Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 03:01

HEADLINES
Israel targets Hezbollah leader with US hints
Israel expands Lebanon ops beyond red line
Shin Bet chief Zini meets Dahlan UAE

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 the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel has reportedly tried to target Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem at least twice in recent weeks, according to the Saudi outlet Al Hadath, which cited an anonymous Israeli source, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed the IDF to intensify attacks against the group. Footage circulated on social media showed crowds fleeing Beirut’s Dahiya district after the escalation was announced. Barak Ravid reported that a senior American official hinted Washington would back Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, noting Hezbollah had ignored repeated requests to stop firing at Israel, including a recent ultimatum, with the official adding that the administration would not stand by if attacks continued. Iran warned Washington overnight that any Israeli strike on Beirut or the region would draw consequences. In another front, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Israel’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon is a nonnegotiable demand, while Israel said it would not pull back until the Hezbollah threat is eliminated, stressing that Lebanon can either help remove that threat and reestablish its sovereignty or step aside. Separately, the Israeli military said it is expanding activity in Lebanon beyond the so‑called red line, mobilizing reserves under Order 8 as criticism of the IDF’s perceived “hands tied” posture grows; discharged soldiers from recent days were asked to report for immediate reserve duty to bolster operations beyond the ceasefire line.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington’s stance on crucial maritime lanes was highlighted as a priority, with Marco Rubio saying the straits must be open and free of tolls, calling current actions unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable, and insisting that open passage must occur as soon as any agreement is reached. The former president also weighed in, urging listed states to begin steps toward joining the Abraham Accords with Israel as part of a broader settlement of the war with Iran, naming Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain. In a separate note, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israel and the United States are united in their determination that Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, security considerations are prompting schedule changes for the prime minister’s testimony, with today’s session shortened to a 13:30 local end and Netanyahu slated to testify again tomorrow from 09:00 to 11:00. In other matters, Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly met in the United Arab Emirates with Mohammed Dahlan, the exiled former Gaza security chief, fueling talk of behind‑the‑scenes contacts involving Israel, the UAE, and Palestinian figures outside Hamas as officials seek a workable postwar governance framework for Gaza. Dahlan, a former Gaza security official and once a powerful figure within Fatah, has lived in Abu Dhabi since his rift with the Palestinian Authority.

In Israeli Economy and Business, a draft bill from the Israel Tax Authority would tie veterans of the IDF’s technological units—and any company they found—to Israel for a decade after discharge. The proposal would require these veterans to register any company they create in the first ten years as an Israel-domiciled entity, potentially dissolving the company abroad and treating the veteran as an Israeli resident for ten years even if they relocate overseas. Critics from tax and tech sectors describe the plan as draconian and unconstitutional, and preparations are underway to challenge the idea as it takes shape within the Tax Authority.

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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https://worldisraelnews.com/shin-bet-director-secretly-met-ex-gaza-security-chief-dahlan-in-uae-report/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-897302