Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 17:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 17:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 17:06

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 HEADLINESIran launches three satellites deepening Russia tiesIsrael deploys Iron Beam laser defenseIsrael recognizes Somaliland triggering regional backlashThe time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Iran is expanding its space and security footprint this week, with three Iranian satellites launched into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny spaceport. Tehran says the Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2 satellites were placed in a low Earth orbit of roughly 500 kilometers, with resolutions up to three meters and lifespans of about five years. The mission follows prior Iranian satellite work conducted in cooperation with Moscow. Western officials, led by the United States, have characterized the launches as defying a United Nations Security Council resolution and have urged Tehran to refrain from any activities that could support ballistic missile programs capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran’s government cites civilian aims for agriculture and environmental monitoring, while observers note the broader signal of closer security and technology ties with Russia. Russia has highlighted its strategic partnership with Iran in recent months, even as Western capitals caution about the implications for regional stability. In Israel, experts say the launches do not carry military value for Tehran’s current battlefield calculus, though the launches contribute to a rapidly evolving regional tech-security environment that matters to all sides.In a separate development tied to Israel’s defense posture, the Defense Ministry announced the operational handover of Iron Beam, the high-power laser air defense system developed by Rafael and now integrated with the Israeli Air Force. The system has demonstrated the ability to intercept rockets, mortars, and drones in testing, offering a potentially lower-cost complement to missile interceptors. Officials described this as a transition from development to serial production and stressed that Iron Beam will operate alongside existing layers such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, not replace them. The system’s Hebrew name, Or Eitan, commemorates a fallen commander, and Defense Ministry leadership emphasized that full armed service will unfold over the coming months as deployment proceeds and the system is integrated into broader networks. Observers caution that laser systems face environmental and weather constraints, but proponents argue the technology could shift the calculus of ongoing aerial threats and campaign costs.These defense and space developments sit within a wider regional frame that includes Jordan’s recent strikes inside Syria. Jordan launched two rounds of airstrikes against smuggling infrastructure on its southern border, signaling frustration with cross-border crime networks and drug trafficking that undermine border security. Officials in Amman have pressed for stronger action against criminal networks and have tied security on the Jordan-Syria frontier to broader stability goals in the region.On the domestic front, Israeli authorities named retired police officer Tzachi Havkin as a suspect in an ongoing Lahav 433 investigation into alleged corruption. Havkin’s identity was disclosed after a number of major Israeli outlets petitioned for access following months under a gag order, highlighting the high-stakes scrutiny of security and law-enforcement circles at a difficult moment for public trust.Israel’s regional diplomacy is taking place amid a suite of international developments. Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has drawn sharp reactions from Mogadishu and its allies, with critics calling the move a challenge to sovereignty and regional stability. The move drew condemnation from several governments and blocs, while Taiwan welcomed the decision, framing it as part of shared values among democracies. The United States stated that it continues to recognize the territorial integrity of Somalia, including Somaliland, and the United Nations is preparing for an emergency Council discussion. The emphasis in Washington and other capitals is on balancing strategic partnerships in the region with international law and global security norms.In ongoing hostage-related activity related to the Gaza conflict, reports circulated that Israeli forces conducted clandestine operations in Gaza City as part of efforts to locate Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last widely reported hostage held by Hamas militants. Saudi- and London-based outlets cited Palestinian and security sources alleging that an Islamic Jihad operative was captured near Palestine Square as part of a broader search. Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed these details, stressing that operations related to hostage recovery remain sensitive and classified. The situation underscores the continuing volatility near the Gaza front and the intense international focus on humanitarian and security ...
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