Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-16 at 09:01

HEADLINES
Hamas chief Haddad killed in Gaza strike
20-year-old rider injured in Araba truck crash
Israeli films absent at Cannes

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 Regional Impacts, a 20-year-old motorcycle rider was injured moderately after being struck by a truck in Araba and was transported to the North Medical Center (Foriya) with a head injury. Residents along the Gaza border again expressed fear, with some saying it feels like those days. In Metula, sirens were heard amid ongoing border tensions. Israel said Hamas armed wing chief Ezzedine Al-Haddad was killed in a Gaza airstrike the previous day, describing him as a key architect of the October 7 attacks; the military and Shin Bet confirmed his death, noting the strike targeted a residential apartment and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City and that Haddad died along with his wife and daughter. Iranian state media reported that European countries are engaging with Tehran regarding the Hormuz Strait.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, at the Cannes Film Festival, there was no official boycott or blacklisting of Israelis this year, but anti-Israel sentiment was voiced by several participants, and Israeli films were not part of the festival. Israeli presence at Cannes was limited to two Russian-born Israeli actors in the film Minotaur and Israeli cinematographer Giora Bejach, with some Israeli directors telling colleagues their recent films were rejected by many festivals. An opinion piece argues that Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish people, asserting a historic connection spanning more than 3,000 years, citing milestones such as David making Jerusalem the capital around 1000 BCE, Solomon building the First Temple, and the Second Temple's long history before its destruction; the author contends that Jerusalem is repeatedly referenced in the Bible and maintains that facts, not slogans, should guide discussion about the city’s status.

In Uplifting News, at the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, 33 Jerusalem schools—encompassing secular, religious, and mixed student groups—taced the Jerusalem Quiz this week. After four months of study, contestants memorized material on 30 major Jerusalem sites and tackled questions spanning archaeology, music, history, architecture, culture, and Jerusalem trivia, in front of peers, families, and teachers. The quiz was held in the Victor and Esther Achar Amphitheater and was conducted in honor of Jerusalem Day, organized by the Education Center of the Tower of David in collaboration with the Jerusalem Education System.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322048
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322046
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/israel-says-hamas-armed-wing-chief-killed-gaza-strike
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1322041
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896364
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-896057
https://www.jpost.com/history/article-896199