Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 00:02

HEADLINES
- US widens Iran strikes after Hormuz threats
- Israel election tests unity post Hamas massacre
- Barbara Butch defies disruption vows to perform

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

In US Military Role, the United States is increasing the forces available in the Middle East in preparation for a possible expansion of operations against Iran, with fighter jets positioned across the region and bomber aircraft on high alert as officials weigh broader attacks on Iranian targets and infrastructure. Israeli officials believe President Trump is preparing to significantly escalate the campaign against Iran, and an expanded effort would aim at Iranian strategic infrastructure and senior regime figures, a move that could prompt Tehran to retaliate directly against Israel. Trump has warned that the United States will strike Iranian bridges and power plants in retaliation for every time Iran fires on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has completed a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran, with targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets, as part of a broader campaign that has included resumed maritime pressure and attacks on land facilities. US forces have conducted dozens of strikes on Iranian sites and continued a blockade at sea, with the latest operations lasting about five hours. The conflict intensified after attacks earlier in the year, and US forces have suffered troop casualties as the campaign continues. President Trump has signaled a willingness to broaden pressure on Iran, including energy targets, while remarks from his rallies characterize Iran as pressing to negotiate but not yet willing to accept terms Washington considers reliable. Observers note that Tehran could respond to expanded US action with direct retaliation against regional partners, including Israel, if a broader campaign proceeds. Iran has asserted it seeks a deal but insists on terms it views as fair, even as Washington accentuates leverage gained from intensified strikes.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, On Tisha B'Av, Israel's politics must reject hatred over unity - editorial, the piece argues the country’s first election since the Hamas massacre should have begun with humility and reflection, not political maneuvering that exploits grief. The editorial describes a scene in which an AI-generated image of a former IDF chief of staff appears to move toward unity, only to pivot toward political calculations that would rely on support from an Arab party, prompting questions about intent and messaging. Critics say the Likud campaign’s framing of unity may collide with reality when a government would potentially depend on an Arab party, raising questions about the path to a stable coalition. The piece notes that the election will culminate on October 27, marking the first vote since October 7, 2023, and urges leaders to lead with humility and restraint rather than inflaming divisions in a time of national sorrow.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, French Jewish DJ Barbara Butch defiant after concert disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, the report notes she refused to bow to intimidation and vowed to continue performing, supported by Jewish activists who demonstrated outside the office of a far-left party whose top Grenoble official called for her cancellation. Authorities filed a complaint with the city, and the mayor condemned violence and sabotage of equipment, saying that while the city supports the Palestinian people, demonstrations must be peaceful and democratic. In a separate development, a former Obama State Department official and Bernie Sanders campaigner contends that Sanders is promoting the most antisemitic candidates in a generation, arguing that the senator is harming ties with Israel and causing pain and distress to American Jews. The former campaign official described Sanders’ endorsements as elevating candidates who are openly hostile to Israel, describing the shift as intentional and reflective of a broader strategy to redefine the Democratic Party’s relationship with Israel, a claim discussed at the Aspen Security Forum.

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-903381
https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-not-ready-to-make-a-deal-trump-declares-after-vowing-to-expand-retaliatory-strikes/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/us-military-completes-12th-straight-night-strikes-iran
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903366
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903382
https://worldisraelnews.com/bernie-sanders-promoting-most-antisemitic-candidates-in-a-generation-says-former-campaign-official/