HEADLINES
Australia invites Herzog after Bondi terror attack
Three Hezbollah operatives killed in Sidon airstrike
Iran destabilizing region as US favors sanctions

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will have its governor general invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit as soon as possible in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack and a surge in antisemitism. Herzog indicated he would accept the invitation, and he noted that the Zionist Federation of Australia had also sent an invitation. The exchange underscores the close ties between Canberra and Jerusalem and the broader international concern over antisemitism that followed the attack.

Across the Hemisphere, the political and security landscape surrounding Israel continues to be shaped by regional tension and alliance dynamics. In Washington, discussions persist about Israel’s security needs amid evolving threats in the region, alongside longstanding US support and policy positions. US officials emphasize a commitment to Israel’s security while warning against broader destabilization in the Middle East, a stance that informs how international partners engage on the Israeli-Palestinian question and on Iran’s regional behavior.

In the wider Middle East, Iran’s posture and its activity remain at the forefront of regional calculations. Israeli and allied security officials describe Iran as a destabilizing factor, even as US policy has emphasized a combination of sanctions pressure and diplomatic effort rather than large-scale military action in some theaters. The overarching voice from allied capitals stresses the importance of deterrence and coordinated diplomacy to prevent escalation along Israel’s borders and across the region.

In Lebanon and the Gaza-Sinai theater, Israeli forces reported significant activity against hostile networks and infrastructure. An airstrike near Sidon eliminated three Hezbollah operatives, including a member who also served in Lebanon’s army intelligence unit, and a separate assault targeted Hezbollah and its capabilities in southern Lebanon. In Gaza, the Kfir Brigade concluded its two-month mission along the Yellow Line, with hundreds of terrorist infrastructure sites dismantled and a two-kilometer tunnel found and neutralized; overall, twenty militants were counted as eliminated, and southern Gaza remains under close scrutiny as the ceasefire framework is tested.

In Gaza’s broader security picture, Israel’s leadership has signaled a steady approach to sovereignty in nearby areas while continuing to press for practical, security-centered measures. Israeli officials have described plans for new military-outpost activity and substantial infrastructure upgrades in settlement areas as part of a broader assertion of practical sovereignty in the north of Gaza and adjacent zones. The government also faces domestic and regional pressure to address the humanitarian and security consequences of the conflict, as well as questions about governance in adjacent areas.

In the West Bank, clergy and civilians have faced violent incidents that illuminate the fragile balance on the ground. Five settlers were arrested in connection with an attack on a Palestinian shepherd in Samu, including the killing of sheep and damage to property. Separately, a fire lit at a church in Jenin highlighted tensions between communities, with PA and local church leaders calling for calm and unity as investigators pursue the case. In Jenin and nearby areas, clashes between Palestinians and settlers led to injuries on both sides, and videos circulated showing provocative incidents, including masked settlers harassing Palestinians and left-wing activists. Israeli security forces conducted searches and detained suspects as part of ongoing investigations into the violence, with authorities emphasizing the need for restraint and adherence to the law.

In political and legal developments inside Israel, a number of issues continue to draw scrutiny. The government’s approach to the Palestinian Authority remains a point of contention, with some voices advocating a reorientation of governance in the territories and calls for Gaza to bear the costs of the conflict. Separately, Israel’s security establishment and the government have overseen steps to address security challenges at home and abroad, including measures tied to media and information control in ways that balance security concerns with civil liberties. In the wake of a high-profile investigative case connected to the Prime Minister’s Office, public debate continues over accountability and transparency, as politicians and analysts weigh the implications for leadership during a period of regional volatility.

Around the world, antisemitism remains a persistent concern in both policy and perception. Reports from Europe indicate ongoing anxiety among Jewish communities, including fear of hate crimes and a sense that reporting for prosecution can still be uneven. In parallel, antisemitism was also highlighted in international discussions about symbolism and memory, with new debates surrounding Chanukah observances and community responses in various countries. These trends influence how Israel, Jewish communities, and allied governments approach security, diplomacy, and public messaging in a time of heightened tension.

Looking ahead, regional partners are pursuing a mix of practical coordination and strategic dialogue. Israel and its neighbors are strengthening energy and security links in the eastern Mediterranean, with leaders from Greece and Cyprus engaging in Jerusalem to advance shared infrastructure and defense collaboration. At the same time, Washington continues to press for stability in the region through a combination of sanctions, diplomacy, and alliance-building with affected partners, aiming to counter destabilizing actors while preserving the security of allied states. The overall picture remains one of vigilance, with policymakers on multiple fronts seeking to prevent escalation, protect civilian populations, and sustain international support for stable, peaceful solutions where possible.

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/article-881079
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-881080
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-881074
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-881075
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-881073
https://t.me/abualiexpress/111132
https://t.me/abualiexpress/111131
https://worldisraelnews.com/brown-university-head-of-public-safety-on-leave-after-janitor-reveals-security-ignored-warnings-of-suspicious-actor-on-campus/
https://t.me/newssil/184460
https://t.me/newssil/184459
https://t.me/newssil/184457
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-881066
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-kills-three-hezbollah-terrorists-in-southern-lebanon/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/12/australia-invites-israeli-president-herzog-official-visit
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-881069
https://t.me/ILtoday/16341
https://worldisraelnews.com/knesset-extends-al-jazeera-ban-for-two-more-years/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-881067
https://worldisraelnews.com/survey-96-of-british-jews-feel-less-safe-than-before-oct-7-2023/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkok0rvxwg
https://t.me/abualiexpress/111130
https://worldisraelnews.com/norwa