Religious Zionism denies agreeing to support a bill granting military draft exemptions to ultra-Orthodox men, insisting on changes to ensure genuine enlistment. The proposed law faces criticism from both coalition and opposition members. Party leader Bezalel Smotrich says no final decision has been made.

A study finds that older Arabs and single women in Israel face greater financial insecurity as life expectancy rises. Employment and income gaps persist, prompting calls for policy reforms to support vulnerable seniors.

Modi and Netanyahu discussed strengthening India-Israel ties and cooperation in a phone call. Modi emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism and support for regional peace, but did not mention plans to meet.

The military says it killed a Palestinian operative who crossed the Gaza ceasefire line near Jabalia. Palestinian media reported three deaths in the area, including a 16-year-old.

Netanyahu will meet President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 29, with no reporters allowed on his flight. The visit aligns with United States efforts to move forward on its Gaza plan.

Iceland joins four other countries in boycotting next year's Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation. The move follows a decision by the European Broadcasting Union to allow Israel to compete. The contest will see fewer countries taking part as a result.

Storm Byron is battering Israel with heavy rain and strong winds, prompting widespread warnings and emergency preparations. Authorities are searching for five missing people at sea, and flooding is expected in many regions. Residents are urged to take precautions as the storm continues.

A flight from Cyprus to Israel was rerouted through Lebanese airspace because of stormy weather. Passengers were reportedly unaware of the diversion, which was made for safety reasons.

Bereaved families interrupted Netanyahu's trial, demanding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks. The court allowed them to stay after initial attempts to remove them, highlighting ongoing public pressure for an independent investigation.

Officials and gang members were arrested in Nazareth over allegations of criminal control of city finances. Police say municipal funds were diverted to a crime family, with a former mayor among those detained.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of Jerusalem's City of David at a recent event, amid ongoing controversy over its archaeological and political impact. The discussion focused on the site's role in affirming biblical history and its effect on local communities.

President Isaac Herzog has denied claims of a past deal to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in exchange for political support. Herzog's office called the report baseless and emphasized that any pardon request will follow legal procedures.

Kibbutz Kissufim near the Gaza border is planning to double its population as it rebuilds after the October 7 attack. New families are eager to join, and construction of homes and community facilities is underway. Emotional recovery and trust remain key challenges for the community.

Talks between the United States and Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program are making progress. Turkey remains barred from the program due to its Russian air defense system, but recent discussions have been described as the most fruitful in years.

A senior Palestinian official says the Gaza truce cannot move forward due to alleged Israeli violations. Disagreements over border openings, aid, and disarmament continue to stall progress. Both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire.

Jewish leaders are urging the City University of New York to address a protest targeting a Jewish representative at a campus event. They call for stronger policies to protect Jewish students amid rising concerns over discrimination.

Israel's state comptroller has warned of growing threats of foreign interference and cyberattacks ahead of next year's elections. Officials say the government must act quickly to protect the integrity of the vote. Recent incidents highlight the urgency of the threat.

Israel struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including a training site for the group's elite force, citing violations of ceasefire terms. Lebanon has pledged to dismantle Hezbollah's border infrastructure, but Israel says progress is slow amid ongoing tensions.

The High Court has allowed the government a ninth delay in responding to a petition for foreign journalists to access Gaza. The Foreign Press Association criticized the repeated extensions, saying they undermine transparency and the legal process.

A Gazan peace activist claims Hamas hid vital food supplies for children in warehouses to worsen the hunger crisis. The activist says this was done to support a famine narrative, while Israel denies there is famine in Gaza.

An unvaccinated 11-month-old baby has died from measles, marking the twelfth fatality in Israel's current outbreak. Health authorities stress the importance of timely medical care and vaccination.

The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing reports on ongoing military operations, the toll on Israeli forces, and new developments in Gaza and Lebanon. The program also highlights a successful pilot integrating women into elite combat engineering roles.

A judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk's status, allowing her to work on campus. Ozturk was detained and lost her student status after criticizing her university's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The court found the government's actions likely violated her rights.

Storm Byron is set to hit Israel on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flood risks. Authorities are warning residents to prepare and avoid flood-prone areas. The storm is expected to pass through by Friday.

Israeli lawmakers are questioning the deportation of two American-Jewish women who helped Palestinians harvest olives in the West Bank. Critics allege selective enforcement of military zone orders and call for different treatment of diaspora Jews involved in Zionist programs.

Mobileye will lay off about 200 employees, mostly in Israel, as part of restructuring efforts. The move follows declining demand and a significant drop in the company's share price. Intel recently reduced its stake in the autonomous driving technology firm.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa pledged justice and peaceful coexistence as crowds marked a year since Assad's fall. Despite celebrations, Syria faces deep challenges, including sectarian violence and calls for accountability. Some regions boycotted the anniversary, highlighting ongoing divisions.

Israel's military launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including a training site for the Radwan Force. The strikes were described as a response to threats and violations of prior agreements.

The Knesset approved the first reading of a bill to extend military and security agency access to fixed camera systems for another year. The measure now heads to committee for further review.

A fire erupted on the 22nd floor of Tel Aviv's Midtown Tower, prompting a partial evacuation. Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze, with no injuries reported so far.

A Knesset legal adviser warns that the proposed draft law for ultra-Orthodox Israelis fails to meet equality and security requirements. The bill faces opposition from coalition members and debate among Haredi factions.

Far-right lawmakers wore noose-shaped pins at a hearing on a controversial death penalty bill, drawing criticism from opposition figures and legal experts. The proposed law faces scrutiny over its constitutionality and ethical implications. National Security Minister Ben Gvir defended the move and harsher prison conditions for Palestinian detainees.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet President Trump in the United States on December 29 to discuss Gaza's future and regional security. The talks will focus on advancing a peace plan, disarming Hamas, and addressing stalled negotiations with Syria. The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and concerns over regional stability.

About 100 kidnapped Nigerian schoolchildren have been released and handed over to state officials, but many abducted students and staff are still missing.

A car drove into a crowd at an ultra-Orthodox protest near Bnei Brak, injuring a 16-year-old. The driver fled the scene and is being pursued by police.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and US Ambassador Waltz met in Jerusalem to discuss advancing the Gaza peace plan. Waltz thanked Israel for reopening the Allenby crossing for Gaza aid, which had been closed after a fatal incident in September.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his pardon request and announced progress on an inquiry into the October 7 events. He also discussed efforts to return the last Gaza hostage and upcoming talks with Donald Trump.

The documentary 'Among Neighbors' has ignited fierce debate in Poland, with right-wing politicians denouncing its portrayal of postwar violence against Jews. Filmmaker Yoav Potash hopes the controversy will encourage more people to watch the film.

The Knesset panel has extended the emergency military call-up order for reservists until January 2026. The decision allows up to 280,000 soldiers to be mobilized and has sparked criticism over the burden on reservists.

Construction has begun on the first two sections of an upgraded security barrier along the Jordan border. The project will eventually cover the entire border and is expected to cost 5.5 billion shekels.

Israeli forces removed settler activists from four illegal West Bank outposts after reported orders from the prime minister. The action comes amid rising settler violence and international concern. No buildings were demolished during the removals.

The United Nations has halved its 2026 aid appeal amid a steep drop in donor funding, with the largest share set aside for Palestinians in Gaza. The reduced budget means millions in urgent need will go without help, as the organization focuses on the most critical cases.

Seven security guards in Givat Ze'ev were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes to allow illegal entry of workers. The arrests followed a complaint from the local council. Authorities are investigating the suspected abuse of security systems.

Hamas says it is open to discussing the freezing or storing of its weapons as part of a ceasefire with Israel. The move could help resolve a major sticking point in negotiations over Gaza's future, though details and mutual accusations of violations remain unresolved.

Israeli and Qatari officials met in New York to repair ties and discuss the next steps for the Gaza ceasefire. The talks focused on Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's future, with Qatar ruling out funding reconstruction. Mediators face ongoing challenges in securing agreements from Hamas.

A Hamas official says the group is open to discussing the freezing or storage of its weapons as part of a ceasefire with Israel. The proposal aims to address a key issue in ongoing negotiations. It is unclear if this will meet Israel's demand for full disarmament.

Israeli authorities removed settler activists from four illegal West Bank outposts, enforcing closed military zone orders without demolishing buildings. The action drew political criticism and comes amid conflicting reports about broader evacuation plans.

Naftali Bennett has launched a campaign to boost female representation in politics, vowing to appoint more women to senior roles if elected. At a Tel Aviv event, he promised to work toward gender parity in public service and addressed wage gaps. Bennett is positioning himself as a leading contender ahead of the next election.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir called the current ceasefire line in Gaza 'a new border line' and stressed ongoing vigilance. He said Israel would not allow Hamas to regroup and highlighted the importance of returning the final hostage before further withdrawals.

Israel has named three Hamas members accused of channeling funds from Iran to the group through Turkey. Officials say these individuals are part of a network exploiting Turkey's financial infrastructure to support Hamas. The operation is described as a key element in Hamas's efforts to rebuild with Iranian support.

Middle Eastern leaders at the Doha Forum sharply criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and called for international intervention. New details emerged about United States-Saudi understandings on Israeli concessions before October's escalation. The Trump administration says the next phase of its Gaza plan will soon begin.

Iran has executed the leader of a massive car-buying scam that defrauded tens of thousands of people. The scheme involved hundreds of millions of dollars and caused widespread financial and psychological harm. Authorities say only a small fraction of victims received vehicles.

Qatar's prime minister says the country will not pay for rebuilding Gaza, limiting its support to humanitarian aid. This leaves questions about who will fund reconstruction, as other Gulf states have set strict conditions. Tucker Carlson also announced plans to buy a home in Qatar during the event.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and German Chancellor Merz held an expanded meeting with senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem. The talks followed a private meeting between the two leaders earlier in the day.

Police raided a warehouse tied to Hapoel Tel Aviv fans, seizing weapons and tear gas after recent riots. The investigation continues, with more arrests expected following violence that disrupted a major soccer match.

Bethlehem held its first major Christmas celebration in two years, lighting a tree near the Church of the Nativity as thousands gathered in hope. The return of festivities signals resilience for a city deeply affected by war and economic hardship.

Egypt's foreign minister urges swift deployment of international peacekeepers in Gaza, accusing Israel of daily ceasefire violations. He also rejects using the Rafah Crossing for Palestinian displacement, allowing exceptions only for medical cases.

A retired officer has accused the defense minister of politicizing his blocked promotion, as disputes over military appointments and accountability continue. The officer will remain in his current role, while senior appointments in the army are frozen pending further investigations.

A young man was critically wounded in a shooting in Segev Shalom, southern Israel, as violence continues in the region. Paramedics are fighting to save his life while local residents express frustration over ongoing police raids.

Police arrested 45 suspects in the Negev during a weekend crackdown on crime in Bedouin towns. The operation, which included raids and weapons seizures, has faced criticism from local residents amid ongoing violence.

Route 90 north of Eilat has reopened after nine hours of closure due to flooding. Access remains limited beyond the Arava Junction as heavy rains continue to affect the area.

A civilian passerby was shot dead by troops in Hebron during a response to a car-ramming attempt. The military says the civilian was not involved in the attack.

Gadi Eisenkot accuses Prime Minister Netanyahu of rewarding loyalty with top appointments and prioritizing personal interests over national needs. Eisenkot also criticizes Netanyahu's handling of recent legal and military matters.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of exporting crises to distract from its actions in Gaza, calling for withdrawal from occupied territories. He also pledged accountability for recent sectarian violence in Syria. The comments came amid international calls for stability and dialogue.

The Israeli military is investigating claims that reservists beat a Palestinian man in the West Bank, causing serious injuries. The incident is under review due to concerns about the conduct of the soldiers involved. The man alleges he was assaulted and threatened by settlers.

President Isaac Herzog says he values United States President Donald Trump's opinion on pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but stresses Israel's sovereignty and respect for its legal system.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for reforms ahead of his visit to Israel. Merz reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and the United States peace plan for Gaza.

Hostage rallies in Tel Aviv have ended as only one hostage remains, shifting focus to anti-government protests. Demonstrations are planned in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, with protesters opposing government policies and demanding accountability.

The family of Thai worker Sudthisak Rinthalak prepares to receive his remains two years after he was killed by militants. They hope a Buddhist ceremony will bring him peace and urge caution for those seeking work abroad.

Israel's ambassador to the United States has called for peace with Lebanon, highlighting hopes for future cooperation and improved relations. He emphasized security concerns and envisioned economic and tourism ties similar to those established with other Middle Eastern countries.

Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of a Gaza militia, was reportedly killed by a fellow tribe member during a family dispute. His death is being described as the result of internal conflict within the Bedouin Tarabin tribe.

Former Supreme Court president Esther Hayut warns of a 'dangerous decline' in Israel's legal system, criticizing officials who ignore court orders. She stresses the importance of the judiciary's role and expresses confidence in its perseverance.

Three people were killed and several wounded in Israeli strikes on northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya. Additional casualties were reported in other neighborhoods and in southern Gaza. The exact locations of some incidents remain uncertain.

