HEADLINES
Iraq PMF deploys near Najaf desert
Israeli Arab youths back nonsecurity service
Bettan dazzles in Vienna rehearsal amid antisemitism

The time is now 8:01 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, after a Wall Street Journal report about a secret Israeli base in Iraq, Baghdad has moved to show force. The Iraqi government and the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias, say they launched a large-scale operation to impose sovereignty in the Najaf desert and to project a presence along the southern border. The PMF includes groups such as Kataib Hezbollah and other factions that are sanctioned by the United States, and their deployment follows months of activity along the Syrian border. Iraq initially denied the base’s existence, with later reports of US warnings to stay away from a southern area in March, an airstrike tied to the site, and social-media rumors of casualties. The move signals Baghdad’s effort to respond to the evolving story and to demonstrate power in the region, with the PMF pushing to deploy forces to the south.

In the Israeli Domestic Politics, a new study finds broad support among Israeli Arab youth for non-security national service and for Arab parties joining the next coalition. The Moshe Dayan Center’s Konrad Adenauer Program for Jewish-Arab Cooperation found that 75.8% of Israeli Arab 12th-grade students support volunteering for national service not related to security, with 46.9% expressing strong support. The data show little gender difference, with 75.3% of male students and 77.2% of female students in favor. Among Israeli Arabs aged 18-34, 69.1% also support the idea. The study also examined attitudes toward Arab parties in the upcoming Knesset elections, with 77.2% saying those parties should join the coalition and 43.3% believing parties should join a coalition led by parties from any part of the political spectrum.

In the Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Noam Bettan shines in Eurovision rehearsal as Israel faces antisemitism campaign. Israel’s Eurovision representative delivered a confident and emotional performance of “Michelle” during a jury rehearsal in Vienna ahead of the 2026 semifinal. Professional juries in 15 countries watched and will score in real time, with the rehearsal results accounting for half of the final score for advancement to the final. Bettan performed inside a large rotating structure that resembled a diamond, with dancer Lihi Freud, and mirrors creating a dynamic visual effect. The Israeli delegation said Bettan gave one of his finest performances to date, and international observers predicted a strong showing, with Finland and Greece noted as favorites.

In the Uplifting News, Winners for Life 2026: “Hasidut Be-Class” takes the stage in Jerusalem. The tribute concert at Sultan’s Pool supports Israel’s emergency response system and raises funds for Magen David Adom to restock emergency supplies and renew medical equipment. The entire production is funded by an anonymous donor, ensuring that all ticket proceeds go to the cause. The event builds on last year’s sold-out Caesarea performance and emphasizes the resilience of Israel’s emergency services amid ongoing challenges.

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-895910
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-895906
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895902
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895904
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-895292