HEADLINES - **IDF Warns of Wider Conflict as Hezbollah Escalates Cross-Border Attacks** - **UN and US Urge De-Escalation Amid Rising Israel-Hezbollah Tensions** - **IDF Implements Humanitarian Pause in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict** The time is now 07:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a stark warning that increasing cross-border aggression from Hezbollah could lead to a wider escalation, with potentially devastating repercussions for Lebanon and the entire region. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, emphasized that Hezbollah's actions are nudging Israel toward broader conflict, jeopardizing both regional stability and the future of Lebanon. Hezbollah's cross-border attacks have intensified, particularly following the IDF's killing of senior Hezbollah commander Taleb Abdullah last week. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched unprecedented rocket barrages into northern Israel, causing significant fires and damage. IDF reports indicate that Hezbollah has fired over 5,000 rockets, anti-tank missiles, and explosive UAVs at Israeli territories since joining the conflict initiated by Hamas on October 7th. Alarm has been voiced by international bodies, with United Nations officials and US authorities expressing grave concern over the potential for miscalculations that could spiral into a full-scale war. In a bid to mitigate these tensions, senior US advisor Amos Hochstein is set to arrive in Israel to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Hagari underscored Israel's resolve to protect its citizens, declaring that the safety and secure return of Israelis to their homes in the north is non-negotiable. He criticized Hezbollah for failing to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the group's withdrawal north of the Litani River. The ongoing violations have prompted Israel to consider measures to ensure security along its northern border. Over the weekend, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on Israel’s Mount Meron air traffic control base. No injuries were reported, but the incident marked another escalation in the conflict. In addition, Hezbollah launched drones laden with explosives near the northern community of Goren, igniting a fire that the IDF is currently investigating. In a parallel development, the Israeli cabinet postponed a vote on countermeasures against the Palestinian Authority (PA). These measures were in response to the PA's promotion of arrest warrants against senior Israeli officials by the International Criminal Court. Expected actions included the strengthening of settlements in the West Bank, particularly as a reaction to several European countries' decisions to recognize Palestine as a state. In the southern Gaza city of Rafah, IDF operations continue unabated against Hamas. Major General Yaron Finkelman, chief of the IDF Southern Command, reaffirmed the military's commitment to defeating Hamas in Rafah, despite significant casualties, including the loss of eight troops in a recent explosion. The toll of Israeli troops killed in the ongoing ground offensive has now reached 312, including a police officer killed during a hostage rescue mission. Despite the ongoing conflict, Sunday saw a relative calm in Gaza, as the IDF implemented a daily "strategic pause" in fighting to facilitate humanitarian aid. This pause, lasting from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, aims to allow aid trucks to reach those in need. However, the IDF stressed that this does not signify a cessation of hostilities in the southern Gaza Strip. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 37,000 people killed or presumed dead since the conflict began. This figure includes approximately 15,000 terror operatives, according to Israel. The war...