Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-21 at 08:02

HEADLINESTrump mulls Iran strike amid stalled talksIran Oman tolls eyed in HormuzHezbollah reveals Ababil attack droneThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the question of whether President Trump will order a strike on Iran remains unresolved. As of Wednesday afternoon, no final decision has been announced, and capitals across the Middle East are watching developments closely. Some outlets have floated a 50-50 chance of action, but those estimates reflect uncertainty rather than a policy choice. There is a sense that Trump does not want to attack Iran, even as Tehran’s stance in ongoing talks shapes the calculus. The reporting notes that there is no clear path forward at the moment. Notably, not a single civilian aircraft is visible in Iranian airspace.In Regional Impacts, Iran is negotiating with Oman to set up charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said they are looking at it and that Oman has a prior relationship with Iran; he added that the United States has total control of the Strait of Hormuz with its blockade.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has for the first time announced the use of a new attack drone type Ababil, as mentioned in multiple statements today. The drone has not yet been shown publicly, but the claim of its use is being reported.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump vowed that the United States will retrieve Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, saying the material will be retrieved and likely destroyed after. He stressed that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, and that Tehran’s leadership insists it will not be allowed to develop a weapon, with discussions also touching on ending the nearly three-month conflict and Pakistani mediation efforts continuing. Trump also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz should be free of tolls and that the United States has total control of the strait. Additional remarks noted that negotiations are active, with the aim of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and that questions about attending personal events, such as his son’s wedding, reflect the weighing of Iran-related priorities.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two of Ahmed Al Ahmed’s brothers were charged with threatening communications in New South Wales, accused of attempting to extort him for money. The brothers, aged 33 and 35, were arrested and appeared in Bankstown Local Court. The reporting notes that Ahmed Al Ahmed was wounded while disarming one of the attackers during the December Hanukkah attack that killed 15 people, and mentions a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than AUD 2.6 million to support him.In Uplifting News, Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost, is explained with its biblical background, prophetic significance, and lasting relevance. Amir guides viewers through the significance of this Divinely-appointed celebration and how it connects to the church today.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/opinion/article-896825https://t.me/JewishNews24/54698https://t.me/hnaftali/23082https://t.me/abualiexpress/122782https://t.me/abualiexpress/122779https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896986https://t.me/JewishNews24/54699https://t.me/JewishNews24/54700https://t.me/DefenderDome/20859https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyv2l2hjmxhttps://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76591https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896985https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76594

HEADLINESMossad weaponizes Hezbollah beepers to cripple rocketsHebron Hamas cell thwarted at last momentIranian-led plot to target German JewryThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, alarms were sounded in Manara as a Hamas cell was exposed in Hebron and authorities said the attack was thwarted at the last moment. A seven-year-old girl fell from a fourth floor in Tel Aviv and is in critical condition. The report also notes a senior figure who was reportedly struck by a bucket of sewage in an incident linked to the Netanyahu government. The coverage cites a Ben Kaspi source describing what Hezbollah had been trying to hide, and includes commentary tied to Noam Betan’s Eurovision appearance.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Inside Israel’s secret operation to turn Hezbollah’s beepers into bombs - exclusive, new disclosures from an insider known as Adam Feyn portray Mossad’s effort against Hezbollah. The account describes how a fleet of beepers was used to cripple Hezbollah’s rocket force, how an operative was lured into an ambush to prevent exposure, how close Iran came to uncovering the plot, how hard it was to gain Hezbollah’s trust, and how third parties were drawn into the operation and later assisted to make amends.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Mai Golan responds to the Israeli ambassador to the United States, saying her remarks were taken out of context and that the ambassador has shown appreciation for her global public diplomacy work, including efforts to mobilize Jewish communities in the United States in support of Israel’s interests. The section also reports that the IDF questioned a suspect in an attempted hit-and-run in the West Bank, detaining the vehicle and transferring the suspect to security forces for questioning. A related incident near Ofra the day before involved an argument between an Israeli and a Palestinian driver, an alleged pepper-spray confrontation, and authorities stopping a vehicle matching the description of the car used in the attempted ramming.