Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-22 at 22:02

HEADLINES
E-3G declares emergency over Persian Gulf
UK evacuates Iran embassy staff amid tensions
House backs $95B Iran-war package

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, a US Air Force E-3G Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft is currently squawking 7700, a General In-Flight Emergency, over Saudi Arabia near the Persian Gulf as seen on FlightRadar24.

In Regional Impacts, Britain’s Foreign Office has withdrawn embassy staff from Iran citing an ongoing security situation, with officials saying the Middle East remains unpredictable and that since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran across the region. The move comes after statements from US President Donald Trump threatening to bomb and destroy Iranian infrastructure, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office noted that support from the U.K. in Iran is extremely limited. Separately, sirens sounded in Kuwait as air defenses intercepted hostile Iranian drone threats, and hours later an oil tanker caught fire after hitting an Iranian mine in the Strait of Hormuz; the IRGC claimed responsibility, asserting control of the Strait, a claim US Central Command has disputed. The IRGC spokesperson warned that US interventions have consequences beyond the region, including energy and agricultural impacts, as relations with the United States remain strained.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, head of Realign for Palestine, says Hamas still holds two million hostages and notes the newly anointed Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, along with strengthened ties with Iran and Hezbollah. The same segment highlights the broader Gaza context and shifts in leadership signals. Separately, Yemen’s Houthi rebels say they attacked Saudi oil tankers that violated a declared naval blockade of Riyadh, following reports of a vessel struck off southwestern Saudi Arabia and sparked by the larger regional confrontation; officials reported no casualties.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, House Republicans narrowly advanced a $95 billion package for Iran-related war priorities, overcoming Democratic opposition and some GOP defections as the measure faces uncertain prospects in the Senate. Separately, the House approved its version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing about $1.15 trillion in military spending in a 216-212 vote largely along party lines, with Democrats voicing concern over the price tag and the ongoing Iran conflict while Republicans cite defense needs and troop benefits. The bill also raises concerns about Pentagon ties to Israel. Ambassador Yechez Leiter comments that what is good for the United States is good for Israel and outlines what a piece of Israeli legislation could mean for American business owners.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, police say two suspects were arrested in Jerusalem for allegedly plotting a terror attack, with covert operations conducted in Shuafat and related raids in A-Ram uncovering illegal weapons and other illicit items, including firearms, ammunition, flags, a police vest, a rifle scope, and other equipment. Three suspects in their 20s were detained, with two further detentions extended and one released under conditions.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece reflects on Tisha B’Av and the silencing and creative defiance of Jewish writers, invoking the Akiva story to illustrate how a recovered hope and resilience can shape Jewish storytelling and memory. Meanwhile, in France, DJ Barbara Butch remains defiant after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a Grenoble concert; authorities filed a complaint over the incident, and the Grenoble mayor underscored that protests must be peaceful and democratic, even as Butch receives support from Jewish activists.

In Uplifting News, freed hostage Bar Kuperstein shares a message for Tisha B’Av, describing strength and faith drawn from captivity; he recounts fasting in Hamas tunnels, saving food to break the fast, and credits faith and hope with sustaining those who endured the hardship.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/22402
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903379
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903376
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahmed-fouad-alkhatib-hamas-still-holds-two-million-hostages/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk7nny1rfe
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjk8t1jhfe
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-903377
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57587
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-903380
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903383
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903382
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57588