Live updates (closed)
The Times of Israel liveblogged Saturday’s events as they happened.
8 anti-government protesters said arrested in Tel Aviv
Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv on December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Police in Tel Aviv arrest eight anti-government protesters, who are taken to the Lev station in central Tel Aviv, according to a group of lawyers who volunteer for detained anti-government protesters.
Attorney and former Meretz MK Gabi Lasky, who is representing the protesters, says three minors are released, and five adults are being held on remand: four on suspicion of disturbing public order and one on suspicion of assaulting an officer.
In a statement, police said they arrested five protesters for breaking through police barriers, blocking Begin Road, and attempting to enter the Ayalon Highway.
Dozens of Hezbollah fighters flee Homs as rebels close in, says Syrian army officer
Anti-government forces drive in al-Rastan in Syria's west-central province of Homs on December 7, 2024, on their way to the city of Homs. (Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)
Dozens of fighters from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces flee the Syrian city of Homs following a decision made by the Syrian army that the city could no longer be defended, a Syrian army officer tells Reuters.
A Homs resident, and army and rebel sources say the insurgents have breached government defenses from the north and east of the city. A rebel commander says they have taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city.
State television reports that the insurgents have not penetrated Homs, although it says they were on the city outskirts, where it says the military was striking them with artillery and drones.
Melbourne Jewish community to hold solidarity rally following synagogue arson
Two Jewish men stand outside the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Saturday, December 7, 2024, a day after it was gutted in an arson attack. (AAP Image/Rachael Ward/Reuters)
Following the arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne on Friday, Melbourne’s Jewish community is holding a solidarity rally Sunday to “come together to stand against hate and show solidarity.”
For security reasons, the location of the 10:30 AM event is only being shared with those confirming attendance.
“This rally is a moment to unite, reflect, and reaffirm our shared commitment to resilience and togetherness in our community,” the notice from J-United, a Jewish activist network, reads. “Together we send a powerful message: an attack on one of us is an attack on all, and hate has no place in our community. Together we rise stronger.”
Iraqi official says around 2,000 Syrian soldiers have crossed into country
An Iraqi government spokesperson says about 2,000 Syrian army soldiers have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge as opposition forces advance in Syria.
Bassem al-Awadi says the soldiers’ equipment and weapons were registered and taken into custody by the Iraqi army. “We dealt with them according to the principle of good neighborliness and humanity,” he says.
Al-Awadi also says Iraqi officials are concerned about the security of the al-Hol camp and other facilities in northeast Syria where suspected ISIS members and their families are detained. The facilities are guarded by US-backed Kurdish forces.
Al-Awadi says there is “high-security coordination” between Iraqi officials and those forces to “prevent the prisoners from escaping.”
FM Sa’ar: Israel concerned over Syria border activity, but is not intervening in conflict
An Israeli military vehicle rides along a road next to the UN base on the Israeli side of the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Golan Heights from Syria, December 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar says that Israel is not intervening amid developments in the Syrian civil war, but that the country is concerned about violations of a 1974 disengagement agreement.
“Over the past day armed forces have entered the buffer zone on the Syrian side of the border with Israel, and have attacked the UNDOF forces in the area,” says Sa’ar in a statement. “Israel is concerned about violations of the disengagement deal with Syria from May 1974,” which pose a threat to Israeli security, particularly in the Golan Heights, he adds.
Sa’ar adds that “the State of Israel is not intervening in the internal conflict in Syria.”
Netanyahu tells mother of hostage Matan Zangauker Israel is working to advance talks
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, addresses the media in Tel Aviv on December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Einav Zangauker after Hamas released a propaganda video showing the first sign of life from her son, hostage Matan Zangauker, earlier today.
Netanyahu tells Einav Zangauker that he “fully understands the severe suffering that Matan and all the hostages and their families are going through,” according to a statement from his office.
The prime minister tells her that Israel is working to “take advantage of every opportunity that arises to advance negotiations” and vows to do everything to bring Matan and the rest of the hostages home.
In a speech earlier today to media outlets at Hostages Square, Einav Zangauker demanded that Netanyahu “end this war already and bring everyone home!”
Grandfather of hostage to PM: ‘Do you think of Naama, afraid in some dank tunnel?’
Amnon Shahar, the grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, speaks during a rally at 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv, December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Speaking before the thousand-strong crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Amnon Shahar, grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Do you think of Naama, afraid, in some dank tunnel?”
“And then what, Bibi? Do you bottle it up? Do you tell yourself you have to ignore the suffering to save the people of Israel?” he continues. “Do you not feel the cold terror creeping into your heart, that you may be bringing about the end of the people of Israel in Zion?”
Shahar says Israel has secured a military victory in Gaza, but that the victory is meaningless while the hostages are there: “Make this victory complete.”
Tami Baruch, mother of slain hostage Sahar Baruch, says the family should have marked his 26th Hebrew birthday today.
“Sahar was murdered in captivity when he was so young,” she says. She describes him as a compassionate soul, ever eager to share his love of fantasy literature with his younger brother. “Sahar, the boy with the long hair, donated his hair when he joined the army,” she says.
In between speeches, the crowd chants: “You’re not alone! We’re with you!”
