Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-11 at 00:02

HEADLINES
- Iran missiles reshape regional balance analysts warn
- Trump orders missiles ready to strike Iran
- Smotrich budget funds West Bank settlement roads

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, analysts say the core issue is a strategic imbalance created by Iran's offensive missile program, which has become a standalone strategic language used as deterrence, pressure, and a message of influence that reaches beyond its borders. For decades the Gulf has largely depended on defense purchases rather than counterbalance, while major powers help shape the broader regional balance. The deeper problem, the piece argues, is not a simple arms race among similar actors but a long-standing dynamic that Iran’s neighbors are expected to adapt to rather than counter.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump said he ordered the military to be prepared to strike Iran if Tehran carries out or attempts to assassinate the sitting US president. He claimed the United States has 1000 missiles locked and loaded, with thousands more ready to follow, and said orders are in place for a one-year window to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran if the threat materializes.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the New Israel Fund pushed back against a House Republican investigation alleging the nonprofit violated its tax-exempt status by funding political campaign activity in Israel in 2019, asserting it defends democracy, promotes equality, and advances peace in Israel, while defending Jewish Americans’ First Amendment rights to support charitable work in Israel and the United States. NIF CEO Mickey Gitzin stressed that the organization will not be deterred. In reaction, Representative Jim Jordan and Representative Jason Smith argued that NIF provided millions of dollars to groups engaging in political campaign activity in the 2019 Israeli elections and called for stronger enforcement, while Representative Nadler labeled the conduct of the inquiry as outrageous. Separately, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier defended her attendance at a pro-Palestinian rally after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks, saying civilian targeting is wrong and that international law condemns and protects, while acknowledging that protests will feature a range of viewpoints. She noted prior defenses of her participation and pointed to the complexities of international law and public discourse.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government is set to approve a budget of over 1 billion shekels for road construction to and between West Bank settlements. The plan focuses on new settlements already approved by the cabinet, including four evacuated sites, and will be distributed between the Defense Ministry and the Transportation Ministry. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the plan includes critical security components and aims to ensure safe and regulated movement in the new settlements, describing it as part of a broader effort to fortify dozens of settlements at strategic points in Judea and Samaria and to bolster security for the State of Israel, including dozens of settlements and farms.

In Uplifting News, the IDF held its redesigned Arrowhead agility competition for combat soldiers and special units, the first such event in three years. Troops from the Paratroopers, Givati, Golani, Nahal, Kfir, Lotar, and Refaim brigades competed across running, shooting, and Krav Maga. The course was updated to mirror field conditions, taking place through forest and sand dunes with 20 kilograms of weight, and included a stretcher-pass run and Krav Maga practice scenarios. The event doubles as one of the final fitness tests before soldiers complete their training.

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/opinion/article-902009
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-missiles-aimed-iran-if-tehran-targets-us-president
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902155
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902154
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902148
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902150