Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-16 at 03:02

HEADLINES
US Israel poised for renewed Iran attack
Al-Minuki killed in US Nigerian operation
Five countries withdraw from Eurovision over Israel

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, US-Israel attacks on Iran could resume as early as next week, according to a New York Times report citing two anonymous Middle East officials. The officials described intense preparations, the most significant since a Pakistani-brokered ceasefire was established in early April. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers there is a plan to escalate if necessary, to retrograde, and to shift assets as conditions demand. President Donald Trump told Fox News that Iran has refused to acknowledge multiple deals already agreed to, adding that every time they make a deal, the next day it’s like we didn’t have that conversation. The report notes Iran could boost uranium enrichment to 90 percent if required. Separately, a Hebrew-language article discusses options for a ground incursion and describes intensive US-Israel preparations for a renewed war in Iran.

In US Military Role, President Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, was killed in a joint operation by the United States and Nigeria. He described the mission as a carefully planned and very complex operation to eliminate the most active terrorist on the battlefield. The location was not disclosed. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, was designated as a specially designated global terrorist by the Biden administration in 2023. Trump thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership. Nigeria says it does not discriminate against any religion, and that its security forces target armed groups that attack both Christians and Muslims. The United States had previously struck targets it described as ISIS sites.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an analysis piece in Hebrew discusses the collapse of Gaza’s “Peace Council” and warns of shifting regional dynamics as tensions around Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, continue to influence security considerations. The piece frames concerns about the Gaza peace process amid ongoing regional upheaval and reflects on the perceived fragility of security arrangements in the area.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an interview marking 30 years since Netanyahu’s rise to power features a statement that a political figure is ready to pay any price to stay in power. Another report covers Netanyahu’s dialogue with Dan Shilon, describing his promises as made in earnest and believed. A separate article notes that the New York Times accused Israel of trying to stifle journalism by taking legal action over a controversial op-ed, with a Times spokesperson saying such claims are part of a familiar political playbook and that the legal move would be meritless, defending the op-ed as properly reported.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Eurovision’s grand final proceeds in Vienna amid protests and a boycott by five countries over Israel’s participation. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrew from taking part. Ireland’s RTÉ said participation would be unconscionable given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Eurovision organizers emphasized their aim to maintain a neutral space where artists can come together, despite the controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement.

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/iran-news/article-896353
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321966
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896347
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321970
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321971
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1321967
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896344
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896352