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two men were indicted for a plot to assassinate German Jewish leaders on behalf of Iran. Danish national Ali S. and Afghan national Tawab M. face charges including espionage, espionage for sabotage purposes, and attempted participation in murder and arson. The case alleges Ali S. worked for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence service and was in close contact with its Quds Force, including plans to gather information on Jewish shops in Berlin for possible arson and to coordinate an attack on leaders of German Jewry.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324169https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896890https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324170https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896981https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896980

HEADLINESIRGC Escorts 31 Vessels Through HormuzMossad Turns Beepers Into Bombs Against HezbollahIran-Linked Plot to Assassinate German Jewish LeadersThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, according to a release by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, over the past 24 hours a total of 31 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels, crossed through the Strait of Hormuz with coordination and security provided by the IRGC Navy.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an exclusive account outlines Mossad’s operation to turn Hezbollah’s beepers into bombs. MILITARY AFFAIRS reports that insider Adam Feyn describes the strategy and high-stakes decisions behind the mission in his new book. The account details how Mossad allegedly lured a Hezbollah operative into an ambush to keep the plan secret, how close Iran was to uncovering the plot, and how unwitting third parties were used to supply the beepers, with parts of the operation taking place in facilities repurposed for the effort, including a gym and other leisure areas.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s Foreign Ministry says all foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two men have been indicted for a plot to assassinate German Jewish leaders on behalf of Iran and its IRGC. Danish national Ali S. and Afghan national Tawab M. were arrested in Denmark in June and November, respectively, and face charges including espionage and attempted murder. Ali S. is alleged to have worked for the IRGC’s intelligence service and to have coordinated with its Quds Force, with plans that included gathering information on Jewish shops in Berlin for arson and targeting the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the German-Israeli Society chairman for assassination; he faces espionage, espionage for sabotage purposes, and attempted participation in murder and arson. Tawab M. is charged with attempted participation in murder.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/DefenderDome/20855https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896890https://t.me/JewishNews24/54675https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896980

HEADLINES- Mossad deployed explosive beepers against Hezbollah- IDF probes Tapuah hit and run- IRGC plot to kill German Jewish leadersThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, new details have emerged about a covert Mossad operation against Hezbollah that reportedly used beepers turned into explosive devices. Insider Adam Feyn, in his Hebrew-language book Hoda’ah Goralit (Fateful Message) and in his first English-language interview, describes how the operation unfolded. The account says a fleet of exploding beepers was deployed to strike Hezbollah, catching most observers by surprise. It also recounts how Mossad lured a Hezbollah operative into an ambush to prevent exposure, notes how close Iran was to uncovering the plot, explains the challenge of getting Hezbollah to accept the beepers, describes the use of unwitting third parties to pitch the device, and notes Mossad’s efforts to compensate those individuals. The narrative also mentions that Mossad repurposed spaces such as a gym and other leisure areas to support the mission.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF is investigating a suspected attempted hit-and-run near the Tapuah intersection in the West Bank. The vehicle suspected to have been used was apprehended in Nablus, the suspected driver detained, and transferred to security forces for questioning. No injuries were reported. The area has seen a similar incident in recent days near Ofra, where an Israeli driver and a Palestinian driver allegedly argued before a Palestinian driver attempted to ram the Israeli vehicle and then fled. IDF forces have set up checkpoints to locate the assailant and have stopped a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the incident. In another development, Ashkelon’s court released Israeli flotilla activist Zohar Regev under conditions, after most foreign participants detained during Israel’s interception of flotilla vessels were deported. Regev was freed with a NIS 5,000 self-guarantee, and ordered not to enter Gaza for 60 days. Police had sought harsher terms, including a 184-day Gaza ban. Foreign flotilla participants were deported after the Navy intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, with most departures leaving from Ramon Airport, and the Foreign Ministry noting all activists were released and deported.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two men were indicted for a plot to assassinate German Jewish leaders on behalf of Iran and its IRGC. Danish national Ali S. and Afghan national Tawab M. were arrested in Denmark earlier this year and now face charges. Ali S. is alleged to have worked for the IRGC's intelligence service and to have been in close contact with its Quds Force, with tasks that included gathering information on two Berlin Jewish shops for possible arson and on Dr. Josef Schuster and Volker Beck for assassination. Ali S. was charged with espionage, espionage for sabotage purposes, and attempted participation in murder and arson. Tawab M. was charged with attempted participation in murder.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/israel-news/defense-news/article-896890https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896981https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896979https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896980

HEADLINESIran blocks uranium exit, stalling peace talksLebanon buries 14 as deadliest strike hitsIDF soldier wounded in Lebanon drone blastThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a directive that near-weapons-grade uranium should not leave the country, a move that hardens Tehran's stance on a key demand in peace talks and could complicate diplomacy with Washington. Iranian sources say the order could further frustrate US President Donald Trump and stall efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Israeli officials, citing discussions with Reuters, say Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on the material. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted the war will not be considered over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, along with Tehran’s support for proxy militias and its ballistic-missile capabilities. Iranian officials insist the stockpile should remain in Iran, arguing that sending it abroad would leave the country more vulnerable and that the issue remains central to any settlement.In Regional Impacts, Lebanon marked the deadliest Israeli strike since the ceasefire last month, with mourners in Deir Qanoun En-Nahr paying respects to 14 people killed earlier this week. The toll, confirmed by Lebanon’s health ministry, included four children and three women. Dozens gathered to bury the victims, carrying pictures of three children and their parents. Two coffins were draped in the yellow flag of Hezbollah and a third bore the green flag of Hezbollah’s Amal ally. The broader toll highlighted by the health ministry notes that the conflict has claimed more than 200 children killed since March, underscoring the civilian cost in the cross-border fighting that persists despite the truce.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an IDF combat documentation soldier was seriously wounded in a drone explosion in southern Lebanon on Wednesday and underwent a first surgery at Rambam Medical Center. She is awake, speaking, and recovering, with injuries including fractures to the femur and jaw as responders continued the medical work to stabilize her condition.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Poland’s foreign minister called for a ban on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country, citing the detention of Gaza flotilla activists and the treatment of detainees, including Polish nationals, as requiring a diplomatic response. Poland, which has sought consular access to detainees, said two Polish citizens were detained and would be repatriated on Thursday night, and the government signaled it could expand to ban Ben-Gvir’s entry. Israel Police announced plans to deploy drones in southern Israel to combat crime, a move praised as a “game-changing” expansion of real-time surveillance capabilities, with the unmanned aerial system capable of vertical takeoff and landing, long-endurance flights, and day-and-night operation. In a separate development, Italy, Ireland, and Spain urged the European Union to sanction Ben-Gvir over a video showing flotilla activists detained at sea kneeling with hands bound, drawing international criticism and a call for accountability from European partners. Separately, all foreign activists from the PR flotilla were deported, marking the end of that episode for the non-Israeli participants involved.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Germany has charged two men of Afghan origin with spying for Tehran and plotting to kill Jewish community leaders, targeting Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Volker Beck, head of the Israel-Germany friendship association, in what officials describe as a suspected Iranian intelligence operation.In Israeli Economy and Business, Egged and the Transportation Ministry announced that all city buses in Eilat and Kiryat Shmona will be replaced with electric buses by the end of 2026, part of the Green Cities project. By year’s end, Egged will operate 900 electric buses in Israel, including 200 intercity units, with 40 Eilat city buses and 20 in Kiryat Shmona slated for replacement. Infrastructure upgrades, including charging facilities at Egged’s depot, will support routes extending toward Ramon Airport. In parallel, Ireland will introduce a long-promised bill to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank in coming weeks, with lawmakers weighing whether to include services in addition to goods, as debates continue within the EU about how far to go in restricting settlement-linked commerce. Spain has already taken similar steps, and Belgium and the Netherlands have shown interest in parallel measures.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-896962https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/lebanese-bury-victims-deadliest-israeli-strike-ceasefirehttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkfzo0031mlhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896966https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896959https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/eu-countries-urge-sanctions-israeli-minister-activists-treatmenthttps://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76588https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjllct21zlhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896964https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896961

HEADLINESIran Holds Back Uranium Amid TalksHezbollah Rockets Hit Debel Ties GrowFetterman Aide Resigns Over Israel PolicyThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Supreme Leader has directed that the stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium should not leave the country, according to two senior Iranian sources. The directive hardens Tehran's stance at peace talks and could complicate efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, a dynamic that could shape negotiations in the weeks ahead. Reuters, citing senior Iranian officials, said the move may make Iran more vulnerable to further attacks by Israel and the United States.In Regional Impacts, a West Bank incident occurred when a vehicle driven by an Arab attempted to ram Israelis at Tapuach junction and fled; the driver was later captured in the Hawara area by security forces, with no injuries reported. Separately, the IDF released images showing Hamas operatives using small children to transport and conceal weapons in Gaza, highlighting a tactic the army says it is documenting.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Sheikh Asad Qasir, the legal representative of Iran's leader in Lebanon, says that the Iran-Lebanon file is a single, inseparable matter and that Iran’s support for the resistance in Lebanon will increase after the war ends. Rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel yesterday and today landed in Debel, a Christian village in southern Lebanon, causing material damage.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Cabelle St. John, who has been Senator John Fetterman’s chief of staff, resigned this week over disagreements with the senator’s pro-Israel stance and willingness to cooperate with President Trump.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Poland’s foreign ministry says it aims to ban National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering Poland after protests over the detention of Gaza flotilla activists, including Polish nationals. Consular officials are seeking access to detainees, and two Polish nationals were detained and will be repatriated. Separately, all foreign activists from the PR flotilla were deported.In Israeli Economy and Business, Egged and the Transportation Ministry are moving two more cities toward exhaust-free public transport by the end of 2026, replacing all city buses in Eilat (40) and 20 in Kiryat Shmona with electric models. When completed, Egged will operate about 900 electric buses in Israel, including 200 intercity buses, with charging infrastructure installed at the depot and extensions planned to Ramon Airport. In related coverage, a board-focused piece discusses practical steps for corporations facing quantum-era security, explaining the differences between QKD and PQC and encouraging proactive board-level questions about cryptography. Ireland will introduce a bill to curb trade with West Bank settlements in coming weeks, aiming to restrict goods and potentially services; the legislation is expected to be published alongside parallel measures in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, as Spain has already moved ahead with similar curbs.In Uplifting News, Rabbi Goldvicht offers a message for Shavuot from Jerusalem, describing the moment as both the most stressful and most exciting of his 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/middle-east/iran-news/article-896962https://t.me/DefenderDome/20846https://t.me/newssil/202083https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76584https://t.me/selena_updates/64151https://t.me/selena_updates/64147https://worldisraelnews.com/fetterman-chief-of-staff-resigns-over-senators-pro-israel-stance/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896966https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76588https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896964https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896967https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896961https://t.me/newssil/202085

