Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-21 at 23:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-21 at 23:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-21 at 23:06

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESIran drill signals potential strike on IsraelIsraeli advance toward Jabalia intensifies GazaIsrael names navy chief amid Iran threatThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel informed the United States over the weekend that it is concerned a recent missile forces drill conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps may be a prelude to an attack on Israel. Officials underscored that the drills appear to be aimed at signaling a capability to strike, and they emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness across the security apparatus.On the Iranian front, Israeli and regional analysts say Iran is pushing to rebuild ballistic missile and air defense capacities that were impaired in earlier rounds of conflict. While observers note that activity is increasing and modernization efforts are underway, Israeli officials caution that the numbers and specifics of Tehran’s capabilities remain a matter of assessment and that publicly cited figures may differ from Israel’s internal estimates. The broader concern remains the potential for escalation should Tehran perceive a strategic window to apply pressure.In Gaza, sources report that Israeli forces are advancing toward the central Jabalia refugee camp as artillery exchanges and heavy fire continue around the area. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with fighting shaping shifts in the civilian humanitarian picture and complicating any potential ceasefire calculations.In Jerusalem, the army chief of staff delivered remarks at the ceremony marking the change of the head of the planning directorate, reiterating that the central challenge for the Israel Defense Forces is the campaign against Iran and noting that the campaign against Iran has yielded significant gains. He also publicly confirmed the appointment of Eyal Harel as the next commander of the navy, noting that formal approval by the defense minister would be required for the appointment to take effect. The remarks underscored the emphasis the military places on Iran as the core strategic threat and signaled confidence in the capacity to sustain operations across multiple theaters if needed.On the political and diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar used a Hanukkah event in Rishon Lezion to urge Jews in Europe, Australia, and North America to consider aliyah, citing the global rise in antisemitism. The call reflects ongoing concerns in Jerusalem about global perceptions of Jewish safety and the desire to maintain and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide through migration and integration.Israel has accelerated its emergency aliyah planning in the wake of international incidents such as the attack in Sydney, with officials describing the Aliyat HaTekuma framework as an instrument to facilitate rapid responses to rising security concerns abroad. The move comes as part of a broader effort to address Jewish security and continuity in the face of evolving threats and anti‑Semitic sentiment around the world.Domestic and regional dynamics continue to influence policymaking. Iranian leadership faces internal pressures, including economic strain from currency depreciation, rising prices, and water shortages, which some analysts say are being used domestically to rally support around the regime while also shaping Iran’s external posture toward Israel and the United States. In this context, Israeli officials watch Tehran’s rhetoric and assess the potential for miscalculation that could widen the conflict beyond current front lines.US policy discussions about Gaza remain a factor in the regional calculus. Washington has indicated a desire to advance a long-term framework for Gaza, but proponents and critics alike caution that the on‑the‑ground realities in the enclave—Hamas’s continued armed posture, the fragility of humanitarian access, and the political stalemate—complicate efforts to realize a near‑term ceasefire or a comprehensive settlement. The gap between aspirations in Washington and the realities on the ground continues to shape how regional actors calibrate their steps.Regionally, Turkey’s role continues to loom in the background as Israel, Greece, and Cyprus convene to discuss energy and diplomacy. The trilateral working dynamic reflects broader efforts to stabilize the eastern Mediterranean amid competing interests and changing alignments.International humanitarian and community solidarity activities also figure in the current moment. In Sydney, communities marked Hanukkah with candles in memory of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack, alongside a campaign encouraging acts of kindness and resilience in the face of tragedy. The episode has intensified attention to security and antisemitism across Western societies and has reinforced calls for vigilance and support for Jewish communities worldwide.As the day unfolds, the crosswinds of security imperatives, ...
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.