Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 05:01

HEADLINES
- Hormuz Talks Progress as Oman Proposes Consortium
- AG Battles Yeshiva Draft Immunity Law
- Israel Extends Home Front Emergency Aug 11

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

In Regional Impacts, Iran and Oman have made some progress in talks over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains unclear whether Iran will accept the proposal on the table. One source said Oman has proposed establishing a regional consortium that would oversee maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and other forms of regional cooperation, with participation and payments to be voluntary. Iran has opposed the idea, insisting instead on mandatory payments, arguing that vessels would otherwise be barred from transiting the strait. Iranian officials said the talks were productive and progress was made, focusing on exchanging views on common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has asked the High Court of Justice to strike down a law suspending enforcement against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who fail to report for military service, arguing that it leaves their duty to enlist intact while removing the consequences of refusing. The amendment, passed by the Knesset on July 14, was frozen the following day by Justice Ofer Grosskopf, and five petitions will be heard by an expanded nine-justice panel. Baharav-Miara’s office describes the change as a discriminatory “group immunity mechanism” that protects one sector from arrest, investigation and prosecution while leaving other draft evaders exposed to the full force of the law. The law does not formally exempt yeshiva students from service, but prevents the state from enforcing the obligation against those covered; draft orders remain valid, and those who declare eligibility do not receive lawful exemptions or deferments. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry has asked the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to extend the nationwide declaration of a home front emergency until August 11, with any extension to be reassessed before the new expiration date in light of the security situation. The proposal notes that despite a ceasefire over Iran and an agreement with Lebanon, uncertainty remains on both fronts, and Iran continues missile fire of varying intensity toward different countries in the region. Security officials say there is a high probability of an attack on the civilian population, and the extension is being considered accordingly.

In Uplifting News, Infinite painting, boundless experience: How Leo Ray finds joy in an increasingly dark world. For more than 30 years, up to the pandemic, he taught art at Art School, Ein Vered, and BASIS School of Sculpture in Beit Yanai, where he headed the painting program from 2006 to 2014. Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1950, he studied theoretical physics at Vilnius University and art at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, and after making aliyah in 1991 he settled in Tel Aviv and soon began showing his paintings in group exhibitions and solo shows in Israel and abroad. A prolific colorist and painter as well as a graphic artist and small-scale sculptor, Ray paints daily, blending everyday motifs—dogs, cats, birds and people—with Renaissance and classical references in a modern eclectic style. In an interview for the Magazine, he showed 99 paintings, a chain of stories, illustrating his ongoing exploration of infinite painting. Mazal tov! Former Gaza hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel celebrate their daughter's pregnancy. Shir Siegel announced on Instagram that she and her husband Yuval Bar-On are expecting, presenting her parents with a gift that revealed a positive pregnancy test. The Siegels have four children, Shai, Gal, Elan and Shir, and five grandchildren; this will be their sixth grandchild. The couple were held hostage in Gaza after October 7, with Aviva released after 50 days and Keith held for 484 days. Since their return, they have become outspoken activists.

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/article-903647
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903654
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-903645
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-903498
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903643