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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-18 at 22:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Faces Rising Tensions Amid Ongoing Regional War
2. Syrian Bloodshed and Lebanese Hezbollah Weakens Explosive Conflict
3. Gaza Hostage Crisis Persists as Regional Instability Escalates
The time is now 06:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At six in the evening, we begin with a review of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Israel remains on high alert amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran, which, while holding relatively steady, continues to be marked by underlying mistrust and sporadic exchanges. Israeli officials emphasize that their security operations persist, particularly against Iranian-backed proxies, reflecting their commitment to preventing any resurgence of hostile activity.
In Syria, the situation remains volatile. The new Syrian government, under President Bashar al-Assad, has announced plans to deploy additional troops to the south to quell ongoing clashes involving Druze communities and tribal militias. Reports from Sweida describe a horrifying scene at the city’s hospital, where over 400 bodies have been brought in following days of intense fighting. Syrian authorities condemn the violence but also stress they are working to restore stability, while the Druze community continues to call for international aid.
Meanwhile, Lebanon faces its own crises. Hezbollah, which suffered significant setbacks at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces, is attempting to regroup amid widespread destruction and diminished capabilities. The IDF’s recent operations have targeted Hezbollah positions, significantly weakening the group’s ability to project power. Lebanon’s government is under pressure, as citizens demand the removal of Hezbollah’s influence and an end to the ongoing conflict spillover.
In Gaza, Hamas’s operational strength appears to be diminished, yet the hostage situation persists. Israel maintains that it is prepared for further military actions if hostages are harmed or if threats escalate, emphasizing its right to defend its citizens. The international community continues to urge restraint, but Israel’s position remains firm: it will act decisively to secure its borders and the safety of its people.
From Yemen, Houthi missile attacks continue, with Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow 3 systems intercepting several projectiles fired from the rebel-held region. The latest interception occurred after sirens sounded from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, marking the third such attack since Wednesday. These hostilities add to the broader regional instability and underscore the persistent threat from non-state actors.
On the diplomatic front, the United States reports that an 85% progress has been made toward a ceasefire in Gaza, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicating that more pressure should have been exerted on Hamas to prevent the escalation. Meanwhile, Israel’s spy chief is visiting Washington, underscoring the close security cooperation between the two allies. US President Donald Trump’s administration continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense, aligning with the policy of pursuing peace through strength.
In other news, the Justice Department has filed a motion to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein, citing public interest in the case. In Europe, a significant legal development sees Libyan war crimes suspect Khaled Mohamed Ali Al Hishri detained in Germany. Accused of atrocities at Mitiga prison, he faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture and sexual violence, with proceedings expected to proceed in The Hague.
Domestically, Israel’s internal security measures are also in focus. The IDF is investigating a commander accused of ignoring a soldier’s attempted suicide, and security forces responded swiftly to an incident of violence in Abu Gjoda, where four individuals were in
Published on 6 hours ago