Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 16:01

HEADLINES
US Warns Israel Over Gaza Iran Expansion
IDF Shoots Down Hezbollah Drone in Lebanon
Netanyahu Prioritizes Elections Over West Bank Violence

The time is now 4:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Biden administration officials predicted that Israel would expand the Gaza war to strike Iran and Lebanon, according to a long-form New Yorker report. Several former aides described how President Biden believed that pressure on Israel during the Gaza conflict could provoke bigger Iranian retaliation, potentially drawing the United States into a larger regional war to defend Israel. One former White House Middle East coordinator, Brett McGurk, argued that unwavering support for Israel would help contain Iran, even as Prime Minister Netanyahu conducted strikes with little or no advance notification to Washington. The reporting notes that Washington urged Israel to refrain from provoking Iran or its proxies, but Netanyahu carried out strikes without timely warning, a dynamic described by sources familiar with the magazine’s account.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF shot down a Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon. The unmanned aircraft, fitted with a camera but unarmed, was observed gathering intelligence on IDF soldiers in the Ali Taher Ridge area before being downed, with officials describing the incident as a developing story.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett’s T-shirt and jeans aim to project blue-collar appeal, youth and energy to voters. Naftali Bennett has moved away from suits to jeans and T-shirts at public events and TV interviews over the past two weeks as part of a broader effort to appear younger, more accessible, and energetic ahead of Israel’s October election. Campaign managers say the wardrobe change is designed to resonate with younger voters, allowing Bennett to appear less formal and more approachable, in line with slogans such as “We’re coming to work,” “We’re coming to fix,” and “We’re coming to put things in order.”

In Israeli Domestic Politics, 'We want them to feel at home': RZP has done 'a great deal' for olim, Smotrich tells 'Post'. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, told The Jerusalem Post that RZP has championed measures to help new immigrants settle in Israel, noting that the Aliyah Ministry was led by members of his party. He cited tax exemptions for new immigrants, recognition of foreign diplomas, rental assistance, and expanded work by the Aliyah Ministry, saying, “We want our brothers and sisters to come here and feel that this is their home.” Smotrich emphasized the party’s commitment to Israel’s security and argued against the idea of dividing the land or handing over territory, while pointing to the party’s role in supporting judicial reform to maintain a democracy where the Knesset, government, and judiciary operate with clear boundaries.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu putting election interests ahead of curbing settler violence, Nablus governor to 'Post'. Nablus Governor Ghassan Douglas told The Jerusalem Post that Prime Minister Netanyahu is avoiding action against violent settlers ahead of elections, warning of further West Bank escalation. He cited the deadly shooting in Tell, south of Nablus, in which an IDF commander and a member of the Gilad Farm security squad were killed after a Palestinian snatched a firearm during clashes, and referenced a wave of “revenge attacks” by Israeli extremists, including vandalism of property and two mosques in villages south of Tulkarm and Nablus. Palestinians have warned of further escalation and criticized statements by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz to intensify settlement activity, arguing that politics are influencing security decisions as the Knesset elections approach.

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-903717
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-903733
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903732
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903730
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903716