Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-23 at 08:01

HEADLINES
- IRGC-Linked Plot Aims to Assassinate Ivanka Trump
- Iran Deal Talks Continue Amid Delegations Exit
- Hajj Pilgrims Surpass 2025 Numbers

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Ivanka Trump targeted in IRGC-linked assassination plot - report.
The New York Post reports that an IRGC-trained Iraqi suspect pledged to kill Ivanka Trump in retaliation for the US killing of Qasem Soleimani six years ago. The individual, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, was arrested in Turkey and extradited to the United States. Authorities say Al-Saadi pledged to kill Ivanka Trump and possessed a blueprint of her Florida home, with a map posted showing the area where Ivanka and Jared Kushner reside. An Arabic message accompanying the post indicated that neither palaces nor the Secret Service would shield them and that revenge was imminent.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Pakistan army chief in Tehran talks as Yemen maritime alerts raise tensions over Iran-US deal.
The Pakistan army chief met Iranian officials in Tehran to avert renewed conflict as UKMTO reports suspicious vessel activity near Yemen’s Gulf of Aden; Qatar warns against closing the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions and US war prep. Reports from Gaza indicate five people were killed and several wounded in an Israeli drone attack on a Hamas police station near a major square in northern Gaza. In southern Lebanon, Israel conducted further strikes on the Tyre area.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, negotiations on an Iran deal: Qatar’s delegation left Iran, and the Pakistani interior minister also departed.
The talks toward a US-Iran accord saw the Qatari delegation leave Iran, with the Pakistani interior minister leaving as well; Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, remained in Tehran and met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a bid to advance the discussions.

In Uplifting News, Pilgrims for annual hajj in Mecca surpass 2025 numbers despite Middle East war.
Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million international pilgrims have arrived for the upcoming Hajj, with the total at 1,518,153 so far and expectations for more ahead of the rites. The conflict that erupted after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to order waves of strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, causing air traffic disruptions and higher travel costs. Gulf airlines have been working to restore capacity after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations, even as pilgrims continue to arrive for the pilgrimage.

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-897046
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hysmob1gzg
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122854
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122853
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122850
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pilgrims-for-annual-hajj-in-mecca-surpass-2025-numbers-despite-middle-east-war/