Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-11 at 14:02

HEADLINES
Trump Considers Renewed Project Freedom Hormuz Escorts
Houthis Arm Themselves With Iranian Weapons
Hezbollah Warns Kiryat Shmona to Flee

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Donald J. Trump told Fox News that he is indeed considering renewing Project Freedom, and reports indicate it would include US vessels directly escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following the lifting of restrictions on the US’s use of Saudi and Kuwaiti bases.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a new Conflict Armament Research report says the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to use Iranian components in drones and possess a growing arsenal that includes anti-ship, surface-to-air, and ballistic missiles, signaling expanded offensive capabilities with external support remaining a key factor in sustaining their operations. Separately, residents of Kiryat Shmona, an Israeli town near the Lebanon border, received voice messages in Hebrew from Hezbollah threatening them to leave the city, warning of decisive actions when they arrive and stating they will determine their fate.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Roll Call schedule indicates President Trump is expected to comment today on Iran, his visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other pertinent matters.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu reprimanded outgoing Mossad head Barnea for sending a confidential letter opposing Major-General Roman Gofman’s appointment as Mossad chief, with Netanyahu saying the prime minister appoints the head of the Mossad. In another development, a Jerusalem man in his 60s was arrested after a complaint alleging threats to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with police detaining and questioning him in Hebron. A Hebrew-language report quotes Yonin Megal warning that election losses could result if the draft law is not passed, noting broad support for the law within the ultra-Orthodox community and referencing Netanyahu’s reaction to Barnea’s letter.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Toronto police seek a suspect in the vandalism of a menorah outside the Yorkville Jewish Centre. The European Jewish Association has secured a mandate to negotiate protected minority status for European Jews with national governments and the EU, aiming to safeguard Jewish life and practice. A Hamburg Administrative Court allowed a pro-Palestinian protest camp at Moorweide, near the site of WWII Jewish deportations, despite local outrage and safety concerns, with authorities seeking to relocate parts of the camp to a nearby park. Iranian protesters were accosted by pro-Palestinian mobs in Germany, including an Iranian woman who lost an eye in 2022, during demonstrations in Berlin, as police intervened amid clashes.

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/DefenderDome/20687
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895826
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-895812
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1320150
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895827
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895825
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895824
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-895820