• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 16:14
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINES- Close Army Radio After 75 Years- US to Lead Gaza Stabilization Force- Six Israeli Hostages Killed in Hamas TunnelsThe time is now 11:08 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The day’s developments in the Middle East and related global shifts unfold against a backdrop of ongoing conflict, strategic recalibrations, and shifting political dynamics. In Israel, the government moves to redefine its domestic media landscape as Defense Minister Katz proposes closing Army Radio after 75 years, arguing the channel has drifted from its original military service. The proposal has sparked legal challenges and raised concerns about press freedom, illustrating a broader debate over state communications, security needs, and the role of official information during a time of heightened tensions in Gaza and the West Bank. The issue is moving toward a vote later this month, a decision that could reshape how the military and the civilian sphere manage messaging and information in a time of crisis.From Washington, the political calculus surrounding US policy in the region is taking shape in multiple formats. A member of Congress, Wilson, framed the situation in Iraq as a test of sovereignty in the face of Iranian influence, suggesting that Iraq must free itself from what he described as Iran’s puppet structure or risk losing US aid. His remarks tie into broader discussions about safeguards and leverage in the National Defense Authorization Act, signaling that US oversight and aid considerations may be employed to press for policy realignment in the Iraqi arena as part of a wider effort to constrain Iran’s regional influence.In Africa, the M23 movement’s advances in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo threaten fragile peace talks, with the group consolidating control over the town of Uvira. The development underscores the fragility of regional stabilization efforts that also echo in international diplomatic discussions about countering violence and ensuring civilian protection, even as attention remains focused on Gaza and Israel’s security concerns.Turning to intelligence and security leadership, a profile of Roman Gofman illuminates Israel’s evolving approach to its external intelligence apparatus. Descriptions of his ascent within Mossad highlight the growing and ongoing recalibration of leadership as Israel faces complex security threats, including monitoring, prevention, and rapid response across multiple theaters of operation.Within Israel’s domestic debates on accountability and security policy, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned ex-security chiefs against involvement in the Oct. 7 inquiry, decrying what he characterized as organized pressure from former officials seeking to distort facts and influence government action. He argued that Israel must pursue a broad, equitable, and professional national commission that can command public trust while remaining independent of political pressure. The exchange underscores tensions between political leadership, intelligence communities, and the public’s demand for transparency after a campaign that continues to shape national security policy and public perception.International exchanges of note include a secretive visit by Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister to Israel. The details remain undisclosed, but reports indicate conversations may have touched on security cooperation and regional defense considerations, including potential discussions around Taiwan’s multi-layered air defense system known as T-Dome. The visit reflects the broader, quietly expanding links among tech, security, and defense policy in a period of heightened competition and security concerns across the region.In the realm of human rights and international law, a new Amnesty International report on the 7.10 attacks and the ensuing period remains a focal point of global scrutiny. The organization asserts that Hamas and allied Palestinian groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 assault and in the subsequent period of hostage-taking. The report details killings, indiscriminate rocket fire, abductions, and abuses against hostages, including allegations of sexual violence and mistreatment. It also critiques the conduct of various actors—Hamas, Palestinian authorities, Israel’s investigations, and international bodies—while noting that independent, credible accountability remains essential. The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center has published data suggesting a high incidence of Gaza-based journalists with ties to Hamas or Islamic Jihad, a finding that has drawn favorable and critical responses from press freedom advocates and international observers. The RSF and other bodies have highlighted concerns about press safety and access, with the broader debate centering on how to protect journalists while reporting in high-risk zones and how to distinguish independent journalism ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 15:16
