Abbas announces first-ever direct elections for PLO parliament
PA chairman sets November 1 elections for the PLO’s parliament, the first time its members will be chosen by direct popular vote.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
'Iran can't be trusted'
'Iran can't be trusted': Nikki Haley warns against deal with Iran
Nikki Haley warns the US against striking a deal with Iran, saying the regime lies and spreads terror, as officials prepare for possible nuclear talks in Istanbul.
Netanyahu’s office:
Netanyahu’s office stresses: PA will have no role in Gaza
Israel rejects newly revealed Gaza committee logo featuring a PA symbol, saying it contradicts Netanyahu’s pledge and differs from the version originally shown to Israel.
Trump:
Trump: We have big ships heading there, we have talks going with them
Trump reiterates that major US forces are heading toward Iran as Washington continues talks, warning that while a deal is possible, failure could lead to “bad things."
Lindsey Graham:
Lindsey Graham: Peace requires Iran regime’s fall
Sen. Lindsey Graham says peace requires Iran’s regime to fall, as Trump urges Tehran to reach a deal and responds to Khamenei’s warning that any conflict would become a regional war.
Iran denies Guards planned live-fire drills in Strait of Hormuz
Iran denies reports that the Revolutionary Guards planned live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, saying media claims were incorrect.
Israeli history:
Israeli history: Deni Avdija selected to the NBA All‑Star Game
Deni Avdija makes history by being selected for the NBA All‑Star Game and will play alongside international stars in an innovative new format.
'We’ll see if he’s right'
Trump counters Khamenei’s warning: We’ll see if he’s right
Trump responds to Khamenei’s warning that any US attack would spark a regional war, saying the US hopes for a deal but is prepared to test the threat if diplomacy fails.
Iran threatens instant strike on US bases if attacked
Iran threatens to retaliate against US bases and carriers if attacked: “It won’t unfold the way Trump imagines."
Man charged with assaulting Ilhan Omar at Minneapolis town hall
Man charged with assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar by spraying her with vinegar and water at a Minneapolis town hall.
Trump on Iran:
Trump says he's had talks with Iran: I told them no nukes, stop killing protesters
US President says he's had conversations with Iran and plans more, confirms US ships are sailing to Iran but hopes not to use them.
Khamenei aide:
Khamenei aide: Any US strike will trigger attack on heart of Tel Aviv
Senior Iranian adviser to Khamenei warns that any US military action against Iran will trigger an immediate, all-out response targeting Tel Aviv and supporters of the “aggressor".
Suspect arrested
Ilhan Omar sprayed with liquid at Minneapolis Town Hall, suspect arrested
Man arrested after spraying substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar at a Minneapolis town hall.
BBC apologizes for omitting Jews from Holocaust Memorial Day coverage
BBC apologizes after its Holocaust Memorial Day coverage failed to mention the six million victims were Jews, with critics calling the omission "Holocaust distortion" and "hurtful."
11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem
11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA's Jerusalem headquarters, urging adherence to international law and calling for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and Judea and Samaria.
Over IHRA reversal
NY Governor candidate Blakeman attacks Hochul, Mamdani over IHRA reversal
Bruce Blakeman urges New York to adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition, criticizing Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for resisting or reversing it amid rising antisemitism.
Bin Salman to Iran:
Bin Salman to Iran: No Saudi territory will be used for military strikes
Saudi Arabia tells Iran it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for attacks, as US forces build up in the region and concerns grow over possible military action.
Trump urges Iran deal:
Trump: A beautiful armada is headed towards Iran, I hope they make a deal
Trump urges Iran to make a deal while highlighting a major US military buildup in the region as the death toll in the Iranian protests continues to climb.
Iran threatens 'regret‑inducing' response to US attack
Iran warns it will deliver a “comprehensive and regret‑inducing" response to any attack as US forces move toward the region.
ADL calls Kanye West’s apology ‘long overdue’ but insufficient
Anti-Defamation League issues a cool response to Kanye West’s apology, saying it doesn’t erase his long record of antisemitism and stressing that real change requires ending such behavior.
US official links Hamas disarmament to amnesty
US official says Hamas disarmament may come with amnesty under Trump’s Gaza plan.
Report:
Report: US drone strike kills three suspected Al‑Qaeda terrorists in Yemen
A US drone strike in Yemen’s Marib province reportedly eliminates three suspected members of Al‑Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
UNRWA claims:
UNRWA claims seized eastern Jerusalem headquarters was set on fire
UNRWA claims eastern Jerusalem headquarters was set on fire. Fire and rescue service confirmed crews were called to the scene but did not say the compound was set on fire.
Jewish graves smashed in Barcelona
Gravestones smashed at Barcelona’s Jewish cemetery, prompting sharp condemnations as Jewish leaders warn of escalating antisemitism and demand decisive action from authorities.
EU open to Trump’s Peace Board - if limited to Gaza
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says Europe could work with Trump’s new Peace Board if it is limited to Gaza.
Herzog meets Somaliland President, hails new diplomatic relations
President Isaac Herzog meets Somaliland’s President in Davos, praising newly established diplomatic ties.
Trump warns Iran:
Trump warns Iran: We have a massive fleet heading in that direction
Trump says the US has a “massive fleet" headed towards Iran and is watching Iran “very closely" after it cancelled executions of protesters last week.
Avdija:
Avdija: Stop politicizing my career, I’m a proud Israeli
Israeli basketball star Deni Avdija says he’s tired of being targeted for being Israeli, urging fans to judge him as a player, not a political symbol.
'False and illegal'
UNRWA rejects Israeli claim to eastern Jerusalem HQ: 'False and illegal'
UNRWA rejects Israeli claims to its eastern Jerusalem headquarters, calling the move illegal after Israel demolished buildings and seized offices.
Putin to meet Kushner and Witkoff on Ukraine, Trump’s Peace Board
Putin will meet US envoys Witkoff and Kushner to discuss frozen Russian assets, Ukraine recovery, and Trump’s proposed Peace Board.
Third incident in two years
Third incident in two years: Israeli flag slashed in Pittsburgh
A man slashes an Israeli flag outside a Pittsburgh home and flees, marking the third such incident on the same block in two years. Police are investigating the act as criminal mischief.
Trump on Iran:
Trump on Iran: We hope there’s not going to be further action
Speaking to CNBC, Trump says Iran canceled 837 planned executions after his threat of military action, urges Tehran to stop pursuing nuclear weapons.
IAEA chief warns Iran standoff nearing breaking point
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warns Iran must account for missing enriched uranium and allow inspections at bombed sites, saying the standoff “cannot go on forever".
Trump warns Iran:
Trump warns Iran: We’ll wipe them off the face of this earth
Trump warns the US would respond forcefully if Iran kills protesters or acts on threats against him, saying any attack would trigger massive retaliation.
FM spokesman fires back
Guterres slams Israel over UNRWA demolition, FM spokesman fires back
UN chief condemns Israel for demolishing an UNRWA compound in Jerusalem, prompting Foreign Ministry spokesman to highlight documented ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas terrorists.
Houthi court upholds death sentences for nine accused of espionage
A Houthi court in Sanaa upholds death sentences for nine Yemenis accused of espionage.
Australia passes gun‑control bill after Bondi Hanukkah attack
Australia’s lower house passes a gun‑control bill after the Bondi attack in which 15 people were murdered.
Iran claims internet will be fully restored by week’s end
Iranian official says nationwide internet access will be restored by week’s end, ending a shutdown imposed since January 8.
'Classic antisemitism'
'Classic antisemitism': Biden envoy slams Harris over 'Israeli agent’ question to Shapiro
Deborah Lipstadt her deputy, Aaron Keyak, condemn Harris campaign staff after Josh Shapiro revealed he was asked if he was “an Israeli agent" during the vetting process for Harris’s running mate.
Iraq arrests three ISIS terrorists in joint counter‑terror raids
Iraqi authorities arrest three ISIS terrorists in Anbar and Sulaymaniyah, including a bomb‑maker.
