Fresh IDF figures show Hezbollah has breached the ceasefire 2,024 times, while the Lebanese Armed Forces took enforcement action in just 593 instances. Israel filed 863 violation complaints with Lebanon's military, which claimed to address 593 of them. The IDF moved to stop roughly 90 breaches, leaving 145 targets classified as "open" strikes that Lebanon's army never enforced.

Defense sources indicated Wednesday that Lebanese officials are falsely portraying progress in neutralizing Hezbollah. Beirut maintains that 90% to 95% of territory below the Litani (river in southern Lebanon) has been cleared of the terrorist group, but Israeli intelligence paints a starkly different picture. Lebanon's army won't even enter private property and villages throughout the south – proof that Hezbollah's presence remains extensive, Israeli officials note, adding that intelligence confirms the organization is actively working to restore its capabilities south of the Litani. For all Beirut's optimistic rhetoric, Lebanon's military remains too feeble and insufficiently committed to truly dismantle Hezbollah.

Israel has launched approximately 390 interdiction strikes in Lebanon since the truce began. Eliminated figures include Lebanese nationals functioning as liaisons between southern villages and Hezbollah, which continues rebuilding its network within civilian areas south of the Litani. Current intelligence estimates place several hundred to a few thousand Hezbollah operatives in the region, though not positioned directly along Israel's border. Any suspected terrorist activity near the contact line draws immediate fire, IDF officials confirm, citing Tuesday night's strike on a structure believed used by Hezbollah. Defense sources add that the group maintains infrastructure south of the Litani – some installations predating the war that Israeli forces only partially destroyed.

Diplomatic pressure on Lebanon's government has intensified recently, aimed at forcing Hezbollah's dismantlement and compliance with the ultimatum. Next week should bring another coordination session in Naqoura (UN base on Israel-Lebanon border), attended by diplomatic representatives, mirroring two previous gatherings.

Yet the IDF has spent months preparing for several days of intensive combat in Lebanon, planning strikes against targets typically off-limits to routine operations. Israeli Air Force jets will likely hit not just southern Lebanon but emphasize Hezbollah positions deep in Beirut, where strikes have been rare since the ceasefire due to dense civilian populations. Should political authorization arrive, military planners expect the campaign to span just days, though forces are bracing for potential extensions depending on Hezbollah's reaction, if any materializes. Regardless, Israel remains resolved to block Hezbollah's force restoration.

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Australia ushered in the new year beneath the shadow of a terrorist strike that unfolded mid-month at Bondi Beach in Sydney. In his televised New Year's message, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese declared, "In these moments, the happiness we typically experience as a new year dawns fades against the grief of the year behind us. In the wake of terror inflicted upon Jews in Australia at Bondi Beach, our hearts break for every life stolen and every life transformed forever."

Video: Celebrations in Sydney / Credit: Reuters

The assault took place during a "Hanukkah (the Jewish Festival of Lights) by the Sea" gathering hosted by the Chabad (a Hasidic Jewish organization) community in Sydney, as two armed operatives fired upon celebrants marking Hanukkah's opening night. Fifteen individuals perished and scores sustained injuries.

Australia held a minute of silence honoring those slain and harmed in the terror assault. Thousands clutched candles or flashlights in a poignant show of solidarity with the Jewish community and the struggle against antisemitism. The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge was also lit with a

Here's to 2026. pic.twitter.com/cvjnBWY6Tl

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 31, 2025

Menorah and illuminated in white in memory of the victims.

The Pacific island state of Kiribati claimed the distinction of first nation worldwide to greet the new year. Its principal island, Kiritimati, crossed into 2026 at 12:00 Israel time. New Zealand followed as the next nation to leave 2025 behind, with breathtaking fireworks illuminating Auckland's renowned Sky Tower at 13:00 Israel time. The nation entered the new year in tandem with Samoa and Tonga. Hong Kong called off its New Year firework display in the wake of the a fatal housing estate fire that claimed scores of lives.

Asian countries will launch New Year festivities with South Korea, North Korea and Japan leading the procession. Subsequently, Hong Kong and China will commemorate the milestone, joined by Taiwan, which marks the new year against mounting friction with Beijing and apprehension over potential annexation of the democratic territory. These celebrations will commence at 18:00 Israel time.

