Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 22:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 22:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 22:06

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 HEADLINESAirstrike kills Hamas commander Ra’ad Sa’adTel Aviv protests demand hostage resolutionUS seeks multinational Gaza security forceThe time is now 5:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Five o’clock update on the Middle East and related developments for an international audience.In Gaza, Israeli officials say an airstrike killed Ra’ad Sa’ad, a senior Hamas commander described as a leading figure in the group’s weapons production and a strategist behind the October 7 assault. The strike, targeting a vehicle in Gaza City, was presented by Israeli authorities as a continuation of efforts to deter Hamas and enforce ceasefire commitments. US officials were informed of the operation after it occurred, a detail underscoring ongoing coordination with Washington. The strike is prompting careful scrutiny among mediators and Israeli officials about how it may affect negotiations to recover the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, and proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire framework. Since the ceasefire began in October, Hamas has returned most of the bodies it held, but the return of Gvili’s remains remains unresolved, prompting calls from families and some political voices for a rapid and clear path to resolution.On the domestic front in Israel, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities for demonstrations linked to the war and broader political questions. Protesters pressed for accountability, a possible state inquiry into the events surrounding the October 7 attack, and in some cases voiced opposition to the government’s handling of the conflict and security challenges. Speeches highlighted the human cost of the war, with families of hostages emphasizing the urgent need to secure the safe return of all captives. The demonstrations reflect continued domestic energy around security, governance, and the balance between security measures and democratic norms, even as the war persists and public debates intensify.Israeli security services say a security incident in the West Bank was contained after a planned attack was thwarted. In Beit El, two Palestinians from the Nablus area were intercepted after approaching the settlement with large knives and a hatchet found in their vehicle. The incident is being investigated by the military, with officials noting heightened vigilance around potential threats as regional tensions remain elevated.In the broader regional security environment, the United States continues to press its European partners to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza security force intended to help stabilize the area following a potential expansion of security arrangements. Officials in Washington say the plan envisions a multinational force of several thousand personnel, with the initial aim of around five thousand and potential growth toward ten thousand by 2026, a signal of long-term US involvement intended to reduce the risk of a renewed collapse of order in Gaza.In related policy debates, US officials and lawmakers are weighing steps related to international organizations and humanitarian agencies operating in the region. A report from sources associated with US policy discussions indicates consideration of new measures targeting UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee relief agency, with potential sanctions discussions drawing scrutiny from within the State Department over precedent and impact on humanitarian work. Those discussions reflect the broader policy challenge of sustaining aid and stabilization efforts while addressing security concerns.Turning to broader public diplomacy and diaspora voices, a Hungarian Jewish community representative defended Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s record toward Jewish communities, illustrating how European politics intersect with Jewish life in Europe. In parallel, Ethiopian-Israeli and other diaspora voices have emphasized that Israel’s society is not immune to international debate about rights and equality, with leaders arguing that there is no apartheid in Israel. These perspectives contribute to the international audience’s understanding of the complexities of Jewish life across different regions and the security context in Israel.On the battlefield in other theaters, reports from the region continue to note that Hamas leadership in Gaza has been deeply affected by recent Israeli actions. Analysts describe a thinning of senior leadership figures in Gaza, while Israeli officials say many brigade leaders and other senior military figures have been targeted or eliminated over time. The near-term strategic question remains how those changes influence Hamas’s capabilities and the prospects for ceasefire adherence, hostage negotiations, and the potential for a broader regional stabilization effort.In Syria, US military officials confirmed casualties among American forces in operations against ISIS near Tadmor (Palmyra). Three Americans, including two soldiers, and a US civilian ...
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