Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-22 at 07:04

HEADLINES
1. Yemen's Houthis Threaten Israel Again with Missiles
2. Israel Strikes Hezbollah and Iranian Targets Amid Escalation
3. Anti-Semitic Attack Kills Two Israeli Embassy Staff

The time is now 03:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 3:00 a.m., Israeli security forces intercepted a Katyusha rocket launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement toward Israel. This marks the tenth Houthi rocket threat detected within the month of May, underscoring the persistent danger from Iran-backed proxies across multiple fronts. The rocket was successfully intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, demonstrating Israel’s ongoing vigilance and missile defense capabilities amidst heightened regional tensions.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the home of a terrorist responsible for the August 2024 attack in the Kedumim area that resulted in the death of Gideon Peri. The demolition took place in Baqa al-Hatab village, where the terrorist Sultan al-Ghani resided. This action follows Israel’s broader strategy of deterring terrorism through targeted demolitions and underscores the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants.

In Lebanon, reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces conducted a retaliatory strike early this morning against military positions in southern Lebanon. The attack targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to recent cross-border exchanges, highlighting the fragile ceasefire conditions and the dangerous escalation along Israel’s northern front.

Across the Syrian border, Israeli aircraft targeted multiple Iranian-backed militia sites near Damascus overnight. These strikes aim to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and other proxy groups, reflecting Israel’s concerted efforts to prevent Iran’s entrenchment in the region from threatening Israeli security.

In Iraq, Israeli intelligence reports suggest an increased activity by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps operatives attempting to establish logistical routes into Syria and Lebanon. Israeli officials have emphasized that they are closely monitoring these developments and remain prepared to respond decisively to any threat.

Yemen’s Houthis continue to pose a threat to Israel through their missile and drone capabilities. Israeli defense sources warn of the potential for additional attacks, especially as the Houthis coordinate with Iran to expand their regional influence. Israeli authorities remain on high alert for possible escalation from these proxies.

Internationally, the United States and European nations are increasingly alarmed by Iran’s multi-front engagement. The US has reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security, deploying additional missile defense systems and intelligence support. Meanwhile, France and Germany are urging diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, though some EU members are debating sanctions against Iran and its regional allies.

Domestically, Israeli society remains tense. The government has imposed restrictions on protests that could benefit Hamas or spread its ideology, including prohibitions on Hamas symbols and social media content support. Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing individuals spreading propaganda or facilitating funding to terrorist organizations, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for violations.

In Washington, a tragic antisemitic attack outside a Jewish museum resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers. The gunman, Elias Rodriguez, shouted “Free, free Palestine” during his arrest, linking the attack to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the act as an act of terrorism rooted in hatred and antisemitism. The FBI has taken over the investigation, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance against hate crimes amid this...