Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-18 at 17:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Heavy Gaza Ground Incursions
2. Hamas Military Chief Likely Killed in Israeli Strikes
3. Diplomatic Push for Gaza Ceasefire Gains Momentum

The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, Israel remains deeply engaged in its multi-front conflict with Hamas, Iran, and their proxies across seven key sectors: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Military operations continue intensively in Gaza, with the Israeli Defense Forces expanding ground incursions as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. Over the weekend, Israeli forces took control of significant areas in northern and southern Gaza, striking hundreds of Hamas targets, including weapons depots, tunnels, and anti-tank missile sites. The military emphasizes its focus on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and rescuing hostages held by the group.

In northern Gaza, the IDF’s chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited troops and reaffirmed the objectives: the return of all hostages and the complete defeat of Hamas. He stated that the army would support efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement but underscored that military action would persist until Hamas’s infrastructure is thoroughly dismantled. The Israeli government is pursuing a broader diplomatic approach, with renewed negotiations in Doha led by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has proposed a multi-stage deal involving a ceasefire, hostage releases, and the exile of Hamas leadership. Israel's Prime Minister’s Office has indicated that it is exhausting every avenue to end the conflict, emphasizing that the ongoing military campaign aims to neutralize Hamas’s remaining strongholds.

Simultaneously, Israel faces threats from rockets fired from Gaza, with two launched from central Gaza earlier today. One was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, while the other fell in an open area, causing no casualties or damage. The escalation comes amid ongoing ground operations, which Israel states will continue as long as necessary to achieve its objectives.

Across the region, diplomatic efforts are also underway to address the broader Gaza crisis. The UAE’s foreign minister highlighted the importance of securing the release of hostages and establishing a governance authority in Gaza outside Hamas control. The UAE has contributed over 42% of international aid to Gaza in the past two years, and its foreign minister stressed that the release of hostages must be prioritized in any future plan, emphasizing the need for calm and political change.

Meanwhile, international developments include Russia’s detention of a Greek-owned oil tanker leaving Estonia, amid heightened tensions over Russian efforts to evade sanctions and sabotage undersea infrastructure. In Israel, the political landscape is also shifting, with the cabinet approving the construction of a multi-layered security barrier along the Jordanian border, spanning 425 kilometers from the southern Golan Heights to northern Eilat, to bolster national security against external threats.

On the diplomatic front, Israel is considering a comprehensive agreement to end the Gaza war, which would include the return of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and exile of its leadership. Negotiations are delicate and ongoing, with the Israeli government expressing cautious optimism but also warning that delays and concessions could undermine the efforts. The military continues to target Hamas figures, including the likely death of Hamas military chief Mohammed Sinwar in recent airstrikes, marking a significant blow to the organization's operational command.

As the conflict persists, domestic issues such as rising antisemitism and anti-Israel protests across Europe remain a concern, alongside revelations of foreign espionage activities,...