Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-19 at 21:02

HEADLINESDrones From Iraq Target UAE Barakah PlantRepublicans Split Over Israel Policy Polls ShowNegev Becomes International Wine RegionThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq. The United Arab Emirates said six drones were launched against it from Iraq in the past 48 hours, including one that caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear facility. The defense ministry said it intercepted five of the six drones, with three aimed at Barakah; the drone that penetrated the defense hit an electric generator outside the inner perimeter, while UAE authorities stressed the plant remained safe and no radioactive material was released. The UAE has asserted it reserves the right to respond to what it calls terrorist attacks. Iraq is home to Iranian-backed militia groups that have claimed attacks on bases in the region during the US-Israeli war on Iran. At the United Nations, UAE ambassador Mohamed Abushahab told a Security Council meeting called to discuss the attack on the Barakah plant that the incident underscores regional threats and the need for accountability.In US Policy Concerning Israel, polls show growing split among Republicans over support for Israel. A New York Times/Siena poll found 38% of potential Republican voters would like the next Republican candidate for president to move in a new direction on Israel rather than follow Trump’s lead, while nearly a third said Trump has been too supportive of Israel, with a margin of error of about 2.8 points. The survey notes Israel is becoming a fault line within the Republican Party and on the left and mentions tensions within leadership, including a primary challenge to the party’s most anti-Israel Republican from a Trump-backed challenger. A separate poll released last week indicated MAGA-aligned Republicans who support Trump are more likely than other Trump voters to back the Israeli government. In Kentucky, Congressman Thomas Massie, a GOP critic of Israel aid and of Trump, lost his primary to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, a result viewed by supporters of Israel and the Trump faction as a test of influence in the party.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Foreign Ministry denies claims of strikes against Gaza-bound flotilla. The Foreign Ministry insisted that at no point was live ammunition fired as activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israeli forces of firing on vessels delivering aid to Gaza. The ministry said video showed soldiers firing shots at two boats, but after multiple warnings non-lethal means were used toward the vessels, not toward protesters, and no protesters were injured. The flotilla, which had 50 boats and about 428 participants from more than 40 countries (including 78 Turks), was intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with 430 activists transferred to Israeli vessels and en route to meet consular representatives. The ministry dismissed the flotilla as a PR stunt and said activists would be processed accordingly.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Sally Rooney to issue novel in Hebrew with Israeli publisher who complies with BDS. Irish author Sally Rooney will publish her latest novel in Hebrew through an Israeli publisher approved by boycott activists, with the Hebrew translation of Intermezzo set for release next month by November Books in collaboration with +972 Magazine and Local Call. The arrangement follows Rooney’s interview with Palestinian-Irish activist Samir Eskanda for The Guardian. Rooney previously declined to sell the Hebrew translation rights to the Israeli publisher that published her earlier Hebrew editions, saying she supported BDS and would not work with an Israeli publisher unless it publicly distanced itself from the government.In Israeli Economy and Business, wine accessories take center stage in Israeli homes despite global decline in consumption. Global wine consumption fell to a 27-year low in 2025, while the wine cooler has moved from niche to central in Israeli homes. Among younger consumers, quality over quantity matters as wine is chosen rather than automatically consumed, a trend visible around Shavuot with new decorative stands and gadgets that elevate the table setting and wine experience. Wine-related gadgets, such as temperature thermometers and air-pressure devices, have become popular, reflecting a shift toward more intentional wine enjoyment.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s Negev officially recognized as international wine region. The Negev Desert has been designated an international wine region, listed as a protected geographical indication under the name Negev. The recognition followed a four-year effort led by the Merage Foundation Israel and is seen as strengthening the region’s economic and tourism potential and positioning the Negev among leading wine regions globally. The designation emphasizes the Negev as a rising center for wine production and wine tourism, broadening Israel’s international standing in the sector.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896759https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896756https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk1hgyq1zlhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896755https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896758https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896763https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896757

HEADLINESDrones target Barakah plant UAE warnsIsrael intercepts Gaza flotilla 430 detainedGOP splits over Israel policy poll showsThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, the United Arab Emirates said six drones were launched from Iraq in the last 48 hours, with three targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and one penetrating the defenses to strike an electric generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter. Officials said the plant remained safe and no radioactive material was released, and the defense ministry said it intercepted all but one of the drones. Emirati officials have asserted the right to respond to such what they call terrorist attacks, while Iraq-based militia groups have claimed attacks on bases in the region amid the broader conflict surrounding Iran. At the United Nations, the UAE ambassador to the world body noted the security council discussion, and the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, warned that a direct hit on Barakah would cause a very high release of radioactivity. In a separate development, Israel said live ammunition was not fired during clashes with a