New York City rife with anti-Semitism during Hanukkah
Six attacks on Jews over five nights of Hanukkah occurred in New York City this past week, as the city becomes a surprising hotbed for anti-semitism.
Israel
Brazil signals strong support for Israel, promising to move embassy to Jerusalem, blacklist Hezbollah
Brazil has pledged multiple political and economic commitments to Israel in recent days, with leaders promising the country will move its embassy to Jerusalem, designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and work with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch direct flights between the two nations.
IDF Chief indicates upcoming “limited confrontation” between Israel and Iran
Israel may carry out a ‘limited’ war with Iran according to the Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, who spoke openly for the first time about Iranian entrenchment in Iraq as a problem for the Jewish state.
Netanyahu declares ‘huge victory,’ Sa’ar concedes, in Likud leadership contest
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory soon after midnight Thursday-Friday in the Likud leadership contest against rival Gideon Sa’ar, as a preliminary ballot count indicated the longtime party leader was headed for a landslide win.
Turkey poised to send troops to Libya, ratcheting up tensions in E. Mediterranean
Turkey is preparing to send troops and advanced weapons to the embattled UN-backed Libyan government. The military muscle-flexing puts it at odds with Russia and several Arab states backing Libya’s rival government.
New laser beam system developed to take down drones, burning balloons
Israeli security forces have unveiled a new laser-beam system designed to take down incendiary aerial devices that have burned countless acres of land over the past two years as well as drones infiltrating into Israeli airspace.
IDF preparing for confrontation with Iran – Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi
The IDF is preparing for a limited confrontation with the Islamic Republic as Israel continues to act against Iranian entrenchment, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi warned on Wednesday.
Israel’s Christian population grows to 177,000 citizens
The Christian population of Israel currently stands at approximately 177,000 citizens, or 2% of the overall population, according to data published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) ahead of Christmas.
Top Iranian official: Israel ‘will regret’ attacks in Syria
A top Iranian official said that Israel ‘will regret’ its attacks in Syria, which have reportedly targeted Iranian resources and weapons shipments.
Netanyahu sends Christmas greeting to Christians: ‘We have no better friends’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Israel and around the globe celebrating the holiday.
Netanyahu and others envision “Israeli-Arab alliance”
Certain of Israel’s Sunni Arab neighbors are experiencing a warming toward Israel as some are beginning to talk about a “new alliance” and a “new narrative” in the Middle East.
Likud challenger seeking to depose Netanyahu could mean a boost for Israeli conservatives
Likud member Gideon Sa’ar is challenging embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel’s conservative leadership primary on December 26 in what analysts say could mean a turn of the tide for the party.
Second circuit of Iran’s Arak reactor to be completed Monday
The second circuit of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor is slated to go online on Monday, bringing it another stage closer to being fully operational, the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Facing backlash, Israel says it’ll allow Christian Gazans to go to Jerusalem
Israel will grant permits to Christian Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to visit Jerusalem and the West Bank during Christmas ‘in accordance with security assessments,’ the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, a Defense Ministry body responsible for liaising with the Palestinians, said on Sunday.
Cyprus, Greece, Israel to sign pipeline deal on Jan. 2
The leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel plan to sign an agreement early in the new year for the building of the eastern Mediterranean natural gas pipeline, the Greek prime minister’s office announced Sunday.
Thousands protest against new Hezbollah-backed PM in Lebanon
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in central Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon on Sunday against the country’s new prime minister, saying he should abandon the post because he is a member of the ruling elite.
Israel airstrikes target Iran-linked military base in Syria, state media reports
Israel conducted an airstrike into Syria on Sunday night as air defenses in the country opened fire on missiles that had entered, state media reported.
Germany declares Hezbollah a terrorist group
The German Bundestag passed a resolution Thursday designating Hezbollah a terror group, earning praise from Israeli politicians.
Netanyahu pledges US support for West Bank settlement annexation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday pledged to secure United States support for the annexation of the Jordan Valley and other West Bank settlements.
Hezbollah-backed professor likely candidate for Lebanese premiership
A university professor and former minister received the backing of the Hezbollah terror group and its allies Thursday, making him the likely candidate to be appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister.