Israel Daily News - May 19, 2026 | Naval Showdown: IDF Intercept Gaza Flotilla Ships

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[00:00:00]US President Donald Trump says he has called off a major military attack on Iran that he claims was scheduled for today. Trump said he made the decision after Gulf leaders told him a new diplomatic opening may still produce a deal with Thran. TV's Steve Leitz has the latest. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he agreed to delay the strike following appeals from the Amir of Qatar, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and the president of the United Arab Emirates. Trump claimed the Gulf leaders told him serious negotiations are now underway and said they believe a deal can still be reached that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

[00:00:43]Well, other countries have come to me and they've said we were getting ready to do a very major attack tomorrow. I put it off for a little while, hopefully maybe forever, but possibly for a little while because we've had uh very big discussions with Iran and we'll see what they amount to. The president said he instructed the US military to stand down from the planned operation for now, but Trump warned that US forces remain ready to launch a full largescale assault at a moment's notice if talks collapse or an unacceptable agreement is not reached. I was asked by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and some others if we could put it off for two or three days, a short period of time because they think that they are getting very close to making a deal. And if we can do that where there's no nuclear weapon going into the hands of Iran, I think and if they're satisfied, uh, we will be probably satisfied. Also, >> the announcement marks another dramatic turn in the standoff with Iran after weeks of escalating military threats.

[00:01:46]naval deployments and warnings of possible war across the region.

[00:01:50]>> We've uh informed Israel. We've informed other people in the Middle East that have been involved with us and uh you know it's a very positive development, but we'll see whether or not it amounts to anything. We've had periods of time where we had we thought pretty much getting close to making a deal and uh didn't work out. But this is a little bit different. No, we're ready going tomorrow. Very big and uh not something I wanted to do, but we have no choice because we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.

[00:02:19]>> So far, Iran has given no public indication it's prepared to permanently halt uranium enrichment, curb its missile program, or end support for regional proxy forces. Demands that Israel continues to press Washington to maintain.

[00:02:34]>> We're not going to let Iran have a nuclear weapon. So I was called by these three countries plus others and they're dealing directly with our people and right now Iran and there seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I'd be very happy. Overnight, Prime Minister Netanyahu convened his inner security cabinet for a second straight day of high level talks on Iran as officials were warning that chances of a return to war were more than 5050. Now that Trump has announced another pause to attempt to make a deal, officials say that nothing substantial has changed in the Iranian position and a return to war remains likely. ILV's Devil Klein has a story.

[00:03:20]>> Even after President Trump's announcement that the attack on Iran planned for today has been placed on hold, Israel remains braced for any possibility, including the renewal of full military conflict with the Islamic regime. Fighting could resume in the coming days as Israeli officials stressed that Washington has rejected Thrron's latest proposal, calling it insufficient and relaying that the response to Washington's demands, offered only token concessions, and do not provide a serious basis for a breakthrough. Israel continues close coordination with Washington on the possible next steps. Military options under discussion range from large-scale air strikes to possible operations targeting Iran's oil export infrastructure, including Kar Island, as well as possible moves around the Strait of Hormuz. Officials caution that President Trump could continue to seek diplomatic openings in the coming days, but could also quickly decide that talks are at another dead end. But with US forces already positioned across the region and both sides hardening their positions, officials in Jerusalem believe that the return to war with Iran is only a matter of time.

[00:04:30]>> A new New York Times Sienna poll shows declining support in the American public for President Trump and his handling of the Iran war, while also indicating weakening public sympathy for Israel among younger US voters. 64% of the respondents believe going to war with Iran was a wrong decision. However, the support is higher among Republicans. 70% think it was necessary. Over half of the voters think Trump should not resume military action in case the deal with Iran is not reached. When it comes to Israel, the support is also slipping, especially among young Americans. 64% prefer to support Palestinians against only 14 in favor of the Jewish state and only 5% of the people up to the age of 29 think the US should continue economic and military support of Israel.

[00:05:28]Joining us now to discuss the latest developments on Iran is Navidid Moi, advocacy director for the National Union for Democracy in Iran and himself a political prisoner in Iran. Thank you so much for joining us. First of all, I want to ask you about President Trump's decision to uh cancel or delay this strike on Iran. He apparently was convinced by some of these Gulf leaders that it is possible still to make a deal with Iran. I want to get your response to how you're feeling, your view on whether it's possible to deal with Iran.

[00:06:05]>> Thank you for having me on. I think it's the fifth time that President Trump is saying. Uh others have asked him to pause or or reverse his decision uh in terms of Iran. A couple of times he mentioned uh Pakistan uh and then recently he said uh three Persian Gulf countries have asked him to uh let the negotiation go on and uh refrain from attacking the Islam republic. And I think that, you know, the Iranian regime um sees weakness from uh President Trump.

[00:06:41]They think that he's bluffing and has no interest in uh resuming uh the war. And I think that uh the way that United States is handling uh the negotiation and and the ongoing uh war is hurting United States and the Iranian regime is viewing that a weakness from United States side.

[00:07:03]>> I want to get your view on these Gulf States. These are some of these are countries that have been directly attacked still being attacked by Iran.

[00:07:12]uh just in the last couple of weeks, the UAE uh Saudi of course of Qatar which has had this un unusual relationship with Iran. Uh where do you see their interests lying here?

[00:07:24]>> I think that all of these countries are sick and tired of the Islam Republic shenanigans and uh they understand that the regime is a threat. However, they think that they cannot alone um you know stop the regime and they want to see a a more firm uh uh reassurance from United States in terms of protecting these countries. When they see that United States is not willing to go all the way in uh you know they become more hesitant in confronting the regime. But we are also seeing a shift and divide between these countries. UAE is more hawkish and and uh Qatar and Saudis are are more hesitant to confront the Iranian regime directly simply because uh they don't feel like United States is going to come to their uh rescue. So I I think their calculation is based on their own security. If they see United States uh is firm in protecting them, I think that they're willing to join uh the Israeli and US uh campaign confronting regime.

[00:08:32]If not, they would rather see uh deescalation in the region.

[00:08:37]>> Navidiv, we earlier cited this latest New York Times poll that shows some declining support for President Trump, particularly on the issue of the Iran war. is the case being made by the administration and by other elements uh in the US for continuing this work for convincing the American public that this is a vital security interest.

[00:09:01]Um I don't think that at the start of the war United States um you know did not have the support of the American people but I would say that the way that this war was conducted and the way that the war was paused uh in the middle of uh uh the campaign against the regime and I think had a lot of people questioning was it worth it? Did the US um you know reach his objectives? I think that you should not either not stop uh you know start the war and uh but if you do you must see through the end. I think the worst outcome is a half measure war or perhaps even worse uh stopping it when the other side holds the um upper hand and I think that Israel also not happy about the way US acted during uh this 40-day military campaign against the regime. And I was in Israel a few days ago and I think many Israelis are asking uh or saying uh why President Trump um you know all of a sudden uh pause the war uh we did not reach any of our objectives. Yes, the regime was degraded militarily but that's not the ultimate goal of uh Israel or United States. Iran ballistic missile remains uh to be a problem. Iranian regime uh for 400 kilogram uranium is still inside the country. I think that if the war resumes again uh uh the two countries must finish the job. Um, and we can't just allow the Iranian regime to continue blackmating the international community through the sort of hormones or by building upon on its uh ballistic missile arsenal uh which is a threat both to Israel and and and and uh to the region. Navidiv, it's very hard to get news out of Israel with the internet blackout, the lack of on the ground reporting, but we hear anecdotally of arrests of either executions or threatened executions. What can you tell us about how the Iranian people must be feeling right now given yet another delay and uh the way the war is going?

[00:11:16]>> You know, tens of thousands of people were arrested during the war. Um and um many Iranians um are waking up every day to the news of executions, arrest, torture. Uh it's a very grim situation in Iran and the regime, you know, want to make sure that Iranian uh people see this kind of repression on a daily basis. When there are cases of execution, they don't execute them all together. They execute them on a daily basis because they want to send a daily reminder uh to the Iranian people and Iranian dissident that this is the cost of uh you know opposing the regime and fighting the regime. So the regime is is using this um um you know the pause of war uh to signal to the Iranian people that uh you shouldn't resist against uh us or you'll have to uh pay the price.

[00:12:12]They are trying to crush the morale of the Iranian people and many Iranians are fortunately are feeling hopeless at this moment and are disappointed um about the way that this uh war um paused and Iranians are concerned that the goal of United States or even Israel but to a lesser extent Israel is not um a regime change in Iran.

[00:12:39]United States has become an obstacle even for Israel to reach a you know a reasonable outcome uh for this ongoing campaign against the regime.

[00:12:50]>> All right. Well, let's hope there will be some relief for the people of Iran.

[00:12:54]Navidid Moabi, thank you for joining us on ILV.

[00:12:59]>> Thank you for having me on. The state of Israel announces the year of otov 0% income tax for new. You read that right. 0% income tax for new for those who make aliyah in 2026. And this is in addition to the existing benefits for new in employment and beyond. It's simply oto 100% zionism 0% income tax. Now is the time to make aliyah. For more details, visit the Israeli website.

[00:13:37]>> SpaceX owner Elon Musk praised Israel on being the number one in the world in the terms of innovation. Speaking to a smart mobility summit in Tel Aviv, Musk said the country stands out globally for the scale of its technological output.

[00:13:55]You know, I I'm a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel. Um, honestly, I think objectively true that Israel punches far above its weight for population. Um I think probably number one honestly in the world in terms of >> you know so uh you know my head is my head is my head is off to Israel for uh just how much incredible innovation I say innovation per capita Israel is must be number one by far in the world >> if you follow ILV now you can wear it too welcome to the official ILTV store at www.iltvshop.com illevshop.com where you'll find our latest merchandise from the famous ILTV mug to t-shirts, caps, and more. And now for this historic moment, we've launched a special Roaring Lion collection featuring the official Roaring Lion 2026 t-shirt designed with the official campaign emblem and a matching cap. Every purchase helps support independent journalism from Israel and the work we do every day to bring you the real story. Visit www.iltvshop.com.

[00:15:07]Explore the collection and wear the story.

[00:15:11]>> Let's turn now to the northern front where fighting is continuing along and across the Lebanon border. Two people have been injured as a result of the latest Hezbollah drone strikes on Israeli territory. In response to the ongoing attacks, the IDF is carrying out strikes on terrorist infrastructure inside Lebanon. Overnight, the IDF documented the destruction of a Hisbala anti-tank missile warehouse. Forces of the 91st Division, also located combat equipment, including anti-tank missile launchers, explosive devices, and light weapons. Over the past 48 hours, the IDF attacked more than 30 Hezbollah sites as operations against the Iranian proxy continue in South Lebanon. A third round of talks in Washington on Friday led to the Lebanon truce being extended for another 45 days. But Israel accuses Hzbollah of essentially disintegrating the ceasefire through its incest and attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel is acting vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States and Lebanon as well.

[00:16:19]Reports from Arab media say Hamas has appointed intelligence chief Muhammad OD as its new military leader in Gaza following the killing of Isin Al-Had in an Israeli air strike. According to Saudi outlet Ash asharak al- Assat Muhammad Aday who served as Hamas military intelligence chief has been selected to replace is alinhad as head of the group's military wing in Gaza.

[00:16:45]Al-Had was killed in an Israeli air strike on Friday. The report says OD was previously involved in Hamas's military intelligence operations during the October 7th attacks and was close to several senior commanders, including Alhadad. Meanwhile, the IDF says it continues to target active kamas operatives planning immediate attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza. In a separate incident, the military said an air force strike killed a kamas operative who was advancing sniper attack plans against troops in southern Gaza. The IDF added that forces remain deployed under current operations and will continue to neutralize any immediate threats to its soldiers.

[00:17:28]And today, the Israeli Navy is continuing to intercept ships associated with the Sumud Flotilla, a group of mostly European activists attempting to sail to the Gaza Strip in violation of international law. Yesterday, troops of Israel's elite Shietta 13 force, intercepted 41 ships and small boats carrying activists and so-called humanitarian supplies for Gaza. This despite repeated warnings by the Israeli military that any breach of its waters is a violation of international maritime law. One of the ships intercepted was carrying Margaret Connelly, the sister of Irish President Katherine Connelly.

[00:18:08]She is now on the way to Israel after being rerouted by the Israeli Navy.

[00:18:13]Today, 10 ships remain on course to the Gaza coast. The Israel Navy will work to intercept all illegal ships. Let's take a listen to Netanyao's praise of the Navy's quick action.

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[00:19:45]>> As Shivuote approaches, the holiday celebrating the harvest and the deep roots of the Jewish people. The battle for the biblical heartland continues every single day. Beyond the politics, it is the families on the ground who hold the front lines. Scan the QR code to see how your holiday shopping directly empowers Jewish pioneers to remain rooted in Judea and Samaria.

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[00:22:16]The IDF Homeront Command has rolled out a major update to its mobile alert app, introducing redesigned warnings with new colors, icons, and alert sounds designed to help civilians identify threats faster and respond more quickly during emergencies. Under the new system, yellow alerts provide early warning of potential threats. Red alerts instruct residents to immediately seek shelter and green notifications signal the incident has ended and the allclear has been given. The updated app also features a centralized chron chronological alert feed. Improved lock screen notifications and a clearer distinction between alerts affecting a user's exact location versus selected areas of interest. According to the IDF, the changes were developed as part of an ongoing review process based on operational lessons learned throughout the war.

[00:23:15]Now, let's take a look at the weather forecast. Cloudy skies are expected around most of the country tonight with temperatures reaching lows of 18° C or 65° F. Then tomorrow, we'll see clear skies alongside steady temperatures, seeing highs of 26° C or 79° F.

[00:23:36]That's a wrap for today's news. For the latest updates from Israel on all your devices, be sure to follow our TV channels and keep up with us on social media. here. That's TVI Israel on all platforms. You could ask also catch us on screen with 24/7 live coverage. Stay informed with the latest news straight from the heart of Israel. I'm Khalib Bended. Be well and thank you so much for watching.