Before the rally ends with “Hatikva,” the national anthem, actor Lior Ashkenzai, who regularly emcees the rallies, thanks the outgoing and incoming US administrations for their advocacy for the hostages.
Nearby anti-government rallies at the Begin Road entry to the IDF headquarters and the Begin-Kaplan interchange have largely dispersed.
The latter demonstration — an encore of the 2023 protests against the judicial overhaul — drew more than 1,000 people; now, just a few dozen far-left protesters are left. They wave Antifa flags and chant slogans urging IDF soldiers to “refuse the massacre.”
They are briefly disrupted by a handful of far-right youth, who hurl obscenities at the protesters. A shouting match ensues, and police intercede. The far-right youth retreat and the leftists close up shop.
On the road in front of the IDF headquarters’ Begin Road entrance, a modest bonfire still flickers. Channel 12 reports that there were clashes between police and protesters here. However, a group representing people detained at anti-government protests has not reported any arrests.
FMs meet in Doha to discuss Syria as UN pulls its non-critical staff from country
Anti-government fighters patrol a street in Izra town in the Syrian southern province of Daraa on December 7, 2024. (Sam HARIRI / AFP)
Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran gather on the sidelines of the Doha Summit along with the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to discuss the situation in Syria.
The talks are continuing late tonight and no details are immediately available. Qatar, Jordan, and Iraq also are part of the discussions as opposition fighters closed in on the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Meanwhile, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Syria says the UN is relocating non-critical staff outside the country.
Adam Abdelmoula in a statement calls it a precautionary measure to protect UN teams.
“Let me emphasize — this is not an evacuation and our dedication to supporting the people of Syria remains unwavering,” Abdelmoula says.
West Bank car rammer turns himself into security forces, says IDF
IDF troops at the scene of a car-ramming attack near the West Bank's Fawwar camp, close to Hebron, December 7, 2024. (Rescuers Without Borders)
The military says the Palestinian assailant who carried out a car-ramming attack in the southern West Bank this evening turned himself into security forces.
A soldier was seriously wounded in the attack.
Thousands march at 3 separate Tel Aviv rallies calling for hostage deal, toppling government
Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Activists can choose among three adjacent rallies tonight in Tel Aviv as anti-government groups reclaim Democracy Square, at the intersection of Begin Road and Kaplan Street, which saw weekly mass demonstrations against the judicial overhaul throughout 2023.
The protests on Democracy Square were put on hold due to restrictions on public gatherings amid the escalation against Hezbollah in September. The restrictions were lifted after a ceasefire was reached in Lebanon last month.
Police approved a “Democracy March” to the intersection from Habima Square but did not approve the protests at Democracy Square itself, saying last week’s low turnout did not justify sealing off the junction.
Nonetheless, what appeared to be over a thousand protesters, many carrying Israeli flags, crammed into the square. Police cordoned off the area with trucks, and there were no reports of arrests.
Under a large banner reading “Crime Minister” next to a picture of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, protesters chanted: “There is no forgiveness for the enemy of the state! There is no forgiveness for the angel of death!”
A block north, hundreds of people join anti-government hostage families as they held their weekly protests outside the IDF Headquarters Begin Road entrance, bolstered by left-wing groups including Standing Together and Looking the Occupation in the Eyes.
On the ground, large white cardboard letters spell out: “Thou shalt not kill.”
In between the two protests, a group urging “civil rebellion” has set up a “conscription booth” to enlist people willing to engage in non-violent civil disobedience. For the second week running, the group holds an explanatory session on disobedience tactics.
West of there, on Hostages Square, the Hostages and Misisng Families Forum holds its central weekly rally, with some 1,000 people attending. Before the speeches, the Forum plays the propaganda video of hostage Matan Zangauker that Hamas released earlier this evening — the first sign of life from the captive.
IDF soldier killed during fighting in south Gaza, says military
Cpt. Avraham Ben Pinchas. (IDF)
An IDF officer was killed during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip earlier today, the military announces.
The slain soldier is named as Cpt. Avraham Ben Pinchas, 24, a platoon commander in the 401st Armored Brigade’s 46th Battalion, from Harasha.
His death brings Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and military operations along the border with the Strip to 383.
Visiting border with Syria, IDF chief says Israel is ‘closely following’ situation
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visits Israel's border with Syria on December 7, 2024. (IDF)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, during a visit to the Syrian border earlier today, says the military is monitoring the rebel forces to make sure “they don’t turn in our direction.”
“We are very closely following what is happening. The main emphasis is to see the Iranian exit [from Syria]… and the second thing is to see the local elements taking over the area, what they are doing, how they behave, how they are deterred, and [making sure they] don’t get confused and turn in our direction,” he says.
“If there is such confusion, there is an offensive response and behind it a very, very strong defensive response,” Halevi adds.
The IDF chief held an assessment today with top officers at the 210th “Bashan” Regional Division, which is tasked with the Golan Heights area, during which he approved battle plans, the military says.
In the meeting, Halevi “emphasized the high preparedness in attack and defense, the concentration of forces at the border, and the continued monitoring of developments,” according to the IDF.
Halevi also “emphasized that we do not interfere in events in Syria,” but rather only “work to thwart and prevent threats in the region, and prepare plans for the various possibilities.”
Over the weekend, the IDF bolstered its forces on the border with Syria, amid the developments in the civil war. The additional troops include ground and air forces, along with intelligence and surveillance arrays, the military says.
