Esper: We're prepared to defend ourselves against Iran
Defense Secretary: US could take preemptive military action if Iran or its proxies plan to strike American interests in the Middle East.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
Khamenei blames US for violence in Iraq
Iran’s Supreme Leader lashes out at Trump for saying Iran orchestrated violence at embassy in Baghdad: You cannot do a damn thing.
Abbas supporters celebrate in Gaza City
Thousands of supporters of Abbas' Fatah movement hold rare gathering in Gaza to mark the group’s 55th anniversary.
Hasidic man attacked in Brooklyn
Two women reportedly yelled anti-Semtic epithets at Hasidic man in Williamsburg and then attacked him when he called 911.
Pompeo and Netanyahu reaffirm 'unbreakable bonds' between US and Israel
Secretary of State and PM Netanyahu speak for the second time in two days.
Fatah celebrates 55th anniversary with march in Ramallah
Members of PA chairman's movement wear explosive belts as they celebrate Fatah's 55th anniversary.
Warren accuses Trump of bringing the US closer to war
Following Iraq incidents, Democratic presidential hopeful says Trump's "reckless" decisions are endangering US troops and diplomats.
Trump on war with Iran: I don't see that happening
US President says he doesn't believe a war with Iran is on the horizon.
Iran denies responsibility for protest at US embassy in Baghdad
Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticizes US "audacity" in blaming it for the violent protests at its embassy in Iraqi capital.
Pompeo: I hope Kim chooses peace
US Secretary of State responds to North Korea's threats, says he hopes its leader will "take a different course".
Report: Monsey stabbing suspect kicked out of boot camp
Military officials say Grafton Thomas began Marine Corps boot camp but was separated from the service for "fraudulent enlistment".
Kim: US will 'suffer helplessly' if it maintains hostile approach
North Korean leader warns the world will witness a "new strategic weapon" from his country in 2020, says US will suffer for its "hostility".
Trump warns Iran following riots at Iraqi embassy
Trump on Twitter: Iran will pay a very big price! This is not a warning, it is a threat.
Russian FM: Iran nuclear deal in danger of 'falling apart'
Sergei Lavrov says Iranian nuclear deal could collapse due to the US and the EU's failure to comply with it.
Israel to permit imports of Gazan strawberries
The move is expected to significantly lower the price of strawberries in Israel.
Pompeo and Netanyahu speak following US attacks in Iraq
Pompeo tells Netanyahu that US "will take decisive action to defend its citizens and their interests against Iranian threats."
Iraq condemns US air strikes against Iranian-backed militias
Iraq's National Security Council says it will "reconsider" working with US-led coalition following air strikes.
Iran says it captured ship carrying smuggled fuel
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it seized a ship in the Persian Gulf suspected of carrying smuggled fuel.
Lawyer for Monsey stabbing suspect requests mental evaluation
Lawyer for Monsey stabbing suspect Grafton Thomas says his client us suffering from hallucinations and hearing voices.
Germany: Two suspects arrested after Jewish cemetery vandalized
Two men aged 21 and 33 arrested for allegedly knocking over 40 tombstones in a Jewish cemetery in western Geilenkirchen.
Orly Levy against alliance with Meretz: We'll lose seats
Labor chairman Amir Peretz is considering uniting with Meretz, but Gesher chairwoman opposes the idea.
British Labour MPs: Anti-Semitism among reasons for election failure
British Labour MPs who lost their seats cite party's "unwillingness" to stand up to anti-Semitism as one issue that led to election loss.
US national security adviser warns North Korea against missile test
Robert O’Brien warns North Korean leader Kim Jong Un against conducting a ballistic missile test as a “Christmas gift" for the US.
NYC Mayor: We're in the middle of a race-hate 'crisis'
Bill de Blasio says NYPD will beef up patrols of Jewish neighborhoods and introduce anti-bias-crime programs in public schools.
Abbas reiterates: No elections without eastern Jerusalem
PA chairman responds to reports that Israel will ignore his request to permit elections in eastern Jerusalem.
Pompeo condemns 'despicable' stabbing in Monsey
Secretary of State on stabbing in Monsey: This despicable act of anti-Semitism during Hanukkah celebrations is sickening.
US bombs headquarters of pro-Iran group in Iraq
US bombs headquarters of Kata'ib Hizbollah group after a series of attacks in Iraq against American interests.
Monsey stabbing suspect may be linked to earlier attack
Authorities investigating whether Grafton Thomas is tied to a recent stabbing near a local synagogue.
Trump urges end to bloodshed in Syria's Idlib
US President calls for governments in Moscow, Damascus and Tehran to stop bloodshed in last stronghold of Syrian rebels.
Abbas spokesman: The pressure on Israel will continue
PA chairman's spokesman says efforts with international parties are continuing to pressure Israel to allow PA elections in Jerusalem.
Again: Headstones vandalized at Jewish cemetery in Slovakia
More than 20 headstones vandalized at Jewish cemetery in northern Slovakia, the second such incident in a week.
Earthquake strikes near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant
Magnitude 5.1 earthquake, considered moderate, hits near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant.
Turkey detains 20 suspected ISIS members
Turkey detains almost two dozen suspected Islamic ISIS militants in Istanbul amid crackdown on the group.
Hamas: Abbas should issue elections decree soon
Hamas leader says PA chairman should issue decree for holding elections and thus force Israel to permit them in eastern Jerusalem.
IDF attacks Hamas targets in Gaza
IDF fighter jets and helicopters attack several Hamas targets in retaliation for rocket fire on southern Israel.
Internet outages again reported in Iran
Wave of internet outages imposed in Iran ahead of commemorations for those killed in unrest last month.
Report: 5 killed in attack on Iranian-backed militia in Syria
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports five dead in missile strike near the town of Al Bukamal along the Syria-Iraq border.
Australian PM: ICC has no authority to discuss PA issue
Australian Prime Minister tells Netanyahu his country does not recognize the "State of Palestine" or its status as member state of the ICC.
Iranian chess champion seeks nationality change
Iran’s top rated chess champion decides not to play for his country, in apparent reaction to its informal ban on competing against Israelis.
Abbas: Elections in eastern Jerusalem - or no elections at all
PA chairman says issuing a presidential decree for holding elections is dependent on whether they could be held also in eastern Jerusalem.
