Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

HEADLINES
- Iran World Cup departure rally amid tensions
- IDF warns civilians near Hezbollah sites
- Arraba mayor attack triggers indictments

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran staged a World Cup departure rally in Tehran's Enqelab Square with thousands of fans, even as visa and entry questions linger amid the February US and Israeli air strikes on the Islamic Republic. The team will continue preparations at a training camp in Turkey next...

HEADLINES
Iran condemns Kuwait detaining IRGC at Bubiyan
Arraba mayor attack solved relative charged
Israel Lebanon ambassadors meet in DC

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Kuwait after authorities detained four IRGC operatives who were attempting to infiltrate Bubiyan Island earlier this month. He described the interception as an illegal attack on an Iranian vessel and called for the immediate release of the detainees.

In US Policy...

HEADLINES
Israel funds 1.1B for summer schooling
Haredi draft exemption showdown threatens September elections
Metallica concert triggers Greece minor quake

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch unveiled a national outline for the education system, allocating 1.1 billion shekels to summer programs this year, the Government Press Office confirmed. The plan, designed to address the academic and emotional toll of Operation Roaring Lion...

HEADLINES
Kyiv Hit by Russian Missiles and Drones
Israel Allocates 1.1B for Summer Programs
London Prepares Security for Nakba Day Protests

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

In Regional Impacts, a large Russian ballistic missile, cruise missile, and drone attack was launched earlier against Kyiv proper and other oblasts throughout the nation. The attack targeted Kyiv and other oblasts across the country.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Education...

HEADLINES
- US weighs Sledgehammer name for Iran war
- Second missing US servicewoman found in Morocco
- Chinese firms eye clandestine arms sales Iran

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Pentagon is weighing renaming its Iran war campaign to "Operation Sledgehammer" if the ceasefire collapses and President Trump decides to resume combat operations against Iran. A White House official told NBC that a new operation name would help distinguish renewed strikes from...

HEADLINES
Possible Renewed Strikes Prompt Operation Sledgehammer Rename
Remains of Two US Soldiers Recovered
Judge Blocks Albanese Sanctions Over Free Speech

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Pentagon is weighing a rename of the Iran war campaign to “Operation Sledgehammer” if the ceasefire fails and President Trump orders renewed strikes. Officials told NBC News that a new operation name could distinguish any renewed campaign from Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28. If a bo...

HEADLINES
US weighs Sledgehammer op after ceasefire breaks
Kyiv under massive Russian assault
China-linked firms plot Iran arms via intermediaries

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Pentagon is weighing a new operation name, potentially Operation Sledgehammer, to be used if the ceasefire with Iran breaks down and the president orders renewed strikes. White House officials told NBC that any renewed combat operations would carry a different designation from Operation Epic Fury, and that...

HEADLINES
Pentagon Eyes Sledgehammer Rename If Ceasefire Fails
Israel Knesset Dissolution Bill Sparks Unity Push
Sailors' Remains Recovered Across Morocco and Atlantic

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Pentagon is weighing a renaming of its Iran war campaign to "Operation Sledgehammer" if the ceasefire collapses and President Trump resumes active combat against Tehran. NBC News cited two US officials, and a White House official familiar with the discussions said a new operation name...

HEADLINES
China-Iran Arms Talks Fuel Nuclear Fears
Gazans Vow to Wage War, Regional Turmoil
Knesset Dissolution Bill Triggers Opposition

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Trump’s China visit is marred by reports of Chinese weapons talks with Iran. China had discussed transferring weapons to Iran through third countries, the New York Times reports in the middle of the US president's historic visit; at the same time, Tehran's threat level toward Washington is rising, with of...

HEADLINES
Ceasefire Nears as Israel-Lebanon Talks Open
Turkey Kurdish Peace Falters; Iran War Deepens
Israel Divided as Dissolution Bill Looms

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 Regional Impacts, Turkey’s Kurdish peace process falters as the Iran war deepens regional instability, with Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party visibly avoiding bold steps toward a resolution, and Turkey warning of the risk of new Kurdish mobilizations in Iran and Iraq while reportedly quashing a short‑lived United States–Israel i...

HEADLINES
Turkey PKK talks stall amid Iran war
Israel Lebanon talks third round generals
Early elections loom as Knesset dissolution advances

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, Turkey’s Kurdish peace process falters as Iran war complicates negotiations. Just two weeks after Turkey's parliament made recommendations on how to advance the country's peace process with Kurdish militants, the Iran war broke out, plunging the Middle East into fresh instability and bringing new doubts on both si...

HEADLINES
Historic UAE Meeting Signals New Israel Ties
WFP Slashes Syria Aid, 7.2m At Risk
Hezbollah Drones Kill Soldiers as IDF Strikes

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 Operation Lion's Roar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the United Arab Emirates to meet President Mohammed bin Zayed at the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the Prime Minister's Office announced. It marked the first publicly announced meeting between the two leaders since the Abraham Accords in 2020, described by...

HEADLINES
Historic Israel UAE talks amid Roaring Lion
WFP halves Syria emergency food aid
Gaza ceasefire still closed after seven months

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Netanyahu met with UAE president at start of Operation Roaring Lion, PMO announces. The Prime Minister's Office described the talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed as a historic breakthrough in Israel‑UAE relations, and noted this was the first publicly disclosed meeting since the Abraham Accords in 2020. Of...

HEADLINES
- Netanyahu UAE Meeting Launches Roaring Lion Operation
- Saudi Strikes Iraq as Gulf Crisis Worsens
- Rothman Pushes Split AG Bill Amid Dissolution

The time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Netanyahu met with UAE president at start of Operation Roaring Lion, PMO announces. Netanayhu traveled to the United Arab Emirates to meet President Mohammed bin Zayed at the outset of Operation Roaring Lion, the Prime Minister's Office said. It was the first publicly...

HEADLINES
Israel Plans Gaza Return to Combat
Two Million Barrels Cross Hormuz
Attorney General Split Into Three Roles

The time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, a plan by Israel's Southern Command to resume fighting in Gaza was presented to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The plan envisions a return to combat with options for continued operations in the Gaza Strip, including evacuation measures and the relocation of civilians to new humanitarian zones. It was developed by...

HEADLINES
Yuan Hua Hu passes Hormuz amid blockade
Israel fears Trump Iran deal pitfalls
Knesset dissolution nears over conscription bill

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 Regional Impacts, a Chinese Very Large Crude Carrier named Yuan Hua Hu sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi crude after being stranded in the Gulf for more than two months due to the US-Iran war. The vessel is now anchored off the...

HEADLINES
IDF plans Gaza return tied to Iran
Sumud flotilla resumes voyage to Gaza
China tanker crosses Hormuz amid tensions

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an plan from the Southern Command to return to fighting in Gaza was presented to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Major-General Yaniv Asor outlined options for resuming operations in the Gaza Strip, alongside evacuation measures and relocation of civilians to new humanitarian zones. The plan, developed with the...

HEADLINES
- Israel Tests Fiber-Optic Drone Countermeasures
- IDF Builds Litani Bridge Amid Proxies
- Israel Fears Partial Trump Iran Deal

The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the IDF, the Defense Ministry and defense contractors are set to complete a series of capability tests on Wednesday to counter fiber-optic and racer drones, drawing on local and international sources to address the evolving threat. A security source said efforts are being pursued around the clock to...

HEADLINES
Israel UAE coordinate Iran war Lavan strike
Netanyahu Mozes Case 2000 cross-examination begins
Spotify outage blamed on pro-Iran hacker group

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Mossad chief David Barnea visited the United Arab Emirates at least twice during Operation Roaring Lion to coordinate on war planning, with trips reported in March and April. Shin Bet chief David Zini is said to have visited the UAE as well, and the two countries coordinated on...

HEADLINES
Barnea Leads UAE Talks Amid War Coordination
Pro-Iran Hackers Knock Spotify Offline
Hamas Blocks Gaza Contractors for New City

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Mossad chief David Barnea visited the UAE at least twice during Operation Roaring Lion to coordinate regarding the war, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing Arab officials and a source familiar with the matter. Barnea reportedly flew to the UAE in March and April. According to...

HEADLINES
Mossad chief Barnea visits UAE amid war
Lebanon conflict escalates with Hezbollah strikes
Bennett-Lapid unity poll challenges Netanyahu

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Mossad chief David Barnea visited the UAE at least twice during Operation Roaring Lion to coordinate regarding the war, with reports noting trips in March and again in April. The UAE was described as carrying out strikes against Iranian assets, including an attack on the Lavan Island refinery in...

HEADLINES
EU warns flights to Israel amid peril
Iran demands five terms before restart talks
US returns two ancient coins to Israel

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

In Regional Impacts, Europe’s aviation regulator extended its warning advising European airlines to avoid flying to Israel until at least May 27, citing ongoing security concerns despite a current ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said European carriers should exercise caution and take po...

HEADLINES
Iran Retains 70% Missiles, 90% Underground Facilities
Israeli Drone Strikes Vehicle Near Beirut Airport
AI-Powered SMASH System Lands US Contract

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, ships in the Hormuz region go dark as Iran’s missile sites remain active and Trump hesitates, with US intelligence saying Iran retains about 70% of its missile stockpile and 90% of underground facilities, challenging the claim that it was crushed.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an...

HEADLINES
- IDF strikes Hezbollah vehicle in Lebanon
- US returns two ancient coins to Israel
- Smart Shooter clinches 10.7M US Army deal

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the latest update.
The IDF struck a Hezbollah vehicle on Al-Jiyyeh road, southern Lebanon.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, two ancient coins were returned to Israel this week.
Two rare and ancient coins allegedly smuggled...

HEADLINES
- IDF strikes Hezbollah vehicle, two killed
- AI-powered SMASH wins US Army contract
- Endowment grants NIS 200k for northern learners

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, early this hour the IDF conducted a strike on a Hezbollah vehicle on the Al-Jiyyeh road in southern Lebanon, about 20 kilometers south of Beirut's airport. Lebanese sources say two people were killed; the vehicle was carrying goods bound for southern...

HEADLINES
UAE hits Iran oil facilities fires blaze
US B1 bombers train for Iran clash
Beit Jbeil satellite shows vanished homes

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates carried out a covert strike on Iran, hitting oil facilities on Lavan Island in early April, roughly as President Trump announced a ceasefire. The attack sparked a large fire and shut the refinery for months. Iran responded with...

HEADLINES
Trump Makes Iran Nuke Blockade Top Priority
Nazi Looted Painting Resurfaces in Dutch Descendant
Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Amid Boos

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is his top priority, telling reporters that Americans’ financial struggles do not factor into his approach to ending the Iran war. “Not even a little bit” about the economy, he said, adding that the only t...

HEADLINES
- Iranian air assets shielded in Pakistan
- Sudan war births trauma for rape survivors
- Netanyahu Mossad pick sparks security clash

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, images from Karachi airport reveal for the first time that Iran moved some planes to Pakistan to avoid destruction by Israel during the 12-day war in June. The report says several of Iran's Air Force assets are being kept safe inside Pakistan, including a KC-707...

HEADLINES
Iran warplanes hidden in Pakistan amid conflict
Iran regains majority missile sites along Hormuz
South Korea weighs phased Hormuz mission role

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, images from Karachi airport reveal for the first time that Iran flew some planes to Pakistan in order to avoid destruction by Israel during the 12-day war back in June. Some of Iran's Air Force assets are still being kept safe inside Pakistan, including a KC-707...

HEADLINES
Iran Regains Access to Most Missile Sites
CBO: Golden Dome Costs $1.2T, 7,800 Satellites
Hezbollah Plans Beirut Occupation Amid Pressure

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, US officials say Iran has regained access to a majority of its missile sites, according to a New York Times report. The active sites include about 30 along the Strait of Hormuz, posing a threat to US naval ships in the area. The report says Iran can still use missile...

