Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-22 at 18:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon
2. Kurdish Talks in Damascus Threaten Regional Stability
3. US Moves to Dismiss UN Human Rights Rapporteur

The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 2:00 PM, the situation across the Middle East remains tense as multiple fronts continue to influence regional stability. Israel has conducted targeted strikes in Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah terrorist affiliated with the Radwan Force in the southern region near Rab El Thalathine. The Israeli military states this operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent Hezbollah’s missile and weapons buildup, which they argue violates long-standing agreements. The incident underscores the fragile ceasefire and escalating hostilities in the Lebanon border area.

In Syria, Kurdish parties are preparing for Damascus talks as they seek regional autonomy. Despite resistance from Turkey, Islamist factions, and the Syrian interim government, these negotiations aim to redefine the future of Kurdish-controlled territories, raising concerns about renewed conflict and regional instability.

Meanwhile, Israel responded to Hezbollah activities at several sites by striking weapons depots and missile launchers in southern Lebanon, asserting these actions are necessary to thwart future attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces state that Hezbollah's recent movements violate established security understandings, prompting continued operational readiness.

In Gaza, Israel’s military conducted an investigation into the deadly October 7 clashes at Kibbutz Kissufim, revealing tactical errors and friendly fire incidents that contributed to high casualties. The report criticizes insufficient urban combat training and poor coordination, but emphasizes that the resilience of local communities and brave defenders prevented total destruction. This acknowledgment highlights systemic vulnerabilities while recognizing the courage of Israeli forces amid ongoing threats.

Along the diplomatic front, the US Justice Department has called for the United Nations to remove Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights, citing her repeated accusations against Israel and alleged acceptance of funding from pro-Hamas groups. The department condemns her for disseminating what they describe as “defamatory” and “dangerous” statements, questioning her neutrality and integrity in monitoring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In domestic Israeli politics, the appointment of the next Shin Bet chief remains uncertain. The High Court recently ruled that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu violated conflict of interest principles, potentially limiting his authority to appoint a new director. Several candidates, including former deputy chiefs and high-ranking officials, are under consideration. Netanyahu's previous attempt to designate outsider Eli Sharvit as head of the agency was met with internal resistance and political backlash, leading to speculation about future appointment scenarios. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the judiciary, political leadership, and security institutions.

In Iran, a state-approved film portraying women in headscarves premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, drawing mixed reactions. Director Saeed Roustayi defended his compliance with government censors, despite critics accusing his work of serving propaganda. Contrasting with the defiant work of filmmakers like Jafar Panahi, Roustayi’s film illustrates the ongoing struggle of Iranian artists operating under strict censorship, with many exiled directors continuing to challenge the regime’s narrative.

Elsewhere, the United States has urged the United Nations to dismiss Francesca Albanese due to her controversial remarks and alleged funding from Hamas-linked groups, further...