Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 05:01

HEADLINES
IRGC shoots down MQ-9, US strikes Iran
Iran internet blackout lasts 88 days
Israel targets Hezbollah, 14 dead in Beqaa

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it shot down an MQ-9 Reaper after identifying a hostile aircraft entering Iran's airspace in the Gulf region on Tuesday. It also says it fired at an F-35 fighter jet, forcing it to leave Iranian airspace, and targeted an RQ-4 intelligence drone. The IRGC added it reserves the "legitimate and definite" right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations by the United States, state media reported. The claim comes as United States forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran overnight to protect troops from threats, including boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites, according to US Central Command, which said it continues to defend its forces while exercising restraint during the ceasefire. This is a developing story.

In Regional Impacts, 88 days and counting: Iran's internet shutdown continues. Iran's internet remains largely offline for 88 days despite presidential directives. In Gaza's central Maghazi camp, reports differ on casualties: some say four militants were killed in an Israeli UAV strike, while other accounts put the figure at five; both describe the strike as involving an Israeli drone that reportedly aided anti-Hamas militias and attacked Hamas fighters who clashed with them. The situation underscores ongoing regional volatility.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel’s former defense minister Avigdor Liberman warned that deadly Hezbollah drones could reach Jerusalem and Tel Aviv unless the government acts, calling for real decisions and an end to the unclear North military approach. He urged the October 7 government to come to its senses and make decisive choices, saying soldiers should not be sacrificed in the North without purpose. Separately, Iranian agencies reported the execution of Golam-Reza Hani Shakarab after being convicted of espionage and cooperation with Israel. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem was reportedly targeted at least twice in recent weeks as Beirut braces for escalation, with reports that Israel intends to intensify attacks against Hezbollah; footage showed crowds fleeing Beirut’s Dahiya district after the escalation. A senior American official indicated Washington would support Israeli action against Hezbollah. Iran also warned Washington overnight that any Israeli strike on Beirut would be met with consequences. In Mashghara, Beqaa region of northeastern Lebanon, 14 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Smotrich announced he will deliver today an important political statement.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Montreal hosted a pro-Palestinian demonstration in which a doll representing a Jew wearing a kippah appeared alongside a flag of a local hockey team. The event drew four comments.

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-897319
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897309
https://t.me/newssil/202318
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897303
https://t.me/selena_updates/64402
https://t.me/newssil/202316
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123072