Seriously wounded victim in car-ramming attack is soldier, says IDF
The IDF says the seriously wounded victim of the car-ramming attack in the southern West Bank is a soldier.
The assailant who carried out the attack near the Fawwar camp fled the area. The IDF says troops are imposing a closure on Hebron amid a pursuit after the attacker.
During the incident, the military says troops opened fire at the car which hit the soldier.
The army is investigating if the gunfire also mistakenly hit a civilian car driving in the area, lightly wounding one of the occupants.
Syria army says it is boosting deployment around Damascus and in south
A portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad is displayed in the old city of Syria's capital Damascus on December 6, 2024. (LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
The Syrian army says it is strengthening its defense lines around Damascus and in the south, as panic spreads in the capital after the rebels said they are drawing close.
“Our armed units are reinforcing their lines throughout the Damascus countryside and the southern region,” a spokesperson for the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces says in a televised statement. He also says the army is launching operations against rebels in the “Hama and Homs countrysides [in central Syria] and the northern Daraa countryside” in the south.
4 reported dead in Israeli airstrike in south Lebanon
Lebanese media outlets report four dead and six wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanon town of Beit Lif.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
COGAT: More than 3,200 tons of flour delivered to Gaza this week via Israel
Flour being delivered to Gaza via the Erez Crossing from Israel in a handout photo released on December 7, 2024. (COGAT/IDF)
COGAT, the Defense Ministry body which oversees coordination in the West Bank and Gaza, says that more than 3,270 tons of flour on 218 trucks was delivered to Gaza this week via Israel.
The flour was delivered to the UN’s World Food Programme operations in Gaza via two crossings from Israel, Gate 96 in the south of the Strip and the Erez West Crossing in the north, “following stringent security inspections,” says COGAT in a statement
The statement also says that “a large-scale refueling operation was carried out this week, supplying fuel to the WFP’s bakeries using a fuel tanker,” without elaborating on the origin and transport of the fuel.
Netanyahu to convene security cabinet meeting tonight on situation in Syria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a security cabinet meeting on July 28, 2024. (Haim Zach/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be convening his national security cabinet at 9 p.m. to discuss the unfolding war in Syria, his office tells The Times of Israel.
Israel is looking on with concern after rebel forces took control over the Quneitra and Daraa area — on the Israeli border — from Syrian government forces over the weekend.
Student group distributes ‘The Columbia Intifada’ newspaper on campus
Pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protesters march outside Columbia University, in New York City on May 23, 2024. (Kena Betancur/AFP)
Columbia University’s Students for Justice in Palestine is distributing a print newspaper called “The Columbia Intifada” on the college’s campus.
A post on Instagram by Columbia University Apartheid Divest says the organization distributed 1,000 copies on campus.
New York Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican, calls the publication “outrageous.”
“If @Columbia cannot protect Jewish students on their campus, they should lose federal funding and have their tax-exempt status revoked,” he writes on X. “And for those students here on a visa engaged in an ‘intifada’ against American students of the Jewish faith? Deport them.”
This is outrageous.
If @Columbia cannot protect Jewish students on their campus, they should lose federal funding and have their tax-exempt status revoked.
And for those students here on a visa engaged in an “intifada” against American students of the Jewish faith? Deport them. https://t.co/6NtCPc4mDe
— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) December 6, 2024
Man seriously wounded in West Bank ramming attack, say medics
A man in his 30s is seriously wounded in a car-ramming attack near the West Bank’s Fawwar camp, the Magen David Adom ambulance service says.
The man is being taken to a hospital for treatment.
MDA adds that a 45-year-old man in a civilian car was lightly wounded by shrapnel in the incident as well.
The man drove from the scene to the Otniel junction where he met up with medics. Two others in the car, a man and a young boy, are being treated for acute anxiety, MDA adds.
According to a military source, the assailant fled the scene following the attack. A large number of forces are currently chasing after him, and the army is imposing a closure on Hebron amid the pursuit.
Macron hosts meeting between Trump and Zelensky in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron, center, poses with President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP/Aurelien Morissard)
President Emmanuel Macron hosts three-way talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and US President-elect Donald Trump in Paris.
Trump held talks with Macron inside the Elysee Palace ahead of the re-opening ceremony for Notre Dame cathedral, with Zelensky then arriving and immediately joining them. The trio pose for a picture but make no further public comment before starting the talks.
IDF says it is responding to suspected car-ramming attack in West Bank
The IDF says it is responding to reports of a car-ramming attack near the West Bank’s Fawwar camp, close to Hebron.
Medics say at least one person is wounded in the incident.
Mother of hostage Matan Zangauker after sign of life: ‘End this war already and bring them home’
Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan, speaks at a press conference outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on August 31, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, says that after “14 months of sleepless hell,” she has finally seen “a sign of life from Matan — my Matan is alive!”
Hamas released a propaganda video showing Matan earlier today, in which he calls on the Israeli public to continue protests in support of a deal with Hamas. He was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7, 2023, and has been held captive in Gaza ever since.
“Any deal that does not bring everyone home is a death sentence for those left behind,” says Einav Zangauker in a statement to the press not long after the clip’s release. “Netanyahu, end this war already and bring everyone home!”
