Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 21:04

HEADLINES
Israel launches 150 Gaza airstrikes targeting Hamas
Houthi missile attacks prompt Israeli retaliatory strikes in Yemen
Israel and Hamas negotiate hostage release amid regional tensions

The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tonight, Israel remains deeply engaged in a multi-front conflict that continues to shape regional security and international responses. Over the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces have intensified operations across Gaza, conducting over 150 airstrikes targeting Hamas military infrastructure, including anti-tank positions, terrorist cells, and launch sites. Ground forces from multiple divisions are actively involved, destroying tunnel shafts and engaging militants in northern and southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages, emphasizing that troops will remain in every captured area until objectives are met.

On the northern front, Israel’s air defenses intercepted five projectiles fired from Yemen by the Houthi movement, which has launched missile attacks and drones toward Israeli territory. The IDF responded with a significant aerial campaign, targeting Houthi ports and infrastructure in Yemen’s Hudaydah and Salif ports, which serve as hubs for weapons transfers. These strikes, carried out by fifteen fighter jets, involved over thirty munitions and aim to dismantle the Iranian-backed regime’s military capabilities. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, have warned that continued missile fire from the Houthis will lead to harsh retaliation, including targeting their leadership directly.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, recent violence has resulted in casualties. A 25-year-old man sustained serious injuries during an incident of violence near Jerusalem, and a 66-year-old man was hit by a vehicle in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, with his condition classified as moderate. Additionally, a clash in Baqa al-Gharbiyye left two men, aged 26 and 29, injured with penetrating wounds. In another incident, a 19-year-old was injured in a melee in Manda village, suffering moderate injuries.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military has issued warnings amid rising tensions, with reports of attempted protests and security concerns near the border. The Lebanese Hezbollah has maintained a heightened state of alert, and Israeli authorities advise caution for civilians in border areas.

Diplomatic efforts continue amidst the conflict. Negotiations are ongoing in Qatar regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has authorized the negotiation team to remain in Doha, as proposals are discussed for a ceasefire lasting between 40 and 50 days, during which Hamas would provide details on remaining captives. There is cautious optimism, with reports that ten hostages could be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, contingent on a successful agreement. However, sources from Hamas have expressed skepticism about the seriousness of Israeli negotiations, citing concerns over continued Israeli military actions and the end of partial deals.

Internationally, the United States has proposed relocating one million Gazans to Libya in exchange for Palestinian refugees, a plan that has been met with skepticism due to Libya’s ongoing instability and civil conflict. The Libyan government has denied any negotiations, and US officials have dismissed the reports. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, a large pro-Palestinian protest has prompted the Israeli embassy to advise Israeli nationals to avoid demonstrations and minimize signs of identification in public.

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