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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-28 at 21:04
HEADLINES
Israel faces multi-front war and domestic unrest
Ceasefire talks spark fierce Israeli military backlash
Iran hints at uranium freeze amid regional tensions
The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel remains under intense multi-front pressure amid ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts. A fire broke out tonight in a high-rise building on Korat Tucholsky Street in Jaffa, part of a construction and renovation site. Fire crews, led by a supervisor, are working to contain the blaze, which is visible from the building, with efforts focused on preventing further damage and conducting rescue operations.
In the political arena, tensions persist between the Likud party and opposition groups. The Likud accused extremist left-wing activists of inciting violence at a demonstration in Tel Aviv, where protesters blocked the entrance to Likud headquarters, tied themselves to the building, and hung signs criticizing the government’s handling of the hostage situation. Police intervened, arresting dozens of protesters, some of whom were injured, highlighting the ongoing domestic unrest related to the war and hostage crisis.
International diplomatic developments include a proposal from US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who announced that a new draft deal for a ceasefire and hostage release is imminent. The plan reportedly involves the release of ten hostages and a temporary truce, with the draft currently under review by Israeli authorities. However, Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the proposal sharply, calling it "madness," warning that partial agreements could undermine Israel’s military efforts. He emphasized the importance of forcing Hamas into total surrender, stating that any partial deal risks prolonging the conflict and endangering the hostages.
Meanwhile, US efforts continue behind the scenes, with indications that negotiations involve multiple parties, including Qatar, but Israeli officials remain cautious. The ongoing talks aim to balance the release of hostages, regional stability, and Israel’s security needs.
In the broader regional context, Lebanon's army has moved additional forces to the town of Lida in southern Lebanon, following reports of Israeli military activity near the border, including construction of earth barriers. This escalation adds to the already tense situation along Israel’s northern frontier, where cross-border exchanges and military movements continue.
In Iran, there are indications of a potential shift in nuclear policy. Tehran has floated a possible one-year freeze on uranium enrichment, contingent upon the release of frozen assets and US recognition of its right to civilian enrichment. This proposal is seen as a confidence-building measure, but skepticism remains among Western negotiators, given Iran’s demands for sanctions relief and its refusal to halt enrichment entirely.
Additionally, Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, suggested that American inspectors might gain access to Iranian nuclear sites if a new agreement is reached, signaling a possible easing of long-standing restrictions on US oversight.
Domestically, Israel is witnessing ongoing protests marking 600 days since the outbreak of the war with Hamas. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, holding signs demanding the release of abducted civilians and calling for a ceasefire. Demonstrators also staged sit-ins outside government buildings, including Likud headquarters, to protest the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and security issues. Protest leaders emphasized that their actions are peaceful and aimed at raising awareness of the situation of the hostages and the broader national security concerns.
In other regional news, a recent Israeli airstrike targeted Sana’a airport in Yemen, damaging
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago