Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 23:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 23:06
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESFamilies plead for Ran Gvili releaseICC eyes Netanyahu Gallant in-absentia hearingsSyria arms shipments halted to HezbollahThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.It's six o'clock in the evening. This is the six o'clock Middle East briefing, outlining the latest developments across Israel, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and adjacent regions.First, in Washington, relatives of Israeli captives and of two officers killed in Gaza traveled to the United States to express gratitude to the Biden administration and to lawmakers for their ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and to press for the return of Ran Gvili, who remains in Hamas custody. The group, including families of Captain Omer Neutra and Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, met with about twenty senators and twenty members of the House, together with staff from the National Security Council and the president’s counterterrorism adviser. The families said their campaign has been nonpolitical and stressed the importance of bringing home all hostages and honoring those who were killed. They also described how a new lone-soldier group named after Omer Neutra has formed in Israel, and highlighted the enduring connection between American and Israeli leadership as a practical driver of security cooperation.In security developments, the head of United States Central Command said Syria recently interdicted several arms shipments from reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon. He described a shared interest among the United States and its regional partners in disarming Hezbollah and maintaining stability across the region. He noted the broader backdrop of the November ceasefire that ended months of fighting in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese government’s stated aim to uphold a state monopoly on arms as part of that agreement. Israel has continued air operations in Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.In the legal and diplomatic arena, the International Criminal Court deputy prosecutor indicated that it would be conceivable to hold an in-absentia hearing against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and against the former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, concerning alleged war crimes during the Gaza campaign. He emphasized that such a hearing would be a procedural confirmation of charges rather than a trial, and would require the judges’ consent. Israel has rejected the warrants as baseless, arguing the war was conducted in accordance with international law. The office of the prosecutor also noted that United States sanctions on ICC officials have complicated the court’s operations, while the prosecutor defended the court’s mission to address mass crimes wherever they occur. In a related development, Israel has argued that the warrants and related actions should be understood within the broader context of accountability for all sides, while observers note the court’s expanding docket in Latin America, Asia, and Europe.On the policy front, Canada said it has removed Syria from its list of foreign state supporters of terrorism and removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its terrorist entities list, aligning with allies’ efforts to support Syria’s stability and regional security. The move comes as part of a broader pattern of allied assessments of terrorism designations.In Lebanon, the ceasefire framework and international pressure to disarm Hezbollah continue to shape security calculations. The United States has approved a potential sale of medium tactical vehicles to Lebanon, signaling continued support for the Lebanese security forces as they confront threats posed by non-state actors and to bolster the state’s ability to maintain order within its borders as part of the post-conflict arrangement.On the cultural and human front, a memorial grove near Kibbutz Tze’elim was inaugurated to honor Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were murdered in Hamas captivity. President Isaac Herzog attended the ceremony, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict and the ways in which communities respond through remembrance and resilience.In South Asia, tensions along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border flared again with heavy fire as a new round of talks concluded without a breakthrough. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a fragile ceasefire, even as the broader regional security picture remained unsettled amid ongoing concerns about stability and security.Finally, observers weigh the media landscape and public discourse surrounding the war, noting ongoing debates about how truth and framing influence perceptions of security policies and military actions. Authorities and analysts alike emphasize the need for transparent reporting and adherence to international law as the region navigates a delicate balance between security priorities and humanitarian considerations.That is our update for this hour. We will continue to monitor developments and report as events ...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 22:06
