Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 00:04 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 00:04

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 00:04

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESNigeria frees all St Mary's hostagesIsrael warns Iran drills could signal attackPrivate Oct 7 inquiry bill sparks backlashThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. A man killed in a car accident today raises the nation’s 2025 traffic fatalities to 450, the highest annual toll in more than two decades. Officials say 32 percent of the victims were driving their own vehicles and 27 percent were pedestrians, highlighting ongoing road safety challenges.Authorities in Nigeria say the remaining abducted students from St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri village have been freed, ending a seizure that began in the early hours of November 21. The school housed more than 300 pupils and 12 staff at the time of the attack, and the government says all of the hostages have now been freed.Police in Israel have opened investigations into reports of candle extinguishing during Hanukkah. A child was seen extinguishing candles in Ramle, with similar incidents reported in Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh. The inquiries seek to ensure safety during holiday gatherings and ceremonies.In entertainment news, it has been reported that American actor James Ransone, known for roles in The Audition, It, and The Black Phone, died by suicide at the age of 46.On the security front, Israel has warned the United States that Iran may be using a missile launch exercise as cover to strike. Officials say the concern has grown since the Hamas attack in October 2023. US intelligence says there are no signs of an imminent Iranian strike, but risk tolerance in Jerusalem remains elevated.Culture policy in Israel is in the spotlight again as Culture Minister Miki Zohar threatens to end all state funding for the film industry amid a dispute over an alternative awards ceremony. He says he would cancel the Film Law and reduce public subsidies, arguing that some figures in the industry are pressing participants to boycott the new awards scheme. Critics say the move politicizes cultural policy.On the political front, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara criticized the government’s plan to create a private member’s bill establishing a national state investigation committee into the October 7 Hamas attack, calling it politicized and potentially undermining the independence and effectiveness of any inquiry. Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to chair a ministerial committee to define the mandate of the proposed inquiry, a move opponents say could amount to a whitewash. The opposition argues for a state commission of inquiry appointed by the Supreme Court president and led by a retired judge.As the debate continues, families affected by October 7 have urged transparency and credibility in the investigative process, warning against political interference that could undermine public trust.In Istanbul, Jews heading to a Hanukkah candle lighting were targeted in an attack amid protests and anti-Israel slogans, underscoring the volatility surrounding Jewish communities abroad.In the Philippines, a three-year-old Israeli child is in critical condition after a jellyfish sting near Palawan province, according to local authorities. The family was traveling in the area when the incident occurred.Security developments in Jericho illustrate ongoing coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israeli forces, with joint operations continuing to maintain safety and stability in the area.Over the weekend, Israel briefed the US administration about concerns that Iranian missile drills could signal preparations for an attack. American officials say there is no imminent threat, but the discussion underscores the enduring regional tensions tied to Iran’s ballistic program.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880953https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880952https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880951https://t.me/newssil/184295https://t.me/newssil/184294https://t.me/newssil/184293https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-december-22-2025/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880950https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-slams-governments-political-oct-7-inquiry-tailor-made-for-coalitions-needs/https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-880949https://t.me/newssil/184292https://t.me/Newss0nline/57628
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.