Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-07 at 11:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Demolishes 90 West Bank Structures to Fight Terror
2. Israeli Strikes Eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas Leaders in Lebanon
3. Houthis Continue Attacks on Israeli Ships Despite Ceasefire
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 7:00 AM, ongoing developments across multiple fronts continue to shape the security and geopolitical landscape. In Israel, tensions remain high amid military operations and confrontations with Palestinian authorities. In Ramat Haba'al, a tense exchange occurred between the mayor of Rahat and Minister Ben-Gvir during an enforcement operation. The mayor protested the demolition of homes, asserting that the city belongs to its residents, while Ben-Gvir reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to demolishing illegal structures as part of its security measures.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have intensified their efforts in the West Bank, demolishing approximately 90 structures in the refugee camps of Tulkarem and Nur Shams in Judea and Samaria. These demolitions aim to prevent the reestablishment of terrorist infrastructure, following recent threats and attacks attributed to Palestinian militants embedding themselves within civilian areas. The military states these actions are carefully planned, with minimal disruption, and are part of a broader strategy to dismantle terror networks.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah and Hamas operatives engaged in cross-border attacks and weapons smuggling. The IDF reports the elimination of senior terror leaders, including Khalid Ahmad Ahmad near Sidon, and Adnan Harb in the Nabatieh region. These operations aim to neutralize threats from Iran-backed groups, which have been involved in recent hostilities and infrastructure rebuilding efforts, including the destruction of Hezbollah weapons sites in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.
In Yemen, the Houthis have declared that their ceasefire agreement with the United States does not include Israel, and they intend to continue attacks on Israeli shipping and targets in the Red Sea. The US, under President Trump, announced a halt to bombing Houthi positions following assurances from the group, but the Houthis continue to threaten Israeli vessels, citing ongoing support for Palestinian resistance. The US military has conducted extensive strikes against Houthi missile and drone infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to securing maritime routes vital for global trade.
International reactions continue to develop. The foreign ministers of Spain, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Slovenia expressed concern over Israel’s expansion of its military operations in Gaza, urging the immediate removal of the blockade and reaffirming support for a two-state solution. Conversely, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Western nations of politicizing the naming of the Persian Gulf, emphasizing Iran’s stance on historical and regional naming conventions, and condemning attempts to alter the region’s traditional identity.
Domestically, in the United States, political tensions persist. University of Chicago professor Amit canceled a midterm exam, urging students to instead participate in anti-Trump protests, citing what he described as an “emergency” under the current administration. The university responded that such actions were inappropriate, and disciplinary measures are under consideration.
In the broader Middle East, diplomatic activity continues. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, amid reports of Kadyrov’s potential resignation. Additionally, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is engaging in high-level negotiations in Muscat, Oman, with US officials, amid ongoing tensions over regional security and Iran’s nuclear program.
Finally, the ongoing conflict has prom
Published on 4 days, 11 hours ago