Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 20:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 20:10
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINES- Gaza Tasks Remain Israel's US Weighs Stabilization- Iran Finances Hamas Funds Traced Through Turkey- Wounded Reservist Pushes Equal ConscriptionThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel and the broader Middle East continued to watch a turbulent calculus unfold at the outset of a new afternoon, with security concerns at the core of both national policy and international diplomacy. In a development line that frames much of the day’s coverage, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that key tasks in Gaza will remain the responsibility of Israel as Washington weighs options for a stabilization mission. He indicated that discussions about Phase Two of the plan associated with the Trump administration would be carried with the president of the United States later this month, in what officials described as an ongoing effort to coordinate steps to prevent a broader collapse of order in the enclave. At the same time, the United States has pressed ahead with efforts to assemble a stabilization mission for Gaza, even as questions persist about leadership, scope, and the practicality of such an operation in a densely populated and volatile environment.Israel’s security posture in Gaza has been reinforced in public statements by military leaders who say the army retains operational control over large parts of the Strip and will remain on the defense lines it has established. General Eyal Zamir addressed reservists in Gaza, stressing that the country will not permit Hamas to reestablish a foothold and that operations will be executed from a position of strength to protect Israeli civilians. This posture comes as a broader strategic debate inside Israel intensifies around the future structure and direction of the General Staff, with Prime Minister Netanyahu and cabinet colleagues reportedly backing changes that others, including Zamir, view as potentially overreaching. The unfolding discussion highlights the tension between political leadership and military command over questions of governance and risk in the battlefield’s next phase.Within Israel’s own borders, domestic debates have sharpened around conscription and social equity. A wounded reservist told a Knesset panel that equal conscription is essential to address manpower shortages in the armed forces, arguing that a broader share of the population should contribute to national defense. The exchange reflected ongoing pressure to recalibrate policy as the military seeks to maintain readiness amid staffing challenges and ongoing security concerns along multiple fronts.In parallel, regional actors weighed in on the evolving Gaza situation. Doha’s prime minister told the Doha Forum that Qatar will not fund Gaza’s reconstruction, signaling a clear stance on international assistance and the political dimensions of postconflict rebuilding. In the same circuit, a broader discussion in Washington about a stabilization mission for Gaza continued, though officials emphasized that any foray beyond Israeli security measures would require careful ground agreement and regional buy-in. The United States has sought to balance the urgency of humanitarian relief with the realities of strategic risk and political constraints in the region.Turning to the wider regional frame, the Iran-backed dynamics remain central. Reports drawn from Israel and allied outlets describe a long-running pattern in which Iran directs support to Hamas even as it reassesses its role in neighboring Syria. Accounts of the Syrian theater detail how Iranian forces and allied groups, including Hezbollah, were pulled back as the war’s momentum shifted, with some assessments describing a prompt Iranian departure from key positions as the Damascus regime faced intensified opposition. Veterans of the conflict have noted the volatility of Iranian involvement, and observers caution that the Islamic Republic continues to seek leverage across the region even as it recalibrates after battlefield setbacks. Within this broader context, Hamas officials have signaled openness to a comprehensive approach to avoid further escalations, including discussions around freezing or storing weapons as part of a broader ceasefire calculus.Iran’s influence, however, remains visible through financial and logistical networks that linked Hamas to entities abroad. Reports from Israel describe efforts by Iranian-directed networks to move funds, with alleged activity centered in Turkey and involving operatives who coordinate with Hamas leaders. The headlines emphasize that Tehran’s support for Hamas is not limited to battlefield roles but extends to enabling financial and logistical channels that sustain the group’s capabilities.On the diplomatic front, international voices continue to press for accountability and clarity. A United Nations human rights official described sanctions imposed by the United States as affecting her ability ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 19:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 19:09
