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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-18 at 16:05
HEADLINES
1. US Weapons Left Behind Fuel Global Terror Threat
2. Israel Targets Hezbollah Amid Persistent Lebanon Tensions
3. Iran Seeks Guarantees as Nuclear Talks Stall
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at noon, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate across multiple fronts. In Afghanistan, sources reveal that following the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, approximately one million American weapons were left behind, with an estimated half a million now unaccounted for. These weapons reportedly have been trafficked to various terror groups, including the Houthis in Yemen, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The Taliban asserts that all weapons are securely stored, though a UN report indicates that many of these arms are now in the hands of hostile entities, raising concerns about regional security and the proliferation of weapons among terrorist networks.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a drone attack targeted a vehicle near Sidon, resulting in one civilian death, amidst ongoing Israeli strikes in the area. Israel's military confirmed they targeted Hezbollah operatives responsible for communications infrastructure, despite a ceasefire agreement signed last November aimed at de-escalating hostilities. Israeli defense officials report continued near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah, even as the group claims adherence to the ceasefire.
In Gaza, the situation remains dire. Despite widespread destruction and displacement, there is little public protest against Hamas, which maintains control through a combination of deep-rooted societal ties and strategic repression. Israeli officials believe the absence of a credible alternative governance is a key factor sustaining Hamas's rule. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, is advancing plans to establish logistics hubs independent of Hamas to facilitate aid distribution, aiming to weaken the group's influence over the population and potentially shift control.
In the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reports indicate that a group of Israeli nationals attacked a Palestinian individual near Beta village during an IDF-organized trip, though the details are still developing. In a notable diplomatic development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Syria for the first time since 2007, meeting with President Bashar al-Assad to discuss regional developments, including the situation in Gaza.
On the international front, negotiations over Iran's nuclear program continue. Iranian officials have expressed skepticism about signing any future agreements without ironclad guarantees that former President Trump will not withdraw, as he did in 2018. Iran has indicated it is willing to accept certain limits on uranium enrichment but insists that sanctions on its oil and financial sectors be lifted promptly in exchange. Indirect talks in Oman and upcoming negotiations in Rome highlight ongoing efforts to reach a deal, though mutual mistrust remains high.
In the United States, President Biden faces domestic and international pressures. Former President Trump has criticized the administration’s handling of Afghanistan’s military equipment, asserting that the US must recover the weapons left behind—many of which have been sold or smuggled to adversaries. Additionally, legal proceedings continue against prominent figures like Sean "Diddy" Combs, whose sex trafficking trial is scheduled for May, with the judge denying a delay request.
Domestic issues also surface, with reports of protests in Israel involving the distribution of matzah near the home of a government minister, and a traffic accident in Giteit injuring several individuals. The Israeli government is expected to make a significant announcement tonight, with Prime Minister Be
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