HEADLINES
False northern alarm, Israel expands naval power
Israel kills senior Hamas commander, Gaza endures
US to lead Hezbollah disarmament amid ceasefire

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 Regional Impacts, the Israeli military says the latest alarm on the northern border was a false alarm, according to the IDF. Israel also signals its ambition to be a maritime power, with the navy prepared to receive three additional submarines. In Gaza, the army says it has killed a senior Hamas commander and is pressing ahead with operations across the territory. A body found belonging to a Kol Yisrael producer who disappeared in 2008 has been identified, though the case remains unsolved. As Israel nears Memorial Day 2026, the tally of those who have fallen in Israel’s wars since 1860 continues to be tracked. In related notes, a report cites a former partner of Li Zaitoni who said the world has moved on, and suggested that violence was deserved in a fatal incident. The overview highlights ongoing security concerns alongside memory and accountability as the country observes the commemorations.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US President Donald J. Trump, in a Truth Social post, expressed hope that Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period and said it would be a great moment for them if they do, adding that there must finally be peace. The Israeli army also reports that in the past 24 hours it struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including launchers, headquarters, and militants, as part of ongoing operations. An IDF Arabic-language spokesperson message urged residents of southern Lebanon not to move south of the Litani River as the ceasefire enters the implementation phase. A Jerusalem Post exclusive cites a senior Israeli official saying the United States intends to actively lead disarmament efforts against Hezbollah and could marshal American resources to achieve this goal, describing the current ceasefire terms as significantly better than those in November 2024 and noting Hezbollah has suffered substantial blows; hundreds of thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return. A separate Hebrew-language piece presents a hard-edged monologue from a prominent host criticizing Hezbollah and Iran and advocating for peace and Lebanese sovereignty.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, officials say some European countries will see delays in previously contracted weapons deliveries as the Iran-focused war continues to stretch stockpiles. Several European partners, including nations in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, are affected. Some of the weapons affected were purchased under the Foreign Military Sales program, but deliveries have not yet occurred. The delays underscore the reach of the Iran conflict into US defense logistics, with White House and State Department directing inquiries to the Pentagon, which did not respond to requests for comment.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Hebrew University poll finds despair rising and trust in leadership falling among Israelis after the US-Iran ceasefire announcement. The survey of 1,312 Israelis shows a prevailing sense of fatigue and a belief that the conflict is far from over; about 70% view the ceasefire as a concession to Iran, with two-thirds opposing it. In another development, MK Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, was attacked by a haredi mob in Bnei Brak; police intervened and removed him from the scene without injury. He reaffirmed his dedication to passing the ultra-Orthodox draft law, saying he will continue to push the measure despite the incident.

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.

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