Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-13 at 02:02

HEADLINES
UAE hits Iran oil facilities fires blaze
US B1 bombers train for Iran clash
Beit Jbeil satellite shows vanished homes

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

In Iranian Retaliation, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates carried out a covert strike on Iran, hitting oil facilities on Lavan Island in early April, roughly as President Trump announced a ceasefire. The attack sparked a large fire and shut the refinery for months. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against the UAE.

In US Military Role, Two OSINT sources reported that American B1-B strategic bombers conducted training sorties over the Middle East in recent hours as part of preparations for the possibility of renewed hostilities with Iran.

In Regional Impacts, Police said a man was shot dead in northern Israel, and the shooting appeared criminal in nature; the killing brings the number of homicide victims in Israel’s Arab community this year to 104. Russia said it shot down 286 drones Ukraine launched overnight. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Parliament’s National Security Committee, said: “We will under no circumstances allow the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war status. Iran is not seeking to permanently close the Strait of Hormuz, but rather for the Strait of Hormuz to be under Iranian control and to benefit Iran. Parliament is about to approve a legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz that all entities will be required to implement.”

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Beit Jbeil satellite imagery shows homes that once stood have disappeared from the ground.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, A Nazi-looted painting titled Portrait of a Young Girl, by Dutch artist Toon Kelder, has resurfaced in the home of descendants of Hendrik Seyffardt, a Dutch SS collaborator. The painting belonged to Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikker before it was seized when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. It had hung in the hallway of Seyffardt’s granddaughter’s home for years. An unnamed relative acknowledged the painting had been stolen but asked not to tell anyone, and an art detective described the case as exceptionally unusual. The relative said she does not intend to sell the work.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Arkia will add weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its Vietnam operations. The new route, starting in October 2026, will join Arkia’s Hanoi service launched earlier this year. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz called the expansion a right move following the Hanoi route’s success and said it will broaden long-haul operations and deepen Israel’s ties with the East. The schedule plans weekly departures from Tel Aviv on Thursdays and from Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday nights.

In Uplifting News, Neta, the wife of Ilan Vais HY"D, writes about her husband a family man, educator, active reservist, tour guide, and loving father and grandfather. Two years ago, on the Hebrew date 9 Sivan 5784, Ilan fell in combat in the northern Gaza Strip while protecting others. Since his death, life has changed for the family, and they are establishing Merhav Eilon, a living space to be built near the Gaza envelope close to the site where Ilan fell. The project aims to open hearts, connect people, and provide space for pain, hope, healing, joy, and renewal; it will host communities, reservists, the injured, bereaved families, study days, cross‑community dialogue, listening sessions, and bridge-building, reminding that after the rupture, it is possible to build together and continue Ilan’s path.

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/abualiexpress/122216
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122215
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry0j115w1ze
https://t.me/newssil/201513
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76236
https://t.me/newssil/201512
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-895981
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-895980
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122221