Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-18 at 20:05

HEADLINES
Israeli Aid Sparks Political Division Amid Gaza Tensions
Iran Vows Uranium Enrichment Continues Despite Negotiations
Hamas Offers Hostage Release in Exchange for Ceasefire

The time is now 04:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, amid escalating tensions across the region, Israeli authorities have announced measures aimed at balancing military objectives with humanitarian concerns. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Israel will introduce a minimal amount of food into Gaza to prevent a potential famine, which could jeopardize the ongoing military operation known as "Gideon's Chariots." This decision was made following recommendations from the IDF and aims to ensure that the expansion of military actions does not lead to a humanitarian catastrophe that would undermine efforts to defeat Hamas. Israel also intends to prevent Hamas from controlling the distribution of aid, working to ensure that assistance reaches civilians and not terrorists.

In the political sphere, the Israeli cabinet approved the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza without a formal vote, despite opposition from some ministers. The aid, channeled through international organizations, is set to begin soon and will be distributed in various areas of Gaza for approximately one week until a new aid mechanism is operational. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision has sparked internal debate, with some ministers, like Itamar Ben-Gvir, demanding a formal vote, which was refused. No hostages are expected to be released in connection with this aid resumption.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues on multiple fronts. In southern Lebanon, the IDF has established a new defensive outpost, part of broader efforts to reinforce Israel’s border amid ongoing Hezbollah surveillance. Despite the truce, Hezbollah remains attentive to Israeli movements, heightening regional tensions. In the broader Middle East, Iran’s foreign minister declared that Tehran will continue enriching uranium regardless of negotiations, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear pursuits are for peaceful purposes but will proceed whether or not a deal is reached. US envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated that the United States cannot permit Iran to enrich uranium even at 1%, describing such a capability as a red line.

Diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and the release of hostages persist. Reports indicate that Hamas has tentatively agreed to release between seven and nine hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has countered with a proposal to exchange 100 prisoners for a similar period of ceasefire, demanding that such an agreement be a step toward ending the conflict altogether. Negotiations are ongoing through multiple channels, including indirect talks mediated by US and Palestinian officials.

In parallel, political tensions within Israel remain palpable. Minister Ben-Gvir expressed frustration over the aid decision, criticizing it as providing “oxygen to Hamas” at a time when the government’s majority is fragile. The coalition's unity is being tested as the government balances military objectives with international and humanitarian pressures.

On the international front, the Biden administration continues exerting diplomatic pressure, urging Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and to avoid large-scale military operations that could prolong the conflict. The US is also engaged in indirect negotiations with Hamas, facilitated through both official and back-channel communications, seeking a deal that includes hostage releases and a ceasefire, with some proposals suggesting a pathway toward ending hostilities entirely.

Regional developments include Iran’s unwavering stance on its nuclear program. Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Iran will continue enriching...