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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-29 at 09:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Major Offensives Across Seven Fronts
2. Tragic Double Murder Sparks Calls for Stronger Security
3. US-US Israel Ceasefire Proposal Sparks Tense Debate
The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 5 a.m., we begin with an overview of the ongoing conflict that continues to shape the region. Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts, confronting threats from Iran, its proxies, and various militant groups across seven key areas: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Israeli military reports ongoing operations to counteract hostile activities, including targeted strikes against terrorist infrastructure and efforts to neutralize hostile elements attempting to threaten Israeli security.
In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces have intensified their operations, with Brigadier General Amir Avivi outlining a three-front strategy designed to weaken Hamas, which he states is left with very few experienced fighters. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, while Israel emphasizes its efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli intelligence indicates a reduced Hezbollah military presence in the south, owing to cooperation with US intermediaries. However, tensions persist, with threats of escalation from militant factions. The Syrian front remains active, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed forces and weapon shipments, aiming to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and other groups.
In Iraq and Yemen, Iranian influence continues to manifest through proxy militias and missile attacks, which Israel monitors closely. Efforts to contain these threats remain ongoing, with international coordination aimed at preventing proliferation and escalation.
Domestically, Israel faces a tragic humanitarian crisis. A Palestinian terrorist attack in Samaria resulted in the death of a young mother, Tzeela Gez, and her unborn child, who was delivered via emergency Caesarean section. Despite intensive medical efforts, the two-week-old infant, Ravid Haim Gez, succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning. The attack, which also critically wounded her husband, Hananel Gez, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for stronger security measures. Local leaders, including Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan, have called for a military ground operation in the village of Burqin and the demolition of illegal Arab structures that threaten travelers. The community mourns the loss deeply, emphasizing that this double murder underscores the urgent need for a decisive Zionist response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, stating, “There are no words to console the murder of a newborn and his mother. We must build and strengthen our presence in our homeland to ensure such tragedies do not recur.” His comments echo a broader call for increased settlement activity and security measures to deter future assaults.
On the diplomatic front, a proposed ceasefire and hostage deal has been introduced by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy. The plan suggests a 60-day pause in hostilities, during which Hamas would release nine to ten hostages and the remains of eighteen victims, with the possibility of further negotiations afterward. The proposal also involves shifting humanitarian aid management back to the United Nations and Israel’s withdrawal from territories seized during recent operations. However, concerns remain regarding the limited scope of hostage releases, Hamas’s control over aid distribution, and the potential impact on Israeli security. Some Israeli officials, including Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, express reservations, emphasizing that Israel should insist on the original framework.
Adding to the tensions, I
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