Israel News for 12-22-2025
News Update
As we celebrate the 8th, and final, day of Hanukkah, Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with the Prime Ministers of Greece and Cyprus for trilateral talks in Jerusalem, to deepen security and energy cooperation in the face of growing tensions with Turkey. [So the Jews and Greeks are now on the same side!] Some reports say that the 2 countries are planning to form a joint intervention force, but Israel has denied those reports … for now. Meanwhile, Turkey launched several new naval vessels as part of its “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan) doctrine, which aims to extend Turkish influence across the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Next week Prime Minister Netanyahu will try to get President Trump’s backing for more strikes against Iran, which is reportedly rebuilding its ballistic missile capabilities and possibly also its nuclear facilities. Netanyahu will meet with Trump in Maro Lago. Another major topic of discussion will be the disarming of Hamas, which doesn’t seem to be happening but was a primary condition of the ceasefire agreement. It doesn’t seem like any Arab or Muslim country has the will, or stomach, to disarm Hamas, which would leave the IDF as the only force ready, willing and able to get the job done. And then there’s Hezbollah, which the Lebanese government is supposed to disarm, but is clearly not strong enough to do. There’s still lots of work to be done to achieve the peace that President Trump has already proclaimed.
For now, let’s be thankful for all the miracles that we have been, and continue to be, blessed with every day.
Happy Hanukkah!
