Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 10:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 10:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 10:06

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 HEADLINESIsrael, Lebanon launch historic civilian talksGreece buys 36 PULS from IsraelIDF raids Qalqilya, neutralizes terroristThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour we report developments shaping security, diplomacy, and public life across the Middle East and beyond, with a focus on Israel’s security concerns and relevant US policy perspectives.First, in Israel, former top military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushlami was released from Ichilov Hospital after roughly a month of hospitalization. She is expected to be summoned for further questioning in the coming days as investigators continue their review.In a defense procurement move that broadens regional defense ties, Greece’s parliament approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel for about 650 million euros. The deal, part of Greece’s broader plan to modernize its armed forces ahead of regional rivalry with Turkey, includes construction of components in Greece and signals deepening security cooperation between Athens and Tel Aviv.The Israeli military announced a major operation in Qalqilya in the western Samaria region. IDF forces conducted a wide‑scale raid, neutralizing a terrorist who posed an immediate threat, and sweeping hundreds of locations. Authorities confiscated an M16 rifle, a gun barrel, and dozens of rounds of ammunition, while several weapons dealers and suspects tied to bomb‑making were arrested as part of the broader “Operation Five Stones,” aimed at disrupting terrorist networks across Judea and Samaria.In the realm of defense innovation, DefenseTech Week 2025 in Tel Aviv underscored Israel’s emergence as a global defense‑tech powerhouse. International firms including Lockheed Martin and Palantir joined dozens of Israeli high‑tech companies to showcase next‑generation capabilities—from long‑range hydrogen drones to the Iron Beam laser defense system—reflecting a shift in deterrence strategy toward engineering and technology as a complement to traditional forces.In Washington, a White House document outlining the 2025 national security strategy highlighted Europe as facing serious, ongoing security challenges. The discussion centered on demographic and migration dynamics as factors shaping political stability and security policy across the continent, underscoring the transatlain alliance as it confronts evolving threats.Hamas abroad issued new restrictions on electronics and air conditioners, a measure described as precautionary after a September strike in Doha in which Israeli forces targeted senior Hamas figures. The move illustrates ongoing concerns about security and Hamas’ operations beyond Gaza.Across the Pacific, Australia reported a continued surge in antisemitic incidents, with Jewish leaders warning of a broader global threat in the wake of international diplomatic developments related to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. The development adds to a patterns of concern about security and civil rights for Jewish communities abroad.Historic steps toward directly easing tensions were evident as Israel and Lebanon opened civilian‑level talks for the first time. The discussions, held in Naqoura and Rosh Hanikra and mediated by US envoy Morgan Ortagus, aim to explore economic cooperation and a path beyond conflict. While disarming Hezbollah remains non‑negotiable, both sides signaled a willingness to continue dialogue and expand practical cooperation.In a related display of transnational ties and public support, more than a thousand American Christian leaders gathered for a mass prayer for Jerusalem at the Western Wall. The delegation met with the Western Wall Rabbi and held prayers for the families of victims of the October 7 attacks, signaling continued religious and diplomatic engagement around the city’s fate and security.On the hostage front, the IDF’s former hostage negotiations chief described the command’s formation after October 7, the intelligence work behind negotiations, and why public demonstrations were not decisive in shaping talks. The evolving negotiations reflect ongoing efforts to locate abducted victims and secure releases, even as security conditions remain volatile.Turning to developments within Gaza’s political landscape, attention remains on Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s circle and their tactics after the targeted killing of a key figure in Rafah. Analysts say the incident could alter the balance of power within the group, with potential shifts depending on how factions regroup under a successor and how rivals within the broader militant landscape respond. Hamas officials have signaled continued confrontation even as attempts at reconciliation and governance persist in the background.In domestic political life, a prominent Israeli security official offered remarks regarding discipline in the armed forces, arguing that those who call for disobedience should not ...
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