News Digest — 12/10/25
Unexploded Bomb On IDF Vehicle Leads Troops To Rocket Lair, Steps From Israeli Homes
The IDF and Shin Bet announced Tuesday (9th) the arrest of a terror cell operating in the Tullkarm area, following an investigation that began when an explosive device was discovered in an IDF vehicle undergoing maintenance in Ma’ale Adumiim.
The investigation revealed that several subjects were involved in attacks on military vehicles, including a bombing that injured former Menashe Brigade commander Col. (res.) A.
One of the main suspects, Ahmad Abu Samara, was linked to a September attack in which an explosive device was attached to another vehicle, injuring several soldiers. He was also connected to an attempted bombing of a David military vehicle and another attack that wounded Col. A.
Another suspect, Khalil Kharisha from Tulkarm, was arrested for already supplying material used in the production of explosives. A subsequent IDF raid in Tulkarm guided by Shin bet intelligence, uncovered three rockets in various stages of assembly, including one with a warhead –explosive material, improvised explosive devices, detonators and bombmaking supplies, were also found just hundreds of meters from communities in central Israel.
The initial breakthrough came when a bomb was discovered under a military vehicle during routine servicing in Mal’ale Adumim. Bomb disposal teams neutralized the device in a controlled explosion, and forensic investigators collected DNA evidence. Although it didn’t initially match any known suspects, further lab work eventually pointed investigators to the village of Attil near Tulkarm and to two family members.
In October, one of the suspects was arrested in a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet and police. In his interrogation, he admitted to placing the explosive under the vehicle, saying he intended to harm IDF soldiers “because of the war and what the army is doing.” He also confessed to two additional bombings, including the one that injured Col. A., who he was able to identify.
The investigation later uncovered additional accomplices and a hidden weapons cache in the suspect’s home, including rockets buried beneath a pile of rocks near a tree.
The rockets, reportedly constructed using instructions found online, were filled with improvised explosives known locally as “Umm al-Abed.” Six walkie-talkies, binoculars and other materials used to make weapons were also recovered.
Truckloads Of Armed Men Spotted Riding Near IDF Troops Close To Syrian Border
IDF troops operating near Khan Arnaba in southwestern Syria opened fire at a group of armed men traveling in pickup trucks that approached their position, according to Israeli media reports on Tuesday (9th).
Soldiers identified several individuals advancing toward them and initiated a standard arrest procedure, which began with warning shots into the air in an effort to force the group to retreat.
When the men continued moving forward toward the forces, the troops shifted to live fire and struck two of the suspects, prompting the remaining individuals to flee the area.
The episode took place amid heightened tension along the Syrian frontier, where Israeli forces have been working to prevent armed groups from approaching the border, and to limit attempts by hostile organizations to use the area for infiltration or attacks.
Last month, IDF troops from the 55th Brigade killed three operatives of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya during a raid in Beit Jinn in southern Syria, an operation that also left six Israeli reservists wounded when their convoy was ambushed as it withdrew.
The group, tied to the Muslim Brotherhood and active alongside Hamas and Hezbollah since the start of the war, was responsible for repeated attacks on Israel.
In early December, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the wounded soldiers and said Israel is prepared to explore an arrangement with Damascus if it includes strict security guarantees, including a buffer zone preventing hostile forces from approaching the Golan heights.
Netanyahu Orders Full Reopening Of Allenby Crossing
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (9th) ordered the immediate and full reopening of the Allenby Crossing after his meeting with US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz. The directive was relayed to Israel’s security establishment and enforcement agencies and included a series of operational steps meant to enable the crossing to function at full capacity under heightened security.
The Allenby Bridge, known in Jordan as the King Hussein Bridge, spans the Jordan River between the Jericho area in Israel’s Jordan Valley and the Jordanian town of Al-Karameh. It is the primary land crossing for Palestinians traveling abroad and the main commercial gateway for goods moving from Jordan and the Jordan Valley to Gaza.
