Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Australian government of contributing to the conditions that led to the recent Sydney attack. Speaking at a public event in southern Israel, Netanyahu claimed that Canberra’s policies had encouraged antisemitic sentiment, which he linked to the violence that occurred on Sunday.

Netanyahu revealed that three months earlier he had written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, warning that Australia’s stance on recognizing a Palestinian state was ‘pouring fuel on the fire’ of antisemitism. His remarks follow Australia’s August announcement that it would move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, a decision that drew mixed international reactions.

The comments have added diplomatic tension between Israel and Australia, as both governments face scrutiny over their handling of Middle East policy and domestic security. Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s statements may reflect growing Israeli frustration with Western allies perceived as softening their positions on Palestinian recognition.

Israel’s military is facing a wave of resignations as around 600 officers and non-commissioned officers have submitted their resignations following a Supreme Court decision to suspend a long-standing financial benefit known as the “Chief of Staff Increase.” The suspended allowance had been a key incentive for career officers, and its sudden halt has triggered widespread discontent within the ranks.

According to Israeli daily *Israel Hayom*, most of the officers resigning are over 42 years old and intend to leave before the end of the month, when the suspension becomes effective. The dispute stems from a stalled agreement between the Finance and Defense Ministries, blocked in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee due to objections from MK Amit Halevi. The deadlock has intensified frustration among soldiers who have long relied on financial perks to maintain loyalty.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering convening a meeting to assess the operational impact on the army amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Military leadership, initially reluctant to intervene, is now lobbying for a rapid legal resolution as manpower shortages threaten operational readiness.

Israel has approved the construction of 764 new housing units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli media outlet Channel Seven. The plan includes 478 homes in Hashmonaim near Ramallah, 230 in Beitar Illit, and 56 in Giv’at Ze’ev. The decision comes amid an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has not issued an official statement on the matter.

The move adds to Israel’s long-running settlement expansion policy, widely condemned under international law. Since Netanyahu returned to power in 2022, settlement approvals have accelerated sharply. Reports indicate that over 51,000 new settler homes have been authorized across the West Bank in the past three years. Israeli NGO Peace Now estimates that around 450,000 settlers live in the West Bank and another 250,000 in East Jerusalem.

Analysts warn that the latest approval could further strain Israel’s relations with Western allies and complicate future peace negotiations with the Palestinians, who view the settlements as illegal encroachments on their prospective state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he will not retire from politics even if he receives a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. Speaking to reporters on December 7, Netanyahu firmly rejected the idea of stepping down, emphasizing his intention to continue leading despite legal challenges.

Netanyahu formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog last month, arguing through his lawyers that frequent court appearances hinder his ability to govern effectively. His legal team contends that a pardon would serve the national interest. However, Israeli legal tradition allows pardons only after a verdict is delivered, making Netanyahu’s request highly unusual. The prime minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he denies.

Opposition leaders have criticized the pardon request, insisting that Netanyahu should resign or admit guilt before any clemency is considered. Some have also called for early elections before the scheduled 2026 vote. The debate underscores deep political divisions as Netanyahu continues to lead amid mounting legal and political pressure.

Israel’s military has reported an unprecedented rise in suicides among its soldiers since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. According to official data released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the number of suicides has sharply increased each year since the conflict started, reflecting a growing mental health emergency within the ranks.

Between October and December 2023, seven active soldiers took their own lives. The figure rose to 21 in 2024, and at least 20 more suicides have been recorded in early 2025. Before the war, the annual average was around 12 cases, meaning the rate has nearly doubled. Analysts and mental health experts attribute the surge to prolonged combat exposure, traumatic battlefield experiences, and sustained psychological stress.

The findings have sparked debate within Israel about the adequacy of mental health support for soldiers and the long-term human cost of the Gaza conflict. Military officials are reportedly reviewing counseling programs and considering expanded psychological services to address the crisis.

Israel has announced a significant increase in its defense budget, raising it to 112 billion shekels ($34.7 billion) for the new fiscal year—about $7 billion higher than the previous allocation. The decision, jointly endorsed by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, awaits final approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet before being submitted to the Knesset.

The move comes despite an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, prompting questions about the timing and intent behind the expansion. Katz explained that the additional funds are meant to meet the operational needs of the armed forces and ease the burden on reservists. According to the Finance Ministry, the 2026 defense budget will be 47 billion shekels ($14.5 billion) higher than in 2023. Israel reportedly spent around $31 billion in 2024 on military operations in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Analysts suggest the budget increase reflects Israel’s long-term security strategy and preparation for potential regional escalations, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize the Gaza situation.

Major General Roman Gofman has been appointed as the next head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement was made in an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, December 4. Gofman will assume office in June next year, succeeding the current Mossad chief, David Barnea. Before this appointment, Gofman served as Netanyahu’s military secretary, a role that positioned him close to the country’s top leadership. Mossad is widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful and influential intelligence agencies, ranking just behind the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in global intelligence assessments. Gofman’s appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges for Israel, making his leadership crucial for the agency’s strategic direction and operations in the coming years.

Israel has announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinians in Gaza to leave the enclave, claiming coordination with Egypt and oversight by the European Union. The Israeli military office COGAT said the move reflects support for the ongoing seven-week ceasefire with Hamas and would follow procedures used during the January truce. However, Egypt has firmly denied any such coordination, calling Israel’s statement unilateral and baseless. Cairo stated that any reopening must be mutual and based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The Rafah crossing, a key humanitarian route, has remained largely closed since May 2024 when Israel took control of the area. According to the World Health Organization, around 16,500 critically ill or injured Palestinians are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment, though only 235 have been able to do so since the ceasefire began. If reopened, the crossing would reportedly be managed by Palestinian Authority officials alongside the EU Border Assistance Mission.

Guinness World Records has reportedly suspended the review of record registration applications from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision came after an Israeli organization, Matnat Chaim, which promotes kidney donations, submitted an application to register a record based on the number of voluntary kidney donors. Guinness responded by informing the group that it is not currently processing submissions from Israel or the Palestinian territories. Israeli media outlet Channel 12 reported that the move affects both the West Bank and Gaza. Matnat Chaim, claiming to have organized 2,000 donors, described the decision as politically motivated. Guinness World Records, a UK-based organization, has not yet issued an official statement explaining the reason behind the suspension, leaving the matter open to speculation and criticism from Israeli sources.

Twelve Israeli human rights organizations have jointly reported that 2025 has become the deadliest and most devastating year for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since 1967. The report claims Israel has intensified civilian killings, displacement, and blockades to unprecedented levels. Deaths in Gaza rose from about 36,000 in March 2024 to over 67,000 by October 2025, including more than 20,000 children and 10,000 women, with around 10,000 still missing under rubble. Over 1.7 lakh were injured, and 1.9 million people—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—were displaced. At least 461 people, including 157 children, died from starvation. In the West Bank, settler violence and forced evictions surged, displacing nearly 3,000 people. Administrative detentions tripled, and 98 detainees reportedly died due to abuse and poor prison conditions. The organizations accused Israel of openly violating international law and erasing moral boundaries, warning that such actions undermine any claim of self-defense.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s formal request for a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption cases has triggered intense political debate across Israel. President Isaac Herzog now faces three complex options: rejecting the plea, granting unconditional pardon, or offering a conditional compromise. Israeli law requires an admission of guilt before a pardon can be granted, making approval uncertain. Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s move is politically calculated to shift public focus from controversial draft exemption laws. Opposition parties demand his resignation and admission of guilt, while his Likud allies push for clemency. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, angering Israeli opposition groups. If approved, experts warn of mass protests potentially larger than the 2023 judicial reform demonstrations. Netanyahu faces three major corruption cases—known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000—alongside an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since October 2023.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s residence in Tel Aviv after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption cases. The 76-year-old leader sought clemency without admitting guilt or expressing remorse, sparking outrage among opposition lawmakers and anti-government activists. Demonstrators carried effigies mocking Netanyahu and urged the president to reject the plea. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces three separate corruption trials involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. One case accuses him and his wife of accepting luxury gifts worth around $260,000 from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, while other cases involve attempts to secure favorable media coverage. Netanyahu denies all charges, insisting through his lawyers that he expects full acquittal through the legal process. The protests reflect growing public frustration over perceived political impunity and judicial interference in Israel’s governance.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has promoted a police unit commander accused of killing two unarmed Palestinians in Jenin, occupied West Bank. The promotion, to deputy commissioner, came just a day after footage emerged showing unit members shooting two Palestinians who had raised their hands in surrender. The victims, identified as Montasir Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Asasa, 37, were reportedly unarmed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The move has drawn criticism as unusual, since such high ranks are rarely given to unit commanders. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power Party, personally visited the unit’s base to announce the promotion and expressed full support for the officers, even as a criminal investigation continues. The incident adds to growing tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli operations since October 2023 have killed over 1,085 Palestinians and injured more than 10,700. The International Court of Justice has previously declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.

Thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Portuguese embassy in Tel Aviv on Saturday to apply for Portuguese citizenship, following overwhelming demand for appointments. The embassy organized a special in-person interview day to handle the surge, with lines stretching from the entrance to the underground parking area. Portugal’s 2015 law allows descendants of Sephardic Jews, expelled during the 16th-century Inquisition, to apply for citizenship. However, due to a flood of applications, the government tightened eligibility requirements in 2023. Many Israelis are seeking Portuguese passports for visa-free travel within the EU, lower living costs, and easier access to European universities. The demand for second passports has risen sharply since Israel’s military operations in Gaza began in October 2023, with tens of thousands reportedly leaving the country. Interest in Portuguese citizenship continues to grow steadily among Israelis seeking greater mobility and security.

European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said Israel refused her request to enter Gaza through the Rafah border during her visit to Egypt. She described Gaza as a 'graveyard for thousands' and highlighted that 347 Palestinians, including 67 children, have been killed since the recent ceasefire began. Lahbib also noted that around 600 humanitarian workers have lost their lives in the conflict. Warning that the approaching winter will worsen conditions, she urged full respect for the ceasefire, adherence to international law, and unhindered access for NGOs to deliver aid. Despite ongoing relief efforts, she said the assistance reaching Gaza remains far below actual needs. During her trip, Lahbib visited aid warehouses in Egypt’s El Arish and hospitals treating wounded Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.