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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-02 at 15:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Hezbollah, Lebanon Faces Security Crisis
2. Iran-Backed Attacks Persist as US Halts Ukraine Aid
3. Regional Tensions Rise Amid Iran Proxy Escalations
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at eleven in the morning, Israeli forces continue to face the multifaceted challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict with Iran and its proxies across the Middle East. Israel remains engaged in a direct confrontation with Iran, which has significantly escalated tensions in the region. The Israel Defense Forces have intensified operations to neutralize Iranian military infrastructure and prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to hostile groups.
In the context of Iran's proxies, the situation remains highly dynamic. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, the new Syrian administration is consolidating power, leading to shifts in regional alliances. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has suffered substantial setbacks, with the IDF conducting targeted strikes that have severely degraded its military capabilities. Lebanon is actively attempting to expel remnants of Hezbollah from its territory, reflecting internal pressures and the strain on the Lebanese state.
In Gaza, Hamas's operational capacity has been significantly impaired due to ongoing Israeli military actions, yet the group remains a threat, especially with the continued hostage situation involving Israeli citizens. The Israeli government asserts that its military operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and securing the release of hostages. From Yemen, Houthi missile and drone attacks persist, with the Houthis claiming to have launched hypersonic missiles toward Israel—though experts suggest that these claims may be exaggerated or unverified.
Internationally, the United Nations has called on the United Kingdom to cease proscribing Palestine Action as a terror organization, emphasizing that acts of protest damaging property but not intended to harm individuals should not be classified as terrorism. Domestically, tensions within Israel are also evident. MK Ayman Odeh has vocally criticized the Knesset House Committee, calling its actions "fascist," as Israel grapples with internal divisions amid the security crisis.
On the security front, Israeli military authorities have extended the detention of a suspect in a sexual abuse case in Bnei Brak, citing high risk to society. Additionally, the IDF has reduced the military zone surrounding Gaza, marking a shift in operational posture. Israeli casualties continue to mount, with two soldiers injured in ongoing engagements in Gaza, and tragic reports of a five-year-old girl in Jerusalem who was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle.
In the broader regional context, the influence of Russia and China in the Middle East appears to be waning following the recent twelve-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, the Houthis have vowed to persist in their attacks, boasting about their hypersonic missile capabilities—though skepticism remains regarding the true nature of these weapons.
In the United States, the Biden administration has halted some military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision weapons, citing depletion of stockpiles due to heavy usage against the Houthis and Iran. Despite this, American political discourse continues, with President Donald Trump warning against the potential election of a pro-BDS Democrat as New York's mayor, asserting that he will safeguard America's cities from what he describes as "dangerous" political figures.
Lastly, in a disturbing development, Iranian opposition channels have reportedly proposed a new assassination list targeting Israeli officials, underscoring the ongoing threat from Iranian-backed entities. In Lebanon, the remai
Published on 5 days, 14 hours ago