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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-04 at 09:05
HEADLINES
Huthi Rebels Strike Near Tel Aviv Airport
Israel Prepares for Escalating Yemen Threats
Israeli Forces Target Over 100 Gaza Terror Sites
The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
$final_report
Good morning. We begin with developments in Israel’s ongoing multi-front conflict, which has seen significant escalations across several key areas. Sunday morning, Yemen’s Huthi rebels launched a missile that struck near Israel’s main international airport, Ben-Gurion Airport, outside Tel Aviv. The impact briefly halted air traffic, with authorities reporting a missile impact in an orchard near the airport’s Terminal 3. Israeli defense systems attempted interception, but it remains unclear whether the missile was successfully shot down or if fragments fell in the area. Several injuries were reported, including light to moderate blast injuries among civilians. The attack has prompted Israel to reinforce its security posture, with Defense Minister Israel Katz vowing that anyone who harms Israel will face a response seven times stronger.
Meanwhile, the Huthis, backed by Iran, have issued statements asserting their capacity to strike fortified sites inside Israel. Their recent barrage follows a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping, in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The United States has conducted over a thousand strikes in Yemen since March to counter Huthi missile threats, but Israel maintains it will consider revising its policy of refraining from targeted strikes in Yemen, especially after the airport attack.
In the broader regional context, Israel’s military continues to respond vigorously to threats from multiple fronts. Over the weekend, Israeli aircraft targeted more than 100 terror sites in Gaza, including tunnels, weapons caches, and military infrastructure. Ground operations have also been active, with troops dismantling Hamas infrastructure and engaging terrorists in northern and southern Gaza. The military reports significant progress but continues to face intense resistance, including rocket fire and attempts at infiltration.
Tensions also extend into Syria and Lebanon. Israeli jets reportedly avoided confrontation over Syria by establishing brief radio contacts with Turkish F-16 fighters conducting reconnaissance flights near Israeli aircraft operations. In Lebanon, Hezbollah remains a significant concern, although no major clashes have been reported.
On the domestic front, Israel has faced a series of security challenges and tragic losses. A probe confirmed that soldiers at Zikim Beach retreated rather than engaging Hamas infiltrators during the October 7 invasion, resulting in 17 civilian deaths. The incident has sparked criticism and calls for review of military response protocols. Additionally, two soldiers from the elite Yahalom unit, Captain Noam Ravid and Staff Sergeant Yaly Seror, were killed in Gaza after their unit was caught in a booby-trapped tunnel. Their deaths elicited widespread mourning from political leaders and local communities, emphasizing their heroism and the sacrifices being made.
Internationally, the conflict’s ripple effects continue. A missile launched from Yemen by the Houthis impacted near Israel’s airport, causing injuries and prompting a temporary suspension of flights. The incident has led Israeli officials to reconsider their policy of not targeting Huthi missile sites in Yemen, with Defense Minister Katz warning that future responses could be imminent.
On the humanitarian front, aid efforts in Gaza remain strained. A ship carrying humanitarian supplies was disabled by drones in international waters near Malta, with activists, including Greta Thunberg, expressing concern over Israel’s actions. Meanwhile, in France, antisemitic attacks have surged since
Published on 6 days, 8 hours ago