Video: Celebrations in New Zealand/ Credit: Reuters

European states, among them France, Germany and Britain, will embrace 2026 within one to two hours following Israel's countdown completion. The United States will observe the new year as final preparations wrapped up tonight in New York for the iconic ball descent ritual at Times Square.

When 2026 begins

The 2026 Ball Test was a SUCCESS! The Ball WILL drop tomorrow at midnight in #TimesSquare thanks to @CarnivalCruise #NewYearsEve #NewYearsEveBall #BallDrop #TimesSquareBall pic.twitter.com/cGWjAUz0n6

— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) December 30, 2025

Customs and traditions spanning the globe

Certain New Year practices aim to summon good fortune and banish malevolent forces. Prevalent techniques encompass consuming grapes, welcoming a dark-haired guest into one's dwelling, generating noise and chiming bells.

Shattering plates – Denmark

In Denmark, the ritual of smashing plates against friends' and neighbors' doors signals auspicious tidings. Should you awaken on New Year's Day discovering shattered crockery at your threshold – rejoice, fortune smiles upon you!

Consuming 12 grapes – Spain

In Spain, revelers mark the year's conclusion by swallowing one grape with each midnight chime, totaling 12 grapes representing the 12 months ahead. Contemporary youth have modernized the age-old custom, with unattached individuals potentially finding themselves eating grapes beneath kitchen tables – aspiring to discover romance in the approaching year.

"First footing" – Scotland

In Scotland, residents maintain the inaugural individual crossing a threshold past midnight will dictate household fortune throughout the new year. A dark-haired visitor portends prosperity, optimally bearing whiskey (naturally), coal fragments, bread and currency. The practice traces to Viking heritage, when fair-haired strangers might signal danger.

Consuming lentils – Italy

In Italy, consuming lentils constitutes traditional New Year fare. Greater lentil consumption supposedly attracts enhanced prosperity in the forthcoming year.

Donning dancing bears – Romania

In Romania, performers costumed as dancing bears visit residences on New Year's Eve, bestowing good fortune upon inhabitants.

Bell striking – Japan

In Japan, striking temple bells 108 times during the "Joya no Kane" (a Buddhist New Year ceremony) ritual on New Year's Eve symbolizes concluding the departed year and embracing the arriving year.

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The harbor span was illuminated in special white colors to honor the 15 individuals murdered on December 14, following an earlier pyrotechnic display designed for families.

Projections on the bridge's pylons featured a menorah, a dove, and the text peace and unity, serving as a poignant memorial. Attendees at the primary midnight gathering, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, were invited to observe a minute of silence. 9News reported that the internationally renowned fireworks show on the harbor attracts in excess of 1 million spectators annually.

Planners previously disclosed that the event would deviate slightly from tradition to pay respects to the casualties of the Bondi Beach tragedy. Law enforcement anticipated their most extensive New Year's Eve mobilization to date, with a force exceeding 2,500 personnel assigned to the operation, 9News stated. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns indicated that while the strategy involved deploying heavily armed officers within the gatherings, the public should not interpret this as an indication of an active threat.

"They'll be operational and highly visible," Minns said, as cited by the outlet. "It means that they're there in preparation for any eventuality." Minns had previously encouraged citizens to "thumb their noses" at terrorists by participating in the metropolis's most significant celebration. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore noted that the occasion allowed the populace to engage in contemplation. "Given that we're still reeling from the recent tragic events in Bondi, New Year's Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community to pause and a reflect and hope for a safer and more peaceful 2026," Moore stated, according to 9News.

Access to the city center was restricted for vehicles as immense multitudes flooded the harbor foreshore. Barriers were erected on thoroughfares in Circular Quay to the north of Bridge Street. Closures in Barangaroo and The Rocks affected portions of Hickson Road, as well as Argyle, Essex, and Harrington streets. Officials recommended that attendees utilize mass transit to reach the festivities.

According to Transport Minister John Graham, 1,000 additional services would operate continuously throughout the evening. Travelers were advised to anticipate significant congestion following both the 9 p.m. and midnight displays, with suggestions to walk toward Town Hall or Martin Place along George Street to facilitate easier boarding if possible.

Operating hours for the Barangaroo metro station were extended for the event. 9News noted that visitors were encouraged to check the official website for real-time updates on capacity at free viewing areas before attempting to set up.

One committed spectator mentioned to the publisher that he had been on site since 10 a.m. the previous day without sleep. A mother who arrived in the central business district at 11:30 a.m. expressed that she was "really excited" to secure a prime location with her two children.

