Gantz: ‘Ground invasion of Gaza an option for next war’
In an apparent warning to Hamas, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel would not hesitate to invade “enemy territory” during its next war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Washington vows no Iranian nukes as Kochavi wraps up US visit
The Biden administration reaffirmed a U.S. commitment not to allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons as IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi wrapped up four days of discussions with American defense and intelligence officials.
Chief Rabbi: ‘Exhume body of Christian missionary buried in Jewish cemetery’
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau said Wednesday that the body of a Christian missionary who posed as a Jew for years should be reburied in a non-Jewish cemetery.
PM Bennet says Indian variant is spreading, recommends Israelis should not travel abroad
Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday recommended Israelis should not travel abroad because, he said, the Indian variant of the COVID-19 virus “is spreading rapidly around the world,” Israel News reports. The PM made his remarks three days after a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in two schools in the northern Israeli town of Binyamina, with 45 people infected.
48% of Gaza war casualties associated with terror groups – intel report
At least 48% of the Palestinians killed during the May 10-21 Gaza conflict were associated with terrorist groups, the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center reported Tuesday.
IDF chief calls return to Iran nuclear deal ‘dangerous’ at Pentagon meetings
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi said during a visit to the Pentagon that a U.S. return to the Iran nuclear deal would be “dangerous” and that all options should be exhausted to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear military capabilities, the Israeli military said in a statement Monday.
Hamas, UN meeting on ceasefire with Israel falls through
The leadership of the Hamas terrorist group met in the Gaza Strip on Monday to consolidate a ceasefire agreement with Israel but failed to reach an understanding.
Bank of Israel issues digital shekel
The Bank of Israel has issued digital currency for a first internal pilot program prior to the possibility of issuing a digital shekel. Bank of Israel deputy governor Andrew Abir inadvertently revealed this during a meeting two weeks ago to examine the need for a digital shekel and its implications for the financial sector, “Globes” has learned.
Israeli high-powered laser system intercepts, destroys 100% of UAVs launched during test
For the first time ever, the Israel Ministry of Defense, Elbit Systems and the Israel Air Force have successfully completed a series of interception tests employing an airborne, high-power laser system.
Blinken, Lapid discuss US-Israel ties, efforts to expand normalization agreements
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his new Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Thursday, discussing a range of issues from the U.S.-Israel relationship, Iran and a push for more normalization agreements with Arab countries.
IDF slams Hamas targets; army chief warns of new round of hostilities
The Israel Air Force slammed more than 10 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip Thursday evening, responding to the launching of fire balloons into southern Israel for the third day in a row.
IDF destroys Syrian outpost used by Hezbollah
The IDF struck a Syrian outpost near the city of Quneitra on Thursday, marking the first strike on the northern border by the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Israel is issuing new proof-of-vaccination document
Israeli authorities have begun rolling out a new document showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery, the Times of Israel reports. However, the Health Ministry has stated it is acting to ensure that current certification remains valid so that people can travel in the interim without having to undergo expensive testing.
Incendiary balloons from Gaza spark fires in south for second day in a row
Firefighters battled four blazes in southern Israel Wednesday that were sparked by balloon-borne incendiary devices launched from the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row.
Israeli Supreme Court rules Messianic Jewish ministry is allowed religious tax breaks
Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Messianic Jewish organization Tuesday, when it overturned a Knesset (Parliament) Finance Committee decision to refuse tax-exempt status to Maoz Israel Ministries (officially known as Yachad Ramat HaSharon), World Israel News reports.
Israeli Army Bombs Gaza After Terror Balloons Reach Israel
Israel’s new government ordered airstrikes against militants in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday in response to incendiary balloons that crossed into the country from the Palestinian territory.
IDF hits Gaza terror targets after arson attacks, in first raids since ceasefire
The IDF carried out a series of airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip early Wednesday morning in response to over two dozen fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary devices launched from the coastal enclave.
Israel’s new government upholds long-standing opposition to Iran nuclear deal
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have made clear that Israel will continue the Netanyahu government’s opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement, as international efforts continued to revive the pact abandoned by former U.S. president Donald Trump.
Israeli oral COVID-19 booster shot may be ready by 2022
Israeli scientists are developing an oral COVID-19 vaccine that may be ready as a booster shot for humans within nine months, the Times of Israel reports. The vaccine has so far worked well on rats, whose antibody levels increased with no side effects.
Hamas Calls for ‘Day of Rage’ Could Be First Test for New Israeli Government
Israel’s brand new government may already be tested less than two days after being sworn into office. Hamas and other Palestinian groups are calling for a ‘Day of Rage’ on Tuesday if the planned ‘Flag March’ takes place through Jerusalem’s Old City.