Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 14:04

HEADLINES
1. Israeli Forces Kill Hezbollah Commander in Lebanon
2. Gaza Intensifies as Israel Prepares Ground Offensive
3. Pregnant Woman Killed During West Bank Terror Probe

The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today at ten in the morning, updates from the ongoing conflict across Israel and its surrounding fronts reveal a complex and tense picture. In the West Bank, the Israeli Defense Forces are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing of a terrorist believed responsible for the attack in Bruchin that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman, Tzeela Gez, a mother of three. Gez was killed on Wednesday night while en route to the hospital to give birth; the IDF's inquiry aims to determine if their action caused her death. This remains a developing story.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, international efforts continue to seek a resolution. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on Israel to cease its military operations, emphasizing that Palestinian civilians should no longer bear the brunt of the conflict. Israel’s military announced plans to expand operations in Gaza, with reports indicating that at least 146 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours due to intensive Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces are also mobilizing for a possible ground offensive, dropping leaflets warning Gaza residents to evacuate targeted areas as Israeli air power continues to strike terror infrastructure and tunnels.

In the north, Israel reports it has killed a Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a figure involved in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s military capabilities, despite a ceasefire agreement from November. Lebanese authorities confirmed that one person was killed in an Israeli drone attack in the Tyre district, highlighting ongoing hostilities despite the truce aimed at de-escalation.

In Syria, government forces conducted raids in Aleppo, targeting Islamic State sleeper cells. Reports indicate that at least one terrorist was killed in clashes, with the Syrian security forces seizing weapons and explosives. Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, once linked to al Qaeda, has long fought against ISIS during Syria’s civil war. Recent US diplomatic moves include President Donald Trump praising Sharaa and lifting some sanctions, signaling shifting regional dynamics.

In Israel’s southern regions, the military warns residents to stay clear of combat zones following overnight strikes that killed at least 58 Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli forces have also distributed leaflets urging civilians to evacuate specific areas as part of preparations for a broader ground campaign. Meanwhile, fires have broken out in areas like Kfar Yona due to damaged power lines, with firefighting teams actively working to contain the blazes.

On the diplomatic front, the Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the Arab League, urging Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and transfer weapons to the Palestinian Authority, which he claims is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This call comes amid reports of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, with sources indicating discussions are based on a proposal with significant modifications.

Finally, in Lebanon, Israeli military strikes continue despite the ceasefire, with authorities condemning violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for international pressure to force Israel to halt its assaults and fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, emphasizing the ongoing tension along the border.

From domestic concerns to regional conflicts, the situation remains volatile and fluid, with global attention focused on efforts to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis...