Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 13:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Gaza After Hamas Commander Elimination
2. Iran Foils Israeli Espionage Amid Regional Tensions
3. France Threatens Sanctions Over Gaza Humanitarian Aid

The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today at nine in the morning, Israel remains deeply engaged in a multi-front conflict that has significantly impacted the region and beyond. The country continues its military operations across seven key fronts—Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen—each presenting unique challenges and strategic considerations.

In Gaza, Israeli forces have intensified their strikes, targeting over one hundred terror infrastructure sites in the past day alone. The Israeli military reports the elimination of the commander of Hamas's aerial operations in the northern Gaza Strip, Moataz Deeb, who was responsible for planning attacks against Israeli aircraft and launching drones aimed at civilians. The Israeli Air Force also struck numerous targets throughout Gaza, including weapons storage facilities, militant positions, and underground infrastructure, in what military officials describe as precise and morally justified operations designed to protect hostages and civilians.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, security forces have thwarted an Iranian-backed espionage plot involving two Israeli residents from Nesher. The Shin Bet disclosed that Roi Mizrahi and Almog Atias, both 24, were recruited through debts and promises of monetary compensation by Iranian agents. They were found to have collected intelligence on Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence and attempted to place surveillance cameras and move explosives—plots that were foiled before they could be executed. The authorities emphasize that over twenty Iranian-inspired plots have been thwarted since the current conflict began, highlighting ongoing efforts by Iran and its proxies to undermine Israeli security.

Lebanon remains a focal point amid geopolitical tensions. The United States, according to reports, is pressing Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and normalize ties with Israel. The Biden administration links economic aid to Lebanon’s compliance with these demands, emphasizing the importance of disarming the Iranian-backed terror group, which operates as a de facto state within Lebanon. The message underscores a broader regional effort to destabilize Hezbollah’s influence and promote regional stability.

In Syria, reports indicate the continuation of covert operations, with recent US efforts involving long-term missions deep inside Syrian territory. The US aims to dismantle Iranian and Hezbollah networks active in the region, and recent diplomatic developments suggest a tentative easing of sanctions, as the EU has officially lifted all economic restrictions on Syria, describing its current government as moderate and peaceful. This move signals a shift in international policy, potentially opening avenues for reconstruction and diplomacy but also raising concerns about regional security.

Iran itself appears to have paused nuclear negotiations, citing "American unprofessionalism" as the reason for halting talks. This development follows increased tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities, including recent accusations that Iran has increased its missile and drone capabilities and continues to support terrorist groups across the Middle East.

On the domestic front, Israel’s leadership is actively engaged in security assessments. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conducting a security cabinet meeting to decide whether to respond to recent threats, including Iranian plots to infiltrate and harm Israeli officials. Reports also reveal a tragic incident where a soldier, Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak, was killed in a friendly fire incident during operations related to tunnel...