Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-27 at 14:03

HEADLINES
US Planes Exit Ben-Gurion in 72 Hours
Two Hamas Chiefs Killed Amid Decapitation Campaign
NYC Mayor Skips Israel Day Parade

The time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Israeli authorities are prepared for immediate departure of US military aircraft from Ben-Gurion Airport once the US-Iran agreement is approved. The evacuation would occur within 72 hours, with aircraft moved to bases across Europe, and a potential high alert stance at Ben-Gurion if the situation escalates. Most of the planes have already been relocated to Lod Airbase, which has been reopened to support operations. Some refueling aircraft are expected to remain at Ben-Gurion through year-end 2027, with personnel and support infrastructure to operate them stationed nearby, despite ongoing logistical challenges at the airport.

In Regional Impacts, Israel has killed two Hamas military chiefs within 11 days, underscoring a broad surveillance and strike network. The analysis notes that drones, fighter jets, the navy, satellites, and intelligence agencies including Mossad and Shin Bet, along with IDF Unit 504, operate to locate and target Hamas leadership across Gaza, the West Bank, and other theaters, as well as Iran, Yemen’s Houthis, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Syria-based militants. The killings of Izz-al-Din al-Hadad and Mohammed Ouda follow a string of decapitations that, along with prior killings of other commanders, reflect a sustained campaign against Hamas commanders linked to the October 7 attack and related networks.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said Iran remains eager to strike a deal but the United States is not yet satisfied, and sanctions relief is not on the table. He stated the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all and not be controlled under any deal, and he warned against allowing China or Russia to gain access to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. He also noted that the deal’s prospects could hinge on Gulf normalization with Israel, saying he is not sure the United States should proceed unless Saudi Arabia and Qatar normalize ties with Israel, though he did not make this a formal condition.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Oz Haim, who has led the Zionist Council in Israel for more than four years, will enter the Knesset on Yesh Atid’s list, replacing Boaz Toporovsky who announced his departure from politics. The Zionist Council functions as a branch of the World Zionist Organization and focuses on Jewish-Zionist identity and education. Toporovsky said he will take a break from public service after more than 20 years in politics and will not run on the Yesh Atid list in the next election. Separately, the government announced a new public campaign to locate Haymanut Kasau, including a budget of about 400,000 shekels for billboards and social media, with a cash reward for information leading to her location. The plan comes after delays criticized by committee chair Gilad Kariv, who urged timelines for launching the campaign. Ministry officials say the campaign is moving forward with outreach.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will skip the Israel Day Parade, becoming the first New York mayor to miss the event since 1964. Mamdani said the decision reflects his commitment to equal rights for all people and that security and permitting will be provided for the event. He noted that the parade will proceed under security and permits, and referenced the 2026 theme "Proud Americans, Proud Zionists." He added that his absence should not be read as a withdrawal from support for Israel or Jewish life in New York.

In Israeli Economy and Business, The Portland Trust's new analysis reviews more than 30 proposals for Gaza reconstruction, highlighting a range of visions for the territory’s urban and economic future. Some plans, aligned with UNDP, emphasize housing restoration to pre-war or improved conditions, while others propose different approaches to Gaza’s layout and governance. Several proposals advocate expanded transport networks and more integrated urban planning, with several groups focusing on economic development alongside housing. The report notes that many proposals lack transparent mechanisms for accountability, and it calls for approaches that integrate housing with economy-friendly strategies to support a sustainable reconstruction.

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/israel-news/article-897507
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897530
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897549
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1map5negx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897550
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897522
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897551
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897545