Israel News for 5-8-2025
News Update
The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of around 20 strikes in southern Lebanon, in the Nabatieh area, this morning, targeting Hezbollah underground positions. The Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen network described the air raids as forming a “belt of fire.” Yesterday, a senior Hamas terrorist was killed in an airstrike on his vehicle near Sidon. The IDF said that he was actively planning terror attacks against Israel.
A terrorist opened fire at a vehicle at the Reihan crossing area near Jenin yesterday. Two IDF reservists, Alon Yifrach, 52, and Thomas Butler, 23, were shot and wounded in the attack and were evacuated in serious condition. They underwent surgery overnight and remain in serious but stable condition. The terrorist was captured by security forces today. Another reservist was slightly injured in a terror ramming and attempted stabbing attack in the Hebron hills last night. The terrorist was neutralized.
British authorities arrested 8 people, 7 of whom are Iranian citizens, suspected of planning to attack the Israeli embassy in London. The Telegraph reported that the arrests took place just hours before the planned attack was to be carried out. Iran denied any involvement with the terror cell.
Regarding the remaining hostages, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We know for certain that 21 are alive. There are three others whose status is unclear. But what we can say with certainty is 21.”
The UAE is reportedly mediating secret talks between Israel and the new Syrian government, focused on security and intelligence matters and confidence-building between two states. For more, click here.
The European Parliament voted to freeze funding to the Palestinian Authority due to continued incitement in school textbooks, and condemned the involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7 attack. The resolution passed 443 votes in favor, 202 against, and 21 abstentions. For more, click here.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made the first official visit ever of a sitting American official to a settlement, when he visited Shiloh in Samaria yesterday. Huckabee prayed for the hostages and said, “I’ve never used any term other than Judea and Samaria. It would be a historical injustice and a denial of the Bible to use anything else. President Trump loves this land. You have sacrificed greatly to live here—you’ve paid in blood, sweat and tears. This place is a miracle. Only God’s existence can explain your presence here.”
