After Stefanik drops out
Trump backs Jewish politician Bruce Blakeman for NY Governor after Stefanik drops out
Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, a day after Elise Stefanik ended her campaign.
News writer based in North America
Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.
News by Elad Benari
Israel’s UN mission pays tribute to Sydney terror victims
Israel’s UN mission holds a moment of silence for the victims of the deadly Sydney terror attack during Hanukkah, vowing unity and resilience against antisemitic violence.
'ICC is a political tool'
Netanyahu’s office backs US sanctions on judges, calls ICC a 'political tool'
Israel’s government welcomes US sanctions on two ICC judges, calling the court biased and politically motivated in its prosecution efforts against Israel.
Australian PM unveils major gun buyback after Bondi terror attack
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces Australia’s largest gun buyback since Port Arthur, targeting illegal and newly banned firearms after the antisemitic Bondi terror attack.
Report:
Report: Turkey seeks to return Russian S-400s in bid to rejoin US F-35 program
Turkey reportedly asks Russia to take back its S-400 missile systems, signaling an attempt by Ankara to restore US ties, lift sanctions, and rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program.
US Congress permanently ends Syria sanctions
US Congress votes to permanently lift sanctions on Syria, ending the Caesar Act and opening investment channels under new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Iran claims:
Iran claims dual national accused of 'spying for Israel' is Swedish
Iran’s judiciary says a Swedish dual national faces trial for spying for Israel during the 12-day war. Sweden confirms detention but withholds details, citing consular confidentiality.
Israeli envoy in Australia:
Israeli envoy in Australia: My heart is torn apart over Sydney tragedy
Israel’s Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon expresses grief over the Sydney attack, warning of increased antisemitism and urging stronger measures to protect all Australians.
Australian PM:
Australian PM: Bondi Beach attack driven by ISIS ideology
Australian PM Anthony Albanese says the Bondi Beach shooting was motivated by “Islamic State ideology,” calling it an act of hate and confirming authorities are investigating further.
Trump sues BBC over doctored speech
President Trump sues BBC for $5 billion after a Panorama broadcast doctored his January 6, 2021 speech.
Israeli appeal fails
ICC keeps Netanyahu, Gallant warrants in force after Israeli appeal fails
ICC appeals judges reject Israel’s challenge to the Gaza probe, keeping arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in force. Israel condemns the ruling as political and unjust.
Ex-hostage Eli Sharabi meets Biden, thanks him for his support
Former hostage Eli Sharabi meets Joe Biden at a Philadelphia Eagles game, thanking him for efforts in hostage release and support for Israel.
'Light stronger than darkness'
US Jewish lawmakers decry Sydney attack: Light stronger than darkness
25 Jewish US lawmakers condemn the Sydney Hanukkah attack, urge global action against antisemitism and affirm solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
After Sydney attack
Canada stands with Australia after antisemitic terror attack in Sydney
Canadian PM Mark Carney condemns the antisemitic Hanukkah attack in Sydney, pledging solidarity. Toronto Police increases security for Jewish communities during the holiday.
Israel responds:
Israel responds: Amnesty’s Hamas report too little, too late
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticizes Amnesty International’s delayed report on Hamas’s Oct. 7 atrocities, saying it understates the scale of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Austria bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14
Austria bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14, affecting 12,000 students. Rights groups call it discriminatory, warning of anti-Muslim racism and social division.
Amid dispute over Hezbollah
Iranian FM accepts Beirut invite as Hezbollah disarmament sparks tensions
Iran’s FM Araghchi accepts Beirut’s invitation after his Lebanese counterpart rejected a visit to Tehran.
Spain’s PM to Abbas:
Spain’s PM to Abbas: Gaza devastation is 'genocide', accountability needed
Spain’s PM Sanchez tells PA chairman Abbas in Madrid that Gaza’s devastation demands accountability, reaffirming Spain’s support for a two-state solution and recognition of “Palestine”.
Report:
Report: Trump officials mulling terror sanctions on UNRWA
According to Reuters, Trump officials are weighing terrorism sanctions on the UN agency for “Palestinian refugees” which has been proven to have collaborated with Hamas.
Iceland pulls out of Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation
Iceland will not compete in Eurovision 2026 after Israel was cleared to participate, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia.
Trump:
Trump: I will announce members of Gaza Board of Peace in early 2026
Trump says Gaza’s UN-backed “Board of Peace” will be unveiled in early 2026, calling it “legendary”.
UN chief slams Houthis’ court referral of UN staff in Yemen
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemns Houthis’ referral of UN staff to court, demanding release of 59 UN personnel held in Yemen.
US: Turkey must drop Russian S-400 to rejoin F-35
US envoy Tom Barrack says talks with Turkey on rejoining the F-35 program show promise, but Ankara must abandon the Russian S-400 system before any breakthrough can be achieved.
Sa’ar:
Sa’ar: Netanyahu will visit NYC despite Mamdani’s arrest threat
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismisses NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s vow to arrest PM Netanyahu, stressing the visit will go ahead despite opposition from Mamdani.
Iran opens trial of dual national accused of spying for Israel
Iran begins trial of a dual national accused of espionage for Israel, arrested during the June conflict. Charges include “waging war against God,” often punishable by death.
UN chief slams Israeli raid, demands respect for UNRWA premises
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemns Israel Police’s raid on UNRWA’s Jerusalem compound, calling it a violation of UN immunity and urging Israel to respect international law.
Antisemitism in Toronto:
Toronto seniors’ housing targeted in antisemitic mezuzah theft
Toronto Police are investigating after about 20 mezuzahs were stolen from a Jewish seniors’ housing building.
DeSantis declares:
DeSantis designates CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities
Florida Governor designates CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, directing agencies to block support and prevent unlawful activities.
Former Iranian FM warns Israel against future aggression
Mohammad Javad Zarif says Israel’s war with Iran was a “miscalculation,” warning future aggression will trigger Iranian self-defense.
Palestine Action activist:
Anti-Israel UK activist admits Elbit raid aimed at damage, denies violence
Palestine Action member Charlotte Head admits planning property damage in Elbit raid but denies violence. Six stand trial in UK for aggravated burglary, violent disorder, and criminal damage.
Amid criticism
BBC orders staff to complete antisemitism training amid mounting criticism
BBC launches compulsory antisemitism training after Jewish staff accused the broadcaster of bias. The Board of Deputies welcomes the move, but critics demand accountability and warn trust remains at risk.
Australia:
Antisemitism in Australia falls 20%, still five times pre-Oct. 7 levels
Antisemitic incidents in Australia fell 20% to 1,654 last year, but remain five times pre-Oct. 7 levels, new data show.
Houthis release crew of ship they attacked in Red Sea
Crew of the Greek-operated Eternity C, sunk in July after Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, have been released. Eleven seafarers are set to arrive in Oman, ending months of captivity.
Guterres:
Guterres: Israel’s Gaza operation fundamentally wrong
UN Secretary-General Guterres continues his criticism of Israel, says Gaza operation was “fundamentally wrong” and may involve war crimes.
EBU faces 'watershed moment' over Israel in Eurovision 2026
Eurovision faces a “watershed moment” as the EBU may vote on Israel’s 2026 participation this Thursday. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands threaten boycott, while Germany warns it could withdraw if Israel is banned.
Filipino crew of sunk cargo ship to be released by Houthis
Philippines says nine Filipino crew members of the Eternity C, sunk by Houthis in July, will be released. The men will be transferred from Sanaa to Oman before returning home.
'We will not abandon the Golan'
UN passes resolution against Israel’s Golan presence, Danon: We will not abandon the Golan
UN General Assembly votes overwhelmingly in favor of resolution demanding Israel withdraw from the Golan Heights. Danon condemns: “Israel will not return to the 1967 lines and will not abandon the Golan.”
AJC welcomes Dublin’s decision to keep Herzog Park name
American Jewish Committee welcomes Dublin City Council’s withdrawal of a proposal to rename Herzog Park, urging leaders to preserve Jewish heritage while supporting Palestinian Arabs, and warning against erasing Ireland’s Jewish history.
John Cleese apologizes for anti-Israel posts, condemns Hamas
Actor John Cleese apologizes for posting anti-Israel material on social media, condemns Hamas as “the nastiest terrorist group”.
Citing violations
Egypt court annuls parliamentary results in 26 districts over violations
Egypt’s Higher Administrative Court annuls parliamentary results in 26 districts, raising invalidated races to 45 out of 70.
