Rare recordings of Bashar al-Assad
In rare footage published by the Al-Arabiya network, the former Syrian president is heard expressing disgust with the state of the country and insulting his people.
The Israel National News - Arutz Sheva website
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Mansour Abbas' surprising announcement
Ra'am chief MK Mansour Abbas announces surprising decision which could massively impact Israel's next elections.
Israel to mediators: Hamas knows where body of last hostage is
Israel sends message to mediators, stressing that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, know where the body of Yasam officer Ran Gvili is located, and that Hamas can access it.
Danon:
Danon: Shift in UN voting shows growing opposition to automatic anti-Israel majorities
Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon welcomes noticeable shift in UN voting on 'Palestinian Package,' as more countries opposed or abstained, calling it evidence of a changing international stance and thanking states that backed Israel.
Rain and flooding in southern Israel
Rainfall expected to continue in the coming hours, as floods close roads in Eilat and the Arava region.
Southern Gaza:
IDF eliminates terrorists who crossed yellow line in southern Gaza
In two separate incidents Saturday, IDF troops identify three terrorists who crossed the yellow line, posing immediate threat.
Last hostage’s sister:
Last hostage’s sister: Do not proceed to Phase 2 until Rani is home
Crowds at Hostages Square mark Shabbat with prayers and pleas for Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza. His sister Shira urges unity and faith, demanding his return: “Until the last hostage, until Rani is home.”
Trump wins FIFA’s new peace prize
President Trump receives FIFA’s new peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw, having been previously praised by FIFA chief for Gaza ceasefire efforts.
Shabbat Shalom from Israel!
Shabbat Shalom from Israel! Updates continue from North America
Shabbat about to begin in Israel. Our North America desk will continue to update the site until Shabbat begins in New York.
Chief of Staff:
Chief of Staff: 'Establish an external and objective commission of inquiry'
Chief of Staff distributed a letter to commanders calling for an external commission of inquiry to examine the failures of October 7 and review the relationship between military and political echelons.
Pilot program in Yahalom combat engineering unit successful
The two-and-a-half-year pilot program examined the integration of women into combat roles in the IDF’s Yahalom special engineering unit.
Report:
Report: Assad loyalists in exile compete to mobilize fighters
Exiled Assad-era power brokers fund rival militias as they vie for influence in Syria’s Alawite heartland.
Avraham Fried moved by officer who lost his legs in Syria
Rabbi Liraz Zeira, a Chabad emissary and IDF officer wounded in Syria, received an emotional welcome from singer Avraham Fried during the Yud Tes Kislev “Tzama” celebration in Jerusalem.
Harvard professor agrees to leave US voluntarily after Boston synagogue shooting
Senior Harvard professor, charged with firing shots near a synagogue on Yom Kippur, agrees to leave US voluntarily before being deported.
Former Military Advocate General released from hospital, expected to be questioned soon
Three weeks after being hospitalized following the ingestion of sleeping pills, former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was released today from Ichilov Hospital.
Tragedy:
Tragedy: Major Eitan Orbach killed in traffic accident in Jordan Valley
The Beit She’an Municipality announces that Major Eitan Orbach was killed on Friday morning in an operational traffic accident while carrying out his duties in the defense of the Jordan Valley farms.
Victory for Ben-Gvir
Victory for Ben-Gvir: Police, Prison Service, and Fire Services budgets to increase
After extended negotiations with the Finance Ministry, the welfare tax slated to apply to police officers, prison guards, and firefighters will be canceled, budgets will be significantly expanded, and thousands of new positions will be opened.
Massive show of support
Massive show of support: Over 1,000 US leaders visit Ancient Shiloh
More than a thousand leaders and influencers from the United States are touring the ancient Shiloh site in Binyamin, in the culmination of the largest outreach mission in Israel's history.
The IDF soldier in service to Iran
Rafael Raouveni, who served in the Israeli Air Force, has been charged with espionage for Iran.
6-year-old boy dies of influenza A
A six-year-old boy was rushed to Kaplan Medical Center in critical condition, having collapsed at home. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Defense Minister blocks promotion of 'Brothers in Arms' officer
Minister Israel Katz says 'anyone who promotes refusal to serve won't advance in the IDF.'
