Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 03:06
    Dec 25 2025
    HEADLINESAustralian man linked to Bondi antisemitism caseDamascus ISIS leader Abu Omar al-Zubi capturedAsfura wins Honduras presidency amid delaysThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is the 10:00 PM update, with a focus on developments affecting Israel, the Jewish world, and the broader Middle East, alongside relevant international angles.Australian authorities say a man in Western Australia has been arrested over online remarks in support of the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in December. Police say they found six licensed firearms, roughly 4,000 rounds of unsecured ammunition, and antisemitic material at the suspect’s home. The man, a 39-year-old Perth resident, appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody on charges including intent to racially harass and possession of prohibited weapons. Police stressed the investigation involves an individual rather than a network. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored that there is no place in Australia for antisemitism or hate, while authorities continue to review social media activity connected to the case. The incident has intensified political and security attention on antisemitism in the country, following the December 14 Bondi Beach attack that authorities say killed 15 people.Turning to the Middle East, tensions and political maneuvering within Israel’s governance and security framework remain a central backdrop. In a high-profile exchange, Foreign Minister and vice premier Gideon Sa’ar renewed his assertion that the Palestinian Authority has lied about reforms intended to end the “pay-for-slay” policy. He highlighted a pause in direct domestic statements by Palestinian leaders and cited financial disbursements that, in his view, still support the families of terrorists, including sums directed to prisoners and security personnel. The dispute underscores long-standing US and Israeli concerns about incitement, terrorism incentives, and the governance of Palestinian welfare programs. Reports note that Ramallah publicly billed its reform as eliminating the old mechanism and tying stipends to economic need rather than sentence length, though Israeli officials have contested this, urging independent verification and international audits. The reform has featured in broader discussions of security cooperation and international accountability, with the United States and several regional actors watching closely as Western partners advocate transparency and ongoing reform by the PA.In the Syrian arena, security forces in Damascus announced the capture of the Islamic State leadership figure Abu Omar al-Zubi, described as the “governor of Damascus,” in a joint operation with the US-led coalition in the rural outskirts of the capital. The announcement placed the operation in the broader context of efforts to disrupt ISIS leadership and terrorist networks in the region, a topic that continues to influence security planning for Israel and neighboring countries amid a volatile landscape and ongoing coalition activity in parts of Syria and Iraq.On the diplomatic front, Honduras’ political landscape concluded with Nasry Nasrura Asfura declared the winner of the presidential election after weeks of delays and allegations of irregularities. The electoral authority said Asfura won with about 40.3 percent of the vote, narrowly edging out his center-right rival. The result comes as Israel projects its ties across the Americas as part of a longstanding pattern of friendship and cooperation with several countries in the region. The Israeli government and its diplomatic mission networks have historically pursued efforts to deepen bilateral relations with nations across Central America, including in security and economic partnerships.In a development with implications for diaspora engagement and urban planning in Israel, a major real estate transaction in Jerusalem made headlines. OP Jerusalem, a New York–based company, announced the purchase of two entire residential towers totaling about 200 luxury apartments near the Mahane Yehuda market. The project, marketed to Syrian Jews and other Sephardic communities abroad, is pitched as a hub for diaspora ties to Israel, with amenities including a synagogue and communal spaces. Valuations cited place the deal at up to a billion shekels, with prices for one-bedroom units around a million dollars and larger four-bedroom units reaching several million. Sales are already well underway, with estimates that 70 percent of units have been sold and occupancy will fluctuate seasonally, increasing during Jewish holidays. Critics point to concerns about vacant “ghost apartments” impacting housing supply, a factor in Jerusalem’s broader housing market. Supporters say the model demonstrates deepening diaspora investment and ties to Israel’s urban fabric, even as the sector faces macroeconomic pressures and ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 02:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 02:06
    Dec 25 2025
    HEADLINES- Australia detains Bondi Beach shooting supporter- Damascus captures ISIS leader al-Zubi- Asfura wins Honduran presidency after delaysThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At nine o’clock, we begin with a look at developments shaping the Middle East and related international concerns, viewed through the lens of security, diplomacy, and public discourse.Australian authorities have detained a 39-year-old man from Perth after online postings that appeared to express full support for the mass shooting at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah. Police say they found six licensed firearms, about four thousand rounds of unsecured ammunition, and antisemitic materials at his home. He appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court charged with intent to racially harass, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon, and failing to properly store firearm-related material. Officials stressed the arrest concerns an individual acting alone rather than a web of linked extremists, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned antisemitism and violence, thanking Western Australia Police for their quick action. The case underscores ongoing attention in Australia to online extremism and the protection of Jewish communities, at a time when authorities worldwide are recalibrating responses to violent rhetoric and hate speech.In the Western Hemisphere, Honduras carried a long count of ballots to a close conclusion, declaring Nasry Asfura the winner of the presidential race after a period of delays and disputed results. The electoral authority reported Asfura’s plurality over Salvador Nasralla in a contest watched closely for signs of fraud and irregularities due to the earlier counting challenges. The official result was released after a substantial hand review of tally sheets. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Sa’ar, offered congratulations, noting a history of friendship between Honduras and the State of Israel and vowing to pursue strengthened bilateral ties for the benefit of both nations. The outcome comes as Central American politics continue to intersect with regional security concerns and international diplomacy, including cooperation on issues ranging from trade to counterterrorism.Turning to the Middle East, an Israeli journalist recalled an undercover visit to Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, a stronghold long associated with Hezbollah. In a Hebrew weekly, the reporter detailed the risks and the legal and operational limits that constrain such reporting for Israeli citizens, highlighting the perilous balance journalists face when documenting activities on sensitive fronts within a hostile environment. The account serves as a reminder of the persistence of regional tensions and the ways in which information and journalism operate within them.In Damascus, Syrian security forces announced the capture of Taha al-Zubi, also known as Abu Omar Tabia, described as the ISIS group’s leader in the Damascus region. The operation, described as a joint effort with the United States‑led coalition in the province surrounding the capital, was confirmed by the head of the interior security department of Damascus. Officials said al-Zubi was apprehended in the al-Moudiya area along with several associates. The announcement reflects continuing counterterrorism efforts in Syria’s rural expanse and the enduring complexity of the Islamic State’s footprint in parts of the country, despite years of conflict and shifting local dynamics.From a related security and policy perspective, an Australian‑based report carried forward online remarks in support of the Bondi Beach attack, alongside details about the seizure of firearms and ammunition, underscoring concerns about antisemitic rhetoric online translating into real-world danger. The case intersects with ongoing debates about extremism, social media regulation, and law enforcement’s role in preventing violence before it unfolds.In New York City, the incoming mayor announced members of his inaugural committee, a lineup that includes figures and organizations with strong and contested voices on the Israeli-Palestinian question. Critics point to certain participants whose advocacy has drawn anti‑Israel scrutiny, raising questions about the administration’s approach to the conflict and its domestic implications for civic discourse.On the West Bank settlements, Israel’s Foreign Minister weighed in against foreign criticism, describing such commentary as discriminatory toward Jews and arguing that the right of Jewish communities to live in their historical homeland should not be curtailed by external pressure. The remarks reflect a persistent tension in international diplomacy over settlement policy and the balancing act between promoting security and addressing international concerns about the pace and scope of settlement activity.Meanwhile, in Israel, a veteran Israeli journalist’s recollection of an undercover foray ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 01:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 01:04
    Dec 25 2025
    HEADLINESWest Bank settlements defended as national identityTaha al Zoubi captured in DamascusNetanyahu unveils over $100B decade-long munitions pushThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hourly update on a number of security and policy developments across the region.In Jerusalem, a senior Israeli official framed a global debate over West Bank settlements as a matter of national identity and security. He said foreign calls to restrict where Jews may live in the land of Israel amount to discrimination against Jews, arguing that the right to reside in these areas should be unwaveringly defended and not impeded by external pressure. The remarks come amid ongoing international scrutiny of settlement activity and its implications for the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with policymakers weighing security, diplomacy, and regional stability as they respond to diverse international views.In Damascus, authorities announced the capture of a high-profile ISIS figure, Taha al Zoubi, in a joint security operation in the Moadamiya area. The operation reportedly yielded a suicide belt and weapons, underscoring continued, coordinated efforts by Syrian security services and international partners against ISIS networks in and around the country. The development follows a sustained pattern of counterterrorism actions in the region, even as the fight against ISIS evolves and shifts with changing fronts and alliances.In Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed a major policy initiative aimed at reshaping Israel’s defense industry. He announced a plan to invest more than a hundred billion dollars over the next decade to build an independent Israeli munitions sector, with the goal of reducing dependence on external suppliers. The package, approved in concert with the defense and finance ministries, reflects a response to past restrictions on weapons sales by some Western partners during the Gaza war and other security challenges. Netanyahu emphasized that maintaining air power and technological edge requires strong domestic production, noting that Israel currently operates a substantial fleet of advanced fighters and is positioned to increase that self-reliance in the years ahead. He also warned against allowing weapons capabilities to be constrained by external actors, while acknowledging that international partners remain important customers for certain systems.Turning to air power and regional competition, Israel continues to maintain its air superiority as a cornerstone of national security. Netanyahu highlighted the importance of the country’s pilots and aircraft inventory, including the F-35 program, which positions Israel as the sole Middle Eastern user of the stealth fighter in substantial numbers. The defense minister and other officials have indicated the aim to safeguard these capabilities amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, where allies in Europe and beyond consider their own defense needs and policy choices. The discussion comes as regional actors, including Turkey, explore their own access to advanced air systems, and as past discussions about larger arms sales to various partners — including debates about possible sales of fifth-generation fighters to different states — shape strategic calculations across the region.In southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces carried out an operation near the town of Jannata in the Tyre district, reportedly targeting a Hezbollah individual involved in militant activity. The raid reflects the ongoing, cross-border security pressures in the area and the broader effort to disrupt militant infrastructure that extends beyond the Gaza front. The incident adds to a long record of security incidents along the Lebanon-Israel line and illustrates the persistent volatility of the region’s security environment.Beyond the battlefield, the broader security dialogue continues to be shaped by the United States and Europe. Washington has long linked arms sales and security cooperation with Israel to a complex calculus of regional stability, allied alliances, and deterrence against broader threats. In recent years, Israel has pressed for greater domestic defense capabilities to avoid overreliance on external supply chains, while recognizing that international partners remain essential for certain technologies and platforms. The evolving landscape includes ongoing debates about sanctions, embargoes, and the balance between safeguarding security interests and maintaining robust defense partnerships.That is the latest update. Further developments and official statements are expected as the day unfolds.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 ...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 00:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-25 at 00:05
    Dec 25 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael expands 19 West Bank settlementsNetanyahu unveils 350B shekel munitions planSyria nets ISIS leader Taha al ZoubiThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the international news update for this hour. Israel says it will not be deterred by external criticism of its West Bank settlements, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insisting that foreign calls to halt settlement expansion are morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews, arguing that Jews have the right to live in the land of Israel. The remarks come as a group of European and other allied governments condemned Israel’s decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that unilateral moves threaten stability and violate international law. The joint statement urged Israel to reverse the decision and to halt the broader expansion of settlements, reflecting a persistent fault line between Israel’s security concerns and international efforts to limit settlement activity.In a separate development, Syria announced the arrest of a high‑ranking ISIS figure, Taha al Zoubi, in Damascus’ Moadamiya district, describing the operation as a joint security effort with an international coalition. Authorities said the raid yielded a suicide belt and military weapons, underscoring ongoing counterterrorism pressures across the region as Syria and its partners seek to degrade ISIS capabilities on multiple fronts.Turning to Israel’s broader security posture, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed a multi‑year plan to build an independent Israeli munitions industry, saying the government would invest 350 billion Israeli shekels, about 108 billion dollars, over the next decade. He framed the initiative as a means to reduce dependence on external suppliers after past restraints placed on arms sales by the United States, Britain and Germany during the Gaza war. Netanyahu noted that several countries, including Germany, have expressed interest in purchasing Israeli systems, while stressing that Israel will preserve its aerial superiority, which he described as a cornerstone of national security. Israel currently operates 45 F‑35 stealth fighters, with 30 more on order, and the debate over relying on foreign suppliers has grown as geopolitical tensions and arms embargo discussions have intensified among Israel’s partners. The prime minister also signaled a determination to prevent rivals from obtaining advanced weaponry, and he implied this drive for self‑reliance would extend beyond the defense ministry’s needs.Across the region, military exchanges and border activity continued to shape the security landscape. In southern Lebanon, the Israeli military reported an airstrike against a Hezbollah target near Jannata in the Tyre district, described as a targeted operation against a Hezbollah operative. In Jordan, the army said it carried out airstrikes near Sweida in response to smuggling networks moving arms and drugs toward Jordan, conducted in coordination with regional partners. These incidents illustrate how small‑scale security actions reverberate across neighboring states amid broader regional tensions.In other strategic movements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is open to creating a demilitarized zone in parts of eastern Ukraine under a US-backed plan that would include international monitoring, security guarantees and a referendum, while Russia has yet to signal a willingness to withdraw. The remark comes as the conflict remains stalemated on the Donbas front, with diplomatic negotiations continuing at varying tempo and intensity.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced strong opposition to the Israel–Greece–Cyprus trilateral summit, denouncing the gathering and reaffirming Ankara’s resolve to defend Turkey’s rights in the Mediterranean. He also signaled continued support for Gaza, even as Turkey broadens its regional diplomacy and remains a vocal critic of Israeli policy, a posture that adds another layer of complexity to regional alignments.In Washington, officials ordered US forces to prioritize the “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil for the next two months, aiming to apply economic pressure as a complementary strand to broader foreign policy efforts. The move signals heightened attention to energy markets and how they intersect with US strategy in the Western Hemisphere.Back in the West Bank, Bethlehem marked a return to full Christmas celebrations for the first time since the Gaza war escalated earlier in the year. Thousands gathered in Manger Square for processions, carols, and a visible display of holiday life, as a US‑brokered ceasefire has kept the region quieter than at the height of the fighting. The festive mood stood in contrast to the enduring humanitarian challenges faced by residents in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting a precarious pause in a broader cycle of conflict and volatility...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 22:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 22:07
    Dec 24 2025
    HEADLINESJordan Strikes Smuggling Hubs on Syria BorderTurkey Rejects Gaza Meeting, Demands Maritime RightsUS Sets Venezuelan Oil Quarantine Two MonthsThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 5:00 PM global update on the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and related developments, with a focus on Israel’s security posture, regional diplomacy, and US policy stances.Jordanian forces conducted airstrikes near Sweida, Syria, after intercepting smuggling operations along the border. Officials said the strikes targeted smuggling facilities used to move arms and drugs toward Jordan, carried out in coordination with regional partners. The move underscores Jordan’s emphasis on securing its northern and eastern borders amid a complex set of cross-border trafficking networks and unsettled spillover from the broader regional conflict. Jordanian authorities described the operation as a step to disrupt illicit supply lines that could threaten security inside Jordan and along its frontier.In the Mediterranean, Turkish President Erdogan denounced a trilateral meeting among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, signaling Ankara’s continuing emphasis on its own regional red lines and energy rights. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Gaza while insisting that Turkish interests in the region—including maritime rights and a role in any multilateral approach to Gaza and postwar governance—must be safeguarded. The Turkish position reflects Ankara’s broader objective of shaping regional security arrangements and maintaining influence in discussions about Gaza’s future, even as it seeks to align with or push back against other international efforts.The White House announced a two-month focus on quarantining Venezuelan oil to apply economic pressure, rather than deploying military action. The shift signals a renewed emphasis on economic tools to constrain adversaries and influence policy outcomes, including in the broader Western Hemisphere and energy markets. The move comes as Washington seeks to leverage energy dynamics amid continued geopolitical tension and domestic political considerations.On the battlefield and in diplomacy, Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts. In Lebanon, the Israeli military confirmed airstrikes targeting Hezbollah-linked assets in the Jenata area of southern Lebanon, a day after reports of a strike on a vehicle associated with Hezbollah. The Israeli defense establishment described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to deter Hezbollah’s activity near Israel’s northern border. In the wake of past confrontations, Israeli authorities have stressed the need to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament and to maintain strategic advantage along the border, while Lebanon’s security forces and allied groups monitor developments.Israel is also confronting a complex regional dynamic ahead of diplomacy in Washington. A number of reports highlight Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey engaging in discussions with Washington on Gaza ceasefire terms and postwar governance, including potential mechanisms for a phased implementation and the dismantling of militant infrastructure. In parallel, a political effort in Israel seeks to advance accountability for the October 7 attacks, with a legislative proposal that would categorize the October 7 assault as genocide and war crimes, detailing charges and possible sentences. The measure, advanced by lawmakers aligned with the government, aims to set a framework for future trials and reinforce Israel’s legal and moral framing of the conflict.Diplomatic activity in Washington reflects a convergence of security concerns and regional diplomacy. US officials are coordinating with regional partners to outline steps for Phase Two of a broader strategy to stabilize Gaza and support conditions for post-conflict governance. The Miami summit, drawing together leaders from the region and beyond, is expected to address Tehran’s nuclear reconstruction efforts, the transition to Phase II in Gaza, and timelines for Hezbollah-related dismantling initiatives. The talks reflect an effort to align regional actors around a shared set of objectives, including security assurances for Israel, humanitarian considerations for Gaza, and the stabilization of neighboring states affected by the conflict.Iranian policy developments also command attention. Tehran unveiled a 2026 budget proposal with a substantial footprint, including funds sourced from a government bond sale and the reform of subsidy policies on currency exchange. The plan envisions a multi-year effort to manage inflation and sustain domestic priorities, with officials noting that the budget remains sizable despite regional tensions. Israel and its allies monitor Iran’s budget choices closely, given potential implications for Iran’s ability to finance regional proxies and sustain its nuclear-related activities. In a related note, Iranian state ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 21:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 21:06
    Dec 24 2025
    HEADLINESJordan strikes near Sweida after intercepting smugglingFourteen nations condemn 19 West Bank settlementsWhite House enacts two-month Venezuelan oil quarantineThe time is now 4:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. At four o’clock this afternoon, Jordan announced airstrikes near Sweida in southern Syria, carried out after Jordanian forces intercept smuggling operations involving arms and drugs and in coordination with regional partners. The strikes targeted facilities used to move contraband into Jordan, a reminder of the broader security concerns along the Jordanian-Syrian border.In the larger regional posture, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned the Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral meeting, stating Ankara will not permit violations of its rights in the Mediterranean while reaffirming support for Gaza. The exchange signals ongoing realignments as states weigh national security interests, energy routes, and humanitarian concerns in the region.Across the Atlantic, the White House has ordered American forces to prioritize a “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil for the next two months, a strategy aimed at applying economic pressure rather than expanding military action. The move reflects a broader effort to constrain Venezuela’s oil revenue while seeking to avoid renewed regional conflict.From Jerusalem and beyond, the Middle East continues to intersect with domestic and international forums. In Israel, President Isaac Herzog met with Christian communities in Jerusalem ahead of Christmas, describing faith communities as integral to the nation and reaffirming commitment to freedom of worship for all. The visit underscores Israel’s ongoing emphasis on diverse religious rights amid a busy diplomatic landscape.Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian arena, fourteen countries condemned Israel’s approval of nineteen new settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that unilateral steps could derail a fragile Gaza ceasefire and violate international law. The diplomatic broadside echoed UN concerns about settlement expansion, even as Israel maintains that security and the preservation of any future two-state framework require careful planning on the ground. In the same context, the United Nations has noted a rise in settlement activity since 2017, with a substantial increase reported this year. Israel says its authorities view the West Bank as a complicated security landscape, while many international partners urge restraint and a path to a negotiated end to the conflict.On the domestic front in Israel, a highly publicized debate over ultra-Orthodox conscription has intensified. Community leaders, rabbis, and young men gathered to discuss the impact of exemption policies on national defense, with speakers arguing both that religious study remains essential to the community and that shared civic responsibility must be weighed against religious commitments. Observers note that a substantial portion of Haredi recruits are serving in non-Haredi tracks, a trend researchers say reflects broader shifts within the community rather than a decline in religious observance. The debate continues to shape political alignments at home as Israel faces a demanding security environment in Gaza and along its borders.In the Gaza arena and the broader region, Israel’s security posture remains focused on preventing threats from across multiple fronts. Reports indicate that Israel’s leadership and security apparatus have prioritized preparedness in the wake of intensified regional pressure, including discussions at cabinet level about potential operational options in relation to Iran. An account from a recent cabinet meeting describes the atmosphere as highly charged, with decisive steps taken to ensure the safety of security personnel and the population. As these deliberations unfold, analysts emphasize the importance of calibrated responses that deter aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation.Violence and tensions also persist in the West Bank. An arson attack in al-Mazraa al-Sharqiya, near Ramallah, attributed to settler extremists, left a home damaged and graffiti associated with extremist themes visible on the scene. Municipal authorities accuse Israel of enabling organized violence as a means to displace Palestinians, while officials warn that such incidents threaten the prospects for stability in a fragile region. Security officials say settler violence remains a rising concern, with hundreds of incidents recorded over the course of the year as the broader conflict continues to unfold.In regional water and resources news, Iran’s government reported rare rainfall amid a multiyear drought, but warned that reservoirs remain low and provinces across the country face water shortages. Iranian officials also noted social and political tensions tied to water management, while Tehran’s media mocked comments from Israeli leaders on water issues...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 20:07
    Dec 24 2025
    HEADLINESEpstein probe stalls after million docs foundIsrael approves planned operation against IranWest Bank settlement surge draws global condemnationThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 3:00 PM, here is your on‑the‑hour briefing on the Middle East and related matters affecting Israeli security, Jewish communities worldwide, and the broader international landscape.First, in Washington and across the justice system, investigators disclosed a new factor in the Jeffrey Epstein case: more than a million potentially relevant documents were identified, delaying further releases. The development comes with newly surfaced details about President Trump’s flights on Epstein’s jet, underscoring the ongoing questions surrounding the network and the handling of sensitive information. Officials stressed that the review will take time and that releases will proceed when appropriate, with the department maintaining a careful balance between transparency and safeguarding legitimate interests.Turn now to Israel’s security posture and regional diplomacy. The Israeli leadership was briefed on a high‑stakes decision after a charged cabinet meeting, with the defense team reporting that the cabinet approved a planned operation against Iran, to be executed with caution and the aim of limiting regional threat possibilities. The discussion underscored the seriousness with which security ministers view Iran’s military capabilities and its ambitions, and it highlighted the continued priority placed on protecting Israeli civilians and security forces. In the same vein, defense and intelligence officials have been monitoring a broad array of threats from Iran and its regional proxies, reinforcing a posture of readiness across multiple theaters.In the West Bank, the government announced the demolition of the home of one Palestinian militant involved in a deadly July attack near Gush Etzion, a step the army says is intended to deter future violence. The operation followed a subsequent round of condemnations from local authorities and observers who describe demolition as a controversial tool with political and humanitarian implications. Separately, new settlement approvals drew sharp international reactions: fourteen countries, including France, Britain, and Germany, condemned the authorization of nineteen new settlements in the occupied West Bank, arguing such unilateral moves complicate prospects for a two‑state solution and threaten a fragile Gaza ceasefire framework. The United Nations has noted that settlement activity in recent months has reached levels not seen in years, while Israel argues that some settlements are vital for security and historical connections to the land.Amid rising tension, there were violent incidents on the ground. In al‑Mazraa al‑Sharqiya, a Palestinian home was burned and vandalized with “price tag” graffiti in an apparent settler attack. Community leaders and municipal officials accused elements within the Israeli system of enabling extremist actions, calling for international scrutiny and accountability. Security agencies have been focused on reducing the number of such incidents, though prosecutions and convictions of those involved have remained comparatively rare.Off the battlefield, diplomacy and diplomacy‑adjacent events unfold. A diplomatic incident at the Western Wall saw Ukraine’s ambassador stand and walk out of a Hanukkah event after learning that a Russian envoy was present. The moment reflected ongoing strains in the region as states balance their relationships with Kyiv and Moscow during a time of heightened tension across Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, a separate narrative around Saudi diplomacy gained attention: Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, noted that his links to American and Israeli citizenship helped him gain entry despite a border policy generally restrictive of Israeli passport holders, a reminder of evolving, if uneven, regional normalization pressures.On the regional security beat, Turkey’s leadership described Israel as the number one threat in the wake of a regional summit, a posture that mirrors increasingly polarized alignments as Ankara moves closer to Tehran in some dossiers while Israel builds cooperation with Greece and Cyprus. Analysts say such rhetoric signals a broader contest for influence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea corridors, with implications for shipping routes and alliance dynamics.In related security records, the FBI is probing a Quds Force official tied to attacks on US, European, and Israeli targets, a reminder that transnational terrorism remains a shared concern among allies. Israel continues to push for coordinated counterterrorism vigilance and international cooperation to disrupt plots before they unfold.Within the world of public diplomacy and religious freedom, President Herzog’s visit to Christian communities in ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 19:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-24 at 19:07
    Dec 24 2025
    HEADLINESGlobal condemnation over 19 West Bank settlementsIsrael to invest $110B in arms industryGaza ceasefire diplomacy intensifies with HamasThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 2:00 PM update with a focused tally of today’s developments across the Middle East and adjacent capitals, presented in a straightforward, call‑in‑to‑your‑duty style for international audiences.The United States says it will continue backing channels for dialogue between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and Syria’s transitional government, after clashes in Aleppo underscored the fragility of governance and security arrangements along the country’s north. An unnamed State Department official indicated Washington remains supportive of talks intended to reduce rising tensions and to coordinate on stabilization priorities, underscoring a preference for measured diplomacy over unilateral steps in a deeply divided terrain.Israel and observers are watching the United Nations with heightened attention ahead of the 2026 vote cycle, arguing that a long-standing pattern of bias has shaped international debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In analysis from regional observers, Israel points to a large, well-funded international ecosystem that has spent years shaping a singular narrative and views donor influence as a key variable in how future resolutions and resolutions’ outcomes might be framed. The analysis notes that while donor pressure can affect behavior, the policy choices awaiting the UN and member states will depend on those external voices as much as on domestic considerations within Israel and the Palestinian territories.A blast during evening prayers in Maiduguri, Nigeria, is being investigated, with authorities saying the city has repeatedly faced Islamist insurgent activity linked to Boko Haram and its Islamic State West Africa Province affiliate. The incident comes within a broader pattern of violence in northeast Nigeria that has affected places of worship and civilian life and has drawn regional and international concern about security, humanitarian access, and counterterrorism efforts.Israel’s military and security apparatus disclosed that the deceased Lebanese soldier from a recent cross-border incident had ties to Hezbollah, with an Israeli photo released showing the soldier in a Lebanese army uniform and Hezbollah connections acknowledged by sources. The development feeds into ongoing tensions along the border and the broader, complicated web of interactions among Israel, Lebanon, and allied and affiliated groups.In reaction to settlements news, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and several other states condemned Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, arguing the move violates international law and could destabilize the region. The international response adds to a chorus of concerns about settlement activity and its potential to complicate discussions about a two‑state framework and future governance arrangements.A number of cultural updates intersect with political discourse, including a profile of Amanda Seyfried portraying Shaker founder Ann Lee in a film exploring themes of equality and communal living. In other domestic security news, an individual described as the Crown Heights stabber was arrested and faces charges related to a street assault that involved a Jewish victim and was investigated as a potential hate crime.The Coast Guard, following internal review, retracted a proposal that would have downgraded the swastika as a hate symbol while confirming a new leadership path. The decision prompted US lawmakers to lift a hold on key leadership appointments, highlighting how symbolic policy moves can intersect with broader security and social considerations.In Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has instructed police to skip a Knesset committee meeting over a case involving a missing girl, Haymanut Kassau, a move that has drawn scrutiny over the balance between security procedures and parliamentary oversight in high‑profile cases.New data released about the Israeli public’s online and media consumption shows shifts toward greater mobile internet use and artificial intelligence services, with notable changes in television watching patterns. The insights come as Israel continues to modernize its digital and communications landscape under ongoing security pressures.A survivor who remained in Hamas captivity for 738 days, Segev Kalfon, spoke publicly about the toll of the conflict, criticizing the government for what he described as insufficient support for released hostages and their families. Kalfon’s account, given in a broadcast interview, frames the human costs of long-term captivity and the aftermath of recent exchanges and negotiations.In the West Bank, the Israeli military demolished the home of a Palestinian individual linked to a deadly July...
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    9 mins