Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-03 at 11:02

HEADLINES
Two US service members missing in Morocco
Iran proposes 15-year enrichment freeze, Hormuz reopening
Israel approves two more F-35I F-15IA squadrons

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, two US service members participating in the African Lion joint military exercises were reported missing near the city of Tan Tan in southern Morocco. US Africa Command and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces said coordinated search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with ground, air and maritime assets deployed near Cap Draa, the training site where the service members went missing near a cliff. The incident is under investigation, and authorities emphasized that the search continues. African Lion is the US Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, running from April 27 to May 8 and spanning four nations—Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia—with about 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries taking part, and the main activity concentrated in Morocco.

In Regional Impacts, Iran proposes freezing enrichment, reopening Hormuz in new deal, with Iran open to freezing enrichment for up to 15 years and exporting or diluting highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as President Trump signals skepticism and keeps military options on the table.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, sirens were heard in Manara after cross-border fire from Lebanon. Officials described a difficult day on the roads, including a deadly northern traffic accident that left three women dead. The report also notes discussions of Israel’s security posture in Europe’s broader defense market, highlighting a major procurement of a large air force asset and details about a new squadron carrying 17-ton weapons, with an advanced weapon system expected to land in Israel to address drone threats.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court on Sunday extended by two days the detention of two foreign activists arrested after Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters last week. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, will remain in detention until Tuesday after the state sought a four-day extension for further questioning. The activists were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on April 12 to challenge the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Intercepted near Greece, most activists were transferred to Crete, while Ávila and Abu Keshek were brought to Israel for questioning. The Foreign Ministry says Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization and Ávila is suspected of illegal activity. Israel has described the flotilla as a provocation and said it would not allow a breach of the blockade. The extension was requested to allow continued questioning.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Norwegian university professor described the October 7 Hamas attacks as “the most beautiful thing that has happened in our century,” arguing there is no Israeli superiority and suggesting Israeli ambitions exceed a regional power. Bassam Hussein, a project management professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, voiced these views during an April 21 lecture organized by the Socialist Forum, asserting that October 7 proved vulnerabilities in Israel and that a capable Palestinian leadership can cause significant harm.

Also in Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Swarthmore College reported hundreds of acts of vandalism across its campus on Friday, according to the administration and the campus’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. The incidents involved graffiti on buildings, trees, fences and walkways, featuring anti-Israel slogans and Hamas symbols, including calls like “Free Palestine” and “Free Gaza.” College President Val Smith said removal could take days and that in some cases the vandalism may take an extended period to address. If individuals are identified among those involved, disciplinary measures would follow.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel approves purchase from the United States of two more squadrons of F-35I and F-15IA fighter jets.

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/international/article-894980
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bypnhanazg
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1316933
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894978
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894971
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894959
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75815