Elad Benari

UN blasts Israel’s anti-UNRWA legislation as 'outrageous'

The UN warns Israel’s new law targeting UNRWA could deprive millions of Palestinian Arabs of vital services.

Erdogan:

Erdogan blasts Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as 'illegitimate'

Turkish President denounces Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “illegitimate,” as Ankara and Mogadishu vow to preserve Somalia’s unity and deepen Turkish projects in the region.

AOC, Bernie Sanders to headline Mamdani’s inauguration in NYC

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will open the inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, NYC’s first Muslim mayor, with Bernie Sanders administering the oath during a public ceremony on Broadway.

Pittsburgh synagogue shooter appeals death sentence

Defense attorneys for Pittsburgh synagogue shooter Robert Bowers file a 500-page appeal citing juror errors and shackling concerns, seeking a resentencing from the Third Circuit Court.

Adams warns:

Adams warns antisemitism will rise under incoming Mayor Mamdani

Outgoing NYC Mayor warns antisemitism will worsen under Mayor-elect Mamdani, vows to fight hate using technology and civic education after leaving office.

US envoy:

US envoy: Israel has full right to recognize Somaliland

At the UN Security Council, the US deputy envoy defends Israel’s right to recognize Somaliland and criticizes the Council’s double standards toward the Jewish state.

Deni Avdija closing in on historic 2026 NBA All-Star berth

Israeli star Deni Avdija is seventh in All-Star fan voting, ahead of LeBron and Durant, as fans in Israel and worldwide push to make him the first Israeli in the NBA All-Star Game.

UK distances itself from Israel’s Somaliland recognition

Britain reaffirms its support for Somalia’s unity, rejecting Somaliland’s independence despite Israel’s recognition and urging dialogue to maintain regional stability.

Top Khamenei aide warns:

Top Khamenei aide warns Trump: Any strike on Iran will meet 'harsh response'

After Trump vows to “knock down” Iran and backs a possible Israeli strike, Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani warns that any attack will trigger an immediate, harsh response beyond expectations.

Bondi Beach massacre:

Bondi Beach massacre families call for national inquiry into antisemitism

Families of Bondi Beach terror victims demand a federal royal commission into Australia’s “rapid rise of antisemitism,” accusing authorities of failing to prevent the Hanukkah massacre.

Hezbollah leader:

Hezbollah leader: Disarmament plan is an Israeli-American plot

Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem rejects Lebanon’s move to disarm the group, calling it an “Israeli-American plan”.

Houthis threaten Israel after Somaliland recognition

After Israel recognizes Somaliland, Yemen’s Houthis warn that any Israeli presence on Somali soil will be a military target.

Amid antisemitism wave

Australian man faces jail over Nazi salutes amid wave of antisemitic attacks

18-year-old Australian charged over Nazi salutes and neo-Nazi stickers as Jewish leaders warn antisemitism is a public safety threat after Bondi attack and a Hanukkah-linked firebombing.

Syria kills senior ISIS leader, arrests others in joint raids with US-led coalition

Syrian forces, with US-led coalition support, kill a senior ISIS leader and capture several others near Damascus amid a new phase of coordinated anti-terror operations.

Ahead of party congress

Kim Jong Un vows expanded missile development ahead of party congress

North Korean leader vows continued missile development, ratifying a five-year arms plan as North Korea boosts its munitions industry and unveils a new nuclear-powered submarine.

Texas AG:

Texas AG: Texas has right to label CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood terror groups

Texas AG Ken Paxton defends Governor Abbott’s designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations after local CAIR chapters sued to block the move.

Suspected antisemitic attack

Melbourne car with Hanukkah sign torched in suspected antisemitic attack

Australian police investigate a car fire targeting a Hanukkah display in Melbourne. Rabbi calls it an antisemitic attack amid rising hate crimes.

Top ISIS leader arrested near Damascus

Syrian security and US-led coalition forces capture ISIS’s Damascus governor, Taha al-Zoubi, after a lengthy surveillance mission near the Syrian capital.

Sa'ar:

Sa'ar: Foreign powers can’t deny Jewish right to live in the Land of Israel

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejects Western criticism of new Judea and Samaria communities, notes Israel’s right to build in the region.

UK police close probe of anti-IDF chant at Glastonbury Festival

British police end their investigation into the Glastonbury Festival chant “death to the IDF,” saying it did not meet the criminal threshold, despite widespread criticism.

Belgium joins South Africa in ICJ genocide case against Israel

Belgium files a declaration of intervention to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Over nuclear talks

US and Iran clash at UN over conditions for reviving nuclear talks

US and Iran exchange sharp words at the UN over nuclear talks, with Washington demanding zero enrichment and Tehran rejecting what it calls “unfair” terms.

After Hanukkah massacre

New South Wales tightens gun laws after Bondi Hanukkah massacre

NSW lawmakers pass sweeping gun and protest laws after the attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach which left 15 dead.

Iran: Our missile program is 'non-negotiable'

Iran insists its missile program is “non-negotiable” after reports Israel plans new action and Netanyahu seeks US backing to counter Tehran’s ballistic capabilities.

After UNIFIL

Italy seeks to keep military presence in Lebanon after UNIFIL exit

Italy plans to keep troops in Lebanon after UNIFIL ends in 2026, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto vowing continued military and training support for the Lebanese armed forces.

Amid presidential campaign

Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro plans Israel visit amid presidential campaign launch

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, plans to visit Israel next month as part of a global tour while preparing a “more centered” presidential campaign.

After Stefanik drops out

Trump backs Jewish politician Bruce Blakeman for NY Governor after Stefanik drops out

Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, a day after Elise Stefanik ended her campaign.

Israel’s UN mission pays tribute to Sydney terror victims

Israel’s UN mission holds a moment of silence for the victims of the deadly Sydney terror attack during Hanukkah, vowing unity and resilience against antisemitic violence.

'ICC is a political tool'

Netanyahu’s office backs US sanctions on judges, calls ICC a 'political tool'

Israel’s government welcomes US sanctions on two ICC judges, calling the court biased and politically motivated in its prosecution efforts against Israel.

Australian PM unveils major gun buyback after Bondi terror attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces Australia’s largest gun buyback since Port Arthur, targeting illegal and newly banned firearms after the antisemitic Bondi terror attack.

Report:

Report: Turkey seeks to return Russian S-400s in bid to rejoin US F-35 program

Turkey reportedly asks Russia to take back its S-400 missile systems, signaling an attempt by Ankara to restore US ties, lift sanctions, and rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program.

US Congress permanently ends Syria sanctions

US Congress votes to permanently lift sanctions on Syria, ending the Caesar Act and opening investment channels under new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Iran claims:

Iran claims dual national accused of 'spying for Israel' is Swedish

Iran’s judiciary says a Swedish dual national faces trial for spying for Israel during the 12-day war. Sweden confirms detention but withholds details, citing consular confidentiality.

Israeli envoy in Australia:

Israeli envoy in Australia: My heart is torn apart over Sydney tragedy

Israel’s Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon expresses grief over the Sydney attack, warning of increased antisemitism and urging stronger measures to protect all Australians.

Australian PM:

Australian PM: Bondi Beach attack driven by ISIS ideology

Australian PM Anthony Albanese says the Bondi Beach shooting was motivated by “Islamic State ideology,” calling it an act of hate and confirming authorities are investigating further.

Trump sues BBC over doctored speech

President Trump sues BBC for $5 billion after a Panorama broadcast doctored his January 6, 2021 speech.

Israeli appeal fails

ICC keeps Netanyahu, Gallant warrants in force after Israeli appeal fails

ICC appeals judges reject Israel’s challenge to the Gaza probe, keeping arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in force. Israel condemns the ruling as political and unjust.

Ex-hostage Eli Sharabi meets Biden, thanks him for his support

Former hostage Eli Sharabi meets Joe Biden at a Philadelphia Eagles game, thanking him for efforts in hostage release and support for Israel.

'Light stronger than darkness'

US Jewish lawmakers decry Sydney attack: Light stronger than darkness

25 Jewish US lawmakers condemn the Sydney Hanukkah attack, urge global action against antisemitism and affirm solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

After Sydney attack

Canada stands with Australia after antisemitic terror attack in Sydney

Canadian PM Mark Carney condemns the antisemitic Hanukkah attack in Sydney, pledging solidarity. Toronto Police increases security for Jewish communities during the holiday.