Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - September 5, 2026, 12 AM Eastern

0:00You're listening to Israel Today ongoing war report, I'm Noah Levi. US officials are expressing serious concern over potential Iranian escalation in the ongoing conflict. Recent intelligence assessments reported by the New York Times and corroborated by Unit Iran. Suggest Iran feels increasingly confident in its military capabilities. This newfound confidence coupled with a clearer understanding of its leverage, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, has led to a reluctance among Iranian leaders to seek an end to the war. The fear is that Iran may significantly intensify attacks. This could involve targeting more ships in the Strait of Hormuz and US infrastructure across the Middle East. Timultaneously, US officials warn of a growing threat in the cybersphere, with Iran linked hackers potentially targeting essential US domestic systems. Reports indicate that in July, such attacks disrupted over 100 water systems across the US,

1:04requiring manual overrides and precautionary measures, though none made water unsafe. Experts suggest these cyber operations could aim to exhaust domestic patients with the current administration's handling of the conflict. Iran also believes that dwindling US munitions stockpills may limit the American response to new strikes. This strategic assessment, according to representative Josh Gottthema, leads Iranian leaders to believe they have maximum leverage, potentially motivating them to prolong the conflict, especially with upcoming US midterms in mind. In parallel, signs have emerged of Iran spreading propaganda, with networks originating in Iran focusing on US politics and anti-republican views. Alongside extensive domestic media coverage of US political figures and elections, in other news, actor Mark Ruffalo is facing accusations of antisemitism for comments made about Paramount's guidance CEO David Ellison. Linking him to an apartheid system of oppression, in Gaza, Paramount itself, along with several

2:05leading Jewish groups, has stated Ruffalo's remarks invoked antisemitic tropes concerning Jewish wealth and power. However, the actor has also garnered significant support. Approximately 170 notable Jewish personalities, including entertainers, rabbis and physicians, have released an open letter defending Ruffalo, calling the attacks against him, a false and dangerous weaponization of charges of antisemitism. George Clooney has also voiced his support, the controversy stems from Ruffalo's social media posts, which connected David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, both Jewish and prominent supporters of Israel, to tech giant Oracle, a company with links to Israel that has been a target for progressives. Ruffalo had described Larry Ellison as a classic oligarch. Paramount has suggested that criticism of their pending merger, which is facing antitrust challenges, is being framed with antisemitic elements, and that Ruffalo's comments expose the true motivations of some opponents.

3:05I'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.