Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-22 at 03:01

HEADLINES
Hamas Foiled in Hebron Attack Plot
US Pauses Taiwan Arms Amid Iran Tensions
SOSA Plans New Jersey AI Startup Hub

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 Regional Impacts, Turkey’s large-scale war exercise appears to be underway with forces converging on two landing zones as tensions with Israel rise. In Israel, a seven-year-old girl died in Tel Aviv after falling from a fourth-floor residence, a tragedy cited in security briefs. Separate operations reported a Hamas cell uncovered in Hebron that was involved in planning an attack and was foiled at the last moment. The summary package also includes headlines about a dramatic forecast for the next hundred years and a noted Eurovision achievement by Noam Tan, reflecting the breadth of coverage surrounding the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Taiwan says it has not been informed of any US changes to military sales, even as sources described a pause to ensure the United States has enough munitions for Epic Fury against Iran. The conversation around arms sales continues in Washington, where President Trump said he is undecided on whether to approve a new package for Taiwan, and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao indicated that foreign military sales would proceed when the administration determines it necessary, after confirming ammunition stockpiles.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter sharply condemned MK May Golan for remarks he described as disgusting toward Reform Judaism, saying he would meet Reform leaders to apologize on behalf of Israel, though Golan rejected the criticism. A numerologist weighed in on the political future of Dadi Schmachi, predicting a difficult path and advising him to wait for the right moment. A separate forecast echoed that cautious outlook, underscoring a sense of timing in his political career.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, The New York Times defended a column accusing Israel of sexually abusing Palestinian detainees, stating the piece met editorial standards; critics argue the piece relied on anonymous testimony, disputed sources, and a contested quote from a former prime minister.

In Israeli Economy and Business, an Israeli company, SOSA, plans to establish NJ BASE near Manhattan to create a new Silicon Valley-like hub in New Jersey designed to attract AI, cyber, fintech, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing startups. In the first phase, about 20 foreign companies will join, receiving fully funded workspaces and six months of business support, plus exposure days, investor meetings, and events intended to connect companies with New Jersey’s corporate ecosystem. SOSA’s Uzi Sheffer says the aim is to connect global startups with the verified needs of the New Jersey corporate system, producing tangible business results for participants.

In Uplifting News, the week highlights celebratory milestones: the twins of Brhano Tagania steal the show as they mark their first Shavuot as parents. Separately, Eden and Oshur celebrate their first week as a married couple, marking life after the wedding and the start of a new chapter together.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324249
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324248
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897002
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324227
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/taiwan-says-it-has-not-been-told-us-changes-military-sales
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897007
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324247
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324246
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk1p3d6jfe
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-897003
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324242
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1324239