Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-04 at 08:02

HEADLINES
US Denies Iran destroyer strike near Hormuz
Iran fires drones at UAE ADNOC tanker
Netanyahu testimony canceled over security schedule

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US military denies Iranian state media reports that an American destroyer was struck near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian outlets claimed two missiles hit the USS Mahan southeast of the strait after accusing it of violating maritime security and navigation norms. A senior US official said the incident did not occur, and CENTCOM pushed back, saying “TRUTH: No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.” The episode briefly rattled energy markets, with oil prices jumping about 5 percent.

In Regional Impacts, the latest developments include Iran targeting a UAE tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, with the United Arab Emirates saying Iran fired two drones at a tanker affiliated with ADNOC, condemning the attack and noting there were no injuries, calling the act piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian media then reported missiles fired at a US frigate in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the frigate was targeted after ignoring warnings; the US military denied that any American ships had been hit, with Fars citing that the strike occurred near Jask. President Trump had said the United States would begin guiding ships through the waterway, but Washington insists no damage occurred.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem dismissed the idea of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, warning that such talks would be a political concession that benefits Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump ahead of elections. He said indirect diplomacy is preferable but warned that direct talks would yield no fruits and would serve those leaders. Qassem also accused Israel of systematically violating the ceasefire, describing the situation as ongoing Israeli-American aggression and insisting that Lebanon’s stance must be to halt hostilities before any diplomatic steps.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Netanyahu testimony in the criminal cases was canceled overnight after his defense cited a security schedule, with the cross-examination in Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000 moved as the court cited an overnight update from the defense as the reason. The suspension marks another pause in a trial that has been interrupted by wartime developments and classified constraints. Separately, the Supreme Court froze the activity of the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council after the state missed a response deadline, with Justice Alex Stein stating that further extensions are not acceptable. The decision halts council work, including the appointment of chairwoman Yifat Ben-Hay Segev and other members, pending further notice.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a University of Michigan professor drew criticism after praising anti-Israel student activists during a commencement speech. Derek Peterson told graduates to “Sing for the pro-Palestinian student activists,” saying they had moved the university closer to justice, a stance that drew pushback from UMich leadership. University president Domenico Grasso apologized on behalf of the university, calling the remarks hurtful and insensitive to many members of the campus community.

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://worldisraelnews.com/us-destroyer-hit-by-iranian-missiles-iran-claims/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/war-middle-east-latest-developments-2
https://t.me/newssil/200769
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895058
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895061
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895059
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895057