Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 21:07
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESIran accuses Israel over Bondi attackAleppo civilian deaths amid widening frontlinesEastern Mediterranean pact links Israel Greece CyprusThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, a broad roll call of developments shaping security, diplomacy and domestic political dynamics across the Middle East and beyond, with Israel at the center of many conversations and calculations.Iranian claims and regional rhetoric continue to color the security landscape. A senior Iranian military official asserted that Israel orchestrated an attack in Bondi to generate sympathy for victims, a statement carried as part of a broader pattern of denunciations and countercharges between Tehran and Jerusalem. Separately, Iran has described recently reported missile drills as part of its ongoing military readiness, a topic Western powers monitor closely given the potential for missiles to intersect with broader debates over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. In the same vein, an ally of Iran’s leadership sought to frame incidents involving Jewish communities abroad in a way that has drawn international scrutiny, underscoring how language from regional players can shape perceptions of risk and retaliation.Across Europe, antisemitic incidents are drawing renewed attention as concerns about security and political rhetoric rise in parallel with debates over Israel’s actions and regional tensions. In one instance in France, a man targeted young Jewish boys with a taunt linking their identity to the Palestinian cause, a reminder of how volatile online and on-street discourse can spill into public spaces.In the Americas, a diplomatic and strategic thread remains active.Russian authorities confirmed the evacuation of families of Russian diplomats from Venezuela, a move described to international observers as a protective measure amid shifting regional calculations. In Jerusalem, debate continues over how to navigate evolving regional alignments, including expressions from some former Israeli leaders about what they view as risky or treacherous episodes in international diplomacy.On the ground in Syria, civilian casualties in Aleppo underscored the persistence of multi-front pressures. A wave of attacks killed at least two civilians, with government forces and units aligned with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces trading blame for the fatalities. Turkish officials signaled concern about the pace of security arrangements in the region and suggested that there may be friction over whether parties are adhering to deadlines around integration of local forces into national security structures. Eyewitness accounts described heavy artillery exchange and a sense of fear among residents as tensions flare in neighborhoods around key corridors.In Israel’s security and diplomatic orbit, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a forthcoming meeting in Washington to discuss Iran’s nuclear activities and the next phase of the Gaza plan. He reiterated that Israel does not seek confrontation with Iran but emphasized a readiness to respond decisively to any threat. At the same time, a trilateral framework with Greece and Cyprus was highlighted, with leaders signaling enhanced security cooperation and joint energy and infrastructure projects intended to strengthen regional resilience. Officials described plans to connect India to Europe via sea and land routes through the eastern Mediterranean, and to pursue an undersea electrical interconnection that would tie the three countries’ grids to Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, signaling a broader strategy to diversify energy routes and regional influence.In parallel, observers noted continued concern in Israel and among its allies about Iran’s regional posture. Satellite imagery has been cited suggesting that Iran is nearing completion on shelters for SU-35 fighter aircraft, a sign of perceived modernization within the Iranian air defense and strike infrastructure. In northeast Syria, two rockets were reported to be launched from territory controlled by the SDF toward the Deir al-Zor desert, with American officials denying claims of US involvement and underscoring the sensitivity of external actors’ roles in the area. The border region remains a flashpoint as various groups test new capabilities and strategies.Europe and regional capitals also continue to monitor the broader implications of Middle East developments for international security. Belgium and other European capitals reported ongoing demonstrations aligned with pro-Palestinian causes at public markets, reflecting a sustained rhythm of protests that intersect with holiday seasons and public life. In South Asia and beyond, concerns about militant propaganda and network activity persist, with Pakistan reporting the detention of a key ISKP propaganda figure, a development described by international observers as a significant blow to the group’s ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 20:07
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael considers sweeping Oct. 7 inquiryIsrael Greece Cyprus forge regional security allianceIsrael demolishes Al-Wad in SilwanThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. Here are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and related regional dynamics as assessed for an international audience.The inquiry into the October seventh attacks is generating renewed debate about Israel’s political and security fault lines. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that any commission of inquiry into the operation must be balanced and comprehensive, extending beyond immediate blame to decades of policy choices. He has suggested the investigation should examine outcomes from the Oslo Accords to the disengagement from Gaza, and even the responses of reserve units in 2023, with a panel whose members would be selected by the Knesset rather than the president of the Supreme Court. The government’s position has drawn opposition criticism that a politically appointed inquiry could be used to shield leaders rather than reveal the truth. Ministers have pressed for a broad mandate, while opposition figures argue that such a commission could be used to bury rather than illuminate the facts. In parallel, the broader question of how Israel prepares for and prevents such catastrophes is shaping domestic political discussions, as opinion surveys in the Israeli public reflect a range of views on accountability and the proper scope of inquiry.Beyond Israel’s borders, a clear security recalibration is taking shape in the eastern Mediterranean. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu stood shoulder to shoulder with leaders from Greece and Cyprus to present a united front on shared security concerns. The three nations have pledged expanded military and security cooperation as they confront perceived threats in the region, particularly from Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The arrangement underscores a trilateral alignment that Israel has developed with Greece and Cyprus over recent years, focusing on safeguarding sea lanes and deterring destabilizing activity in nearby theaters. While the dialogue emphasizes stability, it also signals a willingness to coordinate on intelligence, defense planning, and potential cross-border operations should regional pressures intensify.In parallel, regional voices have pressed Washington to act with restraint in Gaza. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have separately urged senior United States officials to prevent Israeli strikes from escalating humanitarian harm in the territory. The appeals reflect a range of regional priorities: Egypt’s emphasis on reducing civilian casualties, Qatar’s focus on humanitarian access and political considerations, and Turkey’s broader anxieties about regional firebreaks and diplomatic consequences. The United States continues to balance security objectives with humanitarian concerns and diplomatic engagement with Arab partners, signaling that any escalation in Gaza remains a high-risk proposition for regional stability and for broader international interests.Israel’s own messaging has stressed deterrence and the protection of vital interests. In statements directed at regional actors, Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel does not seek confrontation, even as it defends its borders and maritime routes. The leadership has framed recent moves as part of a broader commitment to stability in the eastern Mediterranean, while acknowledging the need to guard against threats emanating from Iran and its regional proxies. Officials emphasize that any response to aggression would be measured and targeted, intended to preserve civilian safety and maintain open channels for international humanitarian relief and maritime commerce.In East Jerusalem, tensions remain palpable. Palestinian channels reported that Israeli security forces began a major demolition operation in the Silwan neighborhood, targeting a building known as Al-Wad. The demolition, described by Palestinian observers as the largest in the area in years, affected approximately thirteen families, totaling around one hundred residents. The move sits within a long-running pattern of contested development and land use in East Jerusalem, and it risks fueling protests and confrontations on the ground, with potential implications for local and international perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Public opinion inside Israel continues to reflect strong skepticism about foreign involvement in the Gaza arena. A poll conducted on the day of publication indicated that a substantial majority of Israelis oppose the deployment of Turkish troops in Gaza. The survey, based on a representative sample, highlights sensitivity to foreign military participation and the broader debate over how best to project security while avoiding unnecessary escalation.On the political domestic front, debate over the ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 19:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 19:08
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESTurkey’s cheap rockets imperil Syria civiliansLebanon unlocks frozen deposits in phasesNetanyahu seeks broad inquiry into October eventsThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 2:01 PM, here are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and the surrounding security landscape, with the perspectives of Israeli security concerns, regional partners, and US policy in view.In Syria, reports describe Turkish forces continuing a pattern of using inexpensive rocket launchers against Kurdish-led units near the border. Observers note that while the missiles are framed as operations against Kurdish groups, the fire appears broad and indiscriminate at times, raising concerns about civilian risk and regional stability along the frontier in northeastern Syria.In Lebanon, the cabinet is moving toward a plan that would allow bank depositors to recover frozen funds gradually, a pillar of Lebanon’s effort to stabilize a failing economy that has sunk the pound and left the state in default. The draft law envisions small depositors under $100,000 receiving monthly or quarterly repayments over four years, while larger deposits would be repaid through asset-backed securities issued by the central bank, with a defined schedule stretching up to 20 years for the largest sums. Banks would shoulder part of the burden, and the plan would convert certain debts owed by the state to the central