Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-09 at 03:01

HEADLINES
Khamenei Guides War From The Shadows
Beqaa Valley Weapons Site Targeted
US Intel Tehran Leader Hidden Wounded Isolated

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 Iranian Retaliation, US intelligence assessments indicate that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a critical role in Iran's war strategy while remaining in hiding, and is likely directing ongoing negotiations with the United States and other parties. The assessments also note that the precise authority within the regime remains unclear, but Khamenei is reportedly working alongside other senior Iranian officials. Some sources say he may be engaged at a smaller role and is only sporadically accessible for communication. In his apparent inaccessibility, senior IRGC officials and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are described as effectively running the regime.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF struck over 85 Hezbollah infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon in the past 24 hours, with strikes conducted from the air and on the ground and targeting weapon storage facilities, launchers, and production structures. In the Beqaa Valley, forces hit an underground site used by Hezbollah to produce weapons intended to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. Hezbollah operatives involved in advancing attacks against IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon were among those targeted. The military said the strikes followed rockets fired toward IDF soldiers in the area, and reported no injuries from the latest strikes, while earlier incidents involving explosive drones launched by Hezbollah left two soldiers moderately wounded and one severely wounded.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US intelligence remains unsure who holds real power in Tehran, with reports describing Iran’s hidden new leader as wounded, isolated, and reachable only through visitors or couriers.

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-895599
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895604
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1yuph3czl