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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 10:05
HEADLINES
Israeli Forces Destroy Syrian Regime Command Post
Turkey and Israel Clash Over Syrian Airspace Tensions
Israel Plans Gaza Ground Offensive to Capture Hamas Hostages
The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 6:00 AM, we begin with a report from Syria indicating that Israeli forces have targeted and destroyed a central command post associated with the old Syrian regime, located in the Katrah area near Mount Hermon. This operation involved units from the IDF's "Hatzirim" (Heights) Brigade, including paratroopers and special units, who identified and seized weapons depots, bunkers, artillery, missile launchers, and explosive devices. The military asserts that all assets were neutralized or confiscated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist infrastructure from operating in the region. This action reflects Israel's broader strategy to disrupt hostile activity along its northern border amid heightened tensions with Iran and its proxies.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, reports suggest that Israeli and Turkish military aircraft engaged in aerial warning exchanges over Syrian airspace. Turkish opposition media claim Turkish F-16 fighters entered Syrian skies and issued warnings to Israeli jets operating in the area, particularly targeting Iranian-aligned militias such as Sultan Murad and Suleyman Shah brigades, which operate under Turkish auspices. Turkey seeks to expand its military footprint in northern Syria, establishing bases at T4 in Homs and Hama, deploying drones and air defenses, amidst ongoing regional power dynamics. Israel continues its targeted strikes against Iranian-backed groups, aiming to prevent the entrenchment of hostile forces near its borders.
In Gaza, Israeli military officials have announced plans for significant expansion of ground operations, including the possible conquest and permanent control of parts of the Gaza Strip. Following the cabinet's approval overnight, the operation aims to defeat Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages. The plan involves heavy strikes against militant targets and the displacement of Gaza residents southward, especially from Gaza City. The Gaza health ministry reports over 2,400 Palestinian deaths since the resumption of hostilities in March, with Israeli casualties exceeding 1,200. Critics warn that the current offensive risks endangering remaining hostages, with some advocacy groups condemning the expansion as a "sacrifice" of those held captive.
On the international front, France has announced efforts to ban the activist group Urgence Palestine, citing its radical Islamist anti-Israel stance and its involvement in protests supporting Hamas. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed that France intends to dissolve the organization, which has accused Israel of genocide and supported boycotts of Israeli businesses. The government distinguishes between legitimate Palestinian aspirations and Islamist extremism, emphasizing the need to combat radical groups exploiting religious sentiments for political ends. Similar measures are being considered against far-right groups linked to anti-immigrant and anti-Semitic activities.
Domestically, Israel faces political controversy over the refusal of the current government to establish a parliamentary inquiry into the October 7 attacks. Defense Minister Benny Gantz criticized the government for delaying accountability efforts, accusing it of avoiding responsibility and risking national security. He urged for transparency and accountability, arguing that the delay undermines public trust and security preparedness.
In the United States, the Trump administration is pushing for increased transparency regarding foreign funding of American universities, especially from countries like China and Qatar. The initiative aims to prevent foreign influence campaigns that coul
Published on 5 days, 1 hour ago