Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-24 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Gulf leaders urge Trump avoid Iran strike
Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament, praises FPV drones
Iranian Telegram recruits Brits for anti-Israel protests

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Gulf states couldn't bear cost of another war, pressure Trump to avoid attacking Iran - analysis. By the middle of last week, senior Israeli officials and their Gulf counterparts had rarely appeared more divided over one question: What will US President Donald Trump decide regarding the war with Iran? In Israel, the prevailing conclusion was that Trump was going to strike, with officials saying “It’s not a question of if, but when,” and Israel also raising its level of military alertness in anticipation of a potential attack. In contrast, the consensus in the Gulf states was that Trump may threaten to strike but did not want to attack, prioritizing avoiding an oil-price shock that could hit markets before the US midterm elections. As of Sunday, Gulf officials appeared to be right, with leaders across the region signaling a preference for avoiding a regional war and pursuing negotiations instead.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah chief downplays calls to disarm terror group, praises success of FPV drone attacks. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the idea that Hezbollah should disarm, arguing that disarmament would remove Lebanon’s defensive capability and amount to extermination. He called Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon the “first liberation” in the Arab region without an agreement with the Israeli entity. He praised Hezbollah’s FPV drones, saying they made Israel dizzy, and listed several attacks on IDF soldiers. Qassem also criticized the United States, saying it is not a mediator and acts in its own interests, and denounced Washington’s sanctions on Hezbollah. Separately, authorities report an Iranian-linked operation using Telegram to recruit British citizens for anti-Israel protest activity, offering money to organize demonstrations and publish antisemitic posters. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned in the strongest terms what he described as Hezbollah’s reckless call to overthrow Lebanon’s democratically elected government.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iranian agents use Telegram to recruit British citizens for anti-Israel protest activity - report. An operation believed to be run by the Iranian regime used Telegram to recruit people in Britain to organize anti-Israel protests and publish antisemitic posters, The Times reported. An undercover reporter posing as a pro-regime sympathizer was contacted by a suspected Iranian agent who claimed to be coordinating UK operatives and in contact with people in Israel, offering money to plan demonstrations and asking recruits to spread the message and recruit others. The agent discussed plans and provided images as part of the outreach.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned in the strongest terms what it describes as a reckless call by Hezbollah to overthrow Lebanon’s democratically elected government. Rubio’s office released a statement characterizing the Hezbollah plea as reckless and unacceptable, calling on all parties to respect Lebanon’s constitutional order. The statement was released as part of the broader US stance on regional stability and Hezbollah’s activities.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, New US-Iran deal 'bad deal,' fails to address missiles, terror proxies, Israeli sources tell 'Post'. Israeli officials warned that the emerging framework between Iran and the United States is a bad deal, noting it does not address Iran’s missile program or its network of regional proxies, and expressing concern that the agreement could constrain Israel’s freedom of action in Lebanon and elsewhere. Officials stressed that nothing is final yet, but they cautioned that the framework could affect how Israel operates. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a small group of ministers and senior security officials to discuss the developing framework, and Israeli assessment holds that Trump wants to reach an agreement with Iran, with the ultimate blocker potentially being Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In Washington, US President Donald Trump on Sunday told his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran, and his administration played down hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the war that had been raised in recent discussions with allies in the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump on Sunday told his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran, as his administration played down hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old conflict that had been raised during public statements and calls with allies in the Middle East. Reuters cited Trump telling aides to proceed cautiously on any potential agreement with Tehran, underscoring a measured approach as negotiations continue and lobbying efforts unfold in parallel with regional diplomacy.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Liberman: Any Iran deal ‘catastrophe,’ Netanyahu turning Israel into ‘banana republic.’ Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party, warned that any agreement with Iran would be a catastrophe, saying it would leave the ayatollahs in power. Liberman criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allowing US pressure to shape Israel’s stance on Iran and Lebanon, saying Israel should push back more assertively. He argued that Netanyahu had allowed Trump to control matters related to Iran and Lebanon without standing firm, and he contended that Israel should reject foreign dictates when it threatens national interests. Liberman also suggested that while there are beneficial actions by Trump, Israel must know how to hold its ground on the Iran issue. Netanyahu later said he discussed with Trump the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and negotiating toward a final Iran nuclear agreement, a move Liberman criticized as compromising Israel’s position.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, 'Kill all Jews': Suspect arrested after months long graffiti spree at San José State University. Authorities announced the arrest of a suspect connected to a months-long spree of antisemitic and threatening graffiti at San José State University. Since fall 2025, messages and graffiti targeting Jewish, Muslim, Black, and Asian students have appeared across the campus, contributing to real harm within the student body. University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson said the acts harmed the community, and officials have increased patrols and investigations. Senator Bill Cassidy commented on the fall incidents, noting they included drawings and symbols that contributed to a climate of intimidation.

In Uplifting News, Significant award inspired by tragedy: Herzog presents Jerusalem Unity Prize 2026. The Jerusalem Unity Prize 2026 honors individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing mutual respect and tolerance and working to create harmony in the societies in which they live. The award commemorates the memory of three Israeli teenagers kidnapped and killed in 2014 and recognizes efforts that promote unity and resilience in the face of tragedy, reflecting a national and international response that emphasized solidarity and reconciliation.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897178
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