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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-16 at 17:06
HEADLINES
ICC rejects Netanyahu Gallant appeal warrants stand
Israel legalizes 19 West Bank settlements
Gaza winter storms strain shelter supply
The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the midafternoon international and regional update.
In the legal arena, the International Criminal Court has rejected Israel’s appeal to overturn arrest warrants tied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The court indicated the case will move forward and that Israel will have additional opportunities to contest the proceedings before any indictments are issued. In a separate security development, the Israeli Defense Forces said it will not file criminal charges against reserve Colonel Yoav Yarom over a deadly operation in Lebanon, accepting his account that the raid was carried out to meet operational needs, despite criticism from the fallen soldier’s family.
On the political and diplomatic front, Israel granted legal status to 19 West Bank settlements, including two sites evacuated in the 2005 disengagement, following government approval of a package that also allows construction of hundreds of housing units across the territory. In international diplomacy, Czech officials announced a move to relocate their embassy to Jerusalem, signaling closer alignment with Israel. At the same time, Eurovision organizers in Austria said they will permit Palestinian flags in the audience and will not drown out boos during Israel’s performance, a shift from some past practices, as organizers emphasized presenting events without artificial applause or suppression of protest. In a related development, Canada’s government confirmed that Canadian MPs and Muslim delegates were denied entry to the West Bank, where the delegation had planned meetings with Palestinian Authority officials, Palestinian refugees, and advocates from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.
Security and societal developments also included a domestic measure in Israel: move by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to deploy Border Police units in South Tel Aviv to address concerns about personal security amid years of resident complaints about crime and migrant activity. In the broader regional security context, Israel’s military and security agencies continue to monitor cross-border threats and the risk of escalation in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as ongoing tensions in the West Bank.
Humanitarian and civilian conditions in Gaza remain dire as winter storms bring heavy rain and flooding. Fresh rains have inundated streets, tents, and shelters, complicating relief work after years of conflict. The United Nations warned that about 1.3 million Gaza residents need shelter assistance as winter deepens, and health officials reported a newborn baby died from hypothermia related to the cold. Aid convoys continue to face bottlenecks, with UN and aid agencies urging safe, predictable access to deliver essential supplies.
In the land and security sphere inside Israel, prison conditions for security detainees have drawn scrutiny. Officials testifying before a Knesset committee warned that detention facilities are under strain and that inmates classified as security prisoners have shown signs of growing desperation as prospects for large-scale hostage releases fade. Public defender assessments have highlighted overcrowding and poor conditions, even as authorities say they are expanding capacity and working to improve living standards.
On the international front, the United States continues to pursue Gaza stabilization discussions with a regional and international group. CENTCOM is set to host talks in Doha to advance a Gaza stabilization force, with discussions considering participation by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, though no commitments have be
Published on 14 hours ago