Arab Muslim makes history as Israel Border Police unit commanderAsadi heads a household steeped in uniformed service: Two of his children are prison guards in the Israel Prison Service and a third previously served in the Border Police. December 31, 2025
One in three Israelis seek mental health support after two years of warIsraelis have also turned increasingly to self-medication, with purchases of over-the-counter sleep and calming medications rising 14 percent. December 31, 2025
1.3 million tourists visited Israel in 2025Fifty percent of the tourists visiting Israel over the past year were Jewish and 9% were Christian pilgrims, according to initial annual figures. December 31, 2025
IDF intercepts smuggling drone carrying M16 riflesThe drone was found to be carrying 20 M-16 rifles, along with additional weapons components. December 31, 2025
Israel approves plans to rebuild Samaria town evacuated in 2005 disengagementPlan to reestablish Israeli town in Samaria that was evacuated during the Gaza Disengagement approved, paving way for its resettlement and expansion. December 31, 2025
IDF releases grim casualty figures after war-filled year151 fallen IDF soldiers were added this year—a painful and difficult number. December 31, 2025
Israel moves to recognize service-linked suicides as fallen soldiers after military dischargeA Knesset Research & Information Center paper found 124 IDF suicides from 2017 through July 2025, noting a significant increase in the number and share of reservists in recent years. December 31, 2025
Israel’s population growth rate falls to all-time lowFor the first time ever, Israel's annual growth rate falls before 1%, amid declining birth rates, a rise in the number of deaths, and high levels of negative migration. December 31, 2025
‘Defense Minister’s Shield’ honors supporters of reservistsThe IDF Chief of Staff emphasized that Israel’s security depends not only on military strength but also on caring for soldiers’ human needs during and after service. December 31, 2025
The year in review: Israel at a turning pointDespite political strains and wartime pressure, the government moved closer to completing a full term—something that has not happened in more than three decades. December 30, 2025
Shekel nears 4-year high at 3.17 per dollarThe dollar index has declined 1.5% since early December, but the shekel has strengthened more sharply. December 30, 2025
Tel Aviv metro project faces major delays and cost overruns, state comptroller warnsPreliminary estimates suggest the project cost may exceed the approved budget by up to NIS 12 billion ($3.77 billion). December 30, 2025
Netanyahu holds ‘warm’ conversation with VanceVance claimed in a Dec. 21 interview that concerns about antisemitism are sometimes raised as a way to avoid discussing 'a real backlash to a consensus view in American foreign policy.' December 30, 2025
Tens of thousands of Palestinians infiltrate Israel daily, lawmaker warnsLawmaker warns that the incidents captured on film are just the tip of the iceberg. December 30, 2025
Knesset tightens restrictions on UNRWA operations in IsraelA new law cuts utilities, banking and communications to all facilities linked to the agency. December 30, 2025
Smotrich urges sweeping counterterror measures amid surge in attacksSmotrich also called for a crackdown on anti-Israel incitement, accusing the Palestinian Authority of encouraging terror and violence through its education system. December 30, 2025
Trump says he would support Israeli strike on Iranian missiles, nuclear sitesIt was not clear if Trump meant that he would support a strike under current conditions but suggested that any potential military action would be a response to Iranian actions. December 29, 2025
Israel to allow daytime Jewish prayer at Joseph’s Tomb for first time in 25 yearsShechem is located in Area A under the administrative and security jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority. December 29, 2025
North American aliyah surges in 2025 as post–Oct. 7 solidarity drives thousands to IsraelAliyah application files opened through Nefesh B’Nefesh climbed from 8,943 in 2022 to 13,389 in 2025. December 29, 2025
‘Great meeting’ with Rubio in Florida, Netanyahu saysThe Israeli prime minister’s visit stateside comes shortly after the Jewish state became the first country to recognize Somaliland. December 29, 2025
IDF returns to northern Samaria as settlement boundaries expand'When we bring settlement and the military back here with full force, that is how terror is suppressed and security is restored.' December 29, 2025
