HEADLINES
US strikes narco vessel; narco-terrorist killed
Gaza Eid hardship amid price crisis
Northern Israel braces for Hezbollah fire

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Southern Command announced that earlier today, May 26, at the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force-Southern Spear carried out a strike against an alleged narco-trafficking vessel operating in the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence indicated the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, with one suspected narco-terrorist killed and two others survived, all believed to have been members of a designated terrorist organization. Following the strike, search-and-rescue assets were notified and launched by the US Coast Guard.

In Regional Impacts, Eid celebrations in Gaza are clouded by hardship as new clothes, sacrificial sheep and Eid biscuits are unaffordable or unavailable. Nadia Abu Shamala, a Gaza resident, said she goes to the market only to look around because she cannot afford anything and prices leave her heartbroken. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began in October 2025, Israeli air strikes remain common and about 80 percent of Gaza’s buildings were damaged in the war, with most of the population relying on aid for basic needs. Israel controls entry points and allows aid trucks through in limited numbers, contributing to still-high prices and shortages, according to NGOs on the ground.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, schools remain shut across parts of the north as residents accuse officials of normalizing a dangerous routine, with Kiryat Shmona weighing protests and Nahariya hospital preparing for further escalation. Residents of Shomera, Kiryat Shmona and Ma’alot-Tarshiha say daily life under Hezbollah fire has become unbearable, and they are demanding stronger security, economic aid, and a concrete plan for the northern frontier.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming to appoint his hardline aide Caroline Glick to serve as Israel’s next consul general in New York, replacing Ofir Akunis. Glick, a US-born former conservative pundit and long-time adviser to Netanyahu, would lead engagement with US Jewry but faces backlash from Reform Jews and some Israeli officials due to past criticisms of Reform and Conservative movements. Her alliance with the current coalition and potential tenure beyond the fall depend on the outcome of the upcoming election. Separately, Israeli police say there are no grounds to reopen the Mishchakei Hevra case into the singer Eyal Golan, with Major-General Balat expected to inform the State Attorney that there is no need for further investigative action; investigators say no new evidence would change the case and it remains closed for now.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Australian Jews testifying before the Bondi Commission report online harassment and intimidation, with Virginia Bell, head of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, warning that such conduct could lead to prosecution and that police have been alerted in at least one case. The commission is monitoring and archiving online posts as it continues hearings into the December Hanukkah attack in Sydney that left 15 people dead. In the United States, the Department of Justice filed its second lawsuit this year against UCLA, accusing the university of tolerating a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish and Israeli students in the wake of the October 7, 2023 massacre. Brought under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the suit seeks policy reforms and could pursue penalties, including the potential loss of federal funding; it follows an earlier suit over antisemitic harassment of Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff, expanding the focus to students and campus climate.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20949
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/no-feasts-no-joy-gazans-mark-dark-eid
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syhgut7xgg
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hytrkaxgml
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pm-seeks-to-tap-hardline-aide-critical-of-progressive-jews-to-serve-as-ny-consul-general/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897402
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897410
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-administration-files-fresh-suit-against-ucla-over-antisemitic-hostile-work-environment/
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54852

HEADLINES
US strikes narco-trafficking vessel in Eastern Pacific
Northern Israel under Hezbollah fire, red alerts
DOJ files second UCLA antisemitism lawsuit

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, US Southern Command announced that earlier today, May 26, at the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force-Southern Spear carried out a strike against an alleged narco-trafficking vessel operating in the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence indicated the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, with one suspected narco-terrorist killed in the strike while two others survived, all believed to have been members of a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). Following the strike, search-and-rescue assets were notified and launched by the US Coast Guard.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, life for residents of Shomera, Kiryat Shmona and Ma’alot-Tarshiha under Hezbollah fire has become unbearable, with people demanding security, economic aid and a real plan for the northern frontier. Red alert sirens sounded in Northern Israel.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, police say there are no grounds to reopen the Mishchakei Hevra para-sexual crimes investigation into Eyal Golan. The investigation team told Major-General Boaz Balat that there is no justification for further investigative steps, with no new evidence to alter the evidentiary basis of the case and no legal or factual basis to reopen proceedings; a final decision is expected soon. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering Caroline Glick as Israel’s next consul general in New York, replacing Ofir Akunis; no final decision has been made. Glick is described as Netanyahu’s preferred candidate, though she has a history of criticism toward Reform and Conservative Judaism, and the New York post is among the most sensitive diplomatic assignments.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the United States Department of Justice has filed its second lawsuit this year against UCLA, accusing the school of allowing a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish and Israeli students in the wake of the October 7, 2023 massacre. Brought under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the complaint alleges deliberate indifference to harassment, protest encampment blockades, exclusionary demands and antisemitic chants. The DOJ is seeking policy reforms and could pursue penalties, including the potential loss of federal funding. Israel also condemned Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky gave full state honors to Andriy Melnyk, a Ukrainian nationalist leader who led a faction of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists that collaborated with Nazi Germany. Zelensky called Melnyk and his wife “iconic Ukrainians,” while the organization’s history includes antisemitic rhetoric and involvement in persecution of Jews; the ceremony intensified the debate over Ukraine’s World War II-era commemorations.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Energy Ministry will present a National Strategic Plan for Renewable Energy to the president and climate forum on Wednesday. Public comment is open until June 18. The plan targets 26 gigawatts of installed renewable energy by 2035, with most of it solar. To date, 8 gigawatts are installed and 4 gigawatts are under construction. Last year, renewables accounted for about 16% of electricity, well short of the 20% target for 2025 and leaving Israel near the bottom of OECD rankings for renewable production. The 2030 goal is 30%. The plan notes the grid has limited capacity and the Israel Electric Corporation has secured a 40-billion-shekel loan to fund grid expansion through 2030. Full implementation would enable the grid to accommodate enough additional power to meet the 30% target.

In Uplifting News, Israel shared statistics on its Muslim population for Eid al-Adha, noting a growth rate of 1.8% and that Muslims account for nearly 19% of the population, with Jerusalem as a major center. More than three-quarters of Israel’s roughly 409,000 Muslim students are eligible for the Bagrut diploma, and nearly 50,000 are enrolled in higher education. Female Muslim students outnumber their male counterparts by more than two-to-one in enrollment for their first university degree, a fact highlighted as encouraging progress. The report also notes Muslim labor-force participation at a little over 50%, with males outperforming females by more than 50%. In other uplifting news, Kroger announced that prices are being slashed to provide consumers with relief and to remain competitive with other major retailers.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20949
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hytrkaxgml
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8188
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897402
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897403
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54852
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897400
https://www.timesofisrael.com/energy-ministry-presents-strategic-roadmap-for-renewable-energy-by-2035/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897405
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54851

HEADLINES
Lebanon mourns 31 killed in strikes
UN condemns Barakah attack, drones from Iraq
Glick considered for New York consul general

The time is now 9:00 PM 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, Lebanon reports 31 killed Tuesday in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets. The liveblogging account notes rocket warning sirens in communities near the Lebanon border, including Kiryat Shmona. Outside New York City, a protest at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence drew about 1,000 participants, organized by the EndJewHatred group, with attendees from Jewish and Muslim communities and Iranian expatriates. Protesters chanted “USA” and “Whose streets? Our streets,” and carried signs such as “Remove Mamdani,” while waving American and Israeli flags. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates as a violation of international law, while stopping short of assigning blame. The UAE said six drones were launched against it from Iraq, including one that caused a fire at the nuclear facility.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the State’s official Arabic-language post based on Central Bureau of Statistics data marks Eid al-Adha by outlining numbers inside Israel’s Muslim population. The post notes Muslims make up about 19% of the population, with a growth rate of 1.8%, and a plurality living in Jerusalem. It says more than 409,000 Muslim students are eligible for the Bagrut, with nearly 50,000 enrolled in higher education. The post highlights that female Muslim students outnumber male students by more than two to one in enrollments for their first university degree, calling this “surprising information.” It also reports Muslim labor-force participation at just over 50%, with males outperforming females by more than 50%. Separately, police say there are no grounds to reopen the Mishchakei Hevra or “Party Games” sex-crimes investigation into popular singer Eyal Golan, citing no new evidence that would change the case’s evidentiary basis and indicating the matter is not currently open. A final decision from the State Attorney’s Office is expected soon. In another development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing Caroline Glick for Israel’s next consul-general post in New York, a position described as highly sensitive; official channels say no final decision has been made. Glick’s background as a conservative commentator and adviser, and her past critiques of Reform and Conservative Judaism in the United States, factor into the discussion, alongside the post’s responsibilities in engaging New York’s sizable Jewish community and diplomatic networks.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel voiced condemnation after Ukraine awarded full state honors to Andriy Melnyk, a Ukrainian nationalist leader who led a faction within the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists during its collaboration with Nazi Germany in World War II. Prime concerns were raised after President Volodymyr Zelensky described Melnyk and his wife Sofia Fedak-Melnyk as “iconic Ukrainians” who are “deeply respected” during a reburial ceremony. The ceremony highlighted the longstanding dispute over Ukraine’s commemoration of World War II figures linked to Nazi collaboration. Melnyk’s leadership of a nationalist faction and its antisemitic overtones are noted in context of the broader debate over historical memory, including past actions and commemorations such as Bandera’s birthday being marked as a holiday.

In Israeli Economy and Business, a stronger shekel is creating difficulties for Americans relocating to or living in Israel, as well as for Israeli nonprofits with foreign funding. Expats who keep dollars as part of their finances report that transfers to pay rent and other costs are now short due to currency shifts, while the stronger currency also affects exporters and donors relying on abroad-based support. The near-record-high exchange rate translates into real changes in purchasing power for Americans in Israel and for those with financial ties to the United States, complicating everyday budgeting and financial planning.

In Uplifting News, NYC Mayor Mamdani says his administration will work on transferring ownership of neglected buildings from bad landlords to responsible stewards, including community land trusts, non-profits, or even the tenants themselves, with the aim of restoring living conditions and stewardship for those properties.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-27-2026/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897405
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897402
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897403
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897400
https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-stronger-shekel-has-become-a-pressing-problem-for-americans-building-lives-in-israel/
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54849

HEADLINES
- Lebanon 31 killed in Hezbollah strikes
- Netanyahu eyes Glick as next NY consul
- Israel condemns Ukraine honoring Nazi Melnyk

The time is now 8:01 PM 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, Lebanon reports 31 killed Tuesday in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates as a violation of international law, while not attributing blame. The UAE said six drones were launched against it from Iraq, including one that caused a fire at the nuclear power plant. Iraq is home to powerful Iranian-backed militia groups that have claimed attacks in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing Caroline Glick as Israel’s next consul general in New York, replacing Ofir Akunis. The report says Glick is Netanyahu’s preferred candidate for the post, though no final decision has been made. The position is one of Israel’s most sensitive diplomatic posts, given its oversight of a large Jewish community, major Jewish organizations, donors, universities, media outlets, and diplomatic missions. Glick has for years promoted a hard line against Reform and Conservative Judaism in the United States, accusing members of adopting anti-Jewish positions, distancing themselves from Zionism, and cooperating with anti-Israel elements. Glick is American-born Israeli.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Ukraine reburies Nazi collaborator with state honors, drawing Israeli condemnation. President Volodymyr Zelensky gave full state honors to Andriy Melnyk, who led one faction of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists that collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. Zelensky described Melnyk and his wife as “iconic Ukrainians of the 20th century who are deeply respected.” The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists included members who promoted antisemitic rhetoric and participated in the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust. The ceremony intensifies the ongoing debate over Ukraine’s commemoration of World War II-era nationalist figures linked to Nazi collaboration, a dispute that has drawn international attention, including previously controversial actions such as recognizing Stepan Bandera’s birthday as a holiday.

In Uplifting News, Israel shares country's Muslim education statistics, notes female population's progress. Israel’s official Arabic-language account cited Central Bureau of Statistics data marking Eid al-Adha, noting the Muslim population is about 19% of the country’s total and growing at 1.8%, with the plurality living in Jerusalem. More than three-quarters of Israel’s nearly 409,000 Muslim students are eligible for the Bagrut, and almost 50,000 are enrolled in higher education. The post highlights that female Muslim students outnumber male students by more than a factor of two in enrollment for their first university degree, alongside overall labor-force participation of just over 50%, with men well ahead of women.

