Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-17 at 15:08
12/17/2025
0:00
9:16
HEADLINES
Gaza casualties rise as mortar probe intensifies
Iran backed group claims Bennett device hack
Eastern Med rapid force alliance aims deterrence
The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Here is your hourly update.
In the Gaza corridor, Israeli forces are examining an incident in which a mortar fired during operations near Gaza reportedly veered off course. Palestinian sources say a strike hit near a vehicle and that several people were wounded, while Israel’s military has not yet commented publicly. Separately, Al Jazeera, citing Gaza medical officials, reported 11 wounded in what it described as an Israeli strike on Gaza City, including one person in serious condition. The situation remains fluid as investigators review the timeline and targeting.
Across the region, a cyber dimension continues to unfold as an Iranian-backed group claims it hacked the personal device of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. The group released materials it labeled “Operation Octopus,” but independent cyber experts say the data most plausibly originated from a compromised associate rather than Bennett himself, and Bennett’s team has noted the matter is being handled by security and cyber officials. Analysts warn that cyber environments in the region are increasingly complex, with both state and non-state actors seeking to expose weaknesses in political leadership and security infrastructure.
In the wider security sphere, reports from Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli media indicate serious discussions underway about a joint rapid-intervention force to operate across air, land, and sea. The plan calls for roughly a brigade’s worth of personnel—about 2,500 troops in total, with 1,000 Israelis, 1,000 Greeks, and 500 Cypriots. The force would be mobile and supported by air forces from both countries, naval assets including Greek warships and submarines, and Israeli missile defense coordination. Though framed as a general-purpose deterrent, the arrangement is widely seen as addressing shared concerns in the eastern Mediterranean, including potential threats from Turkey. Separately, Turkish outlets have claimed that Greece has completed the deployment of Israeli-made Spike missiles on several Aegean islands close to Turkey, a report that remains unconfirmed by official sources in Athens or Tel Aviv. The broader intent of the talks appears not to target a specific nation, but the Turkish strategic position is a common reference point in the regional dialogue.
In London, authorities announced a policy shift aimed at policing antisemitism more rigorously, promising action against protesters who chant “Globalize the intifada” as incitement. The move follows a spate of attacks and threats against Jewish communities abroad, including incidents in Sydney and Manchester. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the policy as a necessary intervention in a climate of rising concerns about antisemitism.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry offered comments on the nuclear issue, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian signaling that Iran’s nuclear facilities have sustained damage but that the underlying knowledge and technology remain in Tehran’s hands. He urged the United States to return to a diplomatic track to pursue a political settlement rather than escalate tensions. The remarks underscore ongoing regional tensions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and broader diplomatic maneuvering.
Lebanese media reports, citing unnamed sources, claim that the Lebanese army has moved heavy engineering equipment toward a village in southern Lebanon near a location where Israel asserts Hezbollah operates a cross-border tunnel. The reports reflect ongoing cross-border tension and the enduring struggle over Hezbollah’s infrastructure, though independent verification was not provided in the reporting.
In policy and planning news from Israel, authorities are watching developments around a long-frozen plan to build a large neighborhood in Jerusalem. Reported plans would repurpose the city’s shuttered airport site into a new district featuring about 9,000 housing units. Observers say the project could redraw connections between Jerusalem and Ramallah and influence Palestinian development plans in the area. The story emphasizes the broader political and demographic significance of Jerusalem-area planning in a volatile regional context.
Across the broader strategic canvas, President Vladimir Putin signaled a renewed push in Ukraine, describing the need to expand Russia’s buffer zone and pursue objectives by any means if diplomacy fails. The remarks reflect the continuing, recalibrated posture of Moscow as the conflict persists in multiple theaters.
Back home in the north, Kiryat Shmona and surrounding communities remain vigilant. A demonstration at the city’s southern entrance drew about 1,000 residents who argued that the government has not delivered adequate security and recovery after the war with Hezbollah and related upheavals. Knesset and regional officials have since announced substantial funding for northern rehabilitation—the Finance Ministry approved roughly 1.2 billion shekels for rebuilding and economic recovery—though residents say the speed of relief and the provision of essential services remain uneven. The local business climate shows signs of strain: several shops remain closed, and some roads and services are not yet back to prewar conditions. At the same time, community-led efforts—such as a food-tech incubator in the city—are attempting to restart innovation ecosystems, with plans to bring more startups back to the area in 2026. The dual narrative here—persistent anxiety about security and a push to revive the regional economy—highlights how communities are balancing resilience with persistent concern about future threats.
Air quality and public health issues also loom large. In central Israel, authorities warned Shoham residents to stay indoors as illegal West Bank waste fires produced elevated benzene and PM2.5 readings. The Civil Administration reported destroying several Palestinian burn sites, but the Health Ministry cautioned that broader pollution could worsen unless fires are halted. Environmental advocates called the episode a troubling indicator of long-running environmental and infrastructure gaps along the Green Line, urging sustained investment in waste management and cross-border coordination.
On the security front, Israeli authorities announced the charging and potential indictment of individuals linked to ISIS in northern Israel. A 20-year-old Daburiyya resident, Kenan Azaiz, faces charges relating to ISIS membership and contact with a foreign agent, with prosecutors alleging that he studied how to construct explosives and considered traveling to train with ISIS affiliates. A second suspect, from Acre, was also named in connection with the case. These cases follow other ISIS-related arrests and indictments tied to plots or attempts to strike Israeli targets, illustrating ongoing concerns about the reach of regional extremist networks.
In other human stories, relatives of those affected by the Sydney terrorist attack highlighted acts of courage from a Muslim man, Ahmed al-Ahmad, who disarmed one of the attackers during the Hanukkah attack. His relatives in Syria described him as a hero, illustrating how acts of bravery can cross religious lines and become a symbol of shared humanity amid deep-seated tensions.
Finally, in cyberspace and diplomacy, the landscape remains unsettled. Handala, the Iranian-aligned group claiming to have breached a former Israeli prime minister’s device, signals both the persistence of cyber threats and the enduring complexity of attribution. Analysts caution that even when such claims surface, the full extent of access and impact is difficult to verify, and states continue to rely on a layered approach to cyber defense and strategic messaging.
This hour’s takeaway: the region remains a mosaic of security incidents, strategic conversations, and domestic political reckonings. On the border, the IDF continues to study and respond to incidents with Gaza and Lebanon—while also watching evolving threats in Gaza’s periphery and the north. In the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, discussions of integrated forces reflect a renewed emphasis on rapid response and deterrence amid broader regional tensions. In domestic policy, Israel’s northern communities push for faster recovery and stronger public services, even as security concerns persist. And abroad, Western responses to antisemitism and political violence continue to shape policy and enforcement in real time. As always in this part of the world, today’s events intersect with longer histories and broader questions about security, sovereignty, and the pursuit of peace.
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/defense-news/article-880556
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-880430
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-880555
https://t.me/abualiexpress/110818
https://t.me/newssil/183887
https://t.me/ILtoday/16264
https://t.me/newssil/183886
https://t.me/abualiexpress/110817
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-poised-to-approve-long-frozen-plans-for-massive-new-jerusalem-neighborhood/
https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-880552
https://www.timesofisrael.com/half-empty-and-scarred-by-war-kiryat-shmona-sees-protests-and-grassroots-rejuvenation/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/waiting-for-ran-gvili/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/17/iranian-hackers-claim-bennett-phone-breach/
https://t.me/newssil/183885
https://www.timesofi
Gaza casualties rise as mortar probe intensifies
Iran backed group claims Bennett device hack
Eastern Med rapid force alliance aims deterrence
The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Here is your hourly update.
In the Gaza corridor, Israeli forces are examining an incident in which a mortar fired during operations near Gaza reportedly veered off course. Palestinian sources say a strike hit near a vehicle and that several people were wounded, while Israel’s military has not yet commented publicly. Separately, Al Jazeera, citing Gaza medical officials, reported 11 wounded in what it described as an Israeli strike on Gaza City, including one person in serious condition. The situation remains fluid as investigators review the timeline and targeting.
Across the region, a cyber dimension continues to unfold as an Iranian-backed group claims it hacked the personal device of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. The group released materials it labeled “Operation Octopus,” but independent cyber experts say the data most plausibly originated from a compromised associate rather than Bennett himself, and Bennett’s team has noted the matter is being handled by security and cyber officials. Analysts warn that cyber environments in the region are increasingly complex, with both state and non-state actors seeking to expose weaknesses in political leadership and security infrastructure.
In the wider security sphere, reports from Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli media indicate serious discussions underway about a joint rapid-intervention force to operate across air, land, and sea. The plan calls for roughly a brigade’s worth of personnel—about 2,500 troops in total, with 1,000 Israelis, 1,000 Greeks, and 500 Cypriots. The force would be mobile and supported by air forces from both countries, naval assets including Greek warships and submarines, and Israeli missile defense coordination. Though framed as a general-purpose deterrent, the arrangement is widely seen as addressing shared concerns in the eastern Mediterranean, including potential threats from Turkey. Separately, Turkish outlets have claimed that Greece has completed the deployment of Israeli-made Spike missiles on several Aegean islands close to Turkey, a report that remains unconfirmed by official sources in Athens or Tel Aviv. The broader intent of the talks appears not to target a specific nation, but the Turkish strategic position is a common reference point in the regional dialogue.
In London, authorities announced a policy shift aimed at policing antisemitism more rigorously, promising action against protesters who chant “Globalize the intifada” as incitement. The move follows a spate of attacks and threats against Jewish communities abroad, including incidents in Sydney and Manchester. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the policy as a necessary intervention in a climate of rising concerns about antisemitism.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry offered comments on the nuclear issue, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian signaling that Iran’s nuclear facilities have sustained damage but that the underlying knowledge and technology remain in Tehran’s hands. He urged the United States to return to a diplomatic track to pursue a political settlement rather than escalate tensions. The remarks underscore ongoing regional tensions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and broader diplomatic maneuvering.
Lebanese media reports, citing unnamed sources, claim that the Lebanese army has moved heavy engineering equipment toward a village in southern Lebanon near a location where Israel asserts Hezbollah operates a cross-border tunnel. The reports reflect ongoing cross-border tension and the enduring struggle over Hezbollah’s infrastructure, though independent verification was not provided in the reporting.
In policy and planning news from Israel, authorities are watching developments around a long-frozen plan to build a large neighborhood in Jerusalem. Reported plans would repurpose the city’s shuttered airport site into a new district featuring about 9,000 housing units. Observers say the project could redraw connections between Jerusalem and Ramallah and influence Palestinian development plans in the area. The story emphasizes the broader political and demographic significance of Jerusalem-area planning in a volatile regional context.
Across the broader strategic canvas, President Vladimir Putin signaled a renewed push in Ukraine, describing the need to expand Russia’s buffer zone and pursue objectives by any means if diplomacy fails. The remarks reflect the continuing, recalibrated posture of Moscow as the conflict persists in multiple theaters.
Back home in the north, Kiryat Shmona and surrounding communities remain vigilant. A demonstration at the city’s southern entrance drew about 1,000 residents who argued that the government has not delivered adequate security and recovery after the war with Hezbollah and related upheavals. Knesset and regional officials have since announced substantial funding for northern rehabilitation—the Finance Ministry approved roughly 1.2 billion shekels for rebuilding and economic recovery—though residents say the speed of relief and the provision of essential services remain uneven. The local business climate shows signs of strain: several shops remain closed, and some roads and services are not yet back to prewar conditions. At the same time, community-led efforts—such as a food-tech incubator in the city—are attempting to restart innovation ecosystems, with plans to bring more startups back to the area in 2026. The dual narrative here—persistent anxiety about security and a push to revive the regional economy—highlights how communities are balancing resilience with persistent concern about future threats.
Air quality and public health issues also loom large. In central Israel, authorities warned Shoham residents to stay indoors as illegal West Bank waste fires produced elevated benzene and PM2.5 readings. The Civil Administration reported destroying several Palestinian burn sites, but the Health Ministry cautioned that broader pollution could worsen unless fires are halted. Environmental advocates called the episode a troubling indicator of long-running environmental and infrastructure gaps along the Green Line, urging sustained investment in waste management and cross-border coordination.
On the security front, Israeli authorities announced the charging and potential indictment of individuals linked to ISIS in northern Israel. A 20-year-old Daburiyya resident, Kenan Azaiz, faces charges relating to ISIS membership and contact with a foreign agent, with prosecutors alleging that he studied how to construct explosives and considered traveling to train with ISIS affiliates. A second suspect, from Acre, was also named in connection with the case. These cases follow other ISIS-related arrests and indictments tied to plots or attempts to strike Israeli targets, illustrating ongoing concerns about the reach of regional extremist networks.
In other human stories, relatives of those affected by the Sydney terrorist attack highlighted acts of courage from a Muslim man, Ahmed al-Ahmad, who disarmed one of the attackers during the Hanukkah attack. His relatives in Syria described him as a hero, illustrating how acts of bravery can cross religious lines and become a symbol of shared humanity amid deep-seated tensions.
Finally, in cyberspace and diplomacy, the landscape remains unsettled. Handala, the Iranian-aligned group claiming to have breached a former Israeli prime minister’s device, signals both the persistence of cyber threats and the enduring complexity of attribution. Analysts caution that even when such claims surface, the full extent of access and impact is difficult to verify, and states continue to rely on a layered approach to cyber defense and strategic messaging.
This hour’s takeaway: the region remains a mosaic of security incidents, strategic conversations, and domestic political reckonings. On the border, the IDF continues to study and respond to incidents with Gaza and Lebanon—while also watching evolving threats in Gaza’s periphery and the north. In the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, discussions of integrated forces reflect a renewed emphasis on rapid response and deterrence amid broader regional tensions. In domestic policy, Israel’s northern communities push for faster recovery and stronger public services, even as security concerns persist. And abroad, Western responses to antisemitism and political violence continue to shape policy and enforcement in real time. As always in this part of the world, today’s events intersect with longer histories and broader questions about security, sovereignty, and the pursuit of peace.
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/defense-news/article-880556
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-880430
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-880555
https://t.me/abualiexpress/110818
https://t.me/newssil/183887
https://t.me/ILtoday/16264
https://t.me/newssil/183886
https://t.me/abualiexpress/110817
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-poised-to-approve-long-frozen-plans-for-massive-new-jerusalem-neighborhood/
https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-880552
https://www.timesofisrael.com/half-empty-and-scarred-by-war-kiryat-shmona-sees-protests-and-grassroots-rejuvenation/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/waiting-for-ran-gvili/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/12/17/iranian-hackers-claim-bennett-phone-breach/
https://t.me/newssil/183885
https://www.timesofi
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