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.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
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.
Israel responds:
Israel responds: Amnesty’s Hamas report too little, too late
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticizes Amnesty International’s delayed report on Hamas’s Oct. 7 atrocities, saying it understates the scale of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Austria bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14
Austria bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14, affecting 12,000 students. Rights groups call it discriminatory, warning of anti-Muslim racism and social division.
Amid dispute over Hezbollah
Iranian FM accepts Beirut invite as Hezbollah disarmament sparks tensions
Iran’s FM Araghchi accepts Beirut’s invitation after his Lebanese counterpart rejected a visit to Tehran.
Spain’s PM to Abbas:
Spain’s PM to Abbas: Gaza devastation is 'genocide', accountability needed
Spain’s PM Sanchez tells PA chairman Abbas in Madrid that Gaza’s devastation demands accountability, reaffirming Spain’s support for a two-state solution and recognition of “Palestine”.
Report:
Report: Trump officials mulling terror sanctions on UNRWA
According to Reuters, Trump officials are weighing terrorism sanctions on the UN agency for “Palestinian refugees” which has been proven to have collaborated with Hamas.
Iceland pulls out of Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation
Iceland will not compete in Eurovision 2026 after Israel was cleared to participate, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia.
Trump:
Trump: I will announce members of Gaza Board of Peace in early 2026
Trump says Gaza’s UN-backed “Board of Peace” will be unveiled in early 2026, calling it “legendary”.
UN chief slams Houthis’ court referral of UN staff in Yemen
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemns Houthis’ referral of UN staff to court, demanding release of 59 UN personnel held in Yemen.
US: Turkey must drop Russian S-400 to rejoin F-35
US envoy Tom Barrack says talks with Turkey on rejoining the F-35 program show promise, but Ankara must abandon the Russian S-400 system before any breakthrough can be achieved.
Sa’ar:
Sa’ar: Netanyahu will visit NYC despite Mamdani’s arrest threat
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismisses NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s vow to arrest PM Netanyahu, stressing the visit will go ahead despite opposition from Mamdani.
Iran opens trial of dual national accused of spying for Israel
Iran begins trial of a dual national accused of espionage for Israel, arrested during the June conflict. Charges include “waging war against God,” often punishable by death.
UN chief slams Israeli raid, demands respect for UNRWA premises
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemns Israel Police’s raid on UNRWA’s Jerusalem compound, calling it a violation of UN immunity and urging Israel to respect international law.
Antisemitism in Toronto:
Toronto seniors’ housing targeted in antisemitic mezuzah theft
Toronto Police are investigating after about 20 mezuzahs were stolen from a Jewish seniors’ housing building.
DeSantis declares:
DeSantis designates CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities
Florida Governor designates CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, directing agencies to block support and prevent unlawful activities.
Former Iranian FM warns Israel against future aggression
Mohammad Javad Zarif says Israel’s war with Iran was a “miscalculation,” warning future aggression will trigger Iranian self-defense.
Palestine Action activist:
Anti-Israel UK activist admits Elbit raid aimed at damage, denies violence
Palestine Action member Charlotte Head admits planning property damage in Elbit raid but denies violence. Six stand trial in UK for aggravated burglary, violent disorder, and criminal damage.
