Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-11 at 02:02

HEADLINES
Fiber Optic Drone Kills IDF Soldier
Trump to Visit China Amid Iran Risks
Accountability Across Parties After Oct 7

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, First Sergeant Alexander Glovanyov, 47, from Petah Tikva, was killed when a Hezbollah explosive drone struck the tank carrier he was driving near the Israel-Lebanon border. Glovanyov served as a lead vehicle driver in the 6924th Transport Battalion under the Technological and Logistics Directorate. A preliminary investigation indicates Hezbollah used a fiber-optic drone that hit near an IDF outpost on the Israeli side; the blast seriously wounded him, and soldiers at the outpost attempted medical treatment but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Army Radio reported that the drones were not identified in time, which deprived him of an advance warning. He is cited as the fourth IDF soldier killed during the current ceasefire with Hezbollah by explosive drones. In a separate update, the IDF said it intercepted a launch aimed at a suspected aerial target spotted in the area where IDF forces operate in southern Lebanon; alerts were not activated in accordance with policy.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, amid rising tensions with Iran, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that President Trump will undertake an official visit to China from May 13 to 15, with observers asking whether the United States would pursue military action against Iran while the president is in China. Two responses were noted regarding that question. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, tweeted after Trump delayed the Iranian offer that “Freedom Project Plus” sounds fairly appealing now, referencing earlier comments about renewed military action against Iran under a different operation name. President Trump, discussing the halt of the Freedom Project to free ships in the Hormuz Strait, said the administration would pursue another path if terms were not fully finalized, and that a return to “Freedom Project” could occur but would be labeled “Freedom Project Plus,” meaning the original concept with additions. On oil markets, about 70 minutes before Axios published a report on progress in talks between the US and Iran toward a deal, high-level traders opened short positions totaling roughly $920 million on crude prices; there were no reports at the moment the options were opened, and following the report, crude prices moved lower.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an editorial argues that blame for October 7 lies with more than one camp. Two-and-a-half years after the attack, Israelis are said to respond not to excuses but to those who demonstrate that lessons have been learned. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar drew attention for suggesting that the attack was planned during the Bennett-Lapid government, arguing that Yahya Sinwar perceived the coalition as weak. The editorial notes that the public judges a government by its ability to recognize threats and prevent catastrophe, rather than by how quickly it responds after an attack, and implies that accountability should be shared across the political spectrum.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Is foreign influence driving a wedge between Jews and Christians? Karys Rhea says the Christian Right may not realize how they are being targeted or used by adversaries.

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/defense-news/article-895745
https://t.me/newssil/201352
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https://t.me/abualiexpress/122096
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122095
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122094
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-895718
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkznc6sqbx