Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-31 at 16:08
HEADLINES
- Levin pushes chief justice resignation
- Gaza rocket launcher found ready to fire
- UAE withdraws Yemen forces Saudi watches
The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good morning. This is the hourly update with the latest developments from Israel, the wider region, and related international concerns.
In Israel’s domestic sphere, the government faces continued debate over the judiciary. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has called for the resignation of the Supreme Court’s chief justice following the dismissal of most conflict‑of‑interest complaints against him, and Levin separately urged canceling a January study day described as a “Education for Democracy” event. The moves underscore sharp tensions over how the judiciary is reviewed and how judicial processes intersect with political leadership.
Security and military activity in Israel and the surrounding area remain at the forefront of public attention. In the Negev, police investigated a spate of arson against vehicles in Bedouin towns, with investigators linking some incidents to retaliation related to ongoing operations in nearby communities. In Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces reported identifying a rocket launcher that was loaded and ready to fire during operations in Beit Hanoun, while continuing to destroy infrastructure they say supports terror activities along the northern border of the Gaza Strip. The military says it will maintain its posture to remove imminent threats, including targets along the so‑called yellow line in the north of Gaza.
On the political level, a confrontation involving a Knesset committee took place when National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir appeared at a committee meeting on violence against women, accusing police and other agency representatives of harming the ministry’s ability to protect women. The committee, which has faced boycotts in the past, has highlighted a rise in femicide and manned a tense exchange with Ben Gvir, who had previously avoided participation. Lawmakers pressed for accountability and data sharing, while Ben Gvir defended his attendance as a response to requests from the public and victims’ families.
Regional diplomacy continues to be shaped by broader alignments and tensions in the Gulf and the Levant. A Saudi official described the UAE’s withdrawal of forces from Yemen as a step toward de‑escalation, but stressed that Riyadh would watch closely to see if Abu Dhabi halts its support for Yemen’s southern separatists. The view reflects a wait‑and‑see stance as the UAE and Saudi positions on Yemen’s future realign. In parallel, the UAE’s foreign policy has been the subject of analysis for its effort to shape regional power dynamics through alliances, economic investment, and security arrangements. The strategy has drawn both praise for its ambition and criticism from some observers who say it may inflame conflicts in certain theaters, while supporters argue it strengthens state stability against extremism.
elsewhere in the region, the UAE’s ties extend to several countries and arenas. In Egypt, Abu Dhabi has deepened financial support tied to development plans; in Sudan and Chad, security and economic ties have been expanded, with scrutiny over whether such engagement influences internal conflicts; in Libya, the UAE has backed eastern factions and coordinated with regional partners on diplomacy. In Somaliland, the UAE’s involvement includes security training and port development, reflecting a broader approach to securing maritime routes and countering Islamism. Israel’s own regional posture remains aligned with these dynamics, while continuing to monitor shifts that could affect security calculations and diplomatic opportunities.
In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli actions and Palestinian responses continue to shape daily life and regional perc
Published on 3 hours ago