She says that “my heroic son has survived in captivity against all odds, but the sign of life from Matan proves that he will not survive much longer — and the hostages are in imminent danger. We have to bring everyone home now, immediately.”
Turning to the prime minister, she says “the fact that Matan is alive doesn’t mean he will survive the winter or the continuation of the military campaign. The way to bring Matan and everyone home is only through a deal.”
Turkey’s Erdogan says there is now ‘a new reality’ in Syria
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. (Luis Robayo/AFP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is now a new reality in neighboring Syria, where Turkey has long supported opposition forces and carried out incursions against Kurdish forces that it regards as terrorists.
He was speaking as Syrian rebels entered suburbs of the city of Homs, sources say, opening a path to Damascus in a lightning advance as front lines collapse and government forces battle to save President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule.
“There is now a new reality in Syria, politically and diplomatically. And Syria belongs to Syrians with all its ethnic, sectarian and religious elements,” Erdogan says in a speech in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep. “The people of Syria are the ones who will decide the future of their own country.”
IDF says it is aiding UN forces to repel attack on post on Syrian side of Golan
Illustrative: A picture taken in the Golan Heights on May 14, 2022, shows members of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) monitoring the Syrian side of the border with Israel. (Jalaa Marey/AFP)
The IDF says it is assisting United Nations forces on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights to repel an attack by gunmen on a UN position.
According to the IDF, a group of armed men attacked a UN post near the Syrian town of Hader, close to the Israeli border.
“The IDF is now assisting the UN force to repel the attack,” the military says.
Over the weekend the IDF bolstered its forces on the border with Syria, amid the developments in the civil war. The military says it “will continue to act to protect the State of Israel and its citizens.”
Rebel forces took control over the Quneitra and Daraa area — on the Israeli border — from Syrian government forces over the weekend.
Trump says US should not get involved in Syria fighting
US President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, November 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
US President-elect Donald Trump says Washington should not get involved in the resumption of Syria’s civil war, in a post on his Truth Social social media site.
Trump says that the opposition has been able to make their recent advances because Russia is “so tied up in Ukraine” and is “incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.”
Trump criticizes his predecessor Barack Obama for backing away from “red lines” he set for Assad during the conflict and allowing Russia to intervene.
“There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid,” Trump writes, adding, in all capitals, that “the United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved!”
Hamas releases propaganda video of hostage Matan Zangauker
Hostage Matan Zangauker speaks in a Hamas propaganda video issued on December 7, 2024. (Screenshot: Telegram)
The Hamas terror group has released a propaganda video showing signs of life from hostage Matan Zangauker, 25.
The three-and-a-half-minute-long video is not dated, though Zangauker states that he has been held for over 420 days, indicating it was filmed recently.
Zangauker was abducted by Hamas terrorists from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7, 2023, during the onslaught. His partner, Ilana Gritzewsky who was taken hostage with him was released in a November 2023 deal with Hamas.
In the clip, Zangauker identifies himself and calls on the Israeli public to continue protests in support of a deal with Hamas.
Hostage Matan Zangauker speaks in a Hamas propaganda video issued on December 7, 2024. (Hamas via Telegram)
Hamas has previously issued similar videos of hostages the terror group is holding, in what Israel says is deplorable psychological warfare.
Most Israeli media do not carry the video clips themselves unless family members grant explicit permission.
Assad still in Damascus performing duties, Syrian president’s office says
A portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad is displayed in the old city of Syria's capital Damascus on December 6, 2024. (LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is continuing to perform his duties from Damascus, his office says, denying reports he had left as rebels advance toward the capital.
It condemns “rumors and false news about President Bashar al-Assad leaving Damascus,” adding that Assad “is following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital.”
Syrian rebels enter key city Homs — report
Anti-government forces drive in city of al-Rastan in Syria's west-central province of Homs on December 7, 2024. (Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)
Syrian rebels entered the key city of Homs from the north and east on Saturday, a resident, army, and rebel sources tell Reuters.
‘No credible civilian justification’ for Iran’s surge in uranium enrichment, Western diplomatic source says
PARIS, France — Iran’s increase in the amount of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity is “extremely serious,” unjustified for civilian purposes, and contradicts Tehran’s statements regarding credible nuclear negotiations, a Western diplomatic source says.
“These measures have no credible civilian justification and could, on the contrary, directly fuel a military nuclear program if Iran were to take the decision,” the Western diplomatic source tells Reuters.
“They are in contradiction with Iran’s declarations on its willingness to return to credible negotiations.”
Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Iranian FM met with Hamas leaders in Doha earlier today
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met with Hamas leaders at the terror group’s office in Doha earlier today.
The Hamas delegation is headed by the group’s Shura Council chair Muhammad Darwish.
Darwish sits on the five-member Leadership Council established by then-Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar shortly before he was killed by Israel in October.
Hamas hasn’t yet named a successor for Sinwar but the group referred to Darwish as the head of its Leadership Council in a readout yesterday, and he is increasingly being framed as a consensus pick for the position.
#Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi met a number of #Hamas officials in Doha. pic.twitter.com/IW7X1PC3Gv
— Iran Nuances (@IranNuances) December 7, 2024
Hochstein says Syria developments create new weakness for Hezbollah
US special envoy Amos Hochstein talks to reporters following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (not pictured) in Beirut on November 20, 2024. (AFP)
DOHA, Qatar — US envoy Amos Hochstein says the situation in Syria, where rebels are pressing a rapid advance that is threatening President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power, was creating a new weakness for the Hezbollah terror group and Iran.
