Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 02:03

HEADLINES
B-1 Bomber Strikes Iran From UK Base
Houthis Hit Saudi Tankers Tightening Oil Routes
Saudi Nuclear Deal Confirmed by Energy Chief

The time is now 2:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States escalated its campaign against Iran with the deployment of a B-1 long-range bomber, which conducted its first strike on Tuesday. The aircraft began its mission from a base in the United Kingdom, and flight-tracking data showed its movements online while officials did not disclose the target. Central Command did not mention the B-1 in a statement about overnight strikes against Iran, and the situation remains a developing story.

In Regional Impacts, the US energy chief confirmed a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia and outlined the economic background behind the deal.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Houthis say they attacked two Saudi oil tankers as part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential second chokepoint in global oil routes alongside Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States said it launched a new round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, under President Donald Trump’s direction, marking the 12th consecutive night of attacks. Separately, five tankers redirected their courses in the Red Sea to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb, underscoring fears of disruptions to oil shipments that could influence prices and affect gasoline consumers.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, observers in Israel say Trump is inclined to expand the war, with a decision expected in the coming days.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s upcoming elections are shaping up to be among the most contentious in the country’s history, with President Herzog warning of threats to electoral integrity, AI-generated campaign videos from the Likud drawing criticism, and coalition partners publicly clashing as the campaign has barely begun. An editorial accompanying the Tisha B'Av reflections urged the nation to reject hatred and seek unity, noting criticisms of campaign messaging that used provocative imagery. Palestinian channels reported on the morning’s coverage of the Temple Mount during Tisha B’Av, noting settlers entering the site with provocative songs, some wearing tefillin and conducting Talmudic ceremonies, and continuing entries with ceremonies and dances. Last night, there were clashes between Arabs and Jews in the Old City.

In Israeli Economy and Business, officials warn that weeknight road closures tied to infrastructure projects will worsen traffic nationwide, with the heaviest disruption anticipated when construction on the Tel Aviv metro begins.

In Uplifting News, not a donation request but a call to rebuild. Over the weekend, the home of Itsi and Zofia at Gilad’s Farm was burned completely. Itsi, who served more than 330 days in reserve duty in Gaza, built the olive-wood jewelry studio Eretz Ahavati, which is now destroyed. They are not seeking donations but work, inviting people to purchase olive-wood jewelry to help restart the business. Orders can be placed on their website and via their Instagram page, and shipments are expected to take up to about three months.

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-903386
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127096
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903387
https://t.me/newssil/207319
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-903317
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903366
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127093
https://t.me/newssil/207317
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1aa7tsvgg
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127099