Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-17 at 07:02

HEADLINES
Haddad's Tunnel Tactics Narrow Gaza Ceasefire
Hezbollah Drones Force Israel Deterrence Dilemma
Trump Pushes UAE Role in Iran War

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Hamas's Gaza leadership and recent Israeli actions are shaping the security picture, including the reported missteps by Izz ad-Din al-Haddad and a Deir al-Balah strike. Security sources told Walla that Haddad violated his own rules after months operating in Gaza’s tunnels, moving through a complex underground network and limiting the circle that knew his movements. He reportedly pushed at the last minute to accept a ceasefire after recognizing that IDF ground forces had surrounded the core of Gaza City, a realization that occurred as efforts by peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov sought to demilitarize Gaza, transfer control to a third party, and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian-controlled areas. The defense establishment has indicated Haddad’s pattern of behavior enabled Israeli intelligence to close in. Separately, Israel carried out a targeted attack in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, killing one terrorist and wounding several others.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, assessments of Hezbollah’s drones and the limits of military action frame a broader diplomatic approach. Kan News, citing a security source, reported that even with a potential move to occupy all of southern Lebanon, Israel would not be able to destroy every explosive drone or rocket held by Hezbollah, underscoring that a military solution alone is not in sight. The source said a political breakthrough, alongside sustained military deterrence, is required to change the reality on the ground. Israel has responded with measures such as anti-explosive drone barbed wire, which it has also supplied to the Lebanese army, aimed at reducing attacks. In a related development, a direct elimination operation targeted a Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, marking a continuation of covert actions against Hezbollah positions.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, the Trump administration is reportedly urging the UAE to play a more direct role in the war against Iran, with some officials suggesting Abu Dhabi seize Iran’s Lavan Island to avoid deploying American troops. A former senior security official told the Telegraph that using UAE forces would keep American personnel out of the line of fire. The push comes as the UAE deepens its engagement with Israel and the United States, and as Iranian retaliation has included thousands of missiles and drones. Reports indicate the UAE asked Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join counterattacks against Iran, though those efforts have not succeeded so far.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former interior minister Moshe Arbel (Shas) announced to party leader Arye Deri that he would resign from the Knesset. Arbel thanked Deri and other Shas members for their trust and guidance and said it was a privilege to learn from them up close. He added that he would continue to act in line with Shas values outside the Knesset, with a view to supporting the state of Israel, the movement, and national unity.

In Uplifting News, the week’s wrap includes two items shaping the weekend mood. The Trump administration hosted a White House Shabbat gathering after the president urged American Jews to observe the Sabbath in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, a move described as a first of its kind in formal White House practice. Attendees included senior officials, members of the administration, and Jewish leaders from diverse communities, with reports of celebratory dancing during the gathering as part of the observance and communal remarks tied to the national jubilee. The event followed a Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation inviting observance of a national Sabbath. Also featured is Puah Shteiner’s account in Forever My Jerusalem, recounting life as a seven-year-old during the 1948 siege of Jerusalem’s Old City. Now residing in Beit Tovei Ha’ir, Shteiner’s reflections illuminate the siege era for Jerusalem Day observances and the enduring memory of that period.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896438
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896436
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896431
https://www.jpost.com/history/article-896205