Here are the main headlines that arrived to our news desk during Shabbat.
TURKEY:
Israel in message to the United States tonight: We will shoot down Turkish fighter jets without any hesitation if they attack Israeli planes operating in Syria
SYRIA:
In response to escalating sectarian violence against the Druze minority in southern Syria, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on May 2, 2025. Targets included areas near Damascus, Daraa, and Hama provinces. These actions followed deadly clashes between Druze fighters and pro-government militias, which were reportedly sparked by a controversial audio clip perceived as insulting to Islam which was later found to be fake.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes served as a clear message to Syria's new Islamist-led government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizing that Israel will not tolerate threats to the Druze community .
In addition to the airstrikes, Israel evacuated several wounded Syrian Druze civilians for medical treatment, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the Druze population.
Israel's proactive measures underscore its dedication to safeguarding minority communities and maintaining regional stability amid Syria's ongoing turmoil.
YEMEN
Earliy Shabbat morning, Sirens sounded in the Jerusalem and Dead Sea areas following a ballistic missile from Yemen.
This was the fourth ballistic missile shot at Israel in the past 24 hours, and can be seens as an escalation. It is probably the Houthi way to say: "The Ameircan attacks on us will not stop our actions for Gaza".
GAZA:
IDF Intensifies Anti-Terror Operations in Gaza
On the night of May 2, 2025, the IDF launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas terror infrastructure and operatives. Several terrorists were eliminated, and key weapons depots were destroyed as part of Israel’s ongoing mission to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and safeguard Israeli civilians.
In parallel, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans to expand the ground operation, including the call-up of thousands of reservists. This follows continued rocket fire from Gaza and the breakdown of ceasefire talks due to Hamas’ intransigence.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel will press forward until all hostages are returned and Hamas’ terror threat is fully neutralized.