Heated debate in Knesset over death penalty for terrorists Lilach Wagner, head of the ministry’s penal and serious crime cluster, warned that the proposal raises constitutional, moral, and international law concerns. January 20, 2026
Israel, Greece deepen defense cooperation, discuss counter-drone and missile systems Dendias reiterated Greece’s condemnation of the October 7 attacks on Israel and reaffirmed Athens’ support for Israel’s right to self-defense. January 20, 2026
High court blocks autopsies in Jerusalem daycare deaths, forcing investigation to proceed without forensic answers With autopsies now barred, authorities will rely on medical records, scene evidence, and witness testimony. January 20, 2026
Israel advances $2 billion plan to ease burden on IDF reservists The Israel Defense Forces will implement a new differential model, assigning reservists to six tiers that grant benefits based on the nature and type of their service, the ministry said. January 20, 2026
Hamas weighs moving senior officials out of Gaza – report A number of prominent Hamas officials are making arrangements for a coordinated “safe exit” from Gaza. January 20, 2026
Netanyahu hails Trump’s ‘incredible first year’ of second term Trump was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2025, returning to the White House after four years out of office and becoming the first former president in 132 years to secure a second nonconsecutive term. January 20, 2026
At least 1,000 daycare centers operate illegally in Israel Deaths of two infants highlight widespread lack of oversight. January 20, 2026
Israel ignores UN threats, demolishes UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem Ignoring demands by the UN secretary-general to return UNRWA properties in Jerusalem and threats to take Israel to court, authorities demolish UNRWA's Jerusalem headquarters. January 20, 2026
Antiquities robbers arrested after damaging Roman-period cave in Galilee 'The Hittin area is recognized as an archaeological complex of historical importance,' said Nir Distelfeld, supervisor of the Antiquities Authority’s robbery prevention unit in the north. January 19, 2026
Israel declares 2026–2027 ‘critical years’ for earthquake preparedness under Defense Ministry order Israel sits along the Syrian-African Rift, and official planning scenarios warn a severe quake could mean thousands killed. January 19, 2026
2 babies dead, 53 injured in daycare disaster in Jerusalem Two infants dead and dozens more hospitalized in Jerusalem as authorities probe cause of death at unauthorized daycare center operating out of an apartment building. January 19, 2026
Prison for thieves who looted Nova massacre site Separate cases reveal thefts by soldiers from comrades during the early days of the war. January 19, 2026
New Shin Bet chief criticized by feminists for refusing to shake women’s hands Some progressive voices accused Zini of sending a discriminatory message. January 18, 2026
Israel’s opposition to boycott government-backed inquiry on October 7 attack The controversy centers on a bill sponsored by Likud lawmaker Ariel Kallner that proposes an alternative to a state commission of inquiry. January 18, 2026
Jewish Priests and Levites prepare for service in Third Temple The two separate but related professional communities are rooted in priestly and Levitical identity, each with its own focus and infrastructure. January 18, 2026
Honduras president-elect expresses hope for ‘new era’ in ties with Israel The conservative president-elect, who is of Palestinian Christian descent, said that he would receive the letter of credentials from the Israeli ambassador on his first day in office. January 18, 2026
US ‘has no better friend’ than Israel, Graham says 'The Trump-Netanyahu alliance has thus far been one of the strongest partnerships in the history of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and I am hopeful it will pay dividends in the near future,' Graham said. January 18, 2026
Israeli officials harshly critical of Steve Witkoff’s influence on US policy on Gaza, Iran – report This criticism relates both to the proposed inclusion of Turkey and Qatar in Gaza’s governing bodies and to the Iranian threat. January 18, 2026
Yarden Bibas marks son’s birthday with heartbreaking message 'Kfir, I’m sorry I brought you into such a cruel world. I hope you know how much I love you and how much I miss you.' January 18, 2026
‘Our show, not Netanyahu’s’: Trump’s ‘Peace Board’ makeup angers Israel 'If Netanyahu wants the Trump administration to deal with Gaza - we will do it our way,' said US officials. January 18, 2026
‘My paradise had turned into hell:’ Ex-Gaza hostage releases memoir The women and children were released after 50 days in captivity. January 16, 2026
House passes State Department funding bill with Israel aid The Israeli premier stated that reducing U.S. military aid to zero within the next 10 years was 'in the works.' January 16, 2026
‘Who Is a Jew’ bill fails Knesset preliminary vote The bill aimed to stipulate that registration as a Jew in official population records would be based solely on conversions recognized by Israel’s state rabbinical courts. January 15, 2026
Syrian Druze leader calls for independence, Israel alliance Six months ago, the Druze of Syria suffered a terrible massacre at the hands of troops loyal to Syria’s new Sunni Islamist president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. January 15, 2026
Israel to honor Charlie Kirk with award for fighting antisemitism After his murder, Netanyahu described him as a 'lion-hearted friend' of the country and a 'defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization.' January 15, 2026
4.2-magnitude quake shakes Negev; no injuries Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. January 15, 2026
IDF addresses rising tensions as rumors swirl The clarification came as rumors of an imminent U.S. strike on Iran dominated media coverage. January 15, 2026
IDF combat soldier suspected of selling military secrets to Iran 'One of the worst espionage cases yet' - Israeli soldier arrested after allegedly transferring information on IDF bases and weapons to Iranian intelligence. January 15, 2026
Israel to compete in first semifinal of 2026 Eurovision, organizers announce A total of 35 countries will participate in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, but only 30 will compete in the semifinals because five countries are pre-qualified for the grand final on May 16. January 14, 2026
Israel announces departure from several UN agencies it accuses of bias against Jewish state Israeli officials framed the move as both corrective and overdue, arguing that a number of UN-affiliated bodies have abandoned neutrality and instead become platforms for political attacks against the Jewish state. January 14, 2026
