Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-05 at 17:02

HEADLINES
- Israel braces for Iran vows to act
- Unexploded rocket found near Metula
- Paris backs Robinson London rally

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, incoming Israeli Air Force chief Omer Tischler says the air force is closely monitoring developments in Iran and is prepared to deploy eastward if required, speaking at a handover ceremony where he replaced outgoing chief Tomer Bar after four years in the role. The Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir says the military is "prepared to respond with force" if Iran targets Israel, adding that forces are deployed across all sectors and remain in high readiness for any scenario. Speaking at an Israeli Air Force handover ceremony, Zamir said the IDF is closely monitoring developments in the Persian Gulf and is ready to act against any threat to Israel.

In Regional Impacts, an unexploded 122mm rocket was discovered in Metula, apparently fired two days ago but not detected by defense systems. A police bomb disposal expert was called to safely handle the device.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a closed-door meeting of European conservative and nationalist figures was held in Paris under the "Make Europe Great Again" banner, with participants backing a planned May 16 demonstration in London led by British activist Tommy Robinson. Organizers and participants said the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between European right-wing movements and Trump-aligned conservatives in the United States. The discussions focused on immigration, national sovereignty, support for Israel, opposition to Iran, Europe’s energy crisis, and calls to rethink sanctions on Russia. Organizers said the event was kept away from the media to avoid disruptions by counter-protesters. Robinson delivered the keynote address and urged those present to join the upcoming "Unite the Kingdom, Unite the West" demonstration in London. He argued that conservative movements in Europe should move beyond conventional party politics to build larger forms of public mobilization.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a poll by the Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research found 64% of Jewish Israelis say the current security situation regarding Iran is incompatible with Israel's interests, while 48.5% of Arab Israelis think it's compatible. In terms of whether the conflict could resume, a majority of Israelis (62%) and Arabs (52%) believe fighting will restart soon. Additionally, 51% of Israelis believe the Trump administration has more influence over Israel's defense decisions than the government, with Jewish respondents at 56% and Arab Israelis saying both the government and the US administration have equal decision-making power. The poll also showed a sharp decrease in Israeli optimism about national security, from 47% in March to 39% in April, and a drop in optimism about social cohesion from 30% to 22.5%, alongside other declines in outlook for democracy’s future. Outgoing Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar said the force was "only a step away" from foundations being undermined during the protests over the judicial overhaul, stressing that leadership drew a firm line to keep politics out of the military. Speaking at Tel Nof Airbase, Bar said preserving cohesion and operational readiness was critical, and that despite internal tensions, personnel demonstrated resilience and unity during the October 7 massacre and the subsequent multi-front war.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, anti-Israel activists are set to protest outside Park East Synagogue in New York City on Tuesday evening against an Israeli real estate exposition that the organizers say is selling "stolen Palestinian land." The protest is organized by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation Al-Awda New York and New Jersey, PAL-Awda NY/NJ, which had organized a rally at a previous event at the same site. Park East did not respond to inquiries, but a congregant said an event was scheduled and security barriers were being set up. Great Israeli Real Estate organizers did not respond to comment, but their website indicates a Manhattan event on Tuesday. PAL-Awda argues the event markets settlements in the disputed territories and constitutes violations of local, federal, and international law. They say they will not be silent as they describe ethnic cleansing being promoted in the neighborhood.

In Uplifting News, outgoing Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar delivered an emotional farewell, reflecting on 39 years of service and his lifelong dedication to Israel's skies. "I have always been moved by the beauty of this country... I love the State of Israel. I was privileged to be among its guardians — simply that," he said, marking the end of his tenure as he begins a new chapter.

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/JewishNews24/53921
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53922
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53923
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-895226
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895224
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53919
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895231
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53920