HEADLINESIsrael Launches NILI to Pursue HamasHezbollah rockets hit Debel, LebanonIreland to curb West Bank settlement tradeThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Israel established elite task force to hunt down terrorists who took part in Oct. 7 - report, the unit is named NILI. NILI, an acronym for Netzach Yisrael Lo Yeshaker, signals that no victim will be forgotten. The Wall Street Journal reports the task force aims to locate and kill or capture every Hamas participant, from the lowest rung to the leadership. NILI maintains a list of thousands of names, with many already crossed off. Shalom Ben Hanan, a former Shin Bet official, said the message to future enemies is that they should rethink the price of such an operation. The WSJ described the reach of the effort, including examples of operatives linked to the attack who were targeted years later.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, rockets launched yesterday and today by Hezbollah into Israel fell in Debel, a Christian village in southern Lebanon. Fadi Felfle, the local priest, reported on these incidents.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli sources to Reuters say Trump promised Israel that the enriched uranium would leave Iran, and any possible deal would include this clause. The claim, attributed to Israeli sources speaking to Reuters, notes that this condition would be part of any future agreement.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Poland's foreign minister calls to ban Ben-Gvir from entering country as flotilla storm continues. Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson said there is a plan to bar National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering Poland, amid outrage over the detention of Gaza flotilla activists, including Polish nationals. Consular access was sought for detainees, and two Polish nationals were detained with repatriation expected on Thursday night; Minister Sikorski said he would press the Interior Ministry to implement the ban. Separately, police in southern Israel will deploy drones to aid in the fight against crime. The drones, capable of vertical takeoff and landing and flying tens of kilometers with day and night surveillance, are designed to provide real-time data and broad, continuous coverage to help prevent major crime. Funded by the National Security Ministry and approved by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi, the system is described by authorities as a game-changing addition to field operations and intelligence sharing.In Israeli Economy and Business, All city buses in Eilat, Kiryat Shmona to be replaced with electric ones by end of 2026. As part of the Green Cities project, Egged and the Transportation Ministry will replace about 40 buses in Eilat and roughly 20 in Kiry Shmona with electric models by year-end, bringing Egged’s total electric fleet to about 900 buses nationwide, including 200 intercity buses. The effort follows pilots in Carmiel and Dimona, and charging infrastructure will be installed at Egged’s depot with support from the Transportation Ministry; routes will also be extended from the city centers to Ramon Airport. In Kiryat Shmona, about 20 electric buses are planned. Ireland will also weigh in on the economic landscape, with Foreign Minister Helen McEntee saying Ireland will introduce a bill in coming weeks to curb trade with settlements in the West Bank. The bill’s scope has been the subject of debate, with opposition urging inclusion of services in addition to goods; Spain has already enacted similar curbs, and Ireland has discussed extending the scope beyond goods alongside plans with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. The proposed measure has drawn scrutiny from Israel and US lawmakers and faces a complex legal and diplomatic landscape.In Building Israel, delivering returns: Inside Keystone’s infrastructure strategy, Keystone Infra is positioned as a gateway for investors seeking long-term exposure to Israel’s infrastructure economy. The firm emphasizes public-private partnerships to finance, build, and operate infrastructure through Build-Operate-Transfer arrangements for revenue-based projects such as toll roads, bridges, and power plants. Since its founding in 2019, Keystone Infra has expanded into power, transportation, and data centers and remains a notable player on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s TA-90 index, led by Navot Bar, its CEO and co-founder, who describes the company as an infrastructure powerhouse for national projects.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/israel-news/defense-news/article-896955https://t.me/selena_updates/64146https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76585https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896966https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896959https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896964https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896961https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-896930

HEADLINESIran Keeps Near-Weapons Uranium Stockpile at HomeIsrael Launches NILI to Track HamasIreland to Curb West Bank Settlement TradeThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should not leave the country, a move that could further frustrate President Trump and complicate talks aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran. Israeli officials have said Trump has assured Israel that Iran's stockpile will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause addressing this issue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the war will not be over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated. Iranian officials have stressed that the stockpile should remain in the country, warning that shipping it abroad would leave Iran more vulnerable.In Regional Impacts, Turkey will send flights to Israel to deport the expelled from the flotilla.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran seeks more time for nuclear talks as Trump resists Netanyahu’s push for strikes. Enriched uranium remains a sticking point as Tehran studies a new US proposal and Israel expresses frustration.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel has established an elite task force to hunt down Hamas terrorists who participated in or planned the October 7 attack. The unit, named NILI, signals a commitment that no victim will be forgotten and is aimed at locating and neutralizing those involved from leadership to the smallest participant, with a list of thousands of targets already started to be acted on. Separately, police in Bat Yam seized a large haul of illicit drugs and cash in a morning operation, arresting two suspects; a separate Ramle shooting left one person dead and another seriously injured, and security forces stopped a smuggling attempt of 26 handguns across the West Bank border, with the firearms recovered.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, My Word: Shavuot's striking legacy of Jewish pain, historic success - opinion reflects on Shavuot as a harvest festival with a history of attacks on Jewish communities and a record of military successes. The writer notes the festival’s refrain of deliverance and memory against a backdrop of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led invasion, which marked a devastating moment with thousands killed or wounded and hundreds abducted. The piece also links Shavuot to other historical connotations related to Simchat Torah and Yom Kippur, and commemorates the reception of the Torah at Mount Sinai, framing the holiday within a broader Jewish historical narrative.In Israeli Economy and Business, Ireland will introduce a long-promised bill to curb trade with settlements in the West Bank in the coming weeks, a measure that has drawn pressure from opposition politicians to include a ban on services as well as goods. Government officials say the bill will proceed, though questions about extending the scope to services have been raised, with legal and practical concerns cited about such an expansion. Spain has already introduced similar curbs. Separately, Keystone Infra is positioning itself as a gateway for investors seeking exposure to Israel’s growing infrastructure economy, highlighting long-term, predictable cash flow through public-private partnerships and Build-Operate-Transfer arrangements that finance, build, and operate essential projects, spanning power, transport, and data infrastructure since the company’s 2019 founding.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-896962https://t.me/hnaftali/23074https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syzio8hymlhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896955https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896953https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896887https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896961https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-896930

HEADLINESIran drone capability reconstituted in six monthsIsrael launches NILI to hunt HamasKeystone Infra fuels Israel infrastructure boomThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, damage caused by the United States and Israel to Iran’s military industrial bases has set the country’s ability to rebuild its combat infrastructure back months, not years, CNN reported on Thursday, citing a source familiar with recent US intelligence assessments. Some of Iran’s military industrial base remained intact, which could serve to further accelerate Iran’s timeline for rebuilding certain capabilities. Additional US intelligence estimates that Iran could fully reconstitute its drone attack capability in as soon as six months, according to another US official, adding that the Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution. This confirms reports that Iran had restarted some of its drone production during the ongoing ceasefire that began in April, two other sources familiar with US intelligence assessments told CNN. Four other sources familiar with US intelligence assessments explained that Iran’s ability to rebuild its military infrastructure, including repairing destroyed missile sites, launchers, and its production capacity for key weapons systems, means that it continues to remain a significant challenge.In Israeli Domestic Politics, After the October 7 massacre, Israel established an elite task force to track down and kill or capture every Hamas terrorist who participated or planned the attack, from the most minor participants to their leadership, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The task force is called NILI, an acronym of "Netzach Yisrael Lo Yeshaker" ("The Eternal One of Israel does not lie"), signifying that no victim of the attack would be forgotten. “The clear message to all future enemies is to think again about the price of a terrorist operation like that,” said Shalom Ben Hanan, a former senior official in the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency). NILI has a list of "thousands of names" of terrorists involved in the massacre, the WSJ reported, of which many have already been crossed off. No individual is too insignificant or too powerful to be targeted - the WSJ describes a man who drove a tractor through the border fence being killed in an air strike two years afterward, while walking down a narrow urban street, as well as the recent assassination of Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, whom IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir was called "one of the chief perpetrators of the October 7 massacre and..."In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, My Word: Shavuot's striking legacy of Jewish pain, historic success - opinion, it is discussed as a festival with a dual history. Shavuot is celebrated as a harvest festival while carrying memories of attacks on Jews and of military moments of Jewish resilience. The author writes of celebrating and worrying about Jewish communities worldwide, linking the period to the October 7, 2023 atrocity in which 1,200 were murdered, 251 abducted, and thousands wounded, and noting the wider war that followed on multiple fronts despite ceasefires. The piece situates Shavuot and Simchat Torah within a longer arc that includes memories of the Yom Kippur War and later terror incidents at synagogues in Europe and Britain, underscoring the festival’s significance in the context of Jewish history and ongoing global tensions.In Israeli Economy and Business, Building Israel, delivering returns: Inside Keystone’s infrastructure strategy, Keystone Infra is portrayed as a gateway for investors seeking long-term exposure to Israel’s growing infrastructure economy. Chief executive Navot Bar describes infrastructure as a field driven by public-private partnerships that finance, build, and operate essential public works. The Build-Operate-Transfer model is highlighted, with private firms collecting user fees for a set period to recover investment and earn a profit. Since its founding in 2019, Keystone Infra has expanded into power plants, transportation networks, and data centers, positioning itself as a backbone for national infrastructure and offering steady, long-term cash flows amid a broad investment landscape.In Uplifting News, Shavuot, Shabbat candle-lighting times for Israel and US, Shavuot begins in Israel on Thursday, May 21, and ends on Friday, May 22, as Shabbat begins. For the rest of the world, Shavuot ends on May 23, when Shabbat ends. Light Candles for Shavuot: 7:54 p.m. (Thursday) Light Candles for Shabbat: 7:55 p.m. (Friday) Shabbat and Shavuot End: 9:02 p.m. Additional listings show variations by locale, with candle-lighting times around 7:45 p.m. to 7:35 p.m. on Thursday and end times ranging from about 8:42 p.m. to 9:02 p.m. depending on location, reflecting regional schedules for Shavuot and Shabbat observances.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-896951https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896955https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896887https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-896930https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-896935

HEADLINESGulf-Israel Ties Realign Against Iran ThreatIsrael Fights Hezbollah Drones Expands Lebanon OpsUS Drops Sanctions on UN Envoy AlbaneseThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Iran war pulling some Gulf states toward Israel, while pushing others away, the diplomacy is shifting as ties with Israel and Gulf neighbors adjust in the shadow of the broader confrontation with Tehran. The United Arab Emirates publicly rejected claims by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that he secretly visited Abu Dhabi and met with its leader, saying the visit did not occur and that relations between the two states are public and not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements. Reports of an Iron Dome battery sent to the UAE and of high-level coordination visits by Israeli security chiefs to Abu Dhabi have circulated, contributing to a puzzling picture of evolving ties in the region. In Madrid’s orbit or not, Gulf-Israeli engagement appears to be shifting in ways that reflect the Iran challenge and the Abu Dhabi-UAE stance. In a separate development tied to regional dynamics, Spain’s foreign minister said 44 Spanish activists detained on a Gaza-bound flotilla will be released to Spain via Turkey on a flight set for 3 p.m. on Thursday. Jose Manuel Albares condemned Israel’s treatment of the detainees, calling the conduct of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir “monstrous, undignified, and humiliating.” The flotilla, intercepted by the Israeli Navy, involved 428 participants from more than 40 countries, with about 90 detainees beginning a hunger strike. Ben-Gvir posted videos of his conduct toward the detainees, drawing international condemnation and prompting several countries to summon Israeli officials. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel reserves the right to respond to the flotilla, but characterized Ben-Gvir’s actions as unacceptable, while the release arrangement for the activists remains on track for Thursday.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the drone threat and Lebanon expansion debate is intensifying, as fiber-optic drones reshape how Israel thinks about defense. Senior military officials say Israel stands at a critical juncture in southern Lebanon, with some officials contemplating a significant expansion of ground operations to push Hezbollah drone operators farther north toward Beirut. The push comes amid an uptick in attacks by sophisticated fiber-optic drones, which leave conventional electronic warfare measures vulnerable after striking IDF units and wounding soldiers, including a prominent brigade commander who was fighting for his life after a Hezbollah drone attack on a secured structure in the area. Intelligence assessments suggest Hezbollah gained operational intelligence, tracked IDF movements, and used that data to guide the strike. Separately, Israel’s defense industry is racing to counter the fiber-optic drone threat, proposing systems ranging from kinetic interception to energy-based solutions, including one that uses electromagnetic force to capture and immobilize drones. Prototypes are being tested at the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development facility, and with the ministry’s green light, accelerated production could begin, enabling broader deployment within months. IAI’s Boaz Levy noted that engineers and staff mobilized to develop these solutions even before a formal request, signaling a rapid move from concept to field readiness.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington has moved to remove a controversial UN envoy from sanctions, a decision announced with little detail. The US Treasury Department said Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the West Bank and Gaza, has been removed from the sanctions list. The move came a week after a federal judge blocked the sanctions, finding that the measures likely violated her free-speech rights. Albanese, who has been accused of antisemitism and of urging ICC action against Israeli and American figures, had been sanctioned by the Trump administration last year. United States officials described her as having pursued anti-Israel aims through the ICC, while supporters argued the action infringed on free expression. The development follows a period of scrutiny over how US policy addresses UN voices connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the jockeying over leadership and access signals shifts behind the scenes as Major-General Roman Gofman nears official appointment as head of the Mossad, while the question of who will become Netanyahu’s military secretary gains momentum. Although public discussion of Gofman’s successor remains limited, security officials say the race is entering a decisive phase. The defense establishment is said to favor Brigadier-General Barak Hiram as the next military secretary, a choice viewed as strengthening the link between the IDF and the prime minister’s office after Gofman’s tenure. Zamir would prefer Hiram in the role to ensure a closer, more coordinated working relationship, reflecting broader efforts to recalibrate the balance of influence among the security leadership, the IDF, and the PM’s office.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a week of troubling incidents and a new Germany-wide warning highlight persistent antisemitism. A Deep Dive podcast review traces seven days marked by high-profile events across three continents: a memorial for a Jewish victim at the Nova Festival was forced into hiding; a death-penalty filing was pursued in Washington; a Eurovision contestant faced loud boos in Vienna; London saw large protests with calls that were interpreted as hostile to Israel. In Germany, a new report warns antisemitism remains alarmingly high, with 2,197 antisemitic incidents recorded in Berlin last year, though this marks a roughly 13 percent decline from 2024 and remains more than double the pre-Hamas invasion level. Jews and Israelis report increasing reluctance to wear visible Jewish symbols, express identity in public, or even speak Hebrew in everyday settings, amid incidents ranging from harassment to violence, including an attempted stabbing at the Holocaust Memorial.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel Aerospace Industries unveils a concept designed to expand naval capabilities without new hulls. The DIAMOND Concept proposes modular systems that can be installed on unused deck space on existing ships and controlled by the escort mother ship, with the smaller escort vessels managing radar and fire control. This approach would significantly extend a fleet’s capacity, offering increased firepower and faster response while containing costs and risk. Prototypes are being tested at the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development facility, and with ministry approval, accelerated production could begin, enabling a timely broadened deployment within months.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-896875https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896938https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-pushes-for-expanded-lebanon-operation-as-drone-threat-intensifies/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896927https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-treasury-removes-anti-israel-un-envoy-francesca-albanese-from-sanctions-list/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896936https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-896853https://worldisraelnews.com/antisemitism-in-germany-remains-at-alarmingly-high-levels-new-report-warns/https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-896941