The Lebanese Arena
IDF Activity in Lebanon:
Elimination of Hussein Atwi, senior in Al-Fajr Forces – the military wing of Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya
Sheikh Hussein Atwi, a very senior official in Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyah – Al-Fajr Forces, was eliminated on April 22 in the morning by an airstrike while traveling by car on the Awarta Road near Al-Naameh, south of Beirut. The Al-Fajr Forces operate in Lebanon as an organic body within Hamas-Lebanon-Military, thus Atwi was also considered a senior official within Hamas-Lebanon-Military. It is estimated that Al-Fajr Forces currently number about 1,000 operatives within Hamas-Lebanon-Military. Al-Fajr Forces were part of seven different organizations that coordinated with Hezbollah in the war against Israel in southern Lebanon. Their first act of terror during the war was the launching of rockets towards Israel on October 18, 2023. From October 2023 until the ceasefire in November 2024, 14 operatives of Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyah/Al-Fajr Forces (some senior) were eliminated.
Atwi is the 15th to be eliminated.
April 22: IDF eliminated a Hezbollah commander by means of UAV in the Majdal Zoun compound in the Al-Haniya area, southern Lebanon.
April 27: Hezbollah operative eliminated in the Halta area, southern Lebanon. The operative was involved in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah infrastructures.
April 27: The IDF struck a building in the Dahieh neighborhood where Hezbollah stored precision missiles. The attack was executed after evacuation warnings.
An analysis of Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon, from Nov 27, 2024 (the commencement of the ceasefire), till April 18, 2025 shows that out of 313 airstrikes 46% were in the southern area of the Litani (“area 1701”), where Hezbollah activity for rebuilding, reorganizing, strengthening, and renewing operational readiness continues. 53% of the airstrikes were north of the Litani and in the Beqaa Valley, targeting infrastructure reconstruction, weapons transport, and smuggling efforts. Incidents of rocket fire from Lebanon toward Israel in December 2024 and March 2025 led to an increase in Israeli retaliatory strikes. According to the attack data, Israel appears to operate under two main guidelines: Preventing Hezbollah activities south of the Litani and disrupting Hezbollah’s reconstruction and armament activities.
See the full article and analysis.
Updated Strike Data as of April 27:
Lebanon General:
Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon summoned for questioning following a tweet regarding disarmament:
On April 24, Lebanese Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador, Mojtaba Amani, over a controversial post on X calling initiatives to disarm Hezbollah “a clear conspiracy.” The Iranian ambassador wrote: “While the United States continues to arm the Zionist entity with missiles and modern weapons, it prevents other countries from arming themselves or obliges them to reduce their weapons arsenals under various pretexts,” and warned that “the moment countries give in to disarmament demands, they become vulnerable to attack and occupation, as happened in Iraq, Libya, and Syria.”
The tweet provoked significant political backlash in Lebanon, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the ambassador for a clarification meeting. During the meeting, the Secretary of the Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and adhering to the principles of non-intervention, in accordance with international conventions. The summoning was regarded by Hezbollah’s opponents as a courageous assertion of Lebanese sovereignty, while Hezbollah supporters perceived it as a politically motivated act.
In response, the Iranian Embassy stated that Ambassador Amani clarified during the meeting that the tweet was intended as a general remark addressing all countries — including Iran itself — and was not directed specifically at Lebanon. The ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the sovereignty, security, and stability of Lebanon, and expressed Iran’s willingness to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Meeting Between Lebanese President and UNIFIL Commander:
The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, met on April 24 with the Commander of UNIFIL Forces in the South, General Aroldo Lázaro, and emphasized the urgent need to end the Israeli presence at the five outposts in the South in order to ensure stability and security along the border and to enable the return of residents to their villages. Aoun noted that the Lebanese Army continues its deployment in the South, including mine clearance and the removal of armed substances, and that preparations are underway for the municipal elections scheduled for May 24, including in villages affected by the conflict.
The President further stressed that the recruitment of new soldiers is ongoing in accordance with the government’s decision, with the aim of reinforcing the army’s presence in the South and assisting in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in coordination with UNIFIL.
