Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-19 at 23:02

HEADLINES
- Israel plotted Ahmadinejad to lead Iran
- Drones strike Barakah plant UAE braces
- Trump allies divided on Israel policy

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, a report described a developed Israeli plan to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran’s new leader after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials at the outset of a US-Israel war against Iran. Ahmadinejad was reportedly consulted but grew wary after being wounded in an Israeli strike in Tehran intended to spring him from house arrest, and he has not appeared in public since. The account notes that, despite past feuds with senior regime figures, Ahmadinejad has backed Iran’s nuclear program, making his selection an extraordinary choice. The plan was described as one stage in a broader multiphase strategy, beginning with an aerial campaign that killed top Iranian officials and a mobilization of Kurdish forces, though the later steps did not materialize as planned.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, on the first day of the Iran War, the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike on the Tehran home of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former Iranian president known for hard-line views toward Israel and the United States, designed to free him from house arrest and place him in a position to take over the country following the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Plans to place Ahmadinejad in power after weakening the current regime had been developed with US knowledge and briefed to Ahmadinejad, but the operation went awry: he was accidentally injured when a security outpost at the entrance to his street was destroyed and several members of the IRGC were killed as the home was attacked. He survived but became disillusioned with the plan and halted further communications with Israel, and he has not been seen publicly since, leaving his current whereabouts and condition unclear.

In Regional Impacts, six drones were launched against the United Arab Emirates from Iraq in the past 48 hours, including one that caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. The UAE intercepted five of the six drones; three targeted Barakah, and one breached defenses to strike an electric generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter. The plant remained safe, and authorities said no radioactive material was released. The head of the international nuclear watchdog warned that a direct hit on Barakah would produce a very high release of radioactivity. Iraq hosts Iranian-backed militias that have claimed attacks on bases in the region during the conflict, and UAE officials have said they reserve the right to respond to these so-called terrorist attacks. The matter was discussed at a United Nations Security Council meeting, with the UAE seeking international support.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, two polls show a growing split among Republicans over support for Israel. A New York Times/Siena poll found that 38% of potential Republican voters would like the next Republican candidate to move in a new direction on Israel, rather than follow Trump’s stance. Nearly a third of potential Republican voters said Trump has been too supportive of Israel. In a separate poll released recently, MAGA-aligned Republicans who back Trump were more likely than other Trump voters to support the Israeli government, underscoring intra-party tensions over policy toward Israel.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Irish novelist Sally Rooney plans to issue her latest novel in Hebrew through an Israeli publisher approved by boycott activists. The Hebrew translation of Intermezzo, due next month, will be published by November Books in collaboration with left-leaning Israeli outlets +972 Magazine and Local Call. Rooney’s move comes after she previously refused a Hebrew translation in 2021 and said she supports the BDS movement and would not work with an Israeli publisher unless it publicly distanced itself from its government’s policies toward Palestinians. The arrangement is described as unusual within the BDS framework, and Rooney discussed her position in an interview with a Palestinian-Irish activist.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s Negev Desert was officially recognized as an international wine region, joining major names in the field. The designation as a protected geographical indication labeled “Negev” follows a four-year initiative led by the Merage Foundation Israel. The foundation’s executive director called the recognition a deeply personal milestone and said it strengthens the region’s economic and tourism potential while positioning the Negev on the world stage as an innovative, high-quality wine region. The designation stretches from the southern city of Kiryat Gat to a resort area in the Negev.

In Uplifting News, wine accessories are taking center stage in Israeli homes as global wine consumption declines. With worldwide consumption at a 27-year low in 2025, Israelis are embracing wine culture at home, prioritizing quality over quantity. The trend is reflected in stylish stands, temperature gadgets, and other accessories that elevate Shavuot celebrations, with stands ranging from decorative figurines to more natural wooden designs that help create a winery atmosphere on the table. Separately, violent crime across the United States fell sharply in 2025, with preliminary FBI data showing the largest drop in violent crime and murder since 1937. Murders fell more than 18%, robberies about 18.5% lower, rape declined nearly 8%, and aggravated assaults dropped over 7%, contributing to an overall violent-crime decrease of roughly 9.3%. Property crime also fell by about 12.4% across more than 17,000 law enforcement agencies.

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.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-20-2026/
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20816
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896759
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896756
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896758
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896757
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896763
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54596