Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 04:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 04:06
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESHamas Rejects Disarmament Maintains Gaza ControlKach Patch Found on Soldier Sparks DebateUS Strategy Revision Eases Kremlin TiesThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 11:00 PM, the Middle East landscape remains shaped by security concerns, political calculations, and ongoing tensions that complicate any path toward lasting stability. In a development with wide implications for Gaza and broader regional dynamics, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said the group will not disarm, will not relinquish control in Gaza, and will not accept international oversight. The assertion, reported in multiple outlets, prompted Israel’s Foreign Ministry to frame the position as a rejection of an international peace plan and to stress that the group’s stance challenges prospects for a negotiated settlement in the near term.In a separate security-related note from within Israel, Army Radio reported that a soldier’s uniform bore a patch associated with the far-right Kach movement, a group banned in Israel. The emblem’s appearance in an active unit has raised questions about extremist symbols and the boundaries of political ideology within security forces, underscoring domestic debates about loyalty, ideology, and discipline in the context of a prolonged conflict.Turning to broader geopolitical signaling, the Kremlin welcomed the latest revision of the United States national security strategy for dropping language that labeled Russia a direct threat. As cited by TASS, Moscow characterized the change as creating space for limited cooperation on strategic stability, a development that could influence conversations on arms control and security architecture involving Washington and Moscow, with potential downstream effects for regional security calculations in the Middle East.Domestically, Israel’s political scene continues to wrestle with the management of settlements and the IDF’s posture in the West Bank. A report attributed to Channel 12 claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the evacuation of 14 illegal outposts and called for removing Jewish extremists from the West Bank. A spokesperson for the prime minister flatly denied the report, while a leading outlet cited the move as part of a broader effort to curb settler violence and to curb central agitators from the area. The Times of Israel coverage noted that the report detailed security service concerns that some outposts function as staging points for violence against Palestinians and as flashpoints in clashes with security forces. The network also described proposed steps that would restrain hundreds of activists and suggested a strengthening of the Shin Bet’s Jewish Division, though the government has publicly rejected the evacuation claim. The ongoing episode illustrates the fragility of security measures in the West Bank and the political sensitivity surrounding settlement activity, civilizational identity, and the risk of renewed confrontation.On the party politics front, Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu has unveiled a five-point pledge ahead of the next government, focusing on equal burdens in national service, public transportation on Shabbat, and proposals for reform within religious institutions. The plan is described as a framework to challenge cooperation with ultra-Orthodox factions and to shape coalition terms in the run-up to elections. The move signals potential shifts in cross-ideological coalitions and could influence how future governance balances secular and religious interests within Israel’s political landscape.In a parallel development, Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas announced that his party will sever formal ties with the religious council linked to the broader Islamist movement and establish its own civic-based institutions. Abbas insisted that Ra’am is not part of the Muslim Brotherhood and emphasized a path toward a more civic orientation, separate from the Shura Council. This posture aims to enhance Ra’am’s legitimacy amid Zionist political parties, even as party dynamics and public rebuttals from rival figures complicate the political moment. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leading the Religious Zionism faction, accused Abbas of disloyalty and of aligning with forces that threaten Israel’s security, arguing that Abbas has refused to condemn Hamas and should be viewed with suspicion. Abbas has, in the past, supported the US plan for Gaza that envisions a demilitarized Strip, yet he has resisted calls to declare Hamas a terrorist organization or to endorse its destruction in unequivocal terms.Elsewhere in the conflict’s frame, the violence associated with extremist settlers in the West Bank continues to draw international attention and domestic concern. The combination of ongoing settlement activity and intermittent clashes between settlers and Palestinian communities has intensified scrutiny from Washington and other capitals, ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 03:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 03:05
