Israel News for 12-29-2025
News Update
Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump are meeting at Maro Lago in Florida today. The topics will undoubtedly include the Hamas non-disarmament, Israel remaining in control of 51% of Gaza, the growing Iranian ballistic missile (and possibly nuclear) threat, the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage, and more.
Last week, Israel recognized Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim state declared over 30 years ago in the northern part of Somalia, which has not been recognized by any countries, until now. Somaliland is located along the coast of the Gulf of Aden, across from Yemen — which should make the strategic reasons for Israel’s recognition obvious. Turkey and the Arab nations condemned Israel for recognizing Somaliland, except for the UAE, which has a naval base in the country and is also backing an opposition group in Yemen. For more, click here.
The first Iron Beam high energy laser defense system has been delivered to the IDF and is being integrated into Israel’s multi-layered defense system, alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow air missile defense systems. The Iron Beam system is equipped with an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical aiming system, which allows it to intercept a wide range of targets with an upgraded operating range, maximum accuracy and very high efficiency, costing around $5 per shot. The system be operated from the same control vehicle as the Iron Dome. The Iron Dome will be used to intercept rocket threats within a range of 40 kilometers, while Iron Beam will have a range of up to 10 kilometers.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Jews will be allowed to visit Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem (Nablus) during daylight hours, for the first time in 25 years. During the next visit to the site, the Jewish visitors will be allowed to remain at the compound until 8:00 a.m., instead of being required to leave by 4:00 a.m. The change will also allow the Shacharit (morning) prayers to be held at the site. Jewish visitors to the site have, until now, been required to visit at night and to leave by 4:00am.
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare rock-hewn mikveh, or ritual bath, dating to the final days of the Second Temple period directly beneath the Western Wall Plaza. The mikveh was found sealed beneath a significant layer of destruction dated to 70 CE. Within this layer, researchers discovered burned ash and various pottery and stone vessels. The find comes ahead of tomorrow’s Fast Day of Asarah B’tevet (the 10th of Tevet), which commemorates the start of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians that lead to the destruction of the First Temple in 587 BCE.
