. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences from Ben-Gurion University and a Master’s degree, details the company described in the announcement. The nomination will require approval from Defense Minister Katz and Regional Development Minister Amsalem.

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-903215
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903209
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903208
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903211
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903204
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903213
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-903210