News Roundup for December 5, 2025
[Video] Jeremy Ben-Ami Thinks I Made a Mistake, The Beinart Notebook
“Recently, Jeremy Ben Ami wrote an essay criticizing my apology for speaking at Tel Aviv University. I thought it would be a good idea to have him on to explore our differences. Though we finished the conversation still at odds, I’m grateful for the opportunity to disagree humanely.”
Trump Plans to Announce Gaza Government, Board of Peace by Christmas, Officials Say, Axios
“The UN Security Council recently authorized both the ISF and the board. U.S. officials say they’re in the last stages of putting together the international force and the new governance structure for Gaza, which they hope to roll out in two or three weeks.”
Yasser Abu Shabab, Leader of Israel-Backed Militia, Killed in Gaza, The Guardian
“Abu Shabab was the commander of the Popular Forces, the biggest and best-armed of several militia that emerged in Gaza during the later stages of the two-year conflict. All appear to have benefited from Israeli support as part of a strategy of arming proxies to degrade Hamas and control the population.”
IDF Chief Says Israel’s Gaza Policy Enabled Hamas’ October 7 Attack, Haaretz
“In a rare public critique of government policy, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said Israel’s approach to Hamas since 2008 – aimed at keeping the group weakened and deterred while allowing its funding – enabled Hamas to significantly strengthen its forces and ultimately carry out the October 7 attack.”
Israel Cleared to Compete in Eurovision 2026; Spain, Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland to Boycott, Ynet
“The vote, held by secret ballot as part of a broader approval of new contest rules, followed months of debate over Israel’s participation amid the war in Gaza and public pressure from several European broadcasters.”
Lebanon ‘Far From’ Diplomatic Normalization or Economic Relations With Israel, Prime Minister Says, Associated Press
“Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s comments to a small group of journalists in Beirut came in contradiction to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel would send an envoy to talks with Lebanese diplomatic and economic officials, which he described as an ‘initial attempt to create a basis for relations and economic cooperation’ between the two countries.”
Army Chief Orders Probe Into Failure to Address Hamas Attack Plan Obtained in 2022, Haaretz
“Hamas’ ‘Jericho Wall’ plan for a surprise border incursion was obtained by Israeli intelligence 18 months before the Oct. 7 attacks. On Thursday, Israel’s army chief announced he had tasked five senior reserve officers to investigate why the military failed to respond.”
The End of the Israel Exception, Foreign Affairs
Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs Andrew Miller writes, “For the United States, this long-overdue adjustment is a strategic, political, and moral imperative. From preventing Israel’s annexation of the West Bank to forging a common strategy to address Iran’s nuclear program, a normal U.S.-Israeli relationship would produce better outcomes than an exceptional one that too often incentivizes dangerous Israeli behavior and depletes Washington’s global influence.”
