Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-12 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Saudi strikes Iran first direct attack
Ben-Gvir pushes expulsion of illegal immigrants
Lauder warns antisemitism surge, urges Jewish education

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

In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia launched unpublicized strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the Middle East war, according to Western officials briefed on the matter and Iranian officials cited. The attacks, assessed to have occurred in late March, are described as retaliatory and mark the first time the kingdom is known to have directly carried out military action on Iranian soil, signaling a bolder posture in defending itself against its main regional rival. Reuters could not confirm the specific targets. A senior Saudi foreign ministry official did not directly address whether strikes had been carried out, and Iran's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The events come as the roughly 10-week war has strained regional defenses, with Saudi Arabia historically relying on US protection, though attacks have pierced the US military footprint during the conflict.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a letter to Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon demanding an immediate discussion to advance expelling illegal immigrants in southern Tel Aviv and other parts of the country. He claimed thousands remain in place despite a legal and practical framework that could facilitate expulsions, tying the issue to rising crime and threats to personal security. He cited the SSQ gang, a criminal outfit comprising minors and adults from Sudan, Eritrea, and the Philippines, with some Israeli members, and referenced the Foreign Ministry’s legal opinion that illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from third-world countries could be expelled. He urged immediate action to deport illegal immigrants.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder urged leaders to shift focus from persuading antisemites to investing in Jewish education for children, warning that Jewish communities worldwide face a surge of antisemitism from Australia and Canada to the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, and that it has become dangerous to be visibly Jewish in major Western capitals. Speaking in Geneva to mark the organization’s 90th anniversary, Lauder warned of “another dark hour” and urged unity, saying: “We either move forward as one people ready to fight the fight of our lives, or suffer consequences that I don’t even want to contemplate.”

In Uplifting News, Israel’s Noam Bettan performed the song “Michelle” on the Eurovision semifinal stage in Vienna, with dancer Lihi Freud. Viewers around the world will vote, and the results will be combined with Monday’s jury scores to determine whether the act advances to the final. Bettan entered the show after Israel was ranked sixth in betting markets, with a 96% chance of qualifying, though the performance drew a loud chorus of audience shouting, including the word “Genocide.” This remains a developing story. Later in Vienna, the city’s appeal as a place of history and culture is highlighted even as it invites reflection. A snowfall closed Vienna International Airport overnight, and by morning the city lay under a white cover, transforming rooftops and spires into a winter postcard. Vienna is celebrated for architectural grandeur, yet its true character lies in the layers of history embedded in its institutions, museums, and neighborhoods, stories that span from Enlightenment optimism to the darkest chapters of the 20th century. A notable example is the Josephinum Medical Museum, founded in 1785 by Emperor Joseph II as a military academy for surgeons; its restored lecture hall, frescoes honoring pioneers of modern medicine, and a collection of early medical instruments and wax anatomical models anchor a long history of scientific advancement in the city.

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-895961
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895942
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895959
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895951
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-895962