Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-21 at 20:06

HEADLINES
1. Hezbollah Operative Killed in Lebanon Escalates Border Tensions
2. Israel Launches Gaza Operations as Rocket Fire Intensifies
3. Netanyahu Demands Gaza Disarmament Amid Regional Escalation

The time is now 04:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel continues to face a multi-front conflict involving Iran and its proxies across seven key regions: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing military operations, escalating hostilities, and significant regional implications.

In Lebanon, Israeli military sources report that a Hezbollah operative was killed today in the southern part of the country, marking the third such incident recorded today. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the militant was targeted via airstrikes in the Erta’oun area. This escalation underscores the fragile security situation along Israel’s northern border amid the broader conflict.

In Gaza, tensions persist with repeated rocket fire into southern Israel. Early this evening, three rockets were intercepted over Ashkelon, prompting alerts in the region. The Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson warned residents of northern Gaza to prepare for potential imminent attacks. Meanwhile, the IDF conducted targeted operations in Gaza, including the elimination of a Hamas-affiliated gunman responsible for the May 14 West Bank attack that resulted in the death of a civilian. The military also announced that it shot and killed Nael Samara, involved in that attack, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces successfully identified and targeted the home of Nael Samara in the village of Barqin near Burqin, where the attack occurred. The operation aimed to map and possibly demolish the home of the attacker, who executed a shooting that killed a civilian and wounded another. Additionally, the IDF has called on Gaza residents in neighborhoods such as Jebna, Beit Lahia, and Jabalya to evacuate southwards in preparation for upcoming military maneuvers.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly articulated conditions for ending the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the importance of removing Hamas from power, full disarmament, and the release of all hostages. Netanyahu highlighted the potential for ending the war only if the United States implements what he termed the Trump administration’s Gaza relocation plan—an idea of relocating and rebuilding Gaza in other countries under international control. He expressed readiness to cease hostilities if these conditions are met, asserting that the ongoing military campaign aims to take complete control over Gaza and dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded critically, warning that Netanyahu’s stance signals a long-term occupation of Gaza, which could mean years of hardship for Israeli civilians and economic strain. Lapid accused Netanyahu of misrepresenting coordination with the United States and questioned the feasibility of the conditions laid out, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities. He also condemned Netanyahu’s remarks about Yair Golan and other figures, framing them as inflammatory and fueling antisemitism.

Meanwhile, hostilities in southern Israel continue with rockets launched from Gaza, including a second barrage today. The IDF reported intercepting one of the rockets over Ashkelon, while alarms sounded in communities near Gaza, including Zikim and Netiv HaAsara. The military has also issued alerts along the border and called for preparedness amid mounting tensions.

Regional developments include a tentative diplomatic engagement. A scheduled fifth round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman,...