Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-28 at 18:05
HEADLINES
1. Netanyahu’s Security Chief to Resign Amid Escalating Tensions
2. Hezbollah Denounces Israeli Incursions, Vows Resistance
3. Israel Cancels All Flights to Tel Aviv Over Security Fears
The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 2:00 PM, the situation across Israel and its neighboring regions remains tense and dynamic. Reports indicate that an alarm was activated in Moscow, with authorities confirming its necessity, though no further details of an immediate threat have been released. Within Israel, there are initial reports of gunfire in Jerusalem, currently under investigation, and two young men have been injured in an incident of violence in the city, with medical teams treating and evacuating the wounded to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, Israel’s security agencies continue to operate under heightened alert. The head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, announced that he will step down on June 15th after 35 years of service. In a speech at a memorial event for fallen personnel, Bar expressed responsibility for recent security failures, including the events of October 7th, and emphasized the importance of independence for the agency to operate without undue influence. His departure comes amid ongoing tensions with political leadership, notably with Prime Minister Netanyahu, over the handling of recent crises.
In the broader regional context, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem accused Israel of unjustified incursions into southern Lebanon, claiming these actions are aimed at political pressure and are allegedly approved by the United States. Qassem stressed Lebanon’s strength through resistance, the army, and the Lebanese people, asserting that the country will not revert to a period of American and Israeli dominance. Israel’s efforts to strengthen its position in Lebanon, including its past military presence, are viewed by Hezbollah as part of an ongoing campaign to weaken the Lebanese state.
In Syria, reports from Jerusalem suggest that US and Israeli military aircraft conducted three strikes on the Al-Harif Sufyan district in Marib province of Yemen, an area known for Iranian-supported militant activity. These strikes are believed to target Iranian-backed militias and their supply chains, part of Israel’s broader campaign against Iranian influence across the region.
In diplomatic developments, Israeli Foreign Minister Ron Dermer expressed confidence that the United States would reject a “bad” nuclear deal with Iran. Speaking at a Jerusalem conference, Dermer indicated that he believes President Trump would walk away from a flawed agreement, reaffirming Israel’s stance against any deal that permits Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He also highlighted that within twelve months, Israel expects to conclude its multi-front campaign against Iran and its proxies, asserting that many countries are eager to make peace but that victory remains essential.
On the international front, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel, emphasizing that the alliance is rooted in spiritual and historical ties. He warned that if Iran refuses to abandon nuclear ambitions, President Trump will lead efforts to prevent them, rather than entering into a war. The US continues to hold negotiations with Iran, but Israel remains firm in its position that any agreement must not compromise its security.
Domestically, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for renewed efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, urging global action and emphasizing unity among the Jewish people. The ongoing war, which has seen hostages taken by Hamas, continues to dominate national discourse. Many Israelis, including the family of hostages, have expressed their anguish, with some calling for the phrase "to be a free people in our land" to be a reality for ev
Published on 2 weeks, 2 days ago