Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-24 at 18:01

HEADLINES
Khamenei seeks long-range nuclear warhead
Trump ready to escalate strikes on Iran
Red Sea attack damages NCC MASA

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, US intelligence assesses that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei seeks a nuclear warhead capable of being mounted on a long-range missile, while Tehran moves ground forces to protect a fortified nuclear site amid fears of an Israeli commando raid.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump says the United States is locked and loaded to increase strikes on Iran, though he has not made a final decision, telling reporters at the White House that they are talking and that they will see what comes of it. He noted that there are exit strategies for the conflict, including a potential military option, and described a “smarter strategy” that could involve a deal if Iran is willing. Trump has also convened a cabinet to weigh escalating strikes as reporting suggests he is growing skeptical of diplomacy and believes military force may be the only option, while also expressing frustration with Netanyahu according to a US official.

In Regional Impacts, a Saudi vessel named NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage after an attack in the Red Sea, according to Saudi state news agency SPA citing an official at the General Transport Authority. The vessel continued to its destination after checks confirmed the crew were safe.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump says he will not proceed with a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia unless the Saudis agree to normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords. The US Department of Energy said that Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart signed an agreement to develop the first commercial nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia and that it would next go to Congress for review. Saudi Arabia has sought an irreversible path to a Palestinian state before recognizing Israel, and Trump emphasized on Friday that any deal would require Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece asks whether Netanyahu could step down quietly like Hungary’s Orbán, arguing that such an outcome is hard to imagine in Israel and noting concerns about organized crime groups in Arab society that could spark violent protests. Another opinion piece reports that Yair Golan’s Democrats list for the Knesset marks a revival of Labor, as 112,000 members—86% turnout—participated in the online, party-wide primary. The piece details how Golan inherited a party at risk of collapse, merged Labor with Meretz to restore relevance, and notes polling suggesting the Democrats could win around ten seats in the 2026 election, two more than Labor.

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.ynetnews.com/article/b1gibhzsml
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903579
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjxd2nwhzl
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/saudi-vessel-sustains-minor-hull-damage-after-red-sea-attack-state-news-agency
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-he-wont-proceed-nuclear-deal-unless-saudis-join-abraham-accords
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903290
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903277