Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 02:02

HEADLINES
Iranian State TV Teaches Rifle Operation
Lebanon Hezbollah Ceasefire Hinges on Israel
Netanyahu Draft-Law Final Test Approaches

The time is now 2:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian state television has aired a public lesson on how to operate a rifle, described as a demonstration for a broad audience. The broadcast is presented as evidence that the regime is prepared for street clashes if opponents rise against it, seen as an indicator of fears over the regime’s hold on power. A separate report describes crowds receiving rifle-fire instruction, including live firing inside the studio and aimed at a flag of the United Arab Emirates, illustrating boundaries being tested by state media.

In US Military Role, new footage provides a clearer view from a better angle of the crash of two US F-18s during yesterday’s air show in Idaho. The pilots are reported to be healthy and unharmed.

In Regional Impacts, a Syrian shepherd in the Badia Alhamad area, southeast Syria near the Iraqi border, filmed two aircraft passing at low altitude and scaring the flock. It is claimed the aircraft had just returned from Iran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Lebanese presidency palace held talks over implementing a 45-day ceasefire that was agreed in Washington and is slated to begin the night between Sunday and Monday. Hezbollah would commit to the ceasefire in coming days if Israel commits to it in deeds as well. The plan would include a broad halt to hostilities across all of Lebanon, including the Yellow Line and southern cities, not limited to Beirut and its suburbs, and would aim to protect civilians and infrastructure. Officials caution it is premature to discuss Lebanese army deployment in areas that saw clashes, as the ceasefire could collapse at any moment; deployment would require the ceasefire to hold and for Israel to begin withdrawal, followed by the Lebanese army’s deployment in southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, coverage centers on Netanyahu’s handling of the draft-law dispute, described as a flip-flop by some observers. After 87 hearings, Netanyahu’s testimony is nearing decisive moments. Reports also note that investigations into Channel 14 have moved to the National Security Committee, with a hearing previously canceled when key officials did not attend. A separate report references a north-country incident in which an assassination attempt wounded the head of the Jadida-Makr council and his deputy. The same bulletins mention navy activity surrounding about 50 ships headed toward Gaza, with the navy prepared for a dramatic stop.

In Uplifting News, Noam Bettan delivered a polished Eurovision performance in Vienna with the song Michelle, earning Israel second place overall and strong public support in the televote. Separately, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed solidarity with Italy after the Modena attack near Milan, where eight people were injured, offering condolences and wishing a speedy recovery to those affected.

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.

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