Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-18 at 10:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Gaza, Dismantles Terrorist Targets
2. Hezbollah Threats Prompt Israeli Defense Interceptions
3. Regional Tensions Rise as Yemen Missile Test Fails
The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel remains engaged in a multi-front military operation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing threats across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Israeli Defense Forces continue their targeted strikes across Gaza, destroying dozens of military sites and weapon caches, with reports indicating approximately forty targets hit in the past 24 hours. These operations aim to weaken militant groups and prevent further escalation in the region.
In the north, Israeli troops and intelligence units are active in southern Lebanon, where they are confronting Hezbollah and other hostile elements. Israeli officials emphasize ongoing efforts to prevent spillover and to neutralize threats before they can escalate into a wider regional conflict. Meanwhile, in Syria and Iraq, Israeli air defenses have intercepted and responded to missile and drone threats, some originating from Iranian-backed militias. A recent incident involved the interception of a ballistic missile over Bethlehem, fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen, testing Israel’s new warning systems. The missile was intercepted by the Arrow 3 system, and fragments fell in the Beit Fajar area south of Bethlehem. This morning’s alert experienced mixed results, highlighting ongoing challenges in early warning reliability, but the system’s deployment marks an effort to improve civilian safety amid increasing regional missile activity.
On the international front, the conflict has led to significant disruptions, with civilian aircraft diverted from their usual routes and delays reported at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, Israeli military operations continue to target terrorist infrastructure, with the IDF confirming the destruction of weapons depots and the elimination of militants. The Israeli government underscores that these actions are part of a comprehensive effort to degrade terrorist capabilities and ensure national security.
Within Israel, domestic issues persist. A fire broke out in a residential building in Tel Aviv’s Via Shlomo street, resulting in injuries to a woman who was transported for medical treatment. The incident is under investigation, with firefighters working to contain the blaze and ensure safety. Additionally, authorities uncovered remnants of weapons and explosive devices in other locations, including an apartment in Aven Yehuda, where police and bomb disposal units are conducting investigations.
On the security threat front, Israeli prosecutors announced the indictment of two teenagers—one Israeli and one Palestinian—suspected of pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning an attack on a synagogue in Lod. The plan involved distracting security personnel while another attacker would carry out the assault with a poisoned knife, aiming to seize weapons and open fire on congregants.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the tragic death of a young Israeli woman, Gnanane Suleiman, in a cable car crash was confirmed. The victim, aged 25, was among the casualties in the accident, which also injured a fellow Israeli survivor and several others, including a British tourist. The incident has prompted international grief and calls for safety reviews of cable car operations.
In the broader regional context, Jordan has canceled its weekly protests supporting Gaza for the first time since October 2023, reflecting the growing domestic sensitivities amid ongoing violence and regional tensions. Israel’s military and intelligence agencies maintain that their operations are vital to protecting Israeli citizens and preventing further attacks. They emphasize that
Published on 1 month ago