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael defines Yellow Line as Gaza borderCosta Rica opens Jerusalem office signs tradeIran trims Syria footprint ahead of AssadThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. This is your hourly update on the Middle East and related developments. Across the region, security concerns, diplomacy, and political debate are shaping the currents as events unfold.In Gaza, the Israeli military leadership is signaling a continuing emphasis on defense and forward planning. The chief of staff described a “Yellow Line” as Israel’s new border, a checkpoint for a forward defensive posture and for broader operational activity in and around the Gaza strip. The description comes as Israel maintains control along key defense lines and reiterates that it will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself in the enclave, even as discussions of a second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire proceed at regional and international levels.On the ceasefire track, Hamas officials have signaled openness to a comprehensive approach aimed at preventing further escalations, including discussions about freezing or storing its weapons as the next phase of talks looms. Hamas has emphasized a desire to address security and stability while seeking to limit renewed fighting, even as Israel positions itself to defend its population and territory. This dynamic underscores the fragility of current agreements and the potential for shifting tensions should talks falter or external factors influence the calculus of either side.Regional and international dimensions also feature prominently. A triad of countries—the United States, Israel, and Qatar—have been engaged in discussions in New York as part of efforts to repair and recalibrate relationships in the broader area. The discussions come against a backdrop of allied and partner concerns about security, humanitarian conditions, and the future of regional stability. At the same time, a new diplomatic move is under way as Costa Rica announced plans to open a diplomatic office in Jerusalem and to sign a free trade agreement with Israel, signaling a broader normalization of ties and cooperation on economic and security issues.In Washington and beyond, policy and rhetoric about the region continue to attract attention. A prominent comment at a Doha Forum prompted some to reexamine regional governance models, highlighting debates about stability strategies and governance approaches that range from traditional alliances to discussions about the nature of political systems in the region. Such commentary reflects the enduring interest of outside powers in shaping outcomes, even as domestic actors in the region pursue their own security and political objectives.Iran and its regional influence remain central to the security calculus. Reports describe Iranian forces and allied groups withdrawing from Syria in the lead-up to Assad’s fall, with indications that thousands of Iranian personnel and affiliated fighters departed Syria in an unusually rapid exit. The implication is a reconfiguration of Iranian involvement in Syria and a recalibration of its regional footprint, which has long included an emphasis on supporting proxies across multiple theaters. In the Levant, analysts note that Tehran’s approach to its regional strategy continues to influence the behavior of groups aligned with or supported by Iran, including in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon. The broader question remains how these shifts will interact with Israeli security concerns and with the broader fight against militant networks.In addition to strategic and diplomatic currents, security incidents continue to emerge on the ground in Israel and the occupied territories. The Israeli Air Force has taken disciplinary action after 15 cadets were found to have violated isolation rules during a period of heightened sensitivity, hosting visitors and consuming alcohol at a hotel. The case has prompted internal review as the service weighs the implications for flight crew security and operational integrity. Separately, police and military scenes in other locations reflect ongoing domestic security concerns: an arrest in the greater Tel Aviv area following reports of an attack near a business, with two people injured and investigators continuing their work to determine the full sequence of events.Israel’s legal and political reform conversation also continues to unfold domestically. The Supreme Court handed down a ruling that blocks automatic citizenship for non-Jewish children of immigrants, restoring a longstanding interpretation of citizenship law. Debates about the future structure of the attorney general’s office—how the role is defined and who holds it—also persist, reflecting ongoing discussion about the balance between judicial oversight and executive governance within Israel’s legal framework.On the security and defense front, Israeli announcements continue ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 18:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 18:06
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESEisenkot urges formal inquiry into Oct 7Iran directs Hamas money network via TurkeyCourt halts automatic citizenship for non-Jewish childrenThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 1:00 PM news update on the Middle East and related international issues.Two years after the death of his son in the Gaza conflict, former Israeli general Gadi Eisenkot marked the anniversary with a call for a formal state inquiry into the October seventh failures, saying he wants to translate personal loss into a responsibility that serves the public and the country’s future. In Gaza, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told reservists that the Yellow Line constitutes a new border. He described it as a forward defensive line protecting communities and a line of operational activity, stressing that Israel will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself and that it maintains control over large sections of the Gaza Strip.At the Doha Forum in Qatar, the United States envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, suggested that the region has no true democracies, noting that Israel can claim to be a democracy but that in this region “what has worked best” has been a benevolent monarchy. Barrack’s remarks reflect a broader debate about governance models in the Middle East.The Israel Air Force has jailed fifteen pilot cadets for violating isolation rules by hosting visitors and consuming alcohol at a hotel, actions described as creating a risk of leaking classified information and compromising security.Israel’s Supreme Court issued a six-to-one ruling blocking automatic citizenship for non‑Jewish children of immigrants, restoring the Interior Ministry’s longstanding interpretation of the law and reversing a more recent precedent.Security officials say Iran continues to direct a Hamas money network operating through Turkey, moving hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas. The network relies on Gazan expatriates as money changers and operates across a broad regional footprint, signaling a persistent threat to Israel’s security.Costa Rica announced it will open a new diplomatic office in Jerusalem and sign a free trade agreement with Israel this week, with Economy Minister Nir Barkat and other ministers set to attend the ceremony.Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are reported to be conducting a citywide search in Gaza City for remains of the last Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, according to reports by N12 News.Israeli scientists say a brisk twenty-minute daily walk can significantly reduce the risk of early death, with estimates of up to a quarter decline in risk, underscoring the health benefits of integrating movement into busy schedules.An Israeli startup, Irregular, has raised eighty million dollars to build an artificial intelligence security laboratory, highlighting a growing sector focused on identifying vulnerabilities in advanced AI systems before they can be exploited. The founders say the work includes helping major platforms recognize and mitigate risks to users and society.Columbia University has opened a twenty-one million dollar compensation fund for harassed Jewish employees, describing the program as both a means of compensation and a statement of commitment to protecting Jewish and Israeli members of the university community going forward.Former German parliamentary figure Friedrich Merz visited Israel, with observers noting that the visit underscored that bilateral relations between Germany and Israel remain strong and collaborative.Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces said Hamas operates an Iran-directed network of Gaza-born money changers based in Turkey, transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas and warning against any contact with the exchange network or other Hamas financial arms.Lebanon’s authorities seized Israeli goods, including footwear bearing the Star of David, in coordinated raids that led to several arrests and heightened tensions along the border region.South Africa halted visa waivers for Palestinians seeking to travel from Gaza after flights resumed, illustrating the political and humanitarian sensitivities surrounding movement of people in and out of the conflict zone.A sweeping report on European security and Islamist movements argues that the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated European institutions to a degree, facilitated by European Union funding to networks linked to the Brotherhood. The document warns that tens of millions of euros have supported a web of organizations across the continent and calls for a zero-tolerance approach, including stronger audits and transparency, and even the designation of major branches of the Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. The report emphasizes that some entities have benefited from EU grants while advancing an Islamist agenda that critics say challenges secular democratic norms.President Isaac Herzog spoke with Politico, stressing that ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 17:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 17:08
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINES- Iranian-directed Hamas funding in Turkey exposed- Yellow Line frontier reshapes Israeli deterrence- Zero-tolerance on MB funding in EuropeThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 12:00 PM, a broad set of developments bearing on security, diplomacy, and regional dynamics are shaping the Middle East and its international context. In Israel, the Shin Bet and the IDF have disclosed a Turkey-based Hamas finance network that operates under Iranian direction. Officials say the network uses Gazan exiles in central Turkey and a system of money changers to move hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas leaders, with three operatives named publicly: Tamer Hassan, Khalil Farauna, and Farid Abu Dair. Israeli authorities warn against any contact with the network or with Hamas’ overseas financial arms, and they emphasize that the activity runs through Turkish financial channels, including storage and transfer of Iranian funds to Hamas. Israeli officials frame this as part of a broader pattern of Iranian support intended to rebuild Hamas’ capabilities outside Gaza.Alongside those disclosures, Israel’s top military leadership has stressed a changing security posture on the Gaza frontier. The chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, described the “yellow line” as a new border concept: a front line defending Israeli communities and a line of offensive action, signaling a shift in force posture as Israeli forces seek to prevent Hamas convergence of capabilities and to deter additional hostilities. In parallel, Israeli security officials remain focused on hostages and ongoing efforts to locate missing personnel, including reports that Hamas and Islamic Jihad know how to locate the remains of the last hostage in Gaza for return to Israel.In the diplomatic arena, Costa Rica announced plans to open a new diplomatic office in Jerusalem and to sign a free trade agreement with Israel in the coming days, signaling a step toward expanded economic and political ties despite the broader regional tensions. In Washington, US policy discussions continue to stress engagement with regional partners. Axios reports that the United States is seeking a Netanyahu–Sisi meeting to push Israel to expand regional economic ties, noting that the leaders have not met formally since before the current conflict began. The US emphasis on regional integration comes as Israel’s government engages with Gulf and nearby partners on security and commercial arrangements that could influence the stability of the broader area.On the European front, observers are taking note of a sweeping report on Muslim Brotherhood networks in Europe. The report argues that MB-linked organizations have received tens of millions of euros in European Union funding while pursuing an agenda that favors an Islamic-theocratic framework over secular democracy. It highlights entities such as ENAR, FEMYSO, and Islamic Relief Worldwide, detailing connections and funding streams that the authors say enable parallel societies and influence within official processes. The authors contend these networks leverage legitimacy and decentralization to obtain grants, then channel resources to projects that align with MB-linked goals. The report also notes cooperation between European MB-linked networks and Iran-based actors in some instances, despite ideological differences, describing a pattern in which MB infrastructures in Europe operate with significant autonomy and sophisticated funding flows. The call from the report’s authors is for a zero-tolerance approach: cut funding to MB-linked entities, tighten audits, and increase intelligence sharing, drawing on comparisons to measures seen in other national contexts. The European focus on Islamophobia as a political tool is also addressed, with critics warning that labeling and censorship can be exploited to shield infiltration efforts while enabling continued funding.In a related development, Israel’s security establishment reiterated that Hamas continues to pursue external capabilities, with reports of a covert Hamas funding network in Turkey functioning under Iranian direction. This coincides with broader regional reporting about Iran’s influence and its evolving footprint in Syria and neighboring areas. AFP reports that Iran removed Revolutionary Guards personnel from Syria after late 2023 operations, reflecting a strategic recalibration as the Assad regime’s position changed and Islamist opposition gained ground. The narrative of Iranian withdrawal is framed as part of a broader realignment that some analysts say could affect the balance of power in the region, though officials caution that Tehran remains committed to preserving leverage through allied groups and proxies.Diplomatic messaging from Doha and other capitals also shapes the frame. Qatar’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, reiterated that Qatar will not fund...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 16:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 16:08
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESGaza ceasefire phase one nearly completeIran withdrawal reshapes regional power in SyriaEU funding scrutiny over Brotherhood networksThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 11:00 a.m., this is a concise hourly update on the developing situation in the Middle East and the broader security concerns surrounding Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.In the Gaza arena, the first phase of the United States–backed ceasefire trajectory appears close to completion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the initial phase, focused on halting hostilities and establishing basic security arrangements, is nearly finished. He signaled that the next phase, which envisions disarming Hamas, establishing a transitional governance framework, and deploying an international stabilisation mechanism, will be more challenging. He plans to discuss the second phase with United States leaders when he visits the United States later this month. The ceasefire framework, in place since October, has included a commitment from Hamas and other militants to release or account for hostages, with most of the living and deceased captives exchanged, save for one unresolved case. Israel has emphasized the imperative of deradicalizing Gaza and advancing steps that could reduce violence and improve civilian protection, while cautioning that the path to a sustainable peace remains contingent on security and governance assurances.On the Israeli security front, military operations continue to be calibrated to prevent threats emanating from Gaza and the broader region. The Israeli Defense Forces reported a recent strike against a terrorist who approached soldiers near the southern Gaza Strip border, describing the target as posing an immediate threat. Israel’s emphasis remains on ensuring that any Gaza ceasefire yields verifiable security improvements for Israeli communities while sustaining humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza.Across the region, developments in southern Lebanon have drawn international attention. Lebanese security authorities conducted coordinated raids targeting groups and assets described by authorities as linked to broader militant networks. Reports indicate several individuals were arrested in Sidon, Wadi al-Zayna, al-Shahabiya, Nabatieh, and Tyre in what security officials described as preventive operations linked to the maintenance of stability along the border and avoidance of escalation. The incidents underscore ongoing sensitivities near the Israel-Lebanon frontier and highlight the broader regional concern about illicit channels and equipment that could be used in hostilities.In Syria and Iran’s orbit, recent assessments note a shift in the balance of influence as the war’s momentum in certain areas has altered the practical footprint of Iranian forces and allied militias. Reports describe how Iranian and allied units, including Hezbollah, withdrew some personnel from strategic sites in Syria in the wake of a rapid, Islamist-led advance and the subsequent political realignments. Observers say the withdrawal reflects a reconfiguration of Iranian strategy in the region, with implications for Lebanon, Israel, and neighboring states, and it reinforces broader questions about the future of Iranian involvement in Syria and elsewhere.Turning to distant but consequential developments, a sweeping European analysis on the Muslim Brotherhood’s presence in Europe has drawn renewed attention. The report argues that a network of organizations with ties to the Brotherhood has, over many years, accessed tens of millions of euros in European Union funding while pursuing a long-term aim of shaping secular European democracies toward governance more aligned with Islamist frameworks. The authors describe a decentralized machinery—covering student groups, NGOs, charitable networks, and religious bodies—through which funds flow and legitimacy is granted. They call for an urgent, zero-tolerance reform of EU funding practices, stronger audits, and cross-border intelligence sharing to counter influence operations. The report also points to connections between certain EU entities and elements associated with Iran’s networks, highlighting how cooperation can occur even among rival Islamist actors when the objective is influence and access to funds. In the Israeli and Jewish public sphere, the analysis feeds into ongoing concerns about ensuring that European policy and funding practices do not unintentionally enable campaigns that threaten liberal democratic values or narrow civic integration.Amid these debates, Qatar’s position on Gaza reconstruction drew international attention. Qatar’s prime minister indicated that Doha will not assume the leading role in financing Gaza’s reconstruction. He stressed that Qatar will focus on humanitarian aid and support for the Palestinian people, but will not be the primary funder of reconstruction ...
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 15:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 15:04
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESLebanon aims to disarm south by DecemberNetanyahu eyes Gaza ceasefire phase twoSaudi F-35 sale tests Israel edgeThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 10:00 AM, a fresh look at the Middle East shows security concerns, diplomacy, and political calculation shaping events day by day. In Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says Beirut aims to disarm all armed groups in the south, including Hezbollah, by year’s end and to confine weapons to the state. He outlined plans to disarm the area south of the Litani by December and to move other regions next year, with talks with Israel moving above the traditional military channel. Hezbollah reacted angrily, calling the move a concession, while Israel warned that the group is rebuilding despite the ceasefire. In Gaza, the Israeli military says a fighter who crossed the Yellow Line and approached troops posed an immediate threat, and was killed when soldiers acted to remove the danger. Diplomatically, Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin soon. The phase envisions disarming Hamas, establishing a transitional authority, and deploying an international stabilization force. Netanyahu spoke after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, saying progress has been made and that the second phase will be more difficult. Merz, visiting Israel, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to Israel's security and to the pursuit of a two-state solution, while acknowledging there are differences to work through in the path to peace. The pair discussed regional diplomacy and security ties as part of a broader effort to stabilize the Gaza front. On the security frontier with Saudi Arabia, the United States announced the sale of up to 48 F-35 fighters. Israel expressed concern the deal could affect its qualitative military edge, though experts say the aircraft would not instantly erase that advantage and that Israel's pilots, weapons, and mission integration remain a decisive factor. The possible sale also signals how normalization dynamics in the region may unfold and how Riyadh balances ties with Washington, Cairo, and other partners in a changing security landscape. Domestically, Iran faced internal scrutiny after thousands of Iranian women ran a hijab-free marathon on a Persian Gulf island. Authorities have arrested the organizers, underscoring a hard line from hardliners and highlighting the ongoing tension inside Iran between social change and regime control. In the United Kingdom, officials acknowledged that a police briefing to members of parliament incorrectly indicated that Birmingham's Jewish community supported banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a local match, prompting a formal apology and renewed questions about how security assessments are presented to lawmakers. Finally, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that he will not retire from politics in exchange for a presidential pardon and remains focused on the wider security and diplomatic agenda, including the ongoing Gaza ceasefire arrangement and relationships with allies in Europe and the Gulf. More updates will follow as events develop.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-879503https://www.jpost.com/science/article-879494https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-879501https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-879505https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-879472https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-879497https://t.me/newssil/182732https://t.me/abualiexpress/110208https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skezmg7m11lhttps://t.me/abualiexpress/110207https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-police-wrongly-told-mps-jewish-community-supported-maccabi-tel-aviv-ban-report/https://www.timesofisrael.com/faulty-intel-on-nonexistent-pregnant-hostage-impossible-to-ignore-says-idf-official/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj1qjzmf11ehttps://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-879491https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/netanyahu-expects-move-gaza-truce-second-phase-soonhttps://worldisraelnews.com/netanyahu-i-wont-quit-politics-for-presidential-pardon/https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-879489https://t.me/newssil/182731https://t.me/Newss0nline/57403https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-879487https://t.me/newssil/182730https://t.me/newssil/182729https://t.me/newssil/182728https://t.me/newssil/182727https://t.me/newssil/182726https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/07/netanyahu-will-not-retire-from-politics-in-exchange-for-pardon/https://worldisraelnews.com/...
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 14:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 14:07
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESNetanyahu rejects pardon and advances Gaza disarmamentSaudi F-35 sale sparks Israeli worryInternational Stabilization Force eyed for Gaza borderThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 9:00 AM update on the Middle East, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns, US policy, and regional diplomacy as the situation remains fluid and consequential for civilians on all sides.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem that he will not leave political life in exchange for a pardon. Netanyahu stressed that Israel is advancing its Gaza ceasefire plan in phases and underscored that any future agreement must ensure Hamas disarms and cannot include a role for Gaza’s Hamas faction. Merz, beginning his visit at Yad Vashem, reaffirmed Germany’s obligation to Israel’s security and to upholding international law, while acknowledging the moral weight of the Holocaust and Germany’s duty to stand with Israel. The discussions touched on security cooperation, including Germany’s Arrow 3 missile defense system deal and the lifting of a partial embargo imposed in response to the war in Gaza. Both leaders signaled a shared interest in maintaining momentum toward the broader goal of regional stability, with Netanyahu noting Israel’s security requirements stretch across the Jordan River to the Mediterranean and that any two-state framework would require negotiations and assurances from all parties.The visit comes as the US policy circle continues to weigh the implications of major defense and diplomatic steps in the region. A high-profile development has been the prospective sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia. Israel’s defense establishment and many outside observers say the move could affect the region’s military balance, even as analysts caution the timeline for delivery is measured and the degree to which such a sale would affect Israeli qualitative military edge (QME) remains subject to multiple variables. US officials have stressed that Israel retains a qualitative edge through a combination of advanced equipment, interoperability, and the expertise of its personnel, with ongoing arrangements intended to preserve that edge. Still, commentary from regional and security experts highlights concerns that any future expansion of advanced capabilities to neighboring states could influence regional calculations, including sensitivities around normalization processes tied to broader peace efforts. In parallel, observers note that the Saudi decision to pursue advanced platforms may reflect broader strategic shifts in the region, including pressure from Washington to balance rivals while encouraging progress toward stability and a possible path to broader accords.On the Gaza front, regional actors pressed for rapid progress in the ceasefire framework. At Doha and in other forums, Turkish and Egyptian officials, along with several Arab and Muslim partners, have urged steps to reinforce the ceasefire, reduce daily clashes along the boundary, and deploy peacekeepers or international monitors to separate forces and reduce hostilities. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan described the goal of credible enforcement mechanisms and called for a greater role for an International Stabilization Force along the Gaza Yellow Line to prevent near-daily confrontations. Egyptian officials repeated that the ISF should be deployed as soon as possible, ideally in a peacekeeping rather than peace-enforcing capacity, to preserve the truce while addressing humanitarian and security concerns. They also highlighted the importance of keeping Rafah crossing open for essential movements, while warning against displacement and arguing for protections that preserve civilian rights. Hamas, for its part, has returned most hostages and remains the subject of negotiations about remaining detainees and the ongoing process of disarmament as a condition for broader normalization and political stability in the region.Meanwhile, the broader security environment remains unsettled. In Lebanon, Liason for regional security notes from official channels indicate Hezbollah’s leadership views disarmament as contingent on broader regional assurances, including Iranian consent and strategic calculations about the balance of power in the Levant. In Syria, Israeli reports and neighboring assessments point to a dangerous equation in which a southern demilitarized zone could create new flashpoints, potentially drawing Israel into broader confrontation if security lines are tested or if external actors become involved. The dynamic in the region continues to hinge on how external powers balance competing interests, maintain deterrence, and respond to evolving strategic calculations in Gaza, the Lebanese border, and the Syrian front.Beyond the battlefield calculus, the humanitarian and civilian ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 11:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 11:08
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESIran rights lawyer dies as crackdown widensIsrael Mossad chief wounded in October firefightSecond Gaza governance phase hinged on hostagesThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 a.m., the latest developments from the Middle East and related corridors of global diplomacy are shaping security, politics, and everyday life for Israelis, Palestinians, and Jewish communities abroad. In Tehran, authorities have intensified a crackdown on dissent, with reports of the death of a prominent human rights lawyer, mass arrests, and ongoing disappearances. The measures, framed by officials as necessary for national security, have sparked backlash among ordinary Iranians who fear for friends and family and who describe pressure campaigns across civil society. Human rights groups and observers warn that the atmosphere of intimidation is thickening at a time when broader questions about political participation and governance remain unresolved inside Iran.Across the region, security also dominated the agenda in other settings. At London’s Heathrow Airport, a security incident prompted the temporary closure of Terminal 3 as authorities responded, with passengers advised to allow extra time and to check with airlines for updates. Police said the incident involved arrests and that the scene was contained; officials described the event as a security matter rather than a terrorist attack.In Jerusalem, the high-profile trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw a scheduled hearing canceled on Monday due to an “urgent diplomatic meeting,” according to the court. The development compresses the courtroom timeline, with Netanyahu expected to testify on Tuesday and Wednesday in a shortened session running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time. The legal proceedings continue to unfold against the backdrop of broader regional security concerns and domestic political debates over accountability and leadership.In a related security note, Israel’s newly appointed head of Mossad, David Gofman, has been identified in security footage as having engaged in a firefight on October 7. He was wounded and evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment. The episode underscores the continuing toll of the Gaza conflict on Israeli security leadership and the ongoing operational pressure faced by intelligence and defense services. Palestinians and their supporters also carried a strong human-interest thread through the news. A Gaza-based football coach, Ehab Abu Jazar, continues to steer the Palestinian national team from difficult roots, as his mother—Umm Ehab—near the Al-Mawasi refugee camp provides guidance via phone from Gaza. The story captures a broader narrative of resilience: a team that has struggled through years of conflict and displacement, now vying for a place in regional competition amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing political maneuvering in the region.In the West Bank and across Judea and Samaria, Israeli forces thwarted a vehicle-ramming attack near Hebron, neutralizing two Palestinian assailants at a checkpoint. The attackers were identified by local media as Ziad Na’im Abdul-Jabbar Abu Daoud and Ahmad Khalil Rajabi. The incident follows earlier security sweeps in the area intended to prevent renewed violence, with security officials warning that tensions remain high and that operations continue to disrupt militant activity.Diplomacy and regional diplomacy dominated several strands of the day’s reporting. In Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel during a visit to Jerusalem and at Yad Vashem, underscoring a commitment to Israel’s security while emphasizing the enduring historical responsibility that shapes German policy. Merz’s discussions touched on humanitarian aid to Gaza, the status of a two-state solution, and the defense relationship, including a landmark Arrow missile defense shield deployment announced last year. While there was no indication of inviting Prime Minister Netanyahu to Berlin on this trip, the visit highlighted ongoing, complex ties between the two countries amid shifting regional security calculations.Doha Forum participants also weighed regional diplomacy, with a senior Saudi diplomat arguing that reform within Israel, not the Palestinian Authority, is the most immediate prerequisite for lasting peace. The official urged concrete reforms to the Israeli government and warned against complacency, while acknowledging reforms underway in the Palestinian Authority. The remarks come amid broader discussions about the path to a stable settlement and the role of international partners, including the United States, in supporting a two-state framework and postwar governance arrangements in Gaza.In regional security developments tied to the Gaza Strip, US officials have been signaling that a second phase of the postwar plan—governance and security ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins