Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-14 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Gulf States Fortify Defenses as Iran Threatens
Netanyahu Pushes Five-Year Haredi Plan Before Dissolution
London Deploys 4,000 Officers for Nakba Day

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Role of Gulf states in Iran conflict said to change over one week - analysis, analysts say Iran’s narrative framed Gulf states as hosts for US forces or as signatories of the Abraham Accords, allowing Tehran to threaten them more openly. The conflict that began with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28 saw Iran launch attacks at a dozen regional targets, with the United Arab Emirates identified as a major target, alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar, the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, and other countries. Iran also targeted US bases and signaled it could strike anywhere. The Gulf states, hit by the strikes, were initially seen absorbing blows with limited retaliation and strengthening their air-defense capabilities. In recent days, perceptions of their role have shifted, with some Gulf states taking a more proactive stance to defend themselves and build up their deterrence, according to media reports this week.

In Netanyahu's coalition moves to fast-track controversial laws ahead of upcoming Knesset dissolution, the government is pressing ahead with measures that could accelerate passage of contentious bills before a potential dissolution date. The push comes amid a crisis in the coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties over the conscription law. The coalition is backing a five-year plan for the haredi sector that would channel billions of shekels to that community and entrench policy for years, including a 25% slice of the Education Ministry’s construction budget for haredi institutions and an annual NIS 44 million to a dropout-prevention program intended to deter enlistment in the IDF. The plan is being advanced in the lead-up to the vote on dissolving the Knesset, when government approval would be easier to secure.

In Diaspora Jews aren't ‘traitors’ for not making aliyah, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli says, the attack on diaspora Jewry does not serve us and he would not use the language of threats. Speaking at the Tel Aviv Conference on Israel’s Future, Chikli defended the government’s record on the haredi draft law, the war, diaspora Jewry, and political polarization, while audience members interrupted repeatedly.

In Herzog scraps NYC visit as pro-Palestinian protests erupt over planned speech, President Isaac Herzog canceled his trip to New York, opting to speak virtually amid criticism from pro-Palestinian students.

In London, cities worldwide brace themselves for Nakba day protests, deputy assistant commissioner James Harman said Saturday may be one of the busiest days for policing in recent years. London’s Metropolitan Police plan to deploy about 4,000 officers to maintain order during Nakba Day protests, with a zero-tolerance approach, supported by live facial recognition, helicopters, drones, dog units, police horses, armored vehicles, and dedicated investigative teams. The UK terrorism threat level has been raised to severe, and authorities note a backdrop of rising antisemitism and hate crimes targeting Jewish Londoners.

In Haifa Port opens new cruise terminal as Israel’s tourism sector eyes recovery, the new terminal, built at an investment of more than NIS 16 million, is due to begin operating with the opening of the cruise season on May 14. It is designed to handle two large cruise ships at the same time and to serve outbound and inbound tourism, with capacity for up to one million passengers a year, double the previous peak. The project expands central passenger areas, including a 600-square-meter duty-free shop, a 1,300-square-meter security screening area, a 1,000-square-meter check-in area, and a 1,200-square-meter border control area with 28 stations, along with upgraded electrical and communications infrastructure.

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/article-896274
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896280
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-896272
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1lygnmkml
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896277
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896270
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896279