Podcast Episode Details

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 14:03

---

---

HEADLINES
1. Israel Stops Weapons Smuggling from Jordan
2. Iran Expands Diplomacy in South Asia Amid Tensions
3. Gaza Smuggling Continues Despite Official Blockade

The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 10:00 AM, this is your daily news briefing. Israeli forces successfully prevented a weapons smuggling attempt from Jordan into Israel’s northern Jordan Valley, where four pistols were confiscated during a recent operation. The weapons have been handed over to police for further investigation. Meanwhile, in domestic political developments, Israeli Minister Dudi Amsalem accused Iranian-backed groups of funding protests, asserting suspicions of Iranian involvement in ongoing demonstrations.

In Gaza, despite official claims that humanitarian aid has been halted, reports indicate that high-value goods, including smartphones, fuel, and solar panels, continue to enter the Strip through the Kissufim crossing, with some shipments paid for by private individuals and redirected by Hamas for profit. The Israeli military denies official approval for such transfers, suggesting illegal smuggling, possibly benefiting Hamas financially.

Across the region, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan and met with senior officials, discussing regional stability and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran appears to be examining Pakistan and India as models of nations that have acquired nuclear capabilities without direct US intervention, amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations that have faced recent setbacks. Iran’s diplomatic outreach signals a strategic shift, aligning closer with South Asia and Central Asian states, seeking support as US influence wanes.

Internationally, air travel in the region faces disruptions. European carriers like Lufthansa and Air France have suspended overflights over Pakistan due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, affecting flight routes and overflight revenues. The conflict escalation also impacts the Middle East, with Israeli military planning a significant ground operation in Gaza, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aiming to establish permanent control over the territory. The operation is contingent on a hostage deal with Hamas, with Israel giving the group until May 16 to negotiate.

In Lebanon, reports indicate Israeli drone strikes targeting Hezbollah-affiliated sites in the south. In Syria, IDF troops uncovered Bashar al-Assad-era military infrastructure, including bunkers, weapons, and landmines, which have been seized or dismantled. The region remains tense, with ongoing military activities and diplomatic maneuvering shaping the broader conflict landscape.

Domestically, an accident in Ashkelon left a 35-year-old man in critical condition after his vehicle collided with a fallen pole, injuring multiple pedestrians. Additionally, police arrested 18 individuals from the West Bank in Haifa for illegal residency, highlighting ongoing security operations.

In wildlife news, Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority and police rescued two injured or illegally kept monkeys from private homes, emphasizing the dangers and illegality of keeping protected wildlife as pets. Authorities continue efforts to dismantle illegal wildlife trade networks.

As the region’s conflicts intensify, Israel prepares for possible large-scale military operations, while diplomatic efforts and regional diplomacy unfold amid fears of broader escalation. Stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
Published on 4 days, 21 hours ago