Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-18 at 16:01

HEADLINES
Iran's Khamenei blasts US, vows harsher costs
US confirms casualties as Iran strikes persist
Poll tilts toward anti-Netanyahu bloc in Israel

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 Iranian Retaliation, Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei said that the signature of the US president on the memorandum of understanding is worthless and unreliable, warning that the American approach is defined by bullying, hegemonic ambition and savagery. He asserted that the American enemy seeks to ignite further war, impose heavier costs and suffer greater disgrace, adding that the noble Iranian nation and the Axis of Resistance have unforgettable lessons in store. His remarks come as the United States and Iran have launched days of strikes against each other, with US airstrikes early Saturday killing three people and wounding eight in Hormozgan province as the two sides continued to exchange fire.

In US Military Role, United States Central Command said two service members were killed in action, one is missing in action, and four were injured during Iranian strikes on Friday in Jordan. CENTCOM’s statement noted that the fatalities occurred as US and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. The missing service member is the other casualty of the action, and the four injured were evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged; other personnel evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty. The command said it would withhold further information, including identities, until 24 hours after next of kin are identified. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered condolences on X. Iran is reported to have targeted sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and the UAE over the weekend, including a Bahrain site where US combat aircraft were gathered at Sheikh Isa Air Base and an adjacent intelligence facility.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a new poll suggests broad opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s bloc and growing support for the anti-Netanyahu camp, with 49% saying they would back only a party in the anti-Netanyahu bloc, 36% backing only a party in Netanyahu’s bloc, 12% undecided, and 3% supporting neither. The survey also highlights significant public resistance to legislation approved by the Knesset this week. Separately, officials face concerns over security threats from FPV attack drones, with some weighing a sweeping ban on fiber-optic attack drones amid fears they could be launched from neighboring states or the West Bank to target leaders and institutions, though security agencies say there is no evidence such systems are currently operating there.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a commentary questions selective enforcement of international criminal law, noting that New York City has hosted the world’s war criminals for eight decades. Zohran Mamdani told The New York Times that Benjamin Netanyahu “belongs in the Hague,” and that the city should arrest visiting heads of state if warranted, while suggesting the public deserves a broader accounting of figures accused of crimes, including past actions by Iran’s leadership. The piece argues that this principle would demand a consistent approach to enforcement and points to the history of other leaders being scrutinized on the world stage.

In Uplifting News, pianist Igor Levit will perform a solo recital in Tel Aviv on July 23, marking his return to Israel. Levit, born to a Russian-Jewish family and raised in Germany, is known for his extensive recordings and his public stance on political issues. He has been vocal in supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism, including launching Against Silence, a campaign to counter antisemitism in Germany. A charity event linked to this effort donated 100% of ticket proceeds to organizations supporting victims of hate crimes and strengthening Jewish life.

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-902879
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902880
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902881
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h15vy8femx
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902882
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-902836