★ISRAEL

1. Syrian‑Australian Citizen Saves Lives at Bondi Hanukkah Attack

Syrian migrant Ahmed Alahmad (43), originally from Idlib, displayed extraordinary heroism after disarming one of the  gunmen during a deadly terrorist attack in Bondi, Sydney, helping save multiple lives despite being shot. Alahmad, a fruit shop owner and father of two, received wide praise from Australian and international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Donations in support of him exceeded  $1.4 million, in recognition of his courage. The story, spanning from Idlib to Sydney, reshaped global perceptions of Syrian refugees, affirming that human values and individual bravery can confront terrorism and change prevailing narratives.

2. Iran-Linked Hackers Escalate Cyber Threats to Israel, U.S

Iran-linked hackers from the Handala group have launched the “RedWanted” campaign, offering bounties of up to $30,000 for information on Israeli air defense engineers and publishing personal data of nearly 200 targeted individuals. The campaign, which has spread widely across Arab media and Telegram channels, is linked to Iranian intelligence operations and explicitly aims to intimidate and compromise personnel involved in Israel’s air defense systems.​ In response, IDF cyber chief Maj. Gen. Aviad Dagan warned that Israel and the United States face cyber threats far greater than publicly acknowledged, citing dozens of past attacks that could have damaged critical infrastructure. Dagan stressed that future cyber assaults will be far more severe and called for intensified cyber defenses and continued joint cyber exercises between Israel and the U.S. to counter the growing Iranian-linked threat.

3. Jewish Couple Slain After Confronting Sydney Terrorist Before Attack

New footage shows Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Jewish couple, confronting and briefly disarming a gunman before the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre. The attackers shot them dead before killing at least 15 others. The couple, praised for their bravery, were among several unarmed civilians who tried to stop the assault.

4. Bondi Beach Mass Shooting Linked to Islamic State, Police Say

Australian authorities confirmed that the suspects in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack were inspired by Islamic State ideology. Evidence from the scene included IS flags, and police indicated potential connections to Muslim militant groups in the Philippines, according to state officials and the New South Wales Police chief.

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★SYRIA

5. US Envoy, Netanyahu Reach Understandings on Syria Policy

Israel and the United States reached an understanding on Syria following talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Tom Barrack. The agreements cover Israel’s continued freedom to act against threats in Syria and ongoing negotiations with Damascus on a future security arrangement.

6. Jewish Antiquities Dealer Arrested in Damascus Over Illegal Artifact Trade

Syrian authorities arrested Salim Hamdani, a Jewish antiques dealer in Damascus, on charges of illegally trafficking archaeological artifacts. Items were confiscated from his Old City shop as investigations continue. Officials say the case remains preliminary, with no verdict yet, amid sensitivity over minority and cultural heritage issues.

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★THE GULF

7. US Hosts Qatar Forum on Gaza Force, Turkey Excluded

The US hosted a conference in Qatar with more than 45 countries to discuss an international stabilization force for Gaza, focusing on command and deployment plans. Turkey was not invited despite lobbying efforts, amid Israeli opposition, as Washington seeks troop and funding commitments for the force.

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★IRAN

8. Iran Relocates Missile Sites After Miscalculations in Israel War

Iranian officials admitted tactical errors during the 12-day war with Israel, with strikes killing dozens of commanders and scientists but sparing most missile launchers. Missile sites may move east for protection, while Tehran displayed missiles and drones to project strength and improve readiness amid sanctions and stalled nuclear talks.

9. Canada Sanctions Four Senior Iranian Judicial, Military Officials

Canada imposed sanctions on four senior Iranian judicial and military officials over alleged serious human rights abuses and repression of dissent. Ottawa cited killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture, raising its Iran-related sanctions since 2022 to 18 packages, targeting 210 individuals and 254 entities.

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★LEBANON

10. US, Israel May Delay Hezbollah Disarmament Deadline in Lebanon

The United States and Israel are reportedly considering postponing the 31 December 2025 deadline for Hezbollah’s disarmament in southern Lebanon until at least 31 January 2026. Western and Arab diplomats have toured the Lebanon–Israel border to observe Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) efforts to remove Hezbollah weapons from the area south of the Litani River.​ The LAF has begun entering private property to search for Hezbollah arms, a key Israeli demand, but has not yet raided active Hezbollah sites or seized weapons in the presence of Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah’s leadership has reiterated that it will end its military presence south of the Litani but insists on retaining its weapons elsewhere in Lebanon, while Israel continues to warn that the LAF’s current efforts are insufficient.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.