Live Updates May 18, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMay 18, 2026Source: Trump meets with senior security administration officials to discuss war with IranU.S. President Donald Trump met with top security officials in his administration to discuss the war with Iran, a source familiar with the meeting told CNN. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff were all present at the meeting at the president's golf club in Virginia, the source said. The meeting took place just hours after Trump returned to Washington from a trip to China.RECAP: Ten Israeli civilians crossed into Syria, returned by troops and handed to policeHere are Monday's updates from the U.S.-Iran cease-fire and Israel's war with Hezbollah:■ U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet his national security team to discuss potential military options, according to an Axios report.■ Israel operated covert outposts in western Iraq during its war with Iran, including facilities used for refueling, air support, and medical support operations, according to a report by The New York Times. Iraqi officials claim the activity was tied to incidents that left civilians and soldiers dead, while Israel declined to comment on the report.■ Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said three drones entering its airspace from Iraq were intercepted, amid wider regional concerns following a reported drone strike on the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant, which Abu Dhabi and Saudi officials condemned as a dangerous escalation.■ Israel's IDF warned that a proposed draft exemption bill will not resolve the military's long-term manpower shortage, especially amid ongoing operational demands since October 7.■ IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an order applying Israel's death penalty law for terrorism to Palestinians in the West Bank. Legal officials had previously warned against extending the law to non-citizens in the territory.■ The IDF said multiple groups of Israeli civilians attempted to cross the Israel–Syria border in recent days in several separate incidents. Troops returned them to Israeli territory and handed them over to police, calling the crossings a serious criminal offense.■ The government approved a controversial Defense Ministry compound on the site of the former UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem, near Ammunition Hill, a move expected to raise diplomatic tensions over foreign access to the planned IDF museum there.■ Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted a classified affidavit to the High Court in petitions challenging the appointment of Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad, alongside requests to submit further sealed material.■ Shin Bet chief David Zini asked the High Court to hold three former agency heads in contempt after they refused to disclose the identities of officials who signed a petition opposing his appointment.■ The High Court will hear Haaretz's petition to unseal the Shin Bet's position regarding restrictions on Prime Minister's Office aides Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein.Report: Israel operated covert outposts in Iraq during war with IranIsrael operated at least two covert outposts in Iraq's western desert during its war with Iran, The New York Times reported Sunday, citing Iraqi and regional officials.According to the report, one of the sites had been under preparation since late 2024 and was used during the June 2025 conflict with Iran for refueling, air support and medical treatment. Iraqi officials told the Times that the installations helped shorten flight times for Israeli aircraft operating against Iranian targets.A shepherd leads his herd through the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIA shepherd leads his herd through the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIThe reported existence of one of the outposts came to light after an Iraqi shepherd, Awad al-Shammari, encountered what he described as soldiers, helicopters and tents near a landing strip in the desert near al-Nukhaib. After contacting Iraqi authorities, he was reportedly killed when a helicopter fired on his vehicle. Witnesses cited by the Times said his truck was later found burned in the desert.The Israeli military declined to comment on the alleged bases or the killing.The Times also reported that Iraqi military units sent to investigate the site came under fire, resulting in one Iraqi soldier being killed and two wounded. Iraqi officials later concluded the forces operating there were Israeli, according to the report.Senior Iraqi officials quoted by the newspaper questioned whether Washington had prior knowledge of the Israeli activity. Former senior U.S. military officials told the Times it was "inconceivable" that U.S. Central Command had been unaware of an Israeli presence in western Iraq, given the close operational coordination between the two militaries.Men gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIMen gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIThe report added that Iraq's government has not publicly acknowledged the alleged Israeli outposts.IDF: Ten Israeli civilians crossed into Syria, returned by troops and handed to policeTen Israeli civilians crossed the Israel–Syria border into Syrian territory, a short while ago, according to an IDF statement. Troops operating in the area returned them to Israeli territory and apprehended them.The apprehended civilians were transferred to the Israel Police. The IDF strongly condemned the incident, saying it was a serious criminal offense that endangers both civilians and soldiers.8 hours agoIDF Central Command chief applies death penalty law to West Bank PalestiniansIDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an order extending Israel's death penalty law for terrorists to Palestinians in the West Bank.During discussions on the law, legal and security officials warned against applying civilian Knesset legislation in the West Bank, particularly when it concerns people who are not Israeli citizens.The law applies to those who committed an act "with the aim of denying the existence of the State of Israel." In practice, this means that in the West Bank, it will apply only to Palestinians. The law does not apply to Hamas' Nukhba terrorists, for whom separate legislation was passed.Attorney general submits classified material in petitions against Mossad chief appointmentIsrael's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted an affidavit to the High Court of Justice in petitions challenging the appointment of Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad.Designated Mossad head Roman Gofman at the Knesset, 2026. Credit: Oren Ben HakoonDesignated Mossad head Roman Gofman at the Knesset, 2026. Credit: Oren Ben HakoonThe affidavit was written by a senior official in the Mossad's operations division. Baharav-Miara did not provide the document to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Gofman, who are expected to request access to it. She also asked the justices to allow the submission of additional classified material relevant to the case.Defense compound approved to be built at former UNRWA site may pose diplomatic challengeThe government-approved Defense Ministry compound on the ruins of UNRWA's former East Jerusalem headquarters is expected to create difficulties for diplomats and representatives of foreign governments visiting the IDF museum planned for the site.The museum is anticipated to be located east of the Green Line, on a site from which the UN agency was removed.The compound, near Ammunition Hill and the Ma'alot Dafna neighborhood, stood there for decades and was established by the British Mandate government. Saudi Arabia condemns drone attack on UAE nuclear plant as Abu Dhabi warns of escalationA diplomatic adviser to the UAE president said the targeting of the Barakah nuclear power plant, whether by the "principal perpetrator or through one of its proxies," represents a dangerous escalation, according to a post on X.Emirati state media later reported that the UAE foreign minister held phone calls with regional counterparts, including Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, after the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant.The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, February, 2020. A fire broke out following a drone strike on the power planton May 17, 2026, authorities said. Credit: AFP/-The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, February, 2020. A fire broke out following a drone strike on the power planton May 17, 2026, authorities said. Credit: AFP/-Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack.In the NewsReport: Israel Operated Covert Outposts in Iraq During War With IranAs Trump Hesitates, Israel Prepares for Renewed Iran StrikesFor Lebanese, Israeli Warplanes – Not Washington Diplomacy – Define RealityArchaeology at the Service of Government Public RelationsWho Wants a Million and a Half Voters?Remembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedIsrael Attacks New York Times for Report on Sexual Violence by Israeli Forces