Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 15:02

HEADLINES
Israel warns Iran after top security meeting
Trump near decision on massive Iran attack
Iran displays missiles and submarine in Tehran

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran that any attack on Israel would draw a devastating response after a high-level security consultation attended by senior defense leaders, including IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director-General Major-General (Reserve) Amir Baram, the Israel Air Force commander, senior intelligence officials, the head of the Home Front Command, and other senior defense officials. Katz said, “We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow.” The meeting brought together officials responsible for offensive capabilities, air defenses, military intelligence, and civilian preparedness. Katz did not disclose whether the consultation followed a warning or intelligence alert. Western intelligence assessments cited by Ynet suggest Iran may seek to draw Israel into a confrontation and could even choose to act first, a view linked to Jerusalem’s reluctance to return to war and strains in Iran’s leadership.

In Iranian Retaliation, the report describes Iran as “decorating” Azadi Square in Tehran with long-range missiles and a submarine, with the portrayal described as somewhat militant and noting two comments. The piece characterizes the display in the capital as a demonstrative show of force.

In US Military Role, US President Donald Trump told Axios that he is close to deciding on launching a new major combat operation against Iran, saying he is “considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” and that Israel would join within two minutes if asked, though there would be consequences to its joining. He said the United States does not need assistance. He described his relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu as very good. He added that Iran wants to negotiate but has not accepted the latest proposal, and two regional sources corroborated that the Iranian leadership is not being helpful in negotiations.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Ministry warned that clashes between Beitar Jerusalem fans and Cypriot AEK Larnaca fans surrounding the Europa Conference League qualifier could escalate, noting violent altercations surrounding the upcoming match. The warning was issued Thursday evening as the situation developed.

In Uplifting News, the IDF has helped tens of thousands of Venezuelans return to homes in buildings partially damaged by the June 24 earthquake after Israeli experts certified those structures as safe. Israeli experts developed a nationwide system to assess damaged buildings and guide long-term reconstruction, mapping which structures are usable, which must be demolished, how to carry out the demolition, and the timeline for rebuilding. The system, developed by a team of around 35 professionals, was presented to Venezuela on July 17 as a framework for continuing recovery and reconstruction. Separately, Yad Vashem marked the 10th anniversary of Professor Elie Wiesel’s death with a screening of a film on his life and legacy, followed by remarks from Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan, Elie Wiesel’s son Elisha Wiesel, former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky, and historian Dina Porat. The event emphasized bearing witness and being a messenger of humanity and the Jewish people, noting Wiesel’s passing as a personal and profound loss.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-903499
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127149
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903482
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903500
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903484
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903312