• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 21:07
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael Recognizes Somaliland, sparking regional tensionsIsrael Army Radio closure blocked by courtNetanyahu Trump to discuss Gaza and IranThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly news update. We begin with developments that continue to shape the Middle East security landscape and how the world watches them.Israel’s domestic legal scene took center stage as the Supreme Court intervened in a government plan to shutter Army Radio. The court ruled that the move would be frozen while petitions challenging the closure proceed, following backing from the attorney general to pause the March 1 deadline. The decision preserves the broadcaster’s service as legal wrangling continues over its future and the broader questions of media within national security.In the broader region, the matter of Somaliland’s international status drew renewed attention. Israel announced the recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991. The move sparked demonstrations in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa and other towns, with many residents celebrating alongside the Israeli flag. The Somali president condemned the decision as a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa, while the European Union urged respect for Somalia’s sovereignty. Analysts note that Somaliland’s strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and its existing institutions could influence regional dynamics, including Israel’s access to Red Sea routes and potential implications for regional security calculations in the Yemen area.The reaction from regional actors to Israel’s Somaliland move was swift. The Houthis, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, issued a statement indicating that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target in light of what they described as aggression toward Somalia and Yemen and as a threat to regional security. The message underscored the fragility of regional alignments and the way shifts in recognition can become flashpoints in a volatile theater.France is set to preside over the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2027, succeeding Argentina. The IHRA’s continuing mission to combat Holocaust denial and rising antisemitism remains a focal point for international diplomacy, even as other crisis issues compete for attention.Internationally, there was notable protest activity linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Boxing Day demonstrations in London and Toronto featured activists displaying Palestinian flags and calling for restrictions on Israeli arms, highlighting the ongoing civil society pressures and the global reach of debates over Israel’s security needs and Palestinian statehood claims.On the security front, authorities in Israel are expanding tactical tools. The police have moved to adopt the “See-Shoot” remote firing system, a capability previously employed by the IDF, in response to increased smuggling via drones. This development raises questions about deterrence and the conditions under which such systems could be applied to counter infiltrations and other security challenges outside traditional combat zones.Meanwhile, the domestic political and security dialogue continues around Gaza and the broader regional mosaic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is anticipated to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida, with discussions expected to center on Gaza, Iran’s missiles program, and Lebanon. Observers say the talks will examine how to advance a peace framework that can address Hamas’ and allied groups’ military capabilities while maintaining the momentum of any interim security arrangements. The discussions also come as Israel seeks to present a clear path on disarmament and stabilization in the face of evolving threats from the Iranian axis and its regional proxies.In related strategic moves, Israel reportedly detained Islamic Jihad operatives linked to the abduction of Ran Gvili, a remaining case that has hampered cease-fire momentum. Israeli officials and mediators have signaled that the status of Gvili’s remains remains a focal point as negotiations continue, with both Hamas and PIJ under international pressure to cooperate on hostages and remains.Turning to Yemen, regional observers note that three main forces continue to vie for control, reshaping the landscape in ways that affect regional security and humanitarian concerns. The Houthis, the Presidential Leadership Council, and other factions each maintain influence in different parts of the country, reinforcing the volatility that complicates regional diplomacy and any broader stabilization efforts.In Israel’s domestic policy arena, lawmakers advanced measures to curb prostitution, proposing a nationwide ban on brothels as part of broader anti-prostitution efforts. The move reflects ongoing legislative activity aimed at social policy in a country at war footing on...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 20:05
