HEADLINES
Ahmadinejad plan to lead Iran shocks diaspora
Lockheed opens THAAD plant amid missile buildup
Hamas financier on trial for €8 million

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, reports that Washington and Jerusalem had planned to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran’s new leader were described as demoralizing by members of the Iranian diaspora, who nonetheless doubted the credibility of the reports. The New York Times had cited anonymous American sources saying promoting Ahmadinejad was an early goal of the war and that an Israeli airstrike on his home was part of a plot to free him from house arrest. The Iranian official has been missing since the strike, though there are indications he is alive. Despite doubts about such a plot, diaspora voices say it would demoralize Iranians who have openly chanted Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as an alternative to the Islamic Republic.

In US Military Role, Lockheed Martin has broken ground for a new THAAD missile production facility in Troy, Alabama, as the United States is reported to have expended more than half of its THAAD interceptors during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The THAAD system is designed to intercept threats at high altitude through a hit-to-kill approach, with detection and tracking out to more than 2,000 kilometers and engagement up to 150 kilometers in altitude. The new facility will add 87,000 square feet of production space for THAAD interceptors and future work on Next Generation Interceptor, forming part of a broader ten-year, $9 billion plan to expand munitions capacity and modernize more than 20 US facilities.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a Hamas financier on trial in the Netherlands is accused of directing about €8 million to Hamas networks between 2010 and 2023, with undercover footage showing the accused stating that his job is to bring Israel down. The prosecution cites evidence gathered with cooperation from the Israa Charitable Foundation Netherlands and other activist groups, describing a multi-year operation by an undercover investigator. Separately, the Lebanese channel LBCI offered a mock portrayal of Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem’s call for overthrowing the Lebanese government and for all-out war against Israel, depicting him as Papa Smurf and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as Gargamel in a broadcast that parodies the leaders involved.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, analysis notes that Gulf states remain cautious about joining the Abraham Accords, emphasizing the need to be treated as partners and wary of being seen as tools in wider strategic plays. The punditry also observes renewed talk around possible expansions of the Accords amid Iran-related negotiations, while highlighting the careful balance these countries seek in their regional posture. A separate Reuters report quotes Netanyahu as saying in private conversations that Israel’s influence over US decisions regarding Iran talks is limited, with concern over a developing framework and continued direct engagement between Jerusalem and Washington. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly urged that all countries involved in Iran talks sign onto the Abraham Accords, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan, asserting that signatories should join simultaneously and describing Iran’s potential participation as an honor, with responses from other governments still pending.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Bank of Israel cut its benchmark interest rate to 3.75 percent from 4 percent, the third reduction in six months, while inflation remained at 1.9 percent in April and the shekel reached a 33-year high against the dollar. The central bank cited a strong shekel and contained inflation but warned that geopolitical uncertainty persists and could affect prices and activity. Exporters have pressed for additional rate cuts or foreign exchange interventions, even as the broader picture includes a fragile ceasefire with Iran that had been in place since April.

In Uplifting News, Avida Bachar, whose Be’eri home was destroyed in the Hamas massacre on October 7, has had his house demolished as part of rebuilding efforts. Bachar, who lost his wife and son in the attack and suffered the loss of a leg, says he is focused on rebuilding life and family, acknowledging the new home will differ from the old but will symbolize a renewed future.

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/iran-news/article-897258
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-897250
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897254
https://t.me/selena_updates/64358
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/abraham-accords/article-897252
https://t.me/newssil/202264
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897249
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897257
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjdlt1flfx