HEADLINES
- Iran missile drill hints at surprise attack
- Israel strikes Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
- Nigerian pupils freed from Papiri

The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. Our top story centers on a warning from Israel that missile exercises by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps may serve as cover for a surprise attack, with Israeli officials saying the overall likelihood is under fifty percent but stressing that no one wants to call it merely an exercise. The development underscores enduring concerns about Iran’s capabilities and the potential for regional escalation, even as Washington and Israel weigh the credibility and timing of any response.

In other news from the broader region, Australian lawmakers were recalled to pass tighter gun-control legislation in the wake of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah. The proposed measures would limit firearm ownership to four weapons, with a higher cap of ten for certain groups such as farmers, and would ban the display of terror symbols and curb protests. Police data show that some residents hold large arsenals, including individuals with more than a hundred firearms. One man suspected in the Bondi attack owned six firearms; his son faces dozens of charges, including murder and terrorism. Thirteen people remain in hospital, four in critical but stable condition. Tributes at Bondi Beach are to be preserved for display at the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Jewish Historical Society. The state government has faced calls for a royal commission to investigate antisemitism and security responses, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government contends with scrutiny over how antisemitism is being addressed. Albanese has described a crackdown on hate speech and other counterterrorism measures, while polls show a dip in his approval rating amid these debates.

Across the Pacific, the political discourse in the United States continued to reflect tensions over how to confront antisemitism within conservative movements. At Turning Point USA’s recent gathering, Vice President JD Vance argued against “purity tests” and said the movement should welcome all who love America, while others pressed for clearer standpoints on antisemitic rhetoric and platforming controversial figures. The event highlighted a broader debate within the Republican coalition about the path forward as leaders weigh the influence of outspoken voices and the legacy of President Trump. Prominent voices from conservative media urged a focus on core policy priorities, even as disagreements over tone and accountability persisted, illustrating the challenges facing a party trying to map its future without losing its base.

In the Israel-Lebanon theater, the Israeli military reported striking Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese authorities reporting casualties. Israel said the actions targeted militants involved in cross-border attacks and in violation of the long-standing ceasefire. Lebanon’s health ministry reported one person killed and another wounded. Separately, Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives participated in a ceasefire-monitoring process, and US and French diplomacy continued to press for progress on Hezbollah disarmament. In the broader border region, Israel has maintained a posture of defensive readiness, with security forces warning that disarmament of Hezbollah remains essential to stability along the border. The ceasefire framework established last year has required both sides to reduce cross-border activity, and officials say ongoing discussions aim to strengthen security in the border area.

Closer to home in the region, Israeli authorities reported ongoing security concerns linked to antisemitic incidents and public displays. Police were examining reports of candles and other memorial items being extinguished during Hanukkah ceremonies in several communities, while authorities have reiterated commitments to protect Jewish sites and events. The broader security environment remains influenced by interlocking regional tensions, with the United States urging partners to address groups that challenge stability and safety across the Middle East.

Finally, in a separate development touching global security, authorities announced the freeing of remaining abducted Nigerian schoolchildren from St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, marking a resolution to a days-long crisis that drew international attention to the threats posed by armed groups in the region.

In sum, tonight’s picture features continued Israeli vigilance in the face of Iranian and regional risk, heightened domestic and international efforts to counter antisemitism and firearm violence, and a US political landscape grappling with how to balance free speech with accountability in a highly polarized environment. The region remains unsettled, and the world watches closely as security, diplomacy, and domestic politics intersect in real time.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-880954
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/australian-state-parliament-reconvenes-push-through-stricter-gun-laws-after-bondi
https://www.timesofisrael.com/vance-hits-out-at-purity-tests-refraining-from-denouncing-antisemitism-that-has-roiled-gop/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880953
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880952
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880951
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-targeted-hezbollah-operatives-in-southern-lebanon-strikes/