HEADLINES
Last Gaza captive Ran Gvili still missing
Iran drills may hide surprise attack threat
Australian Jews weigh moving to Israel

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update on the Middle East and related global affairs.

The Israeli government reports that Day 808 of the Gaza war continues to be defined by the pursuit of returning missing and captured personnel. In Tel Aviv, the family of Master Sergeant Ran Gvili joined supporters for a Hanukkah vigil at Hostages Square, renewing vows to press for the return of his remains. Gvili, killed during combat with Palestinian militants at Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, 2023, is described as the last captive held in Gaza after Hamas released all living captives and others listed during the ceasefire arrangement. Gvili’s mother, Talik, told the crowd that Hamas is deceiving Israel and the United States and that the family will not give up until Ran comes home, saying the nation cannot move on while his fate remains unresolved.

Across the broader discourse, opinion writing highlights a persistent pattern in antisemitism that fixates on the Land of Israel, the Jewish people’s connection to the land, and the need to acknowledge security concerns and the realities of defense. One column warns that antisemitism has manifested in various forms, but has consistently returned to a focus on Israel’s security and its right to defend itself. A companion piece argues that words once dismissed as rhetoric have, in practice, been associated with real threats and violence against Jews.

On the diaspora front, pro-Israel voices describe a challenging environment online and in public life, but continue to engage audiences worldwide. Influencers who advocate for Israel recount facing threats and harassment, yet also report substantial supportive engagement. They emphasize explaining Jewish identity and the Jewish state in human terms, while stressing the importance of safety measures and responsible dialogue in the digital space. Community leaders also note the enduring effort to build connections between Israel and Jewish communities abroad, sustaining education and advocacy even as hostility persists.

In Australia, leaders of the Jewish community describe a sharpened sense of vulnerability following the Hamas attack on October 7 and a related spike in antisemitic incidents. Public figures in Australia acknowledge the need for enhanced security and debate proposals to curb weapon access in the wake of violence at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach. The community points to concerns about safety and notes that some Jews are considering relocation to Israel as part of a broader reassessment of security and belonging within their home countries.

Security and intelligence reporting also notes that Israel has warned that missile exercises by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps could be a cover for a potential surprise attack. An Axios briefing cites Israeli sources indicating that while the likelihood of a broader assault is not quantified, there is little appetite to treat the drills as purely routine. The emphasis remains on vigilance and the continued coordination between Washington and Jerusalem on Iran-related threats.

Domestic security coverage includes attention to the actions of security services in mixed Israeli cities. An attorney contends that Shin Bet policy aimed at relocating violent–settler elements into quieter parts of Israel has coincided with rising safety concerns in mixed urban centers like Jaffa, underscoring the ongoing tension between security measures and community safety.

International legal and media developments are also referenced. A report from the United States notes that a photograph circulated in connection with Jeffrey Epstein case materials depicting President Donald Trump with several women was removed on the grounds of protecting victims; after review, officials stated there is no evidence that any victim appears in the image. The episode is described as part of a broader public discourse surrounding accountability and transparency in high-profile investigations.

In Krasnodar, Russia, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly damaged two ships and two moorings, triggering a fire that spread over roughly 1.5 square kilometers. Local authorities report that crews were evacuated and that the incident did not immediately threaten civilian populations, though it adds to the region’s security pressures amid ongoing conflict beyond the Middle East.

On the humanitarian front, a bone marrow bank founded by the families of fallen soldiers—Captain Daniel Peretz, Major Aryeh Ziering, and Sergeant Major (Res.) David Schwartz—marked its first lifesaving outcomes, illustrating how acts of communal resilience can translate into tangible medical aid even amid war.

As the evening unfolds, officials and analysts will continue weighing the balance between security needs, humanitarian considerations, and diplomatic effort, with a shared aim of protecting civilians while pursuing reliable paths to resolution in a volatile and interconnected regional landscape.

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/opinion/article-880680
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-880654
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880956
https://www.timesofisrael.com/wont-give-up-hostages-square-candle-lighting-held-to-urge-release-of-ran-gvili/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-880955
https://www.timesofisrael.com/converging-in-the-holy-land-pro-israel-influencers-brush-off-death-threats-and-trolls/
https://t.me/newssil/184300
https://t.me/newssil/184299
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-880954
https://t.me/newssil/184297