Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-05 at 18:01

HEADLINES
- IRGC strikes three Hormuz tankers US responds
- US blocks Turkish bank aiding IRGC oil
- Netanyahu Gaza rebuild demands demilitarization first

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says the Iranian Navy targeted three oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and three US-affiliated ships in retaliation for the three Iranian oil tankers struck earlier in the day by US forces. The central command has not confirmed the strikes. The IRGC warned that ships transiting Hormuz through routes not authorized by Iran should avoid movement, saying they will be targeted if they pass through unauthorized waterways. One tanker was reportedly struck off Kharg Island, near Iran’s key oil export hub, and Tasnim reported that four US missiles hit a tanker in the region. CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships, a sequence the United States describes as the justification for its actions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington moved to shut down a Turkish bank network linked to IRGC oil financing, targeting an Istanbul investment bank that converted Iranian oil proceeds for the IRGC-Quds Force. The action, taken on the basis of shared intelligence, ends Ankara’s dual-track approach to the matter, according to the official read.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there will be no reconstruction in Gaza unless there is, first of all, demilitarization. He added that he can’t specify what form reconstruction will take, noting discussions with American friends, and acknowledged that sometimes they see eye to eye and sometimes they do not. When there is disagreement, he said, Israel’s interests are still defended, and he stands by them.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Palestinian journalist and author Rula Jebreal drew backlash after referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as an “AIPAC monkey” on a podcast, saying he is a bought-and-paid-for AIPAC monkey and that she did not intend racism. The host sought to clarify the remark’s racial implications, while the Congressional Black Caucus rejected the defense, with representatives noting the phrase’s racist history. Separately, Israel’s Foreign Ministry and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband over remarks about Gaza medicine, with Israel saying there are no restrictions on medicines entering Gaza and that no medicines are being blocked, countering Miliband’s account and highlighting Israel’s ongoing medical equipment assistance.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel opened its first Chamber of Commerce office in the Republika Srpska region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Banja Luka. The ceremony was attended by Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, outgoing Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, and other officials. The new office, led by Amir Gross Kabiri, aims to deepen trade, investment, and technology ties between Israel and the Serb-majority entity, reflecting a push to expand economic links in the region.

In Uplifting News, the Jerusalem Theatre hosts Jerusalem of Gold, a group exhibition featuring five Israeli artists—Aaron Kraus, Maureen Fain, Miriam Jaskierowicz-Arman, Danielle Meyer Feder, and Orit Simchoni. The show is open now and will run through the end of September, offering an accessible venue for Israeli art where audiences can view and purchase works directly from the artists.

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-907652
https://t.me/newssil/209911
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk9d1115dzl
https://t.me/selena_updates/69826
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-907650
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-907649
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-907647
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-907496