Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-12 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Saudi Strikes Iran On Iranian Soil
Ben-Gvir Demands Deporting Illegal Immigrants Now
Lauder Warns Global Antisemitism Surging

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia launched numerous, unpublicized strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the Middle East war. Two Western officials briefed on the matter and two Iranian officials said the strikes were carried out by the Saudi Air Force in late March. One Western official described them as tit-for-tat strikes in retaliation for when Saudi Arabia was hit. The attacks, not previously reported, mark the first time the kingdom is known to have directly carried out military action on Iranian soil and they signal a bolder stance in defending itself against its main regional rival. Reuters was unable to confirm the specific targets. A senior Saudi foreign ministry official did not directly address whether strikes had been carried out, and the Iranian foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Saudi Arabia has a deep military relationship with the United States, but the ten-week war has left the kingdom vulnerable to attacks that pierced US military protection.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a letter to Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon demanding an immediate discussion to advance expelling illegal immigrants in southern Tel Aviv, as well as other parts of the country. He claimed thousands have not been expelled even though there is a legal and practical framework in place that could facilitate this. He cited the SSQ gang, a criminal outfit that consists of minors and adults, mostly of Sudanese, Eritrean, and Filipino origin, with some Israeli members, which frequently commits serious violent offenses. He also referred to the Foreign Ministry's legal opinion, which determined that illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from third-world countries could be expelled without difficulty, as well as to previous rulings and procedures that allowed advancing this process. His letter states that immediate action should be taken to deport illegal immigrants.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder told Jewish leaders in Geneva that Jewish communities worldwide were facing a surge of antisemitism from Australia and Canada to the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, adding that it had become dangerous to be visibly Jewish in major Western capitals. He drew a direct parallel between the leaders gathered before World War II to warn of danger and the threats facing Jewish communities today, saying, “Ninety years ago, one of the darkest hours for the Jewish people was coming, and it is no accident that we are back here exactly 90 years later.” Lauder warned that, in 2026, Jews face “another dark hour,” urging unity and resolve, and arguing that the world should stop spending vast sums trying to persuade antisemites and instead invest in Jewish education.

In Uplifting News, Israel's Eurovision representative Noam Bettan took the stage at the Vienna semifinals, performing his song “Michelle” with dancer Lihi Freud portraying the titular character. Viewers around the world will be able to vote, with their votes combined with Monday’s jury scores to decide whether “Michelle” advances to the final. Israel was ranked sixth in official betting pools before the performance, with a 96% chance of qualifying for the final. This is a developing story. Vienna likewise offers history and culture, with its beauty lying in layers of history embedded within its institutions, museums, and neighborhoods. A recent snowy spell transformed the city, and the Josephinum Medical Museum, founded in 1785 by Emperor Joseph II as a military academy for surgeons, anchors a collection that highlights the era’s scientific advancement, including an 18th-century lecture hall and rare medical instruments and models. The city’s layered past invites reflection as well as admiration.

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-895961
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895942
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895959
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895951
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-895962