Gordon Lyons has defended a £39,727 St Patrick’s Day trip to the United States as a worthwhile investment in promoting Northern Ireland. Critics questioned the cost during a period of financial pressure, but the minister said the visit would boost tourism and cultural ties.

Iranian activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay says Iranian backing for American action depends on avoiding civilian harm and pursuing genuine regime change. She urges stronger international pressure and practical support for Iranians facing repression.

A 19-year-old Israeli has been charged with spying for Iranian interests and allegedly planned to meet his handler in Dubai. Prosecutors say he shared false and sensitive information and received tens of thousands of shekels in payment.

Despite global climate pledges and growing renewable capacity, the world remains deeply dependent on oil. Economic risks, political resistance and industry influence continue to slow the transition away from fossil fuels.

Innovators across industries are taking an active role in shaping the future. From technology to medicine, they are redefining fields and accelerating change rather than waiting for it to happen.

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said he views the Israeli government as 'just as evil' as Hamas and called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal. The comments add to recent controversies surrounding his past statements and political associations.

New polling shows declining support for Israel in the United States, particularly among younger Americans. A former Israeli consul warns that political polarization, social media narratives, and foreign campus funding are contributing to one of the lowest levels of support in decades.

Syrian authorities say they have foiled Hezbollah linked rocket plots and seized large quantities of weapons and explosives. In a separate joint operation with Iraq, officials intercepted about 500000 captagon pills and arrested suspected traffickers.

A reservist from Samaria was released after six days in custody over a fatal incident near Qusra. A court denied a request to extend his detention and placed him under short-term house arrest.

Netanyahu condemned the damage of a Christian statue in southern Lebanon by a soldier, calling it shocking and unacceptable. An investigation has been launched, and officials apologized to Christians for the incident.

Beef and veal consumption in Israel rose seven percent in 2025 despite higher living costs, far exceeding the average among developed economies. Officials expect holiday demand to surge and are advancing reforms aimed at lowering minced meat prices by up to 15 percent.

Lebanon's president said upcoming talks with Israel aim to end hostilities and the Israeli presence in the south. Former ambassador Simon Karam will lead the Lebanese delegation.