Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-06 at 18:04
HEADLINES
1. Taliban Profits Surge to $3.4 Billion Amid Terrorist Hub
2. Israel Drafts Ultra-Orthodox Men as War Intensifies
3. Iran's Hidden Role in Hamas Attacks Uncovered
The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, at 2 p.m., we bring you the latest developments from the complex and multi-layered conflict involving Israel, the broader Middle East, and global powers.
In Afghanistan, a concerning report reveals that the Taliban has generated approximately 3.4 billion dollars in revenue over the past year, marking a 14 percent increase. The Taliban continues to serve as a hub for dozens of terrorist organizations, including ISIS-K and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, with at least four al-Qaeda offshoots active on Afghan soil. The aftermath of the US withdrawal in 2021 remains evident: American military equipment—including aircraft, vehicles, and weapons—has fallen into Taliban hands or entered the black market. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction reports that roughly $7.12 billion worth of US arms remain under Taliban control, fueling ongoing terrorist activities in the region. Despite the significant aid reductions and transparency issues, US aid continues to flow in limited forms, supporting Afghan students abroad and some humanitarian efforts, though many programs have been halted due to Taliban interference and mismanagement.
Meanwhile, in Israel, the military is intensifying efforts to bolster its war front. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir has ordered a comprehensive draft campaign targeting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, including a new initiative to notify every 16.5-year-old Haredi male. This marks a shift in policy aimed at increasing enlistment amid the ongoing war effort in Gaza. The government is also expediting programs to integrate Haredi populations into the military while allowing them to maintain their religious lifestyles.
In domestic sports, Maccabi Ashdod secured its seventh championship in women’s basketball by defeating Hapoel Rishon Lezion 76-60 in a decisive fifth game. The team’s coach, Shira Haelion, expressed pride in the club’s successful season that began with winning the Winner Cup and culminated in the league title, attributing much of the success to early recruitment and team cohesion. The victory was celebrated as a testament to resilience and strategic adjustments.
On the international front, recent military actions highlight the ongoing tension in the Middle East. Israel conducted airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas command centers and weapon storage facilities, while the IDF received support from the Trump administration in Yemen, where the Houthis announced they would cease attacks on ships, claiming they had "capitulated." However, Israeli officials expressed surprise at the lack of prior briefing on this development, and some sources remain skeptical about the Houthis’ sincerity. The US has also announced plans to pause its bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, citing their purported desire to stop fighting, though signs of continued hostilities persist.
Adding to the regional instability, Iran’s involvement in the October 7 massacre remains under scrutiny. An explosive device found near Kibbutz Alumim provides concrete evidence of Tehran’s direct role in supporting Hamas, with documents seized indicating active planning by Iran’s Quds Force. Iran’s support extends to training, weapon smuggling, and the development of tunnel networks used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Despite this evidence, Tehran continues to deny direct involvement, even as world leaders and Israel push for accountability.
In diplomatic developments, discussions are underway regarding potential ceasefires and long-term truces before President Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit. Reports suggest the
Published on 3 days, 12 hours ago