Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-05 at 03:02

HEADLINES
Iran Poised to Escalate With Cyber Strikes
Pentagon Probes Munitions Leaks With Polygraphs
White House Weighs Feinberg Replacement at DOD

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian leadership considers escalation as US officials fear military, cyberattacks - report, Iran has grown more confident in its ability to strike targets in the Middle East and may push to escalate the war, according to recent US intelligence assessments cited by The New York Times. In recent weeks, Iran has resumed strikes against US targets in the Middle East and the US has resumed strikes within Iran, but US officials fear Iran may intensify attacks both in the region, targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and critical US infrastructure, and in cyberspace with possible cyberattacks against essential US domestic systems. US officials also point to Iran-linked cyberattacks on more than 100 water systems across the United States in July, causing disruptions that required manual overrides and precautionary boil-water advisories.

In Pentagon gives polygraphs to Joint Staff officials in attempt to find munitions info leak - report, about 50 Joint Staff members have been subjected to polygraph tests over leaks to journalists regarding the US munitions stockpile shrinking amid the Iran war. The investigations involved asking whether they disclosed classified information to members of the press, including details about munitions inventories such as long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes leaks of classified national security information seriously and investigates accordingly. In early August, President Trump voiced frustration that information about dwindling munitions stockpiles had become public, threatening long-term jail sentences for those responsible.

In White House reviews candidates to replace Hegseth deputy Feinberg, sources say, the White House has reviewed candidates to replace Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, signaling possible further leadership changes at the Pentagon as turnover runs high. The discussions, reportedly underway since June, included conversations with senior lawmakers about whether the administration’s potential picks could win confirmation, and no decision had been reached as of late August. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly declined comment on the process. Separate reporting from The Times of Israel said the White House is looking to replace Feinberg and denied the specific report, noting that Hegseth had previously blamed Feinberg for munitions shortages and that such a replacement would mark another Pentagon shake-up.

In War-weary Ukrainian students learn Yiddish to reclaim a Jewish past nearly erased at home, non-Jewish students are studying Yiddish with New York’s YIVO Institute to learn about the region’s history and connect with US Jews over a heritage largely erased at home with help from some local collaborators.

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-907621
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-907623
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-907624
https://www.timesofisrael.com/white-house-looking-to-replace-hegseth-deputy-steve-feinberg-sources-say/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/war-weary-ukrainian-students-learn-yiddish-to-reclaim-a-jewish-past-nearly-erased-at-home/