Israel News for 12-3-2025
News Update
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad announced today that it had located the body of an Israeli hostage during searches in northern Gaza. The remains will be transferred to Israel at 5 p.m. today.
Israel will open the Rafah crossing for Gazans to exit into Egypt in the coming days. According to a statement: “The departure of residents through the Rafah crossing will be possible in coordination with Egypt, after security approval by Israel and under the supervision of the European Union delegation, similar to the mechanism employed in January 2025.” Entry of residents from Egypt into Gaza will not be permitted at this stage. The opening of the crossing is part of President Trump’s 20-point plan.
According to a post on X from the Prime Minister’s Office: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Acting Director of the National Security Council to send a representative on his behalf to a meeting with government-economic elements in Lebanon. This is an initial attempt to establish a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon.”
Israel’s Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system will become operational in Germany today. Germany spend 3.5 billion Euros on the system. So 80 after the holocaust, Jewish missiles will be protecting Germany. Go figure! This weekend, current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first visit to Israel.
The OECD has published its latest economic forecast for Israel, in which it sees strong growth of 4.9% in 2026 and only a slightly lower rate of 4.6% in 2027, following the ceasefire in Gaza. The OECD expects a 3.3% increase in Israeli GDP for 2025, significantly higher than the 2.5% forecast by the Bank of Israel and 2.8% by the Ministry of Finance.
