Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 21:01

HEADLINES
Iran learns US flight tactics with Russia
Trump delays Iran strike after Gulf pleas
US pauses WWII defense board with Canada

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, officials cited by the New York Times say Iranian forces showed battlefield adaptability not previously attributed to their military. The report suggests Iran may have liaised with Russian counterparts to learn US flight tactics and to sharpen air defenses against American aircraft, with officials telling the Times they believed American air tactics had become somewhat predictable.

In US Military Role, President Trump said other countries pressed him to delay a major attack on Iran, and that he postponed the operation for two or three days after extensive discussions with Iran. He noted that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and others asked for the pause, and he indicated that a lot has come into fruition regarding peace prospects with Iran. After the postponement was announced, he told reporters that Gulf leaders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar asked him to delay strikes for two or three days, and he agreed.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is pausing its participation on a joint continental defense board with Canada that dates back to World War II, accusing Canada of failing to make credible progress on its defense commitments. The move comes amid broader tensions with Canada over tariffs, an expiring North American trade pact, and a dispute between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ofer Bronchtein, peace activist and Macron confidant, dies at 69. Bronchtein, an Israeli adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron and a key advocate for French recognition of a Palestinian state, died Monday at 69 after a long lung illness. Born in Beersheba, he spent decades promoting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

In Uplifting News, a message emphasizes that a biblical love for Israel begins with rejecting hatred, remembering God’s promises, and sharing the hope of salvation through the Messiah. Viewers are invited to watch the full Q&A for more.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/20800
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54529
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54530
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20799
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54528
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjmylgyjzx
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76495