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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-04 at 13:04
HEADLINES
Israel Destroys Gaza Terror Sites Amid Rising Tensions
Hezbollah Considers Arms Withdrawal as Israel Strikes Lebanese Targets
Iran Nuclear Watchdog Withdraws Inspectors, Heightening Regional Fears
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today in the Middle East, tensions remain high as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and the surrounding regions. Israeli forces, under the command of the Southern Command, have intensified their efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, targeting multiple sites across Gaza in coordinated ground and air strikes. Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Defense Forces have destroyed several weapons depots, command centers, and underground tunnels, with approximately 100 targets hit across the territory. These actions are part of a broader campaign to neutralize threats and ensure the safety of Israeli civilians amid ongoing rocket and drone attacks from Gaza.
In the north, the security situation remains precarious, with Hezbollah in Lebanon considering strategic adjustments to its arsenal. Reports indicate that the group is weighing the possibility of relinquishing some weapons, contingent on Israel withdrawing from southern Lebanon and ceasing its attacks in the region. This comes amid persistent threats and recent Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah operatives, including the elimination of a key Iranian military liaison, Kassem Alhassini, in a recent airstrike south of Beirut.
Meanwhile, Iran’s nuclear oversight has faced setbacks, as the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency has withdrawn nuclear inspectors from Iran citing safety concerns. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgency of resuming monitoring activities, describing the current impasse as critical for regional stability. Iran’s nuclear program remains a focal point of international tension, with Western nations calling for renewed engagement to prevent escalation.
In Iraq, drone attacks continue to surge, particularly in the Kurdish autonomous region, amid rising US military security concerns. The US has increased its alert levels and deployed additional forces as Iranian-backed militias operate with increased boldness, launching strikes against US and coalition assets. The growing Iranian military presence in Iraq and neighboring Syria contributes to regional instability, complicating efforts for diplomatic resolution.
On the diplomatic front, regional leaders gathered at the ECO summit in Azerbaijan, including Turkish, Iranian, and Azerbaijani presidents, signaling ongoing attempts at regional coordination despite ongoing conflicts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss prospects for a ceasefire and regional alliances. US officials remain optimistic about the potential for Hamas to accept a truce, with negotiations ongoing over hostage releases and the possibility of a durable ceasefire.
In Israel, domestic issues continue to unfold alongside the security operations. The IDF has issued evacuation notices to residents in parts of Khan Younis, urging immediate departure from four blocks in the western region, citing ongoing military activity and threats from terrorist groups. These warnings come amid a backdrop of ongoing rocket fire and internal debates over military strategies.
In other news, Israel’s recent conscription efforts include a notable increase in the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox soldiers, with 122 recruits joining the combat-support track in the latest call-up, despite ongoing challenges in expanding enlistment among the Haredi community. Israeli security agencies also report increased operations targeting terror cells and weapons smuggling, aiming to prevent further attacks.
Internationally, the political la
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