Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 14:02

HEADLINES
Iran proposal fails, war options on table
Hamas appoints Mohammed Ouda as new leader
Jerusalem Old City expropriation targets Arab homes

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli officials say Iran’s 'shameful' proposal falls short and military action is now firmly on the table, as Trump prepares to weigh options with his national security team. Israeli officials describe the proposal as insufficient and say the possibility of renewed war with Iran remains on the table as Washington considers options with top advisers.

In US Military Role, Trump weighs military options as US officials say Iran’s new proposal is insufficient, lacking key nuclear concessions, even as Tehran claims Washington has softened its stance in talks.

In Regional Impacts, a COGAT survey presented to senior Israeli officials finds that nearly 80% of Gazans would consider emigrating from the Gaza Strip, with about four-fifths seeking information on relocating through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. The survey also shows 17.5% looking for information on food supplies and humanitarian aid, while around 2.5% were interested in medical humanitarian issues. Israeli officials say the results reflect a growing desire among Gaza civilians to leave as prospects for reconstruction and long-term change remain uncertain.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas names Mohammed Ouda as the new leader of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, its military wing, following the assassination of Izz ad-Din al-Haddad. Ouda, who previously served as head of military intelligence for the Qassam Brigades, was reportedly offered the role after the May 2025 assassination of Mohammed Sinwar but declined. He was chosen in part because he is one of the last council members with an active role in planning and supervising the October 7 attack. Deif, who led the Qassam Brigades during that operation, was assassinated by Israel in 2024; Ouda has survived multiple assassination attempts.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Rashida Tlaib reintroduces a resolution to recognize the 'ongoing Palestinian Nakba.' The measure, reintroduced into the House for Nakba Day, calls for official commemoration of the Nakba and for US legislators to denounce an ongoing Nakba. If enacted, the bill would adopt a policy to reject denial of the Nakba, resume aid to UNRWA, and end US complicity by prohibiting American-made weapons from being used against Palestinians and by cutting diplomatic support; the resolution is cosponsored by colleagues.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government is exploring plans to seize Arab homes and public buildings in Jerusalem’s Old City, with an inter-ministry team focusing on Chain Gate Street near the Temple Mount. Dozens of Arab-owned homes are reported to be at risk of evacuation under expropriation notices citing the 1943 Land Ordinance, a law dating to the British Mandate era. The area includes Jerusalem Waqf institutions and other significant sites.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a provocative examination argues that Israelis are drawn to the drama over whether ultra-Orthodox parties will back or block Prime Minister Netanyahu’s push to pass a haredi conscription measure, noting that elections must occur by October 27 and questioning whether extra weeks would alter outcomes or goals. The piece suggests the government may use the time to advance controversial legislation, including changes to the attorney-general’s position, but casts doubt on whether major progress is achievable.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition leader Yair Lapid warns that any Likud lawmakers who back the haredi draft bill under pressure from Netanyahu will not go unnoticed, saying he would publicize supporters with billboard campaigns and attributing the public pressure to Netanyahu’s effort to stay in power. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel corroborates that lawmakers are facing significant pressure from the coalition to back the measure, underscoring the high-stakes political dynamics as the Knesset moves toward a vote.

In Uplifting News, Noam Bettan meets with President Isaac Herzog after winning second place at Eurovision in Vienna. Bettan, who was celebrated as Israel’s ambassador of song, received Herzog’s congratulations during a ceremony that followed Bettan’s credentialing of five new ambassadors, a moment described as a unifying note amid demonstrations and international attention surrounding Israel.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skvahadjzg
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjloloojmx
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896602
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https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896594
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896596
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896604
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896599
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-896601