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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-23 at 16:06
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Amid Escalating Lebanon Tensions
2. Iran Threatens Shipping as Proxy Attacks Rise in Region
3. Qatar Closes Airspace Amid Heightened Middle East Chaos
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, the Middle East remains a highly volatile and rapidly shifting theater of conflict, with developments across Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen capturing international attention.
Israel continues to confront an escalating array of threats, with the Israel Defense Forces launching targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. These operations targeted military sites containing rocket launchers and weapons depots, with Israeli officials emphasizing that these actions respond to violations of previous understandings with Lebanon. The IDF’s spokesperson stated that these strikes aim to eliminate imminent threats and reaffirm Israel’s right to defend its borders. The attacks follow infiltration attempts and are part of a broader campaign to disrupt Hezbollah’s military capabilities along the border.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces remain engaged in intense operations, focusing on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and rescuing hostages held by Hamas. The organization continues to hold a significant number of hostages, while its military capabilities have been degraded but remain a threat. Israeli officials maintain that their military actions are necessary to prevent future attacks and to pressure Hamas into negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli warnings of long-term military engagement persist, with the Home Front Command extending emergency measures until Tuesday evening.
Iran’s regional proxies are in a state of high alert. Reports indicate that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to fire cruise missiles at international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Iranian officials, speaking to CNN, have expressed determination to retaliate against what they describe as American aggression, with some officials asserting they are prepared for a protracted conflict. In Tehran, the Iranian leadership remains in a state of underground communication, with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly giving strategic directions through handwritten messages, as foreign intelligence assesses the situation.
Lebanon’s government reports confirmed Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with multiple locations, including Kfarmelkeh, Zrarieh, and Jbaa, hit in recent hours. The Israeli military described these as responses to the presence of rocket launchers and weapons depots, which violate previous agreements. Hezbollah’s hesitation to escalate openly is noted, with some leaders advising caution, though Iran signals that Hezbollah could take action if Iran’s stability is threatened.
In Yemen, the Houthi movement has issued threats to attack American ships in the Red Sea, citing coordination with Iran. Yemeni officials have indicated readiness to respond to US aggression, with some military units prepared for precision strikes. The Houthis continue to coordinate with Iran, which has also launched missile and drone attacks from Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia and other regional assets, maintaining high operational tempo.
Internationally, the global response remains divided. Russia, China, and North Korea have condemned the US strike on Iranian nuclear sites, warning of regional destabilization and accusing Washington of undermining international law. Moscow has voiced support for Tehran and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Tehran has unveiled a new IRGC military spokesman, Iman Tajik, positioning him alongside Hamas and Houthi propagandists to amplify its messaging of resistance and defiance.
Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago