Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-24 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Iranian plot to kill Ivanka Trump arrested
US Iran 60-day deal aims Hormuz reopening
Ben-Gvir taunts flotilla activists, embarrasses Israel

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, an IRGC terrorist was allegedly plotting to assassinate Ivanka Trump and possessed blueprints to her $24 million Florida home in a revenge plot for the drone strike that killed Iranian military chief Qasem Soleimani during Trump’s first term. Reports describe that after Soleimani’s death the individual circulated statements saying, “we need to kill Ivanka to burn down the house of Trump the way he burned down our house.” The person identified as AI-Saadil was arrested in the United States and faces multiple terrorism-related charges, with Fox & Friends noting that Mohammad Baquer Al-Saadi was also arrested on terrorism-related charges. New York Post reporting adds context through quotes from Entifadh Qanbar, a former Iraqi embassy official, about the alleged motive.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, new details about a potential 60-day memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran outline concessions on both sides, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran clearing mines, and the US lifting blockades on Iranian ports and waiving some sanctions to allow oil sales. In return, Iran would cease pursuing nuclear weapons, while negotiations on broader nuclear capabilities would continue, with the duration possibly extended during the 60-day period. One US official cautioned the deal might not last the full 60 days if Iran is not serious about the negotiations. Separately, President Trump described the Iran deal as largely negotiated and said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Iran’s state media disputed, saying the Strait reopening is not settled. The two sides have signaled that final aspects are still to be discussed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an editorial argues that Ben-Gvir’s harassment of Gaza flotilla activists embarrassed Israel and handed critics exactly the imagery and rhetoric they wanted. The piece contends National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir repeatedly chose to taunt detained activists and appeared to condone harsh treatment by some officers, posting clips of confrontations that highlight the friction between the government and its international standing, ultimately portraying him as a liability to the cabinet’s broader objectives.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a FOX NEWS report notes a rising number of politicians being accused of antisemitism. Democrat Graham Platner faced backlash over a Nazi-linked tattoo and is now under scrutiny for resurfaced Reddit posts, while fellow Democrat Maureen Galindo said she would lock up “American Zionists” in an ICE detention facility.

In Uplifting News, pilgrims from the West continue to travel to Hajj in Saudi Arabia despite the Middle East war and a US government travel advisory, with one American pilgrim who asked to be identified only by his first name saying he would not back out and that he feels very safe. The piece notes an uneasy ceasefire held since April, though negotiations between the United States and Iran have not produced a pact, and both sides have indicated an agreement could come soon. In sports, Israelis Tamar Steinberg and Shahar Tibi earned gold and bronze respectively at the iQFOiL European windsurfing championships, with the national team coach praising the performances. In space news, SpaceX launched its largest and most powerful Starship to date on a test flight that NASA is counting on to support future lunar missions.

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/JewishNews24/54721
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897072
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/trump-says-iran-deal-largely-negotiated-dispute-over-strait-reopening
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897061
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54731
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/pilgrims-west-flock-hajj-despite-mideast-war
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897066
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54724