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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-09 at 16:05
HEADLINES
Israel Targets Terror Leaders Amid Multi-Front Attacks
Houthi Missile Threat Sparks Israeli Military Readiness
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Hold Promise for De-escalation
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at noon, Israel remains under multiple threats as its military actively targets key figures and infrastructure linked to terrorist organizations across its borders and within the West Bank. The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Nour al-Bitawi, the head of an Islamic Jihad terror cell in Jenin. Bitawi was responsible for establishing terror infrastructure, planning attacks, transferring funds, recruiting, and arming terrorists, and maintaining connections with Hamas in Gaza and abroad. During a raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized vital intelligence and destroyed underground terrorist infrastructure in Rafah, following the surrender of two Hamas operatives who provided significant information about underground facilities used for militant purposes.
Meanwhile, Israeli security forces continue operations in the West Bank and Gaza, with recent raids uncovering weapons, military equipment, and the destruction of tunnels used by Hamas. The military reports that several underground sites in Rafah, including extensive tunnels and operational rooms, have been dismantled, disrupting Hamas’ command and logistics.
On the northern front, Israel faces sporadic gunfire from terrorists near Quneitra, Syria, as it establishes nine new defensive posts along the border to stabilize the region amid reports of Druze villages experiencing violence. Israeli patrols operate with caution, and regime forces are permitted to operate near the border, aiming to contain terrorist activity and prevent further escalation.
In Yemen, the Houthi rebels continue to launch Iranian-backed missile and drone attacks towards Israel, prompting Israeli Defense Minister remarks that Israel will respond with force wherever necessary, including in Yemen. The Houthi leadership has issued warnings against Israeli retaliation, emphasizing their ability to strike back. Israeli officials have publicly reiterated their readiness to respond decisively to any threats, including the recent missile launches.
International diplomacy continues with Iran set to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Oman this Sunday. US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that if Iran agrees to voluntarily cease enrichment activities, it could permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Negotiations initially scheduled for Rome were postponed due to logistical issues, but Iran has now confirmed participation. The US maintains that Iran’s nuclear program remains a threat, with Western countries asserting it is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, whereas Iran claims civilian purposes.
In the region, tensions extend to Lebanon and Iraq, where Hezbollah and militia groups have increased attacks against Israeli and allied targets. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes. In Iraq, Iranian proxies have targeted American and Israeli interests, complicating the security landscape.
Domestically, Israel grapples with internal security challenges. Earlier today, a civilian was injured in Jerusalem after being hit by a bus, and a man was shot near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, with no injuries reported. The Israeli Embassy in France received a suspicious envelope, which was safely examined and found to contain no threats.
In Gaza, Hamas leaders have publicly condemned recent American proposals for aid distribution, accusing the US of trying to weaken the Palestinian resistance through starvation tactics. Hamas insists that it must lay down its weapons and release hostages before any ceasefire or
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