In Uplifting News, NYC Mayor Mamdani says his administration will work on transferring ownership of neglected buildings to responsible stewards, including community land trusts, non-profits, or even the tenants themselves, as part of improving housing conditions.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-27-2026/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897403
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897400
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897405
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54849

HEADLINES
Gaza ceasefire stalls over Hamas decommissioning
31 killed as Israeli strikes hit Lebanon
PFLP linked terror cell foiled in Jerusalem

The 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 Board of Peace told the United Nations Security Council that the Gaza ceasefire remains stalled because Hamas refuses to accept verified decommissioning, a step it says is needed for the 20-point roadmap and a civilian transition. The group urged member states to press Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza to disarm and submit to a supervised decommissioning process, a demand Hamas has rejected, with Hazem Qassem accusing the statement of reflecting an Israeli position and seeking to justify escalation. Separately, the United Nations Security Council condemned the attack on Barakah Nuclear Plant in the United Arab Emirates as a violation of international law and did not assign blame; the UAE said six drones were launched at Barakah from Iraq, amid tensions linked to Iranian-backed militias in the region.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 31 people, including at least four children and three women, with 40 wounded, as Israel said it was intensifying attacks despite a truce with Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it faced Israeli troops in the southern town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah as Israel expanded ground operations. The Lebanese health ministry distributed casualty figures across several areas, including Burj al-Shamali near Tyre, Kawthariyat al-Riz, Habbush, Maarakeh, and Salaa, while an AFP correspondent reported airstrikes and smoke in Nabatieh following a regional warning, and the Israeli military issued evacuation notices for dozens of southern towns.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering Caroline Glick for the post of New York consul general, a highly sensitive assignment, though no final decision has been made. Glick has been a prominent conservative commentator critical of Reform and Conservative Judaism in the United States. In Europe, Israel Police and the Shin Bet said they foiled a terror cell linked to the PFLP in east Jerusalem, with five residents arrested after recruitment by Salah Hamouri, a PFLP figure living in France. Hamouri, who has a history of involvement in terror activity and had his Israeli residency revoked in 2022, was reported to have coordinated with operatives across Europe in 2024 and 2025. Separately, Defense Minister Israel Katz reversed a plan to freeze security funding for Gaza border communities after widespread backlash from local leaders and security coordinators over cuts affecting vehicle maintenance, fuel, perimeter lighting, and gates.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel criticized Ukraine for giving state honors to Andriy Melnyk, a Ukrainian nationalist leader who participated in collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II. Zelensky praised Melnyk and his wife as “iconic Ukrainians,” a move that drew condemnation from Israel. Melnyk led a faction of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, an organization linked to Nazi collaboration and antisemitic rhetoric, a historical dispute that continues to fuel controversy over Ukraine’s commemorations of World War II figures.

In Uplifting News, the Israel Basketball Association, alongside the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Center for Jewish Impact, launched a program called Back in the Game to help IDF veterans with post-traumatic stress through sport and community rehabilitation. Four teams have been formed in Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria, with weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support. The launch included a tournament in which the Samaria team won. Separately, GenZion has been invited to Argentina to teach at a Bible college for a week, sharing Israel-focused perspectives grounded in scripture, an invitation made possible by the ministry’s supporters.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897395
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/un-security-council-condemns-attack-uae-nuclear-plant
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/israeli-strikes-kill-31-south-lebanon-israel-expands-ground-operations
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897403
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897383
https://www.timesofisrael.com/katz-said-to-reverse-security-funding-cuts-for-gaza-border-communities-after-backlash/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897400
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897391
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76862

HEADLINES
Hamas Rejects Verified Disarmament Gaza Ceasefire Fails
Katz Reverses Gaza Border Security Funding Cuts
IDF Veterans Win with PTSD Rehab Program

