Iran unrest
Iran unrest: Protesters chant 'Death to Khamenei,' topple Soleimani statue
Protesters chant “Death to Khamenei" and destroy Soleimani statue as anti-regime demonstrations in Iran continue.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
BBC apologizes after Kindertransport episode omits any mention of Jews
The BBC apologizes after a Repair Shop episode on the Kindertransport failed to mention Jews, prompting backlash.
'Unauthorized incursion'
Somalia condemns Sa’ar visit to Somaliland as 'unauthorized incursion'
Somalia blasts Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit to Somaliland, days after Israel recognized the region.
Iran threatens preemptive strike if it detects imminent security threat
Iran’s Defense Council warns it may launch a preemptive strike if it detects an imminent threat, declaring Iran’s security and territorial integrity a “red line".
Bruce Blakeman:
Bruce Blakeman: Mamdani is dangerous, his policies are anti‑American
New York Governor candidate Bruce Blakeman blasts NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani as “very dangerous," vows to keep him “in check" if elected.
Seven European states condemn Israeli law cutting utilities to UNRWA
Seven European countries condemn Israel’s new law blocking utilities to UNRWA, warning of humanitarian risks, as Energy Minister Eli Cohen orders preparations to disconnect the agency’s facilities.
‘Palestinian embassy’ opens in London after UK recognition
The UK inaugurates embassy of “Palestine" in London, following Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Outshines NBA superstars
Avdija earns first‑ever Player of the Week, outshines NBA superstars
Deni Avdija named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week after a dominant stretch, including a birthday triple‑double and leading Portland to a 3‑1 week.
Strengthens All‑Star push
Avdija drops triple‑double on birthday, strengthens All‑Star push
Deni Avdija marks his 25th birthday with a triple‑double in Portland’s win over San Antonio, boosting the Blazers’ play‑in hopes and strengthening his push for a 2026 All‑Star selection.
Trump:
Trump: Iran ‘will be hit very hard’ if forces kill demonstrators
US President Trump warns Iran for a second time against killing protesters, saying the US would respond “very hard."
Report:
Report: IRGC launches missile drills amid regional tensions
IRGC launches missile and air‑defense drills across Iran amid concerns of possible escalation with Israel.
Oops:
Oops: Mamdani’s name now appears on Adams’ pro‑Israel posts
Mamdani takes over NYC mayoral social accounts, leaving his name on Adams’ pro‑Israel posts, including one describing a meeting with Netanayhu whom Mamdani has vowed to arrest.
Drawdown accelerates
1,800 UN peacekeepers leave south Lebanon as drawdown accelerates
UNIFIL says over 1,800 peacekeepers have left south Lebanon since November, with more to follow.
Lebanese PM:
Lebanese PM: All weapons must be under state authority, not Hezbollah
Lebanon’s PM says all weapons must be under state authority, rejects fears of civil conflict, and vows efforts to stop Israeli attacks while seeking full Israeli withdrawal.
Watch:
Watch: Iran protesters torch Qassem Soleimani statue
Protesters in Iran burn a Qassem Soleimani statue, one day before the anniversary of his death, as nationwide unrest escalates.
Hate crime probe
Ireland: Police probing hate crime after antisemitic graffiti found on roads
Irish police investigating antisemitic graffiti in Co Louth as a hate crime. Holocaust Awareness Ireland warns of rising antisemitism and urges swift government condemnation.
UN chief condemns Israel over ban on utilities to UNRWA facilities
UN Secretary General Guterres condemns Israel for banning water and electricity to UNRWA sites. UNRWA has been proven to have closely worked with Hamas.
Report:
Report: Israel preparing to reopen Rafah crossing after US pressure
Kan 11 News reports that Israel is preparing for a possible reopening of the Rafah crossing after Netanyahu’s US visit.
Eyeing Abraham Accords?
Report: Somaliland President plans Israel visit, eyes joining Abraham Accords
Somaliland’s president plans an official visit to Israel to join the Abraham Accords and sign bilateral deals, days after Israel recognized Somaliland.
Syria:
Syria: Suicide bomber strikes Aleppo patrol, one dead
Suicide bomber kills one and wounds two in Aleppo. Syrian officials say the attacker likely had ISIS ties. No group has claimed responsibility.
Spain grants Airbus exemption to use Israeli tech despite ban
Spain exempts Airbus from its Israel trade ban, allowing use of Israeli technology amid deep political tensions in Madrid and continued anti-Israel measures.
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.
