Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-21 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Iran Warns Untested Weapons Ready No Restraint
US Deploys Drones Carriers Near Hormuz
Rabbi Killed Inside Bnei Brak Study Hall

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran possesses modern weapons that have not yet been used on the battlefield, a claim from an Iranian military source to the Russian state outlet RIA Novosti. The source said Tehran has domestically produced weapons that have not yet been used or tested, and warned that Iran would not act with restraint if US strikes resume. The source also said Iran does not lack means to repel attacks and that there are no shortages in equipment or defense capabilities. “This time, we don't intend to act with restraint,” the source concluded. The report notes that on Monday, US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that leaders of the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia asked him to postpone plans to resume strikes on Iran, and that he planned to resume the strikes the next day and instructed the Pentagon to cancel the planned attack. By Wednesday, reports emerged that Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue.

In US Military Role, BLKCAT5, a US Navy MQ-4C “Triton” High-Altitude Surveillance Drone is returning to Naval Station Mayport in Florida, following a several-hour-long mission off the northwestern and southwestern coasts of Cuba as well as over the Yucatán Channel. The drone’s mission reflects ongoing maritime surveillance in the region. Separately, the United States has a build-up around Iran that tests the balance of power as talks continue, with two carrier groups, destroyers, and thousands of troops near the Hormuz area. Iran still holds missiles, drones, enriched uranium and poses a threat to disrupt global shipping.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US pressures Palestinian UN envoy to drop General Assembly VP bid, threatens visa revocation. The Trump administration warned Palestinian diplomats that visa sanctions could follow if Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour proceeds with his candidacy for vice president of the UN General Assembly, instructing diplomats in Jerusalem to deliver the message that the bid fuels tensions and could undermine Trump’s Gaza peace plan, with the Palestinian Authority held responsible if the bid is not withdrawn. The cable notes a September 2025 decision to waive visa sanctions for Palestinian officials assigned to the Palestinian UN mission in New York. US State Dept. watchdog investigates Gaza aid group over emergency aid spending. The State Department’s Office of Inspector General is examining a $30 million grant announced last June to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to distribute aid in Gaza; Reuters could not immediately verify the report, and the inquiry is described as developing. While anti-Israel sentiment rising, Massie’s primary loss shows Trump still the main force in GOP. In Philadelphia, Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for a congressional seat, underscoring the view that staunch anti-Israel sentiment is a potent force within the party’s base; the report also notes that on the GOP side, Trump remains a dominant figure despite broader debates over Israel policy.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Editor's Notes: Why some Jews are scrubbing themselves from the internet - comment. The writer describes a pattern of Jewish individuals asking to remove their names or quotes from online articles to stay employed and safe, insisting this does not mean they are renouncing the Jewish people but rather engaging in “covering” to reduce exposure. The piece references Kenji Yoshino’s term for this practice and emphasizes the costs of public affiliation. Rabbi stabbed to death inside Bnei Brak study hall while learning with teenage son. Rabbi Yishai Por, 53, was killed inside the Chazon Ish kollel in Bnei Brak while studying with his 13-year-old son. Security footage shows the suspect fleeing as police launch a manhunt, and investigators say the incident appears criminal in nature and is being examined in connection with a prior dispute between the suspect and the victim. Magen David Adom treated Por on scene and evacuated him to Sheba Medical Center, where he died; police are continuing the investigation.

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/iran-news/article-896923
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20842
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj46dtsyfg
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896922
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896919
https://www.timesofisrael.com/while-anti-israel-sentiment-rising-massies-primary-loss-shows-trump-still-the-main-force-in-gop/
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76578
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896901
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896913