bank into new instruments. Critics warn questions remain about funding, bank recapitalization, and the potential for creating contingent debt on the state. The government argues the proposal is realistic and intended to restore confidence in the financial system and spur renewed deposits, while some banks have voiced objections about the plan’s feasibility and fairness to creditors. An international auditing mandate is included to assess central bank assets and the scope of the funding shortfall before the plan proceeds.In Israel, public opinion continues to reflect significant skepticism about foreign troop involvement in Gaza. A recent poll indicating a sizable majority of Israelis questions the value or feasibility of Turkish troops operating in Gaza has underscored the broader debate about external security roles in the conflict and how partners’ involvement is perceived domestically.On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that a government-backed inquiry into the events of October 7 must also examine historical turning points in Israeli security policy, including the Oslo Accords and the 2005 Gaza disengagement, as well as the domestic political climate surrounding the 2023 judicial overhaul protests. The effort to create a new, Knesset-confirmed commission of inquiry has sparked sharp opposition criticism that the move is designed to shield or deflect accountability. The proposed panel would be appointed by a Knesset vote, potentially drawing support from across the political spectrum, depending on how the process unfolds. Netanyahu argues the inquiry should be comprehensive, covering political, security, intelligence, and legal aspects of the events, while opponents say the mechanism risks politicizing the process and eroding public trust.In the Mediterranean, leaders from Greece and Cyprus traveled to Jerusalem for discussions with Israeli officials about a coordinated approach to shared security concerns. The trilateral collaboration with Israel is designed to address perceived regional threats, including regional assertiveness from Turkey. While diplomats have encouraged open dialogue, observers note that the alignment among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus reflects a broader pattern of cooperation among like-minded partners in the eastern Mediterranean as they confront common strategic interests, from energy security to regional stability.Across the border in Lebanon, multiple reports described ongoing clashes near southern Lebanon between Kurdish and Syrian government forces in Homs and surrounding areas, with the government asserting Kurdish forces attacked army checkpoints. The situation underscores fragile margins of ceasefire compliance and the persistent risk of spillover violence into neighboring states, a concern closely watched by regional security partners and the United States as it shapes policy toward Hezbollah and allied actors.Iran remains at the center of regional strategic calculations. US and allied assessments emphasize that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs remain a core existential concern for Israel and its partners. In recent days, American and Israeli voices have discussed options for a potential new phase of US-Israel coordination should Iran advance its missile or nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials insist their missile program is defensive and nonnegotiable, while some outside observers caution that any restart of enrichment or ballistic-missile development would raise the odds of ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 18:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 18:08
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINES- Gaza War Targets Hamas Front Lines Hold- Lebanon Border Strikes Drive Ceasefire Push- Iran Nuclear Drive Triggers Regional DeterrenceThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At a time when the region remains exposed to multiple flashpoints, today’s hour-by-hour picture centers on the Gaza war’s aftershocks, expanding regional diplomacy around Syria and Lebanon, and growing attention to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Across the map, domestic political and security questions in Israel color how these regional developments are interpreted by an international audience.In Gaza, the war’s pace and its political reverberations continue to shape regional calculations. Israel maintains that it is conducting operations aimed at degrading Hamas’s military capabilities and preventing renewed attacks along the front lines. On the ground, the fighting has shifted toward a quieter, but still dangerous, phase in parts of southern Gaza, with Israeli security officials stressing the need to preserve defenses while preparing for long-term governance and reconstruction challenges. The broader regional backdrop remains a concern for Israeli security planners: even as combat intensity fluctuates, the risk of escalation with other actors remains a constant consideration for policymakers and international partners.Lebanon and the wider border area continue to feature prominently in Israel’s security calculus. An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon reportedly killed several Hezbollah operatives, drawing a familiar line between offensive pressure and the risk of broader confrontation along the border. The episode occurred as Lebanon and its international partners discuss a ceasefire framework that would help safeguard border communities and reduce the threat from Hezbollah. Washington has been actively brokering a ceasefire with support from France and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with the aim of reinforcing security arrangements and moving toward the disarmament portion of the broader plan. Lebanon’s leadership has signaled a desire to stabilize the border and to see steps that would prevent a relapse into renewed fighting. In parallel, Italy’s defense minister and other international actors underscored a continued European role in backing stabilization efforts, recognizing the sensitivity of the border region to broader regional dynamics.On the Iranian front, the strategic calculus remains deeply consequential for Israel and its partners. A senior American ambassador to Israel described signals that Iran may be attempting to rebuild its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, a development that Israel has long warned could pose an existential threat if left unchecked. In open forums and in private discussions with allies, Israeli officials have noted that any decision by the United States to join a future Israeli action against Iran would hinge on shared assessments of the risks and the potential impact on regional stability. Within Washington and among allied capitals, lawmakers and analysts have reiterated warnings about Iran’s capabilities, while also emphasizing the importance of preventing further destabilization in the Middle East. In Israel, there is continued emphasis on the dual necessity of deterring potential Iranian advances while sustaining international coalitions aimed at preventing weaponization. At the same time, some observers highlight the importance of diplomatic avenues and a careful balancing of deterrence with regional risk-management.Meanwhile, Turkey and Syria are advancing a set of discussions aimed at integrating Kurdish-led forces into the central Syrian administration. Turkish and Syrian officials have described dialogue toward a unified security framework as essential to regional stability, with American diplomacy pressing for progress on a March agreement that envisions a gradual integration of Kurdish-led institutions into Syria’s state apparatus. Turkish officials stress that Syria’s stability is Turkey’s own stability, and they have urged all parties to pursue a path that avoids renewed fragmentation along the border. The United States continues to urge disciplined, transparent implementation of proposals that would prevent the reemergence of IS and guard against threats to neighboring states, while acknowledging Syria’s sovereignty and the need for an orderly political process.Domestically, a number of human and civil society concerns have been in the spotlight. In East Jerusalem, authorities demolished a four-story apartment complex in Silwan that housed several families, a move that drew protests and sparked questions about planning procedures and fairness. Rights groups argued that efforts to regulate the site had been underway and that the demolition occurred as negotiations were looming with municipal officials. The municipality said the building had ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 17:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 17:08
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESIranian missile launches heighten nuclear tensionsIsrael forms inquiry into October attacksKurdish forces urged to join Syrian armyThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today’s hourly update covers developments across the Middle East and related global shifts, with a focus on Israeli security concerns, US policy context, and how regional actors are shaping the strategic environment for an international audience.Iranian missile activity and broader nuclear tensions are again in focus. Reports circulating through official and semi-official Iranian channels show videos that appear to depict missile launches from multiple cities, underscoring Tehran’s reminders of its strategic capabilities as conversations about its nuclear and missile programs continue in international forums. The timing and messaging come against a backdrop of recent discussions about Iran’s nuclear facilities and the potential for renewed pressure on Tehran to curb its program. In parallel, observers note Iran’s stated interest in influencing broader regional energy and security calculations, including pressure points that could affect global oil markets if its actions intersect with maritime chokepoints or regional leverage.On the Israeli domestic front, the government is navigating a charged political landscape ahead of elections. The cabinet has moved to formalize the creation of a political, non-state inquiry commission on the October seventeenth attacks, a measure that has drawn criticism from families of the victims and from opposition figures who say the panel could be politically biased. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the inquiry as fair, while opponents and some family members question the panel’s independence and potential implications for accountability. Concurrently, Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with the prime minister of Greece during a broader Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit; initial talks were held privately before expanded meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials. The alignment with Greece and Cyprus is being framed as part of a broader regional diplomacy effort, including shared strategic concerns in the eastern Mediterranean.Across the region, the Kurdish question and Syria’s evolving security architecture continue to surface in diplomatic and on-the-ground exchanges. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Kurdish-led forces to integrate into Syria’s army and avoid hindering Syria’s stability, a position reiterated in meetings with Syrian authorities as a March 2024 agreement framework to integrate Kurdish-led structures into the central administration moves toward a year-end deadline. The Syrian side has indicated it is studying a draft plan from the Kurdish-led forces for integration, with authorities stressing the goal of a unified Syrian territory. At the same time, regional security dynamics persist in Syria’s northeast, where US-backed forces and coalition partners continue to confront remaining Islamic State elements amid ongoing diplomacy that touches on Turkish-Syria issues and Israeli considerations about regional stability. In addition, Turkish and allied officials have highlighted the importance of地域 security and the need for coordination to prevent a resurgence of violence that could spill across borders.The humanitarian and civil society environment in Israel and the Palestinian territories remains a central concern for international observers. Israel’s new framework for registering non-governmental organizations has drawn sharp scrutiny from aid groups and rights watchers. Advocates warn that the new rules could have a catastrophic impact on humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank by creating hurdles for reputable organizations and threatening deregistration for those that do not fully comply with the broad criteria, including a requirement to demonstrate they do not engage in “delegitimization” of Israel. The government says the framework is aimed at preventing hostile actors or supporters of terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories, but aid workers warn that the process could obstruct essential services for populations in need. The sector worries persist as Gaza remains under a ceaseless humanitarian strain, with concerns about entry of aid and the capacity to deliver basic services even under a November ceasefire framework that envisioned regular humanitarian access.From a security and economic perspective, Israel’s tech sector shows resilience and momentum despite multiple fronts. Data compiled by industry groups indicate a robust fourth quarter for Israeli tech investment, with billions of dollars raised across dozens of rounds. Recent quarterly figures show approximately three and a half billion dollars raised in funding across roughly 94 rounds, led by a surge in money directed toward cyber security and artificial intelligence. Notable ...
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 16:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 16:07
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESIran Missile Drills Escalate Western TensionsBennet Calls Qatargate Treason Resignation DemandedIsrael Greece Cyprus Summit, Turkey Eyes DamascusThe time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 11:00 AM, a round of developments across Israel, Iran, and the wider region is shaping a security and political landscape that remains tense and highly watched by international partners.In Tehran, Iran announced missile drills as part of a broad display of deterrence amid rising tensions with the West and Israel. Iranian state media and Nournews circulated video and claims of launches from multiple sites, while Tehran emphasized that missiles are for deterrence and not open to negotiation. Outside observers and allied officials have warned that such drills could mask preparations for a surprise strike or broader escalation, and reports have suggested Iran’s missile production could reach thousands of missiles annually. At the same time, Iranian outlets pushed back on social-media images of tests as inaccurate, insisting no exercises occurred on that day.Across the region, Israel remains focused on strategic concerns tied to its security and regional posture. In Tel Aviv, discussions continue about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader effort to prevent Iran from advancing capabilities that could threaten Israel’s security. Israeli officials have stressed the importance of maintaining credible defenses and international pressure to curb Iran’s program, while signaling that Israel will take necessary steps to defend itself if diplomacy stalls.Diplomatic advances in the region continue to unfold. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as part of a Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit, with expanded talks featuring foreign ministers and senior officials. The discussions underscore regional alignment around security concerns and energy coordination, including shared interest in stabilizing the eastern Mediterranean and deterring aggression in the broader Middle East.Nearby in Ankara, Turkish diplomacy is active on multiple fronts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Damascus for an official visit, with accompanying discussions expected to focus on security risks in southern Syria that Turkey attributes to recent Israeli actions in the area. The Turkish government has repeatedly linked regional stability to its own policy stance, and observers note that such visits illustrate Ankara’s aim to shape regional security narratives in coordination with Washington and regional partners.In Washington’s orbit, the political scene in Israel remains deeply intertwined with US policy positions. Observers have highlighted that the Abraham Accords and the quest for a stable regional order continue to frame US engagement, even as scrutiny over how to advance a two-state framework persists. There is emphasis on maintaining support for Israel’s security needs while encouraging steps toward a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians through credible negotiations and international oversight.On the domestic front in Israel, there is evolving political contention over media and civil society. The cabinet voted to shutter Army Radio, with a March 2026 deadline to wind down operations. The move, defended by Defense Minister Israel Katz as correcting a democratic anomaly, drew sharp criticism from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and opposition leaders who warned it could harm freedom of expression. Civil society groups and unions have signaled they may challenge the decision in the High Court, arguing that public broadcasting should remain independent of political direction.The government is also weighing changes to non-governmental organization registration requirements that govern humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank. Officials say the new rules aim to prevent hostile actors or supporters of terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories, but NGOs warn the framework could undermine the delivery of aid to Gaza, where services remain strained despite a ceasefire that paused major fighting. By year’s end, more than 100 registration requests had been filed, with roughly a dozen rejected; aid workers say the process threatens access to essential services and could force staff withdrawals if kept in place.Public sentiment inside Israel shows a nuanced and shifting picture. A major index tracking democracy and institutional trust published by the Israel Democracy Institute finds that trust in the government remains low among both Jews and Arab citizens, though faith in the Israeli Defense Forces remains high among Jews and more constrained among Arab respondents. The index also shows significant portions of the population feel no party fully represents their views, and perceptions about the country’s overall situation have improved from the previous year, even as ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 15:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 15:06
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINES- Iran missile drills signal deterrence and escalation- Israel shutters Army Radio amid press freedom- Bennett calls Netanyahu resignation over Qatar tiesThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 10:00 AM, the latest developments across the Middle East and related regional dynamics are as follows. Iran is reported to have conducted missile drills in multiple cities, with footage circulating on Iranian public channels and semi-official outlets. Tehran has characterized the missiles as deterrence and not up for negotiation, while observers note that production capacity could reach thousands of missiles annually. Israeli and US officials are watching these drills closely for any signs of strategic signaling or preparations that could presage broader escalation.In Jerusalem, the cabinet unanimously approved Defense Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to shutter Army Radio, with broadcasts to end by March 1, 2026. The move, intended to remove what the government calls a military-run platform that engages in political discourse, has drawn sharp critique over press freedom and the independence of public broadcasting. The defense minister ordered steps to wind down operations immediately, including halting recruitment and reassigning soldiers from the unit, canceling contracts, and preparing the closure under a defined timetable. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has said the decision is unlawful and should not have been approved, arguing that it would require legislative action to shutter Army Radio and warning of potential harms to freedom of expression. Opposition figures and civil society groups argue the move undermines democracy and free press, while supporters say it preserves the army’s nonpartisan character and shields it from political entanglement. Legal challenges are anticipated as the process proceeds toward the 2026 closure.On the diplomatic front, Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu’s successor in reporting circles as Hakan Fidan, or officials citing his remarks, signaled that the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire could begin in early 2026, following talks in Miami with US, Qatari, and Egyptian counterparts. The priority remains Gaza’s governance under a Palestinian-led group, with mediation continuing among regional and international players to advance a sustainable framework for truce and governance. The discussions underscore the ongoing efforts to translate ceasefire commitments into a durable political arrangement, even as violence and friction persist in the region.In the West Bank, the Israeli military said it is reviewing the killing of a 16-year-old Palestinian in Qabatiya who was shot during a raid, with CCTV footage suggesting the youth may not have thrown a brick as previously claimed. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Israeli operations in the area, where Palestinian minors have accounted for a notable share of casualties since January in the context of heightened raids and clashes. Officials stress the raids aim to counter militants and prevent attacks, while observers emphasize the risk of escalation and the impact on civilians.The Qatargate controversy in Israel intensified, with former prime minister Naftali Bennett calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign over what he described as the most serious act of treason in Israeli history. Bennett pointed to allegations that top aides to Netanyahu acted as paid Qatar-based lobbyists while in the prime minister’s employ, a charge that has reverberated across opposition and some security discussions. Netanyahu and his aides have rejected the allegations, saying they are being used to undermine political stability, while some opposition figures and watchdogs argue for a state commission of inquiry to illuminate the full scope of the matter. The broader debate centers on national security, the integrity of wartime leadership, and the responsibility of government peers during a period of conflict.A separate Reuters-influenced examination of Syria’s prisons, under the new leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, shows that Assad-era detention facilities have reopened and are now crowded with detainees held without formal charges. The report details overcrowded conditions, extortion, and abuse in multiple facilities, including reports of deaths in custody and a pervasive lack of transparent judicial processes. Syrian authorities say the country is rebuilding institutions and improving humanitarian conditions, while UN rights offices warn that enforced disappearances and summary detentions continue to flow, with more than 800 detainees named in one review and many others unaccounted for. The United States has indicated a continued interest in a stable, unified Syria that can coexist with regional neighbors, while humanitarian groups stress the urgency of safeguards and due process for detainees.In related regional developments, Iran’s ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 14:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 14:06
    Dec 22 2025
    HEADLINESIran conducts Mashhad missile drills signaling deterrencePalestinian 16-year-old shot during Qabatiya raidGaza ceasefire hinges on Palestinian-led authority 2026The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Iranian media report that the Islamic Republic conducted missile drills near Mashhad and other cities, a display described as part of ongoing deterrence and signaling in a period of heightened regional tension. The outlets cited the Revolutionary Guard as the organizer and noted launches involving ballistic missiles. The development follows Israeli warnings to the United States about what Israel views as a renewed threat in the region. The reports underscore a broader pattern of regional posture and signaling by Iran at a time of elevated vigilance among Israel and Western partners.In the Golan Heights and along the border, Israeli forces conducted a population exchange of sorts, returning two Israelis who had crossed into Syria illegally. This marks the second such incident in as many days, a reminder of the fragile cross‑border dynamics in a volatile border area. Israeli authorities detained the civilians and handed them over to Israel Police for processing, as officials cautioned that border breaches can escalate security concerns on multiple fronts.In the occupied West Bank, new evidence has emerged about a fatal confrontation during a raid in the town of Qabatiya. A video released by CCTV appeared to show a 16‑year‑old Palestinian, Rayyan Mohammad Abu Mualla, not actively posing a threat at the moment he was shot by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military said the person was suspected of throwing a brick and that the shooting is under review, while Palestinian officials and witnesses raised grave questions about the sequence of events. Since January, Palestinian health authorities have recorded a rising number of minors killed in the context of Israeli raids, with the toll for 2025 reaching well into the dozens.Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the cabinet has approved a plan to shut down the national Army Radio by March 1, 2026. Proponents say the move is intended to preserve the military’s nonpartisan character, but critics warn that it would reduce the range of independent public broadcasting in Israel. The attorney general warned that the proposal raises concerns about free expression, and opposition voices have signaled they will challenge the plan in court. The decision forms part of a broader set of proposed reforms affecting Israel’s public media landscape, including measures aimed at strengthening regulatory controls and broadening emergency powers in ways that have drawn international and domestic scrutiny.In East Jerusalem, a four‑story residential building in the Silwan neighborhood was demolished, leaving around a hundred residents displaced and facing an uncertain future. The action, based on a permit‑related dispute, occurred in a context of longstanding friction over building permits and land use in the city’s eastern sector. Palestinian officials characterized the demolition as part of a broader pattern of displacement in areas claimed by Israel as part of its expanding urban footprint, while municipal and security authorities emphasized enforcement of planning regulations. The situation in Silwan reflects the enduring fragility of East Jerusalem’s status and the daily pressures faced by residents in neighborhoods at the center of the broader conflict.On the Gaza front, Turkey’s foreign minister said the second phase of a ceasefire deal could begin in early 2026, following talks in Miami with United States, Qatari, and Egyptian officials. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed that any next phase would hinge on Gaza being governed by a Palestinian‑led authority. The remarks come as regional and international actors continue to pare back divisions over the Gaza ceasefire process and seek to align governance with a durable Palestinian voice on the ground.Turning to Syria, a Reuters investigation into detention practices since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad portrays a system that remains deeply troubled. The report describes dozens of facilities reopening under the new leadership, with thousands of detainees held without formal charges, reports of torture and harsh conditions, and ongoing extortion and abuse allegations. The document cites hundreds of interviews and lists that indicate the scale of detentions may be greater than publicly tallied. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights documented distressing accounts of executions, disappearances, and other abuses over the past year, while a US official said Washington remains committed to a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with its neighbors. The Syria story underscores the enduring humanitarian and political complexities in a country still in transition and under international scrutiny for its ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins