Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-07 at 22:03

HEADLINES
Hezbollah arsenal seized, MG34 among 7500 items
Trump heads to high stakes Xi summit
Bennett sues Channel 14 for defamation

The time is now 10:02 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, the IDF displayed Hezbollah’s seized arsenal, including a Nazi-era MG34 and Iranian weapons, with more than 7,500 items—from rockets to drones—collected in southern Lebanon. The report also notes that the son of Hamas’ lead negotiator died after being wounded by an Israeli strike on Gaza, the group said Thursday, as another Israeli strike killed three Hamas security forces, according to local officials. Israel meanwhile said it killed three Hezbollah members in a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut the day before.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump heads for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, hoping the Iran war will not spoil the mood in Beijing. He delayed the trip in March because of the Middle East conflict, and the visit—focused on trade and Taiwan—will be his first to China since 2017; Trump said the two leaders would discuss the issue and that Xi had been “very respectful” over Iran, though observers say deliverables are likely limited given timing and preparation. Separately, when asked whether today’s high-intensity engagement in the Strait of Hormuz marks the end of the nominal US-Iran ceasefire, Trump said it does not and that a lasting ceasefire should be signed fast.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Naftali Bennett filed a NIS 2 million defamation lawsuit Thursday against Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, MK Ohad Tal, and the Channel 14 broadcaster over claims he took psychiatric medications to function. Bennett described Channel 14 as a “television propaganda channel masquerading as a journalistic news outlet” and accused it of bias in coverage of Netanyahu and his coalition, while alleging Silman told activists at a conference that he was “confused and stuttering” from the beginning, claiming he was in a “really, really, poor mental state.” The suit was filed in Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court. In a separate Channel 12 interview, three female IDF Border Protection Corps soldiers described the Gaza ambush they faced in April 2025 near Beit Hanun, driving an unarmored jeep without a convoy. Major Nurit Rokach, Linor, and Stav came under fire from 11 terrorists; a rocket-propelled grenade struck the vehicle, which overturned with them inside. Linor, a medic and drone operator, lost her leg, and Rokach, the company commander, spoke of the fear and sense of helplessness during the attack.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, George Washington University is investigating a possible chemical attack at Israel Fest to determine whether attendees were targeted for their Jewish faith, with authorities reviewing potential hate-crime elements and the university cooperating with law enforcement after at least one student was injured. Jewish real estate investor Steven Roth criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed luxury “pied-à-terre” tax, describing his comments as akin to hateful rhetoric and noting support for Ken Griffin while condemning a provocative video stunt in front of Griffin’s home. In London, a man was arrested after allegedly threatening Jewish passengers on a Route 254 bus in Hackney with antisemitic slurs and violent threats, including remarks about gas chambers and a claimed knife, during an incident reported by Shomrim.

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.ynetnews.com/article/rkgwmnc0ze
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54032
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/trump-heads-xi-summit-overshadowed-iran-war
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20645
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895539
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895541
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895546
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895547
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54033