Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-08 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Iranian Retaliation Near Hormuz Slows Nuclear Gains
Treasury Sanctions Iran Drone Suppliers Including China
Chile to Return Ambassador to Israel Soon

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, fire continues near Hormuz as Washington awaits a serious Iranian response to its war-ending proposal; Tehran mocks US pressure, and satellite images suggest strikes have significantly set back Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including entities in China and Hong Kong, for aiding Iran’s military in securing weapons and raw materials used to build Tehran’s Shahed drones. The move comes days before President Trump plans to travel to China for talks with Xi Jinping, as efforts to end the war with Iran have stalled. Treasury said it stands ready to take economic action to prevent reconstitution of Iran’s military industrial base and to project power outside its borders, and it could target foreign companies supporting illicit Iranian commerce, including airlines, and impose secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that aid Iran’s efforts, including those connected to China’s independent “teapot” refineries. The administration said it will continue to act to keep America safe and to target foreign individuals and companies providing Iran’s military with weapons. Separately, Israel and Lebanon will resume negotiations with two days of intensive talks facilitated by the US on May 14 and 15, aiming to form a comprehensive peace and security agreement addressing borders, humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty with Hezbollah disarmament, according to the State Department. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his government is committed to ensuring weapons are solely in the hands of the state, and discussions are framed around creating durable security arrangements in the region.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez presented United Nations envoy Francesca Albanese with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit at Moncloa Palace, recognizing her work documenting alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Sanchez praised Albanese as a voice defending the conscience of the world and stressed the importance of protecting international law and the independence of multilateral institutions. Albanese, who serves as the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, has been a sharp critic of Israel and has faced sanctions from the United States, with European critics also pointing to controversy over her stance.

In Israeli Economy and Business, S&P has confirmed Israel’s credit rating at A, with a stable outlook.

In Uplifting News, Chilean President José Antonio Kast told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Chile intends to return its ambassador to Israel within a few weeks, a move marking a significant shift in relations. Kast and Herzog discussed deepening cooperation in health, artificial intelligence and technology, and Kast indicated his government will focus on Israel-Chile diplomatic ties despite domestic debate over the Palestinian issue. The Chilean ambassador to Israel was recalled in October 2023 amid protests over alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

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/bjbecpsczl
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/us-imposes-sanctions-10-individuals-companies-aiding-irans-weapons-sector
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895587
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895592
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76073
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-895589