Poll
Poll: Religious Zionism Party and Likud gain strength
New polling data shows the Religious Zionism party winning 4 seats and the Likud rising to 26, with the entire coalition bloc registering measurable gains.
Agreements reached:
Agreements reached: Defense budget for 2026 set at 112 billion shekels
After late-night discussions, a defense budget of 112 billion shekels was agreed upon. The Prime Minister decided that the defense budget will increase by 350 billion shekels over the next decade.
After error
Iraq removes Hezbollah, Houthis from asset freeze list after error
Iraq will remove Hezbollah and Houthis from an asset-freeze list after officials admitted their inclusion was a mistake.
After long suspension
easyJet to resume Israel flights in March 2026 after long suspension
easyJet will resume flights to Israel in March 2026, with Tel Aviv-London Luton tickets already on sale. The airline, after repeated postponements since October 2023, is considering expanding routes beyond pre-war levels.
More than 30 countries
Trump administration to expand travel ban to more than 30 countries
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the Trump administration will expand its travel ban to cover more than 30 countries.
Hamas fears eliminations: Even air conditioners banned
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reports that senior Hamas officials received security directives - including a ban on bringing electronic or medical equipment to meetings, including air conditioners.
Report:
Report: Trump to announce Gaza phase two before Christmas
According to Axios, Trump plans to unveil Gaza peace phase two before Christmas, with Israel’s withdrawal, an international force, and a new governance structure led by the Trump-chaired Board of Peace.
After writing to Herzog
After writing to Herzog, Trump shares Arutz Sheva report on Netanyahu’s pardon request
Trump shares link to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News’ report on Netanyahu’s pardon request to Herzog, after previously calling the trial a “political witch hunt” and urging Israel’s president to grant clemency to the Prime Minister.
Message to Iran?
Message to Iran? Israeli defense delegation visits Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani media report on a visit by a delegation from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, led by Brig. Gen. (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold.
Hamas on Abu Shabab's death:
Hamas: Abu Shabab's death 'inevitable fate of anyone who betrays their people'
Hamas denounces Yasser Abu Shabab following his death in a militia confrontation in eastern Rafah, accusing him of collaboration and praising clans that rejected him.
'Since 10.7 I'm not the same'
IDF officer who fought in Gaza ends his own life: 'Since 10.7 I'm not the same'
Thomas Adzgauskas, a former officer in the Givati Brigade who fought in Kfar Aza on 10/7, was found dead in Ashdod.
Watch
Watch: Netanyahu pulls out Bugs Bunny doll in video
Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video in English in which he claimed that his trial was a "political farce," and belittled the indictment, calling it the "Bugs Bunny trial."
Terror suspect neutralized as IDF, police sweep Qalqilya
IDF, Israel Police, and Border Police forces raided Qalqilya, seizing weapons, arresting terror suspects and weapons dealers, and neutralizing a terrorist who threatened the troops.
IDF recovers rare artifacts looted from Burj Lisana archaeological site
IDF Civil Administration forces seized dozens of rare artifacts looted from the Burj Lisana site in Area B after illegal construction caused severe damage to centuries-old remains.
Internal fighting in Rafah:
Yasser Abu Shabab beaten to death by members of his own militia
Yasser Abu Shabab, a leader of Gaza militias in eastern Rafah who in recent months has worked together with Israel, has been assassinated.
Delegation flies to Cairo to secure release of final hostage Ran Gvili
Mediators agree to focus on an intensive and immediate effort that will lead to the full completion of the mission regarding the hostages and the missing.
4 countries quit:
Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026, 4 countries quit
After a heated EBU debate over Israel’s participation, members approved rule changes preventing a disqualification vote, prompting four countries to withdraw as Israel prepares to compete in Vienna.
Remarkable honesty:
Bnei Brak kollel student returns hidden 150,000 shekels found in apt. wall
After discovering 150,000 shekels hidden in a wall during renovations, a Slabodka Kollel student sought halachic guidance, leading Rabbi Yehuda Silman to rule the money be returned to the unaware seller.
Chief of Staff decides:
Chief of Staff decides: The general who will lead the 'Jericho's Wall' investigation
The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, appointed Maj. Gen. (res.) Roni Numa to head a dedicated investigation team to examine the "Jericho Wall" - Hamas' plan to raid Israeli towns.