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Board of Peace told the United Nations Security Council that the Gaza ceasefire remains stalled because Hamas refuses verified decommissioning and relinquishing coercive control, urging member states to press Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza to disarm and submit to a supervised decommissioning process under the roadmap endorsed by the Board. The board’s briefing quotes its finding that “the principal obstacle to full implementation remains Hamas’ refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, and permit a genuine civilian transition in Gaza,” a position Hamas has rejected as aligned with Israeli aims. Hazem Qassem, Hamas’s spokesperson, accused the statement of reflecting an Israeli stance and serving to justify further escalation. The briefing also notes ongoing debate among critics of the Board, which was launched by the United States, over Mladenov’s assessment and proposed roadmap. Separately, Mohammed Odeh, newly named Hamas military chief after the killing of his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, is reported to have been killed in an Israeli strike, according to initial reports. Odeh had served as Hamas’s intelligence chief during the October 7 events. In a related development, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said there is a strong possibility the IDF carried out an operation targeting Hamas’s new military leader Mohammed Ouda; officials described the assessment of success as rapid but not final, noting that if confirmed, Ouda would join a long list of Hamas leaders targeted since October 7, 2023. The reporting also reiterates that since the October 2025 ceasefire, Hamas has agreed to partial disarmament in exchange for Israeli concessions, including rebuilding access and territory, but Israel has insisted on disarmament first before broad concessions are made.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Defense Minister Israel Katz reversed a decision to freeze funding for several security components in Gaza border communities after widespread backlash from local authorities and security officials. The reversal followed reports that the Home Front Command, citing budget constraints, would halt funding for security vehicle maintenance, fuel, and perimeter fence lighting, with only basic maintenance remaining possible under the current budget. A police officer described the situation, lamenting that “we are stopping everything — vehicles, fuel, lighting, and gates.” The cuts came as the government approved the distribution of billions of shekels in coalition funds, a move that local leaders warned would seriously undermine frontline safety.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, global JPB director Albert Veksler spoke with urgency about the rising tide of antisemitism, the mobilization of Christian support, and why Israel can no longer rely on defense alone. Veksler highlighted Iran and the broader question of Iran’s future, including the prospects for Reza Pahlavi, while stressing that the concern extends beyond any single figure to the Iranian people. He described how prayer and politics are increasingly intertwined in this moment, noting the strain of antisemitism becoming normalized and attacks on Jews being seen as understandable by some. Veksler underscored that the struggle involves both spiritual and political dimensions, and he framed the discussion as a call to active moral courage amid risk.

In Uplifting News, the Israel Basketball Association, in partnership with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Center for Jewish Impact, launched a “Back in the Game” program aimed at supporting IDF veterans with PTSD through sport and community rehabilitation. Four teams have been formed across Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria, offering weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support. Former national team player Raviv Limonad leads the project, with Israel Basketball Association coaches collaborating with psychologists and other professionals. The launch included a tournament, in which the Samaria team claimed first place. Separately, GenZion has been invited to Argentina this summer to teach at a Bible college for a week, with the group’s leadership expressing humility and gratitude for supporters whose gifts have enabled the ministry. The message invites ongoing prayer and financial provision to continue their work, noting that the invitation reflects their commitment to teaching Israel from a biblical perspective.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897395
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyih4w7ezx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897388
https://www.timesofisrael.com/katz-said-to-reverse-security-funding-cuts-for-gaza-border-communities-after-backlash/
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-897393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897391
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76862

HEADLINES
- Hamas rejects verified decommissioning; ceasefire stalls
- IDF Strikes Hamas Leader Odeh
- US-Iran talks hinge on frozen assets

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the Board of Peace told the United Nations Security Council that the Gaza ceasefire remains stalled as Hamas refuses to accept verified decommissioning. The board pressed member states to use every means at their disposal to pressure Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza to disarm and submit to a supervised decommissioning process under the roadmap backed by the Board. The report says the principal obstacle to full implementation is Hamas’ refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, and permit a genuine civilian transition in Gaza. Hamas rejected the board’s accusations and the proposed roadmap. Hazem Qassem, the Hamas spokesperson, said the statement reflects continued adoption of an Israeli position and serves as an attempt to justify further Israeli escalation. Other critics of the Board, launched by US President Donald Trump in January, have spoken out against Mladenov’s statement, arguing that it represents pressure and a path toward escalation.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran would continue for several more days to determine whether an agreement can be reached, underscoring that the president has expressed a desire for a good deal or no deal. The United States and Israel await a response from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei after talks in Qatar between Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with an Israeli official noting that Mojtaba is difficult to reach because he is in a secure location and recovering from injuries, making replies slow. A central dispute remains the release of frozen Iranian assets, with Tehran reportedly demanding that about half of the roughly $24 billion frozen worldwide be unfrozen immediately after a framework is signed, and the remainder after 60 days; a senior US official stressed that no funds would be released until Iran’s compliance is verified. Separately, it is reported there is a high likelihood that the IDF carried out an operation targeting Hamas’s military leadership, as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said they had attempted to strike Mohammed Ouda, who would be the new head of Hamas’s military wing if confirmed. If Ouda were killed, he would join a list of Hamas leaders targeted since October 7, though the broader strategic impact remains uncertain. The broader context includes Hamas’s partial disarmament since the October 2025 ceasefire in exchange for Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza and for rebuilding, with Israel demanding disarmament as a prerequisite for major concessions. In a separate move under the same topic, Israel banned 40 Euro-Med activists from entry over alleged Hamas ties, with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry saying the group promotes anti-Israel campaigns and that one founder is alleged to be a Hamas operative; the decision was made in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority. Finally, reporting indicates that the supposed successor to Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Mohammed Odeh, was targeted in an IDF strike in Gaza City. Netanyahu and Katz confirmed the strike, which hit the area of the Rimal neighborhood and positioned Odeh as the new head of Hamas’s military wing, a role previously held by Haddad. Odeh had led Hamas’ intelligence headquarters at the time of the Oct. 7 attacks and was appointed to replace Haddad about a week prior, with officials noting his involvement in deadly operations against Israelis.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israel Defense Forces marked its 78th founding anniversary with a roll of updates on major fronts. The IDF said it has killed about 600 Hezbollah fighters since the April 17 ceasefire, added to the 1,800 Hezbollah militants killed during the peak of hostilities in March and April. On the Gaza front, the military reported about 120 Hamas fighters killed in recent months as forces pressed operations near the line that separates Gaza’s zones of control. In the West Bank, since the start of 2026, Israeli forces have arrested more than 15,000 terror suspects and seized over 400 weapons and 20 lathes used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast observed a moment when faith and politics intersect as Albert Veksler spoke about rising antisemitism and the need for Christian mobilization. He described antisemitism as increasingly normalized and warned that attacks on Jews are sometimes treated as understandable. Veksler discussed Iran, the potential future of Reza Pahlavi, and the broader concern for the Iranian people, underscoring that faith communities feel a responsibility to respond to threats against Jewish communities and to support Israel amid a volatile region.

