Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - September 5, 2026, 02 PM Eastern

0:00You're listening to Israel Today ongoing war report I'm Noah Levi. We begin with escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in the Persian Gulf, disabling them, according to US Central Command. The strikes were carried out in retaliation after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Sentcom, stated, let the message to the IRGC be clear. If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours. Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that four US missiles hit a tanker near Carg Island, noting that local sources indicated no casualties, and the crew was being evacuated. US Central Command confirmed no American personnel were harmed.

1:00This exchange of attacks follows an escalation that threatens to deepen disruption to global energy supplies. Following the reported US attack, Professor Mohammed Mahrandi described as a member of Iran's negotiation delegation, issued a new threat stating, all US Navy vessels are now targets. Any attack against Iranian vessels will be met with a series of attacks against vessels related to countries participating in the aggression against Iran. In parallel, Israeli intelligence assessments indicate Iran is working to coordinate a simultaneous multi-front attack against Israel, involving Hezbollah Hamas, the Hauthas, and other militias. The aim, according to these assessments, is to revive Iran's access of resistance and overcome past coordination failures. Former NSC Chief Jacob Nagell suggests sustained US economic pressure could eventually lead to protests within Iran, though he also cautioned about Iran's continued ability to retaliate against regional allies.

2:00On the domestic front, the Israeli right is undergoing a significant demographic and ideological shift. According to reports, the traditionally secular, nationalist, and security-minded right is gradually being replaced by a block that is increasingly religious and messianic. This transformation is largely driven by larger families within the Ha'ra-D and religious Zionist communities, altering the composition of the electorate. As political parties prepare for upcoming elections, lining up outside the Knesset to finalize their lists, divisions are becoming apparent. The Likud Party reacted strongly to comments made by Yoram Cohen, identified as a close associate of Eisenkot. Likud interpreted these remarks as evidence of a plan to form a left-wing government that would dismantle settlements and establish a Palestinian state. In a separate legal development, prosecutors have decided to file an indictment for incitement to terror against Dr. Yolanda Yaba. Dr. Yaba was arrested approximately 10 months ago for posting two anti-Netanyahu messages,

3:03and the decision to indict has been approved by the Attorney General and State Attorney. Turning to security matters, reports from Gaza Detail and Attack on Moustache Street in the Shudji neighborhood, located in eastern Gaza City. Separately, Gaza journalists reported an iron-dome missile exploding in the skies over the Marasi area of Karniunis in the southern strip. In a significant bust, Israeli prosecutors stated that a civilian charged with smuggling into Gaza was found carrying approximately 40 kilograms of hashish and 11 kilograms of cappedaggan, along with 98 new mobile phones. Looking at economic indicators, the average salary per salaried position in Israel reached 15,000, 218 NIS in June of this year. A nominal increase of 7.7% compared to the previous year. Real wage growth stood at 5.9% and the total number of employed positions increased to over 4.2 million. Finally, a community initiative is underway for the Zate Farm in Gilberwa, which is seeking

4:05funds to construct volunteer accommodation, shower facilities, and a pergola highlighting local efforts in developing the land. I'm Noah Levi, thank you for listening to Israel Today ongoing war report. Stay safe and informed. Follow Israel Today, ongoing war report in your podcast app so you don't miss the next update. Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view.