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESICC Mulls In-Absentia Hearings On Netanyahu PutinLebanon Seeks Follow-Up UNIFIL Force After 2026Times Square Antisemitism Case Two-Year SentenceThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The International Criminal Court’s acting chief prosecutor said it would be conceivable to hold an in-absentia hearing against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin, a development that could affect how wartime cases are pursued on the world’s only permanent tribunal. Mame Mandiaye Niang told AFP that such a procedure would not be a trial, but a formal verification of charges intended to preserve evidence and give voice to victims. He noted that any request would require the agreement of the court’s judges and stressed that the hearing would be a non-trial step, aimed at maintaining momentum in cases the court has already sought to bring to account. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and for former defense minister Yoav Gallant were issued in late 2024 over concerns arising from Israel’s Gaza war, a conflict Jerusalem says is being waged in defense of its citizens and in pursuit of hostages’ return, and conducted in accordance with international law. Putin and Netanyahu remain at large, and the court has no police force of its own, relying on states to execute arrest warrants, which has made any enforcement highly uncertain.Niang also used the moment to criticize US sanctions on ICC officials, saying they effectively put top court figures on a par with terrorists or drug traffickers. He described how the measures impeded ordinary life—blocking a credit card needed to charge a hybrid car, for instance—and said such actions risk de-legitimizing the court even as it pursues high-profile cases. The deputy prosecutor’s remarks come amid ongoing internal tensions at the ICC, including an inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations against Karim Khan, the court’s sitting prosecutor, who denies the accusations. Niang said the allegations have “disturbed” and “poisoned” the atmosphere at the court, though he maintained that the ICC must continue its work. He argued that the court remains essential at a moment when mass crimes are committed around the world, and he cited notable cases this year, including the arrest of a former Philippine president and the conviction of a Sudanese militia chief, as evidence of the court’s reach beyond Africa.Israel’s government has argued that the ICC’s actions in the Palestine case are misplaced and politically motivated, insisting that its Gaza campaign has been conducted in accordance with international law and with the objective of destroying Hamas’s capabilities and rescuing hostages. In Jerusalem’s view, the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant are baseless attempts to sideline legitimate security operations. The broader debate inside the ICC, Niang suggested, reflects global tensions over how accountability for wartime actions is pursued and what role the court should play when political realities complicate cooperation with powerful states.Separately, in the Middle East, Lebanon’s prime minister told a visiting United Nations delegation that Lebanon would likely need a follow-up force in southern Lebanon once UNIFIL’s term ends at the close of 2026. Nawaf Salam said a residual presence could help Lebanese troops along the border with Israel and fill what officials see as a security vacuum after decades of multinational monitoring. The Security Council’s August decision to end UNIFIL’s mandate has drawn scrutiny from Israel, which has long argued that the mission did not curb Hezbollah’s buildup near the border. Israel conducted a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon in recent days, warning residents to evacuate affected areas as it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. Hezbollah’s leadership condemned the appointment of a former ambassador to heads-up the committee that monitors the ceasefire, but Lebanese and regional officials stressed the need for continued stability along the frontier amid a volatile security environment.In New York, a domestic case of antisemitism drew attention to the ongoing threat to Jewish communities. Salem Seleiman was sentenced to two years in prison for a 2021 assault on Joey Borgen, a Jewish man with a kippah who was assaulted during an anti-Israel demonstration in Times Square. Prosecutors described the attack as hate-motivated and noted that several other participants in the incident had already been prosecuted. The sentence underscored the continuing challenge of bias-motivated violence in major cities and the importance of robust enforcement of hate-crimes laws to protect Jewish communities and other minority groups.Taken together, these developments highlight a moment of pressure and recalibration in international justice and regional security. The ICC faces questions about the feasibility and ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 21:07
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESGaza Popular Forces Name Ghassan Al-DuhainiExiled Assad Loyalists Fund Thousands Of FightersUNIFIL Ends 2026 Mandate, Border At RiskThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly update at 4:00 PM. Leaders, loyalties, and lines of influence are shifting across the Middle East and surrounding regions, with security concerns and alliances shaping a complex regional picture.In Gaza, Ghassan Al-Duhaini has been named to replace Abu Shabab as leader of the Popular Forces, signaling a continuation of the movement’s leadership transition after the death of Yasser Abu Shabab. The deputy, who has been documented among militia operatives and seen uplifting morale, will assume responsibility for the group’s activities in Gaza as it seeks to maintain its role in supporting and coordinating local security efforts amid ongoing tensions on the border and in the coastal enclave.Across the region, a high-stakes struggle is unfolding in Syria that centers on exiled loyalists of the Assad era. Former military intelligence chief Kamal Hassan and billionaire cousin Rami Makhlouf are financing parallel operations aimed at mobilizing tens of thousands of fighters in coastal Syria and Lebanon, with the objective of asserting influence over Alawite-dominated areas and reclaiming influence lost during the regime’s downfall. Recent assessments place the potential combat strength of these networks in the tens of thousands, although the ground remains uncertain and commanders say fighters are paid poorly and weathering competing loyalties. The exiles’ plans intersect with Russia’s still-formidable, though cautious, role in the region; Moscow has not yet publicly embraced these efforts and has emphasized its priority of maintaining access to bases in coastal Syria. In an effort to counter these plots, Syria’s new government has deployed Khaled al-Ahmad, a former Assad loyalist who became a paramilitary leader for the regime, to persuade Alawite ex-soldiers and communities that their future lies with the post-Assad leadership. Analysts describe the situation as a continuation of the Assad power struggle, now reframed as a contest over the future of Syria’s Alawite community rather than a bid to restore the family’s political control alone.The persistent concern over Syria’s destabilization and its implications for neighboring states is underscored by a broader regional awareness of the danger of sectarian flare-ups. In Tartous, Governor Ahmed al-Shami acknowledged the existence of a subterranean command-room network believed to have supported Assadist forces, though he stressed that the system has been significantly weakened since the regime’s consolidation of power. The struggle is not simply political; it carries the risk of rapid, sectarian violence that could draw in regional actors. Syrians in coastal cities continue to live with the fragility of the current settlement, even as the new government cites ongoing efforts to heal divisions and prevent renewed conflict.In parallel, the United Nations has pressed the Syrian regime to advance justice for minority groups, including Druze and Alawites, accusing the authorities of a range of abuses, including summary executions and detentions. The UN’s position highlights international concern about accountability amid ongoing regional turmoil and the potential for human rights abuses to fuel further instability.Lebanon’s border environment remains sensitive as well. Lebanon’s prime minister Nawaf Salam told a visiting United Nations Security Council delegation that a follow-up force will be needed along the southern border once UNIFIL’s term ends at year’s end 2026. The Security Council voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate, a move that Israel has long argued would require ongoing protection and coordination on the ground to prevent a security vacuum near the border with Israel. In the broader border region, Israel has conducted air operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, with warnings issued in advance of strikes. The Lebanese reaction to regional shifts and the fate of UNIFIL’s successor force will be watched closely for indications of how the volatile border will be managed going forward.On the security front, CENTCOM praised Syria’s security forces for disrupting several weapon shipments intended for Hezbollah. The recognition reflects ongoing efforts by regional and international partners to prevent weapons from reaching non-state actors aligned with militant groups and underscores the broader concern about Hezbollah’s operational capabilities along the Lebanon-Israel front.In other news with regional resonance, a major hate crime sentencing in New York City drew attention to antisemitism in the United States, as Salem Seleiman, 30, was sentenced to two years in prison for participating in a 2021 assault on a Jewish man near a pro-Israel ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 20:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 20:09
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESGhassan Al-Duhaini to lead Gaza Popular ForcesExiled figures mobilize Alawites to reshape SyriaNetflix buys Warner Bros Discovery for $72BThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. Here is the latest news update.In Gaza, Ghassan Al-Duhaini is set to replace Yasser Abu Shabab as leader of the Popular Forces, the militia operating in the coastal enclave. Duhaini, identified as Abu Shabab’s deputy, has been seen among fighters and boosting morale after his predecessor’s death, a change that underscores ongoing tensions and security concerns in the territory.In Syria, a detailed Reuters investigation portrays a renewed power struggle among former Assad loyalists and their networks. Exiled figures Kamal Hassan and Rami Makhlouf are financing and directing efforts to mobilize tens of thousands of Alawites in and around coastal Syria and Lebanon, pursuing influence as the new government under Ahmed al-Sharāʿa consolidates control. The report details subterranean command rooms and weapons caches, and notes that while Moscow has provided sanctuary, Russia has shown caution about backing the exiles and prioritizes access to its bases in the region. Analysts say the plots reflect a deeper contest to shape Syria’s postwar order rather than a return to open conflict, even as the new regime seeks to reduce the reach of haunting remnants of the Assad era. US and regional partners view the Sharaa government as the current center of gravity for stability in the country, though the prospects for a durable settlement remain uncertain.The United Nations on the Syria file pressed the regime to pursue justice for Druze, Alawites, and other minority communities, condemning continued abuse, killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of homes. The UN urged accountability and protection for civilians amid ongoing violence and displacement as various factions seek advantage in a fragile landscape.On the security front, Syrian