Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-24 at 13:02

HEADLINES
Iranian drones strike US base in Iraq
Romania shoots down Shahed drone entering airspace
Netanyahu to Washington for Trump invitation

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, drones target US forces in Iraq as Iran war escalates across region. Drones carrying explosives targeted a US military base in Iraq as Iran-linked attacks spread across the region; The strikes came hours after Washington said it completed another night of attacks on Iran amid a deepening crisis over the Strait of Hormuz.

In Regional Impacts, a Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down a drone that had entered its airspace on Friday, authorities said, the first time the NATO member state has done so following dozens of incursions. NATO said an investigation was ongoing and that the alliance is in close contact with Romanian authorities. The Romanian army’s chief of staff said the drone appeared to be a Shahed-type, though it is too soon to draw conclusions. Earlier, an army source told Reuters there is an ongoing investigation to determine the drone’s origin, underscoring concerns that eastern NATO borders are exposed as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. Later in the day, US President Donald Trump said China and Russia were not participating in the Iran conflict, but warned that if they did get involved “it would be very bad for them.” He quoted President Xi as telling him that China would not provide weapons to Iran, and noted that claim included Chinese companies. Putin also reportedly told him that Russia would not sell weapons to Iran, and that he believed neither country was taking part in the conflict. Four people familiar with US intelligence said Iranian strikes on CIA targets in the Gulf earlier in the war had prompted an investigation into whether Russia was assisting Iran with targeting information or drone technology.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemen teeters towards renewed war in shadow of Iran conflict. Yemen is edging toward the resumption of a more than decade-old frozen conflict, according to Yemeni officials, Western diplomats and analysts, as attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping by Iran-aligned Houthis test the patience of the kingdom and the government forces it backs. Houthi and Yemeni government forces have moved to build up along a front line spanning the Houthi-controlled northwest of Yemen, from the Red Sea coast to the Saudi border. Mediation efforts led by the United Nations and Oman, and recently involving Pakistan, continue, but pessimism is growing about prospects for a negotiated settlement. Saudi Arabia has sought to avoid renewed conflict since striking a ceasefire with the Houthis in 2022, but the Houthis’ targeting of a Saudi airport last week and the announcement of a naval blockade of the kingdom, reinforced by attacks on Saudi tankers, signal escalating tensions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Embassy warns of potential flight cancellations due to security situation. The US Embassy in Jerusalem warned that, due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, US citizens should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other travel disruptions on Friday. Anyone planning to travel from Ben-Gurion or Haifa Airport is advised to check flight status with their airline and the airport. This is a developing story.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu to fly to Washington Monday at Trump's invitation. Netanyahu will travel to Washington, DC, on Monday and meet President Trump at the president’s invitation, and will attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, described as a friend of Israel. Journalists will not be permitted to accompany the prime minister aboard his official aircraft, Wing of Zion; independent travelers must register through a link provided by the PMO, though registration does not guarantee participation. The trip will mark Netanyahu’s first official visit to Washington since the start of the Iran war; his last visit was in February. Murder or trespassing: crime must be prosecuted without excuse regardless of perpetrator — analysis. An opinion piece argues that Palestinian terror is terror and murder must be prosecuted, while also prosecuting settlers who trespass, attack villages, or use violence against Palestinians. The author notes that settlers crossed into Palestinian Authority areas without coordination, provoking confrontations, and contends that rock throwing is illegal and dangerous, urging accountability on all sides. Hundreds attend funeral of Benayahu Mellet, killed in West Bank terror attack. Benayahu Mellet, a Havat Gilad emergency response team member, was laid to rest after being killed in a West Bank terror attack; his wife and mother paid tribute to his devotion to protecting Israel and to settlement. Netanyahu orders West Bank crackdown after two Israelis killed in terror shooting amid clashes. Following a shooting near Gilad Farm that killed two Israelis, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz announce increased troop deployments, new checkpoints, and expanded counterterrorism measures in the West Bank. The two Israelis killed were identified as Master Sergeant (Res.) Benayahu Mellet and 27-year-old IDF Major Yuval Ezra. The prime minister’s office said Netanyahu and Katz pressed for a strong response, vowing not to allow terrorism in Judea and Samaria to go unchecked.

In Uplifting News, Byzantine gold artifacts help archaeologists uncover past of ship wrecked off Croatian coast. A Byzantine-era ship discovered off Croatia’s southern coast likely carried a high-ranking passenger and entourage, based on gold jewelry recovered from the wreck. The team, working near the island of Mljet, dating the ship to the 7th or 8th century, found gold coins from the Heraclius dynasty, ruby, emerald, and pearl-encrusted buckles, and a golden signet ring bearing the emperor. Archaeologists say the gold amount represents the largest collection found on a shipwreck in the Mediterranean.

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.ynetnews.com/article/hjexng11rze
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-903574
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-warns-china-russia-against-involvement-iran-war
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/analysis-yemen-teeters-towards-renewed-war-shadow-iran-conflict
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903576
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903573
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903570
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjfxa1111sgx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903568
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-903569