Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-13 at 23:02

HEADLINES
- US weighs Sledgehammer name for Iran war
- Second missing US servicewoman found in Morocco
- Chinese firms eye clandestine arms sales Iran

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Pentagon is weighing renaming its Iran war campaign to "Operation Sledgehammer" if the ceasefire collapses and President Trump decides to resume combat operations against Iran. A White House official told NBC that a new operation name would help distinguish renewed strikes from Operation Epic Fury, and other names are also under consideration. If a bombing campaign resumes, the US military presence in the region is larger now than when Epic Fury began in February, with officials saying the United States has more firepower and capability. The US Central Command continues to enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and renaming could allow the administration to argue that Sledgehammer is separate from Epic Fury, potentially avoiding the need for Congressional approval after 60 days of action.

Remains of second missing US servicewoman found in Morocco, military says. Africa Command confirmed the soldier was Specialist Mariyah Collington, 19, an air and missile defense crewmember. Her remains were located May 12 at a rocky cliff site in Cap Draa after she had been missing since May 2 during the African Lion exercises near Tan Tan. The search involved US, Moroccan and partner forces using ground, air and maritime assets. The remains of another service member, 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday. The disappearances occurred during off-duty time on a recreational hike while participating in the exercises, and search-and-rescue operations followed.

In Regional Impacts, Chinese companies planning clandestine arms sales to Iran, US intelligence finds. The New York Times, citing US officials, reports that Chinese firms have been in communication with Iranian officials regarding arms sales and may move weapons through third countries to hide origins. It is unclear whether any weapons have shipped or whether Chinese officials approved such sales, and US officials briefing on the matter differ on those specifics. At least one suspected concealment route involved an African country. Iran has not used Chinese weapons against Israel or US forces since Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury. US officials say they do not believe the Chinese government has formally approved finished weapons sales to Iran, though they note it would be unlikely the government did not know about the communications.

Iran has again characterized the engagement between IRGC and Kuwaiti forces on Bubiyan Island yesterday in a different light, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claiming that the engagement was instead Kuwaiti targeting of Iranian civilians and demanding their release. He described the incident as an effort to sow discord.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Rand Paul’s son apologizes after reportedly making antisemitic attack on Representative Mike Lawler. William Paul apologized, saying he had too much to drink and is seeking help for his drinking problem. The incident, captured publicly Tuesday at a Washington, DC, bar, involved remarks about Israel and Jews; Lawler, who is not Jewish, is Irish, Italian and Catholic, according to accounts of the encounter. Paul's remarks and subsequent apology drew attention after he confronted Lawler and commented on topics including Israel and individuals connected with the issue of antisemitism.

UK police plan operation to prevent trouble at anti-Israel, anti-immigration protests. London authorities described the planned policing as unprecedented, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman saying about 4,000 officers would be on duty, backed by helicopters, dog units and armed police reserves. The weekend routine includes two large protests — an anti-Israel Nakba Day march and the Unite the Kingdom rally led by Tommy Robinson — with FA Cup final events also in the city. Police stressed they would exercise the most assertive use of powers to forestall trouble, citing recent antisemitic attacks and a heightened terrorism threat level.

In Uplifting News, Holocaust survivor Albrecht Weinberg, who moved back to Germany in his 80's, dies aged 101. Born in 1925 in Rhauderfehn, he passed away in Leer, not far from his birthplace. Weinberg survived Auschwitz, Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen, and endured death marches near the war’s end. He returned to Germany 14 years ago after living in New York, and a film about his life, Es ist immer in meinem Kopf, premiered weeks earlier. Leaders and peers remembered him as a bridge between generations, and Israel’s Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, offered a tribute acknowledging his enduring memory.

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-896121
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896124
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896119
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20729
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-896132
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896128
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-896120