HEADLINES
Iran regains most missile sites near Hormuz
Hezbollah seeks Beirut occupation to pressure Lebanon
CBO pegs Golden Dome at 1.2T

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, US officials say Iran has regained access to a majority of its missile launch sites, including about 30 active sites along the Strait of Hormuz that could threaten naval traffic. The assessment also states Iran can still use stockpiled missiles at non-operational sites by launching them with mobile...

HEADLINES
- Hamas blocks UAE funded Rafah project
- Hezbollah plots Beirut takeover amid Israeli pressure
- Toronto man charged over menorah vandalism

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Palestinian contractors from Gaza scheduled to reach the Israeli-controlled side to work on rebuilding Rafah were blocked by Hamas last week. The passage was facilitated by the IDF and the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center as part of early efforts to build a new Palestinian city in...

HEADLINES
Hamas blocks Rafah reconstruction Emirates City stalled
Iran sheds two million jobs in war
Hezbollah Plans Beirut Takeover Amid Lebanon Tensions

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Hamas is preventing Gazan contractors from crossing the Yellow Line to rebuild Rafah, threatening them at gunpoint and turning them away. Last week, contractors from across the Strip were blocked from reaching the Israeli-controlled side to work on Emirates City, a UAE-funded project designed to house tens...

HEADLINES
Iran Restores 30 of 33 Missile Sites
4.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Pardis
Pahlavi Urges US Back Regime Change Iran

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 Regional Impacts, The New York Times reports on classified intelligence assessments from earlier this month showing that Iran has regained access to most of its missile sites, launchers, and underground facilities. US intelligence estimates that Iran has restored operational access to 30 of the 33 missile sites it maintains along the Strait of Hormuz, and that...

HEADLINES
Saudi strikes Iran first direct attack
Ben-Gvir pushes expulsion of illegal immigrants
Lauder warns antisemitism surge, urges Jewish education

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, Saudi Arabia launched unpublicized strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the Middle East war, according to Western officials briefed on the matter and Iranian officials cited. The attacks, assessed to have occurred in late March, are described as retaliatory and mark the...

HEADLINES
Saudi Strikes Iran On Iranian Soil
Ben-Gvir Demands Deporting Illegal Immigrants Now
Lauder Warns Global Antisemitism Surging

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, Saudi Arabia launched numerous, unpublicized strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the Middle East war. Two Western officials briefed on the matter and two Iranian officials said the strikes were carried out by the Saudi Air Force in late March. One Western official described...

HEADLINES
Saudi strikes Iran in first direct attack
EU extends conflict-zone advisory to airlines 2026
Reservists Party unveils nationwide PTSD plan

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia launched unpublicized strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks inside the kingdom, marking the first time the kingdom is known to have directly carried out military action on Iranian soil and signaling a bolder stance in defending itself against its main regional rival. Western officials briefed that...

HEADLINES
Handala targets Egoz veterans with list
IDF drone attack injures soldiers Hezbollah FPV
Vienna cafe vandalized with antisemitic graffiti

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, authorities report a new wave of tension as Iran-backed actors publish a target list of IDF Egoz veterans, a separate drone attack injures Israeli soldiers, and analyses of Hezbollah’s drone program and its fiber-optic capabilities surface alongside existing Israeli actions, underscoring a wi...

HEADLINES
China denies aiding Iran's missile program
Hormuz closed through late May, prices rise
Likud poll backs Netanyahu as Ohana rises

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Beijing rejected Prime Minister Netanyahu's claim that it aided Iran’s missile program, calling the assertion baseless. China's denial comes after Netanyahu’s 60 Minutes interview and follows a separate diplomatic clash over Israeli lawmakers’ visit to Taiwan.

In Regional Impacts, the US Department of Energy's statis...

HEADLINES
Four IRGC Operatives Captured on Bubiyan
Hegseth Hearing Erupts Over Iran War Funding
Second Suspect Arrested in DePaul Campus Attack

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 US Military Role, two individuals were ejected from the Senate Appropriations hearing as War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine faced questions from lawmakers about military funding amid the war with Iran. One protester escorted out was a woman who was yelling about Iranian-American opposition to...