Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-18 at 14:05

HEADLINES
Israel’s Gaza Offensive Reaches 80 Percent Control
Diplomacy Flares as Israel, Hamas Seek Ceasefire Progress
Yemen Missile Interception Highlights Regional Escalation

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, Israel remains engaged in a multi-front conflict that has intensified over recent days, with significant military operations unfolding across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Israeli military launched what it calls Operation Gideon’s Chariots, involving extensive ground maneuvers and aerial bombardments aimed at degrading Hamas’ infrastructure. Over the past week, Israeli forces have targeted more than 670 Hamas sites throughout Gaza, focusing on weapons depots, underground tunnels, and anti-tank missile positions, while continuing to hold back in certain areas to avoid civilian casualties and the risk to hostages held by Hamas. The operation has already resulted in the destruction of key military assets and the deaths of dozens of terrorists, with ongoing efforts to control large swathes of northern and southern Gaza.

In the midst of these hostilities, the Israeli Defense Forces report that their ground forces have expanded their reach, with control now approaching 70 to 80 percent of the Gaza Strip. Despite this, the IDF is carefully avoiding certain sensitive zones, particularly those where hostages are believed to be held, and continues to emphasize its efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Nonetheless, reports indicate that over 260 Palestinians have been killed and more than 600 injured in recent days, with Israel asserting that many of these casualties are Hamas fighters embedded among civilians, complicating the assessment of civilian harm.

Diplomatic negotiations continue in Qatar, where Israel and Hamas representatives are reportedly engaged in indirect talks concerning a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange. Israeli officials indicate that while some progress has been made, the situation remains fluid, and there is no official indication yet of an imminent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s team, working closely with US envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizes that time is running out for a diplomatic resolution, as military preparations for an expanded offensive in Gaza are accelerating.

Meanwhile, tensions extend beyond Gaza’s borders. In Lebanon, Hezbollah remains on alert, potentially poised to intervene, while in Syria, Israeli forces recovered thousands of documents belonging to the late spy Eli Cohen, including his original handwritten will, in a covert operation that underscores Israel’s ongoing intelligence efforts. Additionally, Israel’s Mossad has retrieved some 2,500 documents and personal belongings of Eli Cohen from Syrian custody, marking a significant milestone in uncovering the history of its legendary spy.

Across the broader Middle East, reports indicate that a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted in the Red Sea by the US Navy, highlighting the regional volatility and Iran’s ongoing efforts to bolster its proxy networks. Iran’s influence and support for various militant groups remain a concern for Israeli security, as Tehran continues to deny direct involvement in recent attacks.

On the international stage, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of Pope Leo’s inauguration, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement amid the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israel’s allies, including the United States, have dispatched security personnel to Israel; American security teams have arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport to assist in coordinating aid and security measures.

In domestic developments, Israel marked the 60th anniversary of the execution of spy Eli Cohen with a secret operation that...