The crossing had been closed to cargo since September after a Jordanian truck driver transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza carried out a deadly terror attack, killing two IDF soldiers. The terrorist, identified by Jordanian authorities as 57-year-old Abd al-Mutalib al-Qaisi, opened fire upon arrival and then carried out a stabbing before being shot dead by Israeli security forces. According to security sources, the truck had not yet undergone its required inspection when the assault began. The crossing reopened days later for pedestrian traffic only.
A senior Israeli security official said that new procedures have now been put in place. “Security screening and profiling protocols for Jordanian drivers and incoming cargo have been tightened, and dedicated security forces have been assigned to protect the crossing.”
Israel And Bolivia Renew Diplomatic Ties After 16-Year Break
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar and Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Armayo held an event in Washington DC on Tuesday night (9th) and signed a joint communique to renew diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Bolivia’s Minister of Finance and Economy Jose Gabriel Espinoza also participated in the event.
Minister Sa’ar said during the event, “I just had a warm and moving meeting with Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Fernando Aramayo. I’m also glad to welcome Minister of Finance and Economy Jose Gabriel Espinoza. Thank you for participating. And I also learned a little bit about your planned economic reforms,which we hope will put Bolivia on the right path.”
”Israel and Bolivia share a longstanding friendship. But since 2000 – except for a brief period in 2020 – Israel and Bolivia have had no diplomatic relations,” he continued. “Today, we are ending the long, unnecessary chapter of separation between out two nations.”
“Following the election of President Rodrigo Paz, I am pleased to announce that Israel and Bolivia are renewing diplomatic relations,” Sa’as stated.
“I spoke with President Paz the day after his victory in the elections in October. I conveyed Israel’s desire to open a new chapter and fully restore relations. Israel was represented at President Paz’s inauguration on November 8th by the Director General of the Ministry. Today we are formally taking it a step further.”
Sa’ar said that he and Minister Aramayo signed the joint Communique on the Reestablishment of Diplomatic Relations between Israel and Bolivia which lays out a clear framework for renewed ties.
“We agreed to reestablish full diplomatic relations and to appoint ambassadors in a timely manner. We exchanged mutual invitations for government and private sector representatives. We will visit each other’s countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation. And we committed our two Foreign Ministries to ongoing dialogue on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues.”
”Our goal,” said Sa’ar, “is strengthening and deepening our relations across many fields. And we already discussed that, and we will continue to do it after these declarations.”
“We want to help the new Bolivian government and the people of Bolivia. We will do so in agriculture through our development agency, Mashav. We will do so in the field of security, between our foreign ministries, and many more areas.
Commenting on the history of the relations between Bolivia and Israel, Sa’ar said, “Bolivia, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel share a long history of true friendship. Bolivia opened its doors to Jewish refugees during the Second World War when much of the world closed its gates. Bolivia supported the establishment of the State of Israel in the historic 1947 UN vote. For many decades, our two nations enjoyed warm diplomatic relations.”
Sa’ar continued, “The renewal of our ties is an important and welcome step. Israel is committed to working closely with the Bolivian government in areas that serve both our nations: in water management, agriculture, health, innovation, and in a shared fight against organized crime and terrorism.”
“With Bolivia’s recent decision to lift the visa requirements for Israeli tourists, I know that thousands of Israelis will once again visit the beautiful country every year. This will contribute to strengthening the human bridge between our peoples,”said the Foreign Minister, who noted that strengthening relations with Latin American countries as a whole is a foreign policy priority of his for 2026.
“Today, Israel and Bolivia are opening a new chapter in our relations. Starting here in Washington, DC – as we sign this historic agreement – I know we will work closely with the United States under President Trump, to build a better future.”
“We wish President Paz, and the new government , much success. I know that we will do great things together. Thank you,” Sa’ar concluded.
Fighting Terror And Studying Torah: IDF Launches Elite Haredi Commando Unit
One year after the establishment of the Hasmonean Brigade – an IDF combat unit designed for young Haredi men – the military is expanding its opportunities for recruits with the launch of a new elite unit: the Hasmonean Reconnaissance Unit.