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINESMossad appoints formidable Gofman chiefCaesar Act repealed Syria rebuildsIsrael rejects Turkey's Gaza stabilization bidThe time is now 10:09 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 10:08 AM, here are the latest developments from Israel, the Middle East, and related global actions that shape the security and diplomatic landscape.A new chapter at the Israeli security service is unfolding as Roman Gofman steps into the role of Mossad chief. Described by sources as a formidable figure with a background as an IDF officer, Gofman is entering the agency at a moment of heightened regional tension and complex intelligence challenges. Observers note that his ascent comes with expectations for steady leadership and a strategic approach to intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, and regional diplomacy, even as insiders acknowledge the uphill path of balancing long-standing institutional norms with a broader set of security demands.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned former security officials against involvement in the October 7 inquiry, criticizing what he called an organized campaign by senior former officials seeking to distort facts and influence government action. The comments underscore the tensions surrounding the inquiry’s scope and the broader political debates over accountability and security policy in the wake of the Hamas attack.In diplomatic exchanges, Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister reportedly undertook a secret visit to Israel. The details of the trip remain confidential, but sources indicate discussions touched on regional security considerations and potentially multi-layered defense systems, signaling aye to ongoing cross-strait and regional security dialogues amid shifting power dynamics in the region.On the cultural and humanitarian front, Gazan artists and potters are turning trauma into craft, using earth, pigment, and memory to process and document experiences. Creators like Jafar Atallah and Nada Rajab are building resilience through art, offering a humanizing counterpoint to conflict narratives by highlighting creativity and community amidst destruction.In Washington, a notable policy shift has begun to reshape the external environment for Syria. The Caesar Act has been repealed, a move Damascus greeted as a constructive step toward rebuilding and reintegration economically and diplomatically. Analysts stress that the decision opens a channel for renewed engagement, though many stress that subsequent steps will determine whether gains translate into sustained stability and reconstruction.Europe, meanwhile, is weighing tighter sanctions on Russia that could include a full maritime services ban in concert with a price-cap framework. Cyprus and Malta have argued that any tightening must safeguard legitimate shipping interests and avoid pushing maritime services to non-EU jurisdictions, where EU oversight would be weakened. The expected package could be part of a broader 2026 sanctions strategy coordinated with the G7 and the EU.In education and heritage policy, Israel’s approach to social cohesion and security is visible in domestic debates and policy shifts. A significant measure advancing is the planned restriction on mobile phone use in elementary schools starting February 2, intended to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus while fostering healthier social interaction. Education Minister Yoav Kisch emphasized that the policy aims to support a healthy learning environment and social development.Be’eri, the kibbutz near the Gaza border hit hard by the October 7 attacks, faces a pivotal decision about its damaged homes. Residents recently voted to demolish the majority of severely damaged structures, with a single house slated to remain as a memorial for a period of five years. Heritage concerns have surfaced as officials consider invoking a clause in the Antiquities Law to designate certain post-1700 structures as national heritage sites if they hold historic significance. Residents voiced mixed views, with some arguing the demolition reflects a path to recovery and memory, while others fear erasing part of the community’s history. Construction is advancing on newer housing nearby, funded in part by state initiatives, and many residents plan to return next summer after temporary displacement.Security cases at the border continue to command attention. An Israeli man from Zarzir was detained after allegedly posing as an IDF intelligence officer and convincing a soldier at the Quneitra crossing to open a gate into Syria. Investigators are examining mental distress as a factor in the incident, which has raised concerns about security screening and border procedures in a volatile region.The strategic conversation on regional security extends to the Gaza arena, where Turkey is pressing to join the International Stabilization Force, a move Israel has rejected. Washington has supported Israel’s stance, and no ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 14:17
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINESSecret pardon deal sparks Netanyahu accountability debateUS to appoint general for Gaza stabilizationAmnesty accuses Hamas of crimes against humanityThe time is now 9:09 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is the 9:08 AM briefing on developments affecting Israel, the region, and the Jewish world, with perspective balanced for international audiences.Israel marks a national day of commemoration for Yemenite Jewish aliyah, highlighting the ongoing effort to honor historic Jewish communities while integrating diverse backgrounds into public life. Education Ministry officials say they will produce educational resources and are working to cultivate sensitivity among teachers toward the different ethnic backgrounds represented in Israeli classrooms, reflecting a broader emphasis on inclusive education alongside national memory.In domestic political news, a controversy over a secret pardon deal involving Prime Minister Netanyahu has prompted a demand from Herzog and related statements. An Israeli NGO claims have been retracted, and the President’s Residence has denied any link between Herzog and the memorandum, with officials indicating Herzog did not know about the document before media inquiries. The matter remains a point of public discourse about transparency and accountability in high-level decisions.Internationally, the United States is moving to appoint a two-star American general to lead the Gaza Stabilization Force, according to Axios reporting. Washington also highlighted a broader pathway toward a peace framework, with President Trump signaling plans to announce a “Board of Peace” in early 2026. The proposals reflect enduring Western efforts to stabilize Gaza after the war and to structure post-conflict governance, though questions remain about implementation, regional coordination, and the role of actors beyond the area’s borders.In regional security matters, Turkey has pressed to join the Gaza Stabilization Force, seeking a role alongside Israel and other partners. Israeli officials have reaffirmed a veto on Turkish participation, a position the United States is understood to support. With dialogue ongoing and no participants formally committing, the situation illustrates the complexity of building an international stabilization effort in Gaza and the limits of external actors’ involvement without Israeli consent.From South Asia to the Middle East, Pakistan’s judiciary has handed down a 14-year sentence to a former spy chief Faiz Hamid for alleged misuse of authority, including political activities and violations of official secrecy laws. The ruling is part of Pakistan’s internal political and security landscape but sits alongside broader regional concerns about governance, accountability, and stability in neighboring arenas.In the arena of information and warfare, Iran acknowledged missteps in wartime reporting around a June incident involving an Israeli F-35, with state media chief Jabali conceding that Iran’s army did not have direct, reliable observation of the event and received conflicting information from officials. The admission illustrates the fog of war and the challenges of maintaining accurate public messaging during ongoing regional tensions.Israel’s cyber sector remains a bright spot on the economic landscape. In 2025, funding for Israel’s cyber industry reached a record high of about $4.4 billion across roughly 130 funding rounds, driven in large measure by American venture capital. The investment flow underscores the sector’s strategic importance to national security and economic strength, as well as cross-border collaboration in advanced technologies.Culturally and diplomatically, Iceland joined several European peers in signaling a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation. The move reflects a broader pattern of political contention surrounding cultural events linked to Israel, a theme that persists in some European circles even as other markets engage with Israel in science, business, and diplomacy.On the defense front, the Defense Ministry in Jerusalem has indicated that Galei Tzahal, the army’s radio station, is slated for closure. Defense Minister Katz is expected to present the decision to the cabinet for approval on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The plan to close a long-standing civilian-military communications institution is part of broader debates over media policy and national service communications.A study released this week on the Gaza war’s casualties highlights classroom and campus dynamics during the conflict. The report focuses on discrimination faced by Jewish and Israeli students and notes that free speech and academic freedom remain essential, even as campuses grapple with hostile expressions and calls for accountability. The study is part of a broader conversation about how academic spaces respond to crisis and controversy.From ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 13:12
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINESGaza floods kill infant as 850000 displacedCarmel and Haifa drenched as Byron floodsUS NDAA backs Iron Dome fundingThe time is now 8:06 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning, 8:05 AM, here is the latest hourly update on the Middle East and related developments for an international audience.Torrential rains across the Gaza Strip have flooded hundreds of tents housing families displaced by more than two years of war, and medics say an eight‑month‑old girl died from exposure when water inundated her family’s tent in Khan Younis. Civil defense and municipal authorities say they lack the equipment and fuel to cope, a consequence of the conflict’s disruption of Gaza’s infrastructure. A United Nations report warns that about 761 displacement sites, sheltering nearly 850,000 people, are at high risk of flooding, with agencies saying as many as 300,000 additional tents are urgently needed for those still displaced. Hamas authorities fault Israel for not allowing sufficient aid into Gaza, while Israel says it is meeting its obligations and that bottlenecks stem from inefficiency and theft by Hamas.In Gaza, the ceasefire that has broadly held since October has reduced the intensity of fighting, but violence continues. Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of people in Gaza since the truce began, while Israel says its own casualties are smaller, with three soldiers killed since the ceasefire began. On Thursday, medics said two Palestinian women were killed by Israeli tank fire in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The humanitarian picture remains bleak as aid organizations plead for unhindered relief and shelter materials.Across Israel, Storm Byron has delivered heavy rainfall and powerful winds, causing localized flooding in major urban centers. In the Carmel and Haifa regions, rainfall totals have topped the national charts, with several towns reporting more than six inches of rain over the past two days and ongoing downpours expected to push central and southern areas toward flood risk through Thursday. In Tel Aviv, flooding affected major streets such as King George, and flood warnings have been issued for the coastal plain, the Judean Desert, and parts of the Dead Sea region. Authorities have activated full storm protocols, with pumping and drainage teams deployed and emergency centers on standby to handle road closures and rescue operations.On the diplomatic front, Iran has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls a tightening of restrictions on its diplomatic mission to the UN in New York. Tehran says the US State Department has moved to curb the movement and activities of Iranian diplomats, including limits on travel between the UN, the Iranian mission, and the ambassador’s residence. The United States previously imposed tight limits on the Iranian delegation during the General Assembly in September, part of broader tensions following a series of indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program and a period of heightened military activity in the region.In a separate diplomatic flashpoint, Ghana’s foreign minister signaled retaliation in a tit-for-tat deportation dispute with Israel. He warned that if Israel deported 10 Ghanaian nationals, Ghana would respond with 10 expulsions, escalating a dispute over the treatment of nationals abroad at a time of wide‑ranging regional tensions.Domestically in Israel, a new education policy will ban cellphones from elementary school grounds starting February. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the aim is to foster a healthier, distraction‑free learning environment and to strengthen social and emotional development. The policy aligns with global trends toward limiting smartphone use in schools as part of broader educational and welfare considerations.In Washington, the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act advanced through the House with a distinctly pro‑Israel tilt. The bill includes $500 million for US–Israel missile defense cooperation (Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow), $80 million for joint anti‑tunneling efforts, $35 million for AI and cybersecurity collaboration, and increased funding for drone defense. The measure also backs Israel’s participation in the National Technology and Industrial Base and calls for a review of the impact of international arms embargoes on Israel. Supporters, including AIPAC, describe the package as essential for readiness and the broader peace‑through‑strength strategy.In regional political notes, senior Israeli officials continue to monitor developments around Hamas’s future in Gaza. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal told Al Jazeera that while a form of weapons storage or a freeze could be discussed, total disarmament remains rejected by the group. Israeli officials have signaled that any path to durable security in Gaza would require significant changes, including demilitarization ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 12:16
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINES- Rahaf Abu Jazar Dies in Gaza Flooding- US Approves Israel Missile Defense Funding Bill- Hamas Signals Weapons Freeze in Phased PlanThe time is now 7:08 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From the evolving Middle East security picture to the halls of power in Washington, today’s briefing centers on Gaza’s humanitarian emergency, the shifting battlefield dynamics, and key policy steps shaping the path ahead.In Gaza, torrential rain has flooded hundreds of tents housing people displaced by nearly two years of conflict, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis. Local health officials report that an eight‑month‑old girl, Rahaf Abu Jazar, died from exposure after rainwater swept into her family’s Khan Younis tent. Civil defense teams, already stretched by fuel shortages and damaged equipment from the war, say they cannot fully cope with the deluge. A United Nations assessment warns that more than 700 displacement sites hosting roughly 850,000 people are at high risk of flooding, with a need for as many as 300,000 additional tents to provide shelter for about 1.5 million displaced residents. Aid agencies say relief items and cross‑border aid are not arriving in sufficient quantities, while Hamas authorities in Gaza accuse Israel of closing crossings and hampering relief deliveries. Israel says it is meeting humanitarian obligations and cites mismanagement and theft by Hamas as impediments to aid delivery. The ceasefire that began in October has broadly held, but fighting continues at a reduced pace, with Palestinian health authorities reporting higher casualties from Israeli strikes and Hamas militants firing at targets in Israel.In a separate international diplomatic thread, Ghana’s foreign minister warned of reciprocal measures if Ghanaian nationals are deported by Israel, asserting a tit‑for‑tat approach that would escalate a budding dispute over consular and immigration practices. The exchange underscores how citizen‑level actions can ripple into broader diplomatic relations at a moment when many states are recalibrating ties in a volatile regional environment.Turning to US policy, the House of Representatives approved the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act with a slate of provisions aimed at strengthening security cooperation with Israel. The measure includes half a billion dollars dedicated to missile defense cooperation between the United States and Israel, covering systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow; additional funding for anti‑tunneling efforts, AI and cybersecurity collaboration, and drone defense. The bill also supports Israel’s potential integration into the National Technology and Industrial Base and directs assessments of the implications of international arms embargoes on Israel. Proponents describe the package as a critical step in maintaining readiness and ensuring security through a “peace through strength” approach, reflecting broad Republican support and Democratic alignment on security assistance to a key ally.In the Gaza ceasefire framework, Palestinian negotiators and Israeli officials continue to exchange ideas about a phased disarmament and stabilization plan. A top Hamas leader suggested a weapons freeze as a practical compromise, signaling openness to a staged approach that would separate Gaza from armed conflict through guarantees against escalation rather than total disarmament. Israeli officials have reaffirmed that the Palestinian militant group will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized, insisting that any lasting agreement require Hamas to surrender its weapons. The plan discussed with mediators envisions multiple phases: initial steps could involve partial troop withdrawals and an international stabilization force along Gaza’s border, with Hamas maintaining some degree of operational control over its stays inside the territory. Hamas has indicated it would resist a full, permanent disarmament, calling for assurances against a broader Israeli threat. The broader international framework envisions guarantors and stabilizers to prevent a relapse into conflict, while media reporting notes that formal decisions on border deployment and jurisdiction remain unsettled as talks continue with US involvement.On the domestic front in Israel, education policy moves ahead with a decision to ban the use of mobile phones by students on elementary school grounds starting next February. Proponents argue that reducing screen time will help children engage more fully with their peers and with learning, creating a safer, more distraction‑free school environment. Critics warn of potential inequities for families who rely on devices for communication and safety. The policy is framed as a step toward a calmer, more focused classroom, with broad support from school authorities and parent groups.Security and threat assessment remain a constant backdrop. The Israeli military has ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 11:14
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINESWinter Storm Triggers Floods Across Israel GazaAmnesty Accuses Hamas of Crimes Against HumanityUS-Israel Defense Bill Boosts Anti-Tunneling EffortThe time is now 6:08 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here are the major developments shaping the Middle East and related international issues as of 6:07 a.m.Significant winter weather moves through Israel and Gaza, complicating daily life and military operations. In Israel, heavy rainfall is triggering flood warnings across the central and southern regions, with the Israel Meteorological Service forecasting substantial precipitation and snow on high ground such as Mount Hermon. A 53-year-old man in Netanya was found dead with signs of hypothermia as the storm intensified. The military has issued safety guidelines, restricting outdoor training and limiting nonessential activities, a status that will remain in effect as the weather requires. In Gaza, residents in tent camps and damaged shelters faced flood and wind damage, with the Hamas-run civil defense agency reporting thousands of distress calls and urging the rapid deployment of mobile housing to replace damaged tents. The storm is expected to persist through Thursday and ease by midday Friday, offering a clearer sky and slightly warmer temperatures for the weekend. Hospitals and clinics have been advised to prepare for an uptick in weather-related injuries and illnesses.In domestic policy, Israel’s Ministry of Education announced a sweeping change: starting in the second half of the current school year, which begins February 2, 2026, elementary school students will be prohibited from using mobile phones on school grounds. The move aims to reduce external distractions and strengthen direct human interaction in the classroom, with minister of education Yoav Kish citing research on cognitive impact and emotional well-being. Reports cited suggest about six in ten Israeli teenagers may be dealing with smartphone overuse. The ministry indicated it will review whether similar restrictions should extend to middle schools.On the international stage, Amnesty International released a comprehensive report asserting that Palestinian armed groups, led by Hamas, committed crimes against humanity during and after the October seventh attack on Israel and in Gaza, including murder, torture, enforced disappearance, and sexual violence. Amnesty’s findings rely on interviews, site visits, and analysis of combat communications and hostage treatment. The report notes thousands of Israeli casualties and hundreds of hostages taken, while also acknowledging that the Gaza war has produced a high Palestinian toll, with tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths reported by Gaza authorities. Israel rejected the genocide accusation and emphasized that its campaign targets Hamas and other militant groups, not civilians. The report deepens international debate over accountability for all sides in the conflict.In the realm of diplomacy and security policy, headlines from the United States and allied governments circulate around defense and stabilization efforts in the region. The United States House of Representatives recently passed a defense bill totaling approximately $900 billion, which includes about eighty million dollars allocated for a joint American-Israeli anti-tunneling program. This funding signals continued cooperation on deterrence and defense technologies intended