Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-26 at 11:01

HEADLINES
US cuts NATO military support amid tensions
Tanker hit off Oman triggers fuel leak
Israel broadens Lebanon clash amid Hezbollah drones

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States plans to significantly reduce military contributions available to assist European allies in a crisis, including fighter jets, warships, and mid-air refueling aircraft, according to a Spiegel report. An envoy of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed senior officials from NATO member states at NATO headquarters in Brussels late last week on the plan. The NATO alliance is under unprecedented strain, with some European countries concerned that Washington may withdraw outright. President Trump has criticized European allies for not spending enough on their militaries and pledged to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany. His stance on Greenland and his criticism of European support in reopening the Strait of Hormuz have heightened tensions as Washington weighs its mutual defense commitments. Three sources familiar with the matter said the administration planned to tell NATO a plan.

In Regional Impacts, a tanker was hit by a projectile 60 miles off the coast of Oman, causing an external explosion and fuel leakage.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Gazan tensions were framed as a psychological warfare issue by a Khan Yunis militia leader who said Gazans want to join the anti-Hamas groups but Hamas is trying to drive people away. Hussam al-Astal, head of the anti-Hamas militia in Khan Yunis, argued that Hamas’s claims of defections are part of a campaign to undermine rival groups and pressure residents not to reach out to them, while the Radea force said it received 10 appeals in 12 hours from individuals described as “members of collaborator gangs” seeking to resolve security files and return to their communities. Israeli forces have begun ground operations deeper into southern Lebanon beyond the Yellow Line in response to Hezbollah drone attacks, though the extent of the penetration remains unclear and officials have discussed positions from which the drone threat could be reduced. At the same time, Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah targets have intensified as the world watches for a broader ceasefire with Iran that would shape the conflict dynamic in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF chief of staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir officially dismissed former military advocate-general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi amid suspicions regarding her involvement in the Sde Teiman affair; she will not be entitled to the Completion of Service pension and Zamir would consider lowering her rank once criminal proceedings conclude. Zamir had suspended Tomer-Yerushalmi in October 2025 following an investigation into the leaked video depicting alleged abuse of Palestinian prisoners at Sde Teiman, a move that followed a failed attempt by Defense Minister Israel Katz to fire her. Tomer-Yerushalmi argued the leak was intended to counter misinformation and to show that action was being taken. Separately, former UN ambassador Gilad Erdan said he is working toward forming a new right-wing party separate from Likud and sees himself as a potential prime minister in a post-Netanyahu era, describing a plan for a government of national reconciliation that would avoid reliance on extremist elements.

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/international/article-897364
https://t.me/selena_updates/64411
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897363
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897362
https://t.me/ILtoday/19167
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897350
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897347
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjonlxxefx