Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 04:02

HEADLINES
IRGC Downs MQ-9 Reaper, F-35 Forced Out
Nuclear Talks Stall as Iran-US Rift Widens
Hezbollah Drones Threaten Jerusalem Amid Israeli Attacks

The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the IRGC said it downed an MQ-9 Reaper after identifying a hostile aircraft entering Iran's airspace in the Gulf region, and it fired at an F-35 fighter jet, forcing it to leave the airspace, as well as at an RQ-4 intelligence drone, while reserving the legitimate and definite right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations by the US.

In Regional Impacts, negotiations between Iran and the United States slowed on Monday as mediators said discussions on the nuclear program and sanctions relief stalled. The US is pushing for firm, up-front commitments on Iran's future nuclear activities, while Iran is pressing for relief from sanctions and asset freezes. Mediators added that Washington worries that any relief could be used to delay a conclusion on nuclear issues. Reports also described discussions surrounding a hard line on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of enriched uranium, with Israel signaling a readiness to act if needed and stressing it will preserve freedom of action against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran’s Supreme Leader, in a written Mecca pilgrimage statement, urged that regional powers no longer shield American bases and that the US will not have a safe haven in the region, praising Iran’s capabilities with missiles and UAVs. Another note from official channels described Iran as ready for war in the face of previous ultimatums from the United States, while discussions about a face-saving uranium transfer deal circulated, with possible destinations including Russia, China, Turkey, and Pakistan, as a way for both sides to claim progress.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel’s former defense minister Avigdor Liberman warned that Hezbollah explosive drones could reach Jerusalem and Tel Aviv if the government does not act decisively, urging real decisions rather than an unclear northern approach. Separately, reports indicate Israel has attempted to target Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem at least twice in recent weeks, as Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered intensified IDF attacks and footage showed crowds fleeing Beirut’s Dahiya district amid escalations, with a senior American official signaling Washington’s support for Israeli actions. Iran also warned Washington overnight about potential strikes on Beirut. In the ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun described Israel’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon as a nonnegotiable demand, while Israel said it will not withdraw until the Hezbollah threat is eliminated, urging Lebanon to help remove the threat and reassert sovereignty or face being sidelined.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, security considerations have led to a shortened testimony by the prime minister, with the session set to conclude today at 13:30 local time, and a further round planned for tomorrow from 09:00 to 11:00.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Nova Festival survivor DJ Swarup, known as Juarez Petrillo, has amplified anti-Israel propaganda on social media, posting anti-Israel content and sharing perspectives after performing at the Nova concert hours before the October 7 attacks and during the aftermath, while continuing to distance himself from Hamas by his public statements.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Tax Authority is moving to require veterans of the IDF’s technological units to register any company they found as Israeli-domiciled for a decade after discharge and to be considered Israeli residents for ten years, effectively tying their business activity to Israel. Critics describe the plan as draconian and unconstitutional, and opponents are preparing to challenge the proposal as it is shaped by the Tax Authority, which says it is examining potential legislation.

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-897319
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897307
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/26/khamenei-us-will-no-longer-have-a-safe-haven-in-the-region/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1yaktmeml
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-iran-weighing-face-saving-uranium-transfer-deal-report/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897309
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897303
https://t.me/ILtoday/19159
https://t.me/newssil/202308
https://www.israellycool.com/2026/05/26/nova-festival-survivor-dj-swarup-amplifies-anti-israel-propaganda/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-897302