Saudi Arabia's former intelligence chief says Israel is a greater threat to regional stability than Iran, citing its ongoing military actions. His comments highlight continued tensions and reluctance toward normalizing relations with Israel.

An 18-year-old Palestinian says settlers kidnapped and beat him near Ramallah, leaving him hospitalized. He also accuses troops of assault during interrogation. The incident highlights a rise in settler violence in the West Bank.

Israel has asked mediators to help recover the remains of the last hostage in Gaza and discussed the next phase of the peace plan. Muslim-majority countries are concerned about Israel's plan to open the Rafah crossing for Palestinian exit. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza amid the ceasefire.

Ghassan al-Dahini has taken command of the Abu Shabab militia in Gaza after its founder was killed. Hamas warns collaborators with Israel to surrender or face harsh consequences. Local tribal leaders back Hamas's crackdown on alleged collaborators.

The United States military commended Syria for blocking weapons shipments to Hezbollah, as efforts to disarm the group continue. This comes after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and ongoing regional tensions.

The acting chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said it is possible to hold in-absentia hearings for leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. He also criticized United States sanctions on court officials and addressed the impact of allegations against the chief prosecutor. Niang emphasized the court's continued importance amid global challenges.

An eighteen-year-old Palestinian claims he was kidnapped and beaten by settlers near Ramallah, then further assaulted during military interrogation. The attack left him hospitalized and has sparked accusations against authorities for failing to prevent settler violence.

The United States has approved a potential ninety point five million dollar sale of Medium Tactical Vehicles to Lebanon. The vehicles will support various military operations and are produced by Oshkosh Defense.

The United States military has praised Syrian security forces for stopping weapons shipments to Hezbollah. Syrian authorities reported intercepting landmines and arresting suspects involved in the smuggling attempt.

Lebanon's prime minister has asked the United Nations to consider a follow-up force for southern Lebanon after the peacekeeping mission ends in 2026. The proposal comes amid ongoing border tensions with Israel. The United Nations delegation has not yet responded.

Salem Seleiman was sentenced to two years in prison for participating in the 2021 hate-motivated assault of a Jewish man in Times Square. The attack, which drew significant attention, was the last sentencing in a high-profile New York hate crime case.

The cabinet approved the 2026 state budget after resolving disputes over defense spending. The plan includes new taxes, reforms to imports and banking, and faces criticism for raising taxes and subsidizing the ultra-Orthodox community.

Israeli forces say they killed a terror operative who approached troops in northern Gaza today. The military reports the individual posed an immediate threat before being targeted in an airstrike.

Holocaust survivors have urged Nigel Farage to apologize over alleged antisemitic remarks made during his school years. The group emphasized the importance of honesty and moral responsibility in addressing such accusations.

Velvel Serebryanski, son of a well-known rabbi, has been convicted of child sexual abuse in a case that has shaken Melbourne's Jewish community. The verdict follows decades of advocacy by survivor Manny Waks. Serebryanski's sentencing is set for next week.

Naftali Bennett criticizes the 2026 state budget, claiming it harms working and serving citizens while benefiting select groups. He calls for a more responsible approach to address the cost of living.

Dana International condemned the withdrawal of four countries from Eurovision over Israel's participation, blaming Israel's government for harming its global image. She called on Israelis to help restore the country's reputation and urged for a positive entry in next year's contest.

The government has approved a dairy industry reform that removes import tariffs and ends the quota system, despite opposition from the agriculture minister. The plan is intended to lower prices and will now move to the legislature.

Yair Lapid denounces the proposed 2026 state budget, warning it will raise taxes to cover defense and exemptions from military service. He vows to change budget priorities if his party returns to power.

Israel's defense budget for 2026 will be NIS 112 billion after a deal between the finance and defense ministers. The agreement also includes extra funding for security in the West Bank and along the Jordanian border.

Over 1,100 people rallied in support of a New York City synagogue after it was targeted by a hostile protest. Community leaders called for unity and stronger protections for houses of worship. The event highlighted concerns about anti-Zionism and safety for Jewish New Yorkers.

Vice President JD Vance denies claims of rising antisemitism in the Republican Party and calls such accusations unfair. He also expresses respect for progressive lawmakers, praising their focus on key issues and openness to listening.

The Israeli military chief has named new senior officers, potentially deepening tensions with government leaders. The move highlights ongoing divisions within Israel's defense leadership.