Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-19 at 10:04

HEADLINES
Israeli Forces Launch 160 Gaza Airstrikes
Iran and Russia Forge Power Alliance
Gaza’s Resistance Leader Killed in Raid

The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, the Israeli military is engaged in a broad and intense campaign across multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict with Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Israeli forces continue to target and dismantle terrorist infrastructure, with over 160 airstrikes carried out in the past 24 hours across Gaza, including strikes on command centers, underground tunnels, and missile launch sites. In Khan Yunis, a senior commander of Gaza's third-largest terrorist organization was reportedly killed during a combined air and ground operation. The IDF reports that its forces are operating extensively in the southern Gaza Strip, with efforts aimed at degrading militant capabilities and preventing further attacks.

Meanwhile, in the southern city of Beit Yam, a 17-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured after being struck by a truck, highlighting the ongoing civilian toll amidst the conflict. In the West Bank, tensions remain high, with Israeli authorities arresting a suspect involved in previous violence, and ongoing security operations are underway.

On the political front, Israeli officials continue to emphasize their resolve. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the government’s handling of humanitarian aid, stating that the decision to allow aid into Gaza is a direct result of government refusal to pursue alternative strategies against Hamas. Defense Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to controlling all of Gaza, stating that aid entry is a temporary measure to prevent famine, and warned that starvation could undermine support for ongoing military efforts.

In the broader regional context, Iran and Russia are strengthening their strategic partnership, with recent diplomatic meetings in Tehran signaling increased cooperation. Both nations, under Western sanctions, are collaborating on military technology, energy, and economic initiatives, aiming to establish a multipolar world order and counteract Western influence. Iran has supplied drones to Russia, which are now used in Ukraine, while Moscow benefits from Iranian military technology and diplomatic cover at the United Nations.

In Syria’s Golan Heights, Israel has established new frontline outposts as part of a revised defense doctrine, considering any vehicle over 30 kilometers per hour as a threat. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will maintain control over all of Gaza, with plans to implement aid measures cautiously to avoid empowering Hamas.

In other security developments, the military’s special operations units successfully targeted and killed Ahmad Sarhan, a key operative of Gaza’s resistance groups, during a firefight. The Gaza-based resistance factions confirmed his death, describing it as a failure to apprehend him. Additionally, an Iranian spokesperson dismissed recent discussions with the United States, stating that no written proposals have been received and criticizing American diplomatic inconsistencies.

Amid these military and diplomatic activities, the Israeli stock market showed modest declines at the opening of the day, with the dollar weakening slightly against the shekel, and the European markets hinting at cautious trading amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. In domestic health news, Israel continues to grapple with a high incidence of bladder cancer, with approximately 1,800 new cases annually, and ongoing efforts to improve treatment options.

This complex and volatile situation underscores Israel’s urgent security challenges on multiple fronts, its diplomatic maneuvers regionally and globally, and the domestic pressures shaping policy decisions. The coming days...