Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-23 at 17:01

HEADLINES
End War Framework Emerges Amid Hormuz Talks
Jerusalem Day Framing Sparks Unity Debate
Highway One Crash Takes Mother's Life

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 US Military Role, US and Iranian officials signaled they are nearing a memorandum of understanding to end the war and set the stage for broader talks, though President Trump has been uncertain whether to accept a deal or resume strikes, describing his stance as 50/50. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been convening coalition party leaders and security chiefs to discuss the emerging deal, but Israel has reportedly been left out of the talks and is instead relying on regional and intelligence sources to monitor the negotiations. Iran and Pakistan submitted a revised proposal to the United States, with a US response expected on Sunday. One official described the nearing agreement as fairly comprehensive. The framework would unfold in three stages: formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with the remaining steps aimed at moving toward a broader settlement.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Middle East remains on edge over renewed talks with Iran and the United States’ approach to Israel, with observers noting the dynamic globally adding to uncertainty. After months of headlines about a possible deal or renewed fighting, President Trump has told aides he could be ready to decide soon, describing himself as a solid 50/50 on whether to strike or strike a deal and planning to meet senior advisers on the latest draft. He has also said he spoke with Arab leaders about the agreement, with a separate call with Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly going well. A separate briefing in Hebrew describes the deal as largely formed among the United States, Iran, and the listed Arab states, subject to final completion and with details to be announced soon, including a provision about opening the Hormuz Strait. In another briefing, Trump said the Iran deal was largely negotiated after calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, and that the separate call with Netanyahu also went well.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Jerusalem Day’s violence sparked a debate about media framing, past divisions, and competing narratives about the city’s unity and history, with one opinion writer arguing the day should not erase memory of a divided city and noting that this year’s clashes were noticeably less violent than in the past, aided by a protective presence from peace and human rights activists. A second opinion piece contends the violence on Jerusalem Day reveals a dangerous culture of impunity in Israel, citing assaults on the Peace Now movement’s leader by a far-right settler and criticizing government figures for tolerating or encouraging extremist behavior, while reaffirming that Jerusalem Day should reflect democratic values rather than division. Separately, a report notes a double tragedy during the holiday season: the mother of a baby killed on Highway 1 died from her injuries, highlighting the human cost behind the festive period.

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.timesofisrael.com/us-iran-signal-deal-could-be-near-as-trump-says-hes-50-50-on-agreement-or-strikes/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897060
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122896
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s156kqjlfl
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896833
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896675
https://t.me/newssil/202118
https://worldisraelnews.com/france-bans-ben-gvir-over-flotilla-video/