HEADLINES
US disables Gambian ship amid Iran blockade
Lebanon-Israel clashes intensify Jumblatt warns
US seeks 5,000-troop pullout from Germany

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

In US Military Role, CENTCOM forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforcing blockade measures against Iran fired on and disabled a Gambia-flagged cargo vessel, the M/V LIAN STAR, after it refused several warnings and continued sailing toward an Iranian port in the Gulf. A US military aircraft, likely an AH-64E Apache, disabled the vessel by firing an AGM-114 Hellfire missile into the engine room of the ship.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, pressure is growing on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq to hand over weapons to state authorities or at least place their guns under state control. Kataib Hezbollah, described as a terrorist group that has attacked Americans and others, is cited as praising a decision by “armed brothers not involved in the Islamic Resistance” to end their armed activities and surrender weapons, with statements by Abu Mujahid al-Assaf indicating support for arming factions bringing weapons under state control. Rudaw notes such efforts to surrender weapons and even cover specialized equipment as Baghdad negotiates weapons under state control. In Lebanon, the Lebanese Ministry of Health says 3,371 people have been killed and 10,129 wounded since the current round of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, with roughly 80 percent of deaths among Hezbollah members and the rest mostly their families. The Israeli Home Front Command has tightened restrictions in northern Israel through June 1 at 20:00 amid ongoing Hezbollah rocket and explosive drone attacks from Lebanon, and red alert sirens have sounded in northern Israel. On the ground, two Lebanese Army soldiers were seriously wounded after being targeted inside a vehicle by an Israeli drone on the Abaa road, in Nabatieh. Leader Walid Jumblatt warned that Israel’s actions amount to systematic destruction of Lebanese villages and displacement of residents, drawing a “yellow line” that could expand to parts of Hauran and Syria’s Daraa province; he warned that attempting to disarm Hezbollah by force could trigger a new civil war, with Israel’s ultimate intentions unclear.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is weighing an accelerated drawdown of troops in Europe, with plans announced in May to pull 5,000 troops out of Germany. The plan, expected to be presented to NATO allies next month at the NATO Force Sourcing Conference, follows discussions tied to tensions over the Iran war with European powers. Germany hosts about 35,000 American troops, and the Pentagon has not immediately commented; officials cited by Welt am Sonntag described the withdrawal as potentially moving faster than initially planned, with a six- to twelve-month timeline for completion.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece argues Israel’s government is too big, too costly, and hindering the Start-Up Nation, warning that a bloated, inefficient state undermines economic and social vitality and contrasts with the country’s culture of entrepreneurship and agility. A Hebrew-language report depicts controversy around New York City politics, noting an anti-Israeli New York mayor, Mamdani, boycotting a pro-Israel parade while former mayors participated; police chief Jessica Tish told reporters, “I will march, with pride,” signaling support for participation in the parade. The north of the country faces tightened guidance from the Home Front Command, with the north’s frontline communities and several settlements moving to a restricted activity level starting at 21:00, including no educational activity, limited gatherings, and beach closures, while the Galilee and northern Golan see partial activity only if residents can reach a protected space in time. The small cabinet is slated to meet at 22:00.

In Uplifting News, Muslim activist to lead the first-ever Muslim delegation in New York City’s Israel Parade despite threats. Interfaith advocate Anila Ali, founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, says she will march alongside dozens of Muslim supporters, including an imam and several children, to show support for Israel and the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, even as Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces criticism for choosing not to attend the event. Ali stressed that the act of marching is a chance to stand up for inclusion and shared values.

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://t.me/selena_updates/64636
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897799
https://t.me/selena_updates/64638
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8206
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8205
https://t.me/selena_updates/64637
https://t.me/selena_updates/64635
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897800
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897595
https://t.me/newssil/202628
https://t.me/newssil/202627
https://t.me/newssil/202622
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-897798