Explore

Israeli Comptroller Criticizes Transportation Ministry for Emergency Preparedness Failures

Israeli Comptroller Criticizes Transportation Ministry for Emergency Preparedness Failures

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman has issued a report criticizing the Israeli Transportation Ministry, led by Minister Miri Regev, for its lack of preparedness during the aviation crisis following the outbreak of war on October 7. The report highlights the absence of procedures for prioritizing the return of Israelis stranded abroad, including soldiers and reservists, who faced high costs to return urgently. Despite the operational challenges, the Civil Aviation Authority and Israeli airlines were commended for maintaining air services. However, the report underscores the need for a comprehensive aviation policy to ensure continuity during crises, recommending the establishment of a second airport to complement Ben-Gurion Airport. The report also criticizes the government for not leveraging its support for Israeli airlines to secure emergency powers over their operations.

Gadi Eisenkot Unveils Plan to Bring Two Million Olim to Israel by 2048

Gadi Eisenkot Unveils Plan to Bring Two Million Olim to Israel by 2048

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, now leading the Yashar! Party, has announced a comprehensive plan to bring two million new immigrants, or olim, to Israel by the year 2048. This initiative aims to coincide with Israel's 100th anniversary and seeks to streamline bureaucratic processes while offering incentives to both new immigrants and returning residents. The plan, developed with input from experts in the hi-tech sector and academia, focuses on improving conditions for current olim and creating attractive incentives for those abroad. Key components include a 'one-stop shop' for family services, fast-track absorption programs, and strategic housing solutions. Eisenkot's party has been gaining traction in recent polls, positioning itself as a significant contender against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party.

Ben-Gurion Airport Employee Fired for Photographing US Military Planes

Ben-Gurion Airport Employee Fired for Photographing US Military Planes

A temporary employee at Ben-Gurion Airport was terminated after taking photographs of US military planes and sharing them on WhatsApp. This incident nearly led to a serious disagreement between the US military and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Israel Airports Authority clarified that the employee was dismissed for a disciplinary violation. Additionally, an IDF soldier is under investigation for similar actions. The IDF had informed the airport's security division about the incident.

The Latest: A 10-day Lebanon ceasefire appears to hold as European leaders set to meet over strait

The Latest: A 10-day Lebanon ceasefire appears to hold as European leaders set to meet over strait

A 10-day ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and agreed on by Lebanon and Israel appeared to be holding in Lebanon

Trump says Israel barred from bombing Lebanon: 'Enough is enough'

Trump says Israel barred from bombing Lebanon: 'Enough is enough'

By Bhargav Acharya and Katharine Jackson WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the United States has barred Israel from further bombing in Lebanon, striking an unusually harsh tone with the longtime U.S. ally while stressing that any U.S. deal with Iran is not linked to the

Israel Urged to Leverage Iran Ceasefire to Strengthen Regional Ties

Israel Urged to Leverage Iran Ceasefire to Strengthen Regional Ties

The recent ceasefire in the conflict with Iran presents Israel with an opportunity to enhance its regional alliances and expand the framework of the Abraham Accords. The fragile truce, marked by ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, has created a period of uncertainty in the Middle East. Despite significant military achievements by Israel and the United States, the Iranian regime remains resilient. This interim phase allows Israel to advance initiatives that could contribute to a more stable regional order. The shared interest among Gulf states in countering Iran's influence has become more pronounced, with countries like the UAE and Bahrain taking a firm stance against Tehran's actions.

Prime Minister Netanyahu Vows No Second Holocaust, Warns Europe on Moral Clarity

Prime Minister Netanyahu Vows No Second Holocaust, Warns Europe on Moral Clarity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Yad Vashem, vowed that there would be no second Holocaust. He emphasized Israel's transformation from a powerless people during the Holocaust to a strong and sovereign state capable of self-defense. Netanyahu highlighted the role of Israeli military strength and cooperation with the United States in defending not only Israel but also broader civilization. He criticized Europe's response to the Nazi genocide and warned that Europe is losing control of its identity and values. The ceremony included speeches by Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, and the lighting of memorial torches by Holocaust survivors.

High Court Petition Challenges Gofman's Mossad Appointment Over Elmakayes Affair

High Court Petition Challenges Gofman's Mossad Appointment Over Elmakayes Affair

A petition has been filed with the High Court of Justice to block the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as the head of Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency. The petition, submitted by Ori Elmakayes and the Movement for Integrity in Government, argues that Gofman's involvement in the Elmakayes affair disqualifies him from the position. The controversy centers on allegations that Gofman, while commanding the 210th 'Bashan' Division, authorized the use of Elmakayes, then a minor, in an unauthorized IDF-linked influence operation. Elmakayes was reportedly involved in operating fictitious Arabic-language accounts to gather information. The case against Elmakayes eventually collapsed, and charges were dropped after it was revealed that intelligence officers had supplied him with the information he published. The petition questions Gofman's judgment and integrity, suggesting he failed to take responsibility for the operation once Elmakayes was arrested.

Netanyahu Accepts Hungary Invitation Amid ICC Concerns, Seeks Immunity Assurances

Netanyahu Accepts Hungary Invitation