Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-05 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Iran Signals Possible Escalation, Cyber Attacks
White House weighs Feinberg replacement
Jewish stars defend Ruffalo amid antisemitism accusations

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

In Iranian Retaliation, US intelligence indicates Iran may be weighing a significant escalation in its war with the United States, with Tehran growing more confident in its military capabilities. The New York Times, citing recent intelligence, reports that Iran’s grasp of its own strengths has grown and that leaders appear reluctant to agree to end the war. In recent weeks Iran has resumed strikes against US targets in the Middle East and the US has stepped up strikes inside Iran, with officials warning Iran could expand attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and on US infrastructure, and pursue cyberattacks on domestic systems. US officials also point to Iran-linked hackers behind cyberattacks on more than 100 water systems across the United States in July, causing disruptions that required manual overrides and precautionary boil-water advisories. A separate assessment says Tehran believes it has a clearer view of its military strengths, the limits of American pressure, and the leverage provided by the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears the conflict could drag on or escalate further.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the White House has reviewed candidates to replace Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, signaling possible leadership changes at the Pentagon as turnover remains unusually high. The discussions, underway since June, included conversations with senior lawmakers in the Senate about whether the administration’s nominees would have enough support to be confirmed, though no decision has been made to remove Feinberg. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the anonymous reports are not accurate and praised the work of Feinberg and the department, with officials noting the review is continuing and no candidate list has been released.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a wave of support emerged for Mark Ruffalo as he faced accusations of antisemitism over comments tied to a merger involving Paramount Skydance. About 170 notable Jewish figures signed an open letter defending Ruffalo, calling the attacks a false and dangerous weaponization of charges of antisemitism, with signatories including George Clooney, Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, Joel Coen, Jonathan Glazer, Todd Haynes, Tony Kushner, Hannah Einbinder, Joaquin Phoenix, and Debra Winger. Separately, IMPACT held Digital Defender 102 at Congregation Etz Hayim in Queens, a workshop aimed at confronting antisemitism and boosting Jewish pride through artificial intelligence and social media. The event drew about sixty participants aged 55 and up, part of a three-workshop series designed to empower an engaged and experienced segment of the community, with the organization noting the value of their voices and experiences in online spaces.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel Aerospace Industries completed the first flight of an Airbus A330-200 converted into a cargo aircraft, marking a milestone in the company’s expansion into Airbus conversions. The flight, conducted from and to Ben-Gurion Airport, is part of the certification process for the aircraft, the Airbus A330-300BDSF, designed for regional and medium-range cargo operations. The aircraft can carry up to 30 cargo containers and about 61 tons, featuring an electric cargo-loading system and a main deck cargo door placed to enable faster loading and unloading. Until now, IAI had converted only Boeing aircraft for cargo, aerial refueling, and VIP roles, underscoring a notable diversification in the company’s capabilities.

In Uplifting News, Israeli researchers at the Weizmann Institute have identified the Orthopedia gene as playing a multitasking role in mood and metabolism in mice, influencing brain development in utero and potentially offering new avenues for treating anxiety and metabolic disorders. The study suggests the gene’s activity affects brain structure and function throughout life, highlighting a promising line of inquiry for future therapies and interventions.

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-907621
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkn9szfuzg
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-907624
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907619
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907618
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-907620
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-scientists-find-multitasking-gene-controls-mood-and-metabolism-in-mice/