LIVE BLOG: Iran Rejects US Conditions as Hezbollah Escalates Attacks – Day 78

May 17, 2026
Israeli attacks killed and wounded Palestinians in Gaza as Hezbollah escalated strikes and Israeli military losses mounted.

An Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon. (Photo: video grab, via social media)

Key Developments

• Israeli attacks across Gaza killed and wounded Palestinians, including civilians targeted in Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Gaza City.
• Al-Qassam said Palestinian resistance would continue following the assassination of commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
• Israeli media reported a Golani Brigade platoon commander was killed in southern Lebanon after a drone incident.
• Hezbollah condemned Haddad’s assassination and launched new attacks targeting Israeli military positions and equipment.
• Yoav Gallant admitted Israel failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives against Iran.

Sun, May 17, 5:58 PM (Palestine Time)
IRGC Reaffirms Support for Gaza Resistance after Haddad Killing
AL MAYADEEN:

• The Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard reaffirmed “unlimited support” for what he described as the history-making resistance and said no effort would be spared in backing it.
• He said the enemy must realize the “steely will” of the people of Gaza cannot be broken and will ultimately triumph.
• Offering condolences over the martyrdom of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, he said the occupation’s actions exposed what he described as false promises surrounding the Gaza truce.

Lebanon Death Toll Rises as Israeli Strikes Continue
LEBANESE MINISTRY OF HEALTH: Since the expansion of Israeli aggression on March 2, the death toll has reached 2,988 martyrs and 9,210 wounded.
AL-MAYADEEN:

• At least three martyrs and five wounded were reported following an Israeli attack on the town of Tayr Falsayh.
• Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Deir Antar, Al-Babliya, and Adshit.
• Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Tibnin.
• Abdul-Malik al-Houthi Reaffirms Support for Gaza and Region

YEMEN:

• Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said support for Gaza and the Palestinian people remains unwavering, extending also to Lebanon, Iran, and others across the region.
• Commenting on Haddad’s killing, he said such sacrifices only increase “strength, determination, and patience.”

Iranian President Stresses Regional Security Cooperation
IRAN: During a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, President Masoud Pezeshkian said cooperation among neighboring countries to prevent terrorists from exploiting their territories was an important step.
Drone Infiltration Alerts Triggered in Northern Israel
ISRAELI MEDIA:

• The occupation army said alerts were activated over suspected hostile aircraft incursions into several northern areas.
• Sirens sounded in Avn Menachem, Shtula, Zar’it, and Shomera in the Western Galilee amid fears of drone infiltration.

Sun, May 17, 4:03 PM (Palestine Time)
Five Demands and a Warning: Iran Rejects US Conditions for Future Talks
Reports revealed new US demands for Iran talks as Tehran rejected conditions and warned against further escalation.
 
Sun, May 17, 4:02 PM (Palestine Time)
Hamas Condemns Deir al-Balah Strike, Urges Mediator Action
HAMAS:

• We demand that mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement assume their responsibilities and condemn the horrific crime in Deir al-Balah.
• The occupation’s targeting of a food distribution center in Deir al-Balah is a full-fledged crime and a renewed scene of genocide against our people in Gaza.

Israeli Army Reports Injuries in Southern Lebanon Explosion
ISRAELI ARMY SPOKESPERSON: Four people were injured, one seriously, in an explosion in southern Lebanon last night.
Hezbollah Announces New Attacks on Israeli Forces
HEZBOLLAH:

• Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers inside a tent in the town of Al-Bayada with a swoop attack, and evacuation teams were seen transporting the wounded.
• Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy army vehicles and soldiers in the town of Rashaf with a rocket barrage.

Israeli Attacks Continue across Southern Lebanon and Gaza
AL-MAYADEEN:

• Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif in the Nabatieh district.
• A barrage of rockets was launched toward Israeli occupation forces in the eastern sector.
• An Israeli drone opened fire east of Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Amal Movement Says War Aims to Undermine Lebanese Sovereignty
AMAL MOVEMENT: The current war is a blatant Israeli attempt, using the same aggressive tools and tactics, to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Iranian Officials Warn of US Strategic Costs
IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Supreme Leader, said Washington may soon find it increasingly difficult to maintain credibility in West Asia.
• Velayati added that Trump’s threats, encouraged by Tel Aviv, could push the United States into a strategic trap.

