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

HEADLINES
Trump vows to wipe out Iran missiles
US to dramatically cut troops in Germany
Hamas votes Hayya vs Mashaal for leadership

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, President Trump addressed Iran's missile capabilities and the possibility of future action. He spoke about the remaining 15% of Iran's missile-making capacity, saying, "I'd like to eliminate it... It'd be a start for them to build up again — and yeah, I would like to eliminate it." He also noted that resuming attacks in Iran is a possibility that could happen.

In US Military Role, the administration announced a major reduction of American forces in Germany, with the drawdown going far beyond the previously planned 5,000 troops. The move is expected to unfold over the coming months amid tensions with Europe over the Iran war and defense spending, with Washington pressing allies to take greater responsibility for their own security. European leaders have warned that the decision could weaken NATO unity as the United States scales back its long-standing military presence on the continent.

In Regional Impacts, the Jordanian Armed Forces carried out strikes on arms and drug trafficking sites along the Jordan-Syria border, described as completed with the highest degree of precision and intelligence to prevent trafficked drugs and weapons from reaching Jordan. Targeted sites included factories, workshops, and warehouses used by traffickers to store and organize smuggling efforts. The operation comes as smugglers have increased activity, adapting to weather conditions and regional circumstances, posing a major challenge to Jordanian border officers. The Jordanian Armed Forces pledged to continue to confront threats to the Kingdom’s security with full force and determination. Separately, an editorial highlights the enduring partnership between Israel and Serbia, noting Serbia’s demonstrated support for Israel during the Gaza war and public statements of unwavering friendship, including instances of defense collaboration discussed by Serbian leadership in a European context.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas is conducting internal voting to choose a new head of its political bureau, replacing October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar, with the winner yet to be announced. The contest is between Khalil al-Hayya, seen as closely aligned with Iran’s IRGC, and Khaled Mashaal, who maintains ties with Turkey and other Arab states, underscoring divisions within the group as it faces pressure after Israel’s blows following the October 7 attack.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, police officials faced criticism for attending Itamar Ben-Gvir’s 50th birthday party. Senior officers from the Israel Police and Israel Prison Service attended the event, including Jerusalem District Commander Avshalom Peled, Judea and Samaria District Commander Moshe Pinchi, Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, and Ben-Gvir’s security staff, alongside politicians and far-right figures. Police Commissioner Danny Levy had approved attendance for some officers, while others outside the national general command staff were restricted. The event featured a cake decorated with a drawing of a hanging noose.

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/beholdisraelchannel/75813
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75812
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-pulls-back-trump-orders-deeper-troop-cut-in-germany/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894903
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-894892
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/german-fertiliser-makers-and-farmers-struggle-iran-war-fallout
https://worldisraelnews.com/hamas-power-struggle-new-leader-to-be-announced/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894901