"We can't wait, we got here early to get this spot so we can see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge," she said. "We were here in the year 2000 so we brought these guys back for their first time this year."

"The crowd has been very, very hospitable and the organisation has been perfect." Her son expressed delight at the prospect of witnessing the pyrotechnics in person. "We've seen it on TV a few times before, we can't wait to see it, it looks really cool on TV," he said.

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The multinational force takes shape

It remains unclear which specific nations Trump referenced when discussing those who would deploy troops to disarm Hamas. During the press conference, President Trump warned that the Islamic terrorist organization has a limited window to surrender its weapons – as it previously pledged.

He added that numerous nations are prepared to send troops to Gaza, noting that some possess the capability to disarm Hamas. One possibility is that this refers to Turkey or Pakistan – two radical Islamic nations whose military presence on the southern border would be unacceptable to Israel. However, officials stressed that no forces would be deployed without Israeli consent, meaning – no soldiers from these specific countries.

"They know Hamas up close"

A diplomatic official familiar with the details told Israel Hayom that the plan actually points toward a Palestinian force. The official cited Trump's remarks, which described the intended force as one that "knows Hamas up close." The source noted that hundreds of Palestinian security personnel have been stationed at a training camp in Egypt for months, and according to Egyptian officials, this force is expected to expand soon.

Israel Hayom previously revealed that the Palestinian Authority conveyed messages to the United States and mediators expressing willingness to take responsibility for weapons collection. Many of the Palestinians currently training in Egypt are former PA security personnel.

At the press conference, when asked about PA involvement in Gaza's reconstruction, Netanyahu replied that "this is conditioned on far-reaching reforms, first and foremost – stopping payments to terrorists and their families and a radical change in the Palestinian education system," which is currently saturated with anti-Israel and antisemitic messaging. Hussein al-Sheikh, the deputy to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, reportedly committed to Arab leaders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia that these reforms would be implemented rapidly.

Critical presence

At least some US administration officials maintain that the PA's presence is critical for ending the war and facilitating reconstruction, including the disarmament of Hamas. Israel objects partly due to the composition of the current government, as Religious Zionism (a right-wing party led by Bezalel Smotrich) and Otzma Yehudit (a far-right faction led by Itamar Ben-Gvir) reject any ties with the Authority and demand the establishment of Jewish settlements in the Strip. It is possible that alongside the military conscription bill, this issue could trigger early elections.

On Tuesday night, Israel Hayom revealed that President Trump updated Prime Minister Netanyahu that on January 15, he will announce the launch of his Gaza plan, including the establishment of an international oversight body he will likely chair. Trump stated in the meeting that a civil governing body will also be established in the coming weeks to prepare for the transfer of power away from Hamas.

According to diplomatic officials, Netanyahu did not object to Trump's statements. The Israeli delegation explained that these are merely declarations with no immediate practical significance on the ground. However, another diplomatic official clarified that Trump's words were not phrased as a question – but as a determination, leaving Netanyahu no room for objection.

Strategy on Iran

Regarding Iran, Trump issued declarations regarding a potential strike should Tehran advance its nuclear and missile programs. Israel Hayom has learned that in a meeting with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who was accompanied by senior military commanders, officials discussed the lessons learned from the war in Iran in June.

The primary conclusion was that the international coalition that helped defend Israel – which included Arab nations such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – recorded a major strategic success. Consequently, the joint command led by US Central Command (CENTCOM) will expand its operations. It was also determined that the Kiryat Gat Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which oversees preparations for the next stage in the Strip, will expand its scope and transfer part of its operations to a forward command post on the Gaza border.

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In the interview, conducted after his Monday meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu reiterated his demand for Hamas' disarmament as a condition for moving to Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, addressed criticism of settler violence in the West Bank, and discussed the humiliation he experiences in the criminal trial against him.

Netanyahu revealed that Iran has been attempting to rebuild its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. "The president was correct when he said that, you know, the Fordo thing was obliterated so they are trying other sites. They will try that. They are trying to recover their ballistic missile facility. We set them back considerably on both areas. But, they will try." He warned, ""They are going back to production."

The prime minister disclosed that two weeks ago he received intelligence about Iranian drills simulating the launch of ballistic missiles at Israel. "I conveyed a message, I made it public, so it's not a secret. I said: 'If you dare to do this, the results will be devastating.' I hope Iran won't make this mistake."

When asked about the likelihood of additional military action in Iran, he responded: "They're returning to production. Regarding the nuclear program, I think they're trying to do it. I'm not sure they've decided to cross the line, because they're heeding President Trump's warnings and also because they just experienced something less than a year ago. They saw what it entails." He stressed that removing the long-term threat from Iran is about denying it a path to nuclearlization. "With Iran the real issue was they should accept the fact they shouldn't have nuclear enrichment capability. They should take outline [sic] all of the material that they have already enriched. Take it out of Iran and have inspections"

Netanyahu added: "Look, we don't seek escalation. I hope they don't. But if they do, all bets are off."

Netanyahu dismissed reports of tension with the White House team ahead of the Mar-a-Lago meeting this week and the supposed divergence on the issue of Iran, with the Israeli side reportedly trying to adopt a more hawkish posture toward Hamas. "I can't deal with anyone of these fake spins. I didn't have to bring the President anywhere. We saw eye to eye. He cut right to the chase. He said, look, skip all this press stuff. I mean, the real thing is, you have got to get Hamas to disarm. He just banged the nail on the head, you know...He understands, look we are attacked, these terrorists try to kill us, sometimes kill our soldiers." 

On Hamas' disarmament, Netanyahu explained: "Hamas still has about 20,000 people with mainly rifles. In total they have 60,000 Kalashnikovs. That's what disarmament means – you need to take all those rifles and break up those terror tunnels. There still have hundreds of kilometers of terror tunnels. Hamas refuses to do this."

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شلیک مستقیم آدمکشان حکومت به معترضان

فسا، ۱۰ دی ماه pic.twitter.com/VtIw0B5t8Y

— Sardar Pashaei (@sardar_pashaei) December 31, 2025

Security forces acted to suppress the demonstrations, with media outlets in the country reporting numerous arrests, detentions, and interrogations of students, and the use of live fire and tear gas at several locations. According to reports, one student was seriously injured in Tehran.

Protest slogans intensified, going beyond economic demands, with demonstrators directing their anger at clerical rule and the Supreme Leader. Some participants even called for regime change and a return to the Pahlavi dynasty era.

Persan / Français

دانشجویان دانشگاه تهران ۹ دی ۱۴۰۴:

«مرگ بر ستمگر ، چه شاه باشه چه رهبر»

Français:

Étudiants de l'Université de Téhéran – 30 décembre 2025 (9 Dey 1404) :

« À bas l'oppresseur, qu'il soit le Shah ou le Guide. »#iran pic.twitter.com/xdWkq8HnSk

— Nazila Maroofian|نازیلا معروفیان (@maroofian_n) December 30, 2025

In response to the protests, President Masoud Pezeshkian presented Iran's economic difficulties on Wednesday morning as the result of external pressure and internal division, calling for increased unity within the establishment. Speaking before the Central Bank's general assembly, Pezeshkian said the country faces "external pressure from the nation's enemies," adding that internal disputes worsen the situation. "Unfortunately, within the country, instead of synergy and support, there are certain positions and actions that bring about weakening and harm," he said.

Security force vehicles were deployed outside the Charsu shopping complex in Tehran, part of an increased security presence in the capital's centers. Footage provided to Iranian media outlet Iran International showed several security vehicles parked near the complex, which serves as a major commercial and cultural hub and is located near streets where protest activity has been recorded in recent days.

Simultaneously, reports arrived of protest gatherings in Isfahan and Kermanshah. Footage from Isfahan showed groups of citizens assembling in Naqsh-e Jahan Square – one of the country's prominent public spaces and a recurring protest site during periods of unrest. In Kermanshah in western Iran, demonstrators were documented chanting "death to the dictator."

The protests also spread beyond the major urban centers. Residents of Fasa in Fars province in southern Iran broke out in protests, with eyewitnesses reporting that a group of citizens assembled outside the governor's office in the city, which has approximately 110,000 residents. During the gathering, critical slogans were heard against the Islamic Republic. It was also reported that security forces fired toward the demonstrators, as was also reported from other locations.

Against the backdrop of these developments, Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Bathaei said Iran must preserve "social cohesion" amid economic turbulence. He warned against attempts to exploit economic pressure for what he termed hostile psychological operations. According to him, economic fluctuations are not merely a matter of data and statistics but directly affect citizens' livelihoods, their mental well-being, and the social fabric. "Today the war is not conducted only in the military arena; the main war is the war of wills and social cohesion," he said. Bathaei called on citizens to avoid spreading rumors and maintain composure, emphasizing that any message of despair, rumor, or false polarization could serve hostile purposes. He also noted that authorities are monitoring the social situation and that decision-makers must weigh social considerations and professional opinions in managing the crisis.

Meanwhile, two major universities in Tehran announced on Wednesday a transition to online learning until the end of the current semester, against the backdrop of expanding protests and strikes. Allameh Tabataba'i University and Shahid Beheshti University reported that in-person classes would be suspended until further notice. The deputy education minister explained that the decision was made due to cold weather, energy shortages, and concern for student welfare. The universities also announced that all students who had been detained to date have been released.

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Last week, Lebanese media reported his abduction, with Israel accused of capturing him and bringing him into Israeli territory. It was further claimed that suspicions regarding the reason for his detention are connected to information he holds about Ron Arad, the navigator who fell into captivity in 1986.

According to the report, the investigation into the circumstances of his abduction has not yet been completed, but the "absence of evidence" along the route between Beirut airport and the Zahleh area in northeastern Lebanon reinforces investigators' assumption that a "professional operation" was carried out by those involved.

Lebanese security mechanisms reportedly hold security camera footage showing a suspicious vehicle that was used in the abduction operation.

Beyond this, Al-Diyar noted that an individual identified as A.M. was interrogated and testified that they connected Shouker with fictitious real estate buyers in the Bekaa Valley. The suspicion is that they lured him to a specific point where he was captured.

Following this, it was reported that security mechanisms are "almost convinced" that the Israeli Mossad is involved in the operation. One of the reasons, according to the claim, is that Western intelligence agencies defined as "friendly" have not cooperated in the investigation to expose information about a Swedish citizen suspected of involvement in the incident. Last week, two Swedish citizens suspected of involvement were reported, including one of Lebanese origin.

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The following day will feature an "Inauguration for a New Era Block Party," with the incoming mayor securing multiple prominent figures from the entertainment industry for his inaugural committee. The committee roster encompasses numerous politicians, community organizers, and municipal dignitaries, while simultaneously featuring several entertainment industry members who backed the mayor-elect throughout his campaign, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat for a Fox News interview Tuesday night while visiting the United States.

Video: PM Netanyahu speaks with Fox News / Credit: Fox News

Netanyahu labeled Judea and Samaria the "West Bank" in English when pressed on settler violence in Judea and Samaria. "Well, first of all, I think it's much bloated. You know, when they are talking about it, they are talking about a handful of kids. We actually located. It's about 70 kids not from the West Bank. They are actually teenagers who come from broken homes and they do things like chopping down olive trees and sometimes they try to burn a home."

Notably, the right erupted in fury over Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's identical language in 2022, when he referred to Judea and Samaria as "the West Bank" during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Bennett had previously chaired the Yesha Council (the Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea and Samaria), making the terminology shift particularly inflammatory.

"The time has come for all of us to internalize that day by day it becomes clearer that Bennett joined the Left not as a tactical step but in full adoption of the Left's policies and even terminology," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared at the time regarding Bennett.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir lambasted Bennett, stating, "It's unbelievable that the former CEO of the Yesha Council and current PM Naftali Bennett adopts the Palestinian narrative that believes in 'occupation.' This is another step on the road to a left-wing government after he promised ten degrees to the right."

As of this moment, Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have not addressed Netanyahu or his statement at all as of Wednesday morning

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The ceremony is held annually on Independence Day and is attended by the winners, their family members, and other dignitaries, with participation from the prime minister, the president, and the education minister. However, it is doubtful whether the world's most powerful man, the US president, will sit on stage for hours.

The artists' fees cost the Education Ministry about 150,000-170,000 shekels ($42,000-$47,600) each year. Among the glittering names who have appeared in previous years – Odaya, Itay V, Roni Dalumi, Hanan Ben Ari, and even Omer Adam. Makeup for Education Minister Yoav Kisch and the winners totals 5,000 shekels ($1,400). For the event's filming and production, the Education Ministry pays 170,000 shekels ($47,600). Of course, other ministers also received a makeup artist, and the makeup line item has risen in recent years from 3,500 shekels ($980) to 5,000 shekels ($1,400).

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