Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-16 at 01:02

HEADLINES
ISIS Deputy Al-Minuki Killed in US-Nigerian Raid
Space Force Monitors Uranium Site Amid Discord
PMO Sues NYT Over Kristof Column

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 US Military Role, President Trump said early Saturday that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the ISIS global deputy, had been eliminated in a joint operation by US and Nigerian forces. He described the mission as carefully planned and very complex, and said sources kept them informed on Minuki’s activities. Trump thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership. He noted past criticisms about Christian persecution in Nigeria, a claim the Nigerian government denies, and recalled that the United States had struck Islamist bases in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day last year after his accusations. This is a developing story.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump said in an interview that the United States and Iran had made multiple deals, which Iran then refused to acknowledge, and he described discord in dealings with Tehran. He claimed the deal included Iran providing enriched uranium, and that only the United States and China possess the equipment needed to extract the uranium from rubble left by prior strikes. He said the site is under surveillance with nine cameras operated by the US Space Force to prevent early extraction before a deal is reached. The president attributed negotiation troubles to internal conflicts and uncertainties within Iranian leadership, saying there is tremendous discord and that the leadership is disjointed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, The New York Times accused Israel of attempting to undermine independent reporting and stifle journalism after the Prime Minister’s Office announced legal action against the outlet over a controversial column by Nicholas Kristof alleging severe sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons; the PMO called the column among the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel. The Times defended Kristof’s opinion as deeply reported, and a spokesperson for the Times said the threat of legal action is part of a well-worn political playbook aimed at stifling journalism that does not fit a certain narrative. The Times compared the dispute to a 2025 incident involving a misleading photo connected to a Gaza story. Separately, a Hebrew-language profile discusses the Israeli military’s focus on Iran and Hezbollah and notes a unified stance within the IDF, with a senior official highlighting that unity in the force binds the service. A separate report describes how organized crime groups are taking billions through protection payments tied to government tenders and are operating drug nurseries in areas under military control, illustrating vulnerabilities in procurement oversight.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Talarico won’t campaign with Democratic candidate calling for ‘a prison for American Zionists,’ Maureen Galindo’s rhetoric about “billionaire Zionists” has drawn scrutiny, and Texas state representative James Talarico said antisemitic rhetoric has no place in politics and that he would not campaign with Galindo if she wins her runoff, noting the need for leadership from both parties to call out hate and distancing himself from pro-Israel lobbying circles. In New York: From freedom and pluralism to hatred, antisemitism - opinion, an essay argues that antisemitism in the city is increasingly evident, with a focus on anti-Israel rhetoric by a mayor and a public incident involving his wife after a chance encounter with an Israeli figure, suggesting that hatred can now be cloaked in moral language and is part of a broader public debate.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the real estate market in Israel is showing unusual dynamics: Netanya sales have fallen sharply while demand in Tel Aviv has risen, and there is unprecedented interest in homes with reinforced safe rooms, highlighting a split backdrop within the market during a weak month for housing activity.

In Uplifting News, Meghan Markle has become the primary breadwinner for the couple, increasing her business activity after stepping back from Netflix and incurring millions of dollars in annual spending, while Prince Harry concentrates on philanthropy that does not generate significant income.

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/international/article-896347
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896343
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896344
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321941
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321934
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896345
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-895874
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321935
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321936