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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-04 at 11:04
HEADLINES
Hamas Likely to Accept Modified Ceasefire Today
Netanyahu and Trump Push Iran Strategy for Regional Gains
Hezbollah Considers Shrinking Arsenal Amid Internal Debates
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At seven o'clock in the morning, we begin with recent developments in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Reports indicate that Hamas is expected to respond positively later today to a ceasefire proposal, with sources suggesting that the response will include some modifications that are unlikely to derail the negotiations. This potential agreement comes amid a backdrop of intensified hostilities and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump are reportedly seeking to leverage recent military operations against Iran to redraw regional boundaries and establish new alliances. Their focus appears to be on consolidating gains from targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, while also pursuing a comprehensive deal involving Gaza, regional partnerships, and diplomatic legacies.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains tense. An opinion piece suggests that victory over Iran will necessitate ending the war in Gaza, emphasizing that although Hamas is unlikely to vanish overnight, stabilizing the territory could be a step toward securing broader regional objectives. Israeli forces continue operations, with reports of an IDF soldier, Sergeant Yair Eliyahou, killed during an operation to demolish buildings in northern Gaza after a vehicle he was in overturned.
Hezbollah, supported by Iran, is considering a strategic shift following its devastating conflict with Israel. Sources reveal that the group is contemplating reducing its weapons arsenal, possibly surrendering some missiles and drones, contingent upon Israel withdrawing from southern Lebanon and ceasing its attacks. Internal discussions within Hezbollah reflect a broader reassessment of their military posture, with some factions viewing their amassed arsenal as a burden rather than an asset.
In a related development, Lebanese and Iranian sources report that Hezbollah is engaged in covert internal deliberations about its future, including restructuring leadership and reconsidering its political and military roles. Despite claims by Hezbollah’s leadership that resistance will continue, there is evidence of internal debates about scaling back military commitments.
Internationally, tensions extend beyond the immediate theater. European intelligence agencies have found evidence of widespread Russian use of chemical weapons against Ukraine, including drones dropping choking agents to dislodge soldiers from trenches. These reports highlight the ongoing brutality and the escalation of chemical warfare in the conflict.
In the broader geopolitical arena, discussions continue between the United States and Saudi Arabia. A recent secret meeting at the White House involved Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and President Trump. The talks focused on de-escalating Iran’s nuclear ambitions, securing a ceasefire in Gaza, and advancing normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Sources indicate that both sides see progress on these fronts, with a finalization of a defense and trade agreement on the horizon.
On the security front in Israel, reports confirm ongoing military activity near Damascus, with special forces reportedly landing by helicopter at sites once held by Bashar al-Assad’s Republican Guard. Additionally, a tragic incident occurred in Mavarchin, where a worker fell from a height of approximately five meters and was hospitalized in moderate condition.
In diplomatic relations, the Israeli government has extended its congratulations to President Trump on the Fourth of July, emphasizing the impor
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