Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-14 at 17:01

HEADLINES
US strikes Iran as Hormuz blockade underway
Vehicle shortage cripples Gaza frontline rotations
Light of Liberty XR debuts at Versailles

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 US Military Role, the US military said on Tuesday it was launching more strikes against Iran. The strikes began Tuesday afternoon Eastern Time, the US Central Command said in a social media post. They come as the US is preparing to reinstate a blockade of Iranian shipping after Tehran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade is set to go into effect at 1600 Eastern Time (2000 GMT), according to CENTCOM. Separately, as the renewed naval blockade took effect, the US launched new strikes on Iranian military targets in what officials describe as an effort to destroy emerging threats. Iran reported explosions across the Gulf; Kuwait said it intercepted missiles and drones, and Bahrain confirmed it was attacked.

In Regional Impacts, severe vehicle shortage harms Gaza operational activity, says a senior commander. The shortage prevents critical rest rotations for soldiers who are at their limit; some commanders are reallocating vehicles to move troops in and out of Gaza rather than for operational missions; the IDF acknowledges the problem but says it has not harmed soldiers' operational readiness.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a senior US official linked Brad Parscale, President Trump’s former campaign manager, to a social media campaign denouncing the US-Iran ceasefire, Time Magazine reported. The official found that after the ceasefire was agreed on June 17, aides had expected supporters to celebrate, but online influencers tied to the MAGA movement were denouncing it on social media. The official reportedly began collecting screenshots, believing this was not coincidental, and eventually traced them back to Parscale. In September, a global advertising agency, Havas, hired Parscale's Clock Tower X to conduct a digital campaign for Israel, according to FARA filings that Time reviewed. Under the deal between the two organizations, Clock Tower X would produce 100 original pieces of content each month, with at least 80% aimed at Gen Z audiences across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts.

In Uplifting News, Israeli-designed Palace of Versailles extended reality installation set to launch. The new Light of Liberty installation allows visitors to walk next to historical figures in a simulated eighteenth-century environment. Israeli companies Yaturu and Yalla Digital are launching an extended reality tourism venture at the Palace of Versailles in partnership with France's Firstep Production. The installation, titled Light of Liberty, allows Versailles visitors to visually experience the eighteenth century with extended reality headsets. Unlike virtual reality, the extended reality option allows tourists to walk among figures such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington while immersed in naval battles and secret diplomacy. "Visitors do much more than just learn about the alliance between France and America; they feel it in their whole body, in every movement," said Udi Regonis, CEO of Yaturu. "The XR experience we developed allows people to remain connected to the physical space of this magnificent palace while embedding within it an interactive layer that brings history to life. The XR was developed in just six months, including content creation elements, game design, and production. The actual implementation and execution of the project requires a major operational apparatus to manage the influx of tourists, headsets, staff management, and more.

Israeli guard Yam Madar signs three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving rival Hapoel. The 25-year-old point guard, 1.90 meters tall, who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champions under head coach Oded Katash and is expected to play a central role for the club domestically and in the Euroleague, bringing extensive experience including 89 Euroleague appearances.

Cuban delegation to Maccabiah Games overcomes significant hurdles to reach Israel. Nearly three decades after Cuba’s first trip in 1997, a group of athletes and officials traveled through five countries over more than four days to reach Israel, a testament to the ongoing travel and logistical challenges surrounding the Games. Hella Eskenazi, 56, who has long been involved in Cuba’s Maccabi programs and now serves as vice president of Cuba’s Jewish community, said it’s amazing to be in Israel. The delegation reflects Cuba’s continuing participation in the Maccabi movement.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/us-military-says-it-launching-more-strikes-against-iran
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkapvzevfx
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skhfwfvege
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902510
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902457
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902527
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-902524