Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-07 at 09:01

HEADLINES
Balout killed as Hezbollah losses surge post-ceasefire
US CTS 2026 targets five Islamist groups
Bennett and Lapid unite against Netanyahu

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israel Defense Forces have intensified operations against Hezbollah since the Lebanon ceasefire earlier this month. On the evening of May 6, the IDF eliminated Ahmed Ali Balout, the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, in a precision strike. The army says the pace of strikes has changed since the ceasefire, but it continues to dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure. In recent weeks, the IDF says it has killed 220 Hezbollah terrorists and commanders, including 85 in the past week. Among those killed is Muhammad Ali Bazi, head of Hezbollah’s intelligence department in its Nasr Unit, and a Hezbollah air defense observation officer. The question now is whether such targeted operations will produce a lasting weakening of the group or simply prompt replacement of the personnel lost, a pattern observed in past rounds when Hezbollah has suffered losses. The IDF and security services have emphasized the ongoing effort to degrade Hezbollah capabilities since the ceasefire.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States Counterterrorism Strategy 2026 sets destruction of Islamist terror groups as a primary objective. The CTS categorizes terror groups into Narcoterrorists and Transnational Gangs; Legacy Islamist Terrorists; and Violent Left-Wing Extremists. It notes that jihadi groups, especially those backed by state actors, continue to threaten the United States. Among its top priorities is the targeting and destruction of five Islamist groups deemed most capable of attacking the US: al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, ISIS, ISIS-Khorasan, and the Muslim Brotherhood. The document also contends that all modern jihadi movements trace their roots to the Muslim Brotherhood, which the CTS describes as the root of modern Islamist terrorism linked to ambitions of recreating the Caliphate and harming non-Muslims.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s political map shifted rapidly this week as former prime minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid announced a joint alliance ahead of the next elections, sparking discussion about whether Netanyahu’s long-standing grip on power may be challenged. The pairing is framed as a unity-driven alternative to the current coalition, with both leaders stressing cooperation over division after years of political deadlock, judicial reform battles and the fallout from the October 7 attacks. Analysts cited in the coverage say the Bennett-Lapid partnership aims to appeal to voters who favor broad partnerships over ideological infighting, and while Lapid’s Yesh Atid has faced polling challenges, Bennett is positioned as a potential challenger to Netanyahu.

In Uplifting News, Noam Bettan and the Israeli delegation delivered another dazzling performance in their second Eurovision rehearsal in Vienna ahead of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which opens on May 12. Bettan will represent Israel with the song “Michelle” and perform tenth in the first semifinal, with Austrian police saying security will be heightened around the event. The staging centers on a rotating diamond, which opens like a flower before Bettan moves to a catwalk with dancers. The broadcast adds that the final rehearsal precedes dress rehearsals and the live show. Also in Los Angeles, the Israeli-American Council honored Dr. Miriam Adelson with its Defender of Am Yisrael, The People of Israel, Lifetime Achievement Award at a Beverly Hills gala marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day. The award recognized Adelson’s support for Israel, the Jewish people, and efforts related to the return of hostages, following the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. IAC leadership highlighted Adelson’s courageous and visionary contributions to strengthening and safeguarding the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

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/article-895456
https://t.me/newssil/201102
https://www.jpost.com/international/islamic-terrorism/article-895461
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-podcast/article-895440
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895454
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-895449