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESUS Drops Russia Threat, Recalibrates StrategyNetanyahu Blair Secret Talk Gaza PA PilotDefense Deficit 3.9% in 2026 BudgetThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A shift in American strategy toward Russia has emerged as Washington revises its national security framework, removing the designation of Russia as a direct threat and signaling a recalibrated approach to Moscow. The Kremlin welcomed the change, with Russian media describing it as an acknowledgment of a more measured relationship between Washington and Moscow, even as lines of tension over security questions remain. The move comes amid broader questions about NATO, arms control, and the evolving balance of power in Europe and beyond.In the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office signaled a call to evacuate 14 illegal outposts and remove Jewish extremists from the West Bank, a stance noted in reports by N12. A political source, however, disputed that account, telling reporters that Netanyahu’s meeting focused on a group of youths in trouble who were not part of any settlement activity. The clarification underscores the compartmentalized nature of Israeli policy debates over settlement activity and security in occupied areas, as officials seek to balance internal pressures with wider security considerations.Meanwhile, a secret conversation involving Netanyahu and former British prime minister Tony Blair surfaced, with Blair described as discussing a pilot plan for Palestinian Authority control in portions of Gaza. The discussion points to a potential realignment in governance arrangements for the Strip, a topical thread as Israel weighs security needs against humanitarian considerations and international pressure for Gaza stabilization.Turn to domestic finance, and the 2026 state budget outlines. The defense portion of the budget is set to widen the deficit to about 3.9 percent, with projections that the gap could grow further. In addition, reforms affecting the domestic economy include a milk market adjustment and a package tax exemption increasing to 150 dollars, with expectations that middle-class households will benefit through income tax measures. The package aims to sustain defense and security commitments while addressing domestic economic priorities in a volatile regional environment.On the political stage, Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas announced a shift away from the party’s link to the religious council, signaling the formation of fully civic party mechanisms and independent institutions. The move, described as an effort to bolster legitimacy among Zionist parties, drew a sharp counterpoint from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who labeled Abbas as a wolf in sheep’s clothing and accused him of not condemning Hamas and of pursuing alliances with anti-Zionist factions. The exchange highlights the fragility of Israel’s coalition dynamics and the ongoing contest over how Arab parties engage with the state and security policy.In the Negev and beyond, security operations continue under the banner of a crime-control initiative known as New Order, launched by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Police report ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal weapons networks and curb violence, with more than 200 suspected offenders taken into custody as authorities confront a surging pace of crime. The violence has hit Bedouin towns particularly hard, producing a toll that has raised questions about policing strategies and the balance between security measures and community trust. A shooting in Segev Shalom left a young man critically wounded, drawing attention to the broader pattern of violence and the challenge of protecting civilians while enforcing law and order.Regional voices at Doha added to the discourse, with a senior Saudi diplomat arguing that reform of the Israeli government—from within—would be essential for a durable peace in the region. The diplomat stressed that reform within Israel would be more consequential for peace prospects than reforms elsewhere, a view aligned with Riyadh’s private diplomacy urging Palestinian leadership to advance reforms as well. The commentary comes amid a broader Saudi assessment of regional dynamics, including concerns about governance and stability, and mirrors a shift in how regional players frame prospects for a two-state solution and a sustainable ceasefire.Across these developments, observers note the convergence of security concerns, domestic political recalibration, and regional diplomacy shaping the current moment. The United States continues to weigh its posture toward Russia while partners in the Middle East seek to align reforms, governance, and security policies with broader international expectations for peace and stability. In Israel, the interplay of coalition politics, settlement policy, and security operations against the backdrop of Gaza and the West Bank remains central to the ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 02:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 02:10
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESNetanyahu orders West Bank outpost evacuationsSecret Blair talks Gaza PA control pilotHabima Square hosts anti government protestsThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is the hour’s news update.Israel’s prime minister has pressed for the evacuation of fourteen illegal outposts in the West Bank and for the removal of Jewish extremists in that territory, a move described by supporters as a step to restore security and governance but met with pushback from some who see it as a concession to pressure. A political source quoted in reports disputed by the prime minister’s office said the discussion at a recent meeting focused on a group of delinquent youths who are not part of the settlements and do not represent them. The clarification underscores the sensitivities surrounding West Bank matters and the competing narratives about where responsibility lies for security and stability in that arena.In another high level development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with former British prime minister Tony Blair. Blair is reportedly talking about a pilot plan for Palestinian Authority control in parts of Gaza, a concept that would entail a redefined administrative arrangement on the ground in a track that would likely draw scrutiny from across the region and from international partners who are watching the situation closely for implications on ceasefire dynamics and humanitarian access.Turning to security matters outside the immediate theater of Gaza, a senior policy discussion in the United States saw a prominent figure defend a hard line. At a defense forum, a former official voiced strong support for a second strike scenario, saying the action would be justified and that the same choice would be made again if circumstances were similar. The exchange touched on the broader debate about deterrence, risk, and the calculus of force in maritime and regional theaters where nonstate actors and smuggling networks operate in ways that complicate enforcement and response.From the Gulf, a senior Saudi diplomat framed the regional diplomacy challenge in stark terms. The official argued that reform within the Israeli government is essential for making Israel a genuine partner for peace, even as the Palestinian Authority also seeks reform. The diplomat said a reform process on the Israeli side is needed in order to realize a sustainable path to security and stability. The remarks also reflected a view that a credible Israeli reform program could affect confidence in any proposed arrangements that might accompany broader regional diplomacy, including references to past peace plan proposals and United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Saudi perspective underscores lingering questions about how regional leadership perceives the prospect of a two-state solution and what changes at home could influence practical steps toward peace.In the Negev, violence and policing efforts continued to shape daily life. A man in his twenties was shot and died of his wounds in the Bedouin town of Segev Shalom after a dispute that investigators described as a cousin-related confrontation. Police said two individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting. Medics reported the victim was unconscious and without a pulse as he was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The incident comes as police pursue a broad crime-fighting program in southern Israel, including raids and arrests aimed at disrupting illegal weapons possession and organized crime networks.Police have described a continuing wave of enforcement in the area known as Operation New Order, launched by order of national leadership to crack down on illegal weapons, violent crime, and traffic violations in the Negev. In the past weekend, authorities said they arrested dozens of suspects, seized weapons including a drone carrying munitions, and recovered large sums of money and drugs in a wide-ranging set of raids. Community leaders in Bedouin towns have voiced frustration, saying that aggressive deployments and raids can heighten tensions, even as officials insist the effort is targeted at eliminating dangerous activity and reducing crime.Data compiled by authorities indicate that the year has been deadly for Arab Israelis, with hundreds of fatalities already recorded across the country and its border regions. Officials say criminal activity and interfamily feuds have contributed to a period of heightened violence, and they emphasize that the operations are designed to deter crime and remove weapons from circulation, while acknowledging the concerns of residents who feel over-policed or unfairly targeted at times.In the capital city’s public square, thousands of anti-government demonstrators re-emerged at Habima Square, turning out after a pause in weekly rallies tied to the Gaza war and broader governance questions. Speakers included bereaved families ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 01:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 01:06
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINES- Blair mulls Gaza governance pilot with Netanyahu- UN General Assembly approves UNRWA renewal- Tel Aviv protests demand national inquiry nowThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At eight o’clock, this is your hourly update on the global desk, with a focus on the Middle East and the security landscape that shapes it.Reports from Europe indicate a fresh layer of diplomacy surrounding Gaza as former British prime minister Tony Blair continues to engage with Israeli leadership on governance options for the territory. In a confidential discussion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blair explored a pilot plan that would place limited Palestinian Authority administration in portions of Gaza, a concept that would be coordinated alongside security provisions intended to prevent further violence and to facilitate humanitarian access. The developments come as Israel remains focused on safeguarding its security while considering ways to shape governance in the enclave in a manner consistent with its security needs and regional stability. The discussions underscore the complexity of balancing security imperatives with political and humanitarian considerations in a volatile environment.In New York, the United Nations General Assembly approved a three-year extension of UNRWA, the agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees. Commissioner‑General Philippe Lazzarini praised the vote as reflecting broad international support for refugees’ needs, including education, health care, and relief. The renewal preserves essential services in Gaza and the West Bank, a factor many observers say contributes to regional stability even as the broader conflict remains unresolved. The extension signals that, for now, the international community is maintaining a continued role in sustaining civilian aid channels amid ongoing tensions and sporadic violence across the area.Back home, the scene on the streets of Tel Aviv reflected the country’s enduring political and social divides. Thousands gathered at Habima Square for the weekly anti-government protests that have returned to the spotlight after a pause during the Gaza hostilities, with participants emphasizing the need for a national commission of inquiry into the government’s handling of security and governance issues in the lead-up to the October seventh events. Speakers from diverse groups pressed for accountability and for reaffirming democratic norms, while some demonstrators tied their demonstrations to broader concerns about judicial reforms and governance. Police reported tense moments as right‑wing and left‑wing activists faced off, including a confrontation involving participants who oppose or support government measures. Families affected by the war, veterans, and civilian activists joined the demonstrations, underscoring the deep emotional resonance of the conflict and its political consequences for Israeli society.In the same city, attention also hovered over the ongoing debate within Israel’s security establishment. A prominent reservist group, Brothers in Arms, has been linked to demonstrations against government plans to alter the judiciary, while others at the site called for a more expansive inquiry into the state’s performance during the Gaza crisis. The Movement for Quality Governance, among others, has urged a formal, independent commission of inquiry to examine what went wrong in the run-up to the October seventh attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu has argued against creating a wartime inquiry, citing concerns about the wartime context and the fairness of appointment processes. The rhetoric on display reflected a sharp divide over how best to ensure accountability while maintaining the country’s resolve in a time of war and national threat.Turning to the security front in the West Bank, Israeli forces reported the death of an attacker who attempted to ram soldiers at a Hebron checkpoint, with a municipal cleaning worker and an Israeli bystander also reported wounded in related incidents. The week has seen a spate of stabbings, rammings, and other assaults, underscoring the fragile security picture in the area as both sides brace for renewed rounds of friction and retaliation.Within Israel’s defense establishment, a political friction has emerged around senior promotions. Defense Minister Israel Katz moved to block a promotion deemed tied to reserve‑based protest activity and froze other senior appointments while an external review proceeds. The move has drawn objections from the Chief of Staff and several officers, who say the timing and implications render the process political rather than professional. The controversy highlights the wider debate over how to manage dissent within the military while maintaining public confidence in the armed forces’ professional integrity and readiness.Beyond regional headlines, parts of the security conversation ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 00:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 00:05
    Dec 7 2025
    HEADLINESHebron Ram Attack Kills Cleaner Wounds IsraeliIsrael Katz Blocks Brigadier Promotion Freezes IDFUN Extends UNRWA Mandate Three YearsThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 7:00 PM, this is a mid-evening briefing from the region and beyond. In the West Bank, Israeli forces say a Palestinian attacker attempting to ram soldiers at a Hebron checkpoint was killed, along with a municipal cleaning worker, and an Israeli man was wounded. The incident comes amid a week of violence in the area that has included stabbings, a prior ram attack, and an iron rod hurled at an Israeli vehicle near Highway 5.In Washington, at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, a prominent defense commentator said he would have ordered a second strike on a Caribbean vessel, adding, “I fully support that strike. I would have made the same call myself.” The remarks reflect a hawkish strand in American defense discourse during a period of heightened tension in the region, though they do not represent official policy.Back in Israel, a dispute over senior military appointments has intensified. Defense Minister Israel Katz has blocked the promotion of Colonel (Reserve) German Giltman to brigadier-general and has frozen all senior IDF appointments for 30 days while an external review explores the army’s handling of the Hamas attack on October 7. Giltman, who retired from the IDF in 2022, has said the move was political, not professional, and he announced he would remain in a reservist role while continuing to serve in a leadership capacity within the division he heads.The dispute centers on Katz’s objections to Giltman’s appointment and his broader freeze on senior posts, a confrontation that has fed a wider debate about civilian influence over the military and the timing of probes into the October 7 failures. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has defended his promotions and called for completion of investigations, including topics the external review led by Major General (Reserve) Sami Turgeman identified as underexplored. Katz has said he expects the army to act in line with formal procedures and with the findings of prosecutions and reviews before any further senior appointments are approved. He stressed that his ongoing contact with the chief of staff and the IDF brass remains direct and that national security planning continues without disruption to operational activity.On the diplomatic front, the United Nations General Assembly voted to extend UNRWA’s mandate by three years. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the vote reflected broad solidarity with Palestine refugees and underscored ongoing international engagement with the issue. The decision comes as the broader international community weighs long-standing arrangements for Palestinian aid, education, and civilian protection in the conflict context.In the West Bank, authorities reported that a targeted operation near Wadi Haramiya at the Burj Lasana site recovered Crusader- and Byzantine-era artifacts from a villa, illustrating how archaeological heritage areas intersect with security and governance efforts in the territory.In southern Israel, reports indicate heavy rains caused damage to infrastructure and communications at the Ovda Air Base. The Israel Defense Forces and Air Force personnel are conducting surveys to assess the impact, with officials noting there is no loss of operational readiness and that damage assessments are being carried out to ensure rapid and safe responses to any issues.Culturally, there is continued attention on Jewish history and memory. A Jewish World War II narrative is being shared through a new book and related discussions, highlighting how past experiences shape contemporary perspectives within Jewish communities worldwide.In other global developments, India confirmed at least 23 people were killed in a fire in Goa, a tragedy noted as part of ongoing international emergency and disaster coverage.From the region’s security challenges to its political dynamics and international responses, the day’s events reinforce the complexity of managing security, civilian welfare, and diplomatic messaging in a volatile environment. As events unfold, officials and observers will watch how investigations, political decisions, and international deliberations shape the coming weeks in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the broader Middle East.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/american-politics/article-879423https://www.jpost.com/international/article-879422https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjtbyzgzwlhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 23:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 23:04
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESUNRWA Mandate Extended for Three More YearsRan Gvili Still Missing Ceasefire Pause UrgedPalestinian Detainees Face Worsening Israeli Detention ConditionsThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 PM, several developments are shaping the regional landscape, touching diplomacy, security, and daily life in the Palestinian territories and beyond.The United Nations General Assembly has voted to extend UNRWA’s mandate for three more years. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini welcomed the outcome, saying the vote reflects broad solidarity with Palestine refugees and underlines international recognition of the agency’s work in education, health services, and humanitarian relief amid the long-running crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.In Gaza, relatives and fellow officers of Ran Gvili—the last known hostage still missing in Gaza—urged leaders in Jerusalem and Washington to pause any advancing ceasefire framework until he is accounted for. They argue that stabilizing or expanding any deal without securing his fate would leave a fallen Yasam fighter unsupported.In the West Bank, a security incident near Hebron drew scrutiny. A vehicle accelerated toward a group of soldiers conducting activity at a checkpoint, wounding one Israeli soldier before troops opened fire, killing the attackers. The incident underscores the persistent volatility of the security environment in the area and the ongoing risk from attacks against Israeli forces.Bethlehem, a city central to Christian heritage, observed Christmas with the annual tree lighting on Manger Square for the first time since the Gaza war began more than two years ago. The event drew thousands of Christians and Muslims, many traveling from nearby areas and abroad, and served as a poignant reminder of resilience amid ongoing regional tensions. Visitors noted the revival of a tourism and pilgrimage tempo that has struggled since 2023, even as concerns about violence in Gaza and in Lebanon persist.In a significant human rights report, Israel’s Public Defender’s Office published findings on Palestinian inmates held in Israeli facilities. The audit documents worsening detention conditions as the prison population has surged since the war began in October 2023. It describes cases of drastic weight loss and signs of malnutrition, overcrowded and unsanitary cells, and reports of regular guard violence. The report covers facilities under Israel Prison Service as well as police station and courthouse holding cells, and it notes that High Court orders in September urged the government to provide adequate nutrition, with limited progress cited by inspectors. The data show a total detainee population of about 24,715 as of September 2025, including roughly 11,115 security detainees, many held in living spaces well below the legal minimums prescribed in prior rulings. Rights groups have long criticized conditions in both criminal and security facilities, and these latest findings have intensified that scrutiny.In a West Bank locality near Wadi Haramiya in the Khan Younis area, authorities recovered Crusader- and Byzantine-era artifacts from a villa inside a site known as Burj Lasana during a targeted operation. The discovery highlights ongoing archaeological and cultural heritage efforts in the region, even as security concerns and daily life continue to dominate headlines.Across the region, Tunisia saw thousands take to the streets in the capital to protest what demonstrators described as a government crackdown. The rally carried the slogan opposition is not a crime, calling for the release of jailed activists after a series of arrests tied to charges of conspiracy or the spread of false information. Human rights groups have criticized the government’s actions, and Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have voiced concerns that dissent is being curtailed in the wake of political changes since 2021.Together, these reports illustrate a Middle East where diplomatic diplomacy, battlefield security, humanitarian needs, cultural heritage, and civil liberties intersect. From international bodies extending support for refugee protection to on-the-ground incidents testing the resolve of peace efforts, and from the reemergence of public rituals in Bethlehem to critical inspections of detention conditions in Israeli prisons, the period remains marked by a mix of continuity and upheaval. Public attention continues to focus on how to sustain security for civilians while addressing humanitarian concerns and preserving avenues for dialogue and resilience in a landscape shaped by long-running conflict, evolving alliances, and regional pressures.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...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 22:06
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINES- UNRWA Mandate Extended Global Solidarity Grows- Two Major Quakes Rattle Alaska and Greece- Families Demand Clarity on Ran Gvili FateThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is your five o’clock update on the Middle East and related global developments.The United Nations General Assembly has voted to extend the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for three years. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini welcomed what he called an overwhelming vote, saying it reflects broad solidarity around the world with Palestinian refugees. The extension comes as international attention remains focused on humanitarian needs and the political complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.In other news, two substantial earthquakes were reported in different theaters. A magnitude seven quake struck near Yakutat, Alaska, while a magnitude six point three six quake struck near Greece. Seismic monitoring agencies described the events as independent, with no immediate reports of widespread casualties, though emergency responders were dispatched to assess any damage and aftershocks.In the West Bank, a targeted operation at the Burj Lasana site near Wadi Haramiya recovered dozens of looted Crusader and Byzantine era artifacts from a villa built inside the site. The operation underscored ongoing concerns about cultural heritage sites amid broader security operations in areas administered by Palestinian authorities.Tensions over Gaza continued to influence political calculations in Israel and internationally. Relatives and colleagues of Ran Gvili, the last known hostage still believed to be held in Gaza, gathered in Jerusalem and Washington to press leaders to halt any advance on a ceasefire deal until his fate is clarified and he is returned. The emotional appeal reflected the stakes of the hostage issue for both the Israeli public and allied governments.Security incidents in the occupied territories also drew attention. A car drove toward a group of soldiers at a Hebron checkpoint, wounding one Israeli soldier; the attackers were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. The incident followed a pattern of violence that has persisted since the Gaza conflict intensified two years ago, contributing to a sense of instability in parts of the West Bank.Back in Bethlehem, Christmas preparations marked a rare moment of public festivity in the city since the Gaza war began. A Christmas tree on Manger Square was lit for the first time in more than two years, symbolizing resilience for Christians and Muslims alike who have endured disruption and hardship. Pilgrims and locals described the return of the holiday lights as a hopeful sign, even as concerns linger about the broader security situation and the toll of winter conditions on displaced residents.In domestic human rights coverage, the Public Defender’s Office released a detailed audit describing severe hunger and deteriorating conditions among Palestinian inmates held in Israeli jails. The report cites overcrowded facilities, meager food rations, routine beatings by guards, limited access to water, and widespread scabies. It notes that the prison system has faced an unprecedented surge in population since the start of the current conflict, with the overall total reaching more than twenty four thousand inmates, including over eleven thousand security detainees. Rights groups have long warned of deteriorating detention conditions, and the High Court has previously ordered improvements that have not fully taken hold according to the audit.International travel and diplomacy remained in focus as well. Israeli tourists clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at an Italian port, Brindisi, with police intervention required to quell tensions that erupted during a confrontation over the broader Gaza issue. The incident illustrates how the conflict continues to reverberate far from the region, stirring emotions among diaspora communities and travelers alike.In Tunisia, hundreds gathered in the capital to protest government actions, calling for greater freedoms and the release of jailed opposition figures convicted on charges framed as conspiracy against the state. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch cited concerns about the state of civil liberties, in a country that has faced international scrutiny over democratic backsliding in recent years.Turning to the Gaza Strip itself, reporting describes ongoing political regrouping within Hamas as militias and factions seek influence and survival options amid a humanitarian crisis. While some figures suggest potential moves toward a technocratic administration for Gaza, the health ministry in Gaza continues to report thousands of Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, with the ongoing winter season compounding the needs of civilians living in tents and ruined housing. ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 21:07
