Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-12 at 20:01

HEADLINES
- Hamas blocks UAE funded Rafah project
- Hezbollah plots Beirut takeover amid Israeli pressure
- Toronto man charged over menorah vandalism

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Palestinian contractors from Gaza scheduled to reach the Israeli-controlled side to work on rebuilding Rafah were blocked by Hamas last week. The passage was facilitated by the IDF and the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center as part of early efforts to build a new Palestinian city in Rafah, often referred to as Emirates City, a project funded by the United Arab Emirates with about $1.2 billion toward Gaza’s recovery and aimed at housing tens of thousands of displaced Gazans. Hamas militants threatened the workers at gunpoint and refused them passage, forcibly turning them away. Hamas views the UAE-funded project not just as aid but as a political maneuver to replace its authority, having previously labeled the board as international guardianship. This marks the first time Hamas has blocked activity approved by Trump’s Board of Peace as it seeks to move forward with reconstruction in the strip.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has created a systematic plan to occupy Beirut to push out pragmatic elements, security officials say. The defense establishment notes growing pressure on Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem, who has warned that Israel is preparing to take over large areas of Lebanon. Northern Command Commander Major General Rafi Milo told the IDF Chief of Staff that there has been progress in operations aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure in dozens of Lebanese villages in southern Lebanon. Israeli estimates suggest that the more the IDF attacks, the more pressure falls on Qassem, who faces the challenge of dividing fighting forces between Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. Walla reported this view against a backdrop of rising criticism in Lebanon.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Toronto resident was charged on Tuesday with mischief to property under $5,000 for intentionally knocking over a menorah in front of the Yorkville Jewish Centre on April 10. The Jerusalem Post identified him as Jeffrey Johnston, a Phoenix-born man, and the Toronto Police Service released photographs and appealed for tips that led to his identification. A social media post from the OSINT account Leviathan linked the suspect to an interview with Rebel News, while The Post verified the spelling and name. Johnston wore a jacket similar to images in security footage. Investigators thanked the public for tips that led to the identification. Johnston’s X account contains antisemitic imagery and Nazi quotes. The incident followed remarks from Rabbi Meir Dubrawsky, who described leaving the menorah outside the center as a symbol of Jewish pride and resilience.

In Uplifting News, Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced to the Eurovision final after the first semifinal in Vienna. Bettan delivered a dynamic performance of the song “Michelle,” surrounded by five dancers, and was among the 10 acts that will move on to the final. He will compete in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest final on May 16. After his performance, an exuberant Bettan, dancing and wrapped in an Israeli flag, spoke to KAN 11, thanking people around the world and noting that even when there were boos, they were drowned out by love and by humanity. He concluded by saying, we will meet in the final.

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/american-politics/article-895965
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895968
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895967
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895951