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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-04 at 09:04
HEADLINES
1. Israeli Soldier Killed Amid Rising Gaza Violence
2. Israel Executes Covert Syria Raid Targeting Iranian Forces
3. Russia Recognizes Taliban Regime, Shaking Regional Stability
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 5:00 AM, we begin with ongoing developments across the Middle East and beyond. Israel continues its intense military efforts, with recent reports indicating the death of Sergeant Yair Eliyahou, a 19-year-old combat engineer from Azar, who was killed during operations in northern Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that Eliyahou was struck by an excavator during engineering work, marking the 482nd IDF soldier to lose their life since the current conflict began. His family has been notified, and his memory is honored by the nation.
Meanwhile, Israel's military investigation into the October 7 attack in Mivtahim revealed significant shortcomings. The probe found that troops deployed to the area were outnumbered and delayed in reinforcement, leaving a poorly equipped local security team to face the assault. This failure highlights vulnerabilities despite Israel's extensive preparations.
In a striking operational development, Israeli special forces reportedly executed near Damascus, landing via helicopters on sites once controlled by Bashar al-Assad’s Republican Guard. This action underscores Israel's expanding covert operations deep within Syrian territory, targeting Iranian-backed forces and regime assets.
On the diplomatic front, Israel's Foreign Minister, Yuval Sa'ar, announced plans to provide additional aid to Ukraine, focusing on water supply systems aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by Russian bombings. The aid, sourced from the Foreign Ministry’s budget, will include multiple water systems capable of serving tens of thousands affected by the conflict.
Domestic security remains tense. An investigation into the October 7 massacre in Mivtahim revealed that a small emergency response squad, alongside a single special forces operative, helped prevent a larger atrocity. The findings emphasize the importance of swift, localized response capabilities in the face of overwhelming threats.
In internal security measures, authorities have apprehended a suspect in Tuba, suspected of inciting severe anti-Israel sentiments and encouraging violence against security officials, including Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The suspect, a resident of Tuba, is now in custody for further questioning.
Internationally, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift. Russia has become the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, raising concerns about regional stability. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with President Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, addressing Iran, Ukraine, and ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the European Union and the United States.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by referring to bankers with an antisemitic term during a recent speech, claiming it was unintentional. His comments drew swift criticism amid heightened tensions over Iran and Middle Eastern policy. Notably, Trump recounted a story about Iran's alleged threats and missile tests, portraying Iran as unpredictable and aggressive, while emphasizing American resolve.
In Israel's technological and strategic sphere, the nation remains a vital partner to the United States. Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including Iron Dome and Arrow, continue to serve as models for American innovation. The recent military successes against Iran and Hezbollah have reinforced Israel’s position as a formidable regional power, with implications for US global strategy.
Finally, in cultural and societal news, a demonstration of Shiite mo
Published on 3 days, 11 hours ago