Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 02:01

HEADLINES
Iran Hits US Bases in Kuwait, Jordan
Wildfire Smoke, Heat, Flooding Hit Millions
Voters Decide Haredi Draft, Not Lawmakers

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the Revolutionary Guard Corps says it targeted a gathering of US soldiers at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait with a dual missile and drone attack, and hit Kuwait's early-warning radar systems at the base, according to Iranian state media. The same outlets report that Bahrain and Jordan activated missile sirens overnight, with Jordanian media saying eight Iranian missiles were intercepted. They also say US military communications systems and fuel storage tanks at the Azraq base in Jordan were targeted. Wednesday marked the first day after the United States reimposed its naval blockade on Iranian ports, and shipping data showed fewer vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz—seven on Wednesday, down from 13 the day before, mostly via the Iranian route, according to Kpler data. Iran said late Saturday it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, and hostilities have intensified since then.

In Regional Impacts, wildfire smoke, dangerous heat and major flooding are affecting millions across the country.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the haredi draft question should be decided by voters, not outgoing lawmakers. On Tuesday, the Knesset passed a bill freezing arrests of haredi draft evaders for at least six months, with 58 voting in favor and 54 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived for the session but left shortly after the vote and did not stay for the tally. The High Court of Justice issued a provisional order suspending the law's entry into force. The accompanying editorial characterizes the move as an irresponsible approach to a divisive issue and argues that the question should be decided by voters rather than departing lawmakers, calling for equality in sharing the national-service burden. Separately, the government announced it would redirect nearly 500 million shekels from an Arab community development plan to fund new Shin Bet and police units targeting weapons trafficking and criminal networks, drawing criticism from ministries and civil rights groups.

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-902659
https://t.me/JewishNews24/57256
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902642
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skjwiylnfl