Israel News for 7-16-2026
News Update
The U.S. continues to strike Iran, but Israel is still not involved, at least in the actual strikes, although I’m sure its very involved in providing intelligence and other support.
Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance made a lot of disturbingly anti-Israel sounding comments during a 3 hour interview on the Joe Rogan podcast. He claimed that elements in the Israeli government were running a “very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign” aimed at swaying public opinion in America and undermining negotiations with Iran, in order to keep the war going. He also claimed that Jeffrey Epstein “clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence.” He also said, “Right now, Israel is losing the battle for public opinion in the United States. That is a simple and obvious fact. Trump said it publicly.” He added, however, that to think that Trump was pressured into the war by Israel was “insane”.
The Knesset approved a law that sharply weakens the authority of the attorney general, allowing the government to disregard the office’s legal opinions and determine for itself how the law should be interpreted. Under the new law, those opinions will become recommendations that the government may reject.
The government approved a plan to expand the Shin Bet’s role in combating organized crime in Arab communities. The plan authorizes the Shin Bet to establish a dedicated unit to combat weapons smuggling and illegal arms trafficking while strengthening its intelligence and operational capabilities. It also provides funding for a new national police unit focused on organized crime in Arab communities. For more, click here.
Morocco has signed an agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force planned for the Gaza Strip. Morocco’s participation is viewed as significant, since it has diplomatic relations with Israel.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, agreed on Wednesday, in Washington, to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations between Israel and Colombia. The two ministers also agreed to exchange ambassadors, abolish visa requirements for Israeli and Colombian citizens, and expand Israeli development assistance to Colombia through MASHAV, Israel’s international development cooperation agency, the ministry said. Bula told Sa’ar that Colombia’s incoming government intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
