Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 19:08 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 19:08

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-28 at 19:08

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 HEADLINESGaza City operation abducts Islamic Jihad figureIsrael deploys first laser air defense systemIsrael Greece Cyprus sign 2026 defense pactThe time is now 2:03 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Covert Israeli forces conducted an operation in Gaza City, reportedly abducting a member of Islamic Jihad who is described in reports as a figure linked to the pursuit of Ran Gvili. The IDF has declined to comment on the operation. The development comes as Israel remains focused on disrupting militant networks in Gaza and preventing attacks on its communities in the south and along the border.In another legal development, the president of the Supreme Court issued an interim order freezing the government’s plan to close the Galatz radio station after a response from the state attorney general. The court stated that the government had not provided assurances that irreversible steps would not be taken, and the pause allows further judicial review of the government’s closure decision.Along the seam line near Bat Hefer in central Israel, residents report that 300 meters separate their homes from a Palestinian village across the security fence. Local officials describe past and ongoing security incidents and say that widespread reports of illegal entrants heighten fears. The council has renewed calls for creating a buffer zone to reduce friction and improve residents’ sense of safety.On the economic front, Tel Aviv’s stock market posted fresh records in 2025, outperforming major global indices. The TA-35 rose to new highs, with the TA-125 and TA-90 also reaching notable gains by the end of the year. Foreign investment flowed into Israel’s market, alongside strong domestic participation, as investors cited a perceived reduction in geopolitical risk and progress on defense and energy sectors. Analysts note that confidence was supported by Israel’s continued military capabilities and the ceasefire arrangements with Hamas, even as the country faces persistent security challenges.Israel and its regional partners continued to strengthen defense coordination. A trilateral work plan for military cooperation among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus was signed for 2026, detailing joint drills, planning, and the ability to deploy quickly in times of crisis on land, sea, or air. The agreement, while not creating a standing force, signals deeper regional interoperability and shared strategic objectives in the eastern Mediterranean.In a development of military technology, Israel has reportedly delivered the first operational laser air-defense system, which defense officials say has demonstrated real-time interception of a range of aerial threats in testing. The system’s deployment marks a notable milestone in defense experimentation and adds a new layer to Israel’s multi-layered protection against missiles and drones.The broader regional and global context includes ongoing attention to the Gaza conflict and its humanitarian consequences. A separate court ruling ordered Hamas to pay about one billion shekels in compensation to hundreds of Oct. 7 victims, including families of those killed and injured in the attack. The decision reflects legal accountability for the actions of Hamas and the impact of the violence on Israeli civilians and their families.In a different regional development, Russia announced the launch of three Iranian satellites into orbit. The satellites are described as capable of high-resolution imagery and applications in water management, agriculture, and the environment, underscoring the growing entanglement of regional security and outer-space assets amid ongoing tensions in the wider region.The Middle East remains a dynamic landscape. A Hamas manual has been reported that outlines strategies to mask antisemitic content in global public relations campaigns, highlighting how the group seeks to shape international narratives. Separately, Jordan carried out airstrikes in southern Syria targeting smuggling operations near its borders, a maneuver linked to Amman’s broader push for stronger border security and stability in the region.In related legal and security developments, a Beersheba court decision cleared a suspect of a link to a disappearance case tied to the Kassau investigation, though the broader case remains under the authority of the Lahav 433 police unit. Additionally, the Lev Tahor movement’s leader was indicted in Mexico on human trafficking charges, reflecting ongoing cross-border criminal justice concerns.Looking at currency and economic indicators, the Iranian rial has come under pressure, trading at markedly lower levels against the dollar amid broader regional tensions and uncertainty surrounding Iran’s security posture and regional activity.Beyond these events, the region continues to watch developments related to ongoing security concerns, border dynamics, and international responses. The United States maintains ongoing ...
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