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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 17:03
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Yemen Ports Amid Escalating Threats
2. Gaza Crisis Deepens as Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolds
3. Jerusalem Protests Erupt Over Military Draft Controversy
The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel continues to respond to the escalation across multiple fronts, amid ongoing regional and international tensions. Overnight, Israel launched targeted airstrikes at the strategic Yemeni port of Hudaydah, targeting Houthi positions following recent threats to attack Israeli airports, including Ben-Gurion. The United States also conducted extensive airstrikes across northern Yemen, focusing on Houthi weapons depots, military sites, and hideouts in provinces such as Sanaa, Saada, Marib, and Hudaydah. These actions are part of a broader effort to weaken Iran-backed Houthi capabilities and prevent the transfer of advanced missile technology.
The threat from the Houthis has escalated after they launched a missile toward Ben-Gurion Airport, with threats to impose a "total aerial blockade" on Israel by targeting its airports and urging airlines to cease operations. A missile impact near the airport was confirmed last Sunday, intensifying Israeli military responses. Israeli officials view these developments as part of Iran’s wider efforts to destabilize the region and support its proxies.
Meanwhile, Israel’s strategic stance has shifted after months of restraint, with a recent decision to expand military operations in Gaza. The plan involves holding territories and moving the population south to avoid further casualties, but residents in Gaza report that conditions are already catastrophic, with famine and shortages of medicine and supplies. The UN reports that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has deepened, with food stocks depleted and civilians suffering from malnutrition and lack of medical care.
On the diplomatic front, Israel is also addressing internal issues. The Knesset’s Committee for Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs convened to examine recent harassment incidents against Christian communities and clergy, including verbal abuse, vandalism, and physical assaults. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the Vatican’s ambassador, was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Easter, highlighting concerns over rising religious intolerance. Israeli officials condemned these acts, emphasizing that extremist groups do not represent Judaism or Israeli values. Calls are growing for legislation to impose fines on offenders and enhance protections for Christian minorities.
In foreign relations, the United States is engaged in complex negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, with recent postponements of talks mediated by Oman. President Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to a military confrontation, potentially involving Israel. Reports suggest that the US may consider a diplomatic approach similar to the 2015 accords, which both Trump and Netanyahu opposed, raising questions about future regional security.
Domestically, protests erupted in Jerusalem over a new military draft law, resulting in roadblocks and demonstrations blocking major intersections. Additionally, in southern Israel near the Gaza border, an IDF soldier died in a car accident during operational activity, adding to the toll of military casualties since October 2023.
Internationally, Israel’s response to the threat from Yemen and its regional adversaries underscores the high stakes of ongoing conflicts. The situation remains fluid, with heightened military activity, diplomatic efforts, and internal social tensions shaping the current landscape. The Israeli government emphasizes its commitment to defending its borders and citizens, while regional actors continue their pursuit of influence and destabilization.
Published on 4 days, 18 hours ago