Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-21 at 16:06

HEADLINES
1. Israel Targets Hamas Leader in Gaza Strike
2. Israeli Court Blocks Netanyahu’s Security Dismissal
3. US Mulls Classifying Taliban as Terror Organization

The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, the Israeli military continues its multi-front campaign against Iran and its proxies across seven key theaters. Reports indicate that Israel remains engaged in intense operations in Gaza, where the IDF targeted Hamas infrastructure and military figures. Notably, last week, the IDF conducted a strike on the European Hospital in Gaza, reportedly killing Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and the organization's Gaza chief. Palestinian sources cited by the Saudi-owned Asharq Al-Awsat claim Hamas informed Sinwar's family of his death two days ago, though Israel has not officially confirmed this.

In Lebanon, the IDF announced the elimination of a Hezbollah commander involved in the organization’s Radwan forces in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Israeli officials also reported ongoing strikes in Syria, where Israel aims to prevent Iranian entrenchment and the transfer of advanced weapons to hostile groups. This coordination includes recent engagements with the Syrian regime, as reports suggest progress in diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalation, with Turkey and Azerbaijan facilitating some communication channels.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted operations targeting militant cells, with recent arrests of wanted individuals and confiscation of weapons and funds linked to terror activities. Reports also reveal that in Iraq and Yemen, Iran-backed militias have renewed efforts to carry out attacks against Israeli and Western interests, further complicating the regional security landscape.

Internationally, the United States is reviewing the possibility of designating the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization, amid ongoing assessments of its ties to global terror networks and recent US intelligence leaks revealing a breach of communications used by a Trump aide. The breach exposed confidential data from various US government agencies, including disaster response teams, diplomatic staff, and the Secret Service, raising concerns over national security.

Domestically, Israeli courts have made significant rulings impacting national security and governance. The High Court of Justice invalidated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing procedural violations and conflicts of interest involving Netanyahu due to ongoing investigations of his associates. The court emphasized that even in times of war, the rule of law and democratic principles must be upheld, asserting the independence of the security agencies.

Israeli political leaders are divided in their reactions. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, praised the court’s decision as a victory for democracy, highlighting that a prime minister under investigation cannot fire his investigator. Conversely, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the ruling, accusing the court of overreach and undermining government authority. The debate underscores ongoing tensions over the balance between security and democratic accountability amid a period of acute national crisis.

In other domestic developments, the funeral service for Sergeant Danielo Mukuno, who was killed in Gaza, drew over a thousand mourners in Holon. Meanwhile, the families of hostages held by Hamas have called on the government to expedite negotiations and support legislation providing financial aid to victims. Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed recent accusations by opposition figures, including Yair Golan and Ehud Olmert, who have suggested Israel’s military actions could be near war crimes. Netanyahu dismissed these...