Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-19 at 20:01

HEADLINES
Iran claims F-35 down, vows more surprises
Israel detains hundreds after Gaza flotilla interception
Senate inches toward war powers over Iran

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran's powerful Armed Forces were the first to strike down a touted F-35, and he warned that a return to war would feature many more surprises, saying lessons learned and knowledge gained would guide future actions.

In Regional Impacts, the Foreign Ministry said no live ammunition was fired after multiple warnings to the Gaza-bound flotilla, and that non-lethal measures were used against the vessels with no protesters injured. The Global Sumud Flotilla had claimed that all 50 boats were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with 428 participants from more than 40 countries detained, including 78 Turks, and that activists were transferred to Israeli vessels en route to Israel and would meet consular representatives. Separately, the IDF completed the takeover of the flotilla, detaining 430 activists, while officials denied live-fire claims and an Israeli Eurovision song, “Michelle,” was broadcast to activists. NATO’s top commander said the alliance is not drawing up plans for a Hormuz mission; any decision would require the political approval of all 32 members, with several opposed and no formal proposal yet, noting the political direction must come first before formal planning.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States Senate voted 50-47 on a procedural move to advance a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military action against Iran without congressional approval.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice said the committee that approved the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as Mossad chief was deficient, urging the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee to review new documents and interview two figures central to the controversy, with guidance to inform the court by May 21 and complete the review by May 26. Separately, as Israel’s ruling party pushes forward with a bill to dissolve the Knesset amid Ultra-Orthodox anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two frontrunners for prime minister, Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu, remain neck-and-neck, with Polymarket traders placing a 40% probability that Bennett will be the next prime minister.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a commentary argues that anti-Zionism can become a respectable form of antisemitism by borrowing vocabulary from human rights and social justice, noting that Australia’s Bondi Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion is examining the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack and that its interim report recommends measures to yield lasting institutional and political change. The United States Department of Justice announced the upcoming launch of the Anti-Semitism Advisory Committee to advise the Attorney General on strategies to combat rising antisemitism, building on efforts associated with President Trump, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praising Leo Terrell for leading the department’s antisemitism response efforts. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, in an interview with Channel 13, said Israel has “definitely lost its morality,” criticizing US funding for its military and questioning Israel’s democracy, arguing that many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza lack political rights.

In Uplifting News, the security guard killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego was hailed as a hero after engaging two gunmen, sacrificing his life to protect about 140 schoolchildren inside the mosque and activating lockdown protocols; Amin Abdullah, also known as Brian Climax, was identified by police, and two other men who helped deter the suspects died in the incident. In a separate account, Captain Maoz Recanati’s last gift to a wounded comrade—two weeks before his death in battle—was a battalion flag given to a soldier who later attended his funeral in a wheelchair, symbolizing comradeship amid conflict.

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
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-says-committees-vetting-of-mossad-chief-appointment-deficient-asks-for-review/
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20815
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896754
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54591
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896748
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896753
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rklxjvcjmx