Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-20 at 05:02

HEADLINES
IRGC Threatens Wider War If Iran Attacked
ISIS No.2 Leader Killed in Nigeria
Senate Votes to Limit Iran War Powers

The time is now 5:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, an IRGC threat warns that if the US and Israel attack Iran, the war will spread far beyond the Middle East.

In US Military Role, US and Nigerian forces carried out joint strikes that eliminated a senior ISIS official in Nigeria, described by officials as a strategic blow to the group. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed along with several of his lieutenants at his compound in the Lake Chad Basin in Borno state. Al-Minuki was described as the second in command of ISIS globally and the most active terrorist, a description echoed by officials following the operation. The day after the initial strike, US and Nigerian forces conducted additional strikes on ISIS positions in Northeast Nigeria, eliminating militants in the region. No Nigerian or US personnel were harmed. ISIS has shifted its focus to the Sahel, with nearly 90% of its attacks taking place there, according to reporting cited by officials.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Senate votes to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran war. The Senate advanced a war powers resolution that would require President Trump to end US military operations against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes the campaign, marking the first time the chamber has allowed the measure to move forward since the war began in February. The 50-47 vote included backing from four Republicans: Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted with most Republicans against it. Cassidy’s vote was noted as a shift amid concerns over the administration’s disclosure of information about the war.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Haifa District Court, acting as an admiralty court, ordered 11 vessels seized during the October 2025 Sumud flotilla transferred to state ownership. The ruling comes amid renewed international confrontation over Gaza-bound flotillas, with the Foreign Ministry saying all 430 activists aboard the current flotilla were being brought to Israel, while organizers said all 50 vessels were intercepted. Senior Judge Ron Sokol ruled the state may confiscate the 11 vessels under the Naval Prize Act, with the decision part of ongoing admiralty proceedings filed on November 9, 2025. Other topics in this section include Tair Rada’s mother accusing police of dragging their feet on reopening her daughter's murder case, the Haymanut Kasau family saying they receive updates on the investigation from the media rather than police, and the IDF warning of a manpower shortage as haredi draft bill debates resume amid a coalition crisis. The IDF says a 12,000-soldier gap exists now, potentially widening to about 17,000 by January 2027, with an estimated 80,000-90,000 draft evaders, and notes no updated draft outline has been provided to lawmakers. A South Korean president criticized Israel for detentions of South Korean nationals in international waters as “way out of line,” and a Hebrew-language roundup among the headlines highlights reservists returning from Lebanon and other security concerns.

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/76531
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896745
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-senate-votes-to-limit-trumps-war-powers-in-iran-war/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896796
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896792
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896788
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896791
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896787
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1323646