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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 09:05
HEADLINES
Houthi Threatens Israel with Aerial Blockade
Israel Vows Strong Retaliation Against Iran-Linked Attacks
US and Israel Coordinate Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At five a.m., we begin with the ongoing escalation in the Middle East. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has threatened to impose a comprehensive aerial blockade on Israel following a missile attack that lightly to moderately wounded six individuals at Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The attack disrupted airport operations, leading to delays and cancellations as airlines worldwide suspend flights to Tel Aviv until at least Tuesday. The Houthis, which have launched long-range missiles and drones at Israeli targets in recent months, called on all airlines to cease flights immediately, warning of further actions.
Israeli officials are responding firmly. The Security Cabinet convened to coordinate a response, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly linked the Houthis’ actions to Iran, asserting that the attacks are directed and orchestrated from Tehran. Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s intent to retaliate and emphasized that any attack from Iran’s proxies will face a strong response. The United States, which is conducting a military campaign in Yemen, is involved in consultations, and Israeli authorities are working closely with international partners to restore flight operations and security.
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Ecuador’s President Daniel Naboa arrived in Israel on an official visit, expressing unwavering support for Israel’s fight against terrorism. During his visit, he visited the Western Wall, where he and Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz read Psalm 121, and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to solidarity with Israel. Naboa is scheduled to meet with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, underscoring the strengthening of bilateral relations.
In other regional developments, Iran maintains its stance of diplomatic engagement amid ongoing nuclear talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Iran’s commitment to dialogue and awaits details from Oman, which is mediating the negotiations, although the fourth round of talks scheduled for early May was postponed for logistical reasons.
In Israel itself, tensions continue domestically. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has called publicly for a civil insurrection aimed at toppling the current government, advocating mass protests and civil disobedience. His statements have sparked controversy amid ongoing political disputes over judicial reforms and governance.
On the security front, the IDF reports the death of Warrant Officer Dejen Daniel Sahalo, a 41-year-old from Rehovot, who was killed in a military vehicle accident near the Gaza border during operational activity. This tragedy adds to the toll of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the conflict, which now stands at 854, with over 400 fatalities since the ground operations commenced in late October.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel’s military has approved a plan to expand operations, including the potential conquest of the strip. Prime Minister Netanyahu and military leaders have emphasized the goal of defeating Hamas, with a shift from targeted raids to prolonged occupation and the destruction of Hamas’ governing capabilities. The government also authorized limited humanitarian aid, conditional on preventing Hamas from seizing control of supplies. Critics, including the families of hostages, have expressed concern that the plan prioritizes territory over the safety of captives.
In the United States, two prominent colleges—Swarthmore and NYU Law—have taken measures against pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel prote
Published on 5 days, 1 hour ago