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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-29 at 10:06
HEADLINES
1. Israel Reestablishes Controversial West Bank Settlements
2. U.S. Diplomatic Breakthrough in Syria Sparks Hope
3. Iran’s Nuclear Posturing Fizzles Amid Internal Crisis
The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel announced the establishment of twenty-two new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that is likely to heighten tensions with the international community. The decision, made by Israel’s security cabinet, involves the creation of communities across Judea and Samaria, including the re-establishment of settlements evacuated in 2005. Among these are significant sites like Homesh and Sa-Nur, which hold symbolic value as they were evacuated in the Gaza disengagement but are now being resettled. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government describes this as a “historic” step, emphasizing the importance of development and security, with officials stating that this move “shapes the future of settlement for years to come” and signals a push towards sovereignty.
The expansion is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Israel’s presence along its eastern border with Jordan and to strengthen its long-term strategic position. However, the move draws widespread condemnation from the United Nations and many international actors, who regard the settlements as illegal under international law and obstacles to peace. Human rights organizations warn that these actions accelerate the de facto annexation of occupied territories, undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
This announcement coincides with ongoing debates within Israel about annexation and sovereignty, with some officials framing the settlement expansion as a continuation of historic claims. Critics argue that such measures threaten to deepen the occupation and further complicate efforts to revive peace negotiations. The timing follows recent discussions in international forums, where European nations and the United States have expressed concern over settlement growth, especially amidst the current conflict with Gaza that has already strained Israel’s global relations.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues to unfold on multiple fronts. The Israel Defense Forces reports ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. In Gaza, the IDF has targeted hundreds of meters of Hamas tunnels and destroyed key weapons caches and observation posts. The military states that dozens of terrorists have been killed and significant underground infrastructure has been neutralized, with the goal of protecting Israeli communities in the Western Negev and preventing future attacks.
In the broader context, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is part of Operation “Gideon’s Chariot,” involving multiple brigades and specialized units working to weaken Hamas’s capabilities. The IDF emphasizes that operations are ongoing and that their objective remains the dismantling of terrorist networks and the safeguarding of civilian lives.
On another front, in southern Syria, the US envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, made a historic visit to Damascus, marking the first official US diplomatic presence there since the embassy closed in 2012. Barrack’s arrival, accompanied by the Syrian foreign minister, signals a potential thaw in US-Syria relations, amid ongoing regional negotiations and shifting alliances.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah continues to reinforce its military positions along the border, while in Iraq and Yemen, Iranian-backed groups maintain a posture of defiance, complicating regional stability. Iran remains a focal point of concern for Israel and its allies, especially regarding its nuclear program. Experts suggest that Iran’s rhetoric about its nuclear capabilities is often bluster, with some analysts viewing recent threats as political posturing rather than imminent military action. A
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago