Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-18 at 15:04

HEADLINES
Protesters Clash with Dutch Support for Israel
Israel Launches Major Ground Offensive in Gaza
US Intercepts Iran-Backed Missile in Red Sea

The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 11:00 AM, tensions remain high across multiple fronts involving Israel, its neighboring countries, and international actors. Over the weekend, mass protests took place in The Hague, with approximately 100,000 demonstrators demanding a tougher stance from the Dutch government against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Most protesters wore red to symbolize their call for a “red line” against Israel’s siege, which has severely restricted medical supplies, food, and fuel to Gaza. The march passed the International Court of Justice, which is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. Israel dismisses these allegations as unfounded, asserting its military operations are acts of self-defense aimed at Hamas militants who launched attacks on October 7.

Meanwhile, in the political arena, Dutch support for Israel remains divided. Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has called for the EU to reconsider cooperation agreements with Israel, signaling some level of diplomatic reassessment. Conversely, the largest party in the Dutch government, led by populist figure Geert Wilders, has expressed unwavering backing for Israel, with Wilders publicly drawing a “red line” against Hamas and terrorism, describing protesters as “confused” and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.

In Gaza, Israel’s military launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a significant ground offensive involving both active duty and reserve troops across northern and southern sectors. This operation follows a weeklong aerial campaign that targeted over 670 Hamas sites, including weapon depots, underground tunnels, and missile launchers. Israeli forces have claimed to have killed dozens of terrorists and destroyed extensive terror infrastructure, both above and below ground. The IDF reports that they are now controlling key strategic areas within Gaza, as they push to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities.

Tensions escalate further as two rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel; one was intercepted, and the other landed in an open area, triggering sirens in Kibbutz Kissufim. Additionally, reports indicate that the Israeli military is planning to divide Gaza into separate cantons, with maps leaked suggesting a strategy to create military zones and relocate civilians en masse, aiming to isolate Hamas and secure Israeli control over the territory.

On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance during Pope Leo’s inauguration, reaffirming Kyiv’s readiness for negotiations with Russia in pursuit of peace. Simultaneously, US efforts continue with American security personnel arriving in the region to oversee aid distribution in Gaza, amid ongoing discussions about ceasefire terms and hostage negotiations in Doha. US envoy Adam Bohler acknowledged that negotiations are “very flexible,” emphasizing the urgency of progress, particularly the release of captives.

International concern persists as reports emerge of a suspected Iranian-backed missile launched from Yemen, intercepted by the US Navy in the Red Sea. This incident underscores the expanding reach of regional conflicts into broader theater, heightening fears of escalation.

Within Israel, an alarming incident occurred when a man spat on an IDF officer on a bus in Ramat Gan. Authorities quickly identified the suspect, described as watching content in Arabic, and have labeled him a “terrorist,” with Defense Minister Israel Katz calling for strict punishment. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, emphasizing the ongoing threats faced by Israeli security forces amid the current...