Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-08 at 13:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Tunnels Amid Regional Tensions
2. Gaza Hostages’ Survival Sparks Global Alarm
3. Iran Denies London Plot, India Accuses Israeli Drones
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 9:00 AM, we continue to follow the complex and multi-layered developments across the Middle East and beyond. Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts, as it confronts threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxy groups. Despite a fragile ceasefire, Israel has conducted ongoing airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of at least one Lebanese civilian and wounding several others. The Israeli military reports striking Hezbollah’s underground tunnels, weapons, and command sites, which it considers violations of previous understandings with Lebanon. Lebanese officials confirm heavy Israeli raids in the Nabatiyeh region, with explosions causing panic among residents. The Lebanese government has called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease its attacks and withdraw its forces, emphasizing that Hezbollah remains a key actor in the region despite recent setbacks.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, including Israeli and foreign nationals. The families of these captives remain in distress, as the Israeli military provides continuous updates on their conditions. Recent statements from Israeli officials indicate that at least 21 hostages are alive, with three feared dead since the October 7th invasion, a correction from previous reports. The situation remains dire, with ongoing concerns about the safety of the hostages held by Hamas.
Across the West Bank, security forces have arrested individuals suspected of planning attacks, including a suspect linked to ISIS who pledged allegiance while attempting to join militants in Syria. An Israeli-reserved soldier was injured in a shooting in the area, and police have announced indictments related to a planned car-ramming attack in Karmiel. The overall security situation in the West Bank remains tense, amid reports of ongoing militant activity.
In Syria, Israel continues to target Iranian-backed military infrastructure, with recent strikes believed to have killed multiple Iranian and Hezbollah operatives. These actions are part of Israel’s broader strategy to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons to hostile groups. The Israeli government maintains that its operations aim to defend its security interests, while Lebanon and Syria accuse Israel of aggression.
Internationally, tensions have escalated as Iran denies involvement in a foiled plot to attack the Israeli embassy in London. Tehran claims it seeks to cooperate fully to clarify the incident, which has heightened diplomatic sensitivities. In Pakistan, the military spokesperson alleged that India used Israeli-made drones to carry out attacks, though these claims remain unverified.
Within Israel, the government reports a rise in the number of women participating in military reserve duty, especially from the religious Zionist community, reflecting broader societal shifts amid ongoing conflict. The Israeli stock exchange continues to trend upward, buoyed by economic resilience despite regional instability.
Additionally, Israel will be invited to participate in the Nagasaki memorial commemorating atomic bomb victims, a move seen as a diplomatic gesture in the context of recent tensions. In Yemen, the air traffic at Sanaa airport has resumed after alleged Israeli strikes, with local reports suggesting the airport will soon be operational again.
Finally, in a notable legal development in Europe, Germany’s spy agency has paused its classification of the Alternative for Germany party as a right-wing extremist organization pending court review. The move comes ami
Published on 1 day, 13 hours ago