Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-26 at 05:05 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-26 at 05:05

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-26 at 05:05

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESNational independent inquiry into Oct 7 massacreIsrael approves Leviathan gas export to EgyptJerusalem operation cracks down on terror networksThe time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At midnight, here is your hourly briefing on the latest developments shaping Israel, the Jewish world, and the regional security environment.Israel faces renewed pressure over how to investigate the October 7 massacre and the early response to it. A leading editorial argues that the inquiry cannot remain inside government channels and should be conducted by a national, cross‑party commission with independent input to address the causes, security failures, and lessons learned. The aim is to restore public trust after two years of war and ongoing debate about accountability for the events of that day.Two years after the Israel-Hamas war, energy policy remains a central, contentious issue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved a landmark natural gas export deal with Egypt, valued at about 35 billion dollars, that will see Leviathan gas flowing to Egypt through 2040. The agreement is projected to bring tens of billions of shekels into state coffers and the Leviathan partners, and it is framed by supporters as strengthening regional ties and economic resilience. Critics warn that exporting a large share of Israel’s gas could shorten the time Israel remains energy independent and raise electricity costs for Israeli households if domestic supplies tighten in the future.Analysts and observers differ on how to balance export revenue with domestic energy security. Proponents say the deal could attract investment and support long‑term energy infrastructure, while opponents caution that the country could face higher prices and a tighter domestic gas market once production from the Leviathan field declines. Think tanks and industry voices have urged a long-term strategy that protects local consumption, possibly through anchor buyers or extended domestic agreements, even as private companies push for additional exports. The government, while highlighting the deal’s potential revenue, also acknowledges the need to diversify energy sources and prepare for transitions beyond gas.In related developments, discussions continue about how the energy arrangement interacts with broader security and economic policy. Critics note past projections of windfall tax revenue from gas have fallen short of expectations, underscoring the importance of prudent budgeting and planning as Israel navigates a shrinking offshore resource base while domestic demand remains robust. Experts emphasize that preparing for a post‑gas era—through renewables and storage, plus strategic reserves—will be essential to maintaining affordable electricity and economic stability for Israeli households.Beyond energy, several operational and policy developments are shaping the security landscape. The Israel Defense Forces and police carried out a large operation in Kafr Aqab, a neighborhood in northern Jerusalem, dismantling weapons and stolen vehicles, arresting suspects, and dispersing violent unrest tied to terror networks and crime groups. Military and civilian authorities stress the importance of maintaining public safety in an environment still defined by threat from extremist violence and ongoing regional tensions.In a directive affecting communications, a senior Israeli official reported that a policy directive designates the phrase “War of Revival” for use in all IDF documents, ceremonies, and speeches to ensure linguistic uniformity across official statements. The move is part of an effort to standardize messaging amid a charged security and political environment.On the diplomatic and societal front, diaspora Jews continue to knit closer ties to Israel in various ways, including home purchases that reflect enduring links and a sense of belonging that goes beyond real estate. In parallel, antisemitic incidents in Australia surged markedly in the days following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, with online rhetoric, verbal abuse, and property damage reported in government data. The rise underscores ongoing vigilance and the need for international cooperation to counter antisemitism wherever it appears.In another international development touching US policy, reports from a Times of Israel briefing note that the United States conducted targeted airstrikes against Islamic State forces in Nigeria after indications that the group had targeted Christian communities there. Nigerian authorities described cooperation with American forces as consistent with international law and sovereignty. Officials stressed that the commitment to protecting vulnerable communities remains a central concern for partners across the region, even as the United States recalibrates its security footprint in Africa.Among human-interest notes, Tyler Ennis, the former NBA guard, has continued ...
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.