Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-26 at 11:02

HEADLINES
Netanyahu ties Iran end to regime collapse
Iran Hezbollah strike could paralyze Haifa lifelines
Herzog hails Bahrain as key regional partner

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Sunday interview with Fox News that the Iran war will end only when the Iranian regime falls, or weakens to such an extent that it understands it must end its nuclear program. The remark lays out a condition for resolution as the conflict continues to unfold, and the story is noted as developing.

In Regional Impacts, Israeli defense sources see opportunities for cooperation with Egypt to counterbalance Turkey’s naval interests as broader regional alignment shifts play out. Observers point to strategic moves in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt’s ongoing engagement with Turkey that some see as signaling a structural shift, while Israel and Cairo have historically cooperated in international drills. President Isaac Herzog also spoke with Bahrain’s king, calling Bahrain an important partner in shaping the future of the region and stressing strengthening ties, the Abraham Accords, and the pursuit of security, stability, and prosperity through dialogue. Separately, research from the Institute for National Security Studies found Western funding from the European Union and the World Bank has helped sustain the Palestinian Authority as Israeli tax transfers have fallen, with Arab states contributing only a small share. The roundup also notes tensions as Iran threatens Britain and Gulf states, with the United Nations urging respect for Syrian sovereignty in related discussions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a new Alma Center assessment warns that a joint Iranian and Hezbollah strike could paralyze Israel’s energy lifelines by targeting Haifa Bay, including civilian shipping near the harbor or gas rigs in the Mediterranean. Israel’s energy and water security depend heavily on offshore rigs and desalination facilities, making such an attack potentially devastating. Hezbollah remains capable of disrupting these critical assets even as Israel continues to defend against individual threats, underscoring the need for readiness across multiple domains.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Religious Zionist Party began its internal primaries to determine the Knesset slate, with more than 100 party committee members voting to shape the lineup. Bezalel Smotrich will remain first on the list and will have the authority to select two of the top ten slots. The slate includes current Knesset members such as Orit Strock, Michal Woldiger, Ohad Tal, Zvi Sukkot, and Simcha Rothman, along with new figures like Deputy Mayor of Petah Tikva Tzvika Weizengrad and Deputy Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Eitan Tam, among others, with final results expected around 8 p.m.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Netanyahu is quoted as saying that Zařan Mamdani fuels hatred and should be the mayor of all New York City residents—Jews, Muslims, and Christians. He argues that Mamdani is instead stoking division by inciting one group against another, and he cites concern among Jewish residents of New York.

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-903705
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903706
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903702
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903688
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-903686
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903689
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903698
https://t.me/newssil/207539