Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-26 at 07:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Targets Gaza Command Centers Amid Escalating War
2. US Seeks Ceasefire as Regional Tensions Ignite Across Middle East
3. Israel Warns Against Palestinian Statehood Recognition Risks

The time is now 03:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

The ongoing conflict across Israel’s multiple fronts remains intense and complex. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue their targeted operations against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, striking key command centers, including a school in Gaza City that previously served as a terrorist command hub. Reports indicate that the strike resulted in the deaths of at least thirty militants, according to Palestinian sources, while Israel confirms the elimination of high-value targets involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

Meanwhile, in the southern border region, three rockets were launched from Gaza. One was intercepted by Israeli air defenses before crossing into Israeli territory, while two fell short within Gaza. The Israeli military has responded with airstrikes against terrorist positions, further escalating tensions.

In Jerusalem, the police maintain calm at the volatile Temple Mount, despite the nearly two-year multi-front war and persistent terror threats. The city’s police forces have successfully kept the peace at this sensitive site, which remains relatively stable under their watch.

Across the northern border, Lebanese Hezbollah and other proxies continue to pose a threat. Recent reports confirm that Israel intercepted a rocket fired from Lebanon, with two others falling short inside Lebanon. Israeli defense systems remain on high alert, prepared for potential escalation from the north.

Syria's border remains tense, with reports of Israeli strikes targeting Iranian-backed militias and weapon storage sites. The Israeli military has confirmed multiple airstrikes over recent days aimed at preventing Iranian entrenchment and the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and other groups.

In Iraq, there are ongoing concerns about Iranian-backed militias conducting attacks against Israeli and Western interests, with some reports of indirect confrontations and increased militia activity near border areas.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue to threaten shipping lanes in the Red Sea, posing a broader international security challenge that Israel and its allies monitor closely, given the potential for regional spillover.

Internationally, there are signs of diplomatic activity. US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about possibly brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, indicating that recent talks with Iran and Hamas are promising and could lead to an announcement soon. Sources suggest that the US may unveil a ceasefire deal in the coming days, which could include the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Within Israel, domestic issues persist. The national airline El Al experienced a widespread technical outage affecting check-in systems, leading to significant delays at Ben-Gurion Airport. The airline has yet to issue an official statement, but travelers are advised to arrive early and prepare for disruptions.

In Jerusalem, security remains tight, with police effectively maintaining order at the Temple Mount during the sensitive day of Jerusalem’s anniversary. The city’s police continue their efforts to keep the peace amid ongoing security threats.

Meanwhile, Israel is advancing plans to strengthen its internal security and military readiness. Notably, the government is moving forward with a proposal to integrate members of the ultra-Orthodox community into medical training programs. This initiative aims to address the physician shortage in Jerusalem and promote social mobility while respecting community values.

On the diplomatic...