To set up the unit, the IDF enlisted veterans of elite units and commandos who will lead the training and planning processes. The new commando unit will adhere strictly to the unique religious framework of the brigade, including daily Torah study, prayer services and culturally appropriate programming.
The first group of soldiers entering the commando training were part of the brigade’s inaugural draft. After completing their standard training, they were selected for the unit following a screening process conducted a year after their enlistment.
“The training will include counterterrorism, field warfare and advanced combat exercises,” an IDF source explained. “The unit will be capable of operating beyond enemy lines in any configuration required. It will also specialize in specific weapon systems that give the IDF an operational advantage.”
Amid ongoing debate over military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, the Hasmonean Brigade also marked a milestone last week with the completion of its first squad commander course.
The ceremony included senior officers, families and the brigade commander, Lt. Col. A,. 70 soldiers completed the course which included urban and open-terrain combat, nationwide navigation training and advanced tactical instruction. Some have already seen combat in Gaza.
The IDF emphasized that this was the first commanders’ course designed specifically for Haredi recruits, part of a long-term plan to build a Haredi leadership structure with commanders who share the same cultural and religious background as future recruits.
IDF Sees Sharp Rise In Enlistment From Israel’s Minority Communities – Dana Ben Shimon
Clashes last July between Bedouin and Druze militias in the southern Syrian city of Sweida have become a catalyst for a dramatic rise in IDF enlistment among Druze who live on the Golan Heights, who are long known for their opposition to Israel.
Unlike the Druze of the Galilee – who serve proudly and prominently in the IDF – the Golan Druze historically held residency without Israeli citizenship and avoided military service. That is now shifting, said Safi Ibrahim, 45, an IDF colonel from Israel’s Druze community who heads the army’s department for soldiers from Israel’s minority populations. “The Druze residing in Syria believe there is no one who can help them more than the State of Israel.”
“Shortly after the war began, we saw a willingness among the local [Golan Druze] population to defend themselves and join the reserves. We facilitated training for 150 people and they continue to serve to this day. Now you see them in IDF uniforms in their villages – something they were reluctant to do previously.” A second group of 150 Golan Druze soldiers began basic training this month.
While military service is mandatory for Israeli Druze, it is voluntary for Bedouins, Muslims, and Christians. Ibrahim noted that Arab Christian enlistment has increased threefold in the past year. No matter what minority group you come from, everyone saw the cruelty of Oct. 7 and realized that the enemy didn’t care if it was a Bedouin woman with a headscarf or a Jew from a kibbutz. Arab Christians here also saw how their counterparts in Syria have been slaughtered and persecuted by Al-Jolani’s (Syrian leader) forces. (Jerusalem report)
The Canonization Of Marwan Barghouti – Melanie Phillips
Imprisoned former Fatah terrorist leader Marwan Barghouti, 56, consistently leads opinion polls asking Palestinian Arabs who they want to replace Mahmoud Abbas, 90, as head of the Palestinian Authority. Some 200 high-profile actors and musicians have now called for his release, claiming that he has been “illegally held by Israel” for more than two decades.
Barghouti was properly convicted in 2002 with overwhelming evidence, for orchestrating multiple deadly terror attacks during the Second Intifada, in which five people, including four Israelis and a Greek Monk, were murdered. The court determined that Barghouti also bore moral responsibility for numerous other terror attacks in which many more Israelis were murdered.
Those calling for his release are promoting as a hero someone responsible for heinous acts of murder. The terrorist’s violence is sanitized, and the innocents he has murdered are dehumanized. The celebrities think these victims deserved what they got because their very existence was an offense against the righteousness of the cause.
The Palestinian cause has helped destroy the West’s moral compass. This cause stands for nothing less than the destruction of Israel. The Palestinian Arabs say so repeatedly. They teach their children to hate and murder Jews. They demonize the Jews as rats or snakes. The Palestinian cause is the Trojan horse for anti-Semitism. And anti-Semitism is the Trojan horse for the attack on Western civilization.
The writer is a columnist for The Times-UK,
(jns.org)
