Iran flew IRGC commanders, military advisers, and missile- and drone-related equipment into Houthi-controlled Yemen this month, Reuters reports. A Mahan Air flight carrying between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel departed Tehran on July 13 and was diverted from Sanaa to Hodeidah after Saudi airstrikes targeted Sanaa airport Reuters reports. The personnel were sent to support Houthi operations and train fighters on new missile systems. The aircraft also carried gold to finance further Houthi activities.

IRAN ESCALATION: PM Netanyahu will chair a small security meeting tomorrow afternoon, Channel 12 reports. The subject has not been disclosed, though the meeting is believed to concern Iran.

An Israeli official told Ynet that the region appears headed toward escalation as D.C. pressures Iran to return to negotiations or face the consequences. Two sources told Axios that Iran has not accepted the latest U.S. proposal, with one saying, “We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful.” The official added that the U.S. could ask Israel to participate in future action, though D.C. does not currently appear eager to do so.

The Sfas Emes yeshiva bochur from Gur, whose arrest prompted the major Atzeres Tefillah outside Prison 10, is being released now after his sentence was reduced from 20 days to eight.

Reading Megillas Eichah at Chabad World Headquarters, 770 Eastern Parkway, on Tisha B’Av night.

Netanyahu’s office is furious over comments made by MK Moshe Saada in an interview with Channel 14, in which he said: “We are approaching an attack on Iran, perhaps even this weekend.”

אוי לנו על גלות השכינה…
Mekubal HaRav Yaakov Ades overnight at the Me’aras Hamachpelah in Chevron, pouring out heartfelt tefillos for Klal Yisroel and the exile of the Shechinah.

Former Hamas hostage Bar Kuperstein revealed that he and fellow captives decided to observe the Tisha B’Av fast while being held in a Hamas tunnel in Gaza. “We decided to fast on Tisha B’Av in the tunnel in Gaza, and in that Zechus, Hashem should free us,” he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “I saw Araghchi, their foreign minister, yesterday say, ‘An eye for an eye.’ The president’s policy is ‘a head for an eye.’

The House passed a War Powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval, approving the measure in a 214–208 vote. The Senate is expected to vote on a similar resolution later today.

President Trump warned that Iran and the Houthis will face “major military punishment” if the Houthis again attack commercial shipping, after two Saudi ships were targeted overnight. Trump said the U.S. will hold Iran responsible because the Houthis are its proxy, adding that they had acted “responsibly” during the conflict with Iran but are now “starting up again.”

A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail has been placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into the alleged leak of sensitive information about the vice president’s travel plans, according to multiple reports. CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that the agent is suspected of providing details to members of the media regarding Vance’s travel schedule. A second source confirmed that officials have identified a person believed to be responsible for the leak.

Watch legendary singer Mordechai Ben David share how the holy Ribnitzer Rebbe ZT”L conducted himself during the Three Weeks–and especially on Tisha B’Av. Sackcloth. Ashes. Tearing kriya. Fasting for two days–and more. MBD, who was zoche to be meshamesh the Ribnitzer Rebbe for many years, gives a rare glimpse into these awe-inspiring hanhagos.

At the instruction of HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, public tefilla gatherings and the recitation of Tehillim will take place in shuls throughout Israel on Motzei Tisha B’Av at 10:00 p.m., with tefillos for the yeshua of Klal Yisrael during this difficult period.

אֱלִי צִיּוֹן וְעָרֶיהָ…
Hagaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein recites the Kinnos this morning, breaking down in bitter tears.

Hosted by Rabbi Nachman Seltzer. 4 incredible stories of unbreakable strength, survival and perseverance.

* Rav Gav – on nearly dying
* R’ Dovid Orlofsky – on his abusive childhood
* The Ribnitzer Rebbe’s Gabbai with heroic stories of the rebbe
* Yoav – Yad L’Achim rescuer telling a dramatic rescue story

A Tisha B’Av film like no other. Never before seen footage. Four Stories of Danger, Drama, Despair, and Perseverance.

PRE-ORDER NOW:
https://TishaBavfilm.com

WAR BUILDUP: The U.S. is rapidly moving additional troops, fighter jets, bombers, medical personnel and weapons toward the Middle East, giving President Trump more options to expand military operations against Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Special operations forces have deployed to the region, fighter squadrons are being positioned across the Middle East, and long-range bombers have been placed on heightened alert. More than 150 military medical personnel have also arrived at a U.S. hospital in Germany as the Pentagon prepares for the possibility of a broader campaign.

The Trump administration is weighing military strikes in Mali against JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, The Washington Post reports.

Senior officials are divided over whether the U.S. should act directly. Counterterrorism official Sebastian Gorka is pushing for military action, while others argue regional forces should take the lead. Options under discussion reportedly include U.S. airstrikes targeting JNIM leaders, but no final decision has been made.