Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 13:02

HEADLINES
Iran Executes Mossad Linked Suspects
Israel Deepens Lebanon Push Beyond Yellow Line
US Navy Reopens Hormuz Passage for Ships

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's regime continues irregular death sentencing as it hunts for 'Israeli collaborators' and has carried out further executions this week in processes described by lawyers and rights groups as irregular. The state hanged Gholamreza Khani Shekarab on Tuesday, accusing him of being “one of Mossad’s operational ringleaders abroad.” Reports say security forces abducted him last year during a trip from Turkey to Iraq, though officials from the regime’s Fars News Agency described only that agents lured him through a “complex operation.” The judiciary’s Mizan Online website alleged Mossad instructed Shekarab to assassinate an Iranian rabbi, portraying the Zionist regime as willing to sacrifice Jews to advance its goals and to frame Iran. The regime also executed Mojtaba Kian on Sunday, accusing him of cooperating with “networks affiliated with Israel and the United States,” with Mizan reporting that Kian provided coordinates and information.

In US Military Role, The Wall Street Journal reports the American navy has resumed assisting the passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of the so‑called Freedom Project, with a Greek oil tanker carrying about 2 million barrels of oil successfully transiting the strait.

In Regional Impacts, Defense & Tech podcast discussions feature Windward’s CEO Ami Daniel, who says Iran’s strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia’s sanctioned‑oil movements outside Western oversight, and Ukrainian underwater drones found in Greek caves mark the most volatile maritime moment in a generation. Windward serves clients from the White House to global shipping leaders, and Daniel notes a 600% rise in vessels “going dark” in the Strait. He cautions that Washington’s five‑to‑seven‑year shipbuilding timeline heightens exposure to regional rivals, and he identifies underwater infrastructure as the biggest threat the world is ignoring. He cites his experience on the INS Hanit in 2006 to explain why Windward remains central to the analysis. He adds that any real reopening of Hormuz would require a deal with Iran, or a scorched‑earth scenario.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas ramping up 'psychological warfare' on Gazans, Khan Yunis militia leader tells 'Post'. Hussam al-Astal, head of the anti-Hamas militia in Khan Yunis, says Hamas’s claims of defections are part of a psychological campaign to undermine armed groups and pressure Gazans not to reach out to them, arguing the reports are false and that many Gazans are moving toward their area. The Radea force, a Hamas security unit, says it has received 10 appeals in 12 hours from “members of collaborator gangs” seeking to resolve security files and return to their people.

Israeli forces invade deeper into Lebanon as IDF begins operating beyond the Yellow Line, in response to ongoing Hezbollah drone attacks that have harmed more soldiers. The exact depth of penetration remains unclear, but officials have discussed positions beyond the Yellow Line that might reduce the drone threat if occupied. Whether the move aims to tighten territorial control, pressure Hezbollah to curb drone operations, or serve as a show of force remains under discussion.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the opening of the National Security Cabinet, declaring that under his guidance and with the defense minister and chief of staff, Israel is deepening its actions in Lebanon, deploying large forces, seizing areas under control, and fortifying the security belt to protect northern communities. He also emphasized a national effort to develop innovative solutions against explosive drones and praised commanders and soldiers in the field. In a Cabinet confirmation, Netanyahu reiterated that operations in Lebanon are being intensified and the security belt fortified.

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/article-897370
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123120
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-897365
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897363
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897362
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123119
https://t.me/newssil/202353