Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 03:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 03:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 03:06

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESHigh Court halts Army Radio shutdownFormer Gaza hostages announce hopeful engagementRafah opening bid blocked by coalitionThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hourly briefing.In Israel, former Gaza hostages Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzewsky have become engaged. A photograph posted by Matan’s mother, Einav Zangauker, shows the couple celebrating beside a large sign reading “Will you marry me?” Einav called the moment a victory photo. Matan, twenty-six, was freed in October after two years in captivity following the October seventh attack, while Ilana, thirty-one, was released in November two thousand twenty-three after nearly two months in captivity. Einav Zangauker became a prominent public figure during the campaign to secure hostage releases, often appearing at protests and criticizing government handling of the crisis. The engagement follows a period of tension and political contention inside Israel over how to secure the remaining hostages and manage the wider war in Gaza.In domestic political developments, the High Court of Justice has temporarily blocked the government’s plan to close Army Radio, issuing an interim order to freeze the shutdown while petitions against the move are considered. The order came as protests and petitions argue that the closure would affect a broadcaster associated with the IDF and critical voices within the defense establishment. The cabinet had previously approved the Defense Ministry proposal to shutter Army Radio, with a target end date of March first. The court cited procedural flaws in the decision-making process, and the attorney general supported the petitions for an injunction. Government officials have disputed the order, while the Defense Ministry maintains that operations would be wound down in line with the cabinet’s decision but with staffing arrangements continuing under contract to avoid abrupt disruption. A full hearing on the petitions is expected before the end of January. In related notes, a government response contends that affidavits used in court filings by the army radio labor union contained inaccuracies, claiming that there was no directive to halt civilian employment and that contract extensions would proceed.Also in Israel, a broader regional and security debate swirled around the Rafah crossing. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to open both directions of Rafah was rejected by coalition members, illustrating the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding humanitarian access to Gaza and border security considerations tied to the broader war.On the international stage, there has been limited progress toward ending the war in Ukraine, as leaders gathered for high-stakes diplomacy. United States President Donald Trump said he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were moving closer to an agreement, though he warned that several thorny issues remained, including Donbas. Zelensky indicated that a security guarantees package had been achieved, while Trump suggested the path would become clearer in the coming weeks and that some elements might involve parliamentary approval. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, signaled continued commitment to robust security guarantees for Ukraine and a broader European role in supporting a peace framework. Negotiations have touched on the status of Donbas, with Kyiv seeking to freeze lines at current positions rather than cede more territory, while Washington has floated ideas such as a temporary free economic zone as part of any settlement. Earlier, Trump and Zelensky’s discussions in Florida, and a separate call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscored a diplomatic push, albeit with no immediate breakthrough disclosed. In related terms, United States negotiators proposed shared governance or control arrangements for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as part of a broader security framework, with power line repairs resuming under local ceasefire terms brokered by international monitors.Across the region, North Korea conducted a test of two strategic long-range cruise missiles over the Yellow Sea, overseen by Kim Jong Un. State media described the drill as a measure to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities and to prepare for long-term development of its nuclear arsenal. The test comes amid a broader regional flash of activity as major powers pursue diplomacy and deterrence strategies.Taiwan condemned China’s recent drills around the island, describing Beijing’s actions as military intimidation in violation of international norms. The statement reflected ongoing regional tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with Washington monitoring closely as it weighs security assurances for allies in the region.In the Middle East, the conflict’s broader security environment remains volatile. In related regional...
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.