From aid to alliance: Why Israeli leaders say ending US military assistance is long overdue – analysis Ending aid will require a shift in Israel’s thinking, forcing it to take a closer look at its military needs and what elements it must build in-house, said Israel, who began researching the topic 15 years ago. January 14, 2026
Held 496 days in a Maduro prison, Israeli hostage finally home Harari’s release appears tied to a wider wave of prisoner and detainee releases underway in Venezuela amid dramatic political upheaval. January 13, 2026
Israel Police vows to prevent Hamas ‘victory display’ during Ramadan Ahead of last year’s Ramadan celebrations, Hamas terrorists aimed to incite a wave of attacks in Jerusalem, including on the Temple Mount. January 13, 2026
Former hostage recounts horrific suffering in Hamas captivity David Cunio describes starvation, psychological torture and forced marches through Gaza tunnels. January 13, 2026
Flooding and high winds disrupt roads and flights as storm sweeps Israel A serious incident occurred in the village of Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, where firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. January 13, 2026
Israel poised to launch defense privatizations in months, says government official The government plans an initial sale of 25-30% of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. January 13, 2026
New IDF initiative offers fast-track reserve duty for immigrants to Israel The initiative emphasizes that participants are guaranteed financial security during their service, as reserve duty days are fully recognized and compensated by the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). January 13, 2026
Israel razes over 2,500 Gaza buildings after ceasefire; dozens demolished beyond the Yellow Line: report The Yellow Line now functions as a hard internal boundary that effectively splits Gaza January 12, 2026
Israeli archaeologists launch project to trace origins of ancient pottery The organizers said they envision a national database that would contain what they described as the 'genetic sequencing' of the kilns. January 12, 2026
Coalition lawmakers push to repeal law used in Netanyahu’s corruption trial Israel's government set to move forward with bill that would scrap law broadly defining fraud and breach of trust, which served as the basis for corruption charges against Netanyahu. January 12, 2026
New settlement inaugurated in Samaria Rechavam is named for assassinated right-wing minister Rehavam Ze'evi. January 12, 2026
Israel, Germany deepen cyber, counterterror ties in new pact Agreement coincides with a $3.1b contract to expand Germany’s new IAI-made Arrow 3 missile defense system. January 12, 2026
Concern at reduced IDF presence near Gaza Strip According to an IDF statement, the military has no intention of reducing the quantity of defense personnel in the communities, despite a reduction in the number of reserve days. January 11, 2026
Haaretz journalist paid by Qatar lobbyist to promote regime talking points Pinkas denied ever having taken money from Qatar that would influence his writing and insisted that his opinions were all his own. January 11, 2026
Netanyahu voices hope for future Israel–Iran peace 'We all hope the Persian nation will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny, and when that day comes, Israel and Iran will again be partners.' January 11, 2026
Israeli hero charged terrorist, was shot several times and survived Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he visited Bitton at St. Vincent’s Hospital before the evacuation January 10, 2026
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir says Netanyahu pledged support for death-penalty legislation before Oct 7 He said the promise remains in force and that he expects the legislation to move forward. January 9, 2026
Israel braces for severe rain, possible flooding, up to 70 mph winds in some areas The latest bout of severe weather arrives just weeks after Storm Byron, which hammered Israel’s coastline last month with strong winds and rough seas. January 9, 2026
Nefesh B’Nefesh hosts largest-ever Aliyah event for gap-year students According to Nefesh B’Nefesh, participants engaged directly with representatives to learn about academic, professional and communal opportunities available across the country. January 9, 2026
Children of migrant workers in Israel petition to join IDF They wrote in the petition that Israel is 'our homeland, where we have lived all our lives and from which we have never left.' January 8, 2026
‘Homecoming’ is voted Hebrew word of the year 'Artificial intelligence' (bina milahutit) came in second place, while hope (tikva) came in third. January 8, 2026
Netanyahu admits southern Israel is out of control, vows to restore order Netanyahu visits southern Israel, vowing major changes to rein in rampant criminal activity, violence, and weapon- smuggling that have plagued parts of the area for years. January 8, 2026
Samoa to inaugurate embassy in Jerusalem this year Israel and Samoa, which have maintained bilateral ties since 1972, have strong, growing relations marked by cooperation in health, technology, agriculture, and energy. January 7, 2026
Netanyahu, Modi discuss strengthening ties, Gaza peace plan Netanyahu briefed Modi on the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, while Modi reaffirmed India’s support for efforts toward a just and durable peace in the region. January 7, 2026
Knesset examines growing use of medical cannabis among PTSD-afflicted soldiers Currently, approximately 6,000 soldiers receive funding for medical cannabis, with about 3,500 new patients added over the past two years. January 7, 2026
Searches resume for body of Ran Gvili, Gaza’s last hostage 'We believe that an agreement has two sides, and both must honor their obligations.' January 7, 2026
Uproar after Hebrew University students hold pro-Palestinian conference The school defended the event as being protected by 'academic freedom of expression.' January 7, 2026
IDF chief: New strategy focuses on possibility of surprise war Zamir vowed that no terrorist or proxy groups would be allowed to 'wallow' on the frontier. January 7, 2026
Israel approves upgrade to 4G mobile services for Palestinians in Judea and Samaria Israel is in the process of shutting down older 2G and 3G technologies and has advised the public to equip themselves with devices that support 4G and 5G. January 7, 2026
Fans banned from Maccabi Tel Aviv, Real Madrid EuroLeague game over security concerns Season ticket holders will have their refunds credited toward their renewal for the next season. January 7, 2026