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESHebron car-ramming wounds soldier as attackers killedGaza ceasefire framework advances as hostages stallBethlehem lights Christmas tree amid fragile ceasefireThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A car-ramming attack near a Hebron checkpoint left one Israeli soldier lightly wounded, and two attackers were shot dead by paratroopers nearby. The incident fits into a broader pattern of West Bank violence that has intensified since the Hamas-led war began in Gaza in October 2023, with dozens of attacks and a rising number of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups, as well as settler-related incidents in the area.In Gaza, the humanitarian and political intersect remain at the center of regional diplomacy. The United States is pressing Israel to advance Phase II of a Gaza reconstruction plan even as it accepts that Phase I, which centers on the return of hostages, has not yet been fully realized. Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that Hamas must meet its obligations under Phase I before any broader progress, including redevelopment projects, can proceed. The families of hostages have urged focus on those who remain in Gaza, with Ran Gvili’s relatives reiterating that gains cannot come at the expense of his return. In parallel, Hamas has shown signs of internal reorganization, signaling a long road ahead even as senior leadership and outside observers assess the organization’s capacity to govern or reconstitute itself in Gaza.At the regional level, Arab states gathered in Doha have moved toward a common view that Gaza’s deal should advance to the next phase, while expressing reluctance to deploy their own personnel to supervise or enforce a broader ceasefire arrangement. The general consensus underscores a desire for progress that would alleviate humanitarian distress in Gaza, but it stops short of on-the-ground commitments that would alter the balance of control in the enclave.Germany’s arrival in Israel, with Chancellor Ferdinand Merz visiting Jerusalem for talks with President Herzog and a meeting with Netanyahu, signals a Western interest in sustaining security cooperation and exploring avenues for diplomatic and economic support amid the war. The visit comes as European and US policymakers weigh how to sustain pressure on Hamas while mitigating civilian suffering and preserving regional stability.In Israel’s domestic arena, tensions between security authorities and civilian voices resurfaced. Hapoel Tel Aviv fans were barred from Bloomfield Stadium for wearing shirts that criticized police and political actors, a decision the clubsaid reflected a broader effort to keep matchday security intact. The police argued that the action was legal and necessary to prevent potential harm to life and property, highlighting ongoing debates about civil liberties and security during a period of heightened sensitivity around protests and demonstrations.Across the region, Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree in Manger Square for the first time since 2022, a symbolic moment as the ceasefire in Gaza continues into a second month. City officials and residents described a guarded but hopeful mood, recognizing the fragility of gains and the longing for normal life amid economic strain and limited freedom of movement in nearby areas. The event underscored how the war’s shadow falls beyond the border, shaping daily life in the West Bank and influencing regional perceptions of prospects for peace.In Tunisia, hundreds gathered in the capital to protest the government, urging for the release of jailed activists and condemning a crackdown on dissent. The demonstrations reflect a broader regional pattern of upheaval and concern about civil liberties, with rights groups warning that the rollback of freedoms threatens the vitality of post-revolutionary politics across the Arab world.The West Bank’s violence continued to unfold with frequent clashes near Hebron, including incidents in which Palestinians tried to ram vehicles at Israeli troops and others in the area were shot during operations. Data from Israeli authorities note rising numbers of incidents linked to both Palestinian militants and settler violence, contributing to a perception of instability in areas that Israel views as critical to maintaining security along the lines and in the surrounding cities.On the diplomatic front, US officials have urged Israel to proceed with the Gaza ceasefire framework while warning that moving forward without achieving key milestones could erode leverage over Hamas. The discussion also touches on broader regional security concerns, including humanitarian relief, the fate of hostages, and the stability of neighboring states that host displaced Palestinians or are themselves navigating complex political transitions.As the year winds on, the region remains a mosaic of conflict, diplomacy, and fragile hopes for daily normalcy. The Hebron ...
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    6 mins