HEADLINES Senator Blasts Biden for Delaying Military Aid to Israel Amid Escalating Conflict** - **IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon as Northern Israel Faces Rocket Attacks** - **Netanyahu Faces Internal Coalition Strife Over Military Draft Bill Amid Ongoing War** The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas remains a focal point of international concern, with significant developments reported in the past hour. In the United States, a senior Republican member of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, has criticized the Biden administration for withholding crucial military aid to Israel. This criticism follows recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the White House of delaying the transfer of essential weapons and ammunition. Senator Risch highlighted the administration’s hold on F-15 fighter jets and precision-guided munitions, arguing that this conditional support emboldens Hamas and increases the risk of a prolonged conflict. Risch urged the administration to expedite military aid to ensure Israel's security and maintain the United States' credibility as a reliable ally. Simultaneously, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, specifically in the Tyre and Khiam areas. These actions were in response to recent rocket launches from Lebanon into northern Israel, which triggered alarms in Kiryat Shmona. The IDF has also intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed into Israeli airspace. These developments underscore the increasing intensity of Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict, further complicating the situation for Israel as it faces potential threats on multiple fronts. Domestically, Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and his recent diplomatic engagements with the United States have drawn criticism from various quarters. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing strategic interests with the United States for political gain. Gantz's comments come amidst reports of internal disagreements within Netanyahu's coalition, particularly regarding the proposed haredi draft bill, which would provide exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Economy Minister Nir Barkat and other Likud members have expressed opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for more soldiers in the IDF to ensure victory in the ongoing conflict. On the humanitarian front, the situation in Gaza remains dire as the IDF continues its operations against Hamas. The conflict, now in its 257th day, has seen the dismantling of Hamas's organized military structure, particularly in Rafah. However, Hamas has shifted to guerrilla tactics, utilizing an extensive network of tunnels for smuggling weapons and executing attacks. The IDF has identified numerous smuggling tunnels along the Gaza-Egypt border, indicating a sustained effort by Hamas to rearm despite the ongoing military campaign. In parallel, diplomatic efforts are becoming increasingly critical as the conflict shows signs of winding down. The United States has proposed a framework for post-Hamas governance in Gaza, involving the Palestinian Authority and other international stakeholders. However, Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies remain resistant to any involvement of the Palestinian Authority, complicating prospects for a diplomatic resolution. Adding to the regional tension, Germany has designated the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement as 'extremist' due to its anti-Israel activities. This designation allows German authorities to monitor BDS activists closely and recruit informants within the organization, reflecting the broader international dimension of the conflict. In other news, a...