Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-20 at 03:02

HEADLINES
US-Israel Back Ahmadinejad as Iran Leader
US-Nigeria Strike Kills ISIS Leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki
Massie Ousted, Gallrein Wins Pro-Israel Primary

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israel and the United States went into Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury with the goal of reinstating former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the nation's new leader, according to a New York Times report citing US officials. An associate of Ahmadinejad told the Times that the Americans viewed him as someone who could lead Iran and manage “Iran’s political, social, and military situation.” Ahmadinejad served as president from 2005 until 2013 and has since been barred from running by the Guardian Council in 2017, 2021, and 2024. After the 2017 disqualification, he reportedly became a vocal critic of Ali Khamenei. He is known for his hard-line anti-Israel and anti-American views. Ahmadinejad’s freedom of movement was restricted after mass protests in January; his phones were confiscated and his bodyguards were raised to about 50.

In US Military Role, US and Nigerian forces carried out joint strikes that eliminated a senior ISIS official in Nigeria, according to statements from Nigerian and US officials, in a “strategic” blow to the organization. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed “along with several of his lieutenants” in the joint strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin in Borno state. Al-Minuki was described as the “second in command of ISIS globally” and “the most active terrorist in the world” by Trump in a post on Truth Social following the strikes. The following day, US and Nigerian forces returned with more strikes on ISIS positions in Northeast Nigeria, eliminating militants in the region. No Nigerian or US personnel were harmed in either operation. The joint operations take place as ISIS has shifted its focus to the Sahel, with nearly 90% of its attacks there, according to BBC reporting; the shift has occurred in coordination with Boko Haram’s long-running campaign.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, anti-Israel Republican Thomas Massie was ousted from Congress as a Trump-endorsed candidate won the primary. Massie, who represented Kentucky’s 4th District since 2013, conceded the election after Ed Gallrein, backed by pro-Israel PACs, defeated him. Massie had previously refrained from supporting Israel in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and, in his concession speech, quipped about finding his opponent “in Tel Aviv.” Gallrein captured about 55% of the vote, and Massie will leave Congress at the end of the year. The Republican Jewish Coalition congratulated Gallrein, framing the result as a referendum on the party’s stance on Israel amid a widening intra-party debate.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, South Korea’s Lee criticized Israel detentions, calling the actions “way out of line.” In a cabinet meeting, he said South Korean nationals had been detained in international waters for reasons not valid under international law and questioned whether such actions could pass without protest. He noted European countries might arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu under ICC warrants, but Seoul must form its own judgment. He also referenced the activist flotilla’s last stragglers intercepted on Tuesday after most of their fleet had been interdicted by the Israeli Navy on Monday; about six vessels were intercepted north of Port Said, with the Vanguard ship Andros stopped and other ships scattering. The Global Sumud Flotilla claimed shots were fired by Israeli naval commandos, though no injuries were reported. In domestic political news, former Civil Service Commissioner Daniel Hershkowitz withdrew from the State Comptroller race, leaving Michael Rabilo to face former Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron. Coalition MKs shifted their support, with Merav Ben-Ari endorsing Elron and criticizing Likud for loyalty to leadership rather than merit, framing the contest as a test of party direction.

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-896782
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896745
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896774
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896787
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896784