Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-22 at 19:04

HEADLINES
Israel Launches 115 Gaza Airstrikes Targeting Hamas Leaders
Iran’s Rapid Nuclear Advancements Threaten Regional Stability
Germany Threatens Eurovision Over Israel Exclusion Amid Tensions

The time is now 03:00 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 with Iran and its proxies, with intense military activity across seven key regions. The Israel Defense Forces have revealed detailed intelligence showing Hamas positions within Gaza, urging civilians to stay clear of marked hideouts. The IDF Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued a stark warning that Hamas is hiding among civilians, illustrating their locations near vital infrastructure—such as a hospital, mosque, and city hall in Deir al-Balah—highlighting the use of civilian areas for terrorist activities. The IDF reports conducting over 115 airstrikes in Gaza over the past 24 hours, targeting Hamas terrorists, including a Nukhba Force commander involved in the October 7 attack. These operations are part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating key figures.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, the situation remains volatile with additional Israeli airstrikes amid a surge in hostilities. Reports indicate a significant escalation of attacks from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory, with ongoing military exchanges. In Syria and Iraq, Iranian-backed militias continue their activities, while Iran’s nuclear and missile programs advance rapidly. Iran now possesses enough highly-enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons, with extensive underground facilities and advanced centrifuges, complicating international efforts to curb its ambitions. Iran’s missile arsenal has expanded to include hypersonic projectiles capable of evading defenses, alongside a network of proxies in Yemen and Iraq that threaten regional stability.

Internationally, tensions persist over Israel’s participation in cultural events. Germany reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel was barred from competing in 2024, amid accusations of bias from a German journalist with known anti-Israel sentiments. Additionally, the United States has taken measures against Harvard University, halting its ability to enroll international students following disputes over investigations into anti-Semitic incidents and compliance issues.

Domestically, Israeli politics face controversy with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointing Major General David Zini as the new head of the Shin Bet, despite a High Court ruling deeming his predecessor’s dismissal unlawful due to conflicts of interest. This decision underscores ongoing tensions between the government and judicial authorities. Concurrently, Israel’s security agencies remain on high alert, with Zini’s prior assessments warning of potential surprise attacks, reflecting the heightened threat environment.

On the regional front, violence persists with reports of settler attacks forcing Palestinian residents from their villages in the West Bank. In Rafah, Egypt, a fragile ceasefire holds amid ongoing humanitarian concerns. A tragic incident in Rahat involved a young man severely injured in an act of violence, highlighting the ongoing security challenges within Israel.

In the broader Middle East, Iran’s regional influence remains strong, with proxy groups in Yemen and Iraq conducting attacks and expanding missile capabilities. Iran’s efforts to evade sanctions through shadow fleets and barter trade continue, but its nuclear program remains the most pressing threat, with the regime refusing to accept full dismantlement, citing ideological opposition. Experts warn that only a comprehensive and verifiable dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure can prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear...