Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-15 at 16:01

HEADLINES
US Ready to Strike Iran Over Hormuz
West Bank Violence Drops 25% Amid Crackdown
UK EU Plan to Ban Settlements Trade

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, CENTCOM says US forces remain vigilant and prepared to strike Iranian capabilities threatening commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM spokesman Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said the force is ready to execute operations directed by the President to hold Iranian forces accountable for attacks on shipping and mariners, stressing there is no excuse for Iran continuing to attack innocent civilians. The latest daytime strikes, described as the first such action since the ceasefire was signed, are part of a broader effort to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in the region, while the mission’s objectives are reported as unchanged.

In Regional Impacts, security data shows a notable drop in violence by extremist Israelis against Palestinians in the West Bank, down about 25% since March when such incidents peaked. When counting only attacks that injured Palestinians or endangered lives, the decline is about 25%; including all acts of violence, the decrease is around 11%. The reductions follow intensified enforcement by the IDF, Shin Bet, and the Israel Police, along with a coordinated effort to prevent and disrupt such incidents and bring those responsible to justice. Central Command chief Major-General Avi Bluth has signed 23 administrative restriction orders against Israelis involved in these acts, including bans from entering the West Bank and house arrest for periods up to six months.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, MK Dan Illouz announced he will not seek reelection with Likud, saying he cannot ask voters to back a party he no longer can support and calling the party “hijacked.” He cited leadership’s handling of the October 7 massacre, legislation supporting haredi draft dodgers, and the rising cost of living as reasons for leaving, declaring the party has surrendered to the haredi coalition by backing a bill to freeze arrests of draft dodgers as a disgrace. Separately, Shin Bet chief David Zini has accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to grant Sara Netanyahu lifelong security, a move that may also extend to their sons Yair and Avner. While officials cited pressure from the Netanyahu family, it remains unclear whether the protection will be lifelong or limited to five years, with a formal recommendation expected to go to the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the UK is actively developing a plan to ban all imports and exports with Israeli settlements deemed illegal, with a similar push noted from the EU. Trade minister Chris Bryant said the goal is to move beyond labeling goods from settlements to banning all transactions involving them, including services such as mortgages, accounting, and legal support. Bryant stressed that British business should not be involved in sustaining or expanding settlements and emphasized addressing import and export of goods and services in tandem.

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/israel-news/article-902640
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902632
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902643
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902637
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902635