Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - August 18, 2026, 04 AM Eastern

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report · Aug 18, 2026 · 5m

Key developments include Iran accelerating its military production and infrastructure repair following the expiration of a 60-day US negotiation window. This comes as Iraq investigates a drone attack blamed on Iran, and Syria reports overnight airstrikes on a military airfield. In Gaza, the IDF eliminated an Islamic Jihad commander involved in the October 7th Be'eri raid and subsequent abduction. Meanwhile, a former Israeli consul criticizes US policy on Hamas engagement, warning of Israel becoming a 'client state.' Domestically, the Likud party primaries are nearing completion. In uplifting…