Gaza-bound flotilla; it said non-lethal measures were used after warnings and that no protesters were injured. The flotilla was intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with about 430 activists from more than 40 countries detained and transferred to Israeli vessels, and with officials saying no aid was found on the boats. The Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a public relations exercise for Hamas and reaffirmed consular access for detained participants.In US Policy Concerning Israel, two polls show a growing split among Republicans over Israel policy. A New York Times/Siena poll released this week found 38% of potential Republican voters would like the party’s next presidential candidate to move in a new direction on Israel, while nearly a third said Trump had been too supportive of Israel, underscoring tensions within the party over alignment with Trump-era policy. In another political development, Massie, a GOP critic of Israel aid and of Trump, lost Kentucky’s primary to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in a costly contest, illustrating ongoing debates within the party about its stance on Israel and its political realignments. Separately, a poll referenced in the coverage suggested that MAGA-aligned Republicans who back Trump are more inclined to back the Israeli government, highlighting a nuanced split within supporters on how closely to align with Israeli policy.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Haredi lawmakers accuse Netanyahu of stalling as the Knesset dissolution vote looms, with the coalition moving to advance a bill to dissolve parliament while Netanyahu races to pass an ultra-Orthodox draft exemption law; Haredi parties say the timing suggests a bid to influence October elections. In a separate development, the High Court of Justice found that the committee vetting for the next Mossad chief, Major General Roman Gofman, was deficient and asked the panel to review new documents and interview two key figures involved in the affair, with a deadline set for late May. The court’s decision could affect whether the committee’s earlier recommendation stands, depending on the new materials and testimony.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Irish novelist Sally Rooney plans to publish a Hebrew translation of Intermezzo with an Israeli publisher that complies with the BDS framework, in collaboration with +972 Magazine and Local Call. The arrangement has drawn backlash and calls for boycotts in Israel and beyond, following Rooney’s previous refusal in 2021 to license a Hebrew translation, as she expressed support for the BDS movement. The decision marks an unusual step in literary publishing, given Rooney’s past stance and the ongoing debate over cultural boycotts and Palestinian-Israeli politics.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli wine culture is taking center stage even as global consumption declines, with wine accessories and specialized stands becoming prominent on Shavuot tables as younger consumers favor quality over quantity and moderate consumption. At the same time, Israel’s Negev Desert received international recognition as a protected wine region, designated under the name Negev, a status that strengthens its standing in global wine tourism. The recognition followed a four-year effort by the Merage Foundation Israel and is expected to boost regional development, tourism, and wine industry momentum, positioning the Negev among leading wine regions worldwide.In Uplifting News, Captain Maoz Recanati’s last gift to a wounded comrade endures: two weeks before he fell in battle, he left Lebanon to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital and gave a battalion flag to a fellow tank soldier who later attended his funeral in a wheelchair.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896759https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896755https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896756https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk1hgyq1zlhttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjvocdcjmlhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/court-says-committees-vetting-of-mossad-chief-appointment-deficient-asks-for-review/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896758https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896763https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896757https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rklxjvcjmx

HEADLINESIran claims F-35 down, vows more surprisesIsrael detains hundreds after Gaza flotilla interceptionSenate inches toward war powers over IranThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran's powerful Armed Forces were the first to strike down a touted F-35, and he warned that a return to war would feature many more surprises, saying lessons learned and knowledge gained would guide future actions.In Regional Impacts, the Foreign Ministry said no live ammunition was fired after multiple warnings to the Gaza-bound flotilla, and that non-lethal measures were used against the vessels with no protesters injured. The Global Sumud Flotilla had claimed that all 50 boats were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with 428 participants from more than 40 countries detained, including 78 Turks, and that activists were transferred to Israeli vessels en route to Israel and would meet consular representatives. Separately, the IDF completed the takeover of the flotilla, detaining 430 activists, while officials denied live-fire claims and an Israeli Eurovision song, “Michelle,” was broadcast to activists. NATO’s top commander said the alliance is not drawing up plans for a Hormuz mission; any decision would require the political approval of all 32 members, with several opposed and no formal proposal yet, noting the political direction must come first before formal planning.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States Senate voted 50-47 on a procedural move to advance a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military action against Iran without congressional approval.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice said the committee that approved the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as Mossad chief was deficient, urging the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee to review new documents and interview two figures central to the controversy, with guidance to inform the court by May 21 and complete the review by May 26. Separately, as Israel’s ruling party pushes forward with a bill to dissolve the Knesset amid Ultra-Orthodox anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two frontrunners for prime minister, Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu, remain neck-and-neck, with Polymarket traders placing a 40% probability that Bennett will be the next prime minister.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a commentary argues that anti-Zionism can become a respectable form of antisemitism by borrowing vocabulary from human rights and social justice, noting that Australia’s Bondi Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion is examining the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack and that its interim report recommends measures to yield lasting institutional and political change. The United States Department of Justice announced the upcoming launch of the Anti-Semitism Advisory Committee to advise the Attorney General on strategies to combat rising antisemitism, building on efforts associated with President Trump, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praising Leo Terrell for leading the department’s antisemitism response efforts. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, in an interview with Channel 13, said Israel has “definitely lost its morality,” criticizing US funding for its military and questioning Israel’s democracy, arguing that many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza lack political rights.In Uplifting News, the security guard killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego was hailed as a hero after engaging two gunmen, sacrificing his life to protect about 140 schoolchildren inside the mosque and activating lockdown protocols; Amin Abdullah, also known as Brian Climax, was identified by police, and two other men who helped deter the suspects died in the incident. In a separate account, Captain Maoz Recanati’s last gift to a wounded comrade—two weeks before his death in battle—was a battalion flag given to a soldier who later attended his funeral in a wheelchair, symbolizing comradeship amid conflict.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/JewishNews24/54590https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896755https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b16cwp91fxhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896750https://t.me/JewishNews24/54592https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-says-committees-vetting-of-mossad-chief-appointment-deficient-asks-for-review/https://t.me/DefenderDome/20815https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896754https://t.me/JewishNews24/54591https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896748https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896753https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rklxjvcjmx

HEADLINESIsrael Detains 430 Gaza Flotilla ActivistsIsraeli Court Faults Mossad VettingAmin Abdullah Hailed After Shielding WorshippersThe time is now 7:57 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Israeli authorities say the Gaza flotilla incident was contained with warnings and non-lethal measures after multiple checks, and that no live ammunition was fired with no protesters injured. The Foreign Ministry said no aid was found on the boats, and that while video from the flotilla livestream showed soldiers firing at two vessels, the intervention targeted the vessels, not protesters. About 428 participants from more than 40 countries were detained, including 78 Turks, and all 430 activists were transferred to Israeli vessels and were en route to Israel with consular access planned. The ministry also framed the flotilla as a PR stunt in service of Hamas. In a separate development, the IDF completed the takeover of the flotilla en route from Turkey to Gaza, detaining 430 activists; officials denied live-fire claims, and reports noted that the Israeli Eurovision song Michelle was broadcast to activists. NATO is not drawing up plans for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz; any decision would be political and require the approval of all 32 members, with several signaled opposition and no formal proposal yet. NATO’s top commander said the political direction comes first, and formal planning would follow only after that direction is set. The broader regional context remains, as Iran began blockading the Strait after the February actions by the United States and Israel, a move that has pushed up oil prices, raised shipping costs, and squeezed supplies.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice ruled that the committee vetting Major General Roman Gofman’s appointment as Mossad chief was deficient and urged a review of key matter at the heart of petitions against the appointment. The court said the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee did not obtain a complete picture because it did not examine relevant documentation or hear from two figures central to the controversy. It asked the panel to review new documents and interview those two figures, with a deadline to inform the court by May 21 and to complete the work by May 26. The court also noted an affidavit submitted on Sunday and urged the committee to consider it in its review.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that anti-Zionism increasingly uses the language of human rights, decolonization, and social justice in ways that shield antisemitism, referencing Australia’s Bondi Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. The commission is holding public hearings on the December 2025 Bondi Beach attack that killed fifteen people and wounded more than forty, an incident described as Australia’s worst since Port Arthur. The interim report, released in late April and containing fourteen recommendations, has drawn cautious approval from Jewish communities in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Jewish leaders say the report must translate into lasting institutional and political change rather than mere platitudes as antisemitism rises globally. Separately, on the international stage, pop star Harry Styles, opening night of his Amsterdam tour, briefly acknowledged a pro-Palestinian chant in the crowd and replied “Correct” when prompted; the moment marks his first public remark on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Styles is newly engaged to actress Zoe Kravitz and has longstanding ties to Jewish culture.In Uplifting News, the Islamic Center of San Diego community is honoring Amin Abdullah, the security guard who was killed protecting worshippers during a shooting outside the mosque. Abdullah, also known as Brian Climax among friends, opened fire on two gunmen as they ran toward the parking lot, helping to deter the attack and activate lockdown protocols that allowed about 140 children inside the building to seek shelter. He was fatally shot in the parking lot, and two other men who helped distract the suspects assisted responding officers as they closed in.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896755https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b16cwp91fxhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896750https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-says-committees-vetting-of-mossad-chief-appointment-deficient-asks-for-review/https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896754https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896752https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896753

HEADLINES- NATO paused plans for Hormuz mission- Senate advances Iran war powers resolution- Israel pushes Knesset dissolution amid PM feudThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is not drawing up plans for a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz, its top commander said on Tuesday. NATO would require a political decision to act and the approval of all 32 member states before any mission, and several members have signaled opposition, though no formal proposal has been presented yet. United States Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, said the conditions for operating in the Strait of Hormuz are ultimately a political decision; the political direction comes first and formal planning follows, and while he is thinking about it, there is no planning until the political decision is taken. Iran began blockading the critical Gulf waterway after the United States and Israel launched military action against the country in February, and the blockade has pushed up oil prices, driven up shipping costs, and squeezed supplies of raw materials.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Senate advanced a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers in Iran, marking a breakthrough for Democrats after seven failed attempts in a 50 to 47 vote. The measure, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, would direct the president to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. The vote is only a first step; even if both chambers approve the resolution, the president is expected to veto it. In a related note in Hebrew-language reporting, it was noted that four Republican members voted in favor of the resolution, signaling cross-party interest in reining in war powers.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s ruling party is pushing ahead with a bill to dissolve the Knesset amid Ultra-Orthodox anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu still neck-and-neck in assessments by traders who placed a 40% probability that Bennett becomes the next prime minister. Separately, tomorrow’s hearing in the corruption case against Netanyahu has been canceled due to a diplomatic-security schedule, as lawmakers prepare to hold a preliminary vote on dissolving the Knesset; Netanyahu has frequently asked for hearings to be canceled or shortened due to duties related to the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. In a broader media exchange, Tucker Carlson told Channel 13 in Israel that Israel has “definitely lost its morality,” citing civilian casualties in wars with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran as examples, while arguing that United States funding for Israel’s military is problematic and suggesting that Israel is not a democracy because Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza do not have voting rights. Traders on Polymarket also predict a 40% chance that Bennett will become prime minister.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Bondi Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia continues public hearings into the Bondi Beach terror attack, which in December 2025 shocked Jewish communities in Australia, New Zealand, and around the world, killing fifteen people and injuring more than forty. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion released an interim report at the end of April containing fourteen recommendations; Jewish leaders welcomed the report but urged that it translate into lasting institutional and political change rather than mere platitudes. As antisemitism remains a global concern, the commission’s findings will have significance for Jewish communities in Australia and beyond.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896750https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1323489https://t.me/selena_updates/64078https://t.me/DefenderDome/20815https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896748https://t.me/DefenderDome/20814https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896754

HEADLINES- Unsafe readiness before Iranian strike killed six- Gulf leaders urge Trump delay Iran strike- Luxor uncovers thirty mummified cats and coffinsThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Army ignoring safety concerns before Iranian strike led to mass casualty, soldiers say - report, survivors recount the mounting warnings that medical staffing and supplies were insufficient at a Kuwait outpost before the strike that killed six service members and wounded about 20. Survivors say neither the unit nor the facility was prepared for the attack, despite requests weeks earlier for more medical personnel and supplies that apparently went unanswered. They say there was no plan for a mass-casualty event or rehearsals before Operation Epic Fury, and that the aftermath was chaotic, with soldiers commandeering civilian vans and searching for a local hospital to treat the wounded. Among the fallen, Master Sergeant Nicole Amor is cited as one who might have survived if more resources had been available and if readiness had matched the threat.In Why did Gulf states ask Trump to hold off on Iran strikes? - analysis, regional analysts say Gulf leaders fear that even a limited American strike on Iran could trigger retaliatory attacks aimed at Gulf energy and infrastructure. The tension has prompted leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to press President Trump to delay any strike as negotiations continue. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said regional leaders urged him to hold off while they seek a deal described as very acceptable to the United States. Analysts warn that even narrowly targeted actions could prompt attacks on desalination facilities, electrical grids, oil infrastructure, and shipping lanes across the Gulf, raising the specter of a wider confrontation that could threaten regional stability and global energy flows.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Vice President JD Vance says 'a lot of progress' made in Iran talks, the United States and Iran have reportedly advanced in talks, with neither side wanting a return to direct military action. Vance said he spoke with President Trump, who emphasized that the core issue is that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Vance reiterated that the goal is to prevent Iranian momentum on nuclear capacity and to establish a framework to ensure Tehran cannot rebuild that capacity in the future. The administration has emphasized a path toward ensuring Gulf allies remain cautious about proliferation, and officials note that reopening critical routes like the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic objective. Separately, the US Treasury sanctioned organizers of the Islamist Gaza flotilla, reflecting continued sanctions enforcement against groups linked to anti-Israel activities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel has lost its morality, Tucker Carlson says in first interview with Israeli media, Carlson argued that Israel’s civilian casualties in recent wars reflect a moral failing and criticized US funding for Israel’s military, stating that Americans should not be financing actions he described as wrong. Carlson also questioned whether Israel functions as a democracy, pointing to the status of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. He pushed back on attempts to label past comments as genocide, while maintaining his view that US support complicates ethical judgment over Israel’s military actions. In a separate development, the Knesset dissolution bill vote is set for Wednesday as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition faces a crisis over the haredi draft bill, with both government and opposition preparing measures to move elections earlier and to define a new timeline in the wake of coalition tensions.In Uplifting News, over 30 mummified cats, ancient Egyptian tombs, coffins discovered at Luxor necropolis site, archaeologists report a significant find at the Dra Abū el-Naga necropolis on the Luxor West Bank. The ongoing excavations have uncovered a cache of ten wooden coffins, found within a burial shaft and in good condition. Preliminary dating places four of the coffins in the 18th Dynasty, including one bearing the name Merit, believed to be a chantress of Amun, with other coffins dating to Ramesside periods. The discoveries illuminate burial practices and material culture in a site long tied to royals and scribes, as researchers continue to uncover remains and inscriptions that enrich our understanding of ancient Egyptian religion and daily life.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896736https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896740https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896743https://t.me/selena_updates/64073https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896748https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896744https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-896697

HEADLINES- Kuwait strike kills soldiers; aid requests ignored- Gulf fears retaliation disrupts energy, shipping- Israel strikes Hezbollah sites in southern LebanonThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, at least one soldier who was killed in the Iranian strike on a US military outpost in Kuwait could have survived if requests for medical supplies weeks before had not been ignored, survivors said, in a CBS report. According to several soldiers, neither their unit nor the facility was prepared for the strike, which killed six US soldiers and wounded 20, the day after the war began on March 1. The unit had expressed concerns weeks before about both the number of medical personnel on hand and the availability and accessibility of medical supplies, and they received no response. Additionally, Master Sergeant Ann Marie Carrier told CBS that the Army had no plan for a mass-casualty event and that there were no run-throughs or rehearsals before the start of Operation Epic Fury. “We didn’t have any training,” Carrier said. “There was really nothing in place for something like that to happen.” CBS described the aftermath of the strike as unorganized and chaotic, with soldiers commandeering civilian vans and trying to find a local hospital for the wounded. Major Stephen Ramsbottom told CBS that he believed one of the fallen soldiers, Master Sergeant Nicole Amor, could have survived if there had been more medical personnel and supplies at the post.In Regional Impacts, Gulf leaders fear that even a limited American strike on Iranian energy or military infrastructure could provoke retaliatory attacks targeting desalination facilities, electrical grids, oil infrastructure, and shipping lanes throughout the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar urged President Trump to hold off on the planned strike, and Trump wrote that in negotiations with those leaders a deal could be reached that would be very acceptable to the United States. Regional analysts caution that even a limited strike could widen the conflict and bring wider disruption to Gulf energy and infrastructure. Separately, observers note that Ben-Gurion Airport is expected to remain operational even in renewed hostilities with Iran, with officials arguing that Iran’s launch capabilities have declined and that the country is now only capable of small salvos of 10–15 missiles rather than large, past-scale barrages.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel carried out a fire belt of eight airstrikes on Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Kafr Jouz al-Kafour, in southern Lebanon.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Vice President JD Vance said there has been a lot of progress in talks with Iran, and neither side wants to see a resumption of the military campaign. He said he had just spoken with Trump, who stressed that the core issue for the US is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. Vance said a deal is the aim, warning that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Gulf and other nations would seek their own capabilities. The United States wants a process to ensure Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear capacity in the years ahead. Separately, the US Treasury sanctioned an Iranian foreign currency exchange house and associated front companies, Amin Exchange, describing Iran’s shadow banking network as facilitating illicit funding for terrorist purposes. The managers named were Yousef Ebrahimi, Mahmoud Ebrahimi, Samad Nemati, and Ali Hazrati Chakherlo. The sanctions come as part of broader efforts to disrupt Tehran’s financial networks. In other developments, Rubio heads to a NATO meeting in Sweden amid concerns about President Trump’s Europe troop reductions and the Iran war fallout, before traveling to India for Quad-related meetings. The Treasury also sanctioned Islamist Gaza flotilla organizers, signaling ongoing initiatives to constrain operatives linked to broader regional tensions.