authorities say they are aware of the outlined schemes and are prepared to counter them. Local officials in Tartous say the network of underground command rooms remains weakened but real, with authorities signaling readiness to confront any renewed efforts that threaten the country’s fragile stability. International actors continue to watch how internal power struggles may affect regional stability and, by extension, Israel’s security environment on its northern front.In Washington, the Supreme Court is poised to decide the legality of efforts to limit birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, a long-standing interpretation that has granted citizenship to people born in the United States. The decision could shape the contours of immigration policy and the political debate around birthright protections in the United States.In Jerusalem, two teenagers from Ramot were arrested after allegedly assaulting two Arab public workers in the city’s northern outskirts. Police said a bus driver and a sanitation worker were injured in the incident, with video showing the assailants on an electric bike. Investigators described the attacks as severe violence, and security services have pledged heightened efforts to protect transit workers and public staff amid ongoing friction and a broader pattern of violence in parts of the capital.In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the city’s next mayor cannot physically arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the course of a visit, and she distanced herself from some anti-Israel positions associated with the incoming administration. The comments come as national and local leaders weigh Israel’s security needs and diplomatic engagement in a volatile regional context.Across the Atlantic, Netflix announced a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and streaming businesses for seventy-two billion dollars, a move that would reshape Hollywood’s studio landscape. The agreement is expected to attract intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, given the potential to concentrate substantial content rights under a single platform. Netflix says the arrangement would expand subscriber choices and bolster long-term investment in original content, while analysts caution regulators will assess the impact on competition, pricing, and access to cinema releases. The deal values Warner’s portfolio highly and contemplates a large-scale integration that would influence how audiences access major franchises and high-profile films in the coming years.Damascus, meanwhile, faces a year marked by questions about governance and reconciliation. As the old regime’s fall gave way to a new leadership, residents describe a city balancing renewal with fatigue, and observers note that security concerns persist as Syria navigates rebuilding, accountability, and the complexities of a fractured political landscape.Looking ahead, the region’s security environment ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 19:11

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 19:11
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINES- Damascus Rebuilds Cafés Return Justice Delayed- Israel Strikes Gaza-Linked Cell One Survives- Israel Eyes 36-Month Conscription ExtensionThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two o’clock in the afternoon. Here is the latest update on the Middle East and related global affairs.In Damascus, a year after the upheaval that brought changes to leadership, residents describe a city perched between ruin and renewal. Cafés reopen, families return, and officials speak of rebuilding, even as questions about justice and the pace of reconstruction persist.In Washington, United States military and diplomatic channels emphasize security ties in the region. The commander of United States Central Command praised Syrian security forces for disrupting a substantial number of arms shipments believed destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon, underscoring how regional security concerns remain interconnected with United States policy aims.On Israel’s northern edge, Israeli forces conducted a strike against a terrorist cell approaching from Gaza. The army said one attacker was killed and another survived; the operation involved air power and followed ongoing vigilance along multiple fronts.Back inside Israel, political and security issues unfold. Defense Minister Yoav Katz signaled that conscripts in combat roles and others already serving may be subject to a 36-month service period, a measure that could delay some discharges scheduled for 2026. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing options for a presidential pardon, with the matter under consideration by President Isaac Herzog.In Jerusalem and surrounding neighborhoods, violence against public workers continues to draw attention. Police say two teenagers, ages 17 and 18, were arrested for assaults on Arab transit workers in Ramot, including an attack on a bus driver and an assault on a sanitation worker. Authorities released surveillance footage as they step up security around transit routes.The international frame remains active. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court say a warrant for Vladimir Putin would stand even if Ukraine offered amnesty, a reminder of the reach and limits of international accountability in a volatile region. Arab analysts weigh in on United States policy moves regarding Islamist movements, including President Trump’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the possible implications for alliances and Israel’s security environment.On the technology and defense front, a former United States official described how advances in defense technology and interoperability are shaping the next phase of security in the region, signaling continued United States–Israel cooperation at a time of regional recalibration.Human stories from the front lines persist. Young IDF doctors who trained during the war recount saving hundreds of soldiers under fire and tending to freed hostages, with some colleagues bearing wounds and loss. Their experiences illustrate the human dimension of a long security arc policymakers must balance with domestic political considerations.Weather and safety notes remind the public in the south to monitor road conditions and follow police instructions as authorities prepare for hazards.Finally, the region’s militant networks remain active outside the main theatres of conflict. A video from across the Gaza border shows the Abu Shabab militia continuing operations after its founder’s death, with deputy Asan al-Dhaini appearing in uniform to reassure troops and sustain morale.That is the two o’clock hour update. We will continue to monitor events as they unfold and report with clarity and fairness.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://t.me/abualiexpress/110136https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-879193https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-879243https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-879353https://t.me/newssil/182601https://www.jpost.com/international/article-879352https://t.me/newssil/182600https://t.me/newssil/182599https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-teens-accused-of-assaulting-two-arab-public-workers-in-jerusalem/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ny-governor-says-mamdani-cant-actually-arrest-netanyahu/https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rycagdggbxhttps://t.me/abualiexpress/110135https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-879351https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-879256https://t.me/abualiexpress/110134https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-879347https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/sk2wzrqwzxhttps://t.me/abualiexpress/110133
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 18:15

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 18:15
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESMuslim Brotherhood designation reshapes regional stabilityNon-ideological US policy risks Israel's securityIsrael extends mandatory service to 36 monthsThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 1:00 PM, a set of developments across Israel and the broader region is shaping security considerations, political debate, and everyday life, with attention focused on how regional dynamics and international policy intersect with domestic priorities.First, a cross–regional conversation is continuing about the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood in Arab and international discourse. In Arab media circles, analysts weigh the implications of such moves for regional alignments, stability, and the way Washington frames its approach to political movements that have long influenced the region’s security calculus. The discussion reflects broader questions about how external policy choices may affect Israel’s security environment and diplomatic currents in the Arab world.Second, perspectives in Washington and beyond are being debated regarding the current American approach to global affairs. A prominent argument circulating in opinion discourse suggests that a non-ideological framework in US foreign policy could introduce new risks for Israel at a moment of heightened regional volatility. The point being made is that strategy and principles, as much as tactical measures, influence how the Jewish state gauges threats and opportunities abroad.On the battlefield front, Israeli authorities reported the death of a reservist in a motor vehicle accident, a tragedy that comes just weeks before his daughter’s wedding, underscoring the personal costs borne by service members and their families during a period of sustained hostilities. In another operational update, Israeli forces identified and killed a terrorist who approached troops in the northern Gaza area; another assailant survived the strike carried out by the air force. Such incidents illustrating the ongoing danger in the region are paired with routine intelligence and counter-terror operations that continue to shape daily life in border communities.In the domain of defense policy, former national security leadership is stressing the speed and direction of Israel’s security modernization. A veteran figure described how evolving threats are prompting a rethinking of defense technology and the mechanisms by which Israel maintains its edge in a challenging security environment. At the same time, the defense minister announced considerations to extend mandatory military service to thirty-six months. The proposal would affect those already serving, with potential implications for manpower planning and the timing of discharge during 2026.Human stories from the front lines also illuminate the war effort. Young Israel Defense Forces doctors, newly minted physicians who found themselves saving lives under fire, describe their experiences as an intensely practical internship conducted in combat conditions. They speak of tending to wounded soldiers, the emotional weight of losing colleagues, and the difficult work of safeguarding hostages, a reminder that medical personnel have been pressed into urgent, dangerous roles in the conflict.Within Israel’s internal legal and political debate, the judiciary remains a focal point. With judicial reform back on the agenda, former and current presidents of the Supreme Court issued pointed remarks about the state of civil life under pressure from legislative proposals. One former court president warned that Israelis