HEADLINES
Iran strikes widen as Gulf states fortify
Knesset rushes laws amid Haredi funding
Nakba Day protests spark London security blitz

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 Regional Impacts, Iran’s war with its regional neighbors and the perceived role of Gulf states are shaping security calculations as the conflict continues. Iran conducted attacks across a broad swath of the region, targeting the United Arab Emirates as a major focal point and striking Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar, the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and other partners, as well as hitting US bases. The Gulf states, which initially appeared to absorb blows without a direct response, have strengthened their air-defense networks and begun to project a more proactive defense and deterrence posture. Some analyses this week say perceptions of the Gulf states’ roles are shifting, with reports that certain states are moving to build up capabilities and defend themselves more assertively. There are also accounts of Saudi fighter jets hitting targets linked to Iran. Separately, Israel disclosed that it has begun supplying the Lebanese army with anti-explosive drone barbed wire to counter Hezbollah’s growing drone threat; the Israeli Defense Forces have issued about 158,000 square meters of wire, roughly 20 football fields, with a further 188,000 square meters in procurement. The Lebanon talks in Washington, involving military representatives for the first time, come ahead of the expiration of a three‑week ceasefire announced by a US president, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage cross-border risks. In this context, observers note signs that Gulf states are acting more independently while maintaining strategic alignment with the United States on Iran, as Washington seeks greater leverage.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the coalition is moving to fast‑track controversial laws ahead of the potential dissolution of the Knesset, a step that could bring the election date forward from October. The push accompanies tensions with ultra‑Orthodox parties over the conscription law and comes as the Prime Minister’s Office advances a five‑year plan for the Haredi community that would channel billions of shekels to the sector and entrench policy for years. The plan would allocate about a quarter of the Education Ministry’s construction budget to Haredi educational institutions and transfer roughly 44 million shekels annually to a dropout‑prevention program aimed at reducing enlistment in the IDF, with the aim of securing government approval before the dissolution vote, when maneuvering room would be tighter. Elsewhere, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said diaspora Jews should not be branded as traitors for choosing to stay outside Israel and rejected the language of threats during a recent Tel Aviv conference. Israel also marked Jerusalem Day with a flag march through the Old City and nationwide celebrations; tens of thousands participated, and security precautions were prominent as Itamar Ben‑Gvir asserted sovereignty on the Temple Mount, while police later arrested a suspect planned to carry out an attack during the festivities amid clashes among activists.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, London and other cities brace for Nakba Day protests, with the Metropolitan Police planning to deploy about 4,000 officers to keep order on what authorities expect could be a highly active policing day. Officers will be supported by live facial recognition, helicopters, drones, and other resources as Britain’s terrorism threat level remains at severe amid a rise in antisemitic incidents and attacks targeting Jewish communities. Separate from these security preparations, FC Barcelona apologized to Israeli fans after player Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag at the team’s victory parade, stressing the moment was spontaneous and not an official political statement by the club, which highlighted its diverse, global fan base and said no official post would be made of the moment.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Haifa Port opened a new cruise terminal as Israel’s tourism sector eyes a gradual recovery from security disruptions. The terminal, built with an investment of more than 16 million shekels, is set to begin operations with the May 14 cruise season and is designed to handle two large ships at once, positioning Haifa as the country’s main maritime gateway for cruise tourism. The facility expands passenger capacity to as many as one million per year, doubling the peak volumes seen in the sector’s best year, and includes a new duty‑free shop, expanded security screening, larger check‑in and border control areas, and upgraded electrical and communications infrastructure to support more robust operations.

In Uplifting News, Israelis celebrate 59 years since the reunification of Jerusalem following the Six‑Day War, with nationwide observances and a flag‑bearing march through the Old City. The anniversary coincides with Jerusalem Day, and crowds joined in coordinated celebrations and official ceremonies to honor the city’s historical moment, accompanied by photographic coverage of the events.

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-896274
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896266
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/are-saudi-and-uae-strikes-iran-turning-point-pentagons-gulf-strategy
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896280
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-896272
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-896268
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896277
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896270
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896279
https://t.me/hnaftali/23017