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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-05 at 18:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Decisive Gaza Airstrikes Amid Tensions
2. Hostage Negotiations Advance as Israel Seeks Peace
3. Hezbollah Targets Prompt Israeli Military Strikes in Lebanon
The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at two in the afternoon, our update begins with ongoing developments in the turbulent landscape of the Middle East, where Israel remains engaged in a complex and multi-layered conflict involving Iran, its proxies, and regional actors. Reports confirm that Israel's military operations continue in Gaza, with recent airstrikes and ground activity aimed at degrading Hamas's capabilities. Israel emphasizes that these actions are in self-defense, responding to ongoing rocket fire and threats, including the recent interception of two rockets launched from Gaza. No injuries have been reported from these rocket attacks, and the Israeli military states that its operations are carefully calibrated to minimize civilian harm.
Meanwhile, negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas are progressing, with a hostage negotiation team scheduled to depart for Doha either Saturday night or Sunday. The aim is to secure the safe return of captives, among them twenty individuals confirmed to be alive, though concerns remain over the fate of others, including two with "heavy" concerns for their lives. Sources indicate that the negotiations involve complex exchanges and that Israel is insisting on clear commitments, including the return of hostages and assurances on safety.
In regional security, Israel reports that its forces have thwarted a potential terrorist attack in the West Bank. Counterterror units, including elite forces from the Shin Bet, the IDF, and special units, conducted coordinated raids in the villages of Barta’a and another location in the Menahe region, resulting in the arrest of suspected terrorists planning imminent attacks. No casualties occurred during these operations, and suspects are now in custody for further interrogation.
In Lebanon, Israel's military has conducted multiple strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, claiming to have killed at least one militant and targeting four sites linked to the group. The IDF states that these strikes are part of a broader effort to prevent Hezbollah from escalating hostilities, especially amid rising tensions and recent alerts in northern communities. An alarm was also sounded in the northern community of Kisufim, where two rockets launched from Gaza were successfully intercepted, with no injuries reported.
On the diplomatic front, Israel prepares for a series of high-level discussions. A significant meeting of the security cabinet is scheduled for tonight following Hamas’s response to Israeli proposals. Additionally, a Israeli delegation is expected to fly to Doha for direct talks with Hamas, aiming to negotiate a humanitarian ceasefire and discuss the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to leave for Washington tomorrow for meetings with President Trump, where topics will include Iran and the ongoing hostage situation. President Trump has expressed cautious optimism, stating that there is hope for a deal within the coming week.
International reactions remain sensitive. Reports indicate that Arab media confirm a scheduled round of negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas, aiming to find a pathway to de-escalation. At the same time, Israeli security services have intercepted threats—including a plot uncovered in the West Bank—highlighting the persistent danger from terrorist groups.
Domestic issues also feature prominently today. The Israeli government announced the resignation of the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, amid reports of strained relations within the leadership. In addition, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Ga
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