Breaking news, history, and security updates from Israel and the Middle East.
Hamas has announced the appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as the terrorist organization's new political leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was eliminated by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024. Al-Hayya, a longtime Hamas official, has played a central role in the group's leadership, hostage negotiations, and ceasefire talks during the war.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced STORM SHIELD™, a compact electronic warfare system built to protect UAVs in contested airspace. The system is designed to detect radar threats, respond automatically, and use deception techniques to help unmanned platforms survive in dense air-defense environments.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth more than $34 million with Cyclone, a wholly owned Elbit Systems subsidiary, to develop extended-range capability for the F-35 “Adir” fighter jet. The project will adapt external fuel tank technology based on an existing Cyclone design originally built for the F-16.
Israeli defense company Smart Shooter has secured a $10.7 million U.S. Army contract for its SMASH fire control systems, designed to help troops hit drones and other moving threats with greater accuracy. The deal follows earlier U.S. orders and comes as militaries look for faster answers to the growing small-drone threat.
Elbit Systems of America, the U.S. arm of Israel’s Elbit Systems, has secured a $212 million U.S. Army order for advanced night vision systems. The deal keeps Elbit America as the sole supplier for this delivery order under the ENVG-B program, with deliveries expected through 2028.
Steadicopter has unveiled a new “Mothership” concept for its Golden Eagle rotary unmanned aerial system. The setup is designed to carry and release small ISR drones, and potentially precision effectors, while keeping the main aircraft outside high-risk enemy engagement zones.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that the new KC-46 “Gideon” refueling aircraft has completed its first test flight in the United States. The aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, is expected to be delivered to the Israeli Air Force in about a month. It is the first of six refueling planes purchased for the IAF and is expected to boost Israel’s long-range air capabilities.
A new Israeli docu-series argues that the October 7 war exposed a dangerous shortage of ammunition and equipment, forcing Israel to confront its deep dependence on American weapons and supplies. Channel 14 focuses on whether Israel’s defense industries can expand enough to secure greater strategic independence without sacrificing technological excellence.
The United States is moving to extend the combat range of its F-35A, with growing attention on the Israeli Air Force’s use of external and conformal fuel tanks on the F-35I Adir. The issue is becoming increasingly urgent as Washington prepares for the long distances and operational risks in the Indo-Pacific
Israel’s Defense Ministry has placed new orders worth about $200 million with Elbit Systems for advanced airborne munitions, expanding a wartime procurement drive aimed at strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The IDF said soldiers operating near Saluki in southern Lebanon identified two terrorists who crossed the Forward Defense Line and advanced toward Israeli forces, creating an immediate threat. The military said the Israeli Air Force struck and eliminated the suspects, while troops continued dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure in the area.
The IDF and Defense Ministry are preparing to procure 12,000 Israeli-made FPV assault drones in a new tender aimed at adapting to the rapid expansion of drone warfare against Hamas and Hezbollah. The move reflects growing concern over the battlefield impact of low-cost attack drones and the need for a more secure domestic supply chain.
Canada’s Coast Guard is set to begin routine test flights this summer of the Hermes 900 Starliner UAV made by Israel’s Elbit Systems. The drone was originally acquired by Canada’s Transport Ministry in 2020 and was recently transferred to the Coast Guard as part of a government restructuring under Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed at consolidating surveillance assets and helping meet NATO spending targets.
Israel-based ParaZero has received a new follow-on order from an unnamed defense customer for its DefendAir counter-drone system, as demand rises for non-kinetic air defense tools. The company said the purchase includes personal net launchers, deployable net pods, and a training package combining live exercises and simulation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to speak very soon.
Israeli forces said the Givati Brigade seized weapons inside a school building in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon. The military did not immediately provide further details on the type or quantity of the materiel recovered.
A drone strike hit the perimeter area of the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, setting fire to an electrical generator but causing no reported injuries or radiological release. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UN nuclear watchdog condemned the attack, while no group immediately claimed responsibility.
China’s ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng, used an opinion piece to present China’s modernization as driven by technology and innovation, while calling for stronger cooperation with Israel in fields such as renewable energy, emissions reduction, desert development, AI, and advanced industry. The piece frames Israel’s “Startup Nation” reputation as a natural fit for expanded China-Israel tech ties.
A large late-night explosion near Beit Shemesh sparked alarm before Israeli defense company Tomer said it was part of a planned test. The state-owned firm, which produces rocket propulsion systems for key Israeli missile programs, did not explain why the test was carried out so late at night without advance public notice.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Israeli Navy command center during Shayetet 3’s operation against the Turkish flotilla. Speaking with the unit’s commander, Netanyahu praised the sailors for stopping what he called a hostile effort to break Israel’s pressure on Hamas in Gaza.
Elon Musk told Israel’s Smart Mobility Summit that Israel is “number one” in innovation per capita and predicted that artificial intelligence will power most transportation within the next five to ten years. Musk joined the Tel Aviv event by video after canceling an expected in-person appearance.
The United States and Israel are reportedly discussing a secure artificial intelligence compound in the Negev under an initiative called “Project Spire.” The proposed site could include AI development centers, server farms, advanced energy systems, and possibly chip manufacturing infrastructure, as Washington looks to protect sensitive technology and reduce dependence on China-linked supply chains.
The United States is reviewing a possible long-term military presence in Israel after close cooperation with the IDF during Operation Roaring Lion. The report says American forces worked from Israel’s underground command center and saw both the strengths and gaps in Israel’s military capabilities.
The IDF is setting up its own production line for FPV attack drones as Hezbollah increases its use of the weapons against Israeli forces in Lebanon. The move is meant to give Israel a larger, cheaper, and more secure supply of domestically produced drones while reducing reliance on Chinese components.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly traveled to the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran and met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The PMO said the visit produced a “historic breakthrough” in Israel-UAE ties, as reports point to closer security coordination between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi.
Israel will expand its summer school program for kindergarten through third-grade students, adding extra days in July and introducing technology and AI training. The plan is meant to help close learning gaps caused by war disruptions while preparing children for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.
The United Arab Emirates faced renewed missile and drone threats from Iran over the last several hours, with air defense systems engaging incoming threats and emergency alerts sent to residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. UAE authorities said three Iranian cruise missiles were intercepted over territorial waters while a fourth fell into the sea. A drone attack also sparked a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone, injuring three Indian nationals. Schools and universities across the UAE will shift to remote learning from May 5 through May 8 as the country responds to the new security situation.
Emergency alerts were reportedly activated in Dubai, warning residents of possible missile threats. The alert instructed people to immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and wait for further instructions from the Ministry of Interior.
Israel is moving toward a major expansion of the Israeli Air Force after a ministerial committee approved a plan to purchase two additional fighter squadrons: one F-35 squadron and one F-15 squadron. The move could bring four new fighter squadrons into the IAF within less than a decade. The buildup is meant to strengthen Israel’s long-range strike power, air superiority, and ability to confront threats from Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other regional enemies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony was canceled Monday after an overnight update from his defense team. The cancellation appears to be tied to security-related matters, including a late-night cabinet meeting that reportedly continued into the early morning hours. The move came shortly after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she was ready to discuss a possible plea agreement with Netanyahu, but only without preconditions and without harming the trial.
The murder of 21-year-old Yemenu Binyamin Zalka outside a pizzeria in Petah Tikva on Independence Day eve has shocked Israel and triggered a major police response. Following an urgent meeting between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levy, hundreds of Border Police National Guard fighters are set to deploy to friction points and nightlife areas in Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva.
