Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 11:09

HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Lebanon with Incendiary Weapons Escalate Tensions
2. Indirect Talks Hint at Syrian Normalization Amid Regional Chaos
3. Gaza Toll Soars as Israeli Airstrikes Target Terror Infrastructure

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

Today at 7:00 AM, the situation across Israel and the surrounding region remains tense and complex. Reports from Lebanese sources confirm that Israeli forces have launched strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting the city of Marakah, with claims of the use of phosphorous bombs. The Lebanese authorities reported that these strikes involved the deployment of incendiary munitions, raising concerns about escalation in the border zone. Israeli officials have not officially commented on these reports, but the incidents signal ongoing hostilities on the northern front amidst broader regional tensions.

In the broader Middle East, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Israeli officials, including the head of the IDF Operations Directorate, Major-General Oded Basyuk, recently held indirect talks with Syrian representatives in Azerbaijan, mediated by Arab and international actors. While Israel has not confirmed direct engagement, reports suggest that discussions involve potential steps toward normalizing relations, including mutual recognition of sovereignty and the opening of diplomatic missions. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reportedly shown interest in joining the Abraham Accords, citing a desire to break out of regional isolation and pursue peace and development. These developments come amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Syria, where Israeli strikes aim to curb Iranian influence and prevent weapon transfers to hostile groups.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Palestinian health ministry reports a devastating toll. In the past 24 hours alone, there have been 153 Palestinian fatalities and 459 injuries, with IDF airstrikes targeting terror infrastructure in Jabalya. Israel has distributed leaflets to Gaza civilians, urging residents to move south in anticipation of further military operations. The IDF emphasizes that these strikes are aimed at dismantling terrorist capabilities, while Palestinian sources criticize the escalation as disproportionate.

In Lebanon, tensions persist as Lebanese sources claim that Israeli forces targeted the city of Marakah with incendiary weapons, prompting Lebanese military and civil responses. Hezbollah remains on high alert, though there have been no confirmed direct engagements. On the political front, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has publicly stated that achieving a just peace in the region requires the establishment of a Palestinian state, emphasizing that normalization with Arab countries will not be sufficient without a resolution to the Palestinian issue.

In the north, Israel and Syria have engaged in indirect talks facilitated by regional mediators. The recent discussions have included considerations for a framework that would see Syria potentially join the Abraham Accords, with mutual recognition and diplomatic ties. US President Donald Trump recently met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging him to sign the accords and urging Syrian authorities to address terrorist threats and prevent ISIS resurgence. While the US maintains that sanctions on Syria could be further eased under specific conditions, Israeli officials remain cautious, emphasizing the need for clear security guarantees.

Adding to regional concerns, Iran’s leadership continues to issue threatening rhetoric. Ayatollah Khamenei described Israel as a "dangerous and deadly cancer" that must be eradicated, heightening fears of escalation. Iran’s proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias in Iraq and Yemen, remain active, complicating Israel’s security calculus.

On...