Middle East, Israel, and Global News Briefs
Iran's Foreign Ministry announced its determination to expand cooperation with China, while also planning a meeting in Oman with Iraq and regional states to discuss freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia halted oil flow through its East-West pipeline following attacks that injured several people.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy wished everyone a "lasting peace" in his New Year's greeting. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, "We control the strait, we will finish this battle against Iran."
Commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks began in New York, with former President Donald Trump vowing, "We will never forget, this is why we fight today."
In Israel, a 62-year-old man was seriously injured after falling about 4 meters in Beer Tuvia. A 45-year-old man was found dead in an abandoned structure in Mamilla, Jerusalem, with no suspicion of foul play. A 70-year-old man was in critical condition after choking while eating in Netanya. Several motorcycle accidents were reported: a 40-year-old near Haifa, a 50-year-old in the Negev, and a 37-year-old in Kfar Saba, all sustaining moderate to serious injuries.
IDF Chief of Staff stated that any harm to northern communities or IDF forces would be met with an immediate and powerful response. Defense Minister Katz confirmed that the IDF is destroying tunnels and Hezbollah strongholds.
The Likud party is reportedly debating whether to count MK Ram Ben Barak as part of their bloc, referring to him as "Kaplan's Hope." The father of missing woman Haimanut Kassao, who has been missing for 929 days, appealed for prayers for her return.
