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

HEADLINES
- Gaza Rafah Rebuild Pilot Backed by BoP
- Guterres Declares Golan Syrian Territory
- Iran Oman Progress On Hormuz Security Consortium

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Israel's Security Cabinet is expected to discuss a Gaza proposal drafted by the Board of Peace, and to consider the launch of a pilot phase for Gaza’s reconstruction that would begin in Rafah. The plan envisions temporary housing structures for Gaza residents, with residents undergoing strict screening to ensure they are not affiliated with Hamas. The pilot would be administered by the Palestinian technocratic government with support from an international stabilization force, and could be expanded if successful in coming weeks. Last week, BoP officials briefed Prime Minister Netanyahu on Cairo talks and the next steps planned by the board, as part of the ongoing effort to move the reconstruction plan forward.

In Regional Impacts, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Golan Heights are Syrian territory during a visit to Damascus, condemning violations of Syria’s sovereignty and calling on the international community to act to reduce Israeli involvement in Syria. He spoke of a future defined by peace and opportunity for Syrians themselves, noted the UN’s absence from the region since 2011, and urged greater international engagement to stabilize the area and address the broader implications of the conflict on Syria and its neighbors.

In Regional Impacts, IDF intelligence officials and commanders warned of a very tense situation in the West Bank, with an uptick in terrorism since the start of Operation Rising Lion. They described increases in semi-military terror cells and lone attackers, despite extensive dismantling of terrorist networks. Officials cited Iran-directed activity from Gaza and Turkey, including the smuggling of weapons and funds, as factors contributing to the heightened threat to Israeli civilians and troops.

In Regional Impacts, in remarks from an interview with Al Jazeera, Syria’s president discussed ongoing efforts to reach a security agreement with Israel, saying his government does not intend military intervention in Lebanon and is in discussions with Lebanon’s government to find solutions that would steer Lebanon toward stability. He indicated that any chaos in Lebanon would directly affect Syria and, in principle, supported that weapons should be held by the Lebanese state, with the war-and-peace decisions made by Lebanon’s government; if a security accord with Israel succeeds, it could pave the way toward broader peace without compromising Syria’s claim to the Golan.

In Regional Impacts, Iran and Oman have made some progress in talks over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. One proposal under discussion includes a regional consortium to oversee maritime security and search-and-rescue operations, with participation and payments proposed to be voluntary. Iran has so far opposed mandatory payments, preferring a framework that allows vessels to transit under consent of the parties involved. Talks between deputy foreign ministers focused on common principles and mechanisms for managing safe shipping traffic while respecting each side’s sovereign rights, with officials saying the discussions were productive and progress was made.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Attorney-General 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 the amendment creates a discriminatory “group immunity mechanism” that protects one sector while leaving others exposed under the law. The law passed the Knesset on July 14, and a higher court panel will hear petitions after Justice Ofer Grosskopf froze the measure the following day, with the state asked to explain why it should not be struck down.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced that authorities arrested a Maghar resident who published footage of an attack at Havat Gilad and urged violence against Israeli settlers, allegedly writing that “they must be hunted like pigs” and calling for harsh punishment. Police reiterated a policy of zero tolerance for incitement to terrorism and violence.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a report framed around a claim attributed to Yoseph Haddad describes allegations that children in the Gaza Strip are taught to aspire to kill Jews and die as martyrs.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Israel Innovation Authority launched a NIS 1 billion funding program to aid startups hit by the strengthening shekel against the dollar. The program provides grants with an accelerated review process for companies with less than 12 months of runway, offering up to six additional months of runway to sustain development, research, or growth plans as they seek new funding rounds and continued growth.

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-903662
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903659
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903660
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127304
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903647
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903654
https://t.me/selena_updates/67764
https://t.me/ILtoday/19634
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-903620