Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-19 at 11:03

HEADLINES
Iranian official says Trump dithers, Iran ready
Drones from Iraq target Saudi, UAE alarms
Israel debuts all women Arad commando unit

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, says Trump’s hesitation is rooted in one reality: any move against Iran means facing a decisive military response and a unified nation. He adds that Trump obviously does not care about mediation from the heads of Persian Gulf states, and that power is the only language he understands.

In US Military Role, Speaking to press outside the White House Ballroom, US President Donald J. Trump spoke on Iran, highlighting Iran’s unreliable negotiating tactics and saying that another big hit, referring to a possible resumption of strikes against Iran, may be necessary.

In Regional Impacts, Iraq condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia amid US pressure on Iranian-backed militias. Baghdad condemns the attacks, will cooperate with Riyadh in the investigation, and seeks to distance Iranian-backed militias as Washington intensifies pressure; the detention of a Kataib Hezbollah member in Turkey is noted. Saudi officials say three drones flew from Iraq in the attack on the Kingdom. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates says it intercepted six hostile drones entering its airspace in the last 48 hours, including three that targeted the Barakah Nuclear Plant on the 17th; an investigation found all drones originated from Iraq.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, The board overseeing President Trump’s Gaza rebuilding plan says the gap between pledges and disbursement must be closed urgently, with the plan estimated to cost about $70 billion. The board notes a UN Security Council recognition, though many major powers have not joined Washington’s main Middle Eastern allies. The board denies a Reuters report that funds are scarce, saying there are no funding constraints. In separate remarks, a reporter asked how many days Iran has to come to the table; Trump replied that two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or early next week, constitutes a limited period.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s air force is quietly establishing an all-women Arad special commando unit under the 7th Wing, created after lessons from the October 7 massacre and Operation Iron Swords. The unit will be a first-response force to handle infiltration, raids, and terror incidents around and inside bases such as Hatzerim and Tel Nof, isolating the scene and stabilizing until support arrives. Israelis filed 30,366 complaints to the Public Complaints Commission in 2025, a 41% rise from the prior year; 56% of decided cases were justified—the highest rate since the commission’s establishment; 7,429 complaints were resolved without a formal decision. The Labor Ministry received the most complaints, mainly over daycare subsidies, with 91% of complaints against it justified; followed by the Transportation Ministry, the National Insurance Institute, the Tax Authority, and the Population and Immigration Authority. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara filed an indictment against Likud MK Tally Gotliv for allegedly disclosing a Shin Bet employee’s identity; Gotliv argued the exposure was part of fulfilling her role. The indictment centers on publishing the full name of Shikma Bressler’s partner and claims tying him to Hamas contacts before the October 7 attacks; the document was submitted to the Knesset for potential immunity.

In Israeli Economy and Business, From battlefield to backyard: Inside Israel’s Cando drone revolution notes how drones may soon enable organ transport. Ghil Hardy, VP of Business Development at Cando, discusses a 360-degree turnkey solution combining products, services, and AI analytics, built by founders including former IDF leaders who helped establish UAV units. The episode highlights tests aimed at future organ deliveries by drone and explores debates over autonomous airspace and the balance of control in operations, including a past incident where Starlink was streamed from a reinforced shelter to keep live drone footage available during a major infrastructure outage.

In Uplifting News, President of Somaliland says the country’s embassy in Israel will be in Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Sa’ar: “Another significant step in strengthening the relations between the two countries and peoples.”

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
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