Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 07:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Major Gaza Offensive Amid Rising Tensions
2. Lebanon Drone Strikes Kill as Regional Conflict Escalates
3. Border Security Failures Spark Israeli Crisis in Jordan Valley

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

Today at three AM, the situation across Israel and its neighboring regions remains tense and complex. Israel continues its multi-front operations against Iran and its proxies, including military strikes in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, as part of ongoing efforts to counter threats from these fronts. Reports indicate that Israel has expanded its military campaign in Gaza, with strikes targeting areas such as Khan Younis and Jabaliya, as part of Operation "Gideon Chariots." These actions come amid heightened regional tensions, with diplomatic efforts stalled and humanitarian concerns mounting in Gaza.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly carried out two strikes overnight in the southern village of Aytah al-Shab, targeting infrastructure associated with militant groups. Lebanese sources report that a drone strike near Tyre resulted in the death of one individual, and Lebanese media have depicted the incident as part of Israel's broader offensive. Additionally, a Lebanese report claims an Israeli drone struck a vehicle on Abu al-Aswad Street in Tyre, further escalating regional hostilities.

In the north, Lebanese media also report a fatality from an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in the village of Zarariya, approximately 25 kilometers north of the Israeli border. These incidents follow a pattern of targeted strikes aimed at militant activity, though they raise concerns over escalation and the potential for broader conflict.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, reports detail a migrant worker from Jordan crossing into Israeli territory near Kibbutz Sha’ar Hagolan. The intrusion was not detected by border alarm systems, sparking criticism from local authorities who demand explanations from the IDF. Security forces apprehended the individual, who spoke limited Hebrew, and are investigating the failure of warning systems designed to prevent such crossings.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli military operations continue with increased intensity. Over the past night, artillery fire and targeted demolitions of structures in northern Gaza, specifically in Kharara and Jabaliya, have resulted in minimal casualties but signal preparations for a larger offensive. Israeli forces are advancing with maneuvering units in the vicinity of the northern border, as the Israeli military prepares for the next phase of their campaign, code-named "Gideon Chariots." The current phase involves a preliminary effort to improve positions ahead of a broader ground operation.

In the south, Israeli aircraft reportedly intercepted a drone originating from the east between five and six AM Local reports also describe an Israeli helicopter attack on the town of Aytah al-Shab, with claims of a resulting fatality. These actions form part of Israel's intensified efforts to neutralize militant threats and infrastructure.

On the diplomatic front, international reactions include protests in Switzerland supporting Gaza, while regional tensions continue to escalate. In Lebanon, reports from Hezbollah-affiliated sources indicate that Israel conducted a drone strike near Tyre, with ongoing investigations into the incident. Israeli and Lebanese sources remain cautious as the potential for broader escalation persists.

In Israel, security remains high. Early today, the IDF announced that a suspect crossing from Jordan was intercepted near the Jordan Valley. The individual crossed through the Yarmuk River, with no alarm systems activating during the intrusion, prompting serious questions about border security. The regional council of the Jordan Valley describes the event as...