Diplomatic tensions dominate this evening's briefing as Israel responds forcefully to new sanctions from Britain, France and Canada targeting West Bank settlements. Elsewhere, Iran claims to have captured an American unmanned submarine near the Strait of Hormuz, the Shin Bet says it has dismantled a significant terror network operating between the West Bank and Jerusalem, and Knesset candidate lists are being finalised ahead of the 2026 election.

International

Britain, France and Canada, joined by a coalition of 12 other countries, announced a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband stating that London believes Israel is carrying out 'ethnic cleansing' in the territory and 'refuses to be bystanders'. Israel responded swiftly: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, the expulsion of representatives from the CMCC monitoring body, and an entry ban on 12 British officials and MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. Britain's training programme for Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah has also been terminated. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called the sanctions 'a dark day for Britain's Jews', arguing they do nothing to advance peace and instead make communities less safe. Separately, a UN commission warned that Israel may have committed war crimes in Syria, citing the detention of 49 Syrians, including two children, held in Israel as of June; Israel rejected the findings and denied any territorial ambitions in Syria. In another significant development, the UAE has declined to deny reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Netanyahu of an imminent Hamas attack roughly ten days before October 7, with Abu Dhabi saying only that intelligence channels between the two governments 'remained open when needed'. The Prime Minister's Office has denied receiving any such warning.

Security

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have seized an unmanned US Navy submarine near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, releasing a photograph they say shows the vessel, reportedly identified by Iranian media as an Anduril-manufactured Dive-LD drone. Washington has neither confirmed nor commented on the claim. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet announced it had foiled what it described as a 'significant' terror network operating across the West Bank and Jerusalem, with more than 30 Palestinian suspects detained and five Jerusalem residents charged with a range of security offences. The IDF confirmed troops shot dead a Palestinian who attacked them during an attempt to question him.

Politics

The second day of Knesset candidate list submissions ahead of the 2026 election is underway, with Shas among the parties confirming its slate; Likud and Blue and White submitted their lists later in the evening, with the formal deadline falling at midnight. Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the coming election as a choice between 'a strong, right-wing government' and one led by Benny Gantz's ally Gadi Eisenkot alongside Arab parties, as new figures including Bithonistim chief Amir Avivi and former Labor MK Eli Goldschmidt joined Likud. Separately, Ofer Winter, leader of the Amcha Yisrael party, alleged that during Eisenkot's tenure as IDF Chief of Staff, the military fabricated intelligence assessments to the political echelon in order to avoid acting against Gaza, accusing the former top brass of favouring a policy of 'buying temporary quiet' over pre-emptive action. In legal news, the High Court of Justice rejected a request for a further hearing in the Military Advocate General leak affair, confirming that State Attorney Amit Isman will continue to oversee the investigation.

Economy

Israeli carrier Arkia is set to launch the first non-stop flights between Tel Aviv and Manila on 3 January 2027, a route officials say will boost tourism and trade with the Philippines. The Philippine ambassador described the new connection as a potential springboard towards a future free trade agreement between the two countries.

Other Developments

A high-level, closely guarded conference known as MEAD is taking place in Washington for the fourth time, bringing together representatives from Israel and several Arab states — including some with no formal diplomatic ties to Israel — to discuss a range of unresolved regional security issues stemming from recent conflicts across the Middle East.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post