Senior officials from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are reportedly discussing the formation of a joint rapid-response military force. This initiative, comprising approximately 2,500 troops, aims to deter Turkey's military activities and safeguard critical energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing regional security cooperation.
Germany has approved a significant expansion of its Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, increasing the total value to approximately $6.5 billion. This landmark deal, approved by the German Bundestag, represents Israel's largest defense export in history and aims to bolster Germany's air and missile defense capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical tensions.
UK police forces, including the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester Police, have announced they will arrest individuals chanting 'globalise the intifada' at protests. This policy shift, effective from Wednesday, December 17, 2025, follows recent terror attacks in Sydney and Manchester, with authorities citing a 'changed context' and escalating threat. Initial arrests have already been made in London.
UK's Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announced they will arrest individuals chanting 'globalise the intifada' at protests. This policy shift, effective December 17, 2025, follows recent terror attacks in Sydney and Manchester, with first arrests already made in London. Police cite a 'changed context' and use powers under the Public Order Act.
The International Criminal Court's Appeals Chamber has rejected Israel's challenge to block an investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ruling, issued Monday, means the probe will continue and arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remain valid.
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's recent approval to legalize 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a 'violation of international law' and relevant UN resolutions. The Kingdom reiterated its support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
A delegation of 30 Canadians, including six Members of Parliament, was denied entry to the West Bank by Israeli authorities on Tuesday. Israel cited 'public safety threats' due to alleged links between the trip's organizer, The Canadian-Muslim Vote, and Islamic Relief Worldwide, an entity Israel designates as a terror group. Canadian officials have expressed objections.
Iran's judiciary has announced that an unnamed Iranian-Swedish dual national has been tried for allegedly spying for Israel during the recent 12-day war in June 2025. The defendant, reportedly recruited by Israeli intelligence in 2023, faces charges after electronic surveillance equipment was discovered, and a verdict is expected soon.
Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Luxembourg called on the European Union to leverage its influence with Israel to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their joint appeal, made ahead of a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, highlighted severe shortages of aid and a fragile ceasefire, pushing for a lasting cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Israel is reportedly concerned by renewed talks between the United States and Qatar regarding the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets. Jerusalem fears such a deal could erode its qualitative military edge in the Middle East, prompting the formulation of a compensatory arms package for Washington.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier joined a public Hanukkah candle lighting at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on December 14, 2025, in a powerful act of solidarity with the Jewish community. The event followed a deadly antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which claimed at least 15 lives.
A 23-year-old Palestinian, Muhammad Wael al-Sharouf, was killed by Israeli forces near Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, December 14, 2025, following an alleged stabbing attempt. Israeli military stated troops 'eliminated a terrorist' who tried to stab them, while Palestinian health officials reported al-Sharouf was shot and his body seized.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has affirmed the nation's armed forces are fully prepared for defense, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy while remaining vigilant against potential threats amidst ongoing regional tensions and recent conflicts.
Israel has announced the killing of Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander and alleged architect of the October 7, 2023, attack, in an airstrike in Gaza City on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The strike reportedly followed an explosive device detonation that wounded two Israeli soldiers.
Officials within the Trump administration are engaged in advanced discussions regarding the imposition of terrorism-related sanctions on UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The deliberations follow Israeli accusations of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 attacks and alleged links to Hamas, prompting significant legal and humanitarian concerns.
International Criminal Court judges and officials continue their work despite facing US sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, imposed in response to investigations into alleged war crimes by Israeli and US personnel. The court remains committed to its independent judicial mandate.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, confirmed that the nation's position on Israel remains unchanged, despite needing unanimous approval from all OECD members, including Israel, for its accession. Indonesia's long-standing support for Palestinian statehood, reiterated by President Prabowo Subianto, is a key factor in its foreign policy. The country aims for full OECD membership by 2027, a process requiring extensive technical reviews and reforms.
Winter Storm Byron has unleashed severe flooding across Gaza's displacement camps, leading to the tragic death of an 8-month-old infant, Rahaf Abu Jazar, from hypothermia. The storm has submerged thousands of makeshift shelters, mixed stormwater with sewage, and intensified the already catastrophic humanitarian conditions for 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, prompting urgent calls for unhindered aid.
A dispute has erupted within the European Union as Germany and the Greek Cypriot administration clash over the wording concerning Türkiye in the bloc's annual enlargement conclusions. Germany advocates for positive references, while Greek Cypriots push for a tougher stance, threatening to block the final document.
A senior Israeli Defense Forces official has warned that Iran has resumed large-scale production of ballistic missiles, approximately six months after its 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025. This acceleration follows significant damage to its missile manufacturing capacity during the recent hostilities, with Tehran reportedly prioritizing the rapid restoration of its missile program.
