Israel National News

UK Chief Rabbi says Met failing to protect Jews from anti-Israel protests

British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis criticizes London police for failing to ensure that a Saturday protest planned for next month will not target local synagogues.

American Airlines grounds all flights on Christmas eve

Airline announces no flights can take off for multiple hours on the day before major holiday due to unspecified "technical problem."

Prosecutor:

Prosecutor: Arabs attacked Jerusalem man 'without nationalist motives'

A young man in Jerusalem was attacked by three individuals for asking them to clear a blocked road.

IDF, US Cyber Command, hold joint 'Cyberdome' exercise

IDF, US Cyber Command, hold joint exercise, preventing dozens of cyberattacks and targeting enemy systems.

Watch Live:

Watch Live: First sergeant Netanel Pessach laid to rest

First sergeant Netanel Pessach was laid to rest today in Gush Etzion after being killed in action in Gaza yesterday.

Amb. Lew: Report on northern Gaza irresponsible, inaccurate

'Report issued on Gaza by FEWS NET relies on data that is outdated and inaccurate; at a time when inaccurate information is causing confusion and accusations, it is irresponsible to issue a report like this,' US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew says.

Fast lane for lone soldiers:

Nefesh B'Nefesh and Friends of the IDF host driver's license conversion day

The event, co-hosted by Israel’s Ministry of Transportation and the IDF streamlined the license conversion for some 900 Lone Soldiers and National Service Volunteers in just one day - under one roof.

Justice Minister bars judges from academia

Yariv Levin has decided to prevent judges from taking on teaching roles.

New mothers to be able to split maternity pay into three installments

Knesset to vote on new bill allowing new mothers to receive maternity pay in one lump sum or three equal installments.

Netanyahu to Christians:

Netanyahu to Christians: 'You've stood by our side as Israel defends our civilization'

The Prime Minister sent his Christmas wishes to Christians around the world and thanked them for their support.

Hannah Katzir, who survived Hamas captivity, passes away

Chana (Hannah) Katzir, 77, passes away just over one year after her release in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

Shouting and violence:

Shouting and violence: Lev Tahor members attack haredim

Members of the Lev Tahor cult violently attacked haredim who came to the aid of the cult's children who were rescued in a Guatemalan police raid.

Historic milestone:

Important Milestone: $10 million donation secures new emergency center in Binyamin

During meetings at a large fundraising gala in New York, attended by Ambassador-designate Governor Mike Huckabee, a significant sum was raised to complete the construction of the first medical complex in Binyamin, which will serve as its emergency and trauma center.

National Unity MK claims:

National Unity MK claims: Ben Gvir and Smotrich thwarted a hostage release deal

MK Michael Biton criticizes the government's handling of the issue of a hostage deal.

Suspect in murder of health insurance executive pleads not guilty

Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, pleads not guilty to state charges, including "terrorist" murder.

In second and third readings

Knesset approves defense budget increase for 2024 in second and third readings

Knesset also approves the extension of the state of emergency for another year, until December 2025, in line with the government's request.

Yossi Dagan demands: Ground maneuver in Jenin now

Following publication of photos of Palestinian Arab police officers with RPG rockets in Jenin, Samaria Council head demands that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense order a ground maneuver in northern Samaria.

Coalition leaders decide on 'hearing' for Attorney General

Leaders of the parties in the coalition reportedly decided to hold a "hearing" for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, but leave it to Justice Minister Yariv Levin to decide when and how the process will take place.

Until September 2025

Trial for suspect in second Trump assassination attempt delayed to September 2025

US judge postpones the trial for Ryan Routh, the suspect in the second assassination attempt of President-elect Donald Trump, until September 2025.

Grandfather of fallen soldier:

Grandfather of fallen soldier: Hillel was happy he could contribute

Itzik Shadmi, grandfather of Sergeant first class (res.) Hillel Diener who fell in northern Gaza, pays tribute to him: It’s hard to speak about him in the past tense. He loved his family very much.

Missile from Yemen intercepted

Sirens in central Israel, Shfela, and southern Negev, missile from Yemen intercepted

Sirens sounded in central Israel, the Shfela and Arad area. IDF says missile from Yemen was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory. 20 people treated by Magen David Adom, including 60-year-old injured on the way to shelter in Tel Aviv.

Former President Bill Clinton hospitalized after developing fever

Former president’s deputy chief of staff says Clinton has been admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for testing and observation after developing a fever and is "in good spirits".

Former US officials:

Former US officials: Any agreement must include the seven American hostages

Robert O’Brien, who served under Trump, and Tom Nides, who served under Biden, publish op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, stress bipartisan support in the US for the demand that any hostage release deal must include in its first stage the seven American citizens still being held by Hamas.

Families of IDF lookouts livid

Families of murdered IDF lookouts livid: If this isn't a mistake, it's disappointing

Families of IDF lookouts who were murdered at Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, 2023, receive radio recordings of their daughters from the IDF, express outrage over the fact that the recordings were cut off at 4:48 a.m. on October 7.

Herzog:

Herzog: Israeli hostages now held just as long as Iran held US hostages

Israeli President notes that the 100 Israeli hostages have been held in Gaza for 444 days now, the same time Iran held 50 US citizens and diplomats hostage after its 1979 revolution.

More Than A Year Later:

More Than A Year Later: Police sappers neutralize grenades in Gaza region

Two grenades were discovered and neutralized by police sappers in an open field near Tel Gama in the Eshkol Regional Council.

Deputy FM displays Houthi missile strike to ambassadors

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel led a tour for ambassadors and diplomats to Israel at the site of the Houthi missile strike at Ramat Efal Elementary School in Ramat Gan.

Head of Hamas National Security Directorate eliminated

The terrorist who was eliminated was in a command compound established on the ruins of a school in Duraj Taffah. The IDF stated that he was a senior figure in Hamas' decision-making.

Two Negev residents arrested for gun smuggling at Sinai border

Zaher Abu Rakeik and Imad Hawashla were arrested on suspicion of smuggling firearms at the Sinai border. Eight pistols and magazines were seized.

Jewish Agency to light world’s largest digital Menorah

From Kiryat Shmona to Melbourne, from Sderot to Washington, from Jerusalem to Paris, anyone can light a virtual candle that will be projected on Israel’s National Institutions building.

Second soldier in leaked documents case identified

The court has permitted the release of Aharon Rosenfeld's name. He is the second defendant accused in the classified documents leak. Rosenfeld insists that revealing his identity is crucial to fight for his innocence.

PM:

PM: 'Progress in talks on hostage deal, we are climbing to victory'

Netanyahu addresses Knesset session initiated by opossition, criticizes Lapid for calling for 'war' against govt. 'What does war mean? Are you declaring war on your brothers?'

Gantz:

Gantz: 'Israel must strike Iran directly instead of going after proxies'

National Unity party chairman echoes Mossad chief's call for Israel to strike Iran rather than only retaliate against the Houthis for their recent ballistic missile attacks.

Smotrich:

Smotrich: 'A partial deal would mean abandoning dozens of hostages'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the issue of hostages, emphasizing unity and criticizing the opposition for divisive rhetoric.

100 explosives, 20 rocket launchers found in Lebanese storage facility

The IDF anounced that the troops of the 769th Brigade are continueing defensive activity in southern Lebanon, in accordance with the ceasefire and understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

Watch:

Watch: Border Police shoot three terrorists

Border Police marksmen shot three terrorists during a violent riot in the Binyamin region.

Minister Sa'ar:

Minister Sa'ar: Trump admin. certainly leaves room for optimism

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar says he expects to turn a new page towards constructive dialogue with the European Union under the new high representative.

Hundreds of bombs and rockets

Hundreds of bombs and rockets | Watch: IDF uncovers multitude of arms in southern Lebanon

Troops located a weapons storage facility containing over 100 explosives and approximately 20 rocket launchers of various types while searching terrorist sites in southern Lebanon.

Attempted terror attack:

Terrorist attempts to stab security guard in Jerusalem and is neutralized

A terrorist attempted to stab a member of the security forces in northern Jerusalem and was neutralized. No one was injured.

Official source denies:

Official source denies: Israel won't agree to withdraw from 'most' of Philadelphi Corridor

Egyptian channel reports Israel agrees to withdraw from most of the Philadelphi Corridor for a hostage deal. A reliable source denied the report, saying 'one must not forget that we are dealing with monsters.'