Israel News for 7-20-2026

News Update

Defense officials say that they do not expect an imminent missile attack from Iran, although the situation could deteriorate quickly and Israel remains on high alert. Iran fired 4 missiles at the Jordanian port city of Aqaba, adjacent to Eilat, on Sunday, all of which were intercepted. Iron Dome interceptors were launched to intercept debris from the missiles that were going to fall on Israeli territory. Meanwhile, U.S. aerial refueling aircraft continue arriving in Israel at a rate of five to eight aircraft a day, according to Israeli defense officials. They said a record number of American tankers are expected to be stationed in Israel this week, exceeding even the deployments seen during Israel’s most recent direct military confrontation with Iran.

A fire destroyed 13 homes in the settlement of Havat Gilad in Samaria on Saturday. Two Palestinians were arrested today on suspicion of involvement in setting the fire.

Thousands of Israelis gathered near the Gaza border in a rally calling for the reestablishment of Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Among those attending were Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—who also serves as a minister in the Defense Ministry, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Social Equality Minister May Golan, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Deputy Minister Almog Cohen. Last month Smotrich said, “We are ready to establish three communities in northern Gaza immediately, as soon as the prime minister gives the green light.”