Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-16 at 04:01

HEADLINES
US-Israel set to strike Iran next week
ISIS deputy leader killed in US-Nigeria raid
Texas mural honors Druze and Iranian children

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, US-Israel attacks on Iran could resume as early as next week - report. Officials cited by the New York Times say the United States and Israel are preparing for joint attacks on Iran to resume as soon as next week, describing the preparations as the most significant since a Pakistani-brokered ceasefire earlier this year. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the United States has a plan to escalate if necessary, including retrograding or shifting assets. President Donald Trump told Fox News that Iran has refused to acknowledge multiple deals, noting that one deal would have required Iran to transfer its enriched uranium to the United States. The report also notes that Iranian Parliament National Security Spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei threatened to boost uranium enrichment to 90 percent if tensions continue.

In US Military Role, Trump says ISIS deputy leader eliminated in US-Nigeria operation in Africa. President Donald Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, designated by the Biden administration in 2023 as a major global terrorist, was killed in a joint US-Nigeria operation, calling him “the most active terrorist in the world.”

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, אף אחד פה לא פרו-ישראלי, אבל כולם רוצים שחיזבאללה יובס | לבנון משנה כיוון. The report describes a Lebanese dynamic around Iran-backed proxies, with a commander in a pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon accused of planning attacks in the United States. Trump announced a dramatic overseas strike described as involving significant firepower, and Israeli officials referenced developments concerning Hezbollah in Lebanon. A military source commented on the evolving situation with Hezbollah, and Israel’s chief of staff emphasized the unity of the IDF as a key link across the force in confronting Iran’s regional cadres.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Eisenkot says he would sit with haredim as Liberman talks loom. Yashar! reports that party chairman Gadi Eisenkot said he would sit in a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, adding, “Of course. I sit with anyone who strengthens the State of Israel.” Talks have been under way about a potential merger between his party and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu. Liberman has repeatedly tied unity to reform on the draft law, arguing there can be no unity while draft-dodging persists, and noting Netanyahu is not willing to abandon the draft-dodgers. The parties say the final shape will depend on bloc interests, with lists still open for discussion.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Criminal networks in Negev, Galilee tighten grip on Israel’s economy, infrastructure. Yoel Zilberman, founder of Shomer HaHadash, warns of a wide-reaching system of crime that now influences the economy and security landscape. He cites extensive water, electricity, and fuel theft, including jet fuel, as well as infrastructure theft and a large drug industry operating within firing zones. He also highlights extortion as a growing problem and describes thousands of drug greenhouses in restricted areas, noting the resulting costs to citizens.

In Uplifting News, Texas mural honors Druze and Iranian children killed by Iran and its proxies. A large mural, designed by Iranian-American artist Hooman Khalili and titled “WOMAN. LIFE. FREEDOM.,” was unveiled in Webster, Texas, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The piece depicts children from Israel and Iran and centers on the twelve Druze children killed when a Hezbollah rocket struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams in 2024, along with Iranian children who have died amid unrest and crackdowns since 2022. Khalili says the work is ultimately about children and their shared innocence, transcending borders and languages.

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-896353
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bybcv5byzl
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321983
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896350
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896351
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896348