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset dissolution bill vote is set for Wednesday for its first plenum vote amid a coalition crisis over the haredi draft bill. If the bill passes, it would move the election date forward slightly from October 27 and would proceed to debate in the House Committee, requiring three readings to take effect. The opposition plans to introduce its own dissolution bill for a Wednesday vote as well. In a separate development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it has finished taking control of all flotilla ships; flotilla activists are on their way to Israel to meet with consular representatives.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896736https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896740https://t.me/JewishNews24/54587https://t.me/selena_updates/64068https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896743https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896732https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyq4mrcymxhttps://t.me/selena_updates/64073https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896744https://t.me/newssil/201976

HEADLINESKuwait Outpost Strike Kills Six US SoldiersHezbollah Attack Claims Israeli Major in LebanonGulf Leaders Urge Delay Iran Strike NowThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, survivors say the unit and the facility were unprepared for the Iranian strike that killed six US soldiers and wounded twenty at a Kuwait outpost. Major Stephen Ramsbottom told CBS that he believed one of the fallen soldiers, Master Sergeant Nicole Amor, could have survived if there had been more medical personnel and supplies on site. Reports indicate that the unit had raised concerns weeks before about the number of medical staff and the availability of medical supplies, but there was no response. There was reportedly no plan for a mass-casualty event and no rehearsals prior to the start of Operation Epic Fury. The aftermath was described as disorganized and chaotic, with soldiers commandeering civilian vans and trying to reach a local hospital.In Regional Impacts, Gulf leaders pressed to hold off on Iran strikes, fearing a broader regional war and attacks on Gulf infrastructure. President Trump said in a Truth Social post that Emir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and the President of the United Arab Emirates urged him to delay the planned attack, with hopes that a deal could be reached. Regional analysts warn that even a limited strike on Iranian energy or military infrastructure could provoke retaliatory strikes targeting desalination facilities, electrical grids, oil infrastructure, and shipping lanes throughout the Gulf, contributing to wider disruption in the region.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Major Itamar Sapir, 27, a Maglan reserve officer from Ariel, was killed in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah fighters fired from a church toward IDF troops. Sapir served as deputy commander of a company in Battalion 7008, and he is reported as the tenth Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire began. His family said he spoke with his wife before the battle, and that he named his toddler son after a fallen comrade. The same period also saw intensified pressure around Hamas, including sanctions by the US Treasury on a Gaza flotilla leader tied to Hamas and linked front groups, with Saif Abukeshek, Hisham Abu Mahfuz, Mohammed Khatib, and Jaldia Abubakra designated for their roles in the flotilla and related networks. The Department of the Treasury described the flotilla as part of efforts to undermine stalled peace progress and to sever Hamas’ global financial support networks. Separately, Israeli authorities published an internal Hamas message describing a push to escalate kidnappings of IDF soldiers as a tactic to secure prisoner releases, characterizing the new death-penalty framework as a spur for more aggressive actions. Additionally, a recovered Hamas document outlines a seven-day training course for 121 recruits in the Shejaia Battalion during a Gaza ceasefire, detailing weapons training, battlefield first aid, counter-drone instruction, and operational lessons drawn from the October 7 attack, including materials designed for social media propagation and information-security procedures as Hamas prepared for possible renewed conflict.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vice President JD Vance said there has been “a lot of progress” in talks with Iran and stressed that neither side wants a resumption of military action. He noted that the core US objective is that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon, warning that if it did, Gulf states and others would pursue their own arsenals. Vance, who had just spoken with Trump, said Washington seeks a process with Tehran to ensure it cannot rebuild its nuclear capacity in the years ahead. On the financial front, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on an Iranian foreign currency exchange house and associated front companies, Amin Exchange and related entities, over their role in moving hundreds of millions of dollars for sanctioned Iranian banks. Treasury officials named Turkish, Iranian, and Dominican nationals connected to the scheme and underscored that Iran’s shadow banking system facilitates illicit funding for terrorist purposes as part of a broader effort to cut off Tehran’s financial networks.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Tucker Carlson’s first interview with Israeli media, broadcast on Channel 13, argued that Israel has “definitely lost its morality” in recent conflicts, citing civilian casualties in wars against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and challenging the US role in funding Israel’s military. Carlson also argued that Israel is not a democracy given the Palestinian populations in the West Bank and Gaza who lack voting rights, and he disputed the portrayal of Israel’s actions as purely self-defense. Separately, the Knesset dissolution bill to move up elections faced a Wednesday vote amid a coalition crisis over the ultra-Orthodox draft bill, with the government proposing to advance the election date slightly from October 27. If the coalition bill passes to the House Committee, it would need three readings to take effect, and even with an earlier date, August elections are not possible due to a requirement for at least 90 days after dissolution.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-896736https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896740https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896738https://www.jpost.com/international/islamic-terrorism/article-896737https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896712https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896734https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syxh8n9jflhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896743https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896732https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896748https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896744

HEADLINES- President says US nearly struck Iran- NATO considers Hormuz deployment to shield shipping- Hamas plans kidnappings after death penalty lawThe time is now 3:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, a reporter pressed how close the administration came to striking Iran, and the president said he was an hour away, they were all set to go, and it would have been happening right now.In Regional Impacts, NATO is reportedly discussing a deployment to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz if disruptions continue into July, though alliance members remain divided over deeper involvement in the Iran-linked conflict, and energy markets are facing growing pressure as disruptions drive up global oil and LNG prices and raise concerns about broader economic impacts.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Major Itamar Sapir, 27, deputy commander of a company in Battalion 7008, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired from a church toward IDF soldiers, becoming the tenth Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon since the start of the ceasefire; former prime minister Naftali Bennett mourned Sapir, noting he left behind a wife and a one-and-a-half-year-old son. In the Hamas front, leadership is planning to intensify efforts to kidnap Israeli soldiers after a new death-penalty law was passed, describing the legislation as a “fascist law” and calling for escalation of “active operations” with kidnapping framed as the only path to secure Palestinian prisoners’ release. Separately, a captured Hamas document outlines a seven-day training course for 121 new recruits in the Shejaia Battalion, featuring weapons training, battlefield first aid, counter-drone instruction, and lessons drawn from the October 7 attack, with training tightly scheduled amid concerns the ceasefire could collapse and with materials prepared for dissemination on social media as part of Hamas’s messaging.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Gaza flotilla leaders tied to Hamas and Hamas-linked networks were designated under the Office of Foreign Assets Control, with a Treasury statement noting the move aims to sever Hamas’ global financial support; the designation included figures such as Saif Abukeshek and Hisham Abu Mahfuz among others. In a related line, Vice President Vance described Iran as a fractured country and urged a process that ensures not only a commitment to not have a nuclear weapon but years down the road that Iran will not rebuild its nuclear capability, while another Vance remark emphasized shifting resources in Europe to maximize American security rather than pulling every troop out, a stance described as encouraging Europe to take more ownership. Treasury officials also called the flotilla effort a ludicrous bid to derail President Trump’s path to lasting peace and reaffirmed that Hamas’ financial networks will continue to be severed. In a public moment, President Trump said the United States is negotiating with Iran, while Democrats have proposed a bill that he should stop negotiations, warning that war could occur and signaling a potential major action if needed.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu’s cross-examination was canceled for diplomatic and security reasons after the prime minister requested the change, with prosecutors and judges agreeing, and the session shortened to 1:30 p.m.; the trial remains in its defense phase, focusing on Case 2000 involving discussions between Netanyahu and Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes, with the court proceeding despite the cancellation.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced at a Jewish American Heritage Month reception at Gracie Mansion that he plans to add 26 million dollars in funding to prevent hate crimes in the proposed 2027 budget, a move announced as leaders in the Jewish community boycotted the event.In Israeli Economy and Business, the Israel Electric Corporation unveiled the world’s first robotic drone-based system capable of installing and removing orange aviation-warning markers on high-voltage transmission lines, developed with Kronos, using a drone equipped with a robotic payload to attach markers at heights of 20 to 70 meters, replacing helicopters and elevated platforms and promising safer crews, lower costs, and a smarter national grid.In Uplifting News, Steven Meiner, the Jewish mayor of Miami Beach, hosted the inaugural launch of the Jewish Mayors and Municipal Leaders Association, a national initiative created by the Combat Antisemitism Movement to strengthen cooperation among Jewish municipal leaders across the United States.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/JewishNews24/54565https://t.me/JewishNews24/54564https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896738https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896712https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896734https://www.jpost.com/international/islamic-terrorism/article-896737https://t.me/JewishNews24/54581https://t.me/JewishNews24/54582https://t.me/JewishNews24/54566https://t.me/JewishNews24/54567https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896733https://t.me/JewishNews24/54577https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-896735https://t.me/JewishNews24/54575

