Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-14 at 14:01

HEADLINES
Iran Defense Industry Slashed Ninety Percent
IDF Delivers Anti-Explosive Drone Barbed Wire Lebanon
Ben-Gvir Leads Temple Mount Ascent

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the IDF disclosed that it, led by the Ground Technology Division, has been supplying the Lebanese army with anti-explosive drone barbed wire. To date, about 158,000 square meters have been issued, roughly the size of 20 football fields, and an additional 188,000 square meters are in the process of being procured, as Hezbollah’s drone threat continues to grow.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a senior US official said Iran’s ability to threaten its neighbors and US interests has been dramatically reduced by the campaign against Tehran. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said Iran’s defense industry has been set back by about 90% and that Iran no longer poses the same level of threat across multiple domains, including the ability to transfer arms to Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas, with those transfer paths and methods described as cut off. He also declined to directly address reports that Iran had retained significant missile and drone capabilities. Separately in the north, a report cited ongoing fighting that allegedly resulted in more than twenty Hezbollah militants being killed in the last 24 hours by the IDF.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder urged Israel to urgently repair ties with Diaspora Jews, saying the bond must be nurtured and cannot be taken for granted as antisemitism and global extremism continue to challenge Jewish communities. The comments came during an interview with The Jerusalem Post as the WJC marked its 90th anniversary. In a related development, an IDF colonel was suspended after a complaint of a sexual nature by a female officer triggered a Military Police investigation, with findings to be forwarded to the Military Prosecutor’s Office. The piece also notes that last month the State Attorney’s Office indicted military defense attorney Idan Dvir on multiple counts of sexual offenses against women, including soldiers and a police agent.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, FC Barcelona apologized to Israeli fans after star player Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag at a victory parade, stating the moment was spontaneous and not planned by the club, with video footage not to be posted on official channels and emphasizing the club’s diverse, global fanbase. An open letter to Peter Beinart warned that the Left is turning on Jews in ways not related to Israel, citing a Brooklyn Park Slope Food Coop incident where a member’s remark about “Jewish supremacism” drew applause. UK King Charles III, in the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, pledged urgent action to tackle antisemitism, foreign threats, and extremism, and outlined 37 upcoming bills, including measures on state threats, national security, and cyber resilience, while reaffirming support for a two-state solution and ongoing Middle East peace efforts.

In Uplifting News, Israel marked its 59th Jerusalem Day with a flag march through the Old City and nationwide celebrations tied to the city’s reunification after the 1967 Six-Day War and the anniversary of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir each led a ceremonial ascent to the Temple Mount, declaring sovereignty, while police later announced the arrest of a suspect who had been planning a terror attack during the celebrations. Reports also described clashes among activists in Jerusalem’s Old City ahead of the parade.

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-896266
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896258
https://t.me/newssil/201642
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-896265
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896262
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896263
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896270
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896018
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896256
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-896268