Global Watch Daily – July 13, 2026
A concise summary of significant developments in Israel and the world through a grounded Christian worldview.
Israel & Jerusalem
Recent reports indicate that European Union countries are considering imposing sanctions on trade involving Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. This move reflects growing international pressure on Israel regarding settlement activity. Meanwhile, Israeli Cabinet Minister Strook has advocated for Israel to establish settlements throughout all of Judea and Samaria, including areas currently under Palestinian Authority control, asserting the need for Israeli presence in Area A. Concurrently, Israeli security forces arrested 14 suspects following an undercover investigation into the procurement and use of explosive materials in Judea and Samaria, a response to an increase in roadside bombings in the region (Al Jazeera; JNS; JNS).
In a separate development, an artist in Wales has sewn the names of infant victims from Gaza onto a christening gown, a poignant artistic statement highlighting the human cost of ongoing conflict (Al Jazeera).
Wars & Security (Israel and Region)
The United States has shifted its air campaign in Somalia to focus primarily on Al Qaeda’s affiliate, Al Shabaab, conducting at least 74 strikes so far in 2026. This marks a strategic pivot from 2025, when most strikes targeted the Islamic State’s presence in the region. Meanwhile, the US-led Board of Peace announced plans to establish a “pilot zone” in Gaza, designed to allow unarmed civilians who have been screened for Hamas affiliations to move safely across the Yellow Line into the Israeli-controlled area. Despite this, Hamas has increased ceasefire violations between June 30 and July 9, according to Israeli Defense Forces reports. Additionally, the US has moved to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara, signaling a shift in US-Syria relations (Long War Journal; Long War Journal; Long War Journal).
In Iraq, the body of the recently slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was received by Iraqi elites as his funeral procession passed through the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on July 8. Notably, Iraq’s top cleric did not participate in the prayers or attend the ceremony, citing health reasons. Meanwhile, Iran has conducted retaliatory attacks following recent US military strikes, intensifying tensions in the region (Long War Journal; FDD; FDD).
Additional coverage highlights the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz, where recent incidents have escalated tensions. The US has launched new overnight strikes in Iran, underscoring the fragile security situation. Meanwhile, European NATO officials have emphasized the need to regain “escalation dominance” over Russia within the next four years, as discussed at a recent conference in London following the NATO summit in Ankara (FDD; FDD; Chatham House).
Taken together, these developments illustrate the ongoing contest for influence and control in the Middle East. The “Shaping Global Order” exhibition at the 2026 London Conference highlighted these dynamics. On July 7, CENTCOM conducted strikes against Iranian targets following Tehran’s attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the United States sharply narrowed its oil sanctions waiver for Iran, with both sides accusing each other of escalating provocations (Chatham House; Long War Journal).
Global Macro & Geopolitics
Ethiopia’s central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since its introduction two years ago, aiming to curb inflation by also lifting a cap on credit growth. This monetary tightening reflects broader economic pressures within the country. The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina at age 71 is expected to influence the Republican Party’s foreign policy direction and its relationship with President Donald Trump, as analyzed by Jon Lieber of the Eurasia Group on Bloomberg Surveillance. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged amid mixed global stock market reactions, driven by recent US and Iranian airstrikes that have heightened geopolitical tensions (Bloomberg; Bloomberg; AP News).
In related developments, the United Kingdom has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, as reported by Sky News and Reuters. Additionally, Dr. Phil has publicly spoken out against anti-Christian persecution, drawing attention to religious liberty concerns worldwide (Reuters; MSN).
AI Dominion, Deception & the Antichrist System
Persona analyzed over 27 million fraudulent selfies to understand how fraudsters are attacking selfie verification flows. They found that the vast majority of attempts were relatively simple presentation attacks (biometricupdate.com).
Meta is expanding the anti-tampering safeguard built into its artificial intelligence glasses after users found ways to conceal or destroy the small light that indicates when they are being photographed or filmed. The company said last week that the camera will be disabled when the glasses detect that the light has been covered, modified, or physically damaged (biometricupdate.com).
Pestilence & Global Health
Recent scientific advances include the discovery of a naturally occurring bacterium from amphibian intestines that eradicated colorectal tumors in mice with a single dose. This bacterium attacks cancer cells directly while also activating the immune system, offering promise for a new class of cancer therapies targeting solid tumors. Additionally, researchers have identified a hidden immune backup system that can enhance the effectiveness of mRNA cancer vaccines by recruiting unexpected immune cells to mount stronger tumor-fighting responses, challenging previous assumptions about vaccine mechanisms. Furthermore, scientists have pinpointed a shared vulnerability among deadly gut bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella: enzymes that degrade the gut’s protective mucus layer. Targeting this “Achilles’ heel” could lead to a universal vaccine against several major diarrheal diseases (ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily).
In other developments, Johns Hopkins scientists have developed an intranasal DNA vaccine for tuberculosis that enhances the immune system’s ability to target bacteria that evade antibiotics. Animal studies demonstrated faster infection clearance, reduced lung inflammation, and prevention of relapse post-treatment. Separately, researchers have uncovered a novel antiviral defense system in sea anemones that operates differently from human immune responses, suggesting multiple evolutionary pathways for combating viruses and challenging established views on immune system development (ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily).
Natural Disasters & Signs in the Heavens
Recent seismic activity includes a magnitude 0.9 earthquake located 8 kilometers north-northeast of Diamond Ridge, Alaska, at a depth of 57.4 kilometers, recorded on July 13, 2026. Additionally, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck 191 kilometers southeast of Lorengau, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 10 kilometers, classified as a green alert by PAGER. These events highlight ongoing tectonic activity in seismically active regions (USGS).
Additional reports note a magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Frazier Park, California, with a depth of 13.09 kilometers, also classified as a green alert. Meanwhile, a forest fire has been ongoing in Angola since July 5, 2026, continuing through July 13, 2026, raising concerns about environmental and public safety impacts (USGS; GDACS).
Middle Eastern Artifacts
Archaeological excavations at Khirbat Jābir have uncovered twelve marble artifacts from the bathhouse, including a female head sculpture, a small Corinthian capital, a lion-headed bracket, and other richly decorated architectural elements. These finds provide insight into the artistic and architectural styles of the period. Additionally, pottery recovered at Khirbat Jābir spans from the Byzantine through the Early Islamic periods, indicating continuous occupation and activity at the site during these eras (Israel Antiquities Authority; Israel Antiquities Authority).
Further reports from the field include a weekend roundup from the Wadi Tumilat in Egypt, where archaeologists have uncovered a residential complex, storage and production facilities, pottery bearing seal impressions, ten mudbrick graves, and human burials. Meanwhile, the first season of excavations at Ashdod has commenced, focusing on understanding the function, dating, and layout of the city gate. Volunteers have shared their experiences contributing to this ongoing research (BiblePlaces; BiblePlaces).