New Israeli political party “Rapeh” focussed only on Covid-19

Israel has a new political party committed solely to tackling what it says are “years of injustices” in the country’s Ministry of Health that have led to the current catastrophic handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, All Israel News reports. Offering policies that contradict the government’s extensive lockdown and other preventive measures, the “Rapeh” (Be Healthy) party is now listed for the March 2021 general election.

Israel, US launch joint air defense exercise ‘Juniper Falcon’

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States European Command (EUCOM) this week launched a joint air defense exercise, dubbed “Juniper Falcon,” focused on the threat from ballistic missile attacks, the two armies announced Thursday.

Report: Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Syria

Syrian state television said Wednesday evening the country’s air defenses responded to “Israeli aggression” in what appears to be an attack on Hezbollah targets in the area.

New Poll: Likud is regaining strength lost since March 2020

A new Israeli poll shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is regaining popularity it had lost since the March 2020 election, Israel National News reports. Conducted by Midgam and released Sunday, the poll surveyed 505 respondents by phone and the internet.

Israeli Leaders Work to Extend Lockdown Again Amid Intense Government Infighting

Israeli lawmakers will vote today to increase fines for those who violate the regulations of Israel’s third nationwide lockdown. The measure has been the source of intense government infighting and could sink another government meeting scheduled for Thursday intended to extend the now month-long lockdown set to expire on Jan. 31.

U.S. announces restoration of relations with Palestinians

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday it was restoring relations with the Palestinians and renewing aid to Palestinian refugees, a reversal of the Trump administration’s cutoff and a key element of its new support for a two-state solution to the decades-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

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