HEADLINESNation Demands Broad October 7 InquiryKafr Aqab Raid Seizes Weapons Stolen VehiclesDiaspora Bets on Israel Housing BelongingThe time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.It is 1:01 AM. Across Israel and the Jewish world, a range of developments shapes security, policy, and daily life as the war that began after October 7 continues and questions of accountability and belonging persist.Closer attention is turning to accountability for October 7. An editorial argues that the causes of the massacre and the initial response require a national commission of inquiry, and it cautions that the inquiry should not remain confined within government channels. The call reflects broad public concern about trust in institutions at a moment of strain after years of security challenges and a protracted war.In a parallel cultural note, diaspora Jews are continuing to invest in Israel’s housing market, with broader significance beyond real estate. The purchase of homes by Jews living abroad is described as a statement about belonging, underscoring enduring connections between the Jewish communities overseas and life inside Israel even as the market experiences pressure from rates, demand shifts, and wartime realities.Turning to the market itself, the housing picture in December 2025 shows a cooling trend. Prices eased for the eighth consecutive period in September and October, dipping 0.5 percent from August to September, and continuing to retreat in several cities as supply of new housing meets wary demand. Over the past year, overall price growth has stalled, rising just 0.1 percent, after peaks earlier in the war period. Transaction activity remains subdued, with October’s total of 4,518 apartments sold marking a year‑over‑year decline and one of the slowest monthly totals in years. New apartment sales fell sharply, while secondhand sales also declined, and investor activity slowed. City‑by‑city snapshots show mixed movements: Jerusalem continuing to trend higher in some segments, Tel Aviv and coastal cities experiencing softer demand, and other centers following the broader cooling pattern. The data reflect a market reacting to high interest rates, a sizable supply overhang in new builds, and the broader security context accompanying the ongoing conflict.In the security sphere, language and messaging around the conflict continue to evolve. A policy move directs the use of a standardized frame in official IDF communications, a shift described as a War of Revival approach to terminology across documents and ceremonies. Separately, Israeli security forces and police conducted a large operation in Kafr Aqab, a northern Jerusalem district, resulting in the seizure of weapons and stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspects, and dispersal of rioting linked to terror and crime networks. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent activity and criminal networks in densely populated urban areas.Domestically, a significant incident unfolded in Jerusalem as well. Firefighters dealt with a blaze in a four‑story residential building in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood. Four residents were treated for smoke inhalation and evacuated to a hospital, and investigations are underway to determine the blaze’s cause. Fire and rescue authorities emphasized in their communications the need to determine the origin of the fire while ensuring the safety of residents and neighbors.Regionally, signs of normalization and cultural exchange continue to appear. Celebrations around Christmas in Dubai point to ongoing shifts in regional relations, illustrating how social and economic ties are adapting amidst ongoing security concerns and political realignments in the broader Middle East.On the international front, antisemitic incidents abroad surged in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, with online discourse, verbal attacks, and property damage reported to rise markedly in Australia. The trend highlights the persistent challenge of antisemitism in parts of the world even as security efforts and community organizations work to address it.In human-interest coverage touching broader ties between North American and Israeli life, a profile notes the athletic and professional journey of a former NBA player who made his way to play in Israel’s leagues, reflecting the continued cross‑border connections that shape cultural and sports exchanges within the Jewish world.As the day moves forward, officials and observers will watch how the national inquiry debate evolves, how housing and economic indicators respond to ongoing security pressures, and how regional normalization efforts unfold alongside continued military operations and domestic security challenges. The situation remains fluid, and the public is advised to stay informed through official briefings as events develop.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay...
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