Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-16 at 09:02

HEADLINES
Iran declares existential war; US backs Israel
Iran orders Houthis to close Red Sea
IDF finds stretcher-bound body near minefield

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran claims 'existential war' as Israel and US maintain military cooperation. Iran has framed its confrontation with Israel as an existential war, while the United States and Israel continue to keep close military cooperation.

In Regional Impacts, IDF finds dead body tied to stretcher in southern Lebanon, launches investigation. The IDF says forces operating in the security buffer in southern Lebanon located a dead body tied to a stretcher near a minefield, and the body was handed to the police for further investigation. This is described as a developing story. Separately, Kuwaiti air defenses are actively responding to incoming Iranian drone threats.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran tells Houthis to close Red Sea gateway if US hits power network, sources say. A source close to the Houthis said the group had completed preparations to attack shipping by deploying missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea, and that Tehran has asked the Houthis to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure. Iran’s leadership has discussed the plan and conveyed the message to Houthi allies. In Lebanon, a YouGov poll published through a council for a secure America found a slim majority of Lebanese respondents say Hezbollah’s armed presence harms Lebanon’s security (51%), while 11% believe it improves security; 58% support efforts by President Aoun to strengthen the Lebanese Army and push for Hezbollah disarmament under government authority, with 41% believing peace with Israel is likely and 32% open to normalizing ties. Syria’s actions against Hezbollah weapons smuggling showcase its regional commitment; Syria busted a smuggling operation near the Syrian-Iraqi border moving weapons to Hezbollah as part of broader regional dynamics, with state media noting the seizure amid US and regional efforts to shape the Lebanon situation.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, ‘Levites Way’: Route 443 renamed in memory of late foreign minister, links major Israeli regions. The government approved renaming Route 443 “The Levites Way” to honor the late foreign affairs minister David Levy and to reflect the Tribe of Levi’s connection to the region. The renamed stretch runs between the Ben Shemen Interchange in Central Israel and the Beituniya-Givat Ze’ev Junction outside Jerusalem. The Transportation Ministry will update signage in coordination with the Defense Ministry, and Reshumot will publish the name in the official gazette.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Shas leader Arye Deri accuses IDF chief of 'helping the Left' with ultra-Orthodox draft stance. Arye Deri accused IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir of trying to aid the left-wing bloc and harming the military after Zamir warned about legislation to freeze arrests of haredi draft evaders. Deri called the general’s actions inappropriate and dangerous, while the Knesset was moving a bill to pause arrests and the High Court subsequently froze the law to hear petitions.

In Uplifting News, Israeli singer-songwriter Ehud Banai’s music transforms Beit Guvrin caves in immersive exhibition. The Eighth Sound exhibition integrates Banai’s songs and texts with video art by Ronen Tanchum, created specifically for the Beit Guvrin caves. The roughly 40-minute work surrounds visitors with music, projected images, light, and movement, turning the ancient caves into an atmospheric space described as a womb of the earth. The exhibition runs on selected evenings from July through the end of November and marks the seventh contemporary art installation to be shown in the caves since they were opened as a gallery space.

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/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-902725
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902683
https://t.me/DefenderDome/22210
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902734
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902724
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902720
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902722
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902705
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-902718