Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-15 at 23:03

HEADLINES
1. Young Motorcyclist Critical After Holon Crash
2. Israel’s Eurovision Star Triumphs Amid Palestinian Protests
3. Women Surge in Israel Defense Forces Combat Roles

The time is now 07:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is your hourly news update. At 7:00 PM, Israeli authorities reported a serious traffic accident involving a young motorcyclist. A 20-year-old man slipped off his motorcycle at the Holon interchange and was rushed to Tel Hashomer Hospital with critical injuries, including abdominal trauma. Paramedics found him conscious and provided life-saving medical care before transporting him to hospital where his condition remains serious.

Meanwhile, in European entertainment news, Israel's Eurovision contestant Yuval Raphael has advanced to the final stage of the contest. Her performance of the song "New Day Will Rise," which references the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, was emotionally charged. Despite facing boos and protests with some audience members waving Palestinian flags, she maintained her composure and delivered a powerful rendition. Her performance was praised for vocal precision and emotional depth, recalling the style of a young Barbra Streisand. Raphael, a survivor of the Supernova Music Festival massacre, emphasized the personal significance of her participation, describing it as a victory for her dreams.

The Eurovision semi-finals drew hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, with Israel ranked fifth in betting odds going into the final. The contest has been a platform for Israel since 1973, with notable victories in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018. Despite calls from some European broadcasters to exclude Israel due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the European Broadcasting Union has upheld the competition's rules, affirming Israel’s participation remains within regulations. During the event, anti-Israel protesters demonstrated alongside the red carpet, with one making a threatening gesture toward Raphael. Her team promptly reported this to police, and efforts are underway to ban the individual from future events.

In other news, a 45-year-old electric scooter rider in Jaffa sustained moderate injuries after an accident on the roads there. He was transported to Ichilov Hospital for treatment. Additionally, a new report indicates a significant increase in women serving in combat roles within the Israel Defense Forces, now comprising 20% of combat troops. The debate continues on operational and religious considerations surrounding this change.

Internationally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over Gaza's humanitarian crisis, noting the country's openness to alternative aid proposals. A US-backed plan to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza, which has been under blockade for over two months, faces opposition from the United Nations, citing issues of impartiality and neutrality. The UN has emphasized that aid must adhere to its principles, and Israeli officials have criticized the plan, citing concerns over Hamas interference.

This concludes our update. Stay tuned for more developments.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1197032
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-854197