Lebanon Signs World Bank Loan Agreement:
On April 24, the Lebanese Minister of Finance, Yassin Jaber, signed a loan agreement with the World Bank totaling $250 million, designated for a comprehensive reform of the country’s electricity infrastructure. The project includes the establishment of a new national control center, the upgrading of billing and accounting systems at the national electricity company, and the construction of solar farms that will initially generate 150 megawatts and are expected to save approximately $40 million annually.
Tension on Lebanon-Syria Border:
On April 24, 2025, an exchange of fire was once again recorded in the Al-Hermel region, along the Lebanon–Syria border. According to the Lebanese Armed Forces, gunfire was initiated from the Lebanese side toward Syrian territory, reportedly in connection with a dispute linked to smuggling activities. In response, Syrian forces returned fire, with reports indicating casualties on both sides.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense stated that five rockets had been launched from Lebanon toward Syrian Army positions in the Al-Qusayr area of Homs Province and attributed responsibility for the incident to Hezbollah. The Syrian Army responded by targeting the sources of fire but subsequently ceased operations following coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, who committed to addressing the matter and holding those responsible accountable.
U.S. delegation visits southern Lebanon; some 150,000 housing units damaged in the recent war
A U.S. delegation, accompanied by Lebanese Army forces, conducted a tour on April 24 in southern Lebanon and visited a former Hezbollah military site in the town of Yakhmour al-Shaqif, which had previously been targeted by Israel.
At the same time, it was reported that the delegation was briefed on the fact that approximately 150,000 housing units in southern Lebanon were either destroyed or damaged during the recent war. Efforts to clear the debris only commenced recently, approximately five months after the end of hostilities, due to delays in funding and contractor coordination. The estimated cost of the debris removal is approximately $11.4 million, which is expected to be covered by the state budget in the absence of international assistance.
Prevention of UNIFIL Forces from Entering the Towns of Tir Deba and Jmaijmeh in Southern Lebanon:
Young men riding motorcycles blocked a UNIFIL convoy from entering a neighborhood in the town of Tyre-Dabba in southern Lebanon.
A video circulated online documenting the moment when the UNIFIL convoy, which included several vehicles, was stopped. According to the footage, the civilians demanded that UNIFIL forces be allowed to enter any area in the South only when accompanied by the Lebanese Army.
In the video capturing the incident, the young men can be heard mocking the UNIFIL forces with overt disdain, shouting: “Move along, move along, go back quickly — you cannot enter without the (Lebanese) Army.”
Link to the video: https://x.com/i/status/1915776145452060963
In another published video, a man is seen expelling UNIFIL forces from his land in the Jmaijmeh area, claiming that they are working with “the Jews” and cannot enter without the Lebanese army.
Link to the video: https://x.com/i/status/1916775197576769675
UNIFIL’s conduct during this incident is not surprising. UNIFIL continues to be irrelevant.
Discovery of Al-Fajr Forces Rockets and Launchers:
On April 24, the Lebanese Armed Forces conducted an operation in the Al-Arqoub region of southern Lebanon, during which they reported the discovery of rocket launchers and rockets attributed to the Al-Fajr Forces — the military wing of the Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya organization.
Hezbollah General:
Hezbollah and Amal’s Lebanese Municipal Elections Campaign:
On April 24, President Michel Aoun announced that municipal elections in southern Lebanon would be held on May 24, marking the continuation of the political contest in the region. It was also noted that funding for the elections is expected to come from the major political parties themselves, including local donations and internal sources.
Political campaigns are anticipated to involve expenditures on public advertisements, gatherings, and support for local candidates, all aimed at maintaining political stability in the region.
Hezbollah views the municipal elections as an opportunity to restore its internal legitimacy and project stability outwardly. In light of a service crisis and a governance vacuum in the South, the organization seeks to regain the trust of its supporters. Despite the broader political paralysis in the country, Hezbollah is preparing seriously for the elections, working in close coordination with the Amal Movement to preserve the unity of the Shiite bloc and demonstrate that it remains a central force in Lebanon.
Thus far, the political atmosphere has shown little enthusiasm, mainly due to heightened security tensions, the lingering effects of the recent conflict, and the challenges associated with rebuilding and repopulating damaged areas. Nevertheless, Hezbollah, Amal, and other political actors have begun early preparations for the elections, maintaining a framework of cooperation intended to unify local communities. While Hezbollah maintains significant influence in the South and in Shiite-majority areas, it aims to preserve its political strength even as its standing could potentially weaken in the upcoming elections, given the difficult economic and security conditions. There is an assessment that the rise of strong local and community-based candidates may erode Hezbollah’s dominance to some extent, particularly if local populations opt to favor independent candidates over those backed by major parties.
Hezbollah is expected to focus its campaigns on assistance for the rehabilitation of affected areas, and to include elements promoting internal reconciliation, reducing tensions among Shiite factions, and maintaining regional stability and security.
Hezbollah and the “Wataawanu” Association Deliver Third Shipment of Humanitarian Aid to Syrian Refugees
Hezbollah continues to expand its influence in the Mount Lebanon area and the North through the “Help One Another” Association (“Wataawanu”), which has delivered its third shipment of humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees who arrived from the Syrian coast to villages in the Akkar Valley. The aid includes a range of support provided in the village of Al-Masoudieh, where volunteer teams from the “Wataawanu” Association operated.
Afif Shoman, head of the association, stated that the assistance to Syrian refugees would continue, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting the local population. Mohammad Youssef, a Hezbollah representative, emphasized that Hezbollah is doing everything within its capabilities to support the Syrian refugees in the Akkar Valley and to provide for their basic needs.
On April 27, we published a special report revealing that Hezbollah’s “Help One Another” Association, led by Afif Shuman, serves as a civilian platform for embedding military activity in southern Lebanon, similar to the “Green Without Borders” organization.
The association’s charitable and social aid activities are part of Hezbollah’s broader strategy to expand its influence. The campaign involving the deployment of the association’s mobile structures along the contact line forms part of Hezbollah’s renewed military entrenchment in southern Lebanon. The association’s financial ties to Hezbollah and Iran are explicit, and it appears that Shuman exploits the association’s financial resources for personal profit and enrichment at the expense of the Shiite base.
For the full article, see our detailed report.
Nabih Berri: We will not give up Hezbollah weapons until Israel fulfills its obligations
The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and leader of the Amal Movement, Nabih Berri, declared on April 25 that Lebanon would not be able to advance discussions on the disarmament of Hezbollah as long as Israel does not fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement — including the withdrawal from Lebanese territories and the cessation of security violations. Berri expressed support for dialogue between the President of the Republic and Hezbollah, emphasizing that Lebanon has already fulfilled its part of the agreement by deploying the army in the South and securing Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the area. In parallel, reports indicated progress through a quiet channel between President Aoun and Hezbollah via intermediaries, in preparation for renewed discussions regarding the future of Hezbollah’s weapons and the national defense strategy.
The Palestinians in Lebanon:
Disarming Palestinian Refugee Camps in Norther Lebanon
On April 24, the process of disarming the Palestinian refugee camps in northern Lebanon began, with a primary focus on the Al-Baddawi Camp in Tripoli. The initiative is being carried out through cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the Palestinian Authority, with the goal of restoring full state control over the territory and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed his support for these measures during his recent meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, at the Arab Summit held in Saudi Arabia. Abbas emphasized the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to assisting Lebanon in restoring order and security, including his agreement to transfer weapons not under Fatah’s control to the Lebanese Army.
As part of the initiative, the Lebanese Army has closed all side roads leading to the Al-Baddawi Camp, leaving access only through the main gate to facilitate security oversight and prepare for the collection of weapons. The move has received support from the Fatah movement, which maintains control over most of the camp, and is considered a first step toward the disarmament of additional camps in Lebanon.
The initiative is also backed by other senior Palestinian officials, including Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of Fatah’s Central Committee, who was dispatched to Beirut to coordinate the process with the Lebanese authorities
Hamas Closes “Pioneers of the Al-Aqsa Flood” Project in Lebanon
With the renewed reports concerning the disarmament of Palestinian factions in Lebanon and the question of whether arms would remain, attention was once again drawn to Hamas’s military activities. According to several reports, Hamas initiated the closure of the “Pioneers of the Al-Aqsa Flood” project — an initiative launched after October 7, 2023. The project’s goal was to mobilize young Palestinians in Lebanon for the struggle against Israel. It was established to raise awareness among Palestinians; however, it failed to gain broad support and ceased operations shortly thereafter.
The project was never fully implemented, and concerns arose among the Lebanese public and political figures regarding its potential security and political ramifications.
In an official statement, Hamas clarified that the “Pioneers of the Al-Aqsa Flood” was solely an educational and awareness-raising initiative, not a military endeavor. Nevertheless, following public and political pressure, Hamas decided to terminate the project.
These developments highlight the high sensitivity in Lebanon regarding armed Palestinian activity within its territory and the ongoing concern for maintaining internal stability.
The Syrian Arena:
Syria General:
Removal of Shiite Symbols in Sayyida Zainab:
Syrian security forces removed all the red Shiite flags that had been hoisted atop the domes of the Sayyida Zainab shrine complex (in southern Damascus), citing that the flags posed a threat to public order. The move, unsurprisingly, provoked outrage among the Shiite community, who viewed it as an act of Sunni aggression.
The Sunnis perceive the flags as symbols of the Shiite axis’s takeover and entrenchment in Syria over the past decade, as well as of the atrocities committed by the Assad regime under the auspices of this axis.
Desecration of Jewish Cemetery in Damascus:
On the night of April 23, unidentified individuals broke into a Jewish burial site in Damascus, after smashing the main entrance gate and forcing entry into an inner chamber where the tomb of the renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Vital is located. Activists on social media published a photograph documenting the damage caused to the site, showing an excavation that had been carried out near the tomb.
According to sources within the Jewish community in Damascus, cited by Syrian media outlets, community members rushed to the site upon receiving news of the incident and alerted the authorities, who pledged to launch an investigation to identify those responsible for the grave act.
Thus far, the Syrian government has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, reports suggest that the perpetrators may have been searching for treasures or religious artifacts allegedly buried at the tomb of Rabbi Chaim Vital, a prominent 16th-century figure who passed away in Damascus in 1620.
The Jewish Quarter in Damascus and the Current State of the Community
The Jewish Quarter in Damascus, known as “Harat al-Yahud,” is located in the heart of the Old City. In the past, the area was home to a flourishing Jewish community, numbering thousands of people, characterized by vibrant commercial life and impressive synagogues, the most famous of which was the Al-Franji Synagogue. For centuries, the quarter served as a center of Jewish religious, cultural, and social life in Syria. However, with the deterioration of the political and social situation in the 20th century, and especially after the establishment of the State of Israel, the Jewish community faced waves of hostility, discrimination, and at times even violent attacks, leading to significant emigration from Syria.
Recently, following the rise to power of the new Islamic regime led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, a sense of uncertainty has emerged regarding the treatment of the remaining Jewish community. To date, the new government’s stance toward the Jewish community remains unclear — whether it will seek to protect their heritage and preserve their rights, or whether indifference will prevail, potentially endangering the few remaining assets and sites.
Syrian Foreign Minister Shibani in New York: Called for unity of Arab positions at the UN
The Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan Shibani, met on April 25 in New York with the ambassadors of Arab states at the United Nations Security Council, with the aim of promoting coordination of positions and strengthening the Arab presence at the UN. Later, Shibani participated in a Security Council session that addressed the situation in Syria and took part in an official ceremony for the hoisting of the new Syrian flag in front of the UN headquarters — a moment he described as historic, symbolizing the Syrian people’s stand for their rights.
We are witnessing a clear trend toward the normalization of relations between Syria and most Western countries, including the United States. In recent months, new embassies have been opened, official visits have taken place, and diplomatic and economic understandings have been signed — all of which indicate a shared desire to reintegrate Syria as an active member of the international community.
Report: Senior Islamic Jihad leaders arrested in Syria over ties to Iran
Palestinian sources revealed on April 24 that Syrian security forces arrested two senior members of the Islamic Jihad movement — Khaled Khaled, the organization’s official responsible for the Syrian sector, and Abu Ali Yasser, the head of the organizational committee.
According to reports, the arrests were made amid suspicions of their direct involvement with Iranian elements and in light of growing tensions in the Syrian coastal region.
