Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-09 at 06:01

HEADLINES
Bahrain arrests 41 IRGC-linked spies
Hezbollah funding arm resumes operations in Beirut
Gaps persist US Iran on nuclear deal

The time is now 6:00 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, Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 41 individuals linked to the main Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, described as the core of the organization in the country, accused of espionage with foreign entities and sympathy with blatant Iranian aggression. Investigations continue to take the necessary measures against anyone involved in the activities of this organization and to have committed illegal acts. Bahrain has been among the Gulf states most affected by the war with Iran, including strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure during the month-long combats, and economic strain from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as the kingdom has pushed for a US-led UN resolution demanding Iran stop attacks and laying mines in the Strait while UN Security Council members began closed talks on a text drafted by the United States. Separately, Al-Qard Al-Hasan, Hezbollah's main funding source, resumed operations in Beirut's Haret Khreik neighborhood in the southern Dahiyya after Israeli strikes targeted about 30 of its branches. The association reportedly contacted the Lebanese government to obtain approval to operate, though sources said official documents from the Central Bank or legal authorities authorizing action had not been received. The Central Bank of Lebanon had banned all financial institutions from transacting with Al-Qard Al-Hassan in July 2025 under US pressure, and the group has been under US sanctions since 2007; the central bank says it did not ban the association but issued instructions. The emerging evidence suggests Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, known as HAYI, operates as a front for elements aligned with the Iranian regime, with the group claiming responsibility for stabbings in London and other attacks across Europe, signaling a pattern some analysts describe as “gig economy” terrorism linked to Tehran. In addition, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli officials say there are still significant gaps between Washington and Tehran on any potential nuclear agreement, despite some optimistic signals from the United States. The central question is not only what concessions Iran would offer but how much President Donald Trump would be willing to concede to reach a deal. Some progress appears driven by pressure, as the Iranian economy bears down and US political considerations weigh on Trump; gas prices in the United States remain high, fueling concern among Republicans ahead of midterm elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Trump nearly every day, with their most recent conversation taking place late Wednesday night into Thursday. Trump has said there is a very good chance of reaching an agreement, even suggesting that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile could be transferred as part of a deal.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a special military court in Jerusalem will hear October 7 cases, with about 400 suspects and 1,164 prosecutors assigned to the proceedings. The court will include public broadcasts, victim safeguards, and possible death sentences for crimes including murder and rape.

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-895609
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895607
https://www.jpost.com/international/islamic-terrorism/article-895521
https://t.me/hnaftali/22964
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-895606
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by2b00dhcwe