Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 20:04

HEADLINES
Israel Launches 150 Airstrikes Against Hamas Targets
Yemen Houthi Attacks Prompt Israeli Threats to Eliminate Leaders
Diplomatic Push for Hostage Ceasefire Sparks Hope and Tensions

The time is now 04:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tonight, Israel remains under intense pressure as its multi-front conflict continues to escalate across seven key fronts. In Gaza, Israeli forces are actively engaged in a broad military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Over the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces launched more than 150 airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure, including anti-tank positions, terrorist cells, and launch sites used for attacks against Israeli troops. Ground forces are operating in northern and southern Gaza, focusing on destroying tunnels, neutralizing militants, and advancing toward key objectives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that these operations will intensify, asserting that the military will remain in any territory they capture until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are freed. Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that if Houthi missile attacks from Yemen persist, Israel will respond with force, targeting Houthi leaders and infrastructure, with threats to eliminate prominent figures such as Abd al-Malik al-Houthi.

Across the northern borders, tensions are heightened by ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks from Yemen. Since Tuesday, Israel's air defenses intercepted five projectiles fired from Yemen, with the IDF conducting major strikes on Houthi port facilities in Hudaydah and Salif, aiming to disrupt their supply routes and missile capabilities. Israeli officials have made clear that any hostile activity will be met with severe retaliation, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated that Iran supports these attacks. While Israel has warned civilians in Yemen to evacuate, it has yet to carry out retaliatory strikes following some missile launches, citing strategic considerations.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah remains on high alert, with fears of escalation spilling over into the border region. Meanwhile, in Syria and Iraq, Israeli intelligence reports indicate increased activity by Iranian-backed militias, though no direct confrontations have been reported. The Lebanese front has seen Hezbollah engaging in rhetoric supportive of Hamas, while Israeli operations continue to focus on neutralizing threats from these aligned groups.

International efforts are underway to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. Negotiators are currently in Doha, working on a proposal that would see Hamas release ten hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting between 40 and 50 days. The agreement stipulates that Hamas must provide a detailed list of remaining captives by the tenth day of the truce. Cautious optimism persists, as Israeli officials have authorized the team to remain in Doha, and talks continue amid intense diplomatic activity. Notably, the United States remains committed to the goal of bringing all hostages back, with envoys engaged in ongoing discussions with regional and international partners.

Domestically, Israel faces internal challenges, including protests and unrest in various cities. In Zurich, a large pro-Palestinian demonstration has taken place, with Swiss police maintaining control and advising Israelis to avoid confrontations and conceal their identifiers in public. Additionally, reports indicate a violent incident in Rehovot where five individuals were arrested following clashes during a demonstration supporting the return of captives.

Meanwhile, in the cultural arena, Israeli Eurovision contestant Yuval Raphael performed at the final, symbolizing resilience and national pride amidst ongoing conflicts. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli leadership have...