Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-22 at 21:01

HEADLINES
- US weighs Iran strikes as talks continue
- Israel courts English voters amid image crisis
- Elbit signs submarine deal with TKMS

The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, The United States is weighing new military strikes on Iran, with reports from CBS and Axios on Friday noting that no final decision has been made as negotiations continue. President Donald Trump said he would not travel to attend his son's wedding due to “circumstances pertaining to government” and his “love for the United States of America,” adding that it was important for him to remain in Washington during this critical period. The reports indicate that talks are ongoing, with Pakistan mediating between the US and Iran and its military chief visiting Tehran in an effort to seal a deal. The White House did not comment when asked by AFP, while CBS cited a White House spokesperson who stressed the President’s warning on consequences if Iran fails to strike a deal. Earlier on Friday, Trump altered his weekend plans, staying in the capital rather than going to his New Jersey golf resort after a trip to New York state where he spoke publicly. Separately, CBS reported that while no final decision has been reached, US military and intelligence officials have canceled weekend plans, with the White House saying Trump is keeping all options on the table.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump canceled his agenda, including attending his son's wedding, and returned to Washington in the midst of high-stakes Iran negotiations, saying he “very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr.” but could not due to undisclosed circumstances requiring his presence at the White House. He told supporters that the conflict with Iran would be resolved soon and that oil prices would fall, while Axios noted he met with members of his security cabinet before heading to Suffern, New York, to speak, with his schedule then shifting to Bedminster and a Bahamas trip before the wedding. The White House indicated he would fly back to Washington after the Suffern appearance. In parallel, The Wall Street Journal quoted US officials saying Trump told aides at a National Security Team meeting that he wanted to give diplomacy more time on Iran, a note that underscores the administration’s approach as diplomacy plays out.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Politicians must prioritize 'hasbara' as Israel's global image crisis deepens - opinion. The piece argues that rising global antisemitism and slipping US support push Israel’s image challenges into the election spotlight, urging parties to address the English-speaking electorate and to publish English-language platforms. The author notes the presence of native English speakers among Israel’s immigrant populations and contends that parties should not neglect this voter group, suggesting a more deliberate effort to translate platforms and engage English-speaking voters as part of campaign strategy.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel must fight back against antisemitic bullying disguised as journalism - opinion. The piece contends that biased reporting on Israel is shaping a dangerous alternate reality with worldwide consequences for Jews, citing a New York Times article viewed as crossing a red line. The author references allegations of rape and sexual violence against Palestinians and even “trained rape dogs,” arguing these claims amount to demonizing Israel and its soldiers in a way reminiscent of historic blood libels, rather than fair debate about the conflict.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Elbit signs deal with German submarine manufacturer TKMS to expand ties between Israel, Germany. The memorandum of understanding aims to advance technological capabilities while strengthening strategic ties between the two nations. TKMS already has links to the Israeli Navy and Israel Aerospace Industries, and the collaboration is described as a means to provide advanced solutions for maritime forces. Oliver Burkhard, TKMS CEO, emphasized the importance of close cooperation with partners who share a similar worldview, while Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems’ president and CEO, highlighted the combined technological strengths and operational experience as a path to meeting evolving naval needs.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/us-mulls-new-strikes-iran-us-media-reports
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h14bzwckge
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897032
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20886
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896793
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896822
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897035