HEADLINES
Jericho abduction woman escapes after 40 minutes
Bondi Hanukkah attack leaves 15 dead
UN condemns 69 Yemen staff detention

The time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update at 3:00 PM, presenting a careful record of developments affecting security, diplomacy, and Jewish communities around the world.

Israeli authorities say a civilian woman was targeted in a suspected abduction in Jericho, near the West Bank. Officials reported that the woman was taken to a Palestinian apartment and assaulted, but she managed to escape and spent about 40 minutes hiding before reporting the incident as Israeli forces moved in to search for suspects. The Israel Defense Forces said they rapid-started operations in the area and, with the Civil Administration, established contact with the civilian and coordinated steps to locate and protect her. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about civilian safety in areas where security operations are sensitive, and authorities cautioned that entering certain zones can be dangerous or prohibited under law.

In Australia, investigators are continuing to pursue the trail of two gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, Sydney, leaving 15 people dead and many injured. A Reuters report detailed how Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram kept to themselves during a brief stay in the southern Philippines before returning to the region. Philippine authorities have said the men did not appear to undertake travel beyond Mindanao during their visit, and security services there noted no clear signs of local training. Australian officials say the attackers were motivated by extremist ideology, and the broader question this raises is how communities respond to the specter of lone or small-cell violence that targets Jewish celebrations and other public gatherings. The investigation continues as nations assess measures to strengthen public safety while preserving civil liberties.

The United Nations on Friday condemned the detention of 10 more UN personnel in Yemen by the Iran-aligned Houthis, bringing the total number held to 69. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate release of all detained staff, stressing that such detentions hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions and impede essential life-saving assistance in Houthi-controlled areas. UN officials have repeatedly rejected claims that UN personnel or operations in Yemen are involved in spying. The episode underscores the fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen and the risks faced by international staff trying to bring relief to civilians amid protracted conflict.

Across Europe and the United Kingdom, authorities are grappling with a rise in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric. London police are examining several acts of vandalism against public menorahs in Notting Hill, Muswell Hill, and West Hampstead to determine whether the episodes are linked, treating the matter with utmost seriousness. In the United Kingdom, antisemitic incidents have risen sharply since the Gaza conflict intensified in 2023, and the Community Security Trust notes the trend alongside calls from Jewish groups for stronger protective measures. The government has published an Antisemitism Action Plan, as Jewish organizations advocate for more decisive steps to curb antisemitism and to address public demonstrations that some communities see as fueling hostility toward Israel and Jewish life.

In New York City, a suspect was arrested for a brazen assault on members of the Hasidic community on a subway car, an incident captured on video. Xeryus Mack, 28, of Brooklyn, faces charges including attempted assault, menacing, and attempted harassment. The NYPD says the case is part of a broader pattern of antisemitic incidents in the city, with hundreds of such events reported this year. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority described the attack as an apparent bias incident, emphasizing that violent rhetoric and actions targeting Jewish riders have no place on the transit system. Separately, another antisemitic stabbing in Crown Heights is being investigated as a hate crime, following reports that the assailant spoke anti-Jewish words before the attack.

In the United States, a controversy surrounding a California mayor has drawn attention from Jewish groups and civil rights organizations. Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez faced criticism after reposting antisemitic conspiracy theories related to the Bondi Beach attack on a professional networking platform. Jewish Federations and watchdog groups called for accountability, noting that public leaders must refrain from rhetoric that could endanger or stigmatize Jewish communities. The mayor apologized, stating that the posts reflected his personal views and not official city policy, but the resulting debate illustrates how online discourse about Israel and Jewish life can translate into real-world consequences for community safety and trust.

Meanwhile, European policymakers have underscored the importance of defending Jewish communities as an integral part of Europe’s shared civilization. A Hungarian EU official described efforts to safeguard Jewish life as central to European cultural heritage, signaling a continued commitment to counter antisemitism within a broad European security and values framework.

As these varied events unfold, the thread common to them is the ongoing tension between security needs and civil liberties, between combating antisemitism and preserving open societies, and between national interests and international humanitarian responsibilities. Journalists will continue to monitor developments, report verified details, and provide the context necessary for audiences to understand the significance of these incidents and policy responses in real time. This hour’s coverage reflects a commitment to accuracy, balance, and transparency as communities confront threats, heal from tragedies, and seek safer, more inclusive public life.

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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880795
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880794
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880793
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/bondi-attack-suspects-kept-themselves-during-philippines-stay-hotel-staffer
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880719
https://www.timesofisrael.com/london-police-investigating-vandalism-of-several-public-menorahs-as-hate-crimes/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/laced-intrigue-what-did-tom-barracks-shoes-reveal-about-us-turkey-ties
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/laced-intrigue-what-did-tom-barracks-shoes-reveal-about-us-turkey-ties
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/laced-intrigue-what-did-tom-barracks-shoes-reveal-about-us-turkey-ties
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/laced-intrigue-what-did-tom-barracks-shoes-reveal-about-us-turkey-ties
https://www.jpost.com/history/article-880660
https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-arrested-for-assault-on-jews-in-new-york-city-subway/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/california-mayor-urged-to-resign-for-spreading-antisemitic-bondi-beach-conspiracies/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1nxezxxbl
https://t.me/abualiexpress/110954
https://t.me/newssil/184133
https://t.me/newssil/184132
https://t.me/newssil/184131
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/un-chief-condemns-hout