LiveLive Updates May 18, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMay 18, 2026UpdatesLebanon's death toll passes 3,000 as Israel, Hezbollah war persists despite truce extensionMore than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since the war began on March 2, the country's health ministry reported in its latest casualty toll on Monday. Smoke rises following an Israeli strike in Choukine, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Stringer/ReutersSmoke rises following an Israeli strike in Choukine, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Stringer/ReutersIsrael carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday, Lebanese security sources and the state news agency said, while Hezbollah announced new attacks on Israeli forces, continuing ‌the war in Lebanon despite the extension of a U.S.-backed truce.Report: Senior Hamas intelligence commander tapped to replace slain military chiefMasked militants from the Iz al-Din Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, march with their weapons along the main road of Nusseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 2021. Credit: Adel Hana/APMasked militants from the Iz al-Din Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, march with their weapons along the main road of Nusseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 2021. Credit: Adel Hana/APMohammed Awda has been chosen to succeed Izz al-Din Haddad as leader of Hamas' military wing, the Iz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the Saudi-owned daily Asharq al Awsat reported Monday, citing several Hamas sources in the Gaza Strip. Awda's promotion follows al-Haddad's assassination by Israel in an airstrike Friday. He is reportedly in his late 40s or early 50s.According to the London-based newspaper, Awda, who served as the brigade's military intelligence chief on October 7, 2023, was in close contact with al-Haddad. The two were working on plans to "renew the organizational structure" of Hamas following the assassination of the military wings' two previous leaders, Mohammed Deif and Mohammed Sinwar, three Hamas sources told the daily. From right, Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Mohammed Sinwar are seen in a screengrab from a video published by Hamas' military wing. Credit: Iz al-Din Qassam Brigades via Asharq Al-AwsatFrom right, Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Mohammed Sinwar are seen in a screengrab from a video published by Hamas' military wing. Credit: Iz al-Din Qassam Brigades via Asharq Al-AwsatAwda was offered and refused the role of brigades leader following Sinwar's assassination, the newspaper reported, citing one source.According to the report, Awda was seen as al-Haddad's sole successor as the only other core member of the military council did not take an active role in planning the October 7 attacks. Hamas sources said Awda contributed significantly to the development of the brigades' intelligence operations, the daily reported. "Awda always preferred this type of work and disliked direct field operations," the newspaper quoted sources as saying.Hamas sources said Awda joined the organization during the first intifada in 1987. According to the report, he is considered one of the Qassam Brigades' first members, joining after the outbreak of the second intifada in 2000.Turkey's foreign minister: 'No reason for ⁠U.S. ⁠and Iran not to find common ground through negotiations'German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (R) and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan arrive to a joint press conference following talks at the Foreign Office in Berlin on Monday. Credit: Ralf Hirschberger/AFP German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (R) and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan arrive to a joint press conference following talks at the Foreign Office in Berlin on Monday. Credit: Ralf Hirschberger/AFP Turkey believes there ‌is no reason for ⁠the United States ⁠and Iran not to find common ground through negotiations, Foreign Minister Hakan ‌Fidan said ‌on Monday. According to Fidan, Ankara's priority was contributing to Pakistan's mediation efforts and maintaining the cease-fire.Speaking at a ⁠press conference in Berlin, Fidan said ‌Turkey wanted ⁠to believe ‌that both Iran and the United States ⁠were aware of the dangers of resuming their ‌conflict. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that ‌Turkey has the potential ‌to exert "considerable influence" ⁠on the wars ⁠in Ukraine and Iran. "Turkey has the ‌potential to exert considerable influence on these trouble spots, not only because of its geographical proximity, but also ⁠because of its enormous political and economic ‌significance," Wadephul ⁠told ‌reporters in Berlin.It was desirable to keep ⁠strengthening strategic relations between Turkey and the European Union, ‌he added.Sister of Irish president among 6 Irish citizens detained by Israel on Gaza flotilla, local media reports The sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly is one of at least six Irish citizens detained Monday by Israel aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ reported. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Credit: RTÉMargaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Credit: RTÉIn footage recorded before her detention and seen by the broadcaster, Margaret Connolly said she had been "kidnapped," and was "being held illegally in an Israeli prison." Appearing alongside five others, Connoloy reportedly said she was "so proud to be taking part in this flotilla," adding it was "the largest to date."The daily Irish Examiner reported that 15 Irish citizens participated in the flotilla. Speaking to the newspaper, Maureen Alma, a nurse, said she was "sailing as part of the healthcare team on the Doctors to Gaza boat," to break the Israeli blockade and to "show solidarity with our Palestinian colleagues."Speaking to reporters in London, Catherine Connolly said she was "very worried" for her sister, adding, "it's quite upsetting." The president also expressed concern for the other participants on board. Ireland's President Catherine Connolly in Hammersmith, London, Monday. Credit: Jordan Pettitt/ PA via AP Ireland's President Catherine Connolly in Hammersmith, London, Monday.Credit: Jordan Pettitt/ PA via AP Connolly, a left-wing independent, was elected president in October. Her role is largely ceremonial. She has drawn criticism for her views on Palestinians and the militant group Hamas, among other issues.In September, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin criticized Connolly's comments describing Hamas as "part of the fabric of the Palestinian people," saying she appeared reluctant to condemn the group's actions in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.Connolly later said she "utterly condemned" Hamas' actions, while also criticizing Israel for carrying out what she described as genocide in Gaza.Three journalists give police statements regarding ties to key Qatargate suspectThree Israeli journalists recently gave witness statements to Israel Police in connection with the Qatargate affair as part of additional investigative steps requested by prosecutors, Haaretz has learned. Eli Feldstein, former spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key Qatargate suspect, 2025. Credit: Moti MilrodEli Feldstein, former spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key Qatargate suspect, 2025.Credit: Moti MilrodThe statements were intended to shed light on the journalists' relationship with Eli Feldstein, former spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and on reports of Qatari origin they had published.The prosecutors' request followed a police statement in January that the investigation had been completed. It also comes amid reports of additional supplementary investigative steps, including the collection of testimony from senior public officials.5 hours agoU.S. agrees to suspend Iran oil sanctions while truce talks proceed, Iranian source says Oil tankers sit at anchor offshore in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, May. Credit: Amirhosein Khorgooi/AP Oil tankers sit at anchor offshore in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, May. Credit: Amirhosein Khorgooi/AP The United States has agreed to suspend oil sanctions on Iran while cease-fire talks continue, the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency reported, citing an Iranian source.A U.S. official denied the report later Monday, CNBC reported. According to the report, Iran agreed to a long-term freeze on its nuclear program but would not fully dismantle its capabilities. The Iranian proposal was conditioned on transferring the country's enriched uranium to Russia rather than to the United States, Tasnim reported. The source also said Tehran withdrew its demand for compensation and instead requested economic concessions.The Iranian conservative daily Farhikhtegan reported that although the U.S. had softened its position on the transfer of nuclear materials, sources close to the negotiating team warned of a significant gap between the sides.According to the report, Tehran will discuss enrichment only after the war concludes. An informed source quoted by the newspaper said "optimism should not be injected" because major differences remain despite "some advancements."Speaking to Reuters, a senior Iranian source said the U.S. had shown flexibility in the ongoing talks, including on Iran's nuclear program. The source added that Washington also agreed to unfreeze 25 percent of Iranian funds held by the U.S.The Saudi-backed Al Arabiya reported that Iran requested a multiphase cease-fire alongside a political framework for a final agreement that would allow it to "preserve its dignity." The report cited the Iranian position as submitted to U.S. negotiators.Iran also requested a gradual and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Arabiya reported. In addition, Tehran proposed separating talks on shipping routes from the dispute