Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-22 at 16:07
Update: 2025-12-22
Description
HEADLINES
Iran Missile Drills Escalate Western Tensions
Bennet Calls Qatargate Treason Resignation Demanded
Israel Greece Cyprus Summit, Turkey Eyes Damascus
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 11:00 AM, a round of developments across Israel, Iran, and the wider region is shaping a security and political landscape that remains tense and highly watched by international partners.
In Tehran, Iran announced missile drills as part of a broad display of deterrence amid rising tensions with the West and Israel. Iranian state media and Nournews circulated video and claims of launches from multiple sites, while Tehran emphasized that missiles are for deterrence and not open to negotiation. Outside observers and allied officials have warned that such drills could mask preparations for a surprise strike or broader escalation, and reports have suggested Iran’s missile production could reach thousands of missiles annually. At the same time, Iranian outlets pushed back on social-media images of tests as inaccurate, insisting no exercises occurred on that day.
Across the region, Israel remains focused on strategic concerns tied to its security and regional posture. In Tel Aviv, discussions continue about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader effort to prevent Iran from advancing capabilities that could threaten Israel’s security. Israeli officials have stressed the importance of maintaining credible defenses and international pressure to curb Iran’s program, while signaling that Israel will take necessary steps to defend itself if diplomacy stalls.
Diplomatic advances in the region continue to unfold. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as part of a Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit, with expanded talks featuring foreign ministers and senior officials. The discussions underscore regional alignment around security concerns and energy coordination, including shared interest in stabilizing the eastern Mediterranean and deterring aggression in the broader Middle East.
Nearby in Ankara, Turkish diplomacy is active on multiple fronts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Damascus for an official visit, with accompanying discussions expected to focus on security risks in southern Syria that Turkey attributes to recent Israeli actions in the area. The Turkish government has repeatedly linked regional stability to its own policy stance, and observers note that such visits illustrate Ankara’s aim to shape regional security narratives in coordination with Washington and regional partners.
In Washington’s orbit, the political scene in Israel remains deeply intertwined with US policy positions. Observers have highlighted that the Abraham Accords and the quest for a stable regional order continue to frame US engagement, even as scrutiny over how to advance a two-state framework persists. There is emphasis on maintaining support for Israel’s security needs while encouraging steps toward a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians through credible negotiations and international oversight.
On the domestic front in Israel, there is evolving political contention over media and civil society. The cabinet voted to shutter Army Radio, with a March 2026 deadline to wind down operations. The move, defended by Defense Minister Israel Katz as correcting a democratic anomaly, drew sharp criticism from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and opposition leaders who warned it could harm freedom of expression. Civil society groups and unions have signaled they may challenge the decision in the High Court, arguing that public broadcasting should remain independent of political direction.
The government is also weighing changes to non-governmental organization registration requirements that govern humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank. Officials say the new rules aim to prevent hostile actors or supporters of terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories, but NGOs warn the framework could undermine the delivery of aid to Gaza, where services remain strained despite a ceasefire that paused major fighting. By year’s end, more than 100 registration requests had been filed, with roughly a dozen rejected; aid workers say the process threatens access to essential services and could force staff withdrawals if kept in place.
Public sentiment inside Israel shows a nuanced and shifting picture. A major index tracking democracy and institutional trust published by the Israel Democracy Institute finds that trust in the government remains low among both Jews and Arab citizens, though faith in the Israeli Defense Forces remains high among Jews and more constrained among Arab respondents. The index also shows significant portions of the population feel no party fully represents their views, and perceptions about the country’s overall situation have improved from the previous year, even as many express concerns about political stability and the integrity of democratic processes ahead of the 2026 elections.
International variables continue to shape regional expectations. In Riyadh, Saudi officials have indicated that normalization with Israel remains conditional on a credible path to a Palestinian state and adherence to a two-state framework, even as ties with Israel are discussed in broader regional forums. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal suggested to The Times of Israel that normalization would require Israel to act as a normal country obeying international norms and to engage in a truly credible peace process, while also stressing that Riyadh will prioritize its own national interests.
