Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 09:02

HEADLINES
- Iran Rejects US Proposal, Escalates Tension
- Israeli Strikes Hit 30 Hezbollah Infrastructure Sites
- West Bank Allows Death Penalty for Terrorists

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's response to the latest US proposal is negative.

In Regional Impacts, a US State Department report to Congress says the Palestinian Authority sometimes coordinates with Israel in counterterrorism operations, but its leadership continues to promote violent rhetoric and fund terrorist organizations. The report, covering actions from June 2025 to May 2026, says the PA took steps that contradicted United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. It also notes that PA President Mahmoud Abbas took more than a year and a half to condemn Hamas's October 7 massacre.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces attacked more than 30 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites over the past 24 hours as operations against the Iranian proxy continue in Southern Lebanon.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, naval forces detain flotilla activists again, and Trump gives sharp Iran warning.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF Central Command chief Major-General Avi Bluth signed an amendment to West Bank security regulations, allowing the approved death penalty for terrorists to take effect. The Knesset had passed the bill on March 30 with 62 lawmakers in favor, 48 against, and one abstaining. Under the new law, military courts may impose a death sentence with a simple majority rather than requiring a unanimous decision, and the authority to pardon or commute sentences issued by military courts is removed. The law does not apply to Israeli citizens. Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed that the provisions begin to be implemented across the defense system, declaring that “the era of leniency is over” for terrorists who murder Jews. Separately, Shauki Abu Latif, who was elected head of the Rama Local Council, was convicted by the Haifa District Court after admitting, as part of a plea agreement, to assisting extortion by threats, fraud, and breach of trust. The case focused on protection money paid by factory owners in the Rama area, who faced gunfire, arson, and threats; the money was negotiated down to NIS 1 million, with the first payment of NIS 40,000 handed over at Abu Latif’s office. Prosecutors will seek a sentence of 11 months in prison with a suspended component. In a separate development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his criminal trial was canceled again at the last minute for security and diplomatic reasons, delaying cross-examination in Case 2000.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that the phrase “settler violence” is a label that can imply state policy and mislead readers into thinking violence by any group is sanctioned by the Israeli state; the author stresses that violence by hooligan groups or any violent actors is illegal and must be prosecuted, and that there is no Israeli policy endorsing violence against Arabs. Separately, American Nakba Day protests saw significant anti-Israel activity, with some demonstrations displaying extremist symbols and calls for resistance; organizers highlighted a narrative of ongoing struggle and solidarity with Palestinians.

In Uplifting News, Israel’s largest health provider says demand for mental health treatment has surged about 240% over the past two years, with Clalit Health Services recruiting 290 new mental health professionals and expanding roughly 40 clinics, while lawmakers discuss greater government investment in mental health care, telemedicine, and home hospitalization, with particular attention to peripheral regions. Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Haji, was welcomed by President Isaac Herzog in a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, marking a historic step in new bilateral ties; Herzog noted the partnership would benefit both peoples and the region, and Israel has named Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, a move reflecting growing diplomatic ties.

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://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76462
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896561
https://t.me/ILtoday/19109
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-896575
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896519
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896571
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896562
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896429
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896568
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896559
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-896557