Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-17 at 08:02

HEADLINES
- Israel Builds Secret Bases in Iraq
- Hezbollah Drones Survive, Deterrence Needed
- US Pushes UAE to Seize Lavan Island

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 Operation Lion's Roar, Israel has established at least two secret military bases in Iraq, according to The New York Times citing Iraqi officials. The report builds on an earlier account by The Wall Street Journal that described a hidden base to support an air campaign against Iran and to carry out strikes to shield the operation from exposure early in the war. Iraqi sources say the bases were built in remote desert areas beginning in 2024, with at least one site known to the United States by the summer of 2025. The United States has reportedly pressed Iraq to shut down radar systems to limit detection of Israeli activity on Iraqi soil.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli public broadcaster Kan News, citing a security source, said that even if Israel occupies southern Lebanon, it would not be able to destroy all of Hezbollah’s explosive drones or rockets. While Hezbollah could be weakened through targeted actions, a military move alone is not seen as a final solution; a political breakthrough and prolonged deterrence are viewed as necessary to address the northern threat. Israel has deployed anti-explosive drone barbed wire and has supplied this barrier to the Lebanese army to minimize attacks. Separately, Hamas is reported to be looking to exploit the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca to collect financial donations under humanitarian or religious cover; funds would be laundered or redirected before reaching Gaza, using methods such as electronic transfers, digital wallets, exchange companies, informal money-transfer networks, and front men to split transfers as they move through Egypt to Gaza.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Trump administration is reportedly encouraging the UAE to take a more direct role in the war against Iran, with some officials suggesting Abu Dhabi seize Iran’s Lavan Island to increase pressure while keeping American troops out of the line of fire. A former senior security official told the Telegraph that using UAE forces would avoid putting US troops in danger. The push comes as the UAE expands its engagement in the Iran conflict and deepens ties with Israel, even as Tehran has retaliated with missiles and drones and the UAE has sought broader regional coordination, including discussions with Saudi Arabia and Qatar that officials say did not yield the desired counterattacks.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former interior minister Moshe Arbel announced he will resign from the Knesset. Shas member Erez Malul is expected to return to the Knesset in his place. Arbel thanked Arye Deri and other Shas members for their trust and guidance, calling it a privilege to learn from them. He said he will continue to act in the spirit of the Shas movement’s values and to work for the prosperity of the State of Israel and for national unity, with a focus on issues affecting the haredi community during his time in public office.

In Uplifting News, the Trump administration hosted a White House Shabbat gathering to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary and to urge American Jews to observe Shabbat as part of the celebration. Attendees included Leo Terrell and other administration officials alongside Jewish leaders from both Orthodox and secular communities. A video from a diner showed participants dancing a circle-step hora. The event complemented a Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation issued on May 4, which highlighted 250 years of American independence and the value of observing Shabbat in this national milestone.

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://worldisraelnews.com/bombshell-report-reveals-additional-israeli-bases-in-enemy-territory/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896412
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896434
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896438
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896436
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896431