HEADLINES
US strikes vessel in Pacific, four dead
London detains protesters under anti-chant crackdown
Australian crackdown on hate after Sydney attack

The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 10 p.m. update. The US military says it conducted a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four men. US officials described the operation as part of ongoing maritime security and counterterrorism efforts in the region, with no additional details provided about the vessel’s identity or affiliation.

In other developments, Ahmed al Ahmed’s defense team issued a statement asserting that he knew the people involved were Jews and that his actions were motivated by a desire to save lives. The lawyer said Ahmed is a human being who would do it again and stressed that religion or nationality did not govern his decisions.

In London, police announced the first arrests under a new approach aimed at deterring chants calling for a globalized intifada. Four suspects were detained for public order offenses at a pro-Palestinian demonstration, and a fifth person was held for obstructing officers. The arrests come as Britain’s authorities seek to counter antisemitic rhetoric and incitement amid a wave of protests tied to the broader Middle East conflict. Jewish groups welcomed the move, while some protest organizers argued it could curb legitimate expression. The police noted that the context has changed and that words have consequences. Police leaders said they would be more assertive in policing such protests to address concerns about incitement and violence.

On the cultural front, Nazareth’s Liturgical Festival of classical music is returning to the city after disruptions tied to regional security pressures. The festival will run December 18 through 20, featuring performances by the Galilee Orchestra and the Polyphony Vocal Ensemble in two historic churches. Organizers say the event exemplifies efforts to foster harmony among Israelis and Arabs through music, with youth ensembles that blend Arab and Jewish musicians in pursuit of dialogue and partnership.

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft were observed in the air off the coast of Venezuela, illustrating the ongoing US demonstration of military reach in the broader region. Officials described such deployments as part of maintaining readiness and deterrence in line with current security priorities.

In the fight against ISIS, US and Syrian forces report operations that killed ISIS terrorists and destroyed weapon caches. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said such operations are essential to prevent ISIS from regenerating and posing a renewed threat in the region, noting continued cooperation with local partners as a critical component of the campaign.

Across the Pacific, Australia’s government said it intends to introduce new legislation to crack down on hate after a violent attack in Sydney targeting a Jewish event left 15 people dead. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the act as an antisemitic terrorist attack and pledged legislative measures to curb hate crimes, reflecting ongoing international concern about rising hatred and violence linked to conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.

Back home, the FBI announced that Deputy Director Darrell Bongino will step down next month, with public statements indicating the transition is part of routine leadership changes following recent high-profile events.

In other security reporting, US and Syrian forces continue to coordinate against ISIS in Syria, with officials stressing that joint actions are crucial to prevent a resurgence that could threaten regional stability and US partners on the ground.

Looking ahead, the international community will closely watch how security policies, counterterrorism efforts, and responses to hate and antisemitism unfold across Western capitals and allied regions, while continuing to address the humanitarian and political dimensions of the ongoing Middle East conflict. This combination of tactical operations, legal developments, cultural initiatives, and diplomatic signals will shape the public understanding of security, freedom of protest, and the prospects for regional stability in the period ahead.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880611
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-880610
https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-makes-first-arrests-for-globalize-the-intifada-chants-in-shift-spurred-by-bondi-attack/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/nazareths-classical-christmas-concerts-return-home/
https://t.me/newssil/183960
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-880607
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-880606
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/australia-introduce-legislation-crack-down-hate-pm-says