Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-15 at 08:01

HEADLINES
Gulf Rift Over UAE Iran Deterrent Plan
El-Khiam Tunnels Highlight Israel's New Doctrine
US Presses Gulf States to Join Deterrent

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, The United Arab Emirates sought to coordinate a Gulf-wide response to Iran’s missile, rocket and drone attacks during the recent war, pressing leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a series of calls after Israel and the United States began strikes on Iran. Abu Dhabi’s leadership argued that a coordinated deterrent was needed, but Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states declined, telling Abu Dhabi that it was not their war. The push reportedly strained relations within the Gulf, and the Trump administration was aware of the UAE proposal and pressed Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, El-Khiam in southern Lebanon has become a focal point for Israel’s new security doctrine born out of the October 7 attacks: the aim is to deny the enemy not only the desire to strike, but the capability to do so. The town, once a Hezbollah stronghold near Israel’s border, lies along routes linking southern Lebanon to Hezbollah’s Bekaa Valley heartland and has seen its devastation amplified by tunnels and caches hidden in civilian structures, including a clothing store. The destruction underscores a shift toward preventing Hezbollah from using civilian areas as cover and from leveraging key transit corridors to move fighters and equipment.

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-896319
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjnemy4ygg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896271
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-896317
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896315
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321790