Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 07:01

HEADLINES
Iran pledges full retaliation for any scenario
Trump seeks bombing concessions amid airlift
Spire to host Negev AI hub

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry says it is prepared with full force for any scenario.

In US Military Role, a report quotes President Donald Trump as losing patience and believing concessions may come through bombing. Dozens of planes carrying ammunition from US bases in Germany have landed in Israel, Channel 13 reports.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is weighing a secure AI base in Israel’s Negev to counter China and cement leadership in the AI race. The plan, described in a Wall Street Journal op-ed by Michael Doran and Zineb Riboua of the Hudson Institute, centers on a joint initiative known as Project Spire. The facility would blend the security standards of a US military installation with Israel’s tech ecosystem, hosting research and development, major server infrastructure, dedicated energy systems, chip design, AI model training, and potentially advanced semiconductor production. Three sites in the western Negev are proposed; Israel would lease land long term for American use, and the base would be designed to host collaboration across R&D, servers, energy, chips, and AI work under strict standards.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog welcomed Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Haji, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, calling the moment the beginning of an important new partnership for both peoples and the entire region. The ceremony included the ambassador presenting credentials, and the residence orchestra performed Somaliland’s national anthem for the first time there. Israel’s cabinet had, last month, confirmed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has been described as applying massive pressure on coalition lawmakers to vote in favor of the contentious haredi draft bill, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel saying phone calls were made to almost all coalition members to gauge positions and push votes, including efforts to publicly shame Likud members who oppose the bill.

In Uplifting News, Grand Slam Jerusalem 2026 is returning to the capital, with the athletics meet set for June 25, 2026 at the National Stadium in Jerusalem’s Givat Ram. The event, organized by the Athletics Association and the Jerusalem Municipality, is expected to attract athletes from at least 26 countries and continues a growing international profile despite security challenges. Last year drew more than 1,600 spectators, and organizers say the event reinforces resilience, continuity, and a strong connection between sport and the city.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322796
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322820
https://t.me/hnaftali/23038
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896545
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896557
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896547
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322814