over its nuclear program, alongside guarantees for Pakistan and Oman to mediate any future regional conflict.Iraq says it is investigating drone attack against Saudi Arabia on Sunday Iraq ‌said on Monday ⁠it was investigating ⁠the circumstances around a drone attack Saudi Arabia ‌said was ‌launched from Iraqi territory on Sunday.Iraq's Foreign Ministry also said ⁠in its statement that Iraqi air ‌defences ⁠had ‌not detected any drones being ⁠launched in the country's airspace.5 hours agoDemocrats party leader says he is unsure if Netanyahu is 'physically and cognitively fit' to lead the military The Democrats party leader Yair Golan speaks to reporters at his party's faction meeting in the Knesset, Jerusalem, in May. Credit: Itay Cohen The Democrats party leader Yair Golan speaks to reporters at his party's faction meeting in the Knesset, Jerusalem, in May. Credit: Itay Cohen Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats Party, said Monday he was unsure whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "physically and cognitively fit" to lead Israel's military campaigns."I am not sure that Netanyahu, in his current condition, is physically and cognitively fit to manage the difficult campaigns we are dealing with," Golan said, speaking to reporters at the opening of his party's weekly faction meeting in the Knesset."Netanyahu, as usual, is unable to make a decision that is for Israel's security," the former general said. "He prefers his personal interests – and the victims are again IDF soldiers and northern residents who were abandoned on October 7 and are now being abandoned once again."Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot in 2025. Credit: Naftali Bennett Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot in 2025. Credit: Naftali Bennett On Sunday, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the Beyahad party, met with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, according to a joint statement released Monday.The statement said the two discussed steps needed to convene a future government and agreed to meet again soon.Hezbollah drone strikes northern Israel, no casualties reported An explosive drone detonated Monday near the northern Israeli border town of Shomera. No casualties were reported. Sirens sounded in towns near the Lebanon border, including the city of Kiryat Shmona. The Israeli military said the incident was under review. David Azoulay, head of the nearby Metula Council, said in a statement that several explosions were heard and interceptors were launched, criticizing what he described as the repetitive nature of the attacks."Again, a siren. Again, fire during a cease-fire," Azoulay said. "In the end they'll sell us the story again that it was against IDF forces."The impact site in Shomera, northern Israel, AprilThe impact site in Shomera, northern Israel, AprilTwo Israeli soldiers were moderately wounded when a Hezbollah drone detonated near Shomera in late April. Ten other soldiers were lightly wounded, and one suffered smoke inhalation.RECAP: Six killed and 40 wounded in Gaza Strip over past 24 hoursHere are Monday's updates from the U.S.-Iran cease-fire and Israel's war with Hezbollah:■ Iran has submitted a new proposal to end the war with the U.S., through the Pakistani mediator, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian media.■ IDF posted on X an evacuation warning urging residents of several villages in southern Lebanon to stay away from targeted areas.■ Six killed and 40 wounded in Gaza Strip over past 24 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.■ Israeli Navy is seizing boats participating in the Turkish flotilla headed to the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza flotilla organizers, the IDF seized 15 boats and contact was lost with 23 vessels.■ Israeli military killed an Islamic Jihad commander along with his daughter overnight into Monday in eastern Lebanon, Lebanese media said.■ Israeli court granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to cancel the hearing in his trial on Monday morning "for security and political reasons that do not allow the Prime Minister to appear."■ Israeli settlers set fire to property in the yard of a house in Wadi Rahim in the South Hebron Hills, threw a Molotov cocktail onto the balcony and poured flammable liquid on the steps of the house, according to a Palestinian report.In the NewsNeanderthals Seasonally Ate Snails on the Seashore of Spain 115,000 Years AgoChannel 14 Aired Election Polls by Firm It Formed Without Disclosing OwnershipTrump Says He Is Holding Off on Iran Strikes Set for Tuesday at Gulf's RequestWill Condemning Netanyahu Be Enough for Democratic Voters These Midterms?Have Benjamin Netanyahu's Polling Numbers Hit a Concrete Ceiling?Remembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityEverybody Loses in the Cynical Israeli-Palestinian Sexual Violence CompetitionWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedIsrael Attacks New York Times for Report on Sexual Violence by Israeli Forces