Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 03:02

HEADLINES
Epic Fury US Israel Dismantle Iran Defenses
Saudi Intercepts Three Drones Iran Tensions Grow
Historic Breakthrough in Israel UAE Ties

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, CENTCOM helped intercept more than 6,000 one-way attack drones and over 1,500 ballistic missiles aimed at US forces, Israel, and Arab partners during the recent Iran conflict. Admiral Brad Cooper told the Senate Committee on Armed Services on May 14 about USCENTCOM’s regional air defense role and cited Operation Epic Fury, noting that in less than 40 days of major combat operations, CENTCOM forces dismantled what Iran spent four decades and tens of billions of dollars building. The United States and Israel conducted wide-ranging strikes that destroyed Iranian air defenses, the Iranian navy, and thousands of other targets, while Iran responded. The United States leaned on partner contributions to regional air defense, and CENTCOM has undertaken a focused effort to structurally integrate its partners to enable them to take on a greater role in regional defense. Iran targeted a broad set of regional states, including the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Iraq.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Saudi Arabia says it intercepted three drones that entered its territory from Iraqi airspace, a development that follows a drone attack in the area of Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant; authorities cautioned it is too early to tell if the incidents are connected. Defense ministry spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said Saudi would take the necessary operational measures to respond to any violation of sovereignty and to safeguard citizens and residents, with a note that hostilities during the Iran conflict have been scaled down since a ceasefire in April, but drones have continued to be launched from Iraq toward Gulf countries. There are reports that Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq may be preparing new attacks and testing new routes. Arab reports say Israel attacked in southern Lebanon. Eight people were killed on the Lebanon front during a ceasefire in which fire never stopped, including soldiers and a civilian leaving behind grieving families.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Netanyahu visited the United Arab Emirates at the start of the war with Iran, meeting with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a disclosure driven by concern that Bennett might travel to Abu Dhabi and create the impression that Bennett was welcome in the Gulf while Netanyahu was not. UAE officials denied that Netanyahu or Israeli military figures visited, and Abu Dhabi had asked that the visit remain confidential; the PMO described the meeting as a historic breakthrough in ties. Separately, IDF reservists on the Lebanon border are required to cross into Lebanon despite not being eligible for the additional risk benefits associated with such duty, with a medical unit member describing the cross-border evacuations under fire as a constant threat and noting questions about how the ranking changes are applied. A Hebrew-language piece discusses Israel’s conscription policy in relation to Netanyahu, though no further details were provided.

In Uplifting News, a pancake spotlight is coming this season with a pancake that is soft, cheesy, and surprising. Another feature highlights five pancakes you won’t stop making, ranging from sweet to savory and even vegan recipes. A discussion about breakfast toppings asks which provides greater satiety, avocado or peanut butter, framing a comforting and nourishing start to the day.

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-896522
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896512
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https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry4ml4ujzg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896513
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896504
https://t.me/newssil/201842
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322687
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322686
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322680