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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 13:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Unprecedented Gaza Ground Offensive
2. Humanitarian Aid Begins Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict
3. Regional Tensions Mount as Israel Strikes Lebanon
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At nine o'clock in the morning, we begin with a comprehensive overview of the escalating conflict in Israel and the surrounding region. Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and other hostile entities in Gaza, with plans for a significant ground offensive. The Israeli government has unanimously approved what is being called "Operation Gideon’s Chariots," a plan to conquer and hold the entire Gaza Strip permanently. According to senior officials, once the operation begins, Israel will not withdraw from the territory, viewing this as essential for eliminating Hamas's military and political infrastructure and securing the return of hostages. The operation includes extensive troop deployments, urban combat, and strategic clearing of northern Gaza, with an emphasis on creating a secure zone and separating the civilian population from militants.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to manage humanitarian concerns. Israel has announced plans for a pilot humanitarian aid program in Gaza, involving American companies such as Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions, to facilitate the distribution of food and medical supplies in southern Gaza. This initiative aims to allow at least sixty trucks of aid per day, while maintaining strict security measures to prevent Hamas interference. The broader strategy involves clearing northern Gaza of civilians, with plans to evacuate populations southward, and establishing a strip of security zones to safeguard Israeli borders.
On the international front, Iran has dismissed allegations of involvement in recent missile strikes on Israel by the Houthi movement in Yemen, emphasizing that negotiations with the United States are pending, with Oman mediating discussions on nuclear issues. Iran also continues to wait for the green light from Oman for the next round of talks, which were postponed due to logistical issues.
In Lebanon, reports indicate Israeli drone strikes targeting areas near the village of Aitaroun in southern Lebanon, attributed to Israel, with ongoing tensions in the region. Israeli military forces have also uncovered Bashar al-Assad-era military infrastructure on Mount Hermon in Syria, including bunkers and weapons, which have been seized or dismantled.
Domestically, Israel faces internal challenges, including a fatal accident where a construction worker fell from a height of four meters in Modiin, and a traffic collision near the Seragal junction involving multiple injuries. Additionally, police have arrested 18 individuals from West Bank cities in Haifa, suspected of illegal residency.
In the Palestinian territories, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Lebanon in two weeks to discuss disarming Palestinian groups, including the Lebanese branch of Fatah, amid increased security concerns in the region. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter, work has begun on the long-delayed renovation of the "Little Western Wall," a site of religious and cultural significance.
Finally, Israel’s defense and security establishments continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon and Syria, with ongoing assessments of regional threats and preparations for potential escalation. The regional tensions, coupled with Israel’s military plans, underscore a period of heightened alert and strategic maneuvering as the region confronts complex security challenges.
This is the morning update. We will continue to follow these developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today:
Published on 4 days, 21 hours ago