Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 10:03

HEADLINES
IRGC Warns Britain After U.S. Strike Escalates
Houthis Blockade Bab el-Mandeb Threatens Shipping
Nuclear Deal Tied to Abraham Accords

The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In משמרות המהפכה האיראנים מאיימים על בריטניה: ארה"ב השתמשה אתמול (בתקיפות באיראן - א"ע) במפציצי B-1 שהמריאו מבסיס חיל האוויר פיירפורד בבריטניה. כל בסיס המשמש לתוקפנות נגד שטחה של איראן נחשב בעינינו למטרה לגיטימית. כדי להגיב לכתבה לחצו כאן
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have warned Britain after the United States yesterday used B-1 bombers that took off from Fairford Air Base in Britain to strike Iran. They say any base used to attack Iran's territory is a legitimate target.

In US President Donald Trump said he is deeply disappointed with the Houthis and warned that the United States will respond by striking Iran if the group continues targeting Saudi vessels
President Trump said he is deeply disappointed with the Houthis and warned that the United States will respond by striking Iran if the group continues targeting Saudi vessels.

In Houthis escalate threats against Saudi Arabia, raising risks to Red Sea shipping - analysis
The Saudis have shifted energy exports toward the Red Sea as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, raising concerns about trade routes. The Houthis have escalated threats and attacks on Saudi Arabia through July, including tensions over Sana’a airport and Saudi opposition to flights. The group announced a blockade on Saudi shipping transiting Bab el-Mandeb, claiming a “qualitative military operation” targeted two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, using missiles, drones and other devices, and saying hits were achieved and fires started onboard. They say ten ships trying to transit the strait have been forced to turn around and that they will continue the blockade. Separately, Iran is avoiding strikes on Israel over fears Hezbollah could collapse in Lebanon if fighting resumes, according to a former intelligence officer. The US State Department announced activity in three Lebanese villages—Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya—under the tripartite framework with the US, Israel, and Lebanon, coordinated by a military group. An analyst says a historic shift is taking shape in Lebanon as Hezbollah appears weaker, while the Lebanese leadership pursues a path away from civil conflict.

In Iran avoiding strikes on Israel over fear of Hezbollah's collapse, former intelligence officer says
Iran is refraining from striking Israel due to fears that Hezbollah would collapse in Lebanon if fighting resumes, according to Or Horowitz, a retired lieutenant colonel and senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute. Horowitz argues Hezbollah is in a weaker state than before. He notes the US State Department’s pilot zones in Lebanon and describes the three locations and the tripartite framework that supports them. He also characterizes changes in Lebanon as historic, with a leadership trying to end hostilities and avoid civil war despite political risk.

In US-Saudi civil nuclear deal hinges on Riyadh joining Abraham Accords, Trump stresses
US President Trump said a US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would be approved only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords and accepts a ban on uranium enrichment, per his Truth Social post. He said Washington does not oppose civilian nuclear facilities that do not enrich material, comparing the arrangement to existing deals with the United Arab Emirates and others. The US Energy Department said a nuclear cooperation agreement has been reached, with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman signing a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement alongside a safeguards accord. Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the potential Saudi move as a historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East. The Trump administration has also submitted to Congress a pact with Saudi Arabia to share nuclear power technology that does not include a plan for enrichment.

In Israel considers national drone ban amid fears of pending Iranian attack
Israel is weighing a total ban on drones in its airspace amid fears of an Iranian attack, N12 News reported after a Security Cabinet meeting. The defense establishment’s position was shared with Knesset ministers amid concerns about the lack of effective counter-drone technologies. With private drone use common for civilians, the government is evaluating options before a final decision. The broader context notes that Iranian drones have caused damage across the Middle East in recent weeks, and US President Trump is reportedly considering a new round of strikes against Iran. The IRGC said it struck US-linked targets in Bahrain with explosive drones, according to Fars.

In ‘Hijacked Holocaust memory’: Pro-Palestinian groups seek to bar Israeli envoy from Holocaust ceremony
Pro-Palestinian groups, along with neighborhood councils and activist groups, are seeking to remove Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni from a ceremony honoring 6,790 Rotterdam Jews deported in 1942. Dutch Jewish organizations accuse the protesters of hijacking Holocaust memory for a political agenda.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903438
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903447
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903418
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bywlf9ksfl