Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-25 at 18:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel Battles Multi-Front War with Iran and Hamas
2. Gaza Conflict Escalates Amid International Calls for Ceasefire
3. Global Tensions Rise as Israel Faces Regional and Diplomatic Pressure
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 PM, the Israeli nation remains deeply engaged in its ongoing conflict across multiple fronts, as it faces a complex and intense war with Iran and its proxies, spanning seven geopolitical arenas: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. This multifront confrontation follows a series of escalations that have significantly impacted regional stability and Israel’s national security.
In Gaza, Israeli forces continue their military campaign Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which began last week, targeting Hamas infrastructure and command centers. The IDF reports controlling over 40 percent of the Gaza Strip, with aims to expand control to approximately 75 percent within two months. Despite extensive destruction, Hamas’s underground tunnel networks—though diminished—persist, complicating efforts to fully dismantle the organization. Commander Mohammed Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for holding Israeli hostages, remains at large, with the IDF actively targeting his known hideouts, including a recent strike under a Gaza hospital. The military emphasizes that Hamas’s command structure is fragmented, with no single point whose removal would cause the group’s immediate collapse, instead opting for attrition through sustained attacks and territorial control.
Internationally, the conflict has prompted heightened diplomatic activity and concern. Spain’s foreign minister called for sanctions against Israel to halt the Gaza offensive, amid protests organized by anti-Israel groups in European and Arab countries. Meanwhile, the European Union has announced a review of its cooperation agreement with Israel, considering potential suspensions and arms embargoes, as part of broader efforts to pressure Israel into ceasing military operations. Several European nations, including France, Britain, Germany, and Italy, along with Arab states such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are calling for increased humanitarian aid and a resumption of negotiations towards a two-state solution. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized the war, framing it as a "senseless" conflict that worsens humanitarian crises, especially the shortages of food, water, and medicine in Gaza.
On the ground, Israeli military operations persist with intense precision. Recently, ground forces eliminated a Hamas naval commando involved in the October 7 attack, within minutes of wounding an Israeli soldier. The Navy continues offensive missions along the coast, supported by joint operations with the army. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to a decisive victory, aiming to create conditions for the return of hostages and to weaken Hamas’s military capabilities.
Elsewhere, Israel has continued its offensive along the northern and eastern borders. In Lebanon, Hezbollah maintains a state of readiness, while in Syria and Iraq, Iranian-backed militias have increased their activities, reinforcing Iran’s role in the broader conflict. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing exchanges of fire and intelligence operations across these fronts. In Yemen, Iran’s proxy groups threaten maritime security and regional stability.
Domestically, Israeli society grapples with the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,200 civilian casualties and the taking of hostages. Communities along the Gaza border face ongoing trauma, unemployment, and displacement, with nearly one-third of residents still unable to return home two years after the assault. In a related incident, a former hostage, Liri Albag, was mistaken
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago