Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-23 at 11:04

HEADLINES
Israel Plans Gaza Annexation Sparks Humanitarian Crisis
Region-Wide Conflict Threatens Stability Across Seven Fronts
U.S. Rhetoric and Israeli Politics Fuel Escalating Tensions

The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, at 7:00 AM, we begin with updates from Israel's ongoing military campaign and the broader regional situation. Israel is engaged in a multi-front conflict involving Iran and its proxies across seven key theaters: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Israeli government continues to emphasize its security concerns amid reports of a significant territorial plan in Gaza. According to sources, Israel is preparing to annex about 70 to 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, aiming to create a smaller, more controlled zone for civilians while maintaining long-term security control over the rest. This marks a potential shift since Israel's unilateral withdrawal in 2005, signaling a substantial reorganization of Gaza’s territorial landscape. The plan seeks to undermine Hamas by reducing its territorial influence and establishing checkpoints and buffer zones, with the goal of severing its connection to the population and preventing its reassertion of control.

Meanwhile, the conflict has caused severe destruction in Gaza. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 70 percent of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with essential infrastructure such as healthcare, water, and sanitation systems rendered inoperable. Humanitarian conditions are dire, with shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, compounded by ongoing violence and the theft of aid by Hamas militants. Gaza residents have recently protested against Hamas for the third consecutive day, chanting “Out! Out! Out!” as they express frustration over the situation, hunger, and the loss of their homes.

In Israel, security issues remain tense. Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israeli Major General David Zini, recently appointed to lead the Shin Bet security service, will not be called up for reserve duty and will be barred from entering military bases. This decision follows controversy over Zini’s appointment, which was challenged in court due to ongoing investigations related to alleged Qatar influence. The government emphasizes that Zini will not be involved in these probes, asserting the importance of swift and stable leadership in Israel’s security apparatus.

In domestic political developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the urgency of appointing a permanent head of the Shin Bet, citing operational security concerns. However, the process has faced legal and political challenges, with opposition and judiciary voices raising concerns over conflicts of interest and procedural flaws. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz has also declared that Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of staff, will no longer serve in reserve duty after controversial comments accusing the IDF of killing infants, which he later clarified as a mistaken accusation.

Internationally, Iran's officials have expressed skepticism about ongoing nuclear talks in Rome with the United States. Iranian sources indicate Tehran believes the negotiations will not advance due to Washington’s demand to halt uranium enrichment entirely, a condition Iran considers a deal-breaker. Iran perceives recent US proposals as aligned with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s agenda, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

Additionally, in the United States, a Republican congressman, Randy Fine, has called for a harsh response toward Gaza, suggesting the use of atomic weapons to force surrender, likening current threats to World War II tactics. This rhetoric has been condemned by Islamic Jihad, which described the comparison to Nazis or Japanese as incitement to genocide.