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

German Chancellor:

German Chancellor: Netanyahu must be able to visit Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must be allowed to travel to Germany, despite an ICC arrest warrant, stresses Netanyahu was democratically elected.

German Chancellor: Netanyahu must be able to visit Germany

'Unreservedly sorry'

BBC host 'unreservedly sorry' for sharing antisemitic post with rat graphic

BBC's Gary Lineker apologizes for reposting an Instagram story about Zionism featuring a rat, an antisemitic trope, claims he "would never knowingly share anything antisemitic."

BBC host 'unreservedly sorry' for sharing antisemitic post with rat graphic

Iran signals willingness to nuclear deal, cites conditions

Top Iranian advisor says Iran is ready to sign a nuclear deal with the US in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions, but criticizes Trump’s dual approach of offering negotiations while threatening sanctions.

Iran signals willingness to nuclear deal, cites conditions

'We won't bow!'

Trump to Iran: End proxy wars for nuke deal; Tehran: 'We won't bow!'

US President Trump demands Iran halt proxy funding and nuclear ambitions for a deal. Iranian President Pezeshkian defiantly states Iran "will not bow to any bully."

Trump to Iran: End proxy wars for nuke deal; Tehran: 'We won't bow!'

Despite antisemitism failure

Columbia ex-President to return, despite failing to recall antisemitic incidents

Former Columbia University president Katrina Armstrong will return as CEO of the university’s medical center in June, after taking a sabbatical following a controversial deposition in which she failed to recall antisemitic incidents documented in Columbia’s own report.

Columbia ex-President to return, despite failing to recall antisemitic incidents

Outrage:

Outrage after BBC host shares anti-Zionist post with rat illustration

BBC host Gary Lineker deletes Instagram post featuring a rat emoji alongside an anti-Zionist video, after backlash from Jewish groups who call for his dismissal from the British broadcaster.

Outrage after BBC host shares anti-Zionist post with rat illustration

Macron blasts Netanyahu:

Macron blasts Netanyahu: What he’s doing is shameful

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Gaza policy, calling it “shameful” and urging the EU to consider new sanctions and review its Association Agreement with Israel.

Macron blasts Netanyahu: What he’s doing is shameful

Five months later, PA lifts ban on Al Jazeera

Palestinian Authority lifts its ban on Al Jazeera after a five-month suspension imposed over alleged incitement.

Five months later, PA lifts ban on Al Jazeera

Amid reconstruction

Trump open to lifting Syria sanctions amid reconstruction push

US President Donald Trump says he is considering lifting sanctions on Syria to support the country's post-civil war reconstruction. Syria's foreign ministry welcomes the move as a step toward peace and prosperity.

Trump open to lifting Syria sanctions amid reconstruction push

Kamala Harris:

Kamala Harris: Edan is free — now free them all

Former US Vice President welcomes Edan Alexander’s return, warns against complacency in efforts to return the remaining hostages.

Kamala Harris: Edan is free — now free them all

Switzerland:

Israeli broadcaster files complaint over threat at Eurovision event in Switzerland

Kan files complaint with Swiss police after a man was caught on video threatening the Israeli Eurovision delegation during the contest's opening event in Basel.

Israeli broadcaster files complaint over threat at Eurovision event in Switzerland

Pope Leo in first address:

In first address: Pope Leo XIV calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV expresses deep pain over the violence in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

In first address: Pope Leo XIV calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

'A goodwill gesture'

Qatar, Egypt welcome release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

Qatar and Egypt say that the release of Edan Alexander is a "goodwill gesture" toward reviving ceasefire talks.

Qatar, Egypt welcome release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

Abbas welcomes new pope:

Abbas welcomes Pope Leo XIV, urges support for 'just' Palestinian cause

PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas welcomes Pope Leo XIV, urging him to uphold the legacy of Pope Francis, whom he praises for his support of Palestinian rights.

Abbas welcomes Pope Leo XIV, urges support for 'just' Palestinian cause

Israel shutters six illegal UNRWA schools in eastern Jerusalem

Education Ministry shuts down six UNRWA-run schools in eastern Jerusalem, citing their illegal operation and ties between the UN agency and Gaza-based terrorists.

Israel shutters six illegal UNRWA schools in eastern Jerusalem

Tunisia:

Tunisia: Jewish man attacked with axe in Djerba, days before El-Ghriba pilgrimage

Jewish jeweler wounded in an axe attack on Tunisia’s Djerba Island just days ahead of the Lag Ba’Omer pilgrimage to the ancient El-Ghriba synagogue. Motive remains unclear.

Tunisia: Jewish man attacked with axe in Djerba, days before El-Ghriba pilgrimage

IRGC chief threatens to 'open gates of hell' on Israel, US

Iran's IRGC chief Hossein Salami issues grave threats to the US and Israel, warning of devastating retaliation if either acts against Iran.

IRGC chief threatens to 'open gates of hell' on Israel, US

Calls for political process

Macron criticizes Israel’s Gaza tactics, calls for resumption of political process

French President Emmanuel Macron condemns Israel's military actions in Gaza, warning they may violate humanitarian principles.

Macron criticizes Israel’s Gaza tactics, calls for resumption of political process

At least 78 arrested

Columbia University library stormed by anti-Israel demonstrators, at least 78 arrested

Masked demonstrators take over Columbia University’s Butler Library, disrupting students preparing for final exams. Protesters declare the library a “liberated zone,” prompting university condemnation.

Columbia University library stormed by anti-Israel demonstrators, at least 78 arrested

Spanish Prime Minister to push UN resolution on Gaza

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announces plans to present a resolution to the UN General Assembly urging urgent measures to “stop the killing of civilians in Gaza” and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Spanish Prime Minister to push UN resolution on Gaza

Trump:

Trump: Iran must 'blow up' nukes peacefully—or face force

President Trump warns Iran to dismantle its nuclear program voluntarily or face destruction, saying the regime must “blow them up nicely or blow them up viciously.”

Trump: Iran must 'blow up' nukes peacefully—or face force

After Trump withholds funds

Columbia University slashes 180 jobs as Trump withholds $400m over campus protest response

Columbia University will cut nearly 180 staff positions following the Trump administration’s suspension of $400 million in federal funding.

Columbia University slashes 180 jobs as Trump withholds $400m over campus protest response

Former Eurovision artists demand Israel’s suspension ahead of this year’s contest

Dozens of past Eurovision participants urge organizers to ban Israel from the upcoming contest, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. European Broadcasting Union reaffirms its commitment to keeping the competition inclusive and non-political.

Former Eurovision artists demand Israel’s suspension ahead of this year’s contest

Senator Graham to Israel:

Senator Graham to Israel: Do what you have to do against the Houthis

US Senator Lindsey Graham urges Israelis to do what they have to do to protect their airspace, after Trump announced a halt in US strikes on the Houthis.

Senator Graham to Israel: Do what you have to do against the Houthis

Trump:

Trump: There are only 21 living hostages remaining in Gaza

President Trump tells reporters three hostages in Gaza have died, lowering the total number of living hostages to 21. Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Gal Hirsch clarifies: 59 hostages are being held by Hamas, 24 of them are listed as living hostages.

Trump: There are only 21 living hostages remaining in Gaza

Iranian FM to US:

Iranian FM to US: Avoid unrealistic positions in nuclear talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says an agreement with the US is fully within reach provided it avoids "unrealistic and illogical positions".

Iranian FM to US: Avoid unrealistic positions in nuclear talks

Jewish leaders welcome

Jewish leaders welcome denial of bail for Montreal synagogue firebombing suspect

B’nai Brith Canada praises a Quebec court’s decision to keep Montreal synagogue firebombing suspect Mohamed Ilyess Akodad in custody, calling it a vital stand against antisemitic violence.

Jewish leaders welcome denial of bail for Montreal synagogue firebombing suspect

Campus antisemitism dispute:

Trump administration blocks new federal grants to Harvard over campus antisemitism dispute

US Department of Education suspends new federal grants to Harvard University, citing alleged institutional failures.

Trump administration blocks new federal grants to Harvard over campus antisemitism dispute

BDS claims credit

BDS claims credit for cancellation of UK concerts by Israeli Dudu Tassa

Planned UK performances by Jonny Greenwood and Israeli artist Dudu Tassa canceled without explanation after drawing criticism from pro-boycott activists. BDS: The concerts would have whitewashed Israel’s genocide.

BDS claims credit for cancellation of UK concerts by Israeli Dudu Tassa

Trump on Iran:

Trump demands Iran abandon nuclear ambitions: Total dismantlement is the only option

President Donald Trump says Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear program, warning of global catastrophe if Tehran obtains a nuclear weapon.

Trump demands Iran abandon nuclear ambitions: Total dismantlement is the only option

Malta denies blocking Gaza-bound aid ship damaged in suspected drone strike

International NGO accuses Malta of obstructing a humanitarian ship en route to Gaza after it was allegedly hit by drones. Malta denies the claim, saying the vessel's crew refused official assistance.

Malta denies blocking Gaza-bound aid ship damaged in suspected drone strike

Through 2026:

George Washington University suspends Students for Justice in Palestine through 2026

George Washington University suspends Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) until May 2026 for hosting unauthorized events. The group faces a full slate of sanctions, including activity bans, probation, and mandated educational sessions.

George Washington University suspends Students for Justice in Palestine through 2026

UN Watch:

UN Watch challenges reappointment of anti-Israel UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese

UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer says Francesca Albanese’s renewed UN mandate is “invalid,” citing violations of internal procedures and calling for sanctions.

UN Watch challenges reappointment of anti-Israel UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese

Amid tensions

US-Iran nuclear talks delayed amid tensions over sanctions

A planned fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Saturday postponed, with Iran citing US sanctions and approach as key factors.

US-Iran nuclear talks delayed amid tensions over sanctions

Urges others to follow suit

Netanyahu praises Hungary for exiting ICC, urges others to follow suit

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanks Hungary for quitting the ICC after it issued arrest warrants over alleged war crimes in Gaza, urges other nations to do the same in defense of justice and sovereignty.

Netanyahu praises Hungary for exiting ICC, urges others to follow suit

Hegseth warns Iran:

Hegseth warns Iran: You will pay the consequences for supporting the Houthis

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns Iran of consequences for backing Yemen's Houthis, as the US military intensifies its air campaign. Over 1,000 Houthi targets have been hit since mid-March.

Hegseth warns Iran: You will pay the consequences for supporting the Houthis

Turkey slams Israeli airstrikes in Syria, calls for dialogue and regional stability

Turkey calls on Israel to stop its airstrikes in Syria, warning they harm efforts at national unity and reconciliation.

Turkey slams Israeli airstrikes in Syria, calls for dialogue and regional stability

Trump hints no more grants to Harvard: They are not behaving well

US President hints at halting federal grants to Harvard, citing concerns over the university's handling of speech, hiring, and recent pro-Palestinian Arab protests.

Trump hints no more grants to Harvard: They are not behaving well

Pentagon:

Over 1,000 Houthi targets hit by US strikes in Yemen since March, Pentagon confirms

Pentagon reports that over 1,000 Houthi targets have been struck in Yemen since March 15, when the US Army began its latest offensive against the Iran-backed rebels.

Over 1,000 Houthi targets hit by US strikes in Yemen since March, Pentagon confirms

Calls for sweeping reform

Harvard task force uncovers widespread antisemitism, urges sweeping institutional reform

Harvard’s antisemitism task force reveals a pervasive climate of hostility toward Jewish and Israeli students, driven by politicized instruction and rising intolerance.

Harvard task force uncovers widespread antisemitism, urges sweeping institutional reform