HEADLINES
Abbadi detention extended over incitement posts
US strikes ISIS in Syria after ambush
Colombians recruited for Sudan RSF face sanctions

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 hour, tensions and security concerns across Israel, the region, and the Jewish world are shaping a fluid political landscape as governments respond to threats, diplomacy, and evolving alliances. In Israel, domestic security matters and the broader regional context are continuing to drive new policy and enforcement measures, while international developments in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East influence strategic calculations as the United States maintains its counterterrorism posture and diplomacy.

In Israel, authorities are moving to curb incitement and potential violence linked to terror-related rhetoric. A Haifa Magistrate’s Court extended the detention of Ahmed Abbadi, a Hadash national secretariat member, on suspicion of incitement linked to social media posts. The case underscores ongoing concerns about how online content can translate into real-world risk and the government’s willingness to use legal tools to address perceived threats. Separately, Israeli security operations have intensified in the Negev, where police reported arrests of three Gazans who entered Israel during Hamas’s October 7 attack and were found in possession of stolen military ammunition. The operation known as New Order has resulted in hundreds of arrests and ongoing checks aimed at deteriorating security risks in southern Israel.

Israel’s security environment is also framed by international responses and partnerships. Australia’s government has joined a broader international emphasis on security and antisemitism, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese directing a safety review following the Bondi Beach attack that left victims and their families seeking reassurance and justice. In Berlin and across Europe, leaders have highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence in commemoration of past violence, a reminder of the ongoing challenges of balancing security with civil liberties in diverse societies.

Globally, the debate over antisemitism and aliyah—emigration to Israel—continues to shape Jewish identity and policy. An analysis from The Times of Israel highlights how aliyah is evolving amid rising antisemitism worldwide, while an opinion piece in the paper reflects on the privilege and complexity of choosing to live in a Jewish state and the responsibilities it entails for Jews around the world.

hostage advocacy and reunification efforts remain central to Israel’s communal narrative. Across the country, families who lost loved ones or are seeking the return of hostages continue to press for progress, with renewed calls for the government to secure safe and immediate releases as part of ongoing negotiations and broader regional considerations.

International security developments also continue to influence the Israeli security landscape. In the Levant and surrounding theaters, the United States conducted overnight airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for an ambush that killed two US soldiers and an interpreter. Officials indicate the campaign could last weeks; ISIS remains capable of inspiring attacks and recruitment despite not controlling territory in the region. The cross-border implications of these actions include potential ripple effects on regional stability, refugee movements, and the way local actors calibrate their own security postures.

In Sudan, a sweeping AFP investigation sheds light on a transnational recruitment network that drew hundreds of Colombian former soldiers to fight for the paramilitary RSF in Darfur. The network reportedly recruited through WhatsApp, routed salaries through a Panama-registered firm, and involved a UAE-linked security entity, Global Security Services Group, with links to Abu Dhabi. The United States has sanctioned several Colombian individuals tied to the operation, though the UAE has denied backing the RSF and emphasized its commitment to a ceasefire. The investigation also details the route of movement—through eastern Libya and Somalia’s Bosaso airport—and the complex web of actors involved, including private security networks tied to Emirati interests and regional geopolitics. The reporting notes the human cost on the ground, including fighters and families affected by the violence in Darfur, and highlights the broader questions about mercenary recruitment, war economies, and accountability.

In other regions, domestic challenges persist. In the United States, a 125,000-person power outage in San Francisco was contained with restoration efforts underway, illustrating the ongoing importance of resilient infrastructure amid a global security and economic environment. In Australia, authorities and communities continue to navigate safety concerns and the aftermath of attacks on Jewish communities, with officials pledging vigilance and thorough reviews of safety and security policies.

These developments come at a moment when Israeli security concerns about terrorism and incitement intersect with international debates over diplomacy, counterterrorism strategies, and protection of civilian populations. The United States continues to emphasize a multi-faceted approach to regional stability, counterterrorism, and support for allies, while independent investigations and journalistic inquiries illuminate the complex networks of actors operating in conflict zones far from home.

As this hour closes, the situation remains dynamic: security measures inside Israel, international responses to terrorism and mercenary networks, ongoing hostage and community advocacy, and the shadow of broader geopolitical shifts all contribute to a volatile but critical news landscape that shapes how the world understands risk, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.

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-880848
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880847
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880849
https://t.me/newssil/184198
https://t.me/newssil/184197
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-880575
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880844
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-880846
https://www.timesofisrael.com/german-chancellor-urges-peaceful-coexistence-a-year-after-deadly-market-attack/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/andes-darfur-colombians-lured-sudans-killing-fields
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sn9tkch01
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880843
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/omtqouubr