to prevent underground and cross-border threats. Separately, discussions in Washington and Jerusalem have touched on a proposed temporary international stabilization force for Gaza, with statements indicating the United States might lead that effort and appoint a two-star American general to command the force, though formal confirmations were not immediately available. The broader framework envisions coordination for redevelopment in Gaza, aligned with long‑standing peace proposals and security objectives.There are external political developments as well. A global campaign was launched calling for Donald Trump to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of efforts related to Gaza ceasefire diplomacy, hostage releases, and broader regional engagement. While this reflects one strand of international commentary, such campaigns are not policy enacts nor universally supported. In parallel, discussions about United Nations relief operations in Gaza and potential sanctions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East have surfaced, reflecting concerns over ties to Hamas and other groups.Culturally and historically, a notable archaeologic find near Jerusalem has been identified as material evidence related to the era of Judah Maccabee, reinforcing the historical memory of conflict and defense in the region. Within the Israeli society, there is ongoing public discussion about national identity and security, with some programs aimed at ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 10:15
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINESGaza Winter Deepens as Rubble MountsAmnesty Charges Hamas Crimes ICC Warrants ExpandTaiwan Eyes Iron Dome Ties with IsraelThe time is now 5:09 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly briefing on developments in the Middle East and related global policy. In Gaza, humanitarian conditions are worsening as winter deepens and displaced families salvage iron bars from ruined buildings to prop up makeshift shelters. UN figures published this week note that the war has generated tens of millions of tonnes of rubble, with the UN Development Programme estimating about 61 million tonnes in Gaza and saying much of it could be cleared over several years with the right conditions. For many families the iron bars are a scarce resource, with a 10 meter rod costing around $15, a heavy burden for households already short of cash. Residents describe daily labor to extract materials as a struggle for food, water, and shelter, underscoring how ordinary life has been upended since the Hamas assault of October 7, 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign. Officially, Israel continues to restrict construction materials into Gaza, citing dual-use concerns aimed at preventing weapons or tunnel construction by Hamas. The broader context remains the Gaza war, in which Israel says it has taken steps to minimize civilian casualties while Hamas and allied groups have used civilian areas for operations, including hostages taken in the October attack. Gazans have been told that enduring the winter conditions is part of an ongoing conflict that has stretched for more than a year, with no final ceasefire in sight.In Washington, policy action continues to reflect long-standing security cooperation with Israel. The defense package passed in the House totals about $900 billion, and it includes provisions intended to bolster Israel’s security, among them roughly $80 million for a joint American–Israeli anti-tunneling program. US officials emphasize that support for Israel’s defense capabilities remains a core element of policy, even as humanitarian concerns in Gaza attract intense international scrutiny and calls for accountability on all sides.Amid a wave of international reporting, Amnesty International released a broad assessment accusing Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of crimes against humanity tied to the October 7 attack and its aftermath. The report also addresses violations attributed to Palestinian authorities and to Israeli forces, while stopping short of declaring genocide by Israel in Gaza. Israel rejected the genocide charge as false and argued that it has sought to minimize civilian harm, pointing to evacuation orders and other measures. The document marks a renewed push by human-rights groups to examine the actions of all parties in the conflict, including the treatment of hostages and civilians.On the legal front, the International Criminal Court remains at the center of dispute. The court has issued warrants related to Hamas leadership and Israeli officials, and the United States has warned of broad sanctions if the court revokes arrest warrants or expands probes involving American personnel and allies. Washington argues that accountability should be pursued through appropriate channels, while critics say the court’s involvement risks politicizing justice in a volatile region.In other diplomatic developments, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu undertook a discreet visit to Israel in recent weeks as Taipei seeks to deepen defense cooperation, including discussions around a multi-layered air defense concept modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome and other technologies. Israel maintains its One China policy stance, recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while describing the relationship as pragmatic and beneficial on security and technology cooperation. The visit underscores an evolving web of security considerations in a region where geopolitical lines remain fluid and alliance-building continues along new vectors.Lebanon and southern Lebanon remain a focal point for Israel’s security calculations. Reports from Lebanese media and officials note that disarmament talks with Hezbollah face challenges, and there is speculation of potential Israeli actions if Hezbollah fails to comply with disarmament timelines. American and regional officials caution that large-scale strikes could be possible if weapons are not surrendered, highlighting the fragile balance along the border south of the Litani River. The broader debate in Lebanon and among regional partners centers on how to stabilize the border area while addressing historical grievances and the risk of renewed violence.Within Israel, a small group of civilians crossed into northern Gaza in a symbolic call for permanent Jewish presence in the area. The entry was monitored by the IDF, and the group was returned to Israeli territory. The military stressed that entering a combat ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-11 at 09:17
