NEXT ZOOM BRIEFING: Sunday December 15th, 6 PM Israel Time, 4PM GB, 11 AM EST, 8AM PST
Today, discussions were held in the Knesset on passing a statement in favor of the establishment of a National Commission of Inquiry. Led by the government, the Knesset voted against its formation. MK David Amsalem shouted, “There will be no National Commission”. In response, Former Defense Minister Gantz stated, “I was the Defense Minister, so investigate me. Everyone needs to be investigated.”
Initially, the coalition argued that the convening of a National Commission must be postponed until the end of the war. However, their position has now shifted, claiming that the “leftist” judiciary cannot be trusted to appoint members to the commission investigating the failures of October 7. Under Israeli law, it is the responsibility of the Supreme Court Chief Justice to appoint members to such a commission.
TERROR ATTACK
Late tonight, a civilian bus was fired upon by a terrorist at a checkpoint south of Jerusalem. Four people were wounded in the attack, including a twelve-year-old boy who is in critical condition and three others who sustained less serious injuries. The attacker remains at large.
NETANYAHU TRIAL
Today marked the second day of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial. Netanyahu continued to address Case 4,000, which centers on media coverage by the Walla news site and the regulatory approval of a merger that benefited the site’s owners. Netanyahu’s defense included assertions that he had no role in the regulatory approvals and that attempts on his part to influence press coverage in his favor are entirely permissible. Moreover, Netanyahu has also sought to downplay the relevance of Walla, despite its status as one of Israel's leading news sites during the period in question.
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PRESIDENT OF PARAGUAY IN ISRAEL
President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, visited Israel to celebrate the opening of his country’s embassy in Jerusalem. During his visit, Peña met with President Herzog and delivered an address to the Knesset.
SYRIA
Israel appears to have mostly completed its operation against the remnants of Assad’s military, successfully destroying all of Syria’s heavy weaponry. The IDF now holds the most advanced positions within the demilitarized zone, previously abandoned by Syrian forces. There has been public criticism of Israel’s actions from several Arab nations, as well as disapproval voiced by France and Russia, however its reported that private communications differ significantly. Signals from Syria remain mixed.
The main opposition group, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has issued conciliatory statements and refrained from criticizing Israel’s actions. Al-Golani is actively working to form an interim government, which he claims will represent all Syrians. He has plans to draft a constitution by March and is also discussing the adoption of a free-market economy that integrates into the global system. Overall, these initiatives are seen as positive developments. However, some rebel factions have made inflammatory statements about “the road leading to Jerusalem.” It will take weeks to discern Syria’s direction, but Israel is remaining vigilant.
Four rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel; two landed in open fields, and the remaining two were intercepted by the Iron Dome. The rockets originated from the central camp area, which Israel had reportedly not fully cleared due to concerns about possible hostages being held captive there. Following the rocket fire, the IDF Spokesman urged residents to evacuate the discreet areas from which rockets were launched.
The Army continues its efforts to eliminate every terrorist involved in the October 7 massacre. Here is the statement released today by the IDF Spokesman regarding the latest targeted eliminations:
The IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated the commander of the Nukhba Unit who led the raid on the “Pega” outpost on October 7. In a separate strike, the head of Hamas’ paragliding unit was also neutralized.
An Israeli Air Force aircraft, under the command of the Gaza Division, targeted and eliminated Fahmi Salmi, the commander of the Nukhba Unit in the Zeitoun Battalion of the Hamas terror organization. Salmi was located in a structure that had previously served as the “Al-Falah” school.
Fahmi Salmi led the raid on the “Pega” outpost, during which 14 IDF soldiers were killed in a brutal massacre on October 7. During the war, he also planned and executed numerous terror activities against Israeli forces.
In another strike by the IDF and Shin Bet, under the command of the 162nd Division, an aircraft targeted and eliminated Salah Dahman, the head of the Hamas paragliding unit, in the Jabaliya area last week.
HOSTAGES
Reports suggesting progress in negotiations for the release of hostages and a potential ceasefire are becoming increasingly frequent— though the accuracy of these reports remains uncertain. While discussions are ongoing, their success ultimately hinges on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decisions. A significant majority of Israelis favor ending the war and securing the hostages' return. However, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu is willing to take the political risks required to achieve the longed-for outcomes.
CENTCOM Forces Defeat Houthi Attacks on U.S. Navy and U.S.-Flagged Ships in the Gulf of Aden. U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10.
The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.
The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack.
These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.
RISING ANTISEMITISM
Antisemitism is notably on the rise in two countries, thousands of miles apart. In Australia, a synagogue was recently firebombed, and today Jewish residents woke up to the following graffiti
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Concurrently, Canada has registered a 670% increase in antisemitic incidents. The Free Press has published a disturbing article about the surge, titled “The Explosion of Jew-Hate in the Canada.”
ECONOMY
The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in Israel grew by approximately 35% in 2024 despite numerous challenges. According to Deloitte's M&A report, the year 2024 concluded with 195 deals totaling around $20 billion, including 81 deals in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector.
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