Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-19 at 22:01

HEADLINES
Drones From Iraq Target UAE Barakah Plant
Republicans Split Over Israel Policy Polls Show
Negev Becomes International Wine Region

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq. The United Arab Emirates said six drones were launched against it from Iraq in the past 48 hours, including one that caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear facility. The defense ministry said it intercepted five of the six drones, with three aimed at Barakah; the drone that penetrated the defense hit an electric generator outside the inner perimeter, while UAE authorities stressed the plant remained safe and no radioactive material was released. The UAE has asserted it reserves the right to respond to what it calls terrorist attacks. Iraq is home to Iranian-backed militia groups that have claimed attacks on bases in the region during the US-Israeli war on Iran. At the United Nations, UAE ambassador Mohamed Abushahab told a Security Council meeting called to discuss the attack on the Barakah plant that the incident underscores regional threats and the need for accountability.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, polls show growing split among Republicans over support for Israel. A New York Times/Siena poll found 38% of potential Republican voters would like the next Republican candidate for president to move in a new direction on Israel rather than follow Trump’s lead, while nearly a third said Trump has been too supportive of Israel, with a margin of error of about 2.8 points. The survey notes Israel is becoming a fault line within the Republican Party and on the left and mentions tensions within leadership, including a primary challenge to the party’s most anti-Israel Republican from a Trump-backed challenger. A separate poll released last week indicated MAGA-aligned Republicans who support Trump are more likely than other Trump voters to back the Israeli government. In Kentucky, Congressman Thomas Massie, a GOP critic of Israel aid and of Trump, lost his primary to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, a result viewed by supporters of Israel and the Trump faction as a test of influence in the party.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Foreign Ministry denies claims of strikes against Gaza-bound flotilla. The Foreign Ministry insisted that at no point was live ammunition fired as activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israeli forces of firing on vessels delivering aid to Gaza. The ministry said video showed soldiers firing shots at two boats, but after multiple warnings non-lethal means were used toward the vessels, not toward protesters, and no protesters were injured. The flotilla, which had 50 boats and about 428 participants from more than 40 countries (including 78 Turks), was intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with 430 activists transferred to Israeli vessels and en route to meet consular representatives. The ministry dismissed the flotilla as a PR stunt and said activists would be processed accordingly.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Sally Rooney to issue novel in Hebrew with Israeli publisher who complies with BDS. Irish author Sally Rooney will publish her latest novel in Hebrew through an Israeli publisher approved by boycott activists, with the Hebrew translation of Intermezzo set for release next month by November Books in collaboration with +972 Magazine and Local Call. The arrangement follows Rooney’s interview with Palestinian-Irish activist Samir Eskanda for The Guardian. Rooney previously declined to sell the Hebrew translation rights to the Israeli publisher that published her earlier Hebrew editions, saying she supported BDS and would not work with an Israeli publisher unless it publicly distanced itself from the government.

In Israeli Economy and Business, wine accessories take center stage in Israeli homes despite global decline in consumption. Global wine consumption fell to a 27-year low in 2025, while the wine cooler has moved from niche to central in Israeli homes. Among younger consumers, quality over quantity matters as wine is chosen rather than automatically consumed, a trend visible around Shavuot with new decorative stands and gadgets that elevate the table setting and wine experience. Wine-related gadgets, such as temperature thermometers and air-pressure devices, have become popular, reflecting a shift toward more intentional wine enjoyment.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s Negev officially recognized as international wine region. The Negev Desert has been designated an international wine region, listed as a protected geographical indication under the name Negev. The recognition followed a four-year effort led by the Merage Foundation Israel and is seen as strengthening the region’s economic and tourism potential and positioning the Negev among leading wine regions globally. The designation emphasizes the Negev as a rising center for wine production and wine tourism, broadening Israel’s international standing in the sector.

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-896759
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896756
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk1hgyq1zl
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896755
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896758
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896763
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896757