Noa Koler’s *Happy Place* dominated the 2025 Israeli television awards, which were postponed due to the war with Iran. The ceremony also featured emotional tributes and sharp commentary on media responsibility and national trauma.

The Israeli military said it shot down a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed the border. Two other suspected drone interceptions in southern Lebanon are still being reviewed.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is imposing a broad economic blockade to pressure Iran’s leadership. He described intensified financial measures alongside military actions as part of a campaign to cut off funding to Tehran and its military forces.

Four Palestinians, including a minor, were charged with planning Islamic State-inspired attacks in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Prosecutors say the group gathered intelligence, studied weapons, and sought to recruit others as part of the alleged plot.

A 36 year old man has been named and is set to be charged for allegedly assaulting a French nun in Jerusalem. The attack, captured on video, has intensified concerns about rising violence against Christians in the city.

London Jews say they feel unprotected after a recent stabbing attack, as concerns about antisemitism grow. In Israel, Kiryat Shmona faces slow recovery from prolonged war, while officials consider new housing hubs for the ultra Orthodox community.

Noam Bettan unveiled a giant mirrored 'Diamond' prop during his first Eurovision rehearsal in Vienna. The Israeli singer will perform 'Michelle' in the first semifinal on May 12.

A Palestinian man remains in a coma weeks after a violent settler attack in the West Bank village of Qusra. The assault is part of a broader wave of violence that residents say has intensified, with little visible progress in investigations.

Thai police arrested three operators of an unlicensed school on Ko Pha Ngan that had 89 Israeli children enrolled. Authorities cited legal violations and broader concerns about foreign-run businesses on the island.

The Israel Defense Forces ordered evacuations in several southern Lebanon towns, citing ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Residents have been told to move at least one kilometer away.

Itamar Ben Gvir received a birthday cake featuring a noose, referencing his support for the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism. The celebration also drew criticism over the attendance of senior police officials and concerns about his influence over law enforcement.

Jordan launched airstrikes on suspected drug and weapons sites in Syria's Sweida province near its border. The operation targets trafficking networks that have flourished during Syria's prolonged conflict.

The New School has rejected a student senate vote to defund its Hillel chapter, saying the senate lacks authority over student organization status. The university affirmed the Jewish group's good standing and pledged to address the situation.

Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet as tensions rise with Iran and ceasefire efforts in Gaza stall. Ministers are expected to discuss both the Iranian threat and the possibility of renewed fighting with Hamas.

Hezbollah criticized a Lebanese television station for airing a parody that depicted its leaders as game characters, calling it offensive. The broadcast triggered sectarian backlash and came amid escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said it killed Hezbollah operatives and struck around 120 targets in southern Lebanon over the weekend. The targets included command centers and weapons depots, and the military released footage of some strikes.

Hezbollah has criticized a Lebanese television channel for airing a satirical video mocking its leader through an Angry Birds parody. The backlash sparked sectarian tensions online, prompting the president to call for restraint and national unity.

Israel detained two leading activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla after intercepting dozens of boats near Crete. The move has drawn international criticism as tensions over the Gaza blockade continue.

A convicted murderer received an additional 11 year sentence for an antisemitic attack on a Jewish chaplain inside a Cambridgeshire prison. The assault left the victim with serious injuries, including a broken jaw.

Police raided Hadash youth offices in Umm al-Fahm ahead of a May Day rally and confiscated a Palestinian flag. Party officials condemned the move and called for an investigation, saying it harms freedom of expression.

Howard Jacobson’s novel *Howl* confronts what he sees as rising antisemitism and moral inversion after the October 7 attacks. Through satire and tragedy, he explores anger, denial, and the fragility of post-Holocaust moral consensus.

A new documentary explores the life and work of Mierle Laderman Ukeles, the longtime artist-in-residence at the New York City Sanitation Department. Her nearly 50-year career blends feminist art, public service, and Jewish values to honor the dignity of maintenance work.

Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been hospitalized after suffering a severe cardiac crisis in prison. Her family and supporters say months of medical neglect left her in critical condition.

