Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Israel readies new Iran strikes; shelters opened
Iranian strikes damage US bases; soldiers injured
IDF helps Venezuelan quake victims return home

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 Operation Lion's Roar, Israel eyes new targets, more aggressive strikes in next Iran campaign. Several Israeli municipal authorities have opened public shelters as a precaution, while the IDF Home Front Command has not changed its civilian instructions. After experiences in the past year during Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion, local authorities and the public are reading the signs and expect that Israel may be heading toward another round of fighting with Iran. The country has raised its alert level since the start of the week, with the Israel Defense Forces at maximum readiness and prepared for action on extremely short notice. Internal assessments within the security establishment indicate that the best option from Israel’s perspective would be to preserve the current balance: an effective blockade on Iran backed by US military pressure, though that approach may not align with the preferences of the US president.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran will face a 'crushing blow' if it attacks Israel, Katz warns after security assessment. A high-level security consultation with Israel’s senior military and defense leadership left Defense Minister Katz saying that any attack would provoke a devastating response, while not specifying whether the meeting followed a particular alert. The gathering included the IDF Chief of Staff, the Defense Ministry Director-General, the Air Force commander, senior intelligence officials, the head of the Home Front Command, and other top defense officials. Western intelligence assessments are cited as suggesting Iran may seek to draw Israel into a confrontation or strike first. Jerusalem is weighing scenarios ranging from an Iranian surprise attack and possible joint US-Israeli action to outcomes that could keep Israel outside the fighting, as concerns about how the next phase of the conflict could unfold intensify. Israel and the United States also face a question of whether to pursue another round of strikes or a strategic move aimed at weakening the regime, with Trump’s decision potentially shaping the next phase of the campaign.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian strikes damaged US bases and radar systems in the region, image investigation reveals. A visual investigation by a major US newspaper found damage to living quarters, drone shelters, radar systems, and other structures at nine sites linked to the United States over the past two weeks, suggesting precise Iranian targeting. About a dozen US soldiers injured in July attacks were flown to a US military hospital in Germany for treatment. The US government has requested the blurring of satellite imagery to protect American personnel, and officials declined to comment on imagery for operational security reasons as investigators continue to review an incident in Jordan.

In Regional Impacts, Israeli cities take precautionary step of opening bomb shelters. The IDF says Home Front Command instructions remain unchanged nationwide and urged the public to stay alert. Municipalities in Ramat Gan, Eilat, Karmiel, and Kiryat Gat opened shelters after local security assessments found an increased risk of missile fire from Iran over the weekend. Ramat Gan’s mayor said the measure was taken to exercise extra caution despite the cost and urged residential building committees to ensure communal shelters are ready and accessible. Officials noted that nationwide guidelines remain in effect even as these localized precautions are taken.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel should focus on shaping, not judging, Trump's nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia - analysis. The analysis argues that if Washington proceeds with a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, Israel’s challenge would shift from blocking the deal to shaping its final terms to protect security interests, with Israeli leaders reacting to domestic political charges and strategic implications. The piece highlights debate among Israeli figures about normalization and regional balance in light of any such agreement.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump says he is close to decision on ‘massive attack’ against Iran. President Donald Trump told Axios he is weighing a large-scale operation that would exceed the scope of previous actions and is close to making a decision. He said Israel would join within two minutes if asked, but emphasised that the United States does not need anyone to launch another operation. Trump also warned there would be consequences if Israel participated and suggested Iran is seeking negotiations but not yet ready to concede.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US House symbolically votes to curb Trump’s Iran war powers, but Senate backs president. The House of Representatives approved a largely symbolic resolution directing Trump to halt military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it, by a 214-208 vote with four Republicans crossing party lines. Hours later, the Senate voted to block its own similar measure. The move underlines the divide over presidential war powers while having limited practical effect on ongoing actions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, The US Senate has rejected the motion that would have required President Trump to obtain congressional approval for further military action against Iran. The Senate rejected a measure that would have forced the president to seek congressional authorization for additional military action against Iran, illustrating the ongoing friction over war powers in Congress.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel monitoring reports of Cyprus clashes involving Beitar Jerusalem fans, Diaspora Ministry says. The Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Ministry warned of potential clashes surrounding the Europa Conference League qualifier between Beitar Jerusalem and AEK Larnaca, with reports of violent altercations as the match approaches. The ministry said it is monitoring the situation as it develops.

In Uplifting News, How the IDF helped thousands of Venezuelans return to damaged homes after earthquakes - exclusive. IDF leadership described a nationwide system developed with Venezuelan partners to assess damaged buildings and guide long-term reconstruction. An Israeli-Venezuelan team mapped which structures can be reused, which must be demolished, and the timeline for rebuilding, a process presented to Venezuela and supported by a team of about 35 professionals. The initiative helps tens of thousands of residents resume life in homes identified as safe, with a formal acknowledgement from Venezuelan leadership at a ceremony marking the collaboration.

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.israelhayom.com/2026/07/23/israel-eyes-new-targets-more-aggressive-strikes-in-next-iran-campaign/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-903499
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1syqyxhzl
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkpsyjxsgg
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903433
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-cities-take-precautionary-step-of-opening-bomb-shelters/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903505
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-says-he-is-close-to-decision-on-massive-attack-against-iran/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-symbolically-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president/
https://t.me/ILtoday/19613
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-903500
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903484