Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-28 at 01:05
HEADLINES
1. Internal Israeli Power Struggles Delay Victory
2. Iran-Backed Militants Expand Reach Across Middle East
3. Regional Tensions Escalate Amid Ongoing Gaza War
The time is now 09:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. At 9 p.m., I am reporting on the latest developments across multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective proxies.
In Israel, the war has entered its nineteenth month, following the devastating Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023, that resulted in over 1,200 civilian deaths and 251 hostages taken. Despite significant military efforts, the conflict remains unresolved, with critics pointing to internal obstacles within Israel’s legal and bureaucratic systems. Reports suggest that unelected officials, including legal advisers and judicial authorities, have actively hampered efforts to achieve final victory. These officials have reportedly issued directives that restrict voluntary emigration of Gazans—an option considered vital by many security experts—and have tightened rules of engagement, increasing risks to Israeli soldiers. Such measures, critics argue, are influenced more by legal fears and international pressures than military necessity, and they have contributed to a prolonged conflict that remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, there is growing concern over internal forces undermining Israel’s government. Analysts highlight an internal “deep state”—comprising unelected legal and bureaucratic officials—who are said to be obstructing policies approved by the elected government. These actors have been accused of blocking efforts to fire officials like the head of the Shin Bet and of acting in ways that align more with external advocacy groups than with democratic mandates. This internal institutional capture is viewed by some as a significant factor preventing Israel from securing decisive victory and establishing long-term security.
Across the broader Middle East, the conflict continues to ripple outward. In Lebanon, Hezbollah remains engaged along the northern border, with intermittent exchanges of fire with Israeli forces. In Syria, Iranian-backed militias continue to operate, with some reports of increased movement of weapons and fighters toward the Israeli Golan Heights. Iraq-based Iran-backed groups have also intensified their activity, launching sporadic rocket attacks into northern Israel, further complicating regional stability. Meanwhile, in Yemen, Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting southern Israel, suggesting an expansion of Iran’s proxy network across multiple fronts.
Internationally, the United States has been balancing support for Israel’s right to defend itself with diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. However, internal debates continue within Washington about the scope of aid and the best path forward. Some voices call for increased support to Israel, emphasizing the importance of a swift military victory, while others advocate for cautious diplomacy to avoid wider regional escalation.
Domestically in Israel, the ongoing conflict has also reignited debates over internal governance. Critics accuse a segment of the legal and bureaucratic establishment of acting in ways that hinder military efforts, often citing concerns over civilian casualties or legal constraints. This internal struggle raises questions about how to balance military necessity with democratic accountability, especially as the war drags on without a clear resolution.
As the conflict persists, the region remains volatile. Iran continues to bolster its regional proxies, aiming to challenge Israeli security from multiple angles. The Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Gaza are actively engaged in hostilities, with the threat of wider escalation
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago