Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-04 at 01:02

HEADLINES
- US launches Hormuz operation with 15,000 troops
- Six Gaza brigades as talks stall
- Eisenkot Liberman weigh surprise merger

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 The US military announced that the operation to restore traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will include missile ships, more than 100 aircraft taking off from both sea and land, multi-domain unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 troops.

In Behind the regional diplomacy, Gaza is edging back toward war, six brigades remain deployed in Gaza as the IDF targets tunnels, smuggling routes and Hamas commanders, warning that stalled talks could trigger a return to high-intensity fighting.

In Eisenkot, Liberman weigh surprise merger after Bennett-Lapid pact as election draws near, talks remain preliminary, with leadership unresolved, as both sides weigh whether a joint run would add seats to the bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu.

In Australia begins hearings into Bondi Beach attack and rising antisemitism, public hearings opened as part of a Royal Commission inquiry into the December mass shooting at Bondi Beach that killed 15 during a Hanukkah celebration; the inquiry aims to examine antisemitism in the country, with more than 5,700 submissions.

In A responsible choice: Why canceling Lag Ba’omer at Mount Meron was the right call - editorial, the decision to limit Lag Ba’omer to symbolic participation with no more than 1,500 people in surrounding communities was made due to risk of mass casualties, a fragile ceasefire on the Lebanon front, the site’s border proximity, ongoing rocket fire, and evacuation concerns.

In גשמים מקומיים במרכז ורוחות ערות: כך ייראה ל"ג בעומר השנה | תחזית מזג האוויר, local rains and gusty winds are forecast for Lag Ba’Omer in central areas this year.

In US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White: Deeply moved to be invited to the reopening of the Liège synagogue. Honored to stand with the Jewish community of Liège as they reclaim this sacred place that has served the community since 1899. As I told the congregation during my brief remarks, the United States stands with you.

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/75843
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj4zbjrcwx
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy11v11ihawx
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjmfa5scbl
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1317074
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/australia-begins-hearings-bondi-beach-attack-and-rising-antisemitism
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-894993
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1317060
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53835