It is assessed that if it is determined that they were not involved in activities threatening Syria’s stability, they may be released soon. Sources within Islamic Jihad emphasized that the incident was likely a misunderstanding and stressed their movement’s commitment to safeguarding Syria’s security and sovereignty, calling for the immediate release of the detainees. Hamas also appealed to the Syrian authorities to secure their release.
The movement further expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the arrests were conducted — described as street abductions rather than formal summons — but noted that the humanitarian offices of the movement in Damascus continue to operate as usual. Additionally, it was clarified that the arrests were unrelated to the recent visit of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to Syria.
The Islamic Jihad movement, whose operations in Syria have continued uninterrupted (unlike Hamas, which fell into conflict with the Assad regime), has in recent years been subjected to several Israeli strikes against its activities in Syria, the most recent of which occurred in March with the targeting of one of its active headquarters in Damascus.
The arrests of these senior operatives coincide with the disclosure of American demands toward Syria as a condition for lifting sanctions, including the expulsion of Palestinian factions from Syrian territory and a ban on their activities within the country.
It appears that the new regime in Damascus, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is focusing on asserting tighter control and restricting non-governmental activities suspected of external affiliations, particularly those linked to Iran. As part of this policy, several actions have been taken in recent months against Palestinian factions operating independently, aiming to preserve internal stability and enforce Syria’s full sovereignty over all foreign movements operating on its soil.
Ceremony Honoring 1,493 Children Who Memorized the Quran in the City of Idlib
On April 26, a festive ceremony was held in the city of Idlib, Syria, to honor 1,493 “Guardians of the Quran,” organized by the Institute for the Revelation of the Holy Word at the municipal stadium, with broad participation from public figures, official representatives, and numerous residents. According to Ahmad Zidan, a supervisor at the Institute’s schools, the event marked the culmination of efforts by 74 Quranic schools and 28 kindergartens, where Quranic studies are combined with scientific subjects, moral education, and value-based learning. During the ceremony, many “guardians” were honored, including 84 who were formally certified after completing the memorization of the entire Quran within approximately one and a half years. Families expressed immense pride, comparing their joy to the preparations for a wedding, while emphasizing the considerable investment and support provided to the children throughout the process.
Events of this nature reflect the new Syrian government’s encouragement of reinforcing the country’s identity as an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, in line with the vision of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who views the promotion of religious values as an integral part of Syria’s new national ethos.
Departure of American forces from al-Shadadi base in Hasakah District:
Two military convoys of U.S. forces departed from the Al-Shaddadi base in Hasakah Province on April 23, en route to the city of Hasakah. According to a report by the Al-Khabour network, the first convoy included approximately 30 vehicles, among them refrigerated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. It was followed by a second convoy consisting of over 150 trucks loaded with advanced weaponry, including missile launchers, air defense systems, long-range missiles, armored vehicles, and heavy engineering equipment.
These movements come in light of the U.S. military’s decision to reduce its presence in northeastern Syria over the coming months, as part of a realignment of forces intended to concentrate around a few major bases, particularly in Hasakah Province. According to a Pentagon statement, the number of American troops in the country will be reduced to fewer than one thousand as part of a “measured and conditions-based process.”
Confiscation of a weapons shipment in the town of Al-Qazir:
The Syrian regime, in cooperation with the police of the city of Al-Qusayr on the Syria–Lebanon border, seized a shipment of weapons that had been concealed inside a truck transporting household furniture.
The shipment originated from Lebanon, and those involved were arrested.
Turkish Involvement in Syria:
Turkey and Syria agree to establish a joint operations center to combat terrorism
A source in the Turkish Ministry of Defense revealed on April 25 that an agreement had been reached with the Syrian government to establish a joint operations center within Syrian territory. The agreement is intended to facilitate cooperation in the fight against terrorism, particularly against threats posed by ISIS, and is supported by understandings reached during the summit of the foreign, defense, and intelligence ministers of Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, held in Amman in March.
The agreement to establish the joint operations center comes in the context of the process of transferring control over the Tishrin Dam to the new Syrian government, as part of efforts to strengthen Syrian sovereignty.
The Tishrin Dam, located in northern Syria on the Euphrates River, was built in the 1990s and primarily serves for hydroelectric power generation, as well as for irrigation and other water regulation needs.
The dam is situated approximately 90 kilometers east of Aleppo and is one of the region’s key sources of energy and water.
Beyond its economic importance, it also holds strategic value — control of the dam means control over electricity and water supplies to a wide area in northern Syria.
During the Syrian civil war, the Tishrin Dam became a significant strategic asset contested by various forces. Initially seized by opposition forces, it later fell into the hands of ISIS, before being captured in 2015 by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the United States. Control over the dam allowed these forces to influence water and power supply across much of northern Syria.
Currently, the Tishrin Dam stands at the center of political negotiations between Turkey and Syria. Turkey, which had previously fought against the presence of Kurdish forces in the region, is closely monitoring the process of returning control over the dam to the new Syrian government. Within the framework of rapprochement between Damascus and Ankara and the agreements to establish a joint operations center, the Tishrin Dam has come to symbolize efforts to reinforce Syrian sovereignty and restore control over the country’s strategic resources.
Turkey to Launch Reconstruction Project in the Turkmen Mountain Region in Northwest Syria
Turkey plans to launch a project to rebuild the villages and towns in the Turkmen Mountain area of northwestern Syria, which were heavily damaged in recent years by bombings carried out by the former Syrian regime and its allies. The Turkish Housing Authority (TOKİ) will lead the reconstruction based on the “village houses” model, with Turkish Minister of Environment Murat Kurum appointed to oversee the project under the direction of the Turkish President. Work is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, in coordination with the Syrian government, and will include infrastructure and housing rehabilitation aimed at returning displaced residents to the area.
Progress in Turkey–Syria Talks on Border Crossings and Transportation Cooperation
Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced on April 25 that significant progress had been made in discussions between Ankara and Damascus regarding the easing of procedures at border crossings between the two countries.
The announcement was made during his visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, in an interview with “CNN Türk.”
According to Uraloğlu, the topic of border crossings was central to the discussions, which included extensive deliberations on land, air, sea, and rail transportation, as well as communication issues. He noted substantial progress toward connecting the rail and road networks of the two countries and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Additional projects discussed included, establishing a railway line linking the city of Gaziantep in southern Turkey with Syria, increasing the number of flights between the two countries, enhancing cooperation in the field of port operations and Turkish support for improving Syria’s internet infrastructure.
Return of Thousands of Syrians Through Border Crossings
Following the reopening of the crossings, Syria’s General Committee for Land and Maritime Crossings announced that approximately 11,000 Syrian citizens have returned through the newly reopened “Kasab” crossing on the Syria–Turkey border. The announcement was accompanied by footage documenting Syrians returning to their homeland after many years spent in Turkey.
At the end of December 2024, Turkey also reopened the “Yayladagi” crossing, corresponding to the Kasab crossing from the Turkish side, to facilitate the return of Syrians to their country. However, commercial activity at this crossing remains suspended and is expected to resume once ongoing upgrade works are completed.
Yemen: Houthi – Land:
April 23: A ballistic missile was launched from Yemen toward the Haifa area but was successfully intercepted by the Israeli Air Force.
April 26: The Israeli Air Force detected a missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory, which was successfully intercepted.
April 27: The Israeli Air Force detected another missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory; alerts were activated in the Dead Sea area, but the missile was successfully intercepted outside Israeli airspace.
Additionally, the Houthis claimed to have launched two UAVs toward the Ashkelon and Eilat areas, but they did not reach Israeli territory.
Since the renewal of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis have launched a total of 23 ballistic missiles and 5 UAVs toward Israel.
Iran
Deadly Explosion at Southern Iran Port
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, a massive explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaee Port in the city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 people and injuries to more than 1,200 others. The number of casualties is expected to rise.
The explosion took place in an area containing containers with hazardous materials, likely ammonium perchlorate and sodium perchlorate, which are used as rocket fuel.
The blast created a massive smoke plume, caused buildings to collapse, and inflicted extensive damage to port facilities. It was felt as far as 50 kilometers from the site.
The Iranian regime has launched an investigation. At this stage, the causes of the major explosion are unknown. The incident is reminiscent of the explosion that occurred at the Beirut port in August 2020, which was also caused by the ignition of the same material.