New York Times Reports Second Israeli Base in Iraq
THE NEW YORK TIMES, citing Iraqi officials: A second Israeli base exists in the western Iraqi desert.
 
Sun, May 17, 3:05 PM (Palestine Time)
‘Ghosts and Skeletons’: UN Demands Probe into Palestinian Prisoner Deaths
The United Nations called for investigations after documenting dozens of Palestinian prisoner deaths and allegations of systematic abuse.
 
Sun, May 17, 2:01 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Airstrikes Continue across Southern Lebanon
AL-MAYADEEN: Hostile Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif in the Nabatieh district.
Hezbollah Announces New Attacks on Israeli Forces
HEZBOLLAH:

• Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy army vehicles and soldiers in the town of Rashaf with a rocket barrage.
• Resistance fighters targeted an enemy army bulldozer in the town of Al-Bayada with a swoop attack, achieving a confirmed hit.

Israeli Attacks Kill Palestinians across Gaza
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Gaza hospitals reported six martyrs in the Gaza Strip since this morning due to Israeli airstrikes and attacks.
AL-MAYADEEN: The death toll from the Israeli bombing near Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza City rose to three martyrs.
IRGC Warns of Psychological Warfare and Disinformation
IRAN:

• The Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard said public relations efforts must remain on the front lines by identifying enemy psychological operations and confronting fake news.
• In a statement marking Communications and Public Relations Day, he said the enemy seeks to sow discord and division within society.

Sun, May 17, 1:58 PM (Palestine Time)
Secret ICC Warrants Target Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, Other Israeli Officials – Report
Secret arrest warrant requests targeting senior Israeli officials reportedly signal an expanded ICC focus beyond Gaza war leadership.
 
Sun, May 17, 1:44 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Strikes Kill Palestinians in Gaza as Khan Yunis, Tuffah Come under Heavy Fire
Israeli strikes killed Palestinians across Gaza as shelling and drone fire intensified despite continued ceasefire violations.
 
Sun, May 17, 1:35 PM (Palestine Time)
Haaretz Reports Secret ICC Warrants
ISRAELI MEDIA: Haaretz reported that the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued secret arrest warrants against three Israeli politicians and two military figures.
UAE Says Fire at Barakah Nuclear Plant Contained
UAE ABU DHABI OFFICE:

• A fire that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region has been brought under control.
• Authorities said the fire caused no injuries, had no impact on radiation safety levels, and that all precautionary measures were implemented.

Iran Says Washington Seeking New Pretexts over Hormuz
IRAN:

• Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Washington’s statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz appear aimed at creating “the next big lie” to justify what he described as an illegal war under the pretext of protecting global energy markets.
• Fars News Agency sources said Iran reaffirmed that any negotiations depend on fulfilling five confidence-building conditions.
• According to Fars, the American response also included five core conditions.
• Sources said the proposed US plan attempts to achieve through diplomacy objectives Washington failed to secure during the war.
• Fars sources added that even if Iran met the conditions, threats of future US-Israeli aggression would remain.

Iranian Officials Issue Warnings, Appointments after Haddad Killing
IRAN:

• Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been appointed Iran’s special representative for China affairs following a proposal by the president and approval by the Supreme Leader.
• Ghalibaf said the martyrdom of Qassam Brigades Chief of Staff Izz ad-Din al-Haddad during the truce period reaffirmed Israel’s “treachery” and violations of agreements.
• He also issued a message of condolence over Haddad’s death.
• Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson said any renewed attacks on Iran would expose US military assets to “new, offensive, surprise, and stormy scenarios.”
• The spokesperson added that any repeat of what was described as American “folly” would bring harsher blows.

