HEADLINES - **IDF Strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon; Suspicious Aerial Object Intercepted** - **Israeli Government Divided Over Humanitarian Pauses Amid Gaza Conflict** - **Anti-Government Protests Surge in Israel; Calls for Hostage Deal and Early Elections** The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Israel-Hamas Conflict - Current Events Update In the past hour, the Israel-Hamas conflict has seen significant developments both on the ground and within the political sphere. Military Engagements: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Fighter jets attacked a military structure in the Yaroun area, and artillery fire was employed to neutralize threats in the Amra region. In parallel, Israeli air defense intercepted a suspicious aerial object over southern Lebanon. These preemptive measures underscore the IDF's efforts to mitigate cross-border threats, especially from Hezbollah, which is considered a proxy for Iran and has historically posed a significant security challenge for Israel. Additionally, the IDF has confirmed the continuation of tactical pauses in military operations along a critical road in the southern Gaza Strip. These pauses are intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite these pauses, the IDF clarified that active combat operations, particularly in Rafah, are ongoing. Political Reactions: The decision to implement daily humanitarian pauses has sparked intense debate within Israel's government. Far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have vocally criticized the policy. Ben Gvir labeled the policy as "delusional," arguing that it contradicts the cabinet’s decisions and undermines Israel’s security. Smotrich echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the aid ultimately strengthens Hamas by allowing it to maintain control over Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also weighed in, expressing concern over the implementation of these pauses without proper consultation. However, the IDF maintains that the policy aligns with Netanyahu’s directives to bolster humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. Humanitarian and Civilian Impact: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. International pressure on Israel to increase aid deliveries has intensified, particularly as reports from aid organizations indicate that hunger in Gaza has reached famine levels. The tactical pauses are seen as a response to alleviate some of these humanitarian concerns, albeit amidst ongoing military operations. Domestic Unrest: Within Israel, anti-government protests have resurged, driven by demands for a hostage deal with Hamas and calls for early elections. Demonstrators have blocked major highways and key infrastructure sites, highlighting their frustration over the government's handling of the conflict and broader political grievances. The protests also reflect deep societal divisions over proposed judicial reforms and the exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Volunteer Efforts: Amid the conflict, stories of extraordinary bravery have emerged. United Hatzalah medics, numbering around 1,700, rushed to the southern regions during the initial Hamas assault on October 7. Despite the danger, these volunteers provided critical medical assistance, often reaching victims before the military. Their efforts have been widely lauded, with many lives saved due to their swift and courageous actions. Economic and Social Impact: The ongoing conflict has also taken a toll on Israel’s economy and social fabric. In the northern city of Safed, local businesses and tourism have been...