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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-23 at 06:04
HEADLINES
1. Iran-backed Yemen missile sparks Israel alert
2. Israel debates military aid amid Gaza crisis
3. Internal chaos hampers Israel’s security efforts
The time is now 02:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 2:00 AM, Israel remains under intense multi-front pressure amid ongoing military operations and security challenges. Authorities have recently uncovered an explosive device believed to be from the October 7 massacre near Netivot, prompting bomb disposal teams to respond to the scene, which is located within an area under road construction. This discovery highlights the persistent threat from remnants of past attacks.
Meanwhile, security tensions persist across multiple regions. Early Wednesday, a missile launched from Yemen—backed by Iran—triggered sirens in Haifa and the Western Galilee, marking the first such alert in the city since November. The missile was reportedly intercepted, yet the incident underscores Iran-backed groups' ability to target Israel from distant fronts, adding to the complexity of Israel’s defense posture.
On the political front, a heated debate erupted during the cabinet meeting over the handling of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that aid would be delivered by Israeli soldiers or American companies to avoid strengthening Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. However, the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, insisted that Israeli soldiers would not be involved in distributing aid, leading to sharp exchanges with Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who demanded that the military be prepared to implement the government's directives.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted operations in Dura, near Hebron, placing posters warning against terrorism and emphasizing that violence only leads to destruction. Concurrently, soldiers also engaged in a campaign against terror infrastructure and detained suspects linked to ongoing hostilities.
In Lebanon, tensions remain high amid reports of renewed missile activity. A single missile from Yemen activated warning sirens in Haifa, and Israeli defense analysts are examining the unusual launch characteristics, suggesting the possibility of new Iranian or Houthi weapon systems being tested. The defense establishment continues to monitor these developments closely.
Additionally, a recent incident in Haifa saw the activation of sirens due to a missile from Yemen, with no casualties reported but several individuals treated after rushing to shelter. This event, the first in months, raises concerns about the escalation of missile threats from Iran-backed groups operating from Yemen and Lebanon.
Internally, disputes within Israel’s security apparatus have been intense. During a recent cabinet session, disagreements between ministers and military leaders spilled over into heated exchanges, with some ministers criticizing the military’s strategies and others demanding accountability. Notably, the chief of staff faced criticism for his approach to ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Furthermore, in the northern city of Ashdod, a bicycle rider was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle, highlighting ongoing risks to civilians amidst the conflict. In the south, a motorcyclist was injured in an accident on Road 40 near Tzofim Junction.
On the international front, a UK metal supplier reportedly severed ties with Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems following sustained pressure from pro-Palestinian activists, marking a symbolic victory for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement.
Finally, Israel’s domestic security remains tight. An IDF non-commissioned officer was wounded by a stray bullet during a military curfew, and emergency services confirmed the death of a four-year-old girl near Barta’a after she was found unconscious and without vi
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago