5 Towns CentralIsrael Expands Strikes As Hezbollah And Hamas Fronts Intensify
Jerusalem, Israel (May 16, 2026)
Gut Vuch / Shavuah Tov & Gut Chodesh Sivan to all!
Israel carried out extensive operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the past week while also announcing the elimination of senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza City, marking a significant escalation on multiple fronts.
The IDF said it has continued striking Hezbollah launch sites, weapons depots, observation posts, drone positions, and other military infrastructure used to threaten Israeli forces and northern communities. Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have included airstrikes guided by ground forces, with the military reporting strikes on ready-to-use launchers and buildings used by Hezbollah operatives. Recent reporting also confirmed continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon following renewed ceasefire-related diplomatic efforts.
Hezbollah has continued launching rockets, mortar shells, and drones toward areas where IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon and along the northern border. Israeli air defenses intercepted several aerial threats, while other launches fell in open areas or near operational zones. No injuries were reported in several of the latest incidents, though the repeated drone and rocket fire has kept northern communities on high alert.
In Gaza, Israel said it eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who had become one of Hamas’ most senior remaining military figures and was described by Israel as a key planner of the October 7 attacks. The strike took place in Gaza City, and international reports said several others were killed as well.
Israeli officials said Haddad had been involved in rebuilding Hamas’ military capabilities and managing parts of the hostage-holding network during the war. His elimination is being viewed by Israel as a major blow to Hamas’ remaining command structure in Gaza.
The developments come amid broader regional tension involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and stalled nuclear-related diplomacy. Recent reporting indicates that U.S.-Iran discussions remain focused on sequencing issues, including maritime security and nuclear restrictions, while European leaders have urged Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Israeli forces remain on heightened alert in both the north and south, with military leaders warning that operations will continue against terror groups attempting to attack Israeli civilians or soldiers.
Besuros Tovos.
BREAKING: The IDF has found a Hezbollah terror tunnel 25 meters underground, directly beneath a children’s clothing store in southern Lebanon.
This is only 2.7 miles from the Israeli border. pic.twitter.com/nn41OMoSXl
— Vivid.
(@VividProwess) May 16, 2026
After Hezbollah rockets attacks on IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon on Friday, IAF hit 2 terrorists operating from a structure in the area from which the rockets had been launched. Secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of munitions inside the structure pic.twitter.com/CfUSRO0ib7
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) May 16, 2026
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 15, 2026