Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-13 at 11:02

HEADLINES
IDF plans Gaza return tied to Iran
Sumud flotilla resumes voyage to Gaza
China tanker crosses Hormuz amid tensions

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an plan from the Southern Command to return to fighting in Gaza was presented to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Major-General Yaniv Asor outlined options for resuming operations in the Gaza Strip, alongside evacuation measures and relocation of civilians to new humanitarian zones. The plan, developed with the Air Force, the Intelligence Directorate, and the Operations Directorate, includes a phased approach for different scenarios. Officials say the collapse of the current ceasefire and any renewal of fighting largely hinge on developments with Iran; a last-minute agreement with the Ayatollah regime could bring the IDF closer to resuming fighting against Hamas in Gaza, while a renewal of fighting with Iran or in Lebanon against Hezbollah could push such action to an unknown date. Security sources say the chances of Iran reaching a nuclear agreement are slim.

In Regional Impacts, the Global Sumud Flotilla announced it will resume its journey to Gaza from Marmaris, Turkey on Thursday after Israeli forces intercepted the activist fleet near Crete and detained key organizers. Saif Abu Keshek, a Steering Committee member, told reporters that the flotilla, comprising 54 vessels and more than 500 activists, would depart Marmaris. Abu Keshek, detained last week and deported on Sunday, said they sail one day before Nakba to honor the occasion. Abu Keshek was released Sunday; Thiago Avila, another Steering Committee member, was deported to São Paulo and did not plan to join the Thursday departure. The group was among 175 activists on 20 vessels stopped near Crete on April 29, with most passengers deposited in Greece. Separately, the Chinese Very Large Crude Carrier Yuan Hua Hu crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi crude, after a delay tied to US-Iran tensions. The vessel is now anchored off the Gulf of Oman near the US blockade. The crossing marks the third known passage by a Chinese tanker through Hormuz since the current US-Israel conflict with Iran began, and Iran has moved to tighten control over the strait by pursuing oil and LNG deals with Iraq and Pakistan, with other countries pursuing similar arrangements that could expand Tehran’s influence in the waterway.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Jerusalem Post’s roundup by Shifra Jacobs carries the headline Hezbollah plans to occupy Beirut, US ships may be in danger. The item highlights tensions involving Hezbollah, as reported by the Post, and frames them within ongoing regional risk to naval operations. The roundup format indicates continued coverage of the broader tension between Iran, its allies, and regional actors.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, CNN reports that Israeli officials are concerned a potential Trump-Iran deal could come with unwanted concessions. The primary worry is that Trump might grow tired of talks and strike any deal, including last-minute concessions. While Israel and the United States share an aim to prevent Iran from attaining a nuclear weapon, some issues such as ballistic missiles and regional proxies appear not to be on the table in early drafts. Officials note that a partial deal could allow Iran to stabilize economically and politically, complicating the broader containment effort. “Our hand is on the pulse,” one senior official told CNN. The United States and Israel continue to coordinate actions against Iran as negotiations proceed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a commentary on Naftali Bennett describes his approach as built on political vehicles. The piece recalls Bennett’s rally in Tel Aviv, his visit to the Kotel, and his declaration of aiming for major national reform—one constitution, one school system, one nation. It emphasizes that Bennett wears the kippah as a personal identifier rather than a political program and notes that every party he has led has served as a vehicle to win elections. The analysis portrays the ongoing effort to assemble a governing coalition through a new merger with Lapid and the challenge of maintaining broad support.

Also in Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF is testing counter-drone technologies ahead of a security meeting on the rising drone threat. The IDF, the Defense Ministry, and defense contractors are conducting a series of capability tests focused on fiber-optic and racer drones, with results to be presented to Defense Minister Israel Katz. Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to meet this evening with senior defense officials to discuss the drone threat. Head of the Intelligence Directorate, Major-General Shlomi Binder, has mobilized top talent from the intelligence community, including units within the Special Operations Division and Unit 81, to study threats in southern Lebanon and develop solutions for fiber-optic suicide drones.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-896068
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896074
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896072
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-896058
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896066
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896076
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896070
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-895893