Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-17 at 09:02

HEADLINES
Israel covert bases in Iraqi desert exposed
UAE Barakah drone strike sparks generator fire
US orders Iraqi radar shut Iran ops

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States reportedly ordered Iraqi security forces to shut down radar systems during two operations in Iran.

In Regional Impacts, Abu Dhabi authorities said a drone strike on an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region sparked a fire. No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected, and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the plant’s essential systems are operating normally. Separately, security officials say Hamas’s Gaza military chief Izz ad-Din al-Haddad broke his own rules after months in Gaza’s tunnels, exposing patterns that helped Israeli intelligence close in. The reports describe his cautious movements, a late push to enter a ceasefire, and the risk to leadership if such efforts fail. Overnight, an IDF soldier was severely injured and an additional IDF officer was moderately injured as a result of an explosive device detonation in southern Lebanon; in the same incident, an IDF officer and an IDF soldier were lightly injured.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel built two secret bases in Iraq’s desert during the war with Iran, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed Iraqi officials. The bases reportedly housed special forces from the Air Force and served as a logistics facility, with IDF troops stationed there in case pilots were shot down over enemy territory. The report notes that the IDF nearly launched strikes against Iraqi troops that had nearly discovered the bases. On March 4, a local shepherd spotted unusual activity and tipped off the Iraqi military, which was driven away by airstrikes; one Iraqi soldier was killed. A US source said American forces were not involved.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Trump administration is reportedly urging the UAE to take a more direct role in the war against Iran, with some officials suggesting Abu Dhabi seize Iran’s Lavan Island. A former senior Trump security official told the Telegraph that using UAE forces would avoid putting US troops in the line of fire. The push comes as Iran’s attacks have drawn heavy retaliation, including more than 2,800 missiles and drones. The UAE has sought broader defense ties with the United States and Israel, and reportedly asked Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join counterattacks against Iran, though those efforts were not successful.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the coalition’s controversial haredi draft bill is back on the Knesset’s agenda ahead of its final readings, with a dissolution vote anticipated on Wednesday as Netanyahu’s coalition faces a crisis with haredi parties. Degel HaTorah MKs say they have been instructed by spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando to support dissolving the Knesset. Meanwhile, IDF Major-General Roman Gofman rejected the Attorney General’s latest classified update to the High Court of Justice, accusing Baharav-Miara’s office of trying to cast doubt on his integrity as petitions challenge his appointment as Mossad chief. The petitions reference the Ori Elmakayes affair involving an unauthorized operation linked to the 210th Division. An opinion piece argues that the haredi conscription debate threatens long-standing Israeli coalitions, potentially triggering elections and reshaping alliances. Former interior minister Moshe Arbel announced his resignation from the Knesset, with Erez Malul expected to take his place; Arbel thanked Deri and Shas colleagues and said he will continue to act in Shas’s spirit and work for the unity of the people.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, ancient blood libels continue to shape modern antisemitism, the article notes, recalling Simon of Trent in 15th-century Italy and the well-poisoning accusations during the Black Death, as well as the Ibn Mashal conspiracy in Morocco; these myths fueled persecution for centuries and have resurfaced in various forms, including Nazi propaganda, underscoring how conspiracy narratives persist and manifest as prejudice and violence.

In Israeli Economy and Business, former finance minister Moshe Kahlon is set to admit offense in the UnetCredit collapse case, acknowledging that he failed to ensure serious irregularities at the company were properly reported while he served as chairman. The plea agreement would see him admit to violating reporting duties under the Securities Law, with the court expected to consider a suspended prison term, a 180,000 shekel fine, and an 18-month restriction on serving as an officer in a public company; the agreement remains subject to court approval. UnetCredit was a public non-bank credit company whose collapse is at the center of the case.

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://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76426
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896446
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896435
https://t.me/selena_updates/63947
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896453
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896438
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896460
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896458
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896180
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896436
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896174
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896454