Against this backdrop, one of Israel’s domestic political flashpoints has returned to the foreground. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has labeled the ongoing Qatargate affair the most serious act of treason in Israeli history and has called for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation, arguing that aides in Netanyahu’s office allegedly acted as paid agents for Qatar while in office. Other opposition leaders have echoed concerns about security and governance, with debates ongoing over accountability for wartime decisions surrounding the Hamas conflict and the broader conduct of government officials.
In related regional dynamics, Pakistan’s defense officials announced a multi-billion-dollar deal to supply air and ground equipment to a Libyan security force, including fighter jets and trainer aircraft. While not confined to Israel’s immediate neighborhood, such arms deals affect regional power balances and the calculus of security cooperation among Middle Eastern and North African actors.
Additionally, an influential but controversial public debate in Israel about antisemitism and international diplomacy continues. A high-profile conference on combating antisemitism is planned for Jerusalem, with assurances from organizers that this year’s event will feature a more mainstream slate of participants while defending the importance of speaking out against hate. Past conferences sparked protests from Jewish groups who argued that some invited figures had histories of extremism or anti-democratic sentiments, raising questions about how inclusive and representative such discussions should be.
On the cultural and tourism front, Israel’s tourism sector shows signs of resilience and recovery in some markets, including a notable uptick in travel to Japan as yen weakens, reflecting broader post-pandemic reopening trends that are gradually restoring travel and business ties with Asia.
Looking ahead, the international community’s posture toward Iran’s nuclear program, ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Syria, and the trajectory of Israel’s domestic political debates will continue to shape the intensity and direction of regional diplomacy. The United States remains engaged in pressuring Iran over its nuclear ambitions, supporting Israel’s security needs, and encouraging a negotiated path toward peace that can achieve durable stability in a volatile and continually evolving Middle East. This hour’s developments underscore the fragility of ceasefires and the fragility of trust among regional players, even as actors on all sides emphasize the imperative of protecting civilians and avoiding broader conflict.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-881016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-881029
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-881028
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881024
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-881026
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-881020
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881018
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-election-year-survey-finds-i
Iran Missile Drills Escalate Western Tensions
Bennet Calls Qatargate Treason Resignation Demanded
Israel Greece Cyprus Summit, Turkey Eyes Damascus
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 11:00 AM, a round of developments across Israel, Iran, and the wider region is shaping a security and political landscape that remains tense and highly watched by international partners.
In Tehran, Iran announced missile drills as part of a broad display of deterrence amid rising tensions with the West and Israel. Iranian state media and Nournews circulated video and claims of launches from multiple sites, while Tehran emphasized that missiles are for deterrence and not open to negotiation. Outside observers and allied officials have warned that such drills could mask preparations for a surprise strike or broader escalation, and reports have suggested Iran’s missile production could reach thousands of missiles annually. At the same time, Iranian outlets pushed back on social-media images of tests as inaccurate, insisting no exercises occurred on that day.
Across the region, Israel remains focused on strategic concerns tied to its security and regional posture. In Tel Aviv, discussions continue about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader effort to prevent Iran from advancing capabilities that could threaten Israel’s security. Israeli officials have stressed the importance of maintaining credible defenses and international pressure to curb Iran’s program, while signaling that Israel will take necessary steps to defend itself if diplomacy stalls.
Diplomatic advances in the region continue to unfold. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as part of a Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral summit, with expanded talks featuring foreign ministers and senior officials. The discussions underscore regional alignment around security concerns and energy coordination, including shared interest in stabilizing the eastern Mediterranean and deterring aggression in the broader Middle East.
Nearby in Ankara, Turkish diplomacy is active on multiple fronts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Damascus for an official visit, with accompanying discussions expected to focus on security risks in southern Syria that Turkey attributes to recent Israeli actions in the area. The Turkish government has repeatedly linked regional stability to its own policy stance, and observers note that such visits illustrate Ankara’s aim to shape regional security narratives in coordination with Washington and regional partners.
In Washington’s orbit, the political scene in Israel remains deeply intertwined with US policy positions. Observers have highlighted that the Abraham Accords and the quest for a stable regional order continue to frame US engagement, even as scrutiny over how to advance a two-state framework persists. There is emphasis on maintaining support for Israel’s security needs while encouraging steps toward a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians through credible negotiations and international oversight.
On the domestic front in Israel, there is evolving political contention over media and civil society. The cabinet voted to shutter Army Radio, with a March 2026 deadline to wind down operations. The move, defended by Defense Minister Israel Katz as correcting a democratic anomaly, drew sharp criticism from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and opposition leaders who warned it could harm freedom of expression. Civil society groups and unions have signaled they may challenge the decision in the High Court, arguing that public broadcasting should remain independent of political direction.
The government is also weighing changes to non-governmental organization registration requirements that govern humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank. Officials say the new rules aim to prevent hostile actors or supporters of terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories, but NGOs warn the framework could undermine the delivery of aid to Gaza, where services remain strained despite a ceasefire that paused major fighting. By year’s end, more than 100 registration requests had been filed, with roughly a dozen rejected; aid workers say the process threatens access to essential services and could force staff withdrawals if kept in place.
Public sentiment inside Israel shows a nuanced and shifting picture. A major index tracking democracy and institutional trust published by the Israel Democracy Institute finds that trust in the government remains low among both Jews and Arab citizens, though faith in the Israeli Defense Forces remains high among Jews and more constrained among Arab respondents. The index also shows significant portions of the population feel no party fully represents their views, and perceptions about the country’s overall situation have improved from the previous year, even as many express concerns about political stability and the integrity of democratic processes ahead of the 2026 elections.
International variables continue to shape regional expectations. In Riyadh, Saudi officials have indicated that normalization with Israel remains conditional on a credible path to a Palestinian state and adherence to a two-state framework, even as ties with Israel are discussed in broader regional forums. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal suggested to The Times of Israel that normalization would require Israel to act as a normal country obeying international norms and to engage in a truly credible peace process, while also stressing that Riyadh will prioritize its own national interests.
Against this backdrop, one of Israel’s domestic political flashpoints has returned to the foreground. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has labeled the ongoing Qatargate affair the most serious act of treason in Israeli history and has called for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation, arguing that aides in Netanyahu’s office allegedly acted as paid agents for Qatar while in office. Other opposition leaders have echoed concerns about security and governance, with debates ongoing over accountability for wartime decisions surrounding the Hamas conflict and the broader conduct of government officials.
In related regional dynamics, Pakistan’s defense officials announced a multi-billion-dollar deal to supply air and ground equipment to a Libyan security force, including fighter jets and trainer aircraft. While not confined to Israel’s immediate neighborhood, such arms deals affect regional power balances and the calculus of security cooperation among Middle Eastern and North African actors.
Additionally, an influential but controversial public debate in Israel about antisemitism and international diplomacy continues. A high-profile conference on combating antisemitism is planned for Jerusalem, with assurances from organizers that this year’s event will feature a more mainstream slate of participants while defending the importance of speaking out against hate. Past conferences sparked protests from Jewish groups who argued that some invited figures had histories of extremism or anti-democratic sentiments, raising questions about how inclusive and representative such discussions should be.
On the cultural and tourism front, Israel’s tourism sector shows signs of resilience and recovery in some markets, including a notable uptick in travel to Japan as yen weakens, reflecting broader post-pandemic reopening trends that are gradually restoring travel and business ties with Asia.
Looking ahead, the international community’s posture toward Iran’s nuclear program, ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Syria, and the trajectory of Israel’s domestic political debates will continue to shape the intensity and direction of regional diplomacy. The United States remains engaged in pressuring Iran over its nuclear ambitions, supporting Israel’s security needs, and encouraging a negotiated path toward peace that can achieve durable stability in a volatile and continually evolving Middle East. This hour’s developments underscore the fragility of ceasefires and the fragility of trust among regional players, even as actors on all sides emphasize the imperative of protecting civilians and avoiding broader conflict.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-881016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-881029
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-881028
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881024
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-881026
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-881020
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881018
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-election-year-survey-finds-i
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