Saturday Night Live under fire for anti-Israel joke
Jewish groups demand popular comedy show apologize for joke suggesting Israel is vaccinating only its Jewish citizens against COVID-19.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
Abbas rival says UAE will deliver vaccines to Gaza
Mohammed Dahlan announces the UAE is sending 20,000 doses of the Russian coronavirus vaccine to Gaza.
US rescinds 'snapback' of sanctions on Iran
US tells Security Council it is rescinding Trump administration move to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.
US 'ready' to restart talks with Iran on nuclear deal
State Department says US would accept invitation from EU to meet Iran and discuss its nuclear program.
Blinken to counterparts: US prepared to talk to Iran
Secretary of State tells European counterparts that the US is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran.
Khamenei: We will demand actions from the US
Iran’s Supreme Leader says Iran will not be satisfied with just words from the US as a condition for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
Omar implores Biden to support Israel's referral to ICC
Muslim Congresswoman says US undermining ICC's ability to "investigate justice" after it ruled it can investigate Israel for "war crimes".
Fauci cites Israel as proof of effectiveness of vaccine
Biden's chief medical adviser points out Israel's high vaccination rate: When your turn to get vaccinated comes up, get vaccinated.
Hamas to review anti-women legislation
Hamas says judicial authorities will review edict saying that women require the permission of a male guardian to travel.
Erdan: Biden-Netanyahu friendship will strengthen our alliance
Israeli envoy to UN and US: Strong alliance between Israel and United States was reaffirmed again in call between Netanyahu and Joe Biden.
Biden affirms 'steadfast commitment to Israel’s security' in call with Netanyahu
White House following conversation between Biden and Netanyahu: They discussed the importance of consultation on regional security issues.
Iranian army denies its member was involved in nuclear scientist's death
Iran's armed forces fire back at intelligence minister for alleging one of its members was involved in killing of Moshen Fakhrizadeh.
US approves sale of missiles to Egypt
$197 million sale of Rolling Airframe Missiles comes even as the Biden administration froze the sale of F-35s to the UAE.
Iran informs IAEA it will end snap nuclear inspections
International Atomic Energy Agency confirms Iran plans to halt snap nuclear inspections outside of its declared sites.
Blinken: Path to diplomacy with Iran is open
Secretary of State says path to diplomacy with Iran over 2015 nuclear deal is open, but won't specify say if contacts have already begun.
Hamas court rules: Women must travel with male guardian
Hamas-run Islamic court in Gaza rules ruled that women require the permission of a male guardian to travel.
US soldier wounded in Iraq rocket attack
Contractor killed and five others wounded in rocket attack targeting an airbase in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
PA accuses Israel of preventing vaccine transfer to Gaza
PA official claims Israel prevented 2,000 doses of Russian vaccine from entering Gaza.
Iran threatens to stop cooperating with nuclear inspections
Iran threatens to stop IAEA inspections if other signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal do not fulfill their “obligations”.
Qatar confirms plan for natural gas pipeline in Gaza
Qatari envoy to Gaza says the project will be completed within two or two and a half years from the time the work begins.
Islamic Jihad to boycott PA elections
Islamic Jihad has boycotted all previous Palestinian presidential and parliamentary elections.
Syria claims Israel attacked near Damascus
Syrian media reports the country's air defense system intercepted "Israeli aggression" over Damascus.
Iran test fires sophisticated short-range missile
Iran’s army test fires missile with a range of 300 kilometers, or 186 miles.
History: Iranian judoka lands in Israel
Iranian judoka Saeid Mollaei, who fled Iran after speaking out against the regime, will take part in the Tel Aviv Grand Slam this week.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard begins drill near Iraq border
The drill, dubbed the “great prophet,” will make use of drones and helicopters.
Germany: Anti-Semitic hate crimes hit upward trend in 2020
New report finds authorities logged at least 2,275 crimes with an anti-Semitic background until the end of January 2021.
Turkey: We will not cancel purchase of Russian defense system
Turkey makes clear it will not turn back from its acquisition of S-400 defense systems despite US sanctions.
Russia urges Iran to show 'restraint' as it enriches uranium
Russia urges Iran to show restraint after it starts producing uranium metal in latest breach of 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Zarif urges US to take 'new approach'
Iranian Foreign Minister warns US time is running out to reach agreement on nuclear program.
Teva in talks to produce COVID vaccines
Teva chief says company in talks with COVID-19 vaccine makers to co-produce some shots.
Number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain still high
The number of anti-Semitic incidents recorded in Britain has fallen from record levels but still remains high.
Twitter: We will not allow Trump back on the platform
Twitter official says the company will not allow Trump back on the platform, even if he runs for office again.
Iranian Minister: We may pursue a nuclear weapon
Iran’s Intelligence Minister says his country could push for a nuclear weapon if sanctions remain in place.
Egypt opens Rafah crossing with Gaza 'indefinitely'
This is the first time in years that Egypt has opened the crossing for more then a few days at a time.
Germany: Our legal view on the ICC hasn't changed
German Foreign Minister sides with Israel after ICC ruling it can probe Israeli "war crimes" in Judea, Samaria, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem.
Iran dismisses France's offer to mediate with US
"The nuclear deal has no need for a mediator," says Iranian official after French President offers to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
UN report: North Korea developed nuclear program in 2020
New UN reports says North Korea maintained and developed nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout 2020 in violation of sanctions.
Netanyahu says he expects to speak to Biden soon
Prime Minister notes US President hasn't yet spoken to Middle East leaders, says he expects to speak with him soon.
Canada postpones deportation hearing of ex-Nazi squad member
Jewish groups criticize decision to postpone hearing of former Nazi death-squad member Helmut Oberlander.
Blinken stops short of recognizing Golan Heights as Israeli territory
Secretary of State to CNN: Control of the Golan important to Israel’s security. Legal questions are something else.