Police in field warn of lost control in NegevSenior echelon denies officers are told to avoid confrontation in Bedouin areas. December 29, 2025
From captivity to commitment: Former Gaza hostages announce engagement in FloridaBefore their abduction, the couple met through work and lived together for about a year and a half in Kibbutz Nir Oz, from where they were taken during the Hamas assault. December 29, 2025
Second Temple-era Jewish ritual bath discovered near the Western Wall2,000-year-old mikveh discovered under the Western Wall Plaza highlights religious life in Jerusalem in the last years of the Second Temple. December 29, 2025
Oct 7 victims, families sue Hamas for $1 billion in Jerusalem courtThe claims were filed by attorney David Simana under Israel’s Terror Victims Compensation Law, which took effect in 2024 and allows for punitive damages against perpetrators of terrorism and those deemed responsible for such acts. December 28, 2025
Israel delivers the first operational laser air-defense system in historyAccording to defense officials, the system has already proven itself in an extensive series of trials, successfully intercepting multiple types of aerial threats under realistic operational conditions. December 28, 2025
Family mourns Shimshon Mordechai after northern Israel terror attacks'He was a true family man in every sense, someone who always made sure we lacked nothing.' December 28, 2025
Call to sanction Israelis who refuse flu vaccinationThe strains of this year’s virus have killed 70 people so far this winter, including five children. December 28, 2025
Parents’ heartbreaking farewell to Aviv Maor, slain in terror attack'The abyss is bottomless. The soul is shattered. Pain and a reality that cannot be grasped.' December 28, 2025
Knesset mulls broad ban on mosque loudspeakersNational Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposes comprehensive ban on use of loudspeakers at Israeli mosques for five daily calls to prayer. December 28, 2025
Netanyahu’s high-stakes holiday visit to Mar-a-LagoWhile Netanyahu and his first lady could use some time to recharge their batteries, the prime minister will need to be on top of his game this week. December 28, 2025
Israel ranks lowest in global image rankings, biggest year-over-year dropIsrael’s overall score dropped by 6.1% compared with the previous year, the largest single decline ever measured by the index. December 27, 2025
Florida rabbi reports open Jewish life and real peace in Arab nationRabbi describes visible Jewish life on the ground—minyanim, kosher food, a mikvah, and a Jewish school—alongside a Holocaust exhibit in Abu Dhabi. December 27, 2025
Israel to introduce new standards for home bomb sheltersThe change follows incidents during the 12-day war with Iran in June, in which Israeli civilians believed they had secured the door, only for it to be partially unlocked and blown inward by the force of an explosion. December 27, 2025
Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland amid condemnation, Trump not impressedWith the newly signed agreement, the Israeli foreign minister said plans would also move forward for the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. December 27, 2025
Female officer rescued after entering Palestinian town near Hebron to meet boyfriendThe inquiry determined that the officer had crossed into Yatta, an Area A city where Israeli citizens are barred from entry without prior coordination because of security risks. December 26, 2025
Shielded a 10-year-old Matilda with his body, paid with his life: Dan Elkayam buried in IsraelA French national who had immigrated to Australia, Elkayam worked as an IT engineer and was also a semi-professional soccer player. December 26, 2025
Bahrain’s crown prince meets Israeli envoy in ManamaThe meeting came a week after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Bahraini people on the kingdom’s National Day. December 26, 2025
Young people more likely to favor Israel after interning there, new study findsTAMID described the results as an encouraging sign that Israel can be a hit with American youth even as higher numbers of young people report holding negative views of Israel. December 25, 2025
New York Jewish community buys an entire Jerusalem high-rise project in one coordinated moveNir Shmul, CEO of a major Israeli real estate marketing firm, called it the biggest deal of its kind in Israel and pegged it as a rare vote of confidence during a tougher sales period. December 25, 2025