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINES- Israel Recognizes Somaliland Expands Africa Ties- Gaza Hostage Ran Gvili Drives Peace Push- Hezbollah Disarmament Debate Heightens Lebanon Border RiskThe time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 3:00 PM update on events shaping the Middle East and related international affairs. In Israel, the government’s plan to shutter Army Radio remains in a legal limelight. The Supreme Court has frozen the closure while petitions are reviewed, and the court’s action follows a ruling that the process should pause. The attorney general urged that any step be kept on hold, while political debate continues over the station’s future and its role in public service broadcasting. A separate filing from Defense Minister Katz contends that Army Radio workers may have misled the High Court in earlier arguments, adding another layer to a dispute that sits at the crossroads of security, media, and civil service.On the regional front, Israel’s diplomatic posture is again in motion. In Africa, Israel formally recognized Somaliland, a move that sparked large public celebrations in Hargeisa and drew formal condemnations from Somalia’s government. Somaliland’s leadership framed the recognition as a breakthrough, reflecting its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden and its desire for broader international ties. Critics from regional and international actors cautioned about potential repercussions for Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability, while analysts noted possible implications for Israel’s access to Red Sea routes and its broader diplomacy in Africa.Lebanon and the Hezbollah question remain a focal point near Israel’s northern border. Hezbollah’s leadership has reiterated that disarmament efforts are not in Lebanon’s interest, framing disarmament as part of what it calls an Israeli-American plan. The Lebanese government has faced pressure to accelerate disarmament, while the Lebanese Armed Forces prepare for later stages of any transition. Israel continues to press Hezbollah to reduce its military footprint; meanwhile, Beirut stresses that any shift must reflect Lebanon’s security and sovereignty. The broader American and international posture emphasizes a stabilizing outcome, but the underlying tension persists as both sides watch for any miscalculation that could escalate the border situation.In Gaza and in the broader peace process, the case of Ran Gvili—the Israeli police master sergeant who was abducted and whose remains are at issue—continues to influence negotiations and public sentiment. Israel has carried out covert operations against PIJ targets in Gaza as part of a broader effort to pressure groups linked to the abduction, while sources indicate Hamas and PIJ are aware of the remains’ location. Prime Minister Netanyahu is headed to Florida to meet with President Trump, a visit that officials describe as aimed at advancing a phase of the peace plan and maintaining momentum toward a broader settlement. Netanyahu is expected to present American officials with assessments of Hamas and PIJ capability and to seek assurances that pressure remains applied to keep the pathway to phase two on track. Washington’s posture remains that a credible path to disarmament and a sustainable ceasefire is essential, even as regional actors weigh the risks of renewed fighting.In Washington and London, political dynamics continue to color security discussions. Reports from The Times of Israel describe US involvement as central to the Gaza framework, with the Trump administration seeking to balance alliance commitments, the danger of renewed hostilities, and the political constraints of multiple stakeholders. In Britain, questions about antisemitism and public policy persist, including debates sparked by recent high-profile cases and the responses of leading Jewish organizations to policy shifts and leadership changes. These debates resonate across the region, influencing how international partners engage with Israel and Palestinian authorities.Beyond the immediate conflict zones, a number of security and technology updates merit note. Israel has announced the deployment of its first operational laser air-defense system, marking a significant milestone in battlefield-relevant defense technology. In parallel, border security concerns continue to rise in some areas of the country, with local officials signaling that tighter controls and fencing considerations may be revisited in light of attacks and infiltrations along the seamline near central Israel. These developments underscore a pattern in which security measures, political calculations, and regional diplomacy interact in real time.In related developments, a high-profile international figure connected to broader antisemitism concerns faced scrutiny over links to support networks for organizations linked to extremism. Meanwhile, in the broader regional context, there ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 19:08
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESGaza City operation abducts Islamic Jihad figureIsrael deploys first laser air defense systemIsrael Greece Cyprus sign 2026 defense pactThe time is now 2:03 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Covert Israeli forces conducted an operation in Gaza City, reportedly abducting a member of Islamic Jihad who is described in reports as a figure linked to the pursuit of Ran Gvili. The IDF has declined to comment on the operation. The development comes as Israel remains focused on disrupting militant networks in Gaza and preventing attacks on its communities in the south and along the border.In another legal development, the president of the Supreme Court issued an interim order freezing the government’s plan to close the Galatz radio station after a response from the state attorney general. The court stated that the government had not provided assurances that irreversible steps would not be taken, and the pause allows further judicial review of the government’s closure decision.Along the seam line near Bat Hefer in central Israel, residents report that 300 meters separate their homes from a Palestinian village across the security fence. Local officials describe past and ongoing security incidents and say that widespread reports of illegal entrants heighten fears. The council has renewed calls for creating a buffer zone to reduce friction and improve residents’ sense of safety.On the