Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-20 at 02:01

HEADLINES
Vance Defends Trump Rejects Forever War Fears
Trump Approval at 35% Amid Gas Rise
Rats Trigger Alarm at Haifa Naval Base

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 US Military Role, a White House briefing centered on reassuring Americans that the Iran conflict will not become a “forever war.” Vice President JD Vance, standing in for press secretary Karoline Leavitt, answered questions for nearly an hour in a measured tone, defending Trump’s policies as speculation about a 2028 bid grows. He declined to rule out using taxpayer money to compensate people convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021 attack, dismissed European concerns over plans to withdraw troops from Poland as overblown, and called a reporter’s suggestion that Trump’s stock purchases raised corruption concerns “absurd.” The briefing room has emerged as an informal audition stage in the race to succeed President Trump, with Vance’s appearance following other briefings by possible rivals. “Marco’s right, this really is chaos,” he quipped as reporters pressed him.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump’s approval falls to 35% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll as gas prices rise amid the Iran-Israel actions, signaling slipping support within the president’s base. The four‑day poll shows 35% of Americans approving of Trump’s job performance, down from earlier readings, with gasoline prices sharply higher since February strikes on Iran paired with Israel. The results also show shifts within the Republican ranks, including discontent among voters who had previously backed him. In the primary politics surrounding Israel, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky concedes defeat to Ed Gallrein, who was endorsed by Trump and supported by pro‑Israel groups; Massie had been noted for occasional anti‑Israel positions. Gallrein’s victory, roughly 55% of ballots, is framed by supporters as a referendum on the party’s stance on Israel, and the Republican Jewish Coalition publicly applauded the outcome as a test of party unity on the issue.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, reports of alleged “catastrophic” sanitary conditions at a Haifa naval base emerge from an anonymous source cited by N12, describing up to 13 rats seen in a single day and holes in walls, ducts, and plumbing as authorities are urged to respond. The Haifa Naval Training Base, home to about 1,200 soldiers, is said to have ongoing rodent issues, with accounts of rats entering food storage and even contaminating meals. Separately, editors note that Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter’s sharp critique of J Street and Bernie Sanders is pointed though described as undiplomatic, arguing that backing Israel while opposing an arms embargo on a state fighting multiple fronts is inconsistent and that pro‑Israel groups should recognize Israel’s democratically elected government. Meanwhile, a Hebrew‑language report states that the government’s legal adviser plans to press charges against Likud MK Tali Gottlieb, with immunity procedures looming; Gottlieb seeks to convene a Knesset committee to discuss the matter and has weighed in publicly on immunity and related political dynamics within the party.

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-896773
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896781
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896774
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896769
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896742
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1323551