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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-05 at 19:05
HEADLINES
Israel Launches Multi-Front Regional Offensive Escalates Tensions
Israel Targets Iranian-Backed Terror in Yemen Signals New Assertiveness
Pope's Compassion Amid Gaza Violence Sparks International Debate
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front conflict that underscores the escalating regional tensions and Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter threats to its security. On the northern front, Israeli aircraft have reportedly targeted military infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Syria, responding to recent hostilities and missile launches. Lebanese media report that Israeli jets struck near the border town of Jentah in the Al-Baqaa region, on both sides of the border, indicating a significant escalation in the Israeli-Lebanese theater.
Simultaneously, Israel has acknowledged a series of precise strikes against Iranian-backed terror infrastructure in Yemen. The Israeli Defense Forces, in cooperation with the United States, carried out what they call a “Port City” operation, nearly 2,000 kilometers from Israel’s borders. The targets included the port of Hudaydah and a cement factory used for weapons production, both of which serve as vital logistical nodes for the Houthis, Iran’s regional proxy, supplying weapons, military equipment, and funds to terror groups. The operation signals a shift to a more assertive stance, with Israeli officials stating that “the era of restraint is over” in Yemen.
In the Gaza Strip, Israel continues its defensive operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and the abduction of hostages. Israeli military sources report ongoing airstrikes aimed at dismantling Hamas’s tunnel networks and missile launching sites. Meanwhile, Pope Francis made an unusual gesture by gifting a popemobile to be repurposed as a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, a move described by Vatican officials as a message of compassion amid ongoing violence. The Pope’s recent comments criticizing Israel’s military actions drew sharp rebuke from Israeli officials, emphasizing that the Israeli government targets terrorists who hide behind civilians and use children as human shields.
In the West Bank, tensions persist with sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. Palestinian sources accuse Israel of conducting targeted raids and arrests, amid rising violence. Palestinian social media outlets continue to glorify incendiary acts, including wildfires set deliberately to damage Israeli territory. Palestinian groups, including Hamas and other factions, have also called for further arson and attacks, framing these acts as part of their broader resistance. Critics argue that decades of propaganda have fostered a deep-seated hostility toward Israel and Jews, with celebrations of violence and terror attacks becoming disturbingly routine during periods of escalation.
Internationally, Iran’s nuclear program advances as Tehran claims its uranium enrichment has now reached the industrial stage. Experts suggest this development is intended to allow Iran to operate civilian reactors while simultaneously enhancing its nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain uncertain. Reports indicate internal disagreements within the US administration, with recent changes in personnel and shifting policies reflecting a more hardline approach. Some analysts believe that recent delays and increased demands for inspections and restrictions are tactical moves to leverage Iran’s nuclear capabilities and prevent military escalation.
On the domestic front, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to aid Gaza with food and medical supplies, emphasizing that the blockade imposed by Israel, aimed at restricting weapo
Published on 4 days, 16 hours ago