    Dec 11 2025
    HEADLINES- US Overhauls Syria Sanctions, Six Month Review- US Weighs UNRWA Terrorist Designation- Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Secret Israel VisitThe time is now 4:13 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your 4:12 a.m. update from the Middle East desk. In Gaza, a handful of Israeli civilians briefly crossed into the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday evening, urging the government to authorize Jewish settlement in the area and asserting that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. The group was monitored by the Israel Defense Forces and returned to Israeli territory; the military stressed that entering a combat zone is forbidden, dangerous, and disrupts ongoing operations. Those involved were handed over to Israel Police for processing. In Washington, lawmakers approved the repeal of broad sanctions on Syria, a move welcomed by some allies and watched closely by observers in the region who emphasize the need for a stable, monitored path forward. Under the terms of the law, the situation will be reviewed every six months, and sanctions could be reinstated if Damascus does not meet certain conditions. Separately, Reuters reports that the United States is weighing the designation of UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee agency, as a foreign terrorist organization and considering targeted or broader sanctions on the agency and its personnel, though no decision has been announced. The issue underscores ongoing debates in Washington about how best to structure and finance aid to Palestinians while addressing security concerns in the region.In Israeli domestic policy discussions, Peace Now’s chief executive called for the dismissal of the Central Command Chief over West Bank settlement policy, arguing that current policy has facilitated illegal outposts. The debate reflects the broader tension in Israel between security needs and settlement progression as the conflict persists.On energy and security policy, Israel’s energy minister said the government is examining the construction of a nuclear power plant as part of a multi‑faceted strategy to diversify energy supplies, expand renewables, and reduce dependence on a single provider. He also outlined plans to break the monopoly of the Israel Electric Corporation, advance a gas deal with Egypt, and relocate Haifa’s refinery, with support for any such measures linked to broader reforms and workforce integration.Cultural coverage from Jerusalem highlights a Jewish Film Festival that spotlights Art Spiegelman’s work and its impact on memory, art, and Israeli discourse. The festival features two Spiegelman-focused documentaries, alongside a broader slate of Israeli documentaries and biographical films that explore identity and history beyond the conflict.Diplomatic developments abroad include reports of a secret visit by Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister to Israel, described as part of Taipei’s drive to deepen defense cooperation, including conversations about Taiwan’s new T-Dome air defense network modeled in part on Israeli technology. Israel’s foreign ministry declined to comment, reflecting a cautious approach in a highly sensitive regional and global context.In Lebanon, a Lebanese outlet citing European sources relayed a warning attributed to a US envoy that Israel could take forceful action against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and parts of the Beqaa Valley if Hezbollah does not surrender certain missiles and drones by early 2026. Western officials have not independently confirmed the warning, and the reported talk underscores the fragility of strategic stability in the broader area.Finally, in Gaza’s humanitarian sphere, civil defense authorities report 2,500 distress calls in the last 24 hours linked to severe weather, illustrating the continuing strain on residents and emergency services amid ongoing hostilities.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-879987https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-879988https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-879741https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-879986https://t.me/abualiexpress/110421https://t.me/ILtoday/16178https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyjqezozzehttps://t.me/abualiexpress/110420https://t.me/newssil/183072https://www.timesofisrael.com/movies-on-non-zionist-maus-creator-among-diverse-features-in-capitals-hanukkah-film-fest/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-879984https://t.me/abualiexpress/110416https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/11/taiwan-deputy-minister-secret-israel-visit/https://www.israellycool.com/2025/12/11/sharon-osbourne-torches-roger-waters-even-piers-joins-in/https://www.jpost.com/diplomatic-conference/...
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