economic front, Tel Aviv’s stock market posted fresh records in 2025, outperforming major global indices. The TA-35 rose to new highs, with the TA-125 and TA-90 also reaching notable gains by the end of the year. Foreign investment flowed into Israel’s market, alongside strong domestic participation, as investors cited a perceived reduction in geopolitical risk and progress on defense and energy sectors. Analysts note that confidence was supported by Israel’s continued military capabilities and the ceasefire arrangements with Hamas, even as the country faces persistent security challenges.Israel and its regional partners continued to strengthen defense coordination. A trilateral work plan for military cooperation among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus was signed for 2026, detailing joint drills, planning, and the ability to deploy quickly in times of crisis on land, sea, or air. The agreement, while not creating a standing force, signals deeper regional interoperability and shared strategic objectives in the eastern Mediterranean.In a development of military technology, Israel has reportedly delivered the first operational laser air-defense system, which defense officials say has demonstrated real-time interception of a range of aerial threats in testing. The system’s deployment marks a notable milestone in defense experimentation and adds a new layer to Israel’s multi-layered protection against missiles and drones.The broader regional and global context includes ongoing attention to the Gaza conflict and its humanitarian consequences. A separate court ruling ordered Hamas to pay about one billion shekels in compensation to hundreds of Oct. 7 victims, including families of those killed and injured in the attack. The decision reflects legal accountability for the actions of Hamas and the impact of the violence on Israeli civilians and their families.In a different regional development, Russia announced the launch of three Iranian satellites into orbit. The satellites are described as capable of high-resolution imagery and applications in water management, agriculture, and the environment, underscoring the growing entanglement of regional security and outer-space assets amid ongoing tensions in the wider region.The Middle East remains a dynamic landscape. A Hamas manual has been reported that outlines strategies to mask antisemitic content in global public relations campaigns, highlighting how the group seeks to shape international narratives. Separately, Jordan carried out airstrikes in southern Syria targeting smuggling operations near its borders, a maneuver linked to Amman’s broader push for stronger border security and stability in the region.In related legal and security developments, a Beersheba court decision cleared a suspect of a link to a disappearance case tied to the Kassau investigation, though the broader case remains under the authority of the Lahav 433 police unit. Additionally, the Lev Tahor movement’s leader was indicted in Mexico on human trafficking charges, reflecting ongoing cross-border criminal justice concerns.Looking at currency and economic indicators, the Iranian rial has come under pressure, trading at markedly lower levels against the dollar amid broader regional tensions and uncertainty surrounding Iran’s security posture and regional activity.Beyond these events, the region continues to watch developments related to ongoing security concerns, border dynamics, and international responses. The United States maintains ongoing ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 18:05
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESGaza covert raid detains Islamic Jihad memberIsrael delivers first Iron Beam laser interceptorIsrael Greece Cyprus to hold 2026 drillsThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 1:00 PM international update from the Middle East desk. New reporting indicates Israel conducted a covert operation in Gaza City, detaining a member of Islamic Jihad as part of ongoing efforts to recover Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last known hostage held in the Gaza Strip. A Saudi outlet cited Palestinian sources describing the operative’s capture near Palestine Square in Gaza City and within range of the area known as the yellow line. The Israeli military has not commented on the operation.In domestic security news, a Beersheba assault suspect has been cleared of ties to the Kasau disappearance, with police saying the investigation remains under the Lahav 433 unit. Authorities continue to pursue leads related to the broader case, but no direct link to the Beersheba incident has been upheld by investigators.Turning to regional security dynamics, Hezbollah’s leadership, including Secretary-General Naim Qassem, denounced what he described as Beirut’s inaction over the alleged kidnapping of Ahmad Shukr and reiterated Hezbollah’s position against disarming. The rhetoric underscores the broader, unsettled security climate along Lebanon’s border and within the broader Arab-Israeli theater.On the defense front, Israel announced the delivery of its first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system to the Israel Defense Forces. The system has been tested against rockets, mortars, and drones and will be integrated into the country’s layered air defenses to supplement Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the milestone historic and said it signals a shift in how threats can be met, while IDF and Rafael executives described the system as a pivotal enhancement of both security and cost efficiency. The Iron Beam, named Or Eitan in memory of Captain Eitan Oster, is designed to shoot down smaller, faster aerial threats and depends on a continuous energy source rather than conventional ammunition.In a show of regional military coordination, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a trilateral work plan for 2026 establishing joint drills and planning. The framework envisions rapid-response deployments across land, sea, or air if a crisis emerges, reflecting a sustained effort to deepen interoperability among the three allied forces and to deter shared security challenges in the East Mediterranean.Diplomatic developments include a wave of international responses to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud characterized the move as a threat to regional stability, while other regional actors condemned the decision. Taiwan welcomed the move, framing it as part of a broader pattern of like-minded democracies cooperating in defense and technology. The United States continues to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity, including Somaliland, and the United Nations Security Council is preparing to meet on the matter. The episode underscores how shifts in recognition can affect regional alignments and trigger diplomatic debate at the UN and among partners.In a legal development connected to the October 7 attacks, a court ordered Hamas to pay approximately 1 billion shekels in compensation to hundreds of victims and their families. The ruling addresses suits filed by heirs of those killed and those injured, with families stressing that the decision carries symbolic weight as well as financial accountability.New data from Abraham Initiatives highlight a troubling trend inside Israel, reporting that 2025 has become the deadliest year on record for Arab citizens, with 252 Arab residents killed in 218 incidents of violence and crime, a rise from the previous year. The figures illuminate internal security and social challenges that demand attention from policymakers seeking to reduce violence and improve trust between communities.On the economic front, reports from Iran indicate the rial has weakened further, trading around 1.375 million per US dollar, marking continued volatility in Iran’s currency market amid broader pressures in the region. Analysts note the development may influence broader regional economic sentiment and discount rates for cross-border trade and investment.Border security actions also continued along Jordan’s frontier, with reports that two separate events along the Syrian border netted large quantities of narcotics, reflecting persistent cross-border challenges to stability and rule of law in the tri-border area.As these developments unfold, the region remains in a state of heightened alert. The cross-cutting themes are clear: hostage recovery and coercive action in Gaza; the evolution of high-end defense technologies and integrated air defense; expanding ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 17:06
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESIran launches three satellites deepening Russia tiesIsrael deploys Iron Beam laser defenseIsrael recognizes Somaliland triggering regional backlashThe time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Iran is expanding its space and security footprint this week, with three Iranian satellites launched into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny spaceport. Tehran says the Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2 satellites were placed in a low Earth orbit of roughly 500 kilometers, with resolutions up to three meters and lifespans of about five years. The mission follows prior Iranian satellite work conducted in cooperation with Moscow. Western officials, led by the United States, have characterized the launches as defying a United Nations Security Council resolution and have urged Tehran to refrain from any activities that could support ballistic missile programs capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran’s government cites civilian aims for agriculture and environmental monitoring, while observers note the broader signal of closer security and technology ties with Russia. Russia has highlighted its strategic partnership with Iran in recent months, even as Western capitals caution about the implications for regional stability. In Israel, experts say the launches do not carry military value for Tehran’s current battlefield calculus, though the launches contribute to a rapidly evolving regional tech-security environment that matters to all sides.In a separate development tied to Israel’s defense posture, the Defense Ministry announced the operational handover of Iron Beam, the high-power laser air defense system developed by Rafael and now integrated with the Israeli Air Force. The system has demonstrated the ability to intercept rockets, mortars, and drones in testing, offering a potentially lower-cost complement to missile interceptors. Officials described this as a transition from development to serial production and stressed that Iron Beam will operate alongside existing layers such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, not replace them. The system’s Hebrew name, Or Eitan, commemorates a fallen commander, and Defense Ministry leadership emphasized that full armed service will unfold over the coming months as deployment proceeds and the system is integrated into broader networks. Observers caution that laser systems face environmental and weather constraints, but proponents argue the technology could shift the calculus of ongoing aerial threats and campaign costs.These defense and space developments sit within a wider regional frame that includes Jordan’s recent strikes inside Syria. Jordan launched two rounds of airstrikes against smuggling infrastructure on its southern border, signaling frustration with cross-border crime networks and drug trafficking that undermine border security. Officials in Amman have pressed for stronger action against criminal networks and have tied security on the Jordan-Syria frontier to broader stability goals in the region.On the domestic front, Israeli authorities named retired police officer Tzachi Havkin as a suspect in an ongoing Lahav 433 investigation into alleged corruption. Havkin’s identity was disclosed after a number of major Israeli outlets petitioned for access following months under a gag order, highlighting the high-stakes scrutiny of security and law-enforcement circles at a difficult moment for public trust.Israel’s regional diplomacy is taking place amid a suite of international developments. Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has drawn sharp reactions from Mogadishu and its allies, with critics calling the move a challenge to sovereignty and regional stability. The move drew condemnation from several governments and blocs, while Taiwan welcomed the decision, framing it as part of shared values among democracies. The United States stated that it continues to recognize the territorial integrity of Somalia, including Somaliland, and the United Nations is preparing for an emergency Council discussion. The emphasis in Washington and other capitals is on balancing strategic partnerships in the region with international law and global security norms.In ongoing hostage-related activity related to the Gaza conflict, reports circulated that Israeli forces conducted clandestine operations in Gaza City as part of efforts to locate Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last widely reported hostage held by Hamas militants. Saudi- and London-based outlets cited Palestinian and security sources alleging that an Islamic Jihad operative was captured near Palestine Square as part of a broader search. Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed these details, stressing that operations related to hostage recovery remain sensitive and classified. The situation underscores the continuing volatility near the Gaza front and the intense international focus on humanitarian and security ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 16:07
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael Greece Cyprus sign rapid defense pactIsrael deploys Iron Beam laser at scaleIran Russia satellite launch reshapes regional powerThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 11:00 AM, the region’s security and diplomacy picture remains fluid, with several developments shaping both immediate conditions and longer‑term strategy for Israel, its partners, and international allies.In the eastern Mediterranean, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a trilateral work plan designed to deepen military cooperation. The arrangement is not a standing force but a responsive package that could be deployed quickly across land, sea, or air in times of crisis. Officials say the framework emphasizes interoperability, joint training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination, expanding regional defense cooperation without establishing a permanent, multinational unit.In the West Bank, two Israeli civilians were rescued after entering the city of Tulkarm while under the influence. The Civil Administration provided protection and coordinated their transfer to Israeli Defense Forces authorities. Investigators noted the individuals were intoxicated at the time of entry into the area, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities around movement and security in areas with high tension.Back in Israel, a Haredi protest movement blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak drew police action to disperse demonstrators and restore traffic flow. The protests were part of broader anti-draft sentiment inside some segments of the ultra‑Orthodox community, highlighting domestic political fault lines over conscription and service obligations.In Israeli politics, there is continued attention to the so‑called Qatargate case. Lawmakers have pressed for Netanyahu to be questioned over the matters at the center of the inquiry, while reports indicate some efforts to block or slow review processes. The episode underscores enduring questions about influence, governance, and accountability at the highest levels of government.Across the Atlantic, United States actions abroad remain the subject of scrutiny. US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day were described by officials as a joint operation. Analysts are examining what the strikes imply for broader counterterrorism strategy in Africa and whether further steps will follow in a region where militant groups continue to pose a challenge to regional stability.In Israel, concerns about security and social cohesion persist. The Abraham Initiatives report for 2025 shows 252 Arab citizens were killed in 218 violent incidents, marking a rise from 2024 and underscoring ongoing violence affecting Arab communities within Israel. The data feeds into broader debates about policing, community security, and social equity in a country shaped by both internal demographic trends and external threats.On the defense front, Israel announced the Iron Beam laser air defense system is now deployed at scale. The Defense Ministry describes Iron Beam as a high‑energy laser capable of intercepting drones, rockets, mortars, and other aerial threats, promising lower costs per interception and a tighter integration with existing defenses such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and other layers of air defense. The system marks a significant technological milestone in Israel’s security architecture and its efforts to reduce dependence on interceptor missiles.Internationally, three Iranian satellites were launched into orbit from a Russian launch site—Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar‑2. Tehran described the satellites as tools for agriculture and environmental monitoring, with imaging capabilities and a projected lifespan of up to five years. The launch underscores deepening Iran–Russia ties, a relationship Western officials say extends across multiple domains. The United States has characterized such satellite activity as potentially conflicting with UN Security Council resolutions and has urged Tehran not to engage in ballistic missile activities that could deliver nuclear payloads. The event also reflects broader regional dynamics at a moment when Western powers seek to constrain Iran’s military capabilities while navigating Russia’s influence in the Middle East.In Syria, Latakia saw deadly protests in the Alawite heartland, with authorities reporting several fatalities and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators sought federal reforms and accountability for regional governance. Clashes erupted in the streets as security forces moved to disperse crowds, amplifying concerns about sectarian and regional tensions in a country still rebuilding from years of conflict.In the Negev, Bedouin communities faced a security operation and clashes after Israeli police conducted raids in Tarabin al‑Sana and surrounding towns. Police reports describe a sustained security effort dubbed New Order, aimed at reducing violence, arms trafficking, and ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 14:06
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESHoms mosque attack kills eight; group claimsGaza winter storms displace 1.5 millionHezbollah eyes northern Galilee incursionThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Eight people were killed and dozens were wounded when a mosque in Homs was struck during prayers, an attack that authorities and observers say could heighten volatility in Syria’s heartland. Hours after the blast, an armed group identified as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah issued a statement claiming responsibility. The incident adds to a regional tapestry of violence and displacement that reverberates beyond Syria’s borders and has implications for neighboring Lebanon and Israel.In Gaza, a winter storm has arrived, intensifying a humanitarian emergency that has already stretched aid networks and daily life. Nighttime temperatures have dipped, tents and makeshift shelters are flooded in places, and residents describe freezing conditions as the rain continues. United Nations officials and aid groups say the damage is vast: roughly 1.5 million of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have lost their homes, and about 80 percent of the territory’s buildings have been destroyed or damaged since the war began. Relief agencies say aid deliveries remain insufficient to meet need, with UNRWA noting that while thousands of tents and tarpaulins have entered Gaza in recent weeks, the scale of demand far exceeds supply. Officials say about 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have arrived recently as part of increased support under the ceasefire arrangement, but delays and restrictions in aid corridors persist. In the coastal area of Al-Mawasi, families reported floodwaters invading shelters, clothes and blankets soaked, and children shivering at night. A humanitarian official described the scene as a stark reminder that the winter season compounds a crisis that already tested the resilience of families who have lived for years in public shelters and temporary housing. Aid agencies say the weather has already contributed to casualties and further damage in areas that were wrecked by the fighting, and they warn that without steady relief flows and longer-term reconstruction, vulnerable residents face ongoing risk.On the security front, Israeli emergency squads conducted drills in border communities along the Lebanon frontier. In Lebanon, intelligence and field reports indicate Hezbollah had prepared for a northern Galilee incursion to run in concert with a broader conflict in the south, a reminder of the ongoing threat matrix facing northern Israel even as the ceasefire with Hamas holds in major cities. Officials cautioned that the potential for cross-border incidents remains a priority for planning and public messaging to residents in border towns.Turning to political developments in Israel, the High Court rejected petitions challenging the appointment of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet security service. In a 2-1 decision, the court affirmed the advisory committee’s assessment of Zini’s suitability, while Justice Amit dissented, arguing the process did not sufficiently examine implications for ethical concerns given ongoing investigations into Prime Minister Netanyahu’s close aides. The majority said the appointment followed prior court rulings and included a conflict-of-interest agreement between the attorney general and the new Shin Bet chief. The decision preserves the trajectory of Israel’s internal security leadership at a moment when domestic debates about accountability and the state’s security posture intersect with regional-security challenges.In related political and security coverage, reports from various outlets indicate ongoing discussions at times between Israel and allied partners about the future alignment of Gaza policy. One report describes conversations between Prime Minister Netanyahu and former US President Trump focusing on a plan that could expand Israeli security control in Gaza, underscoring a continued search for options to address Hamas while evaluating regional diplomacy and the boundaries of international support. The broader context remains the same: the question of how to stabilize governance in Gaza and deter militant action without triggering a broader regional escalation continues to shape policy debates in Jerusalem and Washington.Across the region, tensions with Iran persist as a source of strategic strain. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking to an official government media outlet, characterized Iran’s posture as being at war with the West, including the United States, Israel, and Europe. He warned that the stance of the West is aimed at weakening Iran and asserted that Tehran believes it is stronger now than before the latest round of regional hostilities. The remarks reflect the ongoing contest over Iran’s regional influence, its nuclear posture, and the broader implications for US-Israeli and Western alliances in the Middle ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 13:06
    Dec 28 2025
    HEADLINESEight killed in Homs Friday mosque attackNetanyahu meets Trump to push Gaza ceasefireIranian Handala hackers target Israeli officialsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Eight people were killed and dozens wounded when a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs was attacked during Friday prayers, with an armed group known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claiming responsibility in a formal statement issued after the blast. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility across parts of the Middle East and the broader security challenges that can spill over across borders, a reality noted by regional observers as Israel and its allies watch for how new violence may reshape security calculations in neighboring states.In Israel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signaled a plan to double a tax on banks if consumer benefits are canceled, a move the Finance Ministry said would raise about 1.13 billion new Israeli shekels in 2026 and would climb to about 1.5 billion per year from 2027 through 2029. The proposal comes amid broader debates about fiscal policy and social benefits, with implications for households and financial institutions at a time of heightened security concerns and inflationary pressures.Reflecting the domestic conversation on accountability following the October seventh crisis, commentators say that final judgments on accountability and the direction of regional diplomacy rest with Israeli voters, not an investigative panel. The question of how to confront the aftermath of the war remains central to political debate as parties campaign on security, diplomacy, and governance.A new Israeli carrier, TUS Israel, is recruiting pilots as commercial operations are planned to start in 2026. The company is seeking experienced Airbus A320 pilots and is offering a track to captain within two years, contingent on reaching 3,000 flying hours, signaling an ambitious plan to expand Israel’s civilian aviation capacity in the region.In a separate ruling, the High Court dismissed petitions challenging the appointment of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet security service. The majority found no grounds for judicial review, though Justice Amit dissented, citing procedural concerns. The ruling closes a chapter in a debate over process and independence in the appointment of the country’s security leadership.Analysts note that the public competition for influence in the region is increasingly framed by global perceptions as much as by on‑the‑ground military power. Opinion writers argue that Israel’s challenge is not solely the fighting in Gaza but also shaping international narrative and diplomatic realities that influence regional dynamics.In commentary on regional strategy, some observers question the wisdom of recognizing Somaliland, arguing it could deepen clan divisions and affect Israel’s standing in a complex region. Such debates illustrate the broader, unsettled contours of diplomacy as Israel seeks to balance security needs with widening sea changes in regional alignments.Near Jerusalem, authorities said a man from East Jerusalem’s Beit Hanina was arrested after a hit-and-run incident that lightly injured a police officer in the Atarot area. Police said the driver had previously been prohibited from driving and that the investigation was ongoing, with reports indicating the vehicle was involved in transporting Palestinians entering Israel illegally—a phenomenon police have been stepping up efforts to curb.On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss Israel’s Gaza plan and tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. The talks were expected to focus on the broader framework for Gaza, including a second phase of a ceasefire and the possible deployment of an international stabilization force as Israel’s presence in the Strip winds down. Netanyahu’s schedule included a meeting with a senior US official and later engagements with Evangelical leaders and Jewish community members in Florida, before returning to Israel later in the week. The US side has signaled support for advancing the second phase of the Gaza arrangement, while stressing the need for security guarantees and the continued prevention of violence.In related security news, a new wave of cyber intrusions linked to Iranian networks has targeted Israeli officials in a psychological warfare campaign. The Handala hacking group, tied to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, breached the phones of high-ranking Israeli figures, including a close associate of Prime Minister Netanyahu and a former prime minister, releasing materials intended to undermine public confidence in Israeli security. Cybersecurity experts describe Handala as a high‑tempo, influence-focused operation that seeks to magnify perception of vulnerability and erode trust, even as the group’s technical capabilities are ...
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    8 mins