Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-16 at 19:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Threatens Houthi Ports Amid Yemen Conflict
2. UN Accuses Israel of Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza
3. Israel’s Gaza Bombings Overwhelm Hospitals and Civilians

The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 3:00 PM, the Israeli-Palestinian and regional conflict continues to escalate on multiple fronts, with significant military and security developments. Israel's military operations remain intense across Gaza, the West Bank, and in the broader Middle East, as it seeks to counter threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Iran-backed proxies.

Today, Israeli authorities reported a series of violent incidents. In Jerusalem, a police officer was stabbed near the Chain Gate in the Old City by a terrorist, who was quickly neutralized; the officer is in moderate condition. Additionally, a young man was stabbed in Jerusalem’s Old City, and a separate incident involved a 25-year-old man wounded in a stabbing in Kiryat Yam. Israeli emergency services responded swiftly, but these attacks underscore ongoing security concerns in the region.

In Gaza, medical sources confirm that Israeli airstrikes targeted two major ports, Hodeida and Salif, in Yemen-controlled areas, which Israel claims are used to transfer weapons by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Israel issued a strong warning to Houthi leadership, threatening to target their commanders and infrastructure should missile attacks persist. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that these strikes are just the beginning, asserting that Israel will pursue its enemies vigorously, especially those supported by Iran, which he accused of providing guidance and approval for attacks. The IDF also issued preemptive warnings to civilians prior to strikes, reaffirming its determination to eliminate threats at any distance.

Meanwhile, Iran has engaged in nuclear talks with European powers in Istanbul, seeking to negotiate the future of its nuclear program amid renewed US warnings. While Iran insists it has not received formal US proposals and maintains its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, tensions remain high. The Biden administration has warned Iran that swift movement toward a deal is necessary, or else the US will consider reimposing UN sanctions, risking a broader proliferation crisis.

In Yemen, the Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, despite earlier commitments to cease such attacks. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled ports, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that more aggressive actions against Houthi leadership are forthcoming if missile attacks continue, including threats to eliminate Abd al-Malik al-Houthi himself.

On the domestic front, in Israel, a fire in Lod caused minor injuries to a woman and seven children, all in stable condition. An incident in Kiryat Yam resulted in one death and another person wounded in an unrelated violent event. Additionally, a security incident in Jerusalem involved a stabbing near the Old City, highlighting ongoing threats within Israeli territory.

In the broader regional context, Libya has seen a temporary lull after days of intense fighting in Tripoli, with some stability returning as security forces deploy to restore order. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the light rail system faced a significant disruption after a tractor damaged electrical cables, causing partial suspension and delays. The city is preparing for the upcoming Green Line extension, which aims to double ridership and improve transportation infrastructure, even as residents express dissatisfaction with recent train models and service frequency.

Internationally, the Israeli series "Bad Boy," depicting a youth’s journey from juvenile detention to stand-up comedy, has gained global...