The US envoy, who negotiated a US-brokered ceasefire agreement in the Hezbollah-initiated conflict with Israel that went into effect on November 27, says he believes the terror group was not yet eliminated but it was rather weakened.
Hochstein, speaking during a political conference in Doha, says the situation in Syria would mean it was going to be harder for Iran to supply Hezbollah with weapons there, adding that Iran appeared to be withdrawing its support from Syria, without clarifying how.
Hochstein adds that Hezbollah “may not be strong enough to fight Israel or to support Assad but it doesn’t take a lot of strength to be a dominant presence in Lebanon so you can also be weakened and still strong at the same time when it comes to the Lebanese context.”
The Syrian army’s defeats in the past week were “not that big of a surprise,” Hochstein says, highlighting the army’s limited power in comparison with events during the country’s civil war 13 years ago when “it had two powers [Iran and Russia] coming to its aid in a very strong way.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
Protesters bring down statue of Bashar al-Assad’s father in Damascus suburb
Syrian protesters bring down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the father of President Bashar al-Assad, in the Damascus suburb of Jermana, December 7, 2024. (X video screenshot: used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Protesters have brought down the statue of the late father of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a main square in the Jermana suburb, nearly 10 kilometers from the center of Damascus, a witness and activists tell Reuters.
The protesters in the mainly Druze-inhabited suburb, who call for the downfall of Assad, also head to government buildings in the heavily policed area of the capital where several security branches are located, they say.
SYRIA: Anti-Assad protestors bring down Hafez Assad statue in middle of Jarmana (20 min from Damascus). The protests and rebel offensive are only spreading, gradually approaching capital… pic.twitter.com/kkBhGsOlj2
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) December 7, 2024
Extremist settlers throw stones at West Bank village, residents throw stones back
Around 20 extremist settlers threw stones toward the West Bank village of Qaryut, footage shows.
A security source tells Army radio that Palestinian residents of the village arrived to throw stones back at the attackers.
IDF troops and the civilian security squad chief of the nearby settlement of Shilo dispersed the rioters, Army Radio says, adding that no arrests were made.
גורם ביטחוני: כ-20 יהודים יידו אבנים לעבר בתי הכפר הפלסטיני קריות שבאזור גוש שילה, פלסטינים מהכפר יידו לעברם אבנים בתגובה; כוחות צה''ל ורבש"ץ שילה הגיעו למקום והפסיקו את יידוי האבנים – אין עצורים@Doron_Kadosh pic.twitter.com/aoij1KPgtk
— גלצ (@GLZRadio) December 7, 2024
IDF says it struck Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon who was violating truce
The IDF confirms carrying out a drone strike in the southern Lebanon village of Deir Siryan earlier today, killing a Hezbollah operative.
According to the military, the operative “posed a threat to IDF troops deployed to the area, in violation of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon.”
The IDF publishes footage of the strike against the Hezbollah member who was riding a motorcycle.
“The IDF continues to be committed to the understandings regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon,” the military says, adding that it is still deployed to southern Lebanon “and will work to remove any threat to the State of Israel and its citizens.”
במהלך היממה האחרונה, צה״ל פעל במרחב דרום לבנון, מול מספר פעולות שהיוו איום על מדינת ישראל.
מוקדם יותר היום, כלי טיס של חיל האוויר תקף מחבל חיזבאללה שזוהה במרחב דרום לבנון, והיווה איום על כוחות צה״ל הפרוסים במרחב, תוך הפרה של ההסכם בין ישראל ללבנון>> pic.twitter.com/fzlfPrea9W
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) December 7, 2024
Russian, Iranian and Turkish FMs call for end to Syria violence
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives at the Doha Forum in the Qatari capital on December 7, 2024. (KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Doha, Qatar — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that he and the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran had agreed in a meeting in Doha that there had to be an immediate end to “hostilities” in Syria.
The three countries have been involved since 2017 in the so-called Astana format talks seeking a political settlement in Syria.
However, the situation in the country has changed dramatically in recent days after rapid gains by Islamist-led rebel forces who oppose Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
Lavrov says that he and his counterparts agreed in the meeting in Doha that there had to be an immediate end to “hostilities” in Syria.
Lavrov says Moscow wanted to see dialogue between the Syrian government and what he called the “legitimate opposition” in Syria.
He says the Islamist insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham were “terrorists” regardless of whether they said they had changed their views.
It was “inadmissible to allow “terrorist groups” to take control of Syrian lands, said Lavrov.
Asked how the situation in Syria would develop and what would happen to Russian military bases there, Lavrov said he was “not in the business of guessing.”
Lavrov also says that extremism will breed in the Middle East unless a Palestinian state is created.
Syrian rebels say they have begun encirclement of Damascus
Anti-government forces drive in city of al-Rastan in Syria's west-central province of Homs on December 7, 2024. (Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Syrian rebels say they have started to surround government-held Damascus after seizing towns close by, as the Syrian defense ministry denies the army had fled positions near the capital.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country’s northwest, says “our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus.” The ministry says “there is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn.”
South Korea presidential impeachment fails due to lack of quorum
SEOUL, South Korea — An opposition-led motion to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law fails as it did not meet the required quorum after his party boycotted the vote.
“With a total of 195 votes, the number of members who voted did not reach the required two-thirds majority of the total members. Therefore, I declare that the vote on this matter is not valid,” National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik says.
Syrian army pulls back to 10 km from Damascus; Druze militias overrun bases near Jordan
Anti-government fighters patrol a street in Izra town in the Syrian southern province of Daraa on December 7, 2024. (Sam HARIRI / AFP)
Syria’s military has withdrawn from positions in the Damascus countryside roughly 10 kilometers (six miles) from the capital, a war monitor says, as rebel forces press their offensive on government-held territories.
“Regime forces pulled out of towns in the southwestern Damascus countryside, 10 kilometres from the capital Damascus, which have been seized by local fighters,” Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor says.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country’s northwest, says that “our forces were able to control the Saasaa [security] branch in the Damascus countryside. The advance towards the capital continues.”
Meanwhile, Druze militias have overrun most of the army bases in Syria’s southern province of Suweida along the border with Jordan, leaving one major base north of the city of Suweida, Druze militia sources tell Reuters.
Khalkhala air base, north of the provincial capital in the mainly Druze-populated region, remains under army control, with forces regrouping there. The headquarters of the army’s special forces unit in the city saw mass desertions, they add.
Hundreds of army troops were now sheltering in Druze community halls, the sources say.
Iranian, Turkish, and Russian foreign ministers meet to discuss Syria fighting
TEHRAN, Iran — The top diplomats from Iran, Turkey, and Russia meet in Qatar for talks on Syria where rebel forces have taken parts of the country in a lightning offensive.
An Iranian foreign ministry statement says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Russian and Turkish counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Hakan Fidan, for talks on Syria in the Qatari capital Doha.
IDF drill simulates fast response to sudden incident amid developments in Syria
IDF troops are seen boarding an Air Force transport plane during a drill in the Golan Heights, in a handout photo issued on December 7, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
The Israeli military says it carried out a drill simulating a fast deployment of forces due to a sudden event, in light of the developments in Syria.
The drill, led by the IDF Operations Directorate, was wrapped up on Friday. It was carried out in the northern Jordan Valley and southern Golan Heights, close to the border with Syria.
The Operations Directorate drilled a rapid deployment of ground and air forces, and assessed their “response time and their reaction to an emerging incident in real-time,” according to the military.
The IDF says, “The exercise aimed to refine coordination between ground forces and air forces, enhancing rapid response capabilities to various scenarios during an emerging incident.”
Troops from training programs and various IAF squadrons participated in the drill, some of whom have remained in the Golan Heights area “to reinforce defensive missions along the Syrian border,” the military adds.
Hezbollah has sent 2,000 fighters to defend Syria positions, but has not taken part in battles
BEIRUT, Lebanon — A source close to Hezbollah says that the group sent 2,000 fighters to a part of Syria near the border with Lebanon, as ally Damascus reels from a rebel offensive that has seized major cities in recent days.
“Hezbollah sent 2,000 fighters to the Qusayr area… to defend its positions there and has not yet participated in any battles” with Syrian rebels, the source tells AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
Vote to impeach South Korean president in limbo after ruling party members leave chamber
People take part in a protest calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the National Assembly in Seoul on December 7, 2024. (JUNG Yeon-je / AFP)
SEOUL, South Korea — A vote to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law is in limbo. Members of his party walked out, and the opposition called on them to return and vote.
While lawmakers debate the motion, introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party, only a single member of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) remains in his seat while a couple of others return during voting, casting doubt over whether the measure would have enough votes to pass.
The lull was an odd counterpoint to the shouts and cursing in parliament that had preceded the vote, held four days after Yoon plunged Asia’s fourth-largest economy and key US military ally into its greatest political crisis in decades, threatening to shatter South Korea’s reputation as a democratic success story.
The opposition needs at least eight votes from the PPP to reach the needed two-thirds majority. As PPP lawmakers depart after casting votes on a separate motion to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the first lady, some people shout and curse them.
Lebanese media reports one killed in Israeli drone strike in Lebanese village
Lebanese media report that one person was killed in an Israeli drone strike on a motorcycle in the southern Lebanon village of Deir Siryan.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
Syrian rebels say they have taken Quneitra, near border with Israel
A Syrian flag flutters in town of Quneitra, on July 30, 2024, overlooking the Israel side of the Golan Heights. (LOUAI BESHARA / AFP)
Syrian rebel forces say they took control of the city of Quneitra in the Syrian Golan near the border with Israel, according to two rebels and a Syrian officer who confirmed their withdrawal to Reuters.
A rebel commander also says they have advanced to within 20 km of the Syrian capital Damascus.
Syrian government forces pull out from airbase near Palmyra — report
Syrian government forces have begun to withdraw from the key T-4 airbase near the ancient city of Palmyra in the Homs Governorate, Al Jazeera reports, citing local sources.
The withdrawal comes amid the rebel offensive against the Syrian regime.
T-4, also known as Tiyas, is believed to be one of two major airports — the other being Damascus International Airport — where Iranian cargo airlines carrying weapons set for Hezbollah in Lebanon often land. The weaponry is then believed to be stored in warehouses in the area before being trucked to Lebanon.
