Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-19 at 12:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Bold Ground Offensive in Gaza
2. France Plans Peace Conference to Resolve Middle East
3. Biden Battles Health Crisis Amid Global Turmoil

The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel faces a multi-front conflict with Iran and its proxies spanning seven critical areas. In Gaza, the Israeli military continues its expanded ground offensive, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aiming to seize control of the entire territory. This operation follows a significant escalation by the IDF, including intense airstrikes and ground incursions designed to weaken Hamas and other militant groups. Israel has also allowed limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, despite internal government debates and international pressure to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's goal remains complete control of Gaza, with assertions that the IDF will capture all of the territory, a stance supported by his government and coalition partners who stress the importance of military victory to ensure long-term security.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah continues its stance of readiness, though no major hostilities have been reported yet. Syria remains a logistical and strategic concern, as Israeli strikes target Iranian-backed forces and weapons shipments. Meanwhile, in Iraq and Yemen, Iranian influence persists through proxy groups, with reports of continued military support and coordination aimed at challenging Israeli and Western interests across the region.

Internationally, the United States maintains its support for Israel, with the US ambassador to Israel condemning Iran for over 46 years of unkept promises and calling Iran the root of Middle Eastern terrorism. The Biden administration is also grappling with the delicate issue of aid to Gaza, balancing humanitarian needs with security concerns, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the decision to resume aid transfers amid warnings from US lawmakers about the risk of starvation and the potential loss of American support.

Domestically, Israel faces a complex security situation compounded by political debates and public concern over ongoing military operations and civilian casualties. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Israeli government has approved a comprehensive five-year plan to strengthen the eastern border with Jordan, including fence construction and settlement initiatives aimed at countering infiltration and weapons smuggling.

In other developments, a covert IDF operation in Khan Younis resulted in the killing of senior Gaza terrorist Ahmad Sarhan, involving disguises and intense airstrikes, highlighting Israel’s ongoing efforts to target militant leadership and gather intelligence. Additionally, a notable incident involved the demolition of illegal structures near the site of recent terrorist infiltrations, illustrating Israel’s continued border security measures.

On the diplomatic front, French President Emmanuel Macron’s advisor is organizing a peace conference in Paris this June, aimed at advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state and fostering Arab recognition of Israel. This initiative, supported by Paris and possibly involving international stakeholders, seeks to promote regional stability and a two-state solution, despite Israeli concerns about unilateral European moves and the potential undermining of direct negotiations.

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Joe Biden announced a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer, a development that has garnered reactions from political rivals and allies alike, emphasizing the importance of health and resilience for the American leader amid ongoing international crises.

As the conflict intensifies, Israel remains focused on degrading Hamas’ capabilities, securing its...