Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Iran Deploys Kheibar Shekan Against US Bases
US Interceptors Depleted Three Soldiers Killed
Gulf States Forge Regional Defense Alliance

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

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran is increasingly using its Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile in coordinated attacks on US bases in the Middle East, combining varying flight paths, speeds, and maneuverable warheads with drones and other missiles to complicate American air defenses. US officials say most of these missiles are intercepted, though some continue to penetrate defenses. The Kheibar Shekan is considered a key part of Iran's missile arsenal because it is low-cost, mobile, and can be launched rapidly, with some variants carrying maneuverable warheads to make interception more difficult.

In US Military Role, the US military is reportedly running out of air defense interceptors, a factor cited as leading President Trump to avoid launching a major strike against Iran. Officials say interceptor stockpiles have been depleted, and discussions have focused on the toll of recent confrontations, including three US soldiers killed in Jordan after an Iranian missile got through defenses. A senior US general warned that a broader war would severely reduce missiles available to CENTCOM in the Middle East. White House aides emphasize that the president prefers a diplomatic path but keeps all options open.

In Regional Impacts, Palestinians attacked a local Jewish farmer in southern Judea while he grazed his sheep; the active-duty IDF soldier on leave was moderately wounded by stones, and his weapon was snatched and fired into the air before the assailant fled. Israeli security forces are searching for the attacker, and local Jewish leaders say such attacks are increasing to dangerous levels. Separately, Major Yuval Ezra, 27, who was critically wounded in Friday’s terrorist attack near Chavat Gilad, has died of his injuries. Ezra was shot after responding with a small force to separate Israeli hikers and Palestinians when a local sheikh seized a weapon from a security guard and opened fire.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, eliminated: Muhannad Asaad Mahmoud Abu Ghazal, a Nukhba cell commander who infiltrated the Kissufim area during the October 7 Massacre. Additionally, Raed Hani Mohammed Al-Amsi in Hamas’ Aerial Array and Nabhan Mohammed Nabhan Al-Amsi in Hamas’ Gaza Brigade were eliminated.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial argues it is time for Israel and the United States to help turn the Gulf’s growing willingness to confront Iran into a formal regional defense alliance. Gulf states are said to be taking a more proactive stance, with Bahrain and Kuwait reportedly sending fighter jets to strike Iranian drone and missile facilities, while the UAE allegedly provided intelligence and defensive air cover; Kuwait denies involvement, and Bahrain has not commented. In a separate development, the US State Department welcomed Venezuela’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling the court not credible, independent, or legitimate, and urged remaining member states to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, security forces apprehended more than 70 wanted Palestinian terror suspects in operations across Judea and Samaria over the weekend, following a deadly Palestinian attack on Friday that left two Israelis dead and six wounded.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, six individuals are expected to face charges in connection with an Islamist-motivated attempt to carry out an attack against a synagogue in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles on July 12; the identities of the six have not been disclosed. In Hadiach, Ukraine, fire heavily damaged the historic Chabad complex at the kever of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya and founder of Chabad. The synagogue was destroyed, the kitchen and guest reception area were damaged, and the main building was nearly lost; damage is estimated in the millions, but there were no injuries.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Greece has approved a four billion dollar deal to procure a multi-layered defense array system from Israel. The system, branded Achilles Shield, will be ready and fully operational within 35 months, starting from today, with Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries forming the core of the array.

In Uplifting News, the iconic Macy’s billboard sign atop the Herald Square store on 34th Street is coming down after more than 60 years as the property owner modernizes the advertising space. Macy’s says it plans to unveil new branding while preserving the flagship store’s historic identity.

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
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