HEADLINESMinab blast linked to US forcesHamas to escalate kidnappings train 121 recruitsIsrael rolls out color-coded emergency alertsThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, a US military assessment into the blast at a girls’ school in Minab is described as complex because the site sits on an active Iranian cruise missile base, and CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper testified to Congress that an internal evaluation likely points to US forces as responsible for the destruction. The Pentagon has since elevated the probe. The incident occurred on February 28, the first day of the conflict, and Iranian officials say 168 children, mostly girls, were killed. Cooper also noted that Iran has hanged dozens of people since the start of the ceasefire and has targeted civilians in the Middle East thousands of times, while he has said US bombings have reduced Iran’s ability to threaten neighbors and US interests, with Tehran’s defense industry said to be set back by about 90%. He declined to address reports that Iran retains significant missile and drone capabilities. Separately, US Vice President Harris said the United States remains ready for military action if needed, while emphasizing an opportunity to reset the relationship with Iran at the president’s request, but noting that two are needed to complete the tango.In Regional Impacts, the IDF Home Front Command announced an overhaul of its warning system on mobile and smart TV applications to deliver life-saving guidance more clearly. The updates introduce a color-coded system, dedicated sounds, and clearer instructions to help citizens respond faster in emergencies. The new scheme uses a traffic-light style with Red, Yellow, and Green alerts. A Yellow alert, accompanied by a distinct sound, signals a potential incoming threat and provides instructions such as moving toward a protected space as an early warning rather than an immediate threat. A Red alert, with a siren, indicates imminent danger and directs people to enter the nearest protected space. A Green alert signals safer conditions as part of the ongoing improvements inspired by lessons from recent campaigns.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas leadership is reported to be planning to escalate kidnappings of IDF soldiers following the passage of a death-penalty law for terrorists, describing the measure as a “fascist law” and urging its military wing to intensify “active operations” to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners. A separate document captured from Hamas outlines a seven-day training course for 121 new recruits in the Shejaia Battalion, including weapons training, battlefield first aid, counter-drone instruction, and lessons drawn from the October 7 attack; the program appears designed for a swift return to conflict and includes operational lessons and procedures for protecting information security, with training conducted under a tight schedule. Europol disclosed that authorities disrupted 14,200 online posts tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps across 19 countries, as part of a coordinated effort to disrupt IRGC propaganda online in multiple languages and on various platforms, highlighting the group’s online presence for recruitment, fundraising, and messaging.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump said he was “an hour away” from ordering attacks on Iran before several Middle Eastern governments urged him to wait for negotiations. He cited coordination with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and others as part of a broad team approach. A Truth Social post had earlier indicated that leaders in the region asked him to postpone, and Trump said he would wait two days to early next week for Iran to come to an agreement. He indicated that any deal would require Iran to remove its enriched uranium immediately, though he suggested that Iran’s ability to achieve that removal could be constrained by US-Israeli actions, and warned that obtaining a nuclear weapon would be dangerous for regional stability.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cross-examination was canceled for diplomatic or security reasons, with the prosecution and judges agreeing to the request, though a formal ruling has not yet been issued. In a separate development, the High Court of Justice found the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee’s process for approving IDF Major-General Roman Gofman as the next Mossad chief to be lacking, noting he had not been exposed to relevant real-time documents or direct testimony. The court directed the committee to report back by Thursday at noon on whether it will complete its examination; if it proceeds, a further notice on completion must be filed by May 26. Gofman is currently Netanyahu’s military secretary and is slated to take over Mossad on June 2, pending final oversight.In Israeli Economy and Business, the Israel Electric Corporation unveiled what it calls the world’s first robotic drone-based system for high-voltage maintenance. The system replaces helicopters and elevating work platforms by using a drone equipped with a robotic payload to attach orange aviation-warn markers to ground wires at heights of 20 to 70 meters. These markers, required by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Israeli Air Force, alert low-flying aircraft to the presence of power lines, particularly in flat agricultural areas. The project, developed with Kronos, aims to lower costs and improve safety and efficiency for grid expansion and maintenance as thousands of markers are installed each year.In Uplifting News, Rahat’s fourth Film Festival drew about 4,000 visitors for screenings, filmmaker encounters, city tours, and Bedouin cultural celebrations, with the festival showcasing cinema from the Mediterranean and Middle East and featuring the opening night film The Sea. The event was led by artistic directors Yousef Abo Madegem and Daniel Alter and drew Deputy Mayors and other dignitaries for a three-day program of screenings, culture, and tours. In Berlin, ex-captive Alon Ohel performed piano at the Israeli ambassador to Germany’s residence, playing pieces about love and second chances to honor the German organizations and activists who helped secure his release after 738 days in captivity. He described music as a lifeline during captivity and spoke of his gratitude for those who supported his return.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896724https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1323421https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896715https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896712https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896734https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896726https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896722https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896733https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896721https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-896735https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-896716https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-berlin-ex-captive-alon-ohel-plays-piano-in-appreciation-of-support/