Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-04 at 15:01

HEADLINES
IDF readies Lebanon strikes amid flare
Costa Rica backs possible US ground ops
Erdan quits 2026 race amid unity bid

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Costa Rica's president said US ground operations would be good for national security, but stressed that no concrete plan is in place and any move would require Congressional approval. President Laura Fernandez noted the aim would be to pursue a common objective against transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism, while highlighting that Costa Rica has faced rising violence and a record homicide rate of 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. She added she is not considering requesting a state of emergency or suspending constitutional guarantees to address this wave of crime.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hussein Ayash says he was questioned about Hezbollah and held in isolation after his detention in south Lebanon, and that the psychological pressure was hard. Separately, two people were killed in an Israeli strike, and Iranian missiles were reportedly fired at Jordan. Additionally, the IDF is set to carry out a series of strikes on Lebanon in the coming hours, with explosions expected in Western Galilee, the Hula Valley, the Ramim Ridge, and possibly the northern Golan Heights; the security department says the IDF and the Upper Galilee Regional Council will remain in contact and issue updates as needed. Lebanese media reports a drone strike hit the southern village of Rumman, with two people killed in that attack, and the IDF had struck Rumman earlier this week after explosive drones were launched toward soldiers and triggered sirens in northern Israel.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece argues Israel needs a infusion of leaders with security and diplomatic experience, while also calling for a younger, unsullied generation to take the reins by around 2028 or 2030, seeking a balance between experience and innovation and urging rejection of cynical, violent rhetoric in politics. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot hints at surprise mergers as parties scramble to finalize slates before the deadline to submit lists, with reports of talks with Bennett and Ben Gvir appointing Gotliv as number 2 in his far-right party. Separately, Unity Party leader Gilad Erdan announces he is withdrawing from the 2026 election after failed merger talks, saying the party is unlikely to cross the electoral threshold and that efforts to join with other parties in a unity bloc did not materialize, shifting focus to the question of who will be prime minister in a broader unity government.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, four Israeli athletes were removed from the City of Derry Triathlon in Northern Ireland after a request from the Israeli federation, with organizers noting safety concerns and confirming the final start list does not include any Israeli athletes; organizers emphasize that the decision reflects representation of Israel in international sport rather than hostility toward individuals. Argentina has been ordered to return a Nazi-looted painting to the Jewish Dutch collector Marei von Saher, with Patricia Kadgien agreeing to return the artwork and to donate about $3,200 to local hospitals.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli investors find themselves in the crosshairs of Argentina’s Milei government, which is pushing sanctions on Israeli-linked companies drilling offshore in the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by Buenos Aires.

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/2026/09/costa-rica-president-us-forces-would-help-national-security
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syhpkod00fe
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-907606
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-907478
https://www.timesofisrael.com/erdans-unity-quits-election-race-as-parties-scramble-to-finalize-slates-ahead-of-deadline/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907605
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907600
https://www.timesofisrael.com/argentina-ordered-to-return-nazi-looted-painting-to-jewish-dutch-collectors-heir/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-investors-in-crosshairs-of-argentinas-milei-over-falklands-oil-project/