HEADLINES
US Threatens Fresh Iran Attacks Without Deal
Hezbollah Rockets Hit Northern Israel Amid Talks
Israeli AI Therapy Eases Anxiety and Depression

The time is now 2:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States says it is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue that Washington is prepared to recommence if necessary and that stockpiles at home and around the globe are ample to support any return to hostilities. He described steps to boost the defense industrial base, saying Washington is building two, three, and four times as many munitions soon to ensure that all operation plans are properly funded around the world. President Donald Trump has said he would meet in a secure White House room to make a final determination on a proposal to end the Iran war, and White House officials signalled that Trump was close to a decision after a two-hour meeting in the Situation Room. The Pentagon and CENTCOM have emphasized that American forces remain present and vigilant in the region, with warnings that Washington could resume war if necessary as negotiations continue. Tehran has denied there is a final agreement on ending the Middle East conflict that has jolted the global economy.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, northern Israelis faced heavy damage overnight as Hezbollah rockets tested a ceasefire, with Kiryat Shmona officials saying the barrages exposed a ceasefire that does not exist, hours after Israeli and Lebanese military delegations held talks in Pentagon discussions.

In Uplifting News, AI tools can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, Israeli study finds. A conversational AI platform developed in Israel significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, forms a meaningful therapeutic alliance with users, and provides round-the-clock emotional support. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, explored whether AI systems could offer an innovative response to the global mental health crisis. Kai.ai, the platform involved, provides accessible, affordable, and personalized emotional support through conversations on apps like WhatsApp, using therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Separately, researchers at the Hebrew University have developed a natural extract from the fungus Pseudozyma aphidis that can boost crop yields, improve taste, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, contributing to soil health and more sustainable farming.

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-897780
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/us-warns-capable-resuming-war-iran-deal-remains-elusive
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/pentagon-chief-says-us-ready-restart-strikes-iran-if-no-deal
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk2tbeulge
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/mind-and-spirit/article-897659
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-897656