Israeli Airstrikes Continue across Southern Lebanon
AL-MAYADEEN:

• Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Majdal Selm.
• Hostile Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Tayr Dibba, Zibqin, and Deir Amas.

Sun, May 17, 12:16 PM (Palestine Time)
Massive Blast Shakes Central Israel, Doubts Emerge over Official Test Narrative
A massive late-night explosion near Beit Shemesh triggered panic and skepticism despite official claims of a planned test.
 
Sun, May 17, 11:24 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Palestinian, Wounds Several in Khan Younis
AL-MAYADEEN: One killed and several wounded were reported after an Israeli drone strike targeted a group of civilians in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Israeli Drone Infiltration Alerts Sound in Northern Israel
ISRAELI MEDIA: Sirens sounded in Manara and Margaliot in the Galilee region due to fears of drone infiltration.
Israeli Airstrikes Intensify across Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa
AL-MAYADEEN:

• Hostile Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Zibqin in southern Lebanon.
• An Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Jebchit.
• An Israeli drone strike targeted the outskirts of the town of Sahmar in the western Bekaa Valley.
• Israeli warplanes launched three consecutive airstrikes on the outskirts of Yahmar in the western Bekaa.
• A second Israeli attack targeted the area between the towns of Sahmar and Yahmar in the western Bekaa.
• Israeli airstrike also targeted the outskirts of Sahmar in the western Bekaa Valley.

Sun, May 17, 11:20 AM (Palestine Time)
Western Media Complicity in Zionist War Crimes is Betrayal of Journalism 101
Western media platforms that display a tenacity to hold onto a relationship of “baaskap” with consumers are among many cowards within the journalist fraternity who regularly “sanitize” Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
 
Sun, May 17, 11:19 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Media Warns of Manpower Crisis, Questions Beit Shemesh Blast Narrative
ISRAELI MEDIA:

• The military establishment believes Hezbollah identified an army position inside Deir Siryan and carried out a precise strike that killed an officer.
• The Israeli army chief of staff said the military will not be able to fulfill its duties long-term without extending mandatory service and resolving the conscription issue.
• Reports said the army is experiencing a manpower collapse and that the public is not sufficiently aware of the problem.
• Maariv reported there are growing doubts surrounding the explosion in Beit Shemesh, saying “something is being hidden.”
• Maariv said the explanation issued by the Tomer company, which manufactures rocket and missile engines, is being treated with skepticism.
• i24 reported doubts over claims that the Beit Shemesh explosion was part of a planned test, saying the full circumstances remain unclear.

Former Canadian Diplomats Call for Sanctions on Israel
CANADA: Nearly 200 former senior Canadian diplomats called on the government to impose sanctions on Israel and reconsider the trade agreement between the two sides.
UK Announces New Anti-Drone System Deployment
REUTERS: The British government announced the deployment of a new low-cost anti-drone system in the Middle East.
Israeli Reconnaissance Continues over Southern Lebanon
AL-MAYADEEN: Israeli helicopters carried out reconnaissance operations over the town of Qantara in southern Lebanon.
Iran Says Haddad Assassination Part of Wider Israeli Strategy
IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: The assassination of Izz ad-Din al-Haddad is part of Israel’s criminal plan to erase Palestine.
Hezbollah Announces New Operations in Southern Lebanon
HEZBOLLAH:

• Resistance fighters detonated explosive devices targeting a fourth Israeli army bulldozer attempting to advance from Rashaf toward Hadatha.
• Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy vehicles and soldiers on the outskirts of Haddatha with a rocket barrage.

Sun, May 17, 12:00 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Officer Killed, Hezbollah Expands Drone and Rocket Operations
Israeli occupation forces acknowledged fresh losses as Hezbollah intensified drone, missile, and artillery operations across southern Lebanon.
 
