Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-31 at 21:07 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-31 at 21:07

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-31 at 21:07

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESRahat raid uncovers weapons linked to IDFUS sanctions hit Venezuela oil sectorKnesset rejects Betar Illit annexation billThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s top developments cover security in the Negev, international sanctions, and the broader overlapping challenges facing Israel and its partners. In southern Israel, police say arrests were made in the Bedouin communities, including Rahat, as part of a day-long anti-crime operation. In Rahat, investigators found stolen weapons believed to be linked to the IDF in a local facility, with arrests in connection to the case. The operation also saw widespread policing in nearby towns, highlighting ongoing concerns about arms trafficking, crime, and public safety in the Negev.Meanwhile, motorcycle patrols reported issuing 108 traffic tickets and confiscating two all-terrain vehicles and a dirt bike, with those vehicles being transferred for forfeiture proceedings. The enforcement effort underscores a broad push to curb criminal activity and reckless driving in sensitive community areas.In Washington, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting four companies and several crude oil tankers tied to Venezuela’s oil sector. The measures come as the United States increases pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, and they align with a broader policy stance aimed at constraining activity seen as supporting Maduro’s government.Back in Israel, the Knesset voted down the Betar Illit annexation bill, with officials describing the measure as a provocation intended to undermine Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the United States. The vote reflects ongoing political sensitivity around possible annexation steps and how they interact with Washington’s diplomacy and regional security calculations.In a related development, officials say the Rafah crossing is set to reopen following a Trump–Netanyahu meeting. An American official told Israel Hayom that the move will be coordinated with intensified efforts to recover Ran Gvili, the last remaining Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip. The reopening is framed as part of broader efforts to manage the Gaza situation and to synchronize security and humanitarian priorities with US policy.There is also talk of a Gaza oversight council to be announced in mid-January, described by sources as a US-led initiative aimed at coordinating Gaza reconstruction plans and security arrangements with Israel and international partners. Reports indicate the framework would define criteria for dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, including steps toward stabilizing the area and rebuilding essential infrastructure.On the diplomatic front, reporting from meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu notes that both leaders have aligned on a range of security challenges, including the need to counter extremist networks and to protect threatened communities. The discussions touched on broader regional alignments and the role of international partners in supporting Israel’s security and humanitarian goals in Gaza and the West Bank.Defense matters inside Israel’s borders continue to draw attention. Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other security officials have emphasized the importance of strengthening military presence in Judea and Samaria to deter threats reminiscent of October 7. Officials cited recent operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams as contributing to a significant reduction in potential attacks in those areas, even as the security situation remains volatile.In Washington’s broader security dialogue, US and European partners are continuing talks about next steps in ending the war in Ukraine, with inputs from US advisers and allied officials. Those conversations occur alongside ongoing assessments of the Middle East’s security architecture and the role of allied partners in countering both terrorism and shifting geopolitical threats.Turning to the region’s broader security climate, Iranian protests have continued to flare in various locales, with reports of confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Earlier scenes of clashes, some reporting limited to fewer official tallies, point to a rapid escalation of pressure on state authorities as demonstrations persist across multiple provinces, including western Iran. The government’s response has included arrests and the use of crowd-control measures.In Gaza, the international community continues to monitor a range of developments tied to humanitarian access and essential services. UNRWA has voiced concern over Israel’s decision to disconnect some of its facilities from utilities and communications. The move is viewed within the framework of a wider set of actions affecting civilian relief and the ability to deliver aid in Gaza, drawing attention to the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian obligations.On a...
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.