Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-12 at 11:02

HEADLINES
Iran's 3,000km strike reshapes regional crisis
Gaza toll rises as Hamas travels Cairo
Knesset sets Oct 27 election date

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iran carries out renewed attacks across roughly 3,000 kilometers of front, striking Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, and Jordan as the conflict extends from Amman to the Strait of Hormuz. The broad battlefield makes it harder to halt Iran, given that missiles and drones can be sourced or based in multiple locations. Tehran appears to be pursuing a multi-layered strategy: one element aims to suggest decision-making is not centralized in Tehran by presenting some attacks as the work of rogue or hardline elements within the IRGC, a tactic that could complicate Western responses. Another facet seeks to put forward a proposal to manage the Hormuz, betting that broader talks could yield an agreement. In Gaza, Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip killed at least five people on Sunday, including a 9-year-old girl, Tala Abu Matar, medics said. An airstrike at a metal foundry in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood killed four people, witnesses said, with Israel’s military stating it struck “terrorist” infrastructure without further detail. The ceasefire reached in October 2025 between Israel and Hamas has not stopped major violence; more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since it took effect, and four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza during the same period. Hamas leaders travelled to Cairo for talks on the second phase of the Gaza peace plan promoted by the United States, with discussions touching on disarmament and Israeli army withdrawals as part of the proposed next steps.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IDF officers express heavy skepticism about the Lebanese army’s ability to keep the peace against Hezbollah, arguing that despite potential peacekeeping legitimacy, Hezbollah remains the more powerful force. The Givati Brigade Chief Colonel E told The Jerusalem Post that while the Lebanese army’s strength is limited next to Hezbollah’s, allowing it to operate to maintain calm could still help undermine Hezbollah over time. He stressed that after October 7, the security picture is a dangerous “jungle,” and while the IDF would prefer a return to quiet, it must stay offensive-minded and ready to act more forcefully in the next round. The Givati Brigade Weapons Commander Lieutenant-Colonel I described watching the Lebanese army move into areas where the IDF had been redeploying, underscoring ongoing concern about shifts on the ground as the region remains volatile.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset coalition is moving toward confirming October 27 as the election date, with Knesset Legal Advisor Sagit Afik noting the significance of the date in allowing the coalition to serve a full term. At the same time, Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef suggested the ultra-Orthodox party could be open to joining a government led by Eisenkot, signaling potential realignment and raising questions about the long-standing partnership with Netanyahu’s bloc. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced a further cut of 50 million shekels to the Knesset budget to support the economy, bringing total reductions since the 25th Knesset began to 376 million; the funds are to be deposited in the treasury and are not expected to affect essential operations. The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee advanced a bill to freeze arrests of haredi draft evaders for 90 days ahead of its final readings, despite warnings from the legal advisor that the legislation lacks balance and could effectively exempt haredim from service, a move that now requires revision. Separately, haredi protesters disrupted light rail construction and blocked traffic on Bar Ilan Street in northern Jerusalem, with police on the scene attempting to disperse the demonstration.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, about 300 people were evacuated from a Paris suburb north of the city after authorities found a vehicle containing a military-grade weapon near the Great Synagogue of Sarcelles. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said an investigation is underway and that judicial authorities are examining the matter, with a long firearm recovered and no suspects identified. Officials said the measures were precautionary as authorities assess potential threats around the synagogue, a cinema, and several restaurants in the area; a judicial inquiry has been opened and motives remain undetermined at this time.

In Israeli Economy and Business, former Value Base analyst Shay Lipman was convicted by the Tel Aviv District Court on charges of insider trading, securities fraud, and breach of trust. Lipman admitted to using his position to profit from trades in public real estate companies, executing transactions through his parents’ bank account to conceal activity. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors and defense requested an 18-month prison term and financial sanctions totaling 275,000 shekels, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 6. Lipman, who worked at Value Base between 2016 and 2021, had access to sensitive information about public companies and planned moves before they reached the market, with the indictment detailing three cases tied to real estate company developments, including Rani Zim Shopping Centers.

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-902250
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/israeli-attacks-gaza-kill-five-people-including-girl-say-medics
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902252
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902258
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902256
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902251
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902248
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902245
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902259
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902254