Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-18 at 12:01

HEADLINES
Seventh Day of US Strikes Iran Retaliates
Iran Claims Strike on US Command Center
NYC Weighs Arresting Netanyahu at UNGA

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, US strikes on Iranian military and transport infrastructure have entered a seventh day, while Tehran has retaliated across the Gulf and Jordan, targeting energy sites, bases and airports as threats to regional shipping and civilian infrastructure intensify. Wildfires in the West Bank and northern Israel moved quickly, reaching homes in Havat Gilad and prompting a full evacuation, with residents in Shimshit and Kfar Vradim told to shelter indoors or relocate as strong winds fanned the flames.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran’s claim of striking a US special operations command center in Tanf, southern Syria appears aimed at messaging to Syria and to keep weapons moving to Hezbollah via Syria. The United States says no troops were harmed and a Syrian military source says there was no attack. The episode follows a halted weapons shipment to Hezbollah near the border after Syrian security forces stopped a convoy on July 16, and it underscores Iran’s effort to maintain armaments flowing to Hezbollah despite Syria’s own moves to curb smuggling and to publicly name Hezbollah.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he is weighing the possibility of ordering the arrest of Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visits New York for the UN General Assembly, arguing that Netanyahu belongs in the Hague and that ICC charges apply. He says he is in active conversations with the city law department about what authority exists to detain, stressing that he would act only within the law, not create new rules. Netanyahu has said he is not concerned, pushing back on the threat.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a prominent opinion piece argues that Israel must reverse the 2005 Gaza withdrawal and resettle Gush Katif, contending that Gaza is part of the Land of Israel and rebuilding Jewish life there is the only way to ensure Hamas pays a concrete price for its crimes, recalling the expulsion of 21 communities and more than 8,000 pioneers and the destruction of homes, synagogues and greenhouses. Separately, Jerusalem saw a third consecutive Saturday of protests by ultra‑Orthodox demonstrators outside Cafe Basimta, with police barriers erected to prevent clashes as secular supporters lined up in protest; deputies criticized the protesters for targeting the business while affirming support for the cafe and the right to operate on Shabbat.

In Uplifting News, an opinion piece credits Israel with strong public diplomacy in Venezuela during a difficult moment for the country’s image, praising the outreach as a positive note in the broader context of regional narratives. Also near Jerusalem, Ein Haniya is highlighted as a restored national park just minutes from the city, offering an easy water outing with a spring-fed pool and layered history, now preserved as part of the area’s outdoor heritage and accessible to visitors.

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.ynetnews.com/article/rjub7zf4gx
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1dhi11feze
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902873
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902872
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902711
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stop-destroying-jerusalem-haredim-target-cafe-open-on-shabbat-for-3rd-week-in-a-row/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902744
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-902871