Storm 'Byron' arrives in Israel with heavy rains, major flooding risks
Storm 'Byron' hit Israel overnight with intense rainfall, especially in the north, and forecasters warn of 100-200 mm of rain along the coast and lowlands in the coming days.
The Israel National News - Arutz Sheva website
Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers
News by Israel National News
Report:
Report: Trump expected to announce 'Board of Peace' before holidays
White House advances Gaza governance plan as officials cite progress on Trump's 20‑point framework ahead of the anticipated holiday announcement.
Draft Law:
Legal adviser warns draft exemption bill raises many concerns
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee’s legal adviser, Miri Frankel-Shor, cautions lawmakers that the proposed draft exemption law does not meet the IDF’s operational needs.
Judge rejects Harvard antisemitism suit by Israeli graduate
US judge dismisses Yoav Segev’s lawsuit against Harvard, ruling he failed to prove “severe and pervasive harassment” or antisemitic intent in a 2023 campus assault during an anti-Israel protest.
Ben & Jerry’s chair:
Ben & Jerry’s chair defies Unilever, has no intention of resigning
Ben & Jerry’s board chair Anuradha Mittal refuses to resign as Unilever pressures her ahead of Magnum’s spinoff, escalating a feud over governance, funding, and the brand’s political activism.
House shifts Israel defense funds to Arrow 3 in 2026 NDAA
The House of Representatives’ 2026 defense bill cuts Iron Dome funding, boosts Arrow 3 missile defense, expands Israel cooperation on tunnels and drones, and sets $901B in overall US defense spending.
Minister Bezalel Smotrich:
Minister Bezalel Smotrich: Ronen Bar endangered democracy
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launches a fierce attack against former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, following reports that the agency monitored government offices involved in settlement activity.
Southern Lebanon:
IDF targets Hezbollah launch site, training facilities in southern Lebanon
IDF strikes Hezbollah training and launch sites in southern Lebanon, targeting Radwan Force facilities used to prepare attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.
Watch
Watch: The question which surprised President Herzog
ZOA-Betar leader Ben Kogan says his mic was cut and detectives sent to remove him after urging Herzog to pardon Netanyahu at the AZM conference: “It’s not Bibi who should ask for forgiveness, but the Jewish people.”
Haifa Mayor threatens delivery company over reckless drivers
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav launched an enforcement drive against Wolt couriers after repeated reports of dangerous driving, warning the company that continued violations may lead to legal steps limiting its operations.
ICJ alowss Russian counterclaim that Ukraine committed 'genocide'
Russia charges 41 Ukrainian officials with "genocide" as the International Court of Justice allows Russia to present its accusations to the court.
President Herzog in NYC:
President Herzog in NYC: Mamdani shows 'utter contempt' for Jewish nation state
Speaking in New York, President Isaac Herzog urged a united fight against antisemitism, defended Israel’s conduct in war, and warned of growing Iranian aggression.
Canada
Canadian model considers move to Israel after antisemitic incident
Miriam Mattova speaks about the incident in which an Uber driver refused to drive her just because she is Jewish.
Israel and Bolivia to officially restore diplomatic ties
Foreign Minister Sa'ar to meet with Bolivian counterpart in Washington and sign an agreement to renew relations between the countries, after Bolivia severed ties with Israel in 2023.
Captain Daniel Peretz's weapon found in booby-trapped Gaza complex
IDF troops located in Gaza the weapon of Captain Daniel Peretz, who was killed on 10/7 & whose body was returned from Hamas captivity about a month ago.
US Ambassador meets family of last remaining hostage
Ambassadors Mike Waltz and Danny Danon met with the family of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held captive by Hamas since the October 7 terror attacks.
Footage from Bnei Brak:
Footage from Bnei Brak: Car barrels into haredi protester, moderately injuring him
A car ran through a group of haredi extremists who were blocking Route 4. One protester was injured and taken to a nearby hospital.
Arab convicted for racist assault on Jew in Jerusalem's Old City
The court determined that the Arab suspect sprayed a Jew who was walking to prayers on purpose out of racist motives.
'Life-changing':
'Life-changing': Shiloh visit leaves deep impact on US Christian delegation
American Christian leaders who visited Shiloh told Arutz Sheva about the spiritual meaning of their visit, the welcome they received, and their commitment to support Israel.
Ben Gvir
Ben Gvir: Arab MKs risk losing their 'cultural heroes' with death penalty bill
National Security Minister says at Otzma Yehudit faction meeting that the death penalty for terrorists law would endanger the "cultural heroes" of MKs Tibi, Abbas, and Odeh.
Commanders punished
Soldier abandoned in Arab village after falling asleep, commanders punished
An IDF investigation found 'severe failures' after a special-unit fighter was accidentally left alone for 40 minutes in Qabatiya.
14 US colleges receive F grades for antisemitism
New report from StopAntisemitism organization finds that nearly 40% of Jewish students hid their Jewish identity on campus, about 60% experienced antisemitism personally.
PM Netanyahu:
PM Netanyahu: Israel advancing defense independence, pursuing regional gains
PM Netanyahu tells ambassadors Israel is expanding defense independence, strengthening alliances, and preparing the next stage in Gaza operations.
Clan battle breaks out outside Be'er Sheva courthouse
Police say a bloody clash outside the Be’er Sheva courthouse stemmed from a long-running feud between two clans; three men were wounded.
Tucker Carlson announces plan to buy home in Qatar
U.S. podcaster says purchase of property in Doha is in response to critics who claim he has been bought off by the Qatari government.
Gazan who celebrated October 7 massacre walks free in Belgium
Mohanad Alkhatib, a resident of Khan Yunis who participated in the October 7 massacre and was documented infiltrating Israeli territory, is seen roaming Antwerp freely, enjoying the city's Christmas market.
President Herzog lauds Israel's medical heroes at NYC event
At Shamir Medical Center event in New York, Israeli President Isaac Herzog salutes Israel’s medical resilience, says Shamir Medical Center 'gave us light during a time of darkness.'
France:
France: Caregiver to stand trial for alleged poisoning of Jewish family
A 42-year-old nanny faces trial in Nanterre for allegedly poisoning a Jewish family’s food and drinks. Prosecutors cite antisemitic motives, though her lawyer denies this, claiming a wage dispute was the cause.
Since 2000:
Study: Plastic waste from Jerusalem’s runoff has accumulated in the Dead Sea since 2000
University of Haifa analysis reveals a sharp rise in plastic accumulation originating from flash floods in Kidron Stream, increasing quantities of microplastic, and waste trapped in sinkholes in Dead Sea area.
UN Amb. Mike Waltz kicks off diplomatic visit to Israel
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz arrives in Jerusalem for a diplomatic visit, is expected to meet with Israeli officials, discuss challenges facing Israel.
UK:
NHS doctor suspended over alleged antisemitic posts
Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, an NHS trainee surgeon has been suspended for 15 months amid allegations she posted antisemitic and pro-terror content on social media, accusations she denies as investigations continue.
Report: Israel monitoring and recording at US base
The Guardian claims the US and other countries worry about Israeli recordings at the new Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat; IDF denies allegations, expressing concern of attempts to undermine peace efforts.
Storm Byron nearing Israeli shores
Storm battering Greece and Cyprus nears Israel as forecasters warn of heavy rains and floods through the week's end.
Watch:
Watch: Israeli flag flies on roof of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem
Police raid UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, which have been inactive since the organization was banned in Israel, and hoist the Israeli flag atop the building.
ILA Director-General appointment:
Chikli condemns Morgenstern's appointment, Goldknopf responds: 'A disgusting statement'
Minister Amichai Chikli denounces the plan to appoint Yehuda Morgenstern as Deputy Director-General of the Israel Land Authority, prompting MK Yitzhak Goldknopf to lash out in response.
Otzma Yehudit MKs arrive at Knesset wearing 'gallows' pins
MKs from the Otzma Yehudit party arrive at National Security Committee meeting on death penalty for terrorists wearing 'noose' pins to show commitment to passing bill.
Suspect who threatened COGAT chief arrested
Police arrest a suspect in his 50s for publishing severe threats against COGAT chief Major General Ghassan Alian, calling him 'Hitler's heir,' and 'Hamas' agent.'
Iran:
Iran’s Jewish MP warns community to avoid Israeli social media content
Iranian Jewish MP Dr. Homayoun Sameyeh urges community members to delete comments, likes, and memberships linked to Israeli accounts, warning that such activity has drawn scrutiny from security agencies and could lead to legal consequences.
Education Minister bans lecture by 'Brothers in Arms' activist
Lecture to be given to high schoolers by Lt. Col. (res.) Ron Scherf is canceled following new Education Ministry directive, due to 'Brothers in Arms' efforts to encourage draft refusal.
New road to bypass Salfit, boosting security for Jews
New road near Ariel will improve security and create more efficient traffic flow in an area traditionally plagued by security risks due to its proximity to the Palestinian Authority Arab community of Salfit.