have found themselves in a position where questions of citizenship and accountability are acute, signaling that how the judicial reform process unfolds could influence social cohesion and trust in institutions for some time to come.A domestic concern also visible in daily life is the state of public transportation. Reports describe a public transit system where service frequency is limited and reliance on private cars remains high for many, even as officials hope to advance major projects. The situation highlights persistent gaps in mobility infrastructure and equity in access to reliable transportation across different communities, including between urban and peripheral areas.On a regional diplomatic track, conversations between Israel and neighboring Lebanon appeared to expand the channels of contact. Both sides sent civilian envoys to a military committee overseeing ceasefire discussions, signaling a broader scope to talks that could influence stability along the border and within the broader security architecture of the region.Beyond policy and security, a moment of solidarity and reflection drew attention from abroad. A thousand American Christian pastors visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, placing handwritten notes naming victims of the Nova festival tragedy between the stones, and praying for the safety of Israel’s soldiers. The ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 17:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 17:07
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESUnidentified drones hover over French nuclear baseNetflix to acquire Warner Bros for 72BBarak warns Israelis become subjects not citizensThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly update. French authorities say they are reviewing reports of unidentified drones over the Ile Longue naval base in northwest France, a facility that houses French nuclear powered submarines. Navy sources say each submarine carries ballistic missiles with multiple warheads, underscoring why security officials are treating the incident with caution as they assess flight paths and potential threats to strategic forces.In Washington, former NSA director Mike Rogers is outlining how Israel’s security challenges are shaping the trajectory of defense technology, arguing that the security environment in the region is driving rapid innovation and collaboration with partners to adapt to new threats.In domestic news, a tragic case from Washington state highlights the persistent issue of femicide in the United States, as an Afghan man is accused of killing his wife in their family home, where their three children were present but not reported to witness the death. Police and prosecutors are pursuing the case as a homicide investigation with investigations ongoing.Israel’s security and manpower policies remain in focus as Defense Minister Israel Katz signals a broader extension of national service. The plan would push some combat soldiers and other conscripts who are due to complete service in 2026 to delay discharge, a move tied to ongoing security needs and reserve commitments as the state plans for future contingencies.In the corporate sector, a major restructuring of the entertainment and tech landscape is under way as Netflix announced a $72 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers, a development with wide-reaching implications for media distribution and content averse to any single market.Back at home, the judiciary and political arena are once again in the spotlight as the judicial overhaul takes center stage. Former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak and current President Yitzhak Amit issued strong public rebukes about perceived erosion of civic norms, with Barak warning that Israelis have become “subjects, not citizens” as reform efforts resurface amid the political debate.Public transit remains a point of concern for many Israelis, as reports note that service frequency is low and reliability uneven. Commuters continue to rely largely on private cars, even as the Transportation Ministry pursues large-scale projects that are slow to gain traction, and notable gaps persist between Jewish and Arab communities in mobility and access.On the security front, the region is watching heightened tensions around ceasefire talks between Israel and Lebanon. In recent days, civilian envoys from both sides joined a monitoring committee, signaling a broader approach to tracking violations and implementing a ceasefire. Lebanon’s president has told United Nations Security Council delegates that Lebanon does not seek renewed conflict, while Hezbollah’s leadership reiterates a commitment to diplomacy but criticizes the inclusion of a civilian representative in talks. The international effort continues, with the UN and US envoy rounds urging compliance with the ceasefire terms and calls for disarmament of non-state groups in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have drawn UN condemnation as violations of Security Council Resolution 1701, even as Lebanon emphasizes the importance of stability along the border and the role of its army in security operations.In another security update, Israel’s military says it killed six militants in a two-week counter-terror operation in the West Bank, and detained dozens of suspects as part of efforts to curb violence linked to ongoing conflict. The fourteenth month of heightened tension since the Gaza war has seen frequent clashes, multiple fatalities, and a continuing cycle of raids aimed at militants and organizers.As Eurovision gears up for the next contest, three European nations have signaled they may boycott over Israel’s participation, with Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia indicating possible withdrawal. The host broadcaster in Austria stressed that the show would go forward in May in Vienna, while Belgium confirmed participation but with caveats linked to safety and political considerations. The European Broadcasting Union has moved to insulate the event from political pressure, noting that Eurovision is a competition among broadcasters rather than countries, even as concerns about sponsorship and viewership persist.Iranian state media report a large-scale military drill in the Gulf, with launches of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles toward simulated targets in the Gulf of Oman, signaling continued regional posturing as diplomatic channels remain unsettled.In the ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 16:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 16:06
