Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-06 at 05:01

HEADLINES
Lincoln departs Thailand amid Iran war
YPJ seeks role in Syria's security forces
IDF clears Ali al-Taher ridge Hezbollah setback

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln left Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, ending a respite from an extended deployment that included operations in the Middle East. The Lincoln, with roughly five thousand personnel, was involved in the US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran. Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the carrier arrived early this week in Pattaya, Thailand, a resort city about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, for what Thai officials described as a five-day stay. We would like to thank the people of Thailand for their incredible hospitality, said Captain Dan Keeler, the Lincoln’s commanding officer. Naval deployments typically last six to nine months, but during times of conflict they can be extended.

In Regional Impacts, more than 1,500 fighters from the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units are seeking a place in Syria’s new security institutions after the force was excluded from the army integration arrangements that followed the dissolution of the SDF as an independent military organization. YPJ commander Nowruz Ahmed said Syrian officials rejected the group’s proposal to enter the army as an independent women’s brigade or battalion. Speaking to Reuters from a military base in Qamishli, Ahmed said the proposal grew from the force’s years of combat experience against ISIS. The YPJ is now discussing a possible role within the Interior Ministry’s special operations forces, and Ahmed told Reuters that the group has asked whether it could be incorporated as a single force. She said a response was expected soon.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah lost another key stronghold in Lebanon recently, with the Israel Defense Forces saying they cleared the Ali al-Taher ridge. The 36th Division had operated in recent weeks to clear and neutralize the two underground routes in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area in the Security Zone, achieving operational control of the ridge area both above and below ground and clearing the area of terrorists, some of whom were eliminated while others fled. Upon completion of the operation, the IDF will adjust its defensive posture in accordance with the situational assessment. The site was large and underground, containing command centers, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and a kitchen, which enabled terrorists to manage combat and remain underground for extended periods of time, representing a strategic underground network built over decades. Analysts note Hezbollah’s Maginot Line defense in southern Lebanon has been overcome, a development that underscores the enduring challenge of such underground networks. Separately, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, a vocal opponent of Hezbollah, has stopped going to his office and has been working from home after security warnings and threats. Sources close to the minister said there were concerns someone could harm him because of his stance, and Rajji has informed President Aoun, Prime Minister Salam, and security officials of the situation. He has long been advised not to go to the Foreign Ministry due to exposure, and he continues his diplomatic work from home while seeking increased security.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel announced they would pursue separate political paths, ending Zionist Home-The Reservists as a joint venture. In a joint statement titled “True friendship,” the two recalled more than two decades as neighbors and friends, and serving together in the reserves, saying, “We both chose to try to serve the public through the political arena as well,” adding that they would act together in some cases and separately in others, while sharing a similar ideological outlook. The move comes less than two months after they said they would run together in the upcoming Knesset election to build a broader Zionist government. Separately, a Border Police officer’s final hours in Netanya are prompting new details: David Hoyer Amrani, 20, roamed a Netanya neighborhood with an M16 and fired into the air for about 20 minutes; he was not known to the Defense Ministry as a PTSD patient.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israeli security officials say dozens of terror plots against Jews abroad were thwarted over the past year, even as Iran and Hezbollah expand efforts to carry out attacks worldwide. A National Security Council official told the Jerusalem Post that there are many people whose entire mission is to promote attacks against Israelis and Jews, and that Iran and Hezbollah are expanding efforts to target Jews globally, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and other Iranian intelligence bodies playing roles in these operations. The official described the threat as long-term and ongoing. Separately, the NSC warned that Iran and its proxies remain the leading global terror threat to Israelis and Jews ahead of the High Holy Days, though no new travel warnings were issued. The assessment notes heightened concerns around the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre and cautions that October 2026 could see large-scale protests alongside intensified attempts to carry out terrorist attacks.

In Uplifting News, half a million worshippers have attended Selichot prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem since the Hebrew month of Elul began on August 14. Live footage shown tens of thousands filling the Western Wall Plaza, with 50,000 on Thursday night, and the event broadcast on giant screens along the Old City walls and at Jaffa Gate. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said the gathering included Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the foundation’s leadership, and public figures, and they prayed for the welfare of Israel’s Defense Forces and for national unity and security. The scene reflected a moment of unity as thousands joined the recitals and joined in prayer ahead of the new year.

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://www.jpost.com/international/article-907675
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-907678
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-907670
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-907664
https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907679
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1a9ds9ozl
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-907677
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-907674
https://worldisraelnews.com/half-a-million-worshippers-have-attended-selichot-prayers-at-western-wall/