Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv in fresh protests against Netanyahu’s government. Demonstrators voiced discontent over judicial reforms and the handling of hostage negotiations. Retired military officials warned that the country is at a breaking point. Amid this unrest, Israel’s parliament approved a major judicial reform law, giving the government more influence in appointing judges, a move heavily criticised by opponents as a power grab.
In Lebanon, Israeli drone strikes killed five people, including a Hezbollah commander. Another strike earlier in the week targeted a Hezbollah elite force member. Israel has continued its military actions against Hezbollah despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November.
In Yemen, Houthi rebels fired two missiles at Israel, both of which were intercepted. While Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza have largely diminished, the Houthis have maintained aggression, citing opposition to Israel’s ongoing war efforts.
On the diplomatic front, an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem hosted by the Israeli government was attended by controversial far-right European politicians. Many Jewish leaders boycotted the event, criticising Netanyahu’s growing alliances with far-right figures, some of whom have been accused of antisemitism.
With tensions rising on multiple fronts, Israel faces growing internal and external challenges, from military conflicts to political crises.