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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-28 at 18:06
HEADLINES
1. Trump Warned Netanyahu Against Premature Attack
2. Israeli Gaza Campaign Shrinks Iran’s Regional Power
3. US Urges Diplomacy as Iran Nuclear Talks Near
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, tensions remain high across multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies. The situation continues to evolve on seven major battlegrounds: Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, with international ramifications affecting regional stability and global diplomacy.
In the diplomatic arena, former US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed that he warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking military action that could jeopardize ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Trump stated that during a recent phone call, he advised Netanyahu that an immediate strike would be "not appropriate" at this juncture, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and the potential for reaching a deal that could prevent further escalation. Despite these remarks, US officials have assured that coordination with Israel remains strong, and no surprises are anticipated.
Meanwhile, the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program are intensifying. Reports suggest that the US and Iran are close to an interim agreement that would see limited sanctions relief in exchange for concessions, such as a possible suspension of uranium enrichment. Iranian officials are reportedly considering suspending enrichment activities if their assets are unfrozen and their right to civilian enrichment is recognized. However, Israel remains deeply skeptical of any deal that leaves Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact, viewing it as a dangerous illusion that could pave the way to weapons development. Israeli leaders fear Iran is using the talks to buy time while continuing clandestine nuclear work.
Regional dynamics have shifted significantly. Israel’s military campaign since October 7 has severely degraded Iran’s proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, shrinking Iran’s regional footprint and arguably presenting a rare window for decisive action. Israeli officials believe that sustained pressure could force Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities, similar to Libya’s disarmament in the past. Conversely, US President Trump perceives Iran’s weakened state as leverage to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement, aiming to prevent escalation and avoid military conflict.
Within Israel, domestic political discourse remains heated. Prominent figures like MK Ayman Odeh have expressed a desire for peace, emphasizing that most Israelis and Palestinians wish the conflict to end and criticizing political leadership for prolonging the bloodshed. Odeh highlighted that both communities suffer, and he called for a shift away from divisive policies, advocating for early elections and national reconciliation. Former IDF officer Yair Golan echoed these sentiments, criticizing the current government for inciting division and urging a focus on economic and social stability.
On the military front, Israeli strategists have recommended that the Israeli Defense Forces broadcast warnings with maps marking Hamas’ food and supply stockpiles in Gaza, believing that public awareness could facilitate grassroots efforts to undermine Hamas’ logistics. This approach comes amidst ongoing assessments of how best to leverage recent disruptions in Hamas’ infrastructure to expedite broader strategic objectives.
In Lebanon and Syria, tension persists with ongoing exchanges of fire and fears of escalation. Hezbollah remains vigilant, positioning itself as a key player should the conflict widen. Iraq and Yemen continue to serve as potential flashpoints, with Iran’s influence extending into these regions through proxy groups, complicating efforts for regional stability.
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago