Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-21 at 03:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Prepares for Possible Iran Nuclear Strike
2. Gaza Escalates as Israeli Forces Target Militants
3. South Korea Opens Holocaust Museum Amid Rising Antisemitism

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel remains on high alert amid ongoing multi-front hostilities across its borders. Reports indicate that the Israeli military is preparing for a potential strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, according to recent intelligence assessments. The United States intelligence community has increased its estimates that Israel may be planning an attack within the coming months, citing not only intercepted communications but also observable military movements, including missile and aircraft activity. This heightened readiness comes amid fears that a potential nuclear deal between Iran and the United States, if finalized, would not entirely eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities, prompting Israel to consider preemptive action. However, there is significant debate within Washington about the likelihood and timing of such an attack, with some officials cautioning against a unilateral strike that could destabilize regional relations.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes have targeted sites around Khan Younis and near the European Hospital, following a series of rocket attacks from Palestinian factions. The Israeli Defense Forces have also reported conducting military exercises in the Upper Galilee region, involving large-scale movement of troops and vehicles, which they emphasize are routine drills, with no immediate security threat expected. In the north, Israeli forces are engaged in demolitions and house-pullout operations in Gaza, focusing on targeting infrastructure linked to militant groups.

Across the West Bank, there have been reports of violence, including the arrest of a young man named Muhammad Dola during security operations in Beituniya, west of Ramallah. Palestinian sources have reported four fatalities and multiple injuries in the area of Thala, east of Khan Younis, where Israeli forces are active. Additionally, a young Palestinian man was reportedly detained during an operation by Israeli security forces, adding to the ongoing cycle of clashes.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah continues to posture along the border, with recent exchanges of fire and increased military activity, raising concerns of potential escalation. The Lebanese government has called for restraint but remains vigilant. Syria remains a key focal point, with US and Turkish delegations reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity through joint cooperation, as announced in Washington. The two nations emphasized their shared goal of stabilizing Syria and preventing safe havens for militant groups.

On the international front, a notable development has been the opening of South Korea’s first Holocaust museum, established by Christian Zionists in Paju. The museum aims to educate the public about the Holocaust and combat rising antisemitism, especially in light of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. The event was attended by Israel’s ambassador to Korea, Rafi Harpaz, who highlighted the importance of remembrance and education in confronting extremism.

In domestic Israeli news, Ben-Gurion Airport experienced a temporary closure of its arrivals hall due to security fears, causing significant delays and confusion among travelers. The Israel Airports Authority has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident but has reopened the terminal. Similarly, at the United States’ Ben-Gurion Airport, a security concern led to a half-hour halt of arrivals, illustrating the tense security environment worldwide.

In political developments, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced...