Israel News for 5-19-2026
News Update
Israel is prepared and waiting to renew strikes against Iran when President Trump decides to do so. Trump said yesterday that he had planned to resume the fighting on Tuesday but decided to postpone it for a few days, at the urging of the Gulf states, to give negotiations a little more time to work out. As of now, Iran has not agreed to American demands regarding freezing its nuclear program, transferring all of its enriched uranium to the US and reopening the Straits of Hormuz. If the fight with Iran resumes, Hezbollah will most likely join the fight in Lebanon.
The Board of Peace presented an 11 page report to the UN Security Council, 7 months after it began its role in overseeing the Gaza ceasefire and ending the war. The report said that “the four mediating countries — Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States — are working tirelessly to preserve the ceasefire. We strongly warn that any violation, by any side, endangers everything that has been painstakingly built.” The plan seeks to advance the next stage: the full and monitored disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups in Gaza as a condition for progress.
Under the 15 point road map that served as as the basis for the Board of Peace, Hamas would be required to completely cease all military, police and administrative activity. The International Stabilization Force would be deployed as a buffer and support oversight of the weapons chain. Israel would carry out a phased withdrawal to Gaza’s periphery, but only according to the pace of verified disarmament. Reconstruction would begin only in areas where disarmament had been completed. Unfortunately, Hamas is refusing to disarm. That’s a big problem. For more, click here.
President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohammed Hagi, and congratulated Somaliland on its “historic” decision to open an embassy. Herzog said, “The incredible joy of the people of Somaliland shown upon Israel’s recognition of your nation warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with nations of Muslim countries who are so important in the region. You are facing many challenges, and we are here to assist and help with all the important fields of life, from food security, to energy, to science in order to enjoy prosperity together. So welcome, shalom to you, and hopefully we will go from strength to strength together.”
