Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-07 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Iran strikes Hormuz ships, oil surges
US reinstates Iran oil sanctions ends relief
Border Police commander indicted for assault

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

In Regional Impacts, the United States revoked a general license that had allowed Iranian oil sales, setting a wind-down period through July 17 as Washington takes a firmer line in the Strait of Hormuz. A US official described Iran's actions in the waterway as wholly unacceptable and said they would be met with consequences. A source familiar with the attacks told The Jerusalem Post that Iran launched at least five drones and missiles at three ships in the strait over the past day. Oil prices rose more than 5 percent after the revocation was announced. The Treasury said the wind-down period would permit continued Iranian oil transactions under the revoked license through July 17, and negotiators said they remain in good faith in pursuit of a final deal with Iran despite the latest escalation. Reports from UKMTO said three tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles in and near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, with no immediate claim of responsibility from Tehran. The move threatens to strain a fragile diplomatic understanding between Washington and Tehran.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington has reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil, ending temporary sanctions relief tied to a 60-day ceasefire linked to negotiations over the regional conflict. A Treasury official said sanctions waivers granted under the ceasefire will be revoked, with the relief described as contingent on Iranian conduct and Iran’s actions in the Strait deemed wholly unacceptable and to be met with consequences. Talks have been paused for a week while Iran holds funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and negotiators say they remain in good faith in pursuit of a final deal. In the same vein, a public opinion survey from the Israel Democracy Institute finds only 28% of Israelis believe President Trump prioritizes Israel’s security, down from 44% in May, with 38% of Jewish Israelis saying security is better now than before the war with Iran earlier this year. Most Jewish Israelis view the current strain in US-Israel relations as temporary, while Arab Israelis are more divided. The survey also shows 72% of respondents say the IDF should maintain a permanent presence in southern Lebanon, regardless of possible friction with the United States, and about half of participants say Israel Police are too lenient toward haredi protests over the draft.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, culture and coalition moves are in focus as the country heads toward elections. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar released a social media video ahead of the Jerusalem Film Festival in which he touts cinema reforms that shift funding away from films perceived as hostile to Israel and toward those the country “loves.” The clip features a director and assistant in keffiyehs filming scenes of Israeli soldiers and West Bank settlers harming a Palestinian child, with a running gag about money and a final message: “Right-wing action wins.” The video comes as the festival opens and amid a broader push to accelerate coalition-backed legislation. In a separate move, Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef urged party chairman Arye Deri to back the coalition’s legislation in exchange for advancing a set of haredi-backed bills, including the Torah Study Law, warning there is no room for delay. Yosef’s letter follows tensions over how quickly the coalition is moving on contentious measures amid the Knesset’s final week of its summer session and the looming elections. Separately, prosecutors indicted Border Police squad commander Eyal Haimov on charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, threats, and unlawful access to computer material for an incident at the Container Checkpoint near Jerusalem, where a Palestinian detainee was beaten and left with a broken hand; the case notes a plea arrangement and possible prison term if convicted.

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/iran-news/article-901793
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-iran-after-irgc-attack-on-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901781
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-901788
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901786
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901785