In recent years, Israel has attacked the T-4 airbase on multiple occasions.
Israeli defense officials have claimed in the past that the base is used by Iranian forces as part of the Islamic Republic’s efforts to entrench militarily in Syria, something Israel has vowed to prevent.
Syrian opposition media says regime troops leaving posts on Israel border area
Syrian opposition media reports that regime forces are evacuating their posts in the Quneitra Governate on the border with Israel.
Syrian rebels in the past day have largely taken over the Daraa area in southern Syria, also close to Israel’s border.
גורמי אופוזיציה סוריים דיווחו כי צבא סוריה החל לסגת ממחוז קוניטרה בדרום סוריה, בגבול עם ישראל | תיעוד@kaisos1987 pic.twitter.com/F5M2VZ7bzr
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) December 7, 2024
Police say terrorist wearing ISIS shirt fired flare at checkpoint, ‘neutralized’ by guard
A symbol for the Islamic State terror group on a shirt worn by a terrorist who attacked security forces at the Qalandiya checkpoint, in the West Bank, December 7, 2024. (Israel Police)
Police say a terrorist was shot and “neutralized” by a civilian security guard at the West Bank Qalandiya checkpoint after launching a flare at security forces.
There were no other injuries in the incident.
Police say that the terrorist was also armed with a knife, and was wearing a shirt emblazoned with the symbol for the Islamic State terror group.
Qatar’s PM says he sees renewed momentum for reaching hostage deal
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivers a speech during a Mansion House Dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, at The Mansion House in the City of London, on December 4, 2024. (HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
Qatar’s prime minister says that momentum had returned to talks aimed at cementing a truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza following the election of Donald Trump as US president.
“We have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back,” Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani tells the Doha Forum for political dialogue, adding there had been “a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office.”
The Qatari leader also touches on the ongoing rebel advance in Syria, saying that President Bashar al-Assad failed to engage with his people and address issues like the return of refugees during a period of calm in the country’s war.
“Assad didn’t seize these opportunities to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, and we didn’t see any serious movement, whether it’s on the return of the refugees or on reconciling with his own people,” Al-Thani says.
Muhammad beats Noah as most popular name for baby boys in England, Wales in 2023
LONDON, United Kingdom — Muhammad was the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales last year, topping the annual rankings for the first time, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The name, which has been in the top 10 for newly-named boys in England and Wales since 2016, leapfrogged Noah as the top choice after being the second most popular in 2022.
There were 4,661 boys named Muhammad in the two nations last year, according to the ONS. That figure does not include variants such as Mohamed.
Olivia remained the most popular pick for baby girls, followed by Amelia and Isla — the same top trio as in 2022.
The ONS has previously said it does not have a “definitive answer” for why Muhammad and variants of the name have become so popular in England and Wales.
It has noted as possible explanations the increasing size of the Muslim community and the dominance of the name within it, compared to a greater variety chosen outside of it.
Popular sporting figures named Muhammad and Mohamed — such as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Mohamed (Mo) Farah — may also be a factor.
It is traditional within the Muslim community to name boys after the prophet of Islam out of respect and honor for him.
The latest census for England and Wales in 2021 counted 3.9 million Muslims from a population of 59.6 million — around 6.5 percent of the total.
That was up from 2011 when there were 2.7 million Muslims (4.9%).
Syrian rebel commander assures minorities of end to ‘era of sectarianism and tyranny’
An anti-government fighter gestures as he poses for a picture in the cockpit of a Syrian army jet after rebels took over a military airbase near the central city of Hama, on December 6, 2024. (OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Rebel military commander Hassan Abdel Ghani seeks to reassure Syria’s religious communities and minorities after Islamist-led fighters snatched key cities and swathes of territory from government control.
“Our securing of the villages and towns of our people in the newly liberated areas, especially those where different religious sects and minorities live, has become a reality… We ask that all sects be reassured and support the movements of the revolutionaries, for the era of sectarianism and tyranny has gone away forever,” Abdel Ghani says in a statement on Telegram.
IDF again shoring up forces on Golan as Syrian rebels take area close to border
IDF troops with the 210th "Bashan" Regional Division carry out engineering works on a barrier on the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heights, in a handout photo issued on December 6, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
The IDF announces that it is further bolstering forces on the border with Syria in the Golan Heights, following a fresh assessment of the developments in the Syrian civil war.
“The reinforcement of troops will enable the strengthening of defenses in the area, and the preparation of the troops for various scenarios in the area,” the military adds.
Syrian rebels in the past day have largely taken over the Daraa area in southern Syria, close to Israel’s border.
On Friday, the IDF said it was deploying additional ground and air forces to the Golan Heights in light of the developments in Syria.
Romania police raid houses linked to probe of vote after election cancelation
Romanian police raid houses linked to a probe into alleged irregularities in the first-round presidential election win of far-right outsider Calin Georgescu, a day after the top court canceled the imminent run-off.
Three houses in Brasov city in central Romania are being searched as part of the investigation “in connection with crimes of voter corruption, money laundering, computer forgery,” says a statement from the prosecutor’s office.
Syria army says ‘redeploying’ in southern Daraa, Sweida provinces
This photo released Tuesday, July 17, 2018, by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows a general view of Tel al-Haara, from the highest hill in the southwestern Daraa province, Syria. (SANA/AP)
Syria’s army says it is redeploying in two southern provinces, after a war monitor reported government forces had lost control of most of Daraa province, the cradle of the country’s 2011 uprising.
“Our forces operating in Daraa and Sweida are redeploying and repositioning, and establishing a… security cordon in that direction after terrorist elements attacked remote army checkpoints,” the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces says in a statement carried by state media.
On Friday evening, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said local factions had taken control of more than 90 percent of Daraa, including the eponymous city. In neighbouring Sweida, the Britain-based monitor and local media said the governor, the police and prison chiefs, and the local ruling Baath Party leader had left their offices as local fighters took control of several checkpoints.
Report: Hamas contacting Gaza groups to check state of hostages ahead of possible deal
London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Hamas has begun efforts to check the status of hostages held by other terror groups in Gaza, as it expects potential movement on a hostage and ceasefire deal with Israel.
Palestinian sources cited by the paper say Hamas officials have contacted other groups to receive updates on the condition of hostages they hold.
Israel says 100 hostages remain in Gaza, alive and dead. Reports have indicated that some half are believed to be alive.
Young man killed in car crash on Route 5, woman seriously injured
An 18-year-old man was killed overnight after he was hit by a car on Route 5 in central Israel.
A woman, 17, was also hit and rushed to hospital in serious condition.
According to a police statement, the two had left their own car after getting into a “self-inflicted accident” when they were hit. The statement did not provide details of that incident.
The 30-year-old driver who hit the two is being questioned by police, according to the statement.
Air defenses intercept missile launched from Yemen
A missile launched at Israel from Yemen was intercepted by Israeli air defenses, the military says.
According to the IDF, the missile was shot down before crossing into Israeli territory, and no sirens sounded in towns “according to protocol.”
Before impeachment vote, South Korean president apologizes for attempt to impose martial law
A shopkeeper watches television screens showing a live broadcast of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol bowing after the end of his address, at an electronic market in Seoul on December 7, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologizes for his attempt to impose martial law this week and bows during a televised speech to the nation, only hours head of a planned impeachment vote.
Yoon says he will not seek to avoid legal and political responsibility for his decision, which he says was born of desperation.
The speech is the embattled leader’s first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order early on Wednesday, just six hours after it was declared and after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote against the decree.
“I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked,” Yoon says.
“I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilize the political situation in future, including the issue of my term in office,” he says.
South Korea’s ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon says after Yoon’s address that the president is no longer in a position to carry out public duty and his resignation is now unavoidable.
On Friday Han said Yoon was a danger to the country and needed to be removed from power, increasing the pressure on Yoon to quit even though his People Power Party (PPP) members later reaffirmed a formal opposition to his impeachment.
Lawmakers will vote on the main opposition Democratic Party’s motion to impeach Yoon later on Saturday.
Iran has started evacuating senior IRGC commanders, other officials from Syria — NYT
Anti-government fighters burn a flag belonging to the Iran-backed Fatemiyoun brigade as they inspect the base in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, in the northwestern Syrian Idlib province on December 1, 2024. (Abdulaziz Ketaz/AFP)
Iran has started evacuating military commanders and other Iranian officials from Syria, the New York Times reports, as the Syrian government comes under increasing pressure from advancing rebel forces.
Citing regional and Iranian officials, the report says among those who have been moved out of Syria are senior commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, some diplomats and their families, and civilians, with the evacuations beginning Friday morning.
The US newspaper also reports that some of the officials left by Tehran via plane, while others departed by land for Lebanon, Iraq and the Syrian port city of Latakia.
Together with Russia, the Islamic Republic has been a key supporter of President Bashar al-Assad during the over decade-long Syrian civil war, with the Syrian regime serving as a key component in the Iran-led anti-Israel, anti-US “axis of resistance” along with Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror organization and other Iranian proxy groups across the region.
US urges citizens to swiftly leave Syria ‘while commercial options remain available’
WASHINGTON — US citizens in Syria should immediately leave the country “while commercial options remain available,” the State Department says, as Islamist-led rebel forces continue their offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s troops.
“The security situation continues to be volatile and unpredictable with active clashes between armed groups throughout the country. The Department urges US citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available,” the department says in a security alert posted on social media.
Syrian rebels take over southern city of Daraa in deal with army — rebel sources
Syrian rebel factions took over the key southern city of Daraa — which became “the cradle of the revolution” in 2011 — after they reached a deal with the army to secure its orderly withdrawal, rebel sources tell Reuters.
They say senior security and army officials serving in the city have been given safe passage to Damascus.
While Aleppo and Hama, the two other main cities taken from government control in recent days, fell to an Islamist-led rebel alliance, Daraa fell to local armed groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
“Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city… they now control more than 90 percent of the province, as regime forces successively pulled out,” says the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources around Syria.
Daraa province borders Jordan.
Despite a truce brokered by Assad ally Russia, it has been plagued by unrest in recent years, with frequent attacks, clashes and assassinations.
Syrian rebels say they have reached the city limits of Homs
Syrian rebels have reached the city limits of Homs, making last call for Syrian forces to defect, rebels say on Telegram.
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