Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Israel vows crushing blow to any attack
Iranian strikes hit US-linked sites, soldiers injured
US-Saudi deal tests Israel's security

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any attack on Israel would incur a crushing blow, after a high-level security consultation attended by Israel’s senior military and defense leadership. The gathering included IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director-General Major-General (Reserve) Amir Baram, the Israel Air Force commander, senior intelligence officials, the head of the Home Front Command, and other senior defense officials. Katz did not say whether the briefing followed a specific warning. Western intelligence assessments cited by Ynet suggest Iran may seek to draw Israel into a confrontation and could even act first, with observations linking Jerusalem’s reluctance to return to war and strains inside Iran to the analysis.

In Iranian Retaliation, a visual investigation by The New York Times found Iranian strikes damaged nine US-linked sites across the region in the past two weeks, affecting living quarters, drone shelters, radar systems, and other structures. A US military official told the Times that almost a dozen US soldiers injured by Iranian attacks in July were flown to a US military hospital in Germany for treatment. The investigation notes the government has asked for satellite imagery to be blurred for operational security, and it corroborates visuals with on-the-ground footage and imagery from NASA and the European Space Agency. A Defense Department spokesperson declined to comment on satellite imagery while the investigation into the incident in Jordan remains active.

In Regional Impacts, Hebrew-language postings reference an IDF operation in Gaza and a separate incident described as shots fired at a person labeled a terrorist. The reports offer limited detail and are being monitored as the situation develops.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an analysis argues that if the United States advances a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, Israel’s challenge would shift from trying to block the deal to shaping its final terms to protect security interests, with Israeli political reactions highlighting debate over the move. Separately, the US State Department warns Americans in the Middle East to prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations and the closure of airspace in countries in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, hospitals in Israel have been instructed to prepare to operate in fortified underground facilities in anticipation of escalation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Ministry warned of potential clashes around the Europa Conference League qualifier between Beitar Jerusalem and Cypriot AEK Larnaca fans. In New York City, two visibly Jewish men were stabbed on the Upper West Side, with one victim in critical condition and a suspect in custody. A separate report highlights survivors recalling the Lod Airport massacre of 1972, including Eti Ringel, who was four at the time, and Prof. Abraham Katzir, whose father was killed in the attack, bringing memories of past violence into focus.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Mobileye founder Amnon Shashua announced plan to step down as CEO after 27 years. He will remain a director and has been offered the position of chairman, with a shift of focus to longer-term technology developments, including humanoid robotics, as the company moves toward its next leadership chapter.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-903499
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903433
https://t.me/newssil/207409
https://t.me/newssil/207408
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903505
https://t.me/selena_updates/67614
https://t.me/newssil/207410
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903500
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8350
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8349
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1r2pxxsfe
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mobileye-founder-shashua-to-hand-over-reins-as-ceo-after-almost-three-decades/