Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 15:02

HEADLINES
US refueling fleet at Ben-Gurion until 2027
Nearly 80% Gazans open to emigrating
Mohammed Ouda named Hamas Qassam chief

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US refueling aircraft to stay at Ben-Gurion Airport until the end of 2027 - report, dozens of US military refueling aircraft are expected to remain stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport through at least 2027, with the aircraft and the personnel required to operate them positioned in and around the airport. Officials say a letter from the Civil Aviation Authority head to the Transportation Minister describes Ben-Gurion as operating like a military base rather than a civilian airport, highlighting the ongoing civilian-military mix at the facility. The arrangement could influence flight prices by deterring some foreign airlines from resuming regular service to Tel Aviv. The development follows recently launched joint operations by Israeli and American air forces against Iran. Separately, an airport employee was dismissed after photographing US military planes at the airport and posting the images in a messaging group.

In Nearly 80% of Gazans open to emigrating from Strip, COGAT survey finds - exclusive, a survey of Gazans presented to senior Israeli officials shows nearly eight in ten express openness to leaving the Gaza Strip, with many seeking information about relocating through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. The findings are framed as evidence of growing civilian frustration as Hamas refuses to disarm, a condition tied to proposed postwar reconstruction plans. Respondents were asked what information they would want about the Palestinian public; about 80% asked for details on relocation pathways, roughly 17.5% sought information on food and humanitarian aid, and about 2.5% on medical humanitarian issues. Israeli officials view the results as indicating a strong appetite to exit Gaza, with reconstruction prospects appearing distant.

In Hamas names former intelligence head Mohammed Ouda as new leader of military wing - report, Hamas has named Mohammed Ouda as the new head of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades after the assassination of Haddad. Ouda previously served as head of military intelligence for the Qassam Brigades during the October 7 attack. He was reportedly offered the role after the May 2025 assassination of Sinwar but declined at that time. He was selected in part because he is one of the last remaining council members who had an active role in planning and supervising the October 7 operation. The only remaining core council member is Imad Aqel, who did not participate in the attack, and Deif, who led the group during the attack and was killed in 2024, has been removed from the leadership. Ouda has survived several assassination attempts.

In Rashida Tlaib reintroduces resolution to recognize 'ongoing Palestinian Nakba', a measure reintroduced to the House on Nakba Day calls for official commemoration of the Nakba and for US legislators to denounce an 'ongoing Nakba.' The resolution argues that "The Nakba never ended" and accuses the Israeli government of genocide in Gaza, while calling for renewed UN relief efforts, Nakba education, and a reevaluation of US support. If enacted, the measure would establish US policy to reject denial of the Nakba and to promote Nakba education, resume aid to UNRWA, and end US complicity by prohibiting Israel from using American-made weapons against Palestinians and cutting diplomatic support; the resolution is cosponsored by additional members of Congress.

In Government exploring plans to seize Arab homes, public buildings in Jerusalem's Old City - report, the government is forming an inter-ministry team to study seizures of Arab-owned properties in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, with dozens of Arab homes at risk of evacuation. The properties are said to belong to residents who refused to evacuate after the 1967 reunification, under the British Mandate-era 1943 Land Ordinance, which allows expropriation for public purposes. The focus area includes Chain Gate Street, a busy commercial and tourist axis near the Temple Mount, where several important institutions, including Jerusalem Waqf sites, are located. The section of the plan underscores long-standing tensions over property and control in a highly symbolic part of the city.

In The fascination with the haredi problem, and where it leads - analysis, an analysis piece examines whether ultra-Orthodox parties will permit Prime Minister Netanyahu one final chance to push through the controversial haredi conscription law, noting the upcoming electoral deadline of October 27 and whether extra time could change the outcome. The piece suggests that, in practice, substantial progress is unlikely in the final weeks of the current session.

In Lapid warns Likud MKs backing haredi draft bill from Netanyahu pressure will ‘not fall under radar', opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that any Likud Members of Knesset who back the draft bill under pressure from Netanyahu’s coalition will not go unnoticed. He threatened a nationwide billboard campaign labeling supporters as evaders in wartime, as the first vote to dissolve the Knesset looms. A deputy foreign minister confirmed that a broad pressure campaign is underway to secure backing for the bill.

In Noam Bettan meets with President Isaac Herzog after winning second place at Eurovision, Noam Bettan, Israel’s Eurovision contestant, was welcomed by President Isaac Herzog after his second-place finish in Vienna amid demonstrations and boos. Herzog hosted Bettan and his Eurovision team, praising their unity and spirit. Bettan’s achievement is described as a moment of national pride and a notable boost to his career, even as he and his team continue to navigate a challenging public moment.

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.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-896603
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896602
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896600
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