HEADLINESIsrael Greece Cyprus sign rapid defense pactIsrael deploys Iron Beam laser at scaleIran Russia satellite launch reshapes regional powerThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 11:00 AM, the region’s security and diplomacy picture remains fluid, with several developments shaping both immediate conditions and longer‑term strategy for Israel, its partners, and international allies.In the eastern Mediterranean, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a trilateral work plan designed to deepen military cooperation. The arrangement is not a standing force but a responsive package that could be deployed quickly across land, sea, or air in times of crisis. Officials say the framework emphasizes interoperability, joint training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination, expanding regional defense cooperation without establishing a permanent, multinational unit.In the West Bank, two Israeli civilians were rescued after entering the city of Tulkarm while under the influence. The Civil Administration provided protection and coordinated their transfer to Israeli Defense Forces authorities. Investigators noted the individuals were intoxicated at the time of entry into the area, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities around movement and security in areas with high tension.Back in Israel, a Haredi protest movement blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak drew police action to disperse demonstrators and restore traffic flow. The protests were part of broader anti-draft sentiment inside some segments of the ultra‑Orthodox community, highlighting domestic political fault lines over conscription and service obligations.In Israeli politics, there is continued attention to the so‑called Qatargate case. Lawmakers have pressed for Netanyahu to be questioned over the matters at the center of the inquiry, while reports indicate some efforts to block or slow review processes. The episode underscores enduring questions about influence, governance, and accountability at the highest levels of government.Across the Atlantic, United States actions abroad remain the subject of scrutiny. US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day were described by officials as a joint operation. Analysts are examining what the strikes imply for broader counterterrorism strategy in Africa and whether further steps will follow in a region where militant groups continue to pose a challenge to regional stability.In Israel, concerns about security and social cohesion persist. The Abraham Initiatives report for 2025 shows 252 Arab citizens were killed in 218 violent incidents, marking a rise from 2024 and underscoring ongoing violence affecting Arab communities within Israel. The data feeds into broader debates about policing, community security, and social equity in a country shaped by both internal demographic trends and external threats.On the defense front, Israel announced the Iron Beam laser air defense system is now deployed at scale. The Defense Ministry describes Iron Beam as a high‑energy laser capable of intercepting drones, rockets, mortars, and other aerial threats, promising lower costs per interception and a tighter integration with existing defenses such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and other layers of air defense. The system marks a significant technological milestone in Israel’s security architecture and its efforts to reduce dependence on interceptor missiles.Internationally, three Iranian satellites were launched into orbit from a Russian launch site—Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar‑2. Tehran described the satellites as tools for agriculture and environmental monitoring, with imaging capabilities and a projected lifespan of up to five years. The launch underscores deepening Iran–Russia ties, a relationship Western officials say extends across multiple domains. The United States has characterized such satellite activity as potentially conflicting with UN Security Council resolutions and has urged Tehran not to engage in ballistic missile activities that could deliver nuclear payloads. The event also reflects broader regional dynamics at a moment when Western powers seek to constrain Iran’s military capabilities while navigating Russia’s influence in the Middle East.In Syria, Latakia saw deadly protests in the Alawite heartland, with authorities reporting several fatalities and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators sought federal reforms and accountability for regional governance. Clashes erupted in the streets as security forces moved to disperse crowds, amplifying concerns about sectarian and regional tensions in a country still rebuilding from years of conflict.In the Negev, Bedouin communities faced a security operation and clashes after Israeli police conducted raids in Tarabin al‑Sana and surrounding towns. Police reports describe a sustained security effort dubbed New Order, aimed at reducing violence, arms trafficking, and ...
Show More
Show Less
8 mins