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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-18 at 08:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Meets US to Block Iran Nuclear Deal
2. Yemen Strikes Kill Dozens in Key Houthi Port
3. Lebanon Pushes Back Against Iran-Backed Influence
The time is now 04:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 4:00 AM, the Middle East remains a focal point of intense geopolitical activity amidst a backdrop of escalating conflicts and diplomatic maneuvers. Israel’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, and Mossad chief David Barnea are currently in Paris to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff ahead of upcoming nuclear negotiations with Iran, set to take place in Rome this Saturday. Reports indicate that Washington has blocked Israel’s proposed military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, heightening tensions over the region’s volatile situation.
Meanwhile, Lebanon is witnessing a shift in control as authorities push to reassert authority over areas traditionally influenced by Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah. For decades, these groups have maintained significant influence within Lebanese territory, especially in the south. Recent steps by Lebanese authorities suggest a more assertive stance amid ongoing tensions with Israel, which continues to scrutinize Iran’s regional ambitions.
In Yemen, the US has launched strikes targeting Houthi-controlled infrastructure, notably the Ras Issa fuel port, in an effort to cut off funding and supply routes for the Iran-backed rebels. According to Huthi sources, at least 38 individuals were killed in these strikes, with over 100 injured. The strikes aim to degrade the Houthis’ economic capabilities, which have long terrorized shipping lanes in the Red Sea and threaten regional stability. Israel reports intercepting a missile from Yemen, underscoring the expanding scope of the conflict.
In a broader regional context, the US has announced plans to intensify scrutiny of social media activity among visa applicants and migrants, particularly those with connections to Gaza or who have visited the region since 2007. This move aims to curb anti-Semitic activity and prevent pro-Palestinian protests within the United States.
On the diplomatic front, US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, expressed strong support for Israel at the Western Wall, emphasizing the importance of bringing home hostages held in Gaza and reaffirming American commitment to Israel’s security. Huckabee also addressed Iran’s nuclear pursuits, asserting that the Islamic Republic would never develop nuclear weapons and remains a significant threat to both Israel and the United States.
In economic news, global markets opened with mixed results, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions. Tokyo’s Nikkei rose 0.60%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased 1.60%, while Shanghai’s Composite fell 0.35%. Major Western markets closed yesterday for Passover, with no trading today or Monday, as investors monitor developments in the Middle East and the impact of US policy shifts.
Further afield, in Yemen, US strikes on the Houthi-controlled port of Ras Issa resulted in significant casualties, marking one of the deadliest attacks against the rebels. The Pentagon states these actions aim to cut off funding sources that sustain Houthi operations. The conflict continues to threaten maritime navigation, especially with recent missile interceptions by Israel from Yemen.
In South Asia, protests in Pakistan have turned violent, with over 170 arrests following attacks on KFC outlets in Karachi, triggered by calls from religious figures to boycott brands supporting Israel or the American economy amid the Gaza conflict.
Finally, in the United States, there are reports of increased security measures. The Biden administration is considering enhanced social media monitoring of individuals seeking visas or holding visas who have visited Gaza since 2007, aiming to combat anti-Semitic
Published on 1 month ago