Day 604 - IDF moves one step closer to Jewish (state) space lasers

Jun 1, 2025

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent, discusses the recent killing of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar in an IDF airstrike and the implications for Hamas's grip on Gaza. He sheds light on challenges in delivering humanitarian aid amidst the conflict and the controversial role of civilian contractors in military operations. Fabian also tackles Israel's strategic airstrikes in Syria, targeting weapon depots, and reveals advancements in drone defense technology, such as the new 'Iron Beam' system, highlighting its significance in countering threats from Hezbollah.

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INSIGHT

Precision Airstrike Killed Hamas Leader

The IDF confirmed the killing of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar with about 50 bombs dropped in 30 seconds on the tunnel beneath Khan Yunis hospital.
The hospital itself was undamaged and the strike targeted the tunnel system's roots to effectively collapse it.

INSIGHT

Aid Sites Weaken Hamas Control

Hamas is losing control over Gaza civilians as thousands flock to new aid distribution sites bypassing Hamas.
Israel sees this as a sign of weakening Hamas civil rule but admits it is early to tell the full effect.

ADVICE

Hire Civilians for Demolition Tasks

Use civilian defense contractors with construction experience to free up combat engineers for complicated tunnel work.
Civilians carry out demolitions in buffer zones but are not recognized as fallen soldiers if killed during operations.

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

The IDF confirmed last night that an Israeli airstrike earlier this month killed top Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar while he was in a tunnel underneath a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. What information is the IDF basing the confirmation on?

The IDF claims that Hamas’s hold is slipping, along with its stronghold on food supplies. However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation effort is being accused of wounding and even killing Gazans who are attempting to secure aid. Fabian weighs in on this increasingly murky endeavor.

A 19-year-old Defense Ministry civilian contractor, David Libi, was killed by an explosive device Thursday during Israel Defense Forces operations in the northern Gaza Strip. We learn why the IDF is employing Israeli civilians in the Strip.

The IDF carried out airstrikes on Friday near the coastal Syrian city of Latakia, saying its fighter jets targeted weapon depots used to store anti-ship missiles. It was Israel’s first reported strikes in Syria in nearly a month, but the IDF is not being forthcoming as to which terror group -- or state -- was the owner of the missiles.

Finally, we learned recently that the Israeli Air Force intercepted 35 drones launched by the Hezbollah terror group using a new laser interception system. The new system used during the fighting is a lower-powered version of the Iron Beam laser interceptor, which is set to be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces later this year. We hear about the IDF's beta-testing of the new system.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Following Netanyahu, IDF confirms Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar killed in May 13 strike

Israel claims Hamas losing control over Gaza civilians as GHF ramps up aid operations

IDF chief said to tell communities near Gaza he will ‘not let war drag on indefinitely’

Defense Ministry civilian contractor killed during IDF operations in northern Gaza

IDF says it targeted anti-ship missile depots near Syria’s Latakia; one said killed

IDF reveals it used laser system to intercept dozens of Hezbollah drones last year

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: A laser interception system deployed to northern Israel, in an undated photo published by the Defense Ministry on May 28, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

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