HEADLINES
Israel's 2026 Security Prize Reveals Tech Edge
US Imposes New Iran Counterterrorism Sanctions
Lebanon Strategy Warning Israel Is Making Mistakes

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the winners of the 2026 Security Prize, naming a system that was key during Operation Roaring Lion against Iran, a classified Mossad asset, breakthroughs in the Ofek satellite array, a new development by Unit 81, and electronic warfare systems that became central to Israel's air superiority. While many winning projects are shrouded in secrecy due to their classified nature, the awards offer a view of Israel's military technology edge. Katz said the past year has proven the strength of the State of Israel, the defense establishment and the Israeli defense industries, and he noted that the capabilities and groundbreaking developments demonstrated in the campaign against enemies—from Iran to Lebanon and Gaza—have given Israel unprecedented operational, intelligence and technological superiority. The prize will be awarded at an official ceremony at the President's Office with Katz, President Isaac Herzog, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, and other senior officials in attendance.

In Iranian Retaliation, October 7 exposed the West’s dangerous illusion about Iran - opinion, the author argues that October 7, 2023 marked a turning point that shattered the belief that money, prosperity and governance could tame an ideological movement. To understand why Israel was blindsided, the piece contends, one must recognize a long-standing confidence in economic incentives to rein in radicalism. It asserts that the same flaw has affected international approaches to Iran, especially regarding its nuclear program, noting that decades of allowing capital flows into Gaza—such as high-paying jobs for Gazans in Israel and the emergence of modern commerce—were grounded in a belief that a middle-class life would prevent conflict. The author contends that this logic failed in Gaza and now risks misreading Iran, highlighting concerns about the nuclear program and broader regional behavior.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel making 'every possible mistake' in Lebanon, Tel Aviv University vice-rector says, Tel Aviv University’s vice-rector Eyal Zisser told radio hosts that Israel is making strategic missteps in Lebanon. He criticized the approach to Hezbollah and the Shi’ite population, arguing that military pressure on Shi’ite civilians does not weaken Hezbollah and instead reinforces the group, much as he says policies in Gaza have strengthened Hamas. Zisser urged the IDF to shift focus toward systemic attacks on Hezbollah targets, including training camps and social and economic infrastructure, and warned that the country has been drawn into a war of attrition in southern Lebanon. He called for a change in strategy to avoid reinforcing militant narratives.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump cannot use the Abraham Accords to sell a bad Iran deal - opinion, a commentator argues that while expanding the Abraham Accords could be constructive, it cannot rescue a flawed Iran agreement. The piece notes that Donald Trump has floated adding more Abraham Accords partners, but cautions that such moves cannot compensate for a deal that could leave Iran with enriched uranium, nuclear and missile production capabilities, and substantial sanctions relief that would empower Tehran and influence access to the Strait of Hormuz. The author stresses that a broader set of partners cannot mask the drawbacks of a poor bargain with Iran. US issues new Iran-related counter-terrorism sanctions, the other article in this topic, reports that on May 29 the United States imposed additional counter-terrorism sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities, as listed by the Treasury Department. The notice underscores continued US efforts to limit Iran’s financing networks and its illicit activity as part of ongoing pressure related to Iran's broader regional and security activities.

In Israeli Economy and Business, How nonlinear careers could drive Jerusalem’s hi-tech rise, at the American Innovation Forum in Jerusalem, business leaders argued that discipline, risk-taking and adaptability will shape the capital’s high-tech future. The event, organized by Jerusalem Young Professionals Forum, America Hub Israel, Made in Jerusalem and Startup Grind, brought together entrepreneurs, executives and young professionals on May 20 to discuss Jerusalem’s growing role in Israel’s tech ecosystem. Panelists, including Microsoft Europe South COO Orit Greenbaum Lipski, former Apple R&D leader Rawabi and AI entrepreneur Muawyah Akash, and Tamir Goodman, the former pro basketball star known as the Jewish Jordan, who now develops sports technology for NBA teams, spoke about the importance of mindset in building a globally competitive hub. Greenbaum Lipski cited the need to go beyond talent alone and to build real bridges that connect talent with opportunity, in a city eager to leverage AI and other innovations for sustained growth.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-897768
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897638
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897767
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897649
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/us-issues-new-iran-related-counter-terrorism-sanctions
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-897669