Elad Benari

Elad Benari

News writer based in North America

Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.

News by Elad Benari

Iraq arrests three ISIS terrorists in joint counter‑terror raids

Iraqi authorities arrest three ISIS terrorists in Anbar and Sulaymaniyah, including a bomb‑maker.

Iraq arrests three ISIS terrorists in joint counter‑terror raids

Trump invites Pakistan PM to join new Gaza Peace Board

Trump invites Pakistan’s PM to join the new Gaza Peace Board as part of a wider US plan to oversee Gaza’s transition and rebuild the enclave.

Trump invites Pakistan PM to join new Gaza Peace Board

Cruz backs US strike on Iran after all other steps exhausted

Sen. Ted Cruz says the US should exhaust all non‑military options against Iran’s regime but supports force as a last resort.

Cruz backs US strike on Iran after all other steps exhausted

Iran warns Trump:

Iran warns Trump: Any attack on Khamenei is 'full-scale war'

Iran warns that any attack on Khamenei would mean war, as the US weighs military action amid escalating tensions.

Iran warns Trump: Any attack on Khamenei is 'full-scale war'

Argentina blacklists Muslim Brotherhood branches as terror groups

Argentina designates Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan as terror groups, aligning with a similar US move.

Argentina blacklists Muslim Brotherhood branches as terror groups

Trump:

Trump: Hamas must return the final hostage and disarm

Trump announces Phase Two of his Gaza peace plan, backs a new Palestinian technocratic government, and demands Hamas disarm and return the final hostage’s body to Israel.

Trump: Hamas must return the final hostage and disarm

Ambassador Waltz:

Ambassador Waltz: Trump ready to act to 'stop the slaughter' in Iran

US Ambassador tells UN that “all options are on the table" to stop Iran’s killings, blasting the regime.

Ambassador Waltz: Trump ready to act to 'stop the slaughter' in Iran

US-Iran:

Graham to travel to Israel as US-Iran tensions reach critical point

Senator Lindsey Graham says he will travel to Israel to meet Netanyahu as US-Iran tensions spike.

Graham to travel to Israel as US-Iran tensions reach critical point

'Israeli plot'

Iran FM blames protest deaths on 'Israeli plot', denies mass casualties

Speaking to Fox News, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects reports of mass protest casualties, blaming “terrorists" and an “Israeli plot".

Iran FM blames protest deaths on 'Israeli plot', denies mass casualties

Amid Iran escalation

UK, US raise security alerts for Israel amid threats of regional escalation

UK and US issue heightened travel and security warnings for Israel amid rising regional tensions and concerns over potential escalation involving Iran.

UK, US raise security alerts for Israel amid threats of regional escalation

Fight against antisemitism

NY Governor proposes new worship buffer zones in bid to fight antisemitism

Kathy Hochul proposes 25‑foot protest buffer zones at houses of worship, citing rising antisemitism.

NY Governor proposes new worship buffer zones in bid to fight antisemitism

Over anti‑UNRWA laws

UN chief threatens Israel with ICJ referral over anti‑UNRWA laws

Antonio Guterres warns Israel he may take the UNRWA dispute to the ICJ, prompting a sharp rebuke from Ambassador Danny Danon.

UN chief threatens Israel with ICJ referral over anti‑UNRWA laws

Trump warns Iran:

Trump warns Iran: 'Very strong action' if protesters are hanged

In an interview with CBS News, Trump warns Iran of “very strong action" if it hangs protesters, pledging help for Iranian citizens.

Trump warns Iran: 'Very strong action' if protesters are hanged

Israel to participate in first Eurovision semi-final on May 12

Israel will compete in Eurovision’s first semi-final to take place in Vienna in May, as the contest faces its largest-ever boycott over Israel’s participation.

Israel to participate in first Eurovision semi-final on May 12

Australia:

Australia sets January 22 as national mourning day for Bondi victims

PM Anthony Albanese announces that Australia will hold a national day of mourning on January 22 for the Bondi terror victims.

Australia sets January 22 as national mourning day for Bondi victims

Khamenei says pro‑regime rallies are a 'warning' to the US

Iran’s Supreme Leader praises pro‑government rallies after two weeks of protests, calling them a “warning" to the US.

Khamenei says pro‑regime rallies are a 'warning' to the US

Trump imposes 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

Trump announces a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran amid the ongoing unrest in the Islamic Republic.

Trump imposes 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

UN chief 'shocked’ by Iran crackdown, urges restraint

Antonio Guterres says he is “shocked" by Iran’s violent crackdown on protests and urges restraint, as reports suggest up to 2,000 killed in 48 hours.

UN chief 'shocked’ by Iran crackdown, urges restraint

Trump:

Trump: We’re considering very strong options on Iran

Trump says Iran is nearing his red line as protests escalate, warning the US is reviewing “very strong options" and monitoring developments “every hour."

Trump: We’re considering very strong options on Iran

Sen. Graham:

Sen. Graham: Iran’s nightmare will soon be coming to an end

Lindsey Graham says Iran’s “nightmare" may soon end, amid reports of US discussions on possible action in Iran.

Sen. Graham: Iran’s nightmare will soon be coming to an end

Trump warns Iran again:

Trump warns Iran again: If they shoot protesters, we’re going to hit them very hard

Speaking on Fox News, Trump says Iran has been put on notice that any killing of protesters will trigger a “very hard" US response, as protests intensify across Iran.

Trump warns Iran again: If they shoot protesters, we’re going to hit them very hard

Australia orders royal commission into Hanukkah massacre

Australia launches a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15, amid rising concerns over antisemitism.

Australia orders royal commission into Hanukkah massacre

Iran unrest

Iranian Crown Prince thanks Trump, slams regime for Internet blackout

Reza Pahlavi condemns Iran for cutting communications amid mass protests and thanks President Trump for warning Tehran, urging world leaders to help restore access and support demonstrators.

Iranian Crown Prince thanks Trump, slams regime for Internet blackout

'Illegal visit'

Arab and Muslim states slam 'illegal' visit by Sa’ar to Somaliland

21 Muslim countries and the PA condemn Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s Somaliland visit, demand Israel revoke its recognition.

Arab and Muslim states slam 'illegal' visit by Sa’ar to Somaliland

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.

Iran unrest: Protesters chant 'Death to Khamenei,' topple Soleimani statue

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.

BBC apologizes after Kindertransport episode omits any mention of Jews

'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.

Somalia condemns Sa’ar visit to Somaliland as 'unauthorized incursion'

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".

Iran threatens preemptive strike if it detects imminent security threat

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.

Bruce Blakeman: Mamdani is dangerous, his policies are anti‑American

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.

Seven European states condemn Israeli law cutting utilities to UNRWA

‘Palestinian embassy’ opens in London after UK recognition

The UK inaugurates embassy of “Palestine" in London, following Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.

‘Palestinian embassy’ opens in London after UK recognition

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.

Avdija earns first‑ever Player of the Week, outshines NBA superstars

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.

Avdija drops triple‑double on birthday, strengthens All‑Star push

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."

Trump: Iran ‘will be hit very hard’ if forces kill demonstrators

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.

Report: IRGC launches missile drills amid regional tensions

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.

Oops: Mamdani’s name now appears on Adams’ pro‑Israel posts

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.

1,800 UN peacekeepers leave south Lebanon as drawdown accelerates

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.

Lebanese PM: All weapons must be under state authority, not Hezbollah

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.

Watch: Iran protesters torch Qassem Soleimani statue

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.

Ireland: Police probing hate crime after antisemitic graffiti found on roads