Israel to maintain aerial superiority, deny foes same capabilities, Netanyahu saysTrump announced on Nov. 18 that the United States would sell Saudi Arabia F-35 jets that are 'pretty similar' to those that the IDF operates. December 25, 2025
Deputy minister accused of exposing Shin Bet agent in Oct. 7 intelligence warningOpposition demands investigating Almog Cohen for violating censorship laws and endangering the security of the state. December 25, 2025
IDF foils planned terror attack in SamariaThe terrorists who were actively involved in advancing terrorist activity and were planning an attack. December 25, 2025
Israeli man arrested for spying on former PM on behalf of IranPolice nab man from central Israel who surveilled the home of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett while working for Iranian intelligence agency. December 25, 2025
IDF chief explains decision to strike Iran after intense cabinet meetingZamir described the meeting as highly charged, saying the cabinet secretary recited a prayer for the safety of IDF personnel before ministers approved the operation by a show of hands. December 24, 2025
‘Every year they burn trees’: Jenin church firebombing renews scrutiny of PAWhile Christians comprised 11% of the population of the entire Holy Land in 1922, today, they account for just 1% of the population in the Palestinian Authority. December 24, 2025
US awards Colt $12.9M contract to supply M4A1 rifles and accessories to the IDF by 2026The M4A1 is a 5.56mm carbine with a 30-round magazine and an effective range out to 500 meters, and it is fully automatic with an ambidextrous fire-control selector. December 24, 2025
Netanyahu: Israel to spend $110 billion to develop independent arms industry in next decadeNetanyahu’s comments came about a month after he denied reports that his country was seeking a new 20-year military aid deal with the US. December 24, 2025
Israelis among top 10 foreign visitors to AzerbaijanThe tourism figures highlight the burgeoning ties between the Jewish state and the predominantly Shi’ite Muslim Azerbaijan. December 24, 2025
Lawmakers ejected from Knesset as government-backed Oct. 7 probe passes voteThe Knesset votes to give preliminary approval to a bill empowering the legislature to appoint a commission to investigate the October 7th failures - sparking an angry outcry from opposition lawmakers. December 24, 2025
Report: Netanyahu preparing for early electionsThe Likud denies claims that Prime Minister Netanyahu is quietly laying the groundwork for early elections. December 24, 2025
IDF demolishes home of terrorist behind deadly attackThe demolition followed the July terror attack at the Gush Etzion Junction in which 22-year-old Israeli security guard Shalev Zevuloni was murdered. December 24, 2025
IDF gets new air force and navy chiefs following defense establishment deadlockIsraeli defense chief signs off on new commanders for Israel's air force and navy, following months-long deadlock with the IDF chief of staff over the appointments. December 24, 2025
Jerusalem security barrier fails to prevent illegal entry, state watchdog warnsAccording to the report, between 2,000 and 2,400 people illegally entered Israel through the Jerusalem area each quarter during 2022-2024. December 24, 2025
Kiryat Shmona protesters: Half the city still hasn’t returnedResidents demand incentives, jobs and tax relief as essential for revival and growth. December 24, 2025
18.4 million passengers travelled through Ben-Gurion Airport in 2025Fifty-eight percent of passengers traveled on Israel’s three major carriers, with Israel’s flag carrier, El Al, capturing 38% of all traffic. December 23, 2025
Israel rushes in half a million vaccines as severe influenza surge fills hospitals and claims children’s livesThe Health Ministry has said more than 1.5 million people have been vaccinated so far, about 15.7% of the population, with roughly half of Israelis aged 65+ vaccinated. December 23, 2025
Netanyahu joins northern Israel emergency drillNetanyahu said that the exercise was about 'defense against earthquakes and missile attacks.' December 23, 2025
Israel to resettle northern Gaza, says defense chiefIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says IDF will reestablish bases evacuated from northern Samaria and build outpost settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. December 23, 2025
Israel’s tech sector surges in 2025 despite fewer deals, $15.6B in fundingBusiness Software led private funding with $4.5 billion, followed closely by Cybersecurity at $4.1 billion. December 23, 2025
