Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-31 at 12:02

HEADLINES
Iran Reconstitutes About 1000 Missiles After Strikes
Hezbollah Drone Injures Four at Beit Hillel
France Seeks UN Meeting Over Beaufort Castle

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

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran has cleared bombed tunnels and restored missile operations paused by US-Israeli strikes. Iran used simple equipment such as bulldozers and dump trucks to clear roads and tunnel entrances damaged by bombing. The push to reopen these routes has left experts noting the recovery is low-tech yet effective, allowing rapid reconstitution of capabilities. Analysts say Iran still stores roughly 1,000 missiles underground, with stockpiles unlikely to have been damaged by ground strikes. An anonymous US official said Iran has exceeded timelines for reconstitution after the damage.

In Regional Impacts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting over Israel’s operations in Lebanon. He told a French television outlet that nothing can justify the prolongation of Israel’s military actions and its deepening occupation of Lebanese territory, calling the move a major mistake. Barrot also noted that the IDF has taken Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, a position not controlled since May 2000. He urged Iran and the United States to reach a peace deal and described the current situation as untenable. He said planning work is advanced for ensuring freedom of movement through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting implications for the global economy and price levels.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a Hezbollah explosive drone hit a structure in Moshav Beit Hillel, east of Kiryat Shmona, injuring at least four people. Fire crews were at the crash site, and conditions of the injured have not been released. The drone struck a military zone, and the IDF is investigating. An additional crash was reported at the Tel Dan natural reserve, with firefighters working to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading deeper into the reserve.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the opinion piece examines whether AIPAC and J Street can coexist amid a shrinking middle ground in US-Israel support. It notes that supporters and critics increasingly frame the issue in stark terms, even as civil discourse across political divides remains relevant. The author cites a sense of realignment in American politics, including debates over Israeli policy, democracy, and security concerns. Recent Senate votes to block specific arms sales are cited as evidence of the changing dynamic, reinforcing the view that US backing is shifting rather than fixed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett condemns New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for not attending the Israel Day Parade amid celebration preparations; Mamdani confirmed he would not attend, making him the first NYC mayor not to participate since 1964, though he attended in 2024. Bennett called the decision cowardly at a time when Jews face harassment and attacks, stressing that leadership means showing up for all New Yorkers who stand with Israel. Separately, a commentary lauds former IDF chief Herzi Halevi as a tragic, unsung hero, crediting him with leadership across multiple campaigns and noting his resignation planned for March 2025, about a year earlier than the standard term. The author argues Halevi’s record includes significant operational successes against Hamas and regional threats, even as scrutiny remains over the October 7 events.

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-897897
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897881
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897903
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897827
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897893
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897896