Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Hamas Refusal to Disarm Deepens Gaza Crisis
US Iran Talks Continue Over Frozen Assets
Shin Bet Foils East Jerusalem Terror Cell

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

In US Military Role, CENTCOM - FACT CHECK. The topic centers on a CENTCOM fact check, with officials reviewing recent claims and context surrounding the command.

In Regional Impacts, the Board of Peace blames the Gaza ceasefire breakdown on Hamas’s refusal to disarm. The Board’s briefing to the UN Security Council argues that the principal obstacle to full implementation is Hamas’s rejection of verified decommissioning, its coercive control, and a legally civilian transition in Gaza, and it calls on member states to pressure Hamas and other armed factions to disarm under a supervised decommissioning process. Hamas rejects the statement, with Hazem Qassem labeling it an attempt to justify escalation. Critics of the Board have spoken out, challenging the framing of the roadmap. On the anniversary of its founding, the Israel Defense Forces provided updates on major fronts: in Gaza, about 120 Hamas fighters have been killed in recent months; on the Hezbollah front, the IDF says roughly 600 Hezbollah fighters were killed since the April 17 ceasefire, on top of about 1,800 killed from March to April. In the West Bank, since the start of 2026, more than 15,000 terror suspects have been arrested, and authorities have confiscated over 400 weapons and 20 lathes for manufacturing improvised explosives, while most Hamas militants were killed when they approached the yellow line dividing areas under different levels of Israeli control.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Rubio says negotiations with Iran to continue, official tells 'Post' Khamenei 'difficult to reach'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Iran will continue for several more days to determine if a deal can be reached, with the president seeking a good deal or no deal. An Israeli official cited by The Jerusalem Post says Iran’s decision-making is slow because Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly in a secure location and recovering from injuries, making responses take time. One major outstanding issue is the release of frozen Iranian assets, with Tehran seeking about half of the roughly $24 billion frozen globally to be released immediately after a framework agreement, and the remainder after about 60 days; a senior US official stressed that no funds would be unfrozen unless Iran meets agreed conditions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Shin Bet, police bust east Jerusalem terror cell headed by PFLP terrorist in France. Israel Police and the Shin Bet say they foiled a terrorist cell of east Jerusalem residents acting under instructions from a PFLP operative living in France. Five east Jerusalem residents were arrested in 2025 for questioning after suspected recruitment by Salah Hamouri, a senior PFLP figure whose Israeli residency was revoked in 2022 due to terror activity and who now lives in France. Hamouri had engaged with terror elements to direct recruitment of operatives in Europe during 2024 and 2025. Israel’s security services say the investigation uncovered ongoing recruitment tied to Hamouri’s networks. Israel bans 40 Euro-Med activists from entry over alleged Hamas ties. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry, on the recommendation of its director, denied entry to 40 Euro-Med activists, citing Hamas ties and ongoing campaigns against Israel across international institutions. The ministry characterized the organization as using a humanitarian veneer to advance terrorist activity, with the Diaspora Minister stating the decision reflects a prioritization of security. In a separate remark, the former friend of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Eyal Megged, told a radio interview that he would be happy for a military coup against Netanyahu, criticizing what he described as madness and the ongoing war in Lebanon, and calling for a change in leadership.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast at 10: Moral Courage of Christians Needed as Jews Face Danger. At the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, Albert Veksler discusses the normalization of antisemitism, the role of Christian mobilization, and the need for moral courage as Jewish communities face danger. He links the struggle to Iran and the broader fight for freedom, stressing that the issue extends beyond any single figure and includes the Iranian people. Veksler notes that a global Christian network is mobilizing around Israel and highlights the tightening intersection of faith, politics, and security in an era of rising antisemitism.

In Uplifting News, Israel Basketball Association launches 'Back in the Game' initiative for veterans with PTSD. The Israel Basketball Association, together with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Center for Jewish Impact, launched a program to support IDF veterans with PTSD through sport and community rehabilitation. Four teams were formed across Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria, offering weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support, led by Raviv Limonad with a team of coaches and psychologists. The Samaria squad captured first place in a tournament among the four teams. Maccabi Tel Aviv wins the State Cup. In a separate development, Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated rivals to win the State Cup, adding a notable trophy to the club’s accomplishments.

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://t.me/JewishNews24/54832
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897395
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897385
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897390
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-897383
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897389
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897379
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-897393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897391
https://t.me/newssil/202372