Israel's state of emergency extended by one year...Netanyahu "Fight never ends"

Israel's state of emergency, which is at war with Palestinian militant Hamas, has been extended for another year until December 25 next year.

In the Israeli parliament's vote on extending the state of emergency, 29 out of 120 lawmakers voted for it and seven against it, while the rest abstained or did not attend.

Israel has declared a state of emergency since the start of the Gaza war following a surprise Hamas attack on October 7 last year and extended it by six months in May.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Christians around the world for their support in a statement a day before Christmas, saying the fight against Israel's leading evil and tyranny is far from over.

At the same time, he stressed that Israel seeks peace with everyone who wants it together, but will do everything necessary to protect the only Jewish state and will surely win.