Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-07 at 20:02

HEADLINES
- US hits Iran with larger, fourfold strikes
- Jerusalem Green Line protests cause 400m damage
- Amiram named to police investigations reform panel

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, The United States has launched a series of powerful strikes against Iran in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, described by CENTCOM as an unwarranted and dangerous violation of the ceasefire. Explosions were reported in southern Iran on Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik, with Iranian state media reporting injuries as the strikes targeted air defense systems, coastal surveillance networks, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch sites. A US official told Reuters the strikes hit those targets, and another official told Axios the operation was four to five times larger in scope than strikes about 10 days ago. Barak Ravid cited a US official describing similar targets and adding port facilities, noting the strikes were scaled up four to five times compared with past responses to Iranian MOU violations. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned a move by the US to revoke the temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales, saying Washington bears responsibility for violating the memorandum of understanding and will take any measures necessary to safeguard its interests and security. Additional waves of airstrikes were carried out, and the United States has alerted Gulf partners to prepare for a possible Iranian response in the hours ahead. In related developments, Defense Secretary Hegseth is slated to visit Israel on Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Katz as CENTCOM says the strikes were in response to attacks on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The broader context is a stepped-up campaign to deter Iranian attacks on international shipping.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, The IDF is investigating reports of gunfire near Kiryat Arba, close to Hebron, with troops searching the area after a bullet struck a building and the circumstances remain under evaluation. In Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox demonstrators have continued protests against the light rail, with reports of damage exceeding 400 million shekels to the unfinished Green Line, and episodes of tree burning and road obstruction at Bar-Ilan Intersection; the protests have prompted changes to routes and delays in opening dates, including a section between Givat Shaul and Ammunition Hill pushed to 2027 and the first opening set for between HaTurim Station and Malha Mall. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke in interviews about a relationship with President Trump, saying friends can have agreements and disagreements, while expressing distrust of Turkey and Iran over ongoing security concerns. Separately, Trump said he would consider reversing the previous ban on selling fighter jets to Turkey, and Netanyahu offered responses. On the reform front, Attorney Avi Amiram was appointed to a committee tasked with selecting the head of Israel’s independent police investigations department, part of a broad reform to ensure the investigative body’s independence; the committee includes a retired judge, an investigations expert on the Civil Service Commission, and the Civil Service Commissioner, and will be chaired by Justice Ministry Director-General Itamar Donenfeld.

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-901804
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkerwc9mml
https://t.me/JewishNews24/56831
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22003
https://t.me/selena_updates/66809
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901805
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901802
https://t.me/JewishNews24/56829
https://t.me/JewishNews24/56819
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-901799