Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 19:08 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 19:08

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 19:08

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 HEADLINESTurkey’s cheap rockets imperil Syria civiliansLebanon unlocks frozen deposits in phasesNetanyahu seeks broad inquiry into October eventsThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 2:01 PM, here are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and the surrounding security landscape, with the perspectives of Israeli security concerns, regional partners, and US policy in view.In Syria, reports describe Turkish forces continuing a pattern of using inexpensive rocket launchers against Kurdish-led units near the border. Observers note that while the missiles are framed as operations against Kurdish groups, the fire appears broad and indiscriminate at times, raising concerns about civilian risk and regional stability along the frontier in northeastern Syria.In Lebanon, the cabinet is moving toward a plan that would allow bank depositors to recover frozen funds gradually, a pillar of Lebanon’s effort to stabilize a failing economy that has sunk the pound and left the state in default. The draft law envisions small depositors under $100,000 receiving monthly or quarterly repayments over four years, while larger deposits would be repaid through asset-backed securities issued by the central bank, with a defined schedule stretching up to 20 years for the largest sums. Banks would shoulder part of the burden, and the plan would convert certain debts owed by the state to the central bank into new instruments. Critics warn questions remain about funding, bank recapitalization, and the potential for creating contingent debt on the state. The government argues the proposal is realistic and intended to restore confidence in the financial system and spur renewed deposits, while some banks have voiced objections about the plan’s feasibility and fairness to creditors. An international auditing mandate is included to assess central bank assets and the scope of the funding shortfall before the plan proceeds.In Israel, public opinion continues to reflect significant skepticism about foreign troop involvement in Gaza. A recent poll indicating a sizable majority of Israelis questions the value or feasibility of Turkish troops operating in Gaza has underscored the broader debate about external security roles in the conflict and how partners’ involvement is perceived domestically.On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that a government-backed inquiry into the events of October 7 must also examine historical turning points in Israeli security policy, including the Oslo Accords and the 2005 Gaza disengagement, as well as the domestic political climate surrounding the 2023 judicial overhaul protests. The effort to create a new, Knesset-confirmed commission of inquiry has sparked sharp opposition criticism that the move is designed to shield or deflect accountability. The proposed panel would be appointed by a Knesset vote, potentially drawing support from across the political spectrum, depending on how the process unfolds. Netanyahu argues the inquiry should be comprehensive, covering political, security, intelligence, and legal aspects of the events, while opponents say the mechanism risks politicizing the process and eroding public trust.In the Mediterranean, leaders from Greece and Cyprus traveled to Jerusalem for discussions with Israeli officials about a coordinated approach to shared security concerns. The trilateral collaboration with Israel is designed to address perceived regional threats, including regional assertiveness from Turkey. While diplomats have encouraged open dialogue, observers note that the alignment among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus reflects a broader pattern of cooperation among like-minded partners in the eastern Mediterranean as they confront common strategic interests, from energy security to regional stability.Across the border in Lebanon, multiple reports described ongoing clashes near southern Lebanon between Kurdish and Syrian government forces in Homs and surrounding areas, with the government asserting Kurdish forces attacked army checkpoints. The situation underscores fragile margins of ceasefire compliance and the persistent risk of spillover violence into neighboring states, a concern closely watched by regional security partners and the United States as it shapes policy toward Hezbollah and allied actors.Iran remains at the center of regional strategic calculations. US and allied assessments emphasize that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs remain a core existential concern for Israel and its partners. In recent days, American and Israeli voices have discussed options for a potential new phase of US-Israel coordination should Iran advance its missile or nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials insist their missile program is defensive and nonnegotiable, while some outside observers caution that any restart of enrichment or ballistic-missile development would raise the odds of ...
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