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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 17:02
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
- 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
View all episodes
By Noa Levi
3
2020 ratings
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
- 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
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