Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-04 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Iran Promises New War Chapter Tonight
Druze Party Runs in National Elections
IDF Keeps Home Front After UAE Attack

The time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran Army: "Tonight we will start a new chapter, a chapter that the enemies have never seen the likes of."

In Regional Impacts, Senior IDF official: No change in home front rules despite Iran attack on UAE, Oman. The IDF said there is no change to home front rules and that it remains at a high level of readiness with air defense systems and attack capabilities prepared at a high level. The IDF would update the public if there were any further changes. Iran's attack on the UAE and Oman is described as a calculated and limited escalation against the weakest parties in the broader US regional alliance, a move meant to impose a cost on the American-led bloc while avoiding a wider confrontation with Israel.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Strategic narratives reshape understanding of the US-Iran standoff - opinion. The analysis in Foreign Affairs by Seyed Hossein Mousavian presents itself as strategic analysis, but is described as seeking to redefine the dynamics between Washington and Tehran by presenting a narrative of deterrence, crisis, and the threat of war as policy reality. It argues that American restraint is a calculated decision rooted in the costs of war, rather than a concession extracted by Tehran’s deterrent capabilities, and that the piece aims to shape how the debate is framed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, For the first time in 3 decades: Druze party will run in national elections. Hundreds of members of Israel's Druze community attended the launch for Brit Achim (Alliance of Brothers), a party formed over two years. Party head Colonel (Reserve) Wajdi Sarhan said, "The time has come to change the equation - to unite into an influential force."

In Uplifting News, Maccabi Tel Aviv pulls away from Hapoel Jerusalem for overtime win. Maccabi Tel Aviv edged Hapoel Jerusalem 112-105 in overtime at the Pais Arena in the capital, with Roman Sorkin delivering key late plays. Lonnie Walker dislocated his finger in overtime and will miss 2-3 weeks. Walker scored 25 points; Brissett added 22; Clark 19 for Maccabi, while Harper had 26 and Smith 23 for Jerusalem.

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://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75887
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-895113
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-895041
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjcondlc11l
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-895119