Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 06:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Major Ground Offensive in Gaza
2. Hezbollah Fires at Israeli Drones Near Tyre
3. Rising Regional Tensions as Yemen Intercepts Israeli Drone

The time is now 02:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 2:00 AM, we bring you the latest updates from the ongoing multi-front conflict involving Israel, Iran, and regional proxies, alongside significant international developments.

In southern Lebanon, reports indicate that Israeli drones have allegedly targeted a vehicle near Tyre, with Hezbollah-affiliated outlets confirming an incident on Abu al-Aswad Street. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Israeli operations in the region, reflecting heightened tensions and ongoing military activity across multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, in northern Israel, there are reports of an Israeli helicopter attack in the village of Eita Al Shab, with claims of the destruction of two structural targets. The IDF has not officially confirmed these reports, but the incidents underscore the persistent state of hostilities in the area.

In the southern Lebanese region of Abu al-Aswad, a civilian vehicle was reportedly shot at, with sources suggesting that the attack may be linked to ongoing conflicts between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The Lebanese military has not issued official statements, but tensions remain elevated.

In Syria, military sources report that Israeli aircraft conducted strikes overnight targeting positions near Damascus. These strikes reportedly involved missile attacks on suspected Iranian-backed militia sites, emphasizing Israel's continued efforts to prevent Iranian entrenchment in the region.

In Iraq, tensions persist as US and Iranian-backed militias engage in sporadic clashes. The Iraqi government has called for restraint, while Iranian officials continue to deny involvement in recent attacks on US interests within Iraq.

The escalation extends to Yemen, where Houthi forces claimed to have intercepted and destroyed an Israeli drone over the Red Sea. This marks a rare public acknowledgment of Israeli involvement in the region, reflecting the complex and overlapping conflicts.

Internationally, the Arab League is convening in Baghdad to address regional crises, including the conflict in Gaza. The summit aims to forge consensus on rebuilding Gaza amid Israel’s expanded military operations there. Most Gulf countries are participating at the ministerial level, although some key leaders are absent. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez are also attending, with discussions expected to focus heavily on the Gaza conflict and regional stability.

In Israel, domestic issues remain tense. A tragic fire in the northern town of Dir el-Asad has resulted in multiple casualties, including a three-year-old child in critical condition, and several others suffering from smoke inhalation. Emergency services report that eleven individuals have been hospitalized, with the situation still under control.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, tensions flare as Palestinian sources report that suspected acts of revenge have led to the burning of vehicles in Bureijin, possibly linked to recent clashes and the ongoing violence.

On the security front, the Israeli military reports intercepting a drone shuttling from the east between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, which was shot down by Israeli defense systems. This incident highlights the ongoing drone warfare and the expanding scope of hostilities.

Globally, financial markets show mixed reactions. While Wall Street’s major indices, including the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, experienced gains of around 0.5 to 0.8 percent, Asian markets are more subdued, with Tokyo remaining flat and Shanghai and Hong Kong rising modestly. The...