Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-15 at 06:02

HEADLINES
Secret IDF UAE visit strengthens Iran defense
Lebanon talks productive Hezbollah disarmament planned
Nazi swastikas flown on NYU building

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir conducted a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during the operation, accompanied by a US delegation to strengthen strategic cooperation and discuss defense against Iran, including both defensive and offensive scenarios. The wartime visit signals exceptionally close ties between Israel and the UAE under the Abraham Accords, with officials describing ongoing processes that could set relations for years to come. Separately, a delegation of IDF officers recently visited the UAE to expand cooperation, transfer military and technological knowledge, and meet UAE personnel in Israel. Reports also indicate that Israel transferred Iron Dome batteries and laser systems to the UAE to defend against threats from Iran, a move that has been corroborated.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel and Lebanon are positioned to discuss withdrawal from Lebanese territory in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament, according to a report by Israel's public broadcaster. The CIA is said to have prepared a plan to disarm Hezbollah. Delegations from Israel and Lebanon are due to meet for continued US-facilitated peace talks, with Thursday's discussions described as productive and positive by a State Department official. Meanwhile, the IDF conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, including a strike on a rocket launcher that fired into Kiryat Shmona and several other targets described as terror infrastructure overnight.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a retrospective look at how primaries reshaped the party system notes that in 1992 the Labor Party shifted leadership selection away from party forums to a broad primary, with 108,000 members voting and Rabin winning by 16 percentage points. The Labour victory helped it defeat Likud 44 to 32 seats, prompting both major parties to emulate primaries. The piece argues that while primaries were once seen as reform, they have since become a source of political debasement. Separately, one article discusses ongoing recruitment debates ahead of elections and recognizes that opposition contenders are emphasizing issues such as October 7 and the enlistment of Haredim.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a flag featuring Nazi swastikas and a Star of David was flown on an NYU campus building during graduation week. University officials say they are working with the New York Police Department to identify those responsible and condemn the act as antisemitic, pledging to protect the campus community. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani likewise condemned the act as an antisemitic attempt to spread fear and intimidation against Jewish students and the campus community.

In Uplifting News, Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and the United States vary by area, with candle lighting around 7:48 p.m. and Shabbat ending around 8:49 p.m. in some locations, and other areas listing times as early as 6:53 p.m. and ending as late as 8:49 p.m. The weekly Torah portion Bamidbar is also highlighted, opening the fourth book of the Torah and focusing on the counting of the people and their journey through the wilderness; Bamidbar means “in the wilderness,” and its readings are traditionally aligned with Shavuot, underscoring the theme of counting individuals within a larger structure.

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-896313
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896310
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896273
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321750
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321749
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896315
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-896314
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-896183
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321741