Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-22 at 17:05

HEADLINES
Israel Targets Hezbollah Terrorists Amid Lebanon Escalation
Gaza Under Fire: Over Half Territory Seized by Israeli Forces
Iran Defends Nuclear Program as Regional Tensions Surge

The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 1 p.m. local time, Israel remains embroiled in a multi-front conflict involving Iran and its proxies across seven key regions: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the West Bank, and Iran itself. Recent military actions and intelligence reports highlight ongoing hostilities and strategic shifts aimed at degrading hostile capabilities and securing Israeli security.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces conducted a targeted operation resulting in the elimination of a Hezbollah Radwan Force terrorist near Rab El Thalathine, marking an escalation in efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s operational capacity. Lebanese sources report intensified activity of drones and heavy artillery in the region. The IDF issued urgent evacuation orders for civilians in the village of Toul, citing imminent threats from Hezbollah and Lebanese Army fire, which included heavy shelling to dissuade residents from remaining in vulnerable areas.

Further south, a significant drone activity has been observed over southern Lebanon, accompanied by reports of heavy artillery fire near the designated evacuation zones. The Israeli military continues to monitor Hezbollah’s use of human shields and military infrastructure, highlighting the use of civilian areas for military purposes, which complicates operational efforts.

In Gaza, Israeli forces have expanded their control over more than 50% of the territory, with a primary focus on separating civilian populations from Hamas fighters and controlling food distribution. The IDF reports that their goal is to take over the majority of the strip, with ongoing operations in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Khan Yunis. Recent strikes have targeted Hamas underground tunnels, combat compounds, and observation posts, with over 200 terrorist targets destroyed in the past 24 hours.

The military warns that large numbers of Palestinian civilians are being urged to evacuate northern Gaza as they attempt to clear the area. Estimates of civilians remaining in northern Gaza vary, with some sources suggesting numbers as low as 150,000 to 200,000, down from over a million pre-conflict. Humanitarian aid trucks have been allowed entry, but there are concerns over the diversion of supplies by Hamas and the use of human shields.

In Syria, Israeli aircraft have targeted Iranian-backed militia positions and logistical hubs in the eastern provinces, disrupting supply lines and weapon caches. Reports indicate the destruction of several weapons depots and command centers, with no significant reprisals reported from Iranian forces.

Across Iraq and Yemen, Israeli intelligence confirms ongoing coordination between Iran and local proxies, including the deployment of Iranian-made drones and missile systems. The US and allied forces continue to reinforce their positions in the region, preparing for possible escalation.

Meanwhile, in the United States, discussions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump centered on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supporting Israel’s campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump reaffirmed support for Israel’s goals of hostage release and Hamas elimination, while also expressing condolences over the tragic killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington.

On the domestic front, a concerning rise in antisemitic harassment has been reported, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The Anti-Defamation League’s recent study shows a fivefold increase in antisemitic comments targeting Jewish members of Congress since early 2025, attributed to a...