Sat, May 16, 11:10 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Attacks Kill and Wound Palestinians across Gaza
AL-MAYADEEN:

• Two people, including a child, were injured by Israeli army gunfire near Abu Hamid roundabout in central Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
• A woman was wounded by Israeli occupation forces near Abu Hamid roundabout in central Khan Younis.
• One martyr and several injuries were reported after Israeli warplanes targeted a group of civilians in front of a school in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
• Two martyrs and five wounded were reported after Israeli bombing targeted a civilian vehicle near Al-Wahda Tower on Al-Shifa Street west of Gaza City.
• A civilian vehicle was bombed west of Gaza City.

Qassam Brigades Say Struggle Will Continue after Haddad Assassination
AL-QASSAM BRIGADES:

• Our people’s struggle will continue until the liberation of the land and people and the cleansing of Al-Aqsa from the defilement of the usurpers.
• The occupation’s ongoing crimes, most recently the assassination of Commander Abu Suhaib, are clear evidence of its criminality and repeated violations of promises.

Israeli Media Reports Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon
ISRAELI MEDIA:

• The occupation army spokesperson said a platoon commander in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade was killed in southern Lebanon.
• An Israeli soldier was killed following a drone explosion in southern Lebanon.
• i24 News reported Israel is losing its capabilities and advantages over Hezbollah and that the current war of attrition will continue.

Hezbollah Condemns Killing of Qassam Commander
HEZBOLLAH:

• We strongly condemn the crime committed by the occupation that led to the martyrdom of Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
• The crime reveals the extent of the enemy’s contempt, its violation of promises, and confirms that bloodshed drives its conduct.

Hezbollah Says Israeli Bulldozer Targeted in Deir Siryan
HEZBOLLAH: Islamic Resistance said its fighters targeted an Israeli army bulldozer at Khallat Raj in the town of Deir Siryan with a swoop attack, achieving a confirmed hit.
Gallant Says Strategic Goals against Iran Not Achieved
ISRAELI MEDIA: Former Israeli War Minister Yoav Gallant said: “I’m speaking clearly — none of the strategic objectives regarding Iran have been achieved.”
 
Sat, May 16, 7:39 PM (Palestine Time)
Hamas Mourns Qassam Commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad
HAMAS:

• A second round will be held at a later date according to the movement’s regulations and systems.
• We call on the international community and guarantor states to act to compel the occupation to stop its crimes and aggression against civilians in Gaza.
• Commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad played a prominent role in managing the confrontation with the occupation during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood.
• We mourn the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander-in-chief of the Qassam Brigades, who was martyred in an Israeli assassination operation alongside his wife, daughter, and civilians.

Rocket Fire Intensifies across Southern Lebanon
ISRAELI MEDIA: Several rockets were fired at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon over the last few minutes.
AL-MAYADEEN: A barrage of rockets was fired toward Israeli occupation army positions in the western sector of southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah Rejects Concessions and Direct Negotiations
HEZBOLLAH:

• We call for adherence to national principles, including occupation withdrawal, ending aggression, releasing prisoners, and reconstruction without restrictions.
• The negotiation process since the ceasefire agreement has brought Lebanon nothing but more aggression, pressure, and destruction.
• We warn Lebanese authorities against making gratuitous concessions or entering political and security tracks that infringe upon sovereignty and national rights.
• On the anniversary of the May 17 Agreement, we reject external pressures pushing Lebanon toward a peace agreement or direct negotiations with the occupation.

Hezbollah Announces New Attacks on Israeli Forces
HEZBOLLAH:

• Islamic Resistance targeted an occupation Hummer vehicle in Taybeh town square with a swoop attack, achieving a confirmed hit.
• Resistance fighters targeted a Namera armored vehicle in Taybeh town square with a swoop attack.
• Gatherings of occupation vehicles and soldiers in Deir Siryan were targeted with artillery shells and rocket barrages.

Israeli Strikes Continue across Southern Lebanon
AL-MAYADEEN:

• Five people, including a child, sustained minor injuries after the airstrike targeting Hanawiya.
• Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Maashouq area in the Tyre district.

Lebanese Health Ministry Updates Casualty Figures
LEBANESE MINISTRY OF HEALTH: Occupation attacks from March 2 to May 16 resulted in 2,969 martyrs and 9,112 wounded.