Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 00:05 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 00:05

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 00:05

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 HEADLINESJudge questions ICE on Tufts PhD caseBlair-led board to govern Gaza after warAmit slams Levin over judiciary overhaulThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A federal judge in Boston questioned the Trump administration’s handling of a Tufts University PhD student who wrote a pro-Palestinian op-ed, asking why ICE blocked her from campus work after she was released from immigration detention. The hearing highlighted concerns about retaliation for protected speech and the rule of law as the government argues it can update the student’s SEVIS record to reflect a terminated visa status. The judge pressed for a clear rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the importance of due process and Free Speech protections for students who engage in political expression.In Washington, officials indicate the United States is moving toward a transition to phase two of its Gaza plan in the coming weeks, with preparations for governance and security mechanisms to administer postwar Gaza. The proposal envisions a technocratic Palestinian body to govern the territory during an interim period, under the oversight of an international management board led by former British prime minister Tony Blair. A broad “Board of Peace” would include key US aides and other international figures. The plan depends on Hamas agreeing to disarm and to cede control, with mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey continuing talks. Israel has pressed for an immediate and comprehensive disarmament before any withdrawal, while the United States hopes to initiate reconstruction in the part of Gaza currently under Israeli control once governance arrangements are in place. Officials note that final decisions hinge on Hamas’s readiness to give up weapons and on negotiations over a new security framework, including the potential deployment of an International Stabilization Force as early as 2026, beginning along the Yellow Line that divides the Strip. Mediation teams are weighing participants, with some Arab states expressing interest in contributing troops, though Turkey’s involvement remains a point of contention with Israel. In parallel, efforts to return or locate hostages continue; Israeli authorities say progress has been made on some remains, but critical items remain outstanding as Cairo hosts talks.On the battlefield and in diplomacy, Israel’s position remains linked to the disarmament process and the timeline for disengagement. Hamas has signaled a willingness to transfer power to a technocratic Palestinian government but opposes foreign command structures and insists on retaining armed capabilities for the moment. The ceasefire framework underpinning the talks remains fragile, and regional mediators are balancing broader regional concerns with the goal of stabilizing Gaza enough to enable aid and reconstruction while addressing security risks.Turning to domestic affairs in Israel, the ongoing public clash over the judiciary drew sharp rhetoric from both sides. Supreme Court President Isaac Amit publicly accused Justice Minister Yariv Levin of attempting to dismantle the judiciary, a charge Levin rejected as he denounced Amit as part of an entrenched “fortress of lies.” The dispute centers on the political overhaul and the pace of judicial appointments, with critics arguing the changes threaten checks and balances. Former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak warned that the trajectory could edge toward autocracy, while proponents say reforms are necessary to realign political power. Amid the tension, senior military promotions were announced, with new appointments set for Defense Minister Katz’s approval, signaling continuity of leadership as political debates continue in parallel.In the West Bank, the Israeli military reported a large raid in Qalqiliya, detaining several suspects and seizing weapons components amid a broader operation that included multiple brigades and police units. The army said gunfire was exchanged and a suspect posed a threat, while Palestinian media reported a serious injury to a minor in the area. The raid underscores ongoing friction in the occupied territories as security forces pursue militant networks and as political leaders reiterate divergent views on the path toward stability and disengagement.Internationally, a new report from Australia documents 1,654 antisemitic incidents between October 2024 and September 2025, highlighting a broad pattern of harassment and intimidation that has drawn attention from communities and policymakers across the region. The finding adds to a global discussion about antisemitism and the protection of Jewish communities in a volatile international climate.In the United States, a separate legal action has drawn attention to press freedom and access to information. The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon challenging a rule that could label reporters as security risks for ...
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