Global Watch Daily – July 24, 2026
A concise summary of significant developments in Israel and the world through a grounded Christian worldview.
Israel & Jerusalem
Israeli tourists fend off axe, knife attack in Mongolia. Diaspora Affairs Ministry said six Israelis were targeted after speaking Hebrew at a northern Mongolian campsite, where attackers reportedly shouted “Heil Hitler.” Thousands of Koreans visit Israel in faith-based trip — “Your decision to convene in Israel during these challenging times is a profound demonstration of friendship, solidarity and confidence in our nation,” Michael Izhakov, director general of the Israeli Tourism Ministry, told the Christian tourists. Four Palestinians and one Israeli were killed in a West Bank shooting. Palestinians say villagers came under attack by settlers, while the Israeli military says a Palestinian stole a weapon and opened fire on hikers. (JNS; JNS; BBC News)
Another current development involves Mamdani can still threaten Netanyahu without arresting him — The New York City mayor will count on a well-established playbook by anti-Israeli protesters to attempt to upend the prime minister’s visit. Saudis must recognize Israel for nuclear deal, says Trump. The US president says the landmark agreement to help Saudis develop nuclear energy is dependent on it joining the Abraham Accords. Yemen’s Houthis attack Saudi tanker as US launches more Iran strikes. The Iran-backed group, which previously announced a “maritime embargo” against Saudi Arabia, also claims to have hit another vessel. (JNS; BBC News; BBC News)
Wars & Security (Israel and Region)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s short-sighted decision to fire his popular defense minister may ultimately redound to Ukraine’s benefit, as the firestorm it unleashed has forced Zelenskyy to install a widely respected, new-school officer as Ukraine’s top general. The US says it’s degrading Iran’s threat, but as the renewed air campaign approaches the two-week mark, the math still doesn’t check out. Houthis announce blockade of Saudi Arabia, ships reroute to avoid Bab al Mandeb Strait. The Houthis declared a complete maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, claiming it is in response to blockades imposed by the Saudi-led coalition that supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Saudi Arabia denounced the blockade and said it will protect its ships, but multiple commercial. (Long War Journal; Long War Journal; Long War Journal)
Another current development involves Somalia, which claims it killed a senior Shabaab leader. Somalia said that it and “international partners” killed Maalin Jinow Ibrahim, a reported co-founder of Shabaab and a member of its central shura council, in a targeted operation earlier this month. However, Al Qaeda’s branch for East Africa has yet to confirm his death. The post Somalia claims it; Iran’s regime should not be allowed to project power — The post Iran’s regime should not be allowed to project power appeared first on FDD. The post Saudi nuclear deal requires normalized Israel relations appeared first on FDD. (Long War Journal; FDD; FDD)
The post House passes $1.15T defense bill with Israel provision appeared first on FDD. The implications of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal appeared first on FDD. Director of Environment and Society Centre gives evidence to UK Parliament Energy Committee. (FDD; FDD; Chatham House)
Iran has intensified drone and missile attacks on Kurdish Iranian opposition groups and energy infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq amid renewed tensions with the United States. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to balance relations with Washington. Iran reportedly tells Houthis to close Bab al Mandeb Strait if US strikes power grid. Reuters reported that Iran’s leaders instructed the Houthis in Yemen to close Bab al Mandeb Strait, the maritime chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea, if the United States strikes Iran’s power infrastructure. The Houthis are also focused on an escalatory cycle with Saudi Arabia that began. (Long War Journal; Long War Journal)
Global Macro & Geopolitics
Ted Cruz Slams Tinubu Over U.S. Lobbyist. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)
Pestilence & Global Health
Scientists have found a way to revive vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that some dangerous bacteria have learned to resist. Instead of creating an entirely new drug, researchers paired vancomycin with a small molecule called pghi-4, which blocks a bacterial enzyme linked to resistance. Researchers are applying evolutionary theory to cancer by changing treatments before tumors have time to develop resistance. Mathematical models suggest that rapid, carefully timed switches between multiple therapies could improve cure rates. Scientists uncovered how influenza A commandeers human cells, including a surprising strategy that dissolves tiny structures in the nucleus and releases proteins the virus may use to reproduce. The detailed molecular map could reveal new drug targets and help researchers study dangerous flu strains. (ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily)
A naturally occurring compound found in foods such as wheat germ, mushrooms, and aged cheese may help older adults build stronger protection after vaccination. In a small pilot trial, researchers gave spermidine supplements to adults over 65 following their third COVID-19 vaccine dose. Tiny plastic particles in drinking water may be doing more than contaminating the environment. New research suggests nanoplastics can actually help harmful bacteria survive by strengthening the slimy biofilms they form inside water systems. These tougher biofilms become more resistant. (ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily)
Middle Eastern Artifacts
The excavation at the entrance to the Visitor Center in the City of David uncovered a small but significant assemblage of ceramics, all from stratified contexts, including bowls, basins, storage jars, and jugs. (Israel Antiquities Authority; Israel Antiquities Authority)
Archaeologists working at Shiloh this summer discovered “a lavish ritual bath, a clay cooking pot and a rare purple-dye snail shell.” Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered 18 ancient tombs, a granite sarcophagus, and dozens of rare burial objects at Marina El Alamein, offering new insight into the city’s role as a cultural crossroads. (BiblePlaces; BiblePlaces)