Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 11:04

HEADLINES
Israel faces multi-front security crisis amid Iran attacks
Israel targets over 100 Gaza sites in Operation Gadot
Iran-backed militias, Hezbollah escalate regional tensions

The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tonight, Israel faces a multi-front security crisis amid a large-scale offensive by Iran and its proxies. The country is actively engaged across seven primary fronts: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Israeli forces continue to respond to a barrage of attacks that threaten regional stability and national security.

In Gaza, the Israeli military reports that it has struck over 100 targets in the past 24 hours, including terrorist infrastructure, military compounds, underground tunnels, and missile launch sites. These actions are part of Operation "Gadot," aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities following recent rocket attacks and infiltration attempts. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing exchanges of fire and a heightened alert status along the southern border.

Simultaneously, in Lebanon, Hezbollah has increased its military activity, firing rockets towards northern Israel and deploying drones into Israeli territory. Israeli defense officials indicate that these actions are part of a coordinated effort to divert Israeli resources and escalate tensions. The Israeli military reports that it has intercepted multiple projectiles and responded with airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

In Syria, Israeli aircraft conducted targeted strikes against Iranian-backed militias and weapon depots. The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s actions, while Israel asserts these strikes are necessary to prevent weapons transfers to hostile groups operating within Syrian territory. The escalation also includes ongoing confrontations around the Golan Heights.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces reported thwarting an attempted stabbing attack at the Tamar checkpoint near Hebron. The attacker was neutralized with no Israeli casualties. However, reports indicate a rising number of terror incidents, including attempted vehicle rammings and shootings. Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have called for further escalation, praising recent attacks and urging their supporters to intensify violence.

In Iraq and Yemen, Iranian influence remains significant. Reports suggest ongoing coordination between Iran and militias hostile to Israel and the West. Negotiations are reportedly underway between Iraq and the United States regarding the possible release of Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, held captive for over two years by Iraqi-based Kataib Hezbollah. Sources indicate that a deal may be finalized within days, involving the exchange of prisoners, including Iranian detainees.

International reactions are mixed. The United States has increased military support and intelligence sharing with Israel, emphasizing its right to self-defense. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning, stating their readiness to respond to any Israeli or Western action, with a promise to shift the balance of power in the region.

Domestically, Israeli society remains deeply concerned. Reports have emerged of fake calls from alleged hostages pleading for help, accompanied by sounds of explosions and sirens. The Israel Cyber Directorate has confirmed these calls are part of a coordinated disinformation campaign intended to incite panic among the population. Authorities urge the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activity.

In more localized news, a stabbing attempt was thwarted at a checkpoint in Hebron, with the attacker killed on the spot. Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, local elections are underway with...