Israel Update 31.12.25

No Israel Update next week. Hopefully, the next Update will be on January 15^th

TRUMP/NETANYAHU MEETING

After meeting Israel’s PM Netanyahu in Florida on Monday, President Trump said “I’m not concerned about anything that Israel is doing,” warning that Iran would face military strikes should it seek to replenish ballistic missiles or restart its nuclear programme. He said he wants to advance the Gaza ceasefire deal “as quickly as we can,” but placed the onus on Hamas, which he said has to relinquish its weapons or “there will be hell to pay.”

He stated that Israel had lived up to the (ceasefire) plan 100% and that he is actually concerned about what other involved parties “are doing or maybe are not doing.”

Trump also said Hamas would be given a “very short period of time” to disarm, warning the group would be “wiped out” if it refused to abide by its commitments in the second phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan.

Report here (paywall)Report here Report here

TERROR ATTACK IN ISRAEL

A Palestinian terrorist ran over and killed Samson Mordechai, 68, in Beit She’an on Friday. He later stabbed to death Aviv Maor, 18, near Tel Yosef. He also rammed and wounded a 16-year-old boy in Beit She’an and wounded a 37-year-old man outside Afula, before the terrorist was shot and wounded by a civilian. A statement by Kibbutz Ein Haroud cited Maor’s parents saying Aviv “was a nature girl, loved people and animals, rode horses for many years. She took care of all the injured animals in the valley. She was a talented photographer, a caring and loving daughter to her parents, and a devoted sister.” Report here

REVOCATION OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS’ OPERATING LICENCES

The Israeli government has begun to revoke operating licences from international organizations working in the West Bank and Gaza after they failed to complete registration procedures required by law, following findings that some employees at the organizations were involved in terrorist activity. More than 10 international organizations, among them Doctors Without Borders, received letters stating that their licenses to operate in Israel will be revoked as of Jan. 1 and that they must wind down their activities by March 1.
These organizations were given 10 months to comply, and the original deadline was Sep. 9. Some groups refused to submit full lists of their Palestinian employees for security screening. Security checks found that employees of Doctors Without Borders were involved in terror activity.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said enforcement of the law will not affect the scope of humanitarian aid, noting that the organizations warned of closure have not delivered aid to Gaza during the current ceasefire. Report here

ABUSE OF HUMANITARIAN & MEDICAL PROTECTIONS IN GAZA

Medical professionals in Gaza, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, were not merely passive bystanders to Hamas’s crimes. In multiple documented cases, they were active participants in hostage-taking, abuse, concealment, and even murder. Humanitarian and medical protections, some of the most sacred principles in international law, were deliberately weaponized. Former hostage Romi Gonen revealed that she was sexually assaulted four times, the first assault by a nurse tasked with treating her bullet wound, within the first four days of her captivity. Noa Marciano was murdered by a Gaza doctor who injected air into her veins and filmed her death.

Zina Rakhamilova comments: Every humanitarian organization, particularly those operating in Gaza, should have been outraged that terrorists are masquerading as health professionals and participating in this corrupt system… When doctors become jailers, when nurses become abusers, when hospitals become holding cells, the moral and legal framework designed to protect civilians collapses… the greater crime lies not only in terrorists and those who cheer them. It lies in the silence and inaction of human rights organizations and international health bodies that were created to prevent exactly these kinds of abuses. Article here

GAZA

The IDF is in a “race against time” to locate and destroy tunnels between the Gaza border fence and the Yellow Line, before diplomacy brings operations to a halt…A security source said, “Military Intelligence did not fully understand how Hamas integrated the different types of tunnels in different areas as a foundation of its combat doctrine….We did not understand the size of the project and the importance Hamas attributed to the tunnels, and what is happening now is an attempt to close the gap, to locate these tunnels, and destroy a massive project of decades.” Report here

Northern Brigade forces have been operating for months along the “yellow line” in northern Gaza, destroying terrorist infrastructure above and below ground in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, and eliminating any immediate threat to Israeli forces and the State of Israel. During operations, dozens of terrorists who crossed the “yellow line” and posed an immediate threat were killed. IDF combat engineers destroyed more than four km. of underground tunnel routes used by Hamas. Report here

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY (PA)

Foreign Minister Sa’ar last week accused PA President Abbas of lying about internal reforms to end the PA’s “pay-to-slay” policy, which provided financial benefits to the families of terrorists…The Foreign Ministry said that the PA was continuing to issue payments under the old mechanism “through various channels designed to conceal their continuation, while creating a false impression of reforms for the international community” adding that the PA has earmarked $214 million for such payments in 2025. Report here

The PA continues its hypocrisy about terrorists who are killed trying to murder Jews. The “successful” terrorists are described as heroic fighters, and the PA names schools, streets, and squares after them.