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESDrone over Ile Longue triggers security alarmHezbollah blasts Lebanon's civilian delegate to talksIran drills Gulf with Qadr-series missilesThe 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 in the morning, a wave of developments spanning security, diplomacy, and technology is shaping the broader Middle East landscape and its international ramifications. In Europe, authorities are examining reports of drones over a northern French base that houses nuclear submarines. The Ile Longue facility, a key asset in France’s strategic deterrent, operates several ballistic missile submarines, each armed with a complement of nuclear-warhead capable missiles. The incident underscores heightened attention to the vulnerability of strategic deterrents to airborne incursions and the continuing challenge of safeguarding sensitive military assets.Meanwhile, in the Israel-Lebanon corridor, military and political leaders are watching a widening set of ceasefire talks. Hezbollah has publicly criticized Lebanon’s decision to send a civilian delegate to the ceasefire committee, calling it a concession to Israel. The exchange comes as the two countries expanded delegation-based engagement on a military-monitoring committee, signaling an attempt to regulate hostilities and reduce regional volatility, even as tensions persist along the border.On the ground in the Palestinian territories and across the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted a two-week counter‑terrorism operation that resulted in multiple militant fatalities and the detention of dozens of suspects. A separate incident near Nablus’s Odala left a Palestinian man dead amid clashes following prayers, with authorities reporting ongoing investigations into the circumstances. The broader pattern of violence in the West Bank and cross-border exchanges continues to contribute to a precarious security environment surrounding Gaza and the region at large.In domestic affairs, the Israeli cabinet approved the 2026 state budget, a move that reallocates billions of shekels across defense and civilian programs. The defense budget for 2026 is set at roughly 112 billion shekels, while a broader package of security measures for the West Bank and the Jordanian border is included. The package accompanies debates over tax policy, dairy imports reform, and plans to ease the burden on reservists in recognition of ongoing security duties. The decision drew swift critique from opposition figures who insisted that the funding and policy mix would intensify domestic cost pressures and highlight disputes over civilian exemptions and draft policies.Across the border, Ligatures in the broader regional security picture include calls for accountability and strategic recalibration. The IDF chief has publicly urged consideration of an external commission to examine failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 attacks, arguing that responsibility lies beyond any single branch and that a comprehensive, independent inquiry is necessary to uncover and rectify systemic weaknesses. The dialogue highlights the enduring debate over political-military interfaces and the need to translate warnings into proactive defenses.Iran’s posture in the Gulf region remains assertive. State media reported a broad drill involving cruise missiles and ballistic missiles aimed at simulated targets in the Gulf of Oman, including weapons designated as Qadr series. The exercise sentences a clear signal about regional deterrence dynamics and the potential for escalation in an environment already shaped by sporadic cross-border exchanges.A separate but increasingly visible arena of influence concerns Europe and the international event known for bringing together many nations and cultures. The Eurovision Song Contest, amid a broader dispute over Israel’s participation, faced budget pressures as several countries signaled withdrawal protests. Organizers emphasized that the show would continue and that hosting duties would shift accordingly; the episode highlights how regional politics can spill into popular culture and international broadcasting, even as organizers seek to minimize financial and reputational damage.Turning to technology and security, a former American intelligence leader discussed how Israel’s security challenges are redefining the next era of defense technology. The exchange underscored how bilateral collaboration, dual-use innovations, and cyber and intelligence capabilities are increasingly central to strategic planning in a volatile region.In the realm of crime and finance, Israeli police and prosecutors are confronting a surge in cryptocurrency-related fraud. High-profile cases include a prolonged indictment involving a network accused of multi‑million shekel schemes, as well as home invasions and “pig butcher” scams that exploit social engineering and AI-enabled impersonation. Law enforcement officials describe a dual ...
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