Israel National News

Shepherd released after being attacked and firing his handgun

Police released a shepherd who fired and wounded three Bedouins who attacked him and his companions with stones near Anatot.

Sydney victim saved policeman:

Jewish Sydney hero: Give me your gun or we'll both die

Leibel Lazaroff, 21, severely injured in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre, saved a police officer's life and attempted to stop the terrorist.

IDF dismantles Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon

IDF strikes several Hezbollah launch sites in southern Lebanon, dismantling military structures and terrorist infrastructure. 'Sites sites constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.'

Zvi Yehezkeli: Lebanese Army cannot disarm Hezbollah

Arab affairs analyst Zvi Yehezkeli warns Hezbollah has infiltrated Lebanon's army too deeply for it to be able to disarm the terror group.

Potential link to Ron Arad?

Potential link to Ron Arad? New details emerge on Lebanese official's abduction

Swedish citizens kidnapped Lebanese security official Ahmad Shukr before one of them left the country, new report reveals.

Khan al-Ahmar:

Khan al-Ahmar: State again asks court for extension of demolition case

The state requested an additional 30-day extension to file its response to a petition by the Regavim movement, citing the prime minister's trip to Washington and 'urgent consultations.'

Third rescue in 24 hours:

Third rescue in 24 hours: Mother and daughter extracted from PA territory

A young Jewish woman was seen wandering with her son in Bethlehem and were rescued by the IDF. It is the third case of Israelis entering PA territory within 24 hours.

Jerusalem security fence:

At Jerusalem security fence: 6,000 infiltrations weekly by PA Arabs

Security establishment waging intense war against surge in infiltrations by Palestinian Authority Arabs entering Israel through breaches in Jerusalem-area security fence.

After Bondi Beach massacre:

600 global officials send solidarity letter to Australian mayor after Bondi Beach attack

Nearly 600 elected leaders worldwide send letter of solidarity to Australian mayor after Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre.l

Houthis, Yemeni government agree to exchange nearly 3,000 prisoners

Yemen’s warring parties agree to exchange nearly 3,000 prisoners after Oman talks, marking the largest swap in 11 years and raising cautious hopes for advancing peace efforts.

France probes antisemitic attack on Jewish child at Paris airport

France opens probe after video shows man harassing a Jewish boy at Paris airport, ordering him to “free Palestine.” Police vow to identify the suspect and combat antisemitic acts.

Georgetown University drops anti-Israel UN rapporteur

Georgetown University removes UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese after UN Watch exposed her antisemitic remarks and support for terrorism, prompting wide international condemnation.

Eli Feldstein:

Eli Feldstein: Netanyahu knew about the document - he was behind the leak to Bild

Qatar Gate suspect Eli Feldstein talks about a conference call he claims took place with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Yonatan Urich after the document was leaked to the German newspaper Bild.

Poll: Likud, Bennett strengthen as coalition and opposition tie

A Channel 13 poll shows Likud and Naftali Bennett’s new party gaining strength, while the coalition and opposition blocs are tied at 55 seats each, with Arab parties holding the balance.

Confirmed:

Confirmed: Western Libyan Chief of Staff killed in plane crash

The plane of the Chief of Staff of Western Libya, Mohammed al-Haddad, was lost after reporting an electronic malfunction, as it returned from Ankara.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

Min. Smotrich gives green light to building 126 housing units, schools and roads in Sa-Nur

Supreme Planning Council to approve comprehensive construction plans in Sa-Nur. Minister Smotrich: 'Sa-Nur is returning home not with slogans, but with plans, budgets, roads and facts on the ground.'

Draft Law:

Tensions rise in United Torah Judaism over draft law targeting yeshiva students

Agudat Yisrael accuses Degel Hatorah of supporting sanctions on Torah students, pointing to nightly arrests of yeshiva students and insisting its actions follow guidance from Torah scholars.

Bennett accuses

Bennett accuses: 'The worst betrayal in Israel's history'

The former prime minister called on the Shin Bet and the police to investigate what the prime minister knew about the 'Qatargate'affair and wondered 'Why is Netanyahu silent?'

Deputy ISA chief resigns due to disagreements with David Zini

The head of the General Security Service, David Zini, has accepted the request of his deputy, S., to end his position in the near future, after 30 years of service in the organization.

AI:

Hostage Ran Gvili addresses President Trump in AI video plea

An AI video shows hostage Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili personally appealing to Trump to bring him home from Gaza. 'I’m asking you to see this through… bring me home before it's too late.' His mother described hearing his voice as 'both emotional and sad.'

Civil Admin. moves to new civilian building in Binyamin, step toward de facto sovereignty

Civil Administration’s civilian units relocate from military base to permanent facility in Sha’ar Binyamin, 'a historic step toward separating military and civilian life and advancing de facto sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.'

Report in Lebanon

Report in Lebanon: Officer kidnapped due to connection to Ron Arad's abduction

Former Lebanese security officer Ahmad Shukr has disappeared. Lebanese sources claim he may have been kidnapped by Israel in an intelligence operation

Smotrich signs order: VAT exemption limit increased to $150

Finance Minister Smotrich's move raises the VAT exemption ceiling for purchases from abroad. Business owners oppose the move.

Greta Thunberg:

Greta Thunberg arrested at London protest supporting Palestine Action hunger strikers

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was arrested at a London protest, while holding a sign reading, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”

UK

UK: 2 men convicted for plot to massacre hundreds of Jews

Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein were convicted of planning a mass murder attack against Jews in the UK, preparing to arm themselves with automatic rifles for the purpose.

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Winter:

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Winter: 'Israel seeks peace, Palestinians seek our destruction'

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter warned at the Jabotinsky Conference that Israel misreads Palestinian intentions, arguing that talk of a “day after” in Gaza fueled false hopes, calling for decisive action and a clear rejection of a Palestinian state.

Under Secretary of State:

Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg: Hanukkah reminds us light must be actively chosen

Under Secretary of State Jacob S. Helberg wrote on social media that Hanukkah teaches the need for moral clarity and principled leadership in confronting rising antisemitism, praising President Trump’s consistent stance on the issue.

Iran stops gas supplies to Iraq

'Unforseen circumstances' lead to sudden cutoff of Iranian gas shipments, severely affecting Iraq's ability to provide electricity to its populace.

Risk of 10/7-style attack:

State Comptroller issues severe warning for Jerusalem area - risk of 10/7-style attack

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman examined the effectiveness of the barrier and the crossings around Jerusalem and found serious deficiencies in operation, security, and supervision.

"Self-defense": Suspects in Jaffa attack released

Three Jewish suspects in the attack on a pregnant Arab woman last Saturday in Jaffa have been released from custody. Their lawyer said the court accepted their version of the incident.

Israel Dog Unit trains with IDF special forces

The Israel Dog Unit took part in an extended overnight training exercise this week alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Haruv special forces unit, marking a first-of-its-kind drill for the Haruv unit.

Remains of Itamar Schlesinger found 2 years after he went missing

Itamar Schlesinger from Ramat Gan went missing in September 2023 after a minor car accident in the village of Ein Hod. After more than two years of searches, his remains were found 600 meters from the accident site.

'Kill a Jew today'

Suspect in Crown Heights antisemitic stabbing arrested

Attacker shouted that he was going to "kill a Jew today" before committing stabbing, victim says.

Mother delivers her own granddaughter in Har Bracha

Yedida Rosenberg, a Magen David Adom medic and mother of eight, delivered her 22-year-old daughter's baby and became a grandmother.

Damascus Jewish community awaits fate of detained antiquities dealer

Members of the small Jewish community in Damascus voiced concern after the arrest of antiquities dealer Saleem Hamdani, as authorities investigate allegations of illegal artifact trade.

Australian PM invites President Herzog to visit after Sydney attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with President Isaac Herzog following the terror attack on Sydney’s Jewish community and invited him to visit Australia in the near future.

After the controversy:

After the controversy: Religious officer to remain in IDF?

Following public criticism and the controversy surrounding Hashmonaim Brigade commander Avinoam Emunah's end of service, he held a private conversation with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir about other possibilities.

Hezbollah terrorist who served in Lebanese military eliminated

The IDF eliminated three terrorists, including one who simultaneously served in the Lebanese intelligence unit, who were working to advance attacks on Israel and rebuild Hezbollah.

Overnight:

Overnight: House demolished near Hebron, family evicted

Security forces raid hilltop encampment, evict family, including pregnant woman, and demolish home, sheep pen, and chicken coop.

Israel exposes Iran's secret naval unit in Hezbollah

The capture of Imad Amahz has revealed details about Hezbollah's Operations Unit 1200, which operates under civilian cover and is run by Iran.