Young terrorists are repackaged as innocent victims as in the case of a 16-year-old Islamic Jihad (IJ) terrorist, who was killed after throwing hand grenades at Israeli soldiers. IJ openly lauded him as one of its fighters, pictured wearing military clothing and carrying a weapon. The PA’s official daily, published a fabricated version of the attack in which the “Jihad fighter” became a “young boy,” the grenade attack was erased, IJ was not mentioned, and Israeli soldiers were accused of killing him while he was “delivering a package.” The terrorist was described as a “loved, diligent, seeker of knowledge” whose “death as a Martyr halted his aspirations” to graduate high school and help his parents.The PA routinely rewrites terrorist attacks to demonize Israel and mislead international audiences and donors. Report here

Just 15 minutes from Jerusalem, the massive luxury Icon mall in Ramallah has become a magnet for Palestinians from the West Bank and for Arab citizens of Israel drawn by attractive prices and international brands. Video here

IRAN THREAT

Six months after a 12-day war with Iran over its nuclear program, Israeli officials are raising the prospect of another clash over Tehran’s efforts to rebuild its arsenal of ballistic missiles. Satellite images show Iran is rebuilding its missile production sites…Israel is concerned Iran could eventually produce thousands of missiles, which could overwhelm any defences. Security analysts said Israel sees a short window of opportunity while Iran’s capacity to launch missiles is still degraded, its air defences are weak, and the regime is dealing with a number of challenges. Report here (paywall)

QATAR

The Mossad last week openly accused Qatar not only of backing Al Jazeera, which it said “encourages hatred, antisemitism and terror,” but also of responsibility for “spreading false narratives and incitement against the State of Israel worldwide across multiple platforms.” The agency views Qatar as an enemy state that hosts terrorists and funds antisemitic activity on campuses under the banner of the Muslim Brotherhood. Report here

Over two decades, Qatar has provided Hamas with political sanctuary, legitimacy, funding channels, and diplomatic cover, hosting its leadership and enabling strategic planning despite public denials of supporting terrorism…Qatar-hosted and Qatar-supported clerical networks linked to the Muslim Brotherhood framed jihad against Israel as a religious obligation, endorsed mass violence against Jewish civilians, and later issued charters justifying Oct. 7 and calling for global mobilization. Qatari-funded charities, cash assistance, and support for UNRWA in Gaza simultaneously provide humanitarian aid while reinforcing Hamas’s governance, military infrastructure, and control over civilian institutions. Report here

DEFENCE

On Dec. 28, the first Iron Beam high energy laser defence system was delivered to the IDF. Iron Beam represents a world-class technological and engineering breakthrough. The system which has a range of up to 10 km. and has successfully intercepted rockets, mortars and drones, is intended to complement Iron Dome, with both being operated from the same control vehicle. While each Iron Dome interception costs $30,000, an interception by Iron Beam will cost only $5-10. Reports here& here

PM Netanyahu said that Israel is working to gain as much independence as possible in its weapons production. “I approved, along with the defence and finance ministers, a sum of NIS 350 billion [$108 billion] over the next decade to build an independent Israeli munitions industry. We want to reduce our dependence on all players, including friends.” Report here

The IDF is implementing lessons learned from Oct. 7 to defend against a future massive terrorist infiltration. Air force helicopter pilots will be able to attack armed militants on their own authority, suspected infiltration routes into Israeli territory will be bombed within minutes, numerous landing zones have been established near borders, standby companies will be airlifted and intervention teams from elite units will be automatically deployed.The Air Force has doubled its minimum readiness for surprise invasion scenarios, including attack and transport helicopters for troop movement, UAVs and fighter jets. Report here & here

ISRAEL’S RECOGNITION OF SOMALILAND

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, an autonomous region that broke away from Somalia 34 years ago. Somaliland, in northwestern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 as Somalia descended into civil war and chaos. Since then, Somaliland has governed most of the territory it claims, largely in peace and stability. Israel’s move drew swift condemnation from Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti. Somaliland, which has about five million people, has an elected parliament and its own currency, flag, military and police force. It has been described as an oasis of relative calm in a region torn by conflicts. Report here (paywall)

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce told an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on Monday: “Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state. Earlier this year, several countries, including members of this Council, made the unilateral decision to recognize a non-existent Palestinian state. And yet, no emergency meeting was called to express this Council’s outrage. This Council’s persistent double standards and misdirection of focus distract from its mission of maintaining international peace and security.” Report here

Footnote: Since 2004, the Israeli NGO Save a Child’s Heart has provided cardiac care for children from Somaliland, bringing patients to Israel for surgery at Wolfson Medical Centre.Report here

(and see Comment & Opinion below)

HAMAS IN ITALY

Italian authorities arrested nine people linked to three charitable organizations suspected of sending $8.2 million to “associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel, owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas,” anti-terrorism prosecutors said Saturday. Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, described by prosecutors as the “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization.” The EU has listed Hamas as a terror group. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi wrote on X that the operation “lifted the veil on behavior and activities which, pretending to be initiatives in favor of the Palestinian population, concealed support for and participation in terrorist organizations.” Report here

HIZBULLAH & VENEZUELA

Hizbullah terrorists are flocking to Venezuela as Iran’s most important proxy increasingly turns to drug trafficking as a way to raise revenue. 400 Hizbullah field commanders received orders to evacuate to Latin America, specifically Venezuela joining 11,000 other Hizbullah-tied operatives who landed in Venezuela between 2010 and 2019. The proceeds from these drug sales fund Hizbullah’s global terror operation, while the Venezuelan regime takes a cut. Report here

BUSINESS

A study by EIT Hub Israel – the Israeli innovation hub of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) – found that over the past three years Israeli technology companies have significantly expanded their activities across Europe.
These companies now employ more than 30,000 workers throughout the continent. Germany, Spain and France serve as the main innovation hubs, while Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic functioning as cost-effective operational bases for engineering centres and shared services. Israeli companies are establishing large service centers employing hundreds of workers in Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania.
“There is a natural synergy between Israel’s strengths in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and defence and the structure of leading European economies such as Germany, France and the UK, as well as the EU’s new priorities, particularly in internal and external security,” said Dina Pasca-Raz, head of technology at KPMG Israel. Report here

THE UN

The UN spends $100 million per year on reports, debates, special mechanisms, and communication activities dedicated almost exclusively to singling out Israel, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said Tuesday.
The analysis identifies UN bodies such as the Division for Palestinian Rights and multiple General Assembly committees whose sole purpose is to promote the Palestinian cause. At least 100 reports are produced annually on Israel and the Palestinians, many of them repetitive, politically driven, and one-sided. Report here

COMMENT & OPINION

Hamas

Wall St Journal Editorial: Is U.S. policy legitimizing Hamas? Three months after the October ceasefire, the terrorists show no sign of disarming. Instead Hamas negotiates with White House envoys and regional powers as it settles in for the long haul. The Administration dignifies Hamas as a continuing negotiating partner.
President Trump’s peace plan says, “Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours.” So far, no progress. “Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza….There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use.” Hamas governs half of Gaza and has not surrendered a single weapon…
Every day Hamas fails to disarm and surrender power is a ceasefire violation. Accepting it legitimizes Hamas’s presence. Trump’s comments throughout the war suggest he understands that there can be no peace so long as Hamas is in power. But his envoys seem willing to trust that economic development alone will save Gaza. This has been tried and failed. Whatever gets built is knocked down in the next war that Hamas starts. Will the Trump envoys be remembered as the team that saved the hostages or the team that saved Hamas? Editorial here (paywall)

Michael Singh: Hamas has already demonstrated it has no intention of hewing to the balance of Trump’s Gaza plan, having spent the weeks since it took effect consolidating power and attacking Israeli troops, a far cry from the disarmament and dissolution the plan envisioned for the group.
Other problems abound – Hamas has exercised a de facto veto on the membership of the “technocratic” committee being assembled to govern Gaza, and potential troop-contributing states have insisted they will only participate in a planned “International Stabilization Force” if it operates at the invitation of the Palestinian Authority and limits its activities to monitoring the ceasefire rather than enforcing law and order. Article here

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Saeed Ibrahim (Founder & Editor of the Somaliland Chronicle) : When dictator Siad Barre, the former President of Somalia, unleashed genocide against the people of Somaliland in the 1980s – a systematic campaign of extermination that would claim over 200,000 lives and reduce our cities to rubble – the international community remained silent as our people were slaughtered.
But one country refused to be complicit in that silence. Israel stood alone in bringing Barre’s atrocities before the UN Security Council. That act of moral courage in our darkest hour is seared into Somaliland’s collective memory.
The UN, predictably, did nothing. For 34 years since, it has denied Somaliland’s right to exist while propping up the failed state of Somalia – more concerned with preserving colonial borders than protecting human lives or honouring democratic will. Israel and Somaliland have both fought for every inch of their existence, built democracy where others predicted chaos, and refuse to apologize for their right to exist.Article here

Yaakov Lappin: Israel’s recognition could create a critical opportunity to outflank the Iranian-Houthi axis that has damaged maritime traffic to Eilat. Oded Ailam, a former head of the Counterterrorism Division in the Mossad described the recognition as a major asset for Israeli intelligence gathering, vis-à-vis Yemen. Dr. Ely Karmon, a senior research scholar at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University said that the move must be viewed through the lens of the coalition forming against the Houthis’ presence in Yemen. Article here

Michael Rubin: On Dec. 26, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland. Somali nationalists claim that recognition is an assault on Somali unity, but that unity never existed…Unlike many other would-be secessionist states like the Kurds in Iraq or Biafrans in Nigeria, Somaliland’s borders were set by treaty under the British protectorate. The international community dumped billions of dollars of aid into Somalia, but Somaliland received next to none and had to raise its own budget. As a result, Somaliland built capacity and a tax base. It is home to multibillion-dollar communications and mobile money companies, one of the continent’s largest Coca Cola bottling plants, hotels, resorts, and transportation companies. What Israel has realized is that unity in the case of Somalia and Somaliland is neither realistic nor moral. They have gone separate ways since 1991, with Somaliland moving in positive directions that should be rewarded with recognition and engagement. Article here