In Uplifting News, the Israel Basketball Association, working with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Center for Jewish Impact, launched a program called Back in the Game to help veterans with PTSD through sport and community rehabilitation. Four teams were formed in Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria, offering weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support. Former national team player Raviv Limonad leads the project, with coaches and psychologists assisting the squads. The official launch featured a tournament among the teams, with Samaria taking first place.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897395
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897390
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897388
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897389
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/26/new-head-of-hamas-military-wing-eliminated-in-gaza-by-idf/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897385
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-897393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897391

HEADLINES
Hamas Refusal to Disarm Deepens Gaza Crisis
US Iran Talks Continue Over Frozen Assets
Shin Bet Foils East Jerusalem Terror Cell

The 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, CENTCOM - FACT CHECK. The topic centers on a CENTCOM fact check, with officials reviewing recent claims and context surrounding the command.

In Regional Impacts, the Board of Peace blames the Gaza ceasefire breakdown on Hamas’s refusal to disarm. The Board’s briefing to the UN Security Council argues that the principal obstacle to full implementation is Hamas’s rejection of verified decommissioning, its coercive control, and a legally civilian transition in Gaza, and it calls on member states to pressure Hamas and other armed factions to disarm under a supervised decommissioning process. Hamas rejects the statement, with Hazem Qassem labeling it an attempt to justify escalation. Critics of the Board have spoken out, challenging the framing of the roadmap. On the anniversary of its founding, the Israel Defense Forces provided updates on major fronts: in Gaza, about 120 Hamas fighters have been killed in recent months; on the Hezbollah front, the IDF says roughly 600 Hezbollah fighters were killed since the April 17 ceasefire, on top of about 1,800 killed from March to April. In the West Bank, since the start of 2026, more than 15,000 terror suspects have been arrested, and authorities have confiscated over 400 weapons and 20 lathes for manufacturing improvised explosives, while most Hamas militants were killed when they approached the yellow line dividing areas under different levels of Israeli control.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Rubio says negotiations with Iran to continue, official tells 'Post' Khamenei 'difficult to reach'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Iran will continue for several more days to determine if a deal can be reached, with the president seeking a good deal or no deal. An Israeli official cited by The Jerusalem Post says Iran’s decision-making is slow because Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly in a secure location and recovering from injuries, making responses take time. One major outstanding issue is the release of frozen Iranian assets, with Tehran seeking about half of the roughly $24 billion frozen globally to be released immediately after a framework agreement, and the remainder after about 60 days; a senior US official stressed that no funds would be unfrozen unless Iran meets agreed conditions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Shin Bet, police bust east Jerusalem terror cell headed by PFLP terrorist in France. Israel Police and the Shin Bet say they foiled a terrorist cell of east Jerusalem residents acting under instructions from a PFLP operative living in France. Five east Jerusalem residents were arrested in 2025 for questioning after suspected recruitment by Salah Hamouri, a senior PFLP figure whose Israeli residency was revoked in 2022 due to terror activity and who now lives in France. Hamouri had engaged with terror elements to direct recruitment of operatives in Europe during 2024 and 2025. Israel’s security services say the investigation uncovered ongoing recruitment tied to Hamouri’s networks. Israel bans 40 Euro-Med activists from entry over alleged Hamas ties. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry, on the recommendation of its director, denied entry to 40 Euro-Med activists, citing Hamas ties and ongoing campaigns against Israel across international institutions. The ministry characterized the organization as using a humanitarian veneer to advance terrorist activity, with the Diaspora Minister stating the decision reflects a prioritization of security. In a separate remark, the former friend of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Eyal Megged, told a radio interview that he would be happy for a military coup against Netanyahu, criticizing what he described as madness and the ongoing war in Lebanon, and calling for a change in leadership.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast at 10: Moral Courage of Christians Needed as Jews Face Danger. At the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, Albert Veksler discusses the normalization of antisemitism, the role of Christian mobilization, and the need for moral courage as Jewish communities face danger. He links the struggle to Iran and the broader fight for freedom, stressing that the issue extends beyond any single figure and includes the Iranian people. Veksler notes that a global Christian network is mobilizing around Israel and highlights the tightening intersection of faith, politics, and security in an era of rising antisemitism.

In Uplifting News, Israel Basketball Association launches 'Back in the Game' initiative for veterans with PTSD. The Israel Basketball Association, together with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Center for Jewish Impact, launched a program to support IDF veterans with PTSD through sport and community rehabilitation. Four teams were formed across Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria, offering weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support, led by Raviv Limonad with a team of coaches and psychologists. The Samaria squad captured first place in a tournament among the four teams. Maccabi Tel Aviv wins the State Cup. In a separate development, Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated rivals to win the State Cup, adding a notable trophy to the club’s accomplishments.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54832
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897395
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897385
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897390
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897383
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897389
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897379
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-897393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897391
https://t.me/newssil/202372

HEADLINES
Hezbollah drones reignite northern border war
US-Iran talks hinge on frozen assets
IDF may kill Hamas chief Mohammed Ouda

The time is now 3:01 PM 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, a year of precision strikes in 2025 didn’t eliminate Hezbollah, nor did the March 2026 offensive erase the threat, and the question remains: how to stop the enemy this time. I traveled to the Lebanese border in northern Israel on a spring day that gave way to rising heat and a changed mood along a border once restricted to the military. There, border areas around Rosh Hanikra have welcomed visitors again, but days later a Hezbollah FPV fiber-optic drone struck the area just meters from where I stood, and Hezbollah drones have been fired in other nearby spots such as near Arab al-Aramshe. The border zones are once again a war zone. The sense of a cautious opening to peace and quiet is gone. The April ceasefire did not bring a cease in fire, and Hezbollah has increased its use of drones, including those flown on a small cable to avoid jamming. Israel is racing to find new ways to counter the threat.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, negotiations with Iran are set to continue for several more days as officials assess whether a deal can be reached, with the president expressing a clear preference for a deal or, absent one, no deal. The United States and Israel await a response from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following talks in Qatar between Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. An Israeli official said the Iranian decision-making process has been slow because Mojtaba is difficult to reach, reportedly in a secure location and recovering from injuries, so every response takes time. One of the main issues under dispute is the release of frozen Iranian assets; Tehran is reportedly demanding that half of the $24 billion frozen around the world be released immediately after a framework agreement, with the remainder to be released at the end of a 60-day period.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, authorities announced a disruption of a terror cell operating from east Jerusalem with links to a PFLP operative in France. Five PFLP-linked east Jerusalem residents were arrested for questioning after being suspected of recruitment by Salah Hamouri, a senior PFLP figure now in France. Hamouri, a lawyer with a history of involvement in terror plots, had his Israeli residency revoked in 2022 due to such activity and has since been based in France, where he coordinated with terrorist elements to direct and plan operations. Separately, there is a report that the IDF may have succeeded in assassinating Hamas’s newly named military chief Mohammed Ouda, with official statements noting the high stakes of targeting Hamas leadership, though it remains to be seen how this would alter the broader dynamics since the October 2023 conflict. Israel also banned 40 Euro-Med activists from entry over alleged Hamas ties, citing the organization’s work as promoting anti-Israel campaigns in international institutions and platforms; among those barred are the group’s founder Ramy Abdu and other top figures, following coordination with Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry. On the anniversary of the IDF’s founding, the military provided sweeping updates across fronts, noting Hezbollah losses since the April 17 ceasefire and Hamas casualties on the Gaza front, as well as arrests and seizures in the West Bank. A public figure who previously knew Prime Minister Netanyahu voiced harsh criticisms of the Lebanon war and the government’s course, while an opinion piece questioned whether Itamar Ben-Gvir’s flotilla-related actions may crown him as Israel’s anti-Zionist of the year, arguing they damaged Zionism’s standing and eroded public trust.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Belgium’s threat analysis body reported that the Jewish community remained the most common target of extremist or terrorist threats in 2025, even as overall threat reports dipped from 213 in 2024 to 157 in 2025. Islamist extremism continued to be the largest threat category, accounting for 39% of all reports, with 86% of the individuals in the Joint Database on Terrorism, Extremism, and Radicalization Process linked to Muslims or Islamist ideology. About a quarter of reports (24%) involved contexts related to foreign affairs. The report also notes that not all incidents were necessarily reported to police, underscoring that these figures may undercount the true level of threats.

In Israeli Economy and Business, defence-technology companies High Lander Aviation and ThirdEye Systems announced a partnership aimed at countering hostile drones. The collaboration will integrate ThirdEye’s MeduzaX optical-detection system into High Lander’s Vega uncrewed traffic-management platform, transforming Vega into a dual-use tool that supports both civilian aviation authorities and defense operators protecting strategic sites. MeduzaX functions as a passive optical radar, analyzing EO/IR data in real time, and is already deployed with the IDF. The integration comes as part of a broader effort to enhance airspace awareness amid Hezbollah’s continued use of FPV and fiber-optic drones along the northern border and into southern Lebanon.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897383
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897390
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897388
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897389
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-897387
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897385
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897382
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897379
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897381
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897349
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897378

HEADLINES
Starlink price dispute fuels Iran drone warfare
IDF pushes deeper into Lebanon, Hezbollah threat
Belgian report: Jews most targeted in 2025

The 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, senior SpaceX officials argued the Pentagon should be paying more for access to Starlink’s satellite Wi‑Fi network as US kamikaze drones guided by Starlink began to show results in the war with Iran. Within weeks of the bombing campaign, SpaceX executives met with Pentagon officials and said the military had been paying about $5,000 per terminal while effectively using a higher tier of service valued closer to $25,000, according to two sources familiar with the matter and Pentagon documents reviewed by Reuters. The dispute over Starlink’s use on the LUCAS drones, a cheaper US model comparable to Iran’s Shahed that can circle a target area before detonation, is part of rising tensions between SpaceX and the Pentagon over Starlink pricing in recent months, according to five people familiar with the matter and the documents. The Pentagon, which is seeking to help Iranian citizens bypass government-imposed communications blackouts, has also been at odds with SpaceX over pricing for a plan to provide direct-to-cell connections with Starlink.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF pushed deeper into Lebanon to blunt Hezbollah drone threat as Netanyahu said troops were expanding the security zone beyond the yellow line, targeting Hezbollah positions and weapons depots while FPV drones slowed operations near the border.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Belgium’s threat analysis body said the Jewish community remained the most common target of extremist or terrorist threats in 2025, with Islamist extremism still the largest threat category; the total number of threat reports fell from 213 in 2024 to 157 in 2025, and 39% of reports related to Islamist extremism, with 86% of individuals in the joint database linked to Islam or Islamist ideology and about a quarter of reports tied to foreign affairs. Separately, Elizabeth Pipko, a former Republican National Committee spokeswoman, spoke of fear for herself and her family as she described how America has changed and said she remains deeply connected to Jewish identity and American patriotism as she prepares to appear at The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York in June. A column in this section argued that Jewish safety should not be a political disagreement and urged New York City’s mayor to condemn attacks on Jews, noting the mayor’s first-day action of rescinding the IHRA definition of antisemitism. A UN Watch report accused 13 of 59 UN special rapporteurs of ideological bias, conflicts of interest, and funding links to Qatar, Russia, and China, while alleging praise for authoritarian regimes and public support for Hamas by some envoys.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897375
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk11ez87xfe
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897381
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-897376
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897251
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skhi5nqxze