Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-18 at 16:02

HEADLINES
US refueling aircraft stay at Ben-Gurion
Gazans nearly eighty percent seek emigration
Hamas names new Qassam Brigades leader

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, dozens of US military refueling aircraft are expected to remain stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport through the end of 2027, with the aircraft and the US personnel needed to operate them based in and around the airport, a situation already creating significant logistical challenges for the facility. Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakay has told the Transportation Minister Miri Regev that Ben-Gurion is operating like a military base rather than a civilian airport, and the arrangement could affect flight prices by deterring some foreign carriers from resuming regular Tel Aviv routes. The presence of the aircraft traces back to joint operations such as Roaring Lion and Epic Fury as Israeli and American forces conducted strikes against Iran, and a Ben-Gurion employee was fired after photographing US military planes and posting the images publicly, highlighting tensions surrounding the arrangement.

In Regional Impacts, nearly 80% of Gazans are interested in emigrating from the Gaza Strip, according to a survey shared with senior Israeli officials by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. The findings, seen by The Jerusalem Post, indicate growing civilian frustration as Hamas continues to refuse disarmament. When respondents were asked what information they would like to share with the Palestinian public, about relocation through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, nearly 80% said they wanted information on mechanisms for moving to a third country. About 17.5% sought additional information on food supplies and humanitarian aid, while roughly 2.5% expressed interest in medical humanitarian issues. Israeli officials view these results as evidence that a large portion of Gaza’s population remains focused on leaving the territory, with prospects for reconstruction seen as remote amid ongoing conflict.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas has named Mohammed Ouda as the new leader of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, its military wing, following the assassination of a top figure. Ouda previously served as head of military intelligence for the Qassam Brigades during the October 7 massacre and was reportedly offered the role after Mohammed Sinwar’s assassination in May 2025, but he reportedly declined at the time. He was chosen in part because he is among the last council members who played an active part in planning and supervising the October 7 attack. The report also notes that the only remaining core council member with current leadership involvement is home front commander Imad Aqel. Ouda formerly served under Mohammed Deif, who led the Qassam Brigades during the October 7 operation and was assassinated in 2024. Ouda has survived several assassination attempts over the years.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said that Gulf leaders urged him to hold off on striking Iran, naming Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as those who pressed for restraint. Trump wrote that, out of respect for these leaders, he instructed Secretary of War and the Joint Chiefs to cancel the scheduled attack and signaled that negotiations were underway toward a deal that would be acceptable to the United States and the broader region, including provisions ruling out nuclear weapons for Iran. In a separate post, Trump said he delayed the Iran strike planned for Tuesday after those Gulf leaders urged restraint, while noting the military remains ready for a large-scale assault if a satisfactory agreement is not reached.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government moved to establish an inter-ministry team to examine the seizure of Arab homes and public buildings in Jerusalem’s Old City, specifically along Chain Gate Street, a key border area between the Jewish and Muslim quarters near the Temple Mount. Dozens of Arab-owned homes are said to be at risk of eviction, with expropriation notices citing the 1943 British Mandate Land Ordinance that empowers the finance minister to expropriate real estate for public purposes. TheChain Gate Street area houses important Jerusalem Waqf institutions and other significant sites, according to the report. Separately, a prominent analysis argues that Israeli interest in the haredi conscription question reflects a public craving for drama rather than immediate political resolution, even as elections approach. Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that Likud members backing the haredi draft bill under Netanyahu’s pressure would not go unnoticed, promising a broad public backlash. In a related development, a law providing capital punishment for convicted terrorist murderers took effect in Judea and Samaria after the IDF Central Command chief signed the implementing military order.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish man in his 20s was beaten by a group of five or six men in Golders Green, London, in what police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime. Police arrived at the scene within six minutes and the victim required hospital treatment for injuries to the face and back. At this time, no arrests have been reported.

In Uplifting News, Noam Bettan met with President Isaac Herzog after winning second place at Eurovision in Vienna, despite demonstrations against Israel and pro-Palestinian protest imagery surrounding the event. Herzog welcomed Bettan, praising the sense of unity and the accomplishment amid challenging circumstances, and Bettan’s Eurovision showing is described as a major career boost and a source of national pride.

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/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-896599
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54514
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