The Guardian

Hezbollah launched explosive drones at northern Israel and rockets at IDF troops in southern Lebanon, while the IDF struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre and destroyed a rocket launcher used in an overnight barrage on Kiryat Shmona. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the full annexation of the West Bank and the elimination of the Area A/B/C division. Iran’s foreign minister expressed distrust of the US at a BRICS meeting in India, and the UAE announced the acceleration of a second oil pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz by 2027.

An IDF soldier was killed by Hezbollah mortar fire in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah launched rockets at the Galilee, as President Trump warned that the “decimation” of Iran’s military “will continue” and said his patience with Tehran is running out. Trump and Xi Jinping discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz but reached no firm deal. CENTCOM’s commander told Congress that Iran’s military is severely degraded but still able to strike. Netanyahu said Israel now holds 60% of Gaza territory, and a new activist flotilla departed Turkey for Gaza.

US President Donald Trump is seriously considering resuming major combat operations against Iran, frustrated by stalled negotiations and Tehran’s continued uranium enrichment. In Lebanon, the IDF completed a weeklong raid north of the Litani River, while Hezbollah launched multiple drone and glider attacks on Israeli forces. Kuwait announced it had stopped an armed IRGC team from infiltrating Bubiyan Island. The Knesset passed a law establishing a special tribunal with death penalty powers for October 7 detainees. Israel confirmed it sent Iron Dome batteries to the UAE.

The IDF struck over 85 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, killing at least 12, while Hezbollah explosive drones wounded three Israeli reservists near the border. Bahrain arrested 41 people over alleged IRGC links, and Iran demanded IRGC-linked officials be allowed to attend the World Cup. The US and Iran remain locked in a Hormuz standoff, with Russia reportedly sending drone parts to Iran via the Caspian Sea.

Israel is preparing for a potential resumption of hostilities with Iran, as CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Cain briefed President Trump on new operational strike plans. The briefing came hours before the War Powers Resolution deadline, with the administration claiming hostilities have 'terminated' amid the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly digging out buried missiles and weapons in anticipation of a truce collapse, and Hezbollah continues to amass explosive drones, posing a persistent threat to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

President Trump told Iran to 'just give up' and vowed to maintain the naval blockade until a nuclear deal is reached, as Brent crude surged past $117 per barrel and the UAE confirmed its exit from OPEC effective May 1. The IDF intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters near Crete, while Hezbollah continued loitering-glider attacks on Israeli armor in southern Lebanon and the IDF struck over 30 Hezbollah sites. In London, police declared the stabbing of two Jewish men a terrorist incident, with an Iran-linked group claiming responsibility.