Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 04:02

HEADLINESUS deploys B-1, escalates Iran strikesHouthis strike Saudi tankers, threaten oil chokepointSaudi-US nuclear deal sparks Israeli security alarmThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the US Central Command reported a 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air-defense assets. The US military said it has since struck dozens of Iranian military sites this month while enforcing a renewed maritime blockade, redirecting nine commercial vessels and disabling one to prevent access to Iranian ports. Overnight strikes hit the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq, where two people were killed and 11 wounded after a Revolutionary Guards position and a telecommunications tower were struck, along with targets in Ahvaz, Andimeshk, Ramshir, Eslamabad-e Gharb in Kermanshah Province, Jask, Bandar Abbas and several locations in Bushehr, including reports that a power station near the Bushehr nuclear facility was hit. Notably, a military base in western Iraq was also struck. Iran responded with strikes on Kuwait with impacts reported. Separately, reports indicate the United States deployed a B-1 long-range bomber to strike Iran on Tuesday, signaling a significant escalation; the bomber began from a base in the United Kingdom, and the exact target was not disclosed. CENTCOM did not mention the B-1 in its statement regarding overnight strikes against Iran.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemen’s Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, warning of a new oil chokepoint in the wider Iran war. The development comes as several tankers redirected course in the Red Sea to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, underscoring fears over disrupted shipments, higher oil prices and greater strain on US military resources. In related reporting, authorities later confirmed an attack on two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and Layla, with the Saudi state news agency saying the Encelia suffered a fire on its bow but that the crew was safe; officials said they secured the vessels and took measures to protect the maritime environment, describing the incident as a violation of international law. The Houthis claimed the attack used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia allowing the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium has fueled concerns in Israel about the start of a regional arms race, though the agreement still requires congressional approval and is framed as enabling a civilian nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense and foreign ministers have not publicly commented on the deal. Critics, including former prime minister Naftali Bennett, say the arrangement is a serious strategic failure that endangers Israel’s security, while former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that a civilian program in Saudi Arabia could lead to nuclear weapons and a broader arms race across the region. Israel’s official stance has not been articulated publicly in the current reporting.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s upcoming elections are already shaping up to be among the most contentious in the country’s history, with President Herzog warning of threats to electoral integrity, AI-generated campaign videos from the Likud drawing criticism, and coalition partners publicly clashing as the campaign unfolds. The week’s coverage also highlighted tensions within the coalition, including calls from figures within the government and allies over policy and leadership, and debates over whether certain preconditions could shape future government formations. In related domestic events, reports from Hebrew-language outlets describe a fast-day event at the Temple Mount involving minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and dozens of Jewish visitors, drawing fallout and commentary within the political sphere. Investigations into a large fire in Samaria noted a turning point with two Palestinian suspects who had been arrested being released, while the Palestinian Waqf ministry claimed more than 2,300 settlers entered the al-Aqsa Mosque since the morning, with Ben-Gvir among the visitors.In Israeli Economy and Business, Brent crude rose above 97 dollars per barrel, with market watchers signaling that a pull toward the 100-dollar mark could be imminent.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. 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