The Board of Peace rejected a report that the United States will close the Civil Military Coordination Center in southern Israel. The organization said aid operations into Gaza are continuing and expanding.

J Street, once viewed as a left-wing outlier, has become a leading pro-Israel voice within the Democratic Party. As Democratic voters grow more critical of Israel, the group positions itself between staunch defenders of Israeli policy and an increasingly vocal anti-Israel left.

A 9-year-old boy was killed after being struck by a school bus in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. The mayor called the tragedy a painful reminder of the need for safer streets.

President Donald Trump said he has reviewed military options against Iran, describing a choice between striking the country or reaching a deal. He also confirmed plans to host Israeli and Lebanese leaders amid ongoing regional tensions.

Iran's judiciary chief said Tehran is open to negotiations with the United States but will not accept policy imposition under threat. He added that Iran does not seek war yet will not back down from its principles in talks.

A man charged with stabbing two Jewish men in Golders Green has appeared in court. He faces multiple attempted murder charges and has been remanded in custody until May 15.

Israel's Eurovision contestant Noam Bettan heads to Vienna under heavy security ahead of the competition. Several countries withdrew after a vote allowed Israel to remain in the contest.

Iran’s president and parliament speaker are reportedly seeking to oust Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over disagreements about negotiations with the United States. The dispute centers on internal divisions over including Iran’s nuclear program in the talks.

A tense exchange unfolded at the International Federation of Association Football Congress as the Palestinian soccer chief refused to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart. The dispute centers on Israeli settlement clubs and calls for sanctions, with the Palestinian side appealing the governing body’s decision not to act.

More than 1,100 students competed in a national robotics tournament for Jewish schools in New York. The event highlights growing investment in science, technology, engineering and math education amid rising enrollment and staffing challenges.

Israel reportedly sent its Iron Beam laser defense system and other military assets to the United Arab Emirates during recent fighting with Iran. The deployment included surveillance equipment, the Iron Dome system, and Israeli troops.

Rats are infesting displacement camps in Gaza, biting children and raising fears of disease amid collapsed sanitation systems. Health officials warn the crisis could worsen as summer nears despite limited pest control aid entering the territory.

Syria says it is detaining German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, who disappeared in January during military operations in Raqqa. Authorities claim she and a Turkish colleague misrepresented their identities and now face legal proceedings.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli Navy stopped and seized ships carrying activists attempting to reach Gaza. He said the vessels were turned back and the activists would return to their home countries.

Italy has demanded the immediate release of its citizens detained after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla near Greece. Around 175 activists were taken into custody during the operation.

A Hezbollah drone attack near Shomera wounded 12 soldiers and set an armored vehicle ablaze. The military is examining whether a fiber optic-guided drone was used in the strike.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei defended the country's nuclear and missile programs as national assets in a written statement. He also said the United States has no place in the Persian Gulf and vowed regional control without foreign presence.

Israel’s decision to meet Russia’s ambassador while delaying talks with the European Union has intensified a dispute with Ukraine over alleged shipments of stolen grain. Kyiv has threatened sanctions and linked the issue to future security cooperation, while Israel says it has not received sufficient evidence to act.

Naftali Bennett vowed to fire officials he views as politically compromised if he returns as prime minister. In a wave of interviews, he urged opposition unity, criticized government policies on military enlistment, and ruled out relying on Arab-majority parties.

President Donald Trump said the United States is reviewing a possible reduction of troops in Germany amid tensions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran. Around 35,000 American service members are currently stationed there.

Police say the suspect in the Golders Green stabbing is a 45-year-old United Kingdom national born in Somalia. He remains in custody as officers search a southeast London address.

A 21-year-old Austrian man pleaded guilty to plotting a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024. The planned हमला led to the cancellation of three shows and could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said there is no ceasefire in southern Lebanon as troops continue operations against Hezbollah. He pledged that forces will remain in place and act freely until long term security for northern communities is secured.

Israel has asked the United States to set a two to three week deadline for diplomatic efforts with Lebanon amid escalating Hezbollah attacks. If no deal is reached by mid-May, Israel may seek approval for a wider military campaign.

The Israel Defense Forces said it struck about 20 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The military said the sites were used to store weapons and plan attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

Two people were stabbed outside a synagogue in Golders Green, London. The suspect was detained by community responders and later arrested by police.

A Lebanese soldier and his brother were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces said. The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately comment.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog believes most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan complex despite recent airstrikes. Inspectors have not yet been able to verify the material’s status since access was halted during the June 2025 conflict.

A Palestinian man says Israeli security officials warned him not to run in local Palestinian Authority elections due to his late son's militant ties. After winning a council post, he says he was detained again and threatened, prompting him to step down.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the court to shorten his cross-examination by three hours due to a security-related schedule. The request follows a two-month pause in testimony caused by regional conflict.

An Israeli soldier was lightly injured by explosive drones launched during a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah sites and said three members were killed while preparing attacks.

A United States soldier in Louisiana has been arrested for allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a synagogue. Authorities say he made detailed threats during online conversations and now faces a federal charge.

A Defense Ministry contractor was killed and his son wounded by a Hezbollah explosive drone in southern Lebanon. The attack came amid escalating cross-border fighting and continued Israeli operations despite an extended ceasefire.

A witness statement alleges Qatar offered support to the International Criminal Court prosecutor after he issued warrants for Israeli leaders. The report also details efforts to discredit a woman accusing the prosecutor of sexual misconduct, claims that are denied by those involved.

After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s power has shifted from clerical leadership to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The new wartime structure has hardened Tehran’s stance in negotiations and consolidated authority within security institutions.

Ben Gvir urged Prison Service chief Kobi Yaakobi to stay in office despite a looming indictment for breach of trust and obstructing an investigation. Yaakobi’s tenure has drawn criticism over deteriorating prison conditions.

A Lebanese high school student allegedly asked an Israeli military spokesperson to bomb her school over claimed Hezbollah weapons. The school has launched an investigation, while the spokesperson urged dialogue rather than punishment.

The Israel Defense Forces said it destroyed two major Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon built with direct Iranian guidance and funding. The underground network was allegedly designed to support a planned cross-border assault on Israeli communities.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the families of two young men killed by teenage attackers in Petah Tikva and Beersheba. He called for strict legal action and increased efforts to combat youth violence.

Northern Israeli leaders and residents say the Lebanon ceasefire has failed to stop Hezbollah attacks and left communities exposed. Local officials are defying national guidance by keeping schools closed and demanding stronger security measures.

Nearly 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf as the Strait of Hormuz remains unsafe despite a ceasefire. Ongoing attacks, blockades and mine threats have left crews facing shortages, anxiety and an uncertain return home.

An Israel Defense Forces soldier was severely wounded and another lightly hurt in a Hezbollah explosive drone attack in southern Lebanon. The military said the wounded were hospitalized and their families notified.

The head of a northern local council and four others were arrested on suspicion of bribery and fraud. Investigators allege improper ties with computing service providers and misuse of public funds.

Two new incidents targeting Jewish sites in the Toronto area have heightened fears amid a broader surge in antisemitic attacks. Community leaders are urging stronger government action as reported incidents continue to rise nationwide.

A California man has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump after allegedly opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. He faces life in prison if convicted.

A new poll finds the Bennett-Lapid alliance narrowly ahead of Likud as the largest party. However, neither political bloc secures a majority, pointing to continued deadlock ahead of the next elections.

The European Union has warned it could sanction individuals tied to reports that a Russian grain ship docked in Israel. The bloc said it is seeking clarification from Israeli authorities in coordination with Ukraine.

Iran's envoy to the United Nations said Tehran needs credible guarantees against future attacks by the United States and Israel before regional stability can be secured. He called for a permanent end to aggression and respect for Iran's sovereignty.

The attorney general told the High Court that the justice minister’s refusal to appoint judges to key courts is unlawful and damaging the legal system. Dozens of vacancies remain unfilled, leading to growing delays and calls for court intervention.

Fertilizer prices have surged as conflict disrupts Middle Eastern exports, squeezing farmers already facing low grain prices. Analysts warn that reduced fertilizer use could threaten next year's global harvests and food security.

Gadi Eisenkot is urging opposition leaders to unite in pursuit of a 'Zionist' majority in the next election. His outreach excludes Arab parties and Benny Gantz, raising questions about whether the bloc can secure 61 seats without broader support.

A labor court ruled that a Beersheba college wrongfully fired a lecturer over social media posts made after the October 7 attack, awarding her 200,000 shekels in compensation. The college plans to appeal the decision.

Oil prices climbed more than one percent as stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran heightened supply concerns. Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have added to market uncertainty.

Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have launched a joint electoral slate called Together ahead of the upcoming elections. The two leaders pledged to end political divisions and form a broad, stable government focused on security, economic reform and national unity.

San Antonio erased a 19-point deficit to beat Portland 114-93 and take a 3-1 series lead. Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox led the comeback, putting the Spurs one win away from advancing.

Fatah-backed candidates loyal to Mahmoud Abbas won most seats in Palestinian municipal elections, including in Gaza's Deir al-Balah. The vote was the first held in Gaza since 2006 and comes amid ongoing war and political divisions.

Barack Obama condemned the shooting at a White House gala attended by President Donald Trump. He urged Americans to reject political violence and praised law enforcement for their swift response.

Historian Flora Cassen joins Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss European and American Jewish life, Holocaust memory, and the resurgence of antisemitism. The episode reflects on identity, vulnerability, and belonging in a shifting political landscape.

In a special Independence Day conversation, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on grief, division, and the challenge of hope in Israel. They call for renewed courage to imagine a more united and thriving Jewish future.

Rabbi Dov Lando denounced the High Court of Justice for ordering sanctions on ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. He vowed that yeshiva students would refuse military service under any circumstances.

Aryeh Deri denounced the renewed Bennett and Lapid alliance as a 'brotherhood of hatred' ahead of the 2026 election. He accused the pair of seeking to revive a government that undermined religious tradition and ultra-Orthodox influence.

The cabinet approved Tzipi Hotovely as head of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate and Doron Cohen as Civil Service Commissioner. Both appointments take effect on May 5 amid some political criticism.

Israel has appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland after recognizing the region's independence in December. The move has drawn criticism from Somalia amid ongoing tensions over Somaliland's status.

President Isaac Herzog is seeking to advance a plea bargain between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prosecutors in the ongoing corruption trial. He believes negotiations should be exhausted before any consideration of a presidential pardon.

A television investigation says the government declined to boost interceptor missile production despite repeated Iranian attacks. Officials reportedly prioritized offensive measures even as missile stockpiles faced strain during recent conflicts.

Immigration agents have re-detained the family of a man accused of a deadly antisemitic attack in Colorado, days after their release. A federal judge later ordered a temporary halt to their deportation while legal proceedings continue.

Hundreds protested outside a Petah Tikva restaurant after a 21-year-old worker was fatally stabbed by teenagers. Demonstrators accused police of delayed action and failing to curb rising crime.

Syria will begin trying senior figures from the era of former president Bashar al-Assad, starting with a former security chief accused of leading a crackdown in Daraa. The trials are part of a broader push for accountability after the 13-year civil war.

President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by his representatives to Pakistan for talks with Iran. He said Iran can initiate discussions directly if it wants to negotiate.

Hezbollah launched explosive drones at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, with no injuries reported. The Israeli military said the attack violated the ceasefire agreement.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested as the main suspect in the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zelka in Petah Tikva. The attack occurred after Zelka asked a group of teenagers to stop using party spray inside the restaurant where he worked.

Six teenagers were arrested in the fatal Independence Day stabbing of a 21-year-old pizzeria worker in Petah Tikva. The suspects allegedly attacked him after he asked them to stop spraying party foam inside the restaurant.

About 20 Palestinians entered the closed Jenin refugee camp, with most detained by Israeli forces. The camp has remained off-limits to residents since a major military operation began in January 2025.