Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael SecurityShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeIranian ships in the strait of Hormuz, through a U.S. camera. Credit: US CentCom/ReutersThe U.S. doesn't want Israel directly involved in the current round against Iran, but still depends on its intelligence and operational capabilitiesHagai Amit12:58 PM • July 16 2026 IDTThe round of fighting between the U.S. and Iran that began last week marks a unique moment for Israel: For the first time since October 7, 2023, it is not an active participant in a major Middle Eastern conflict.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Jordan Israel - IranDonald TrumpStrait of HormuzIranCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Israel NewsStrait of HormuzIranMahmoud AhmadinejadRo Khanna Moody'sIsrael ElectionsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastIsrael Isn't Attacking Iran, but It's Deeply Involved in This WarResigning Likud MK: 'One Third' of Party Tried to Oust Netanyahu After Oct. 7Israel Police Officer Suspected of Obstructing Jerusalem Murder InvestigationU.S. Strikes Around Tehran for First Time Since Trump Declared End of Cease-fireThe Death of Israel's Protest Movement Is a Mark of Shame for So-called LiberalsRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIInside the Mossad Plot to Install Ahmadinejad as Iran's LeaderThe Original Tradwives of Ancient RomeEgypt Lost the World Cup. But Was the Referee Really Jewish?Eisenkot Is Quietly Gaining Ground in Likud Territory. Enough to Beat Netanyahu?Ro Khanna, U.S. Lawmaker & Israel Critic, Says West Bank Settlers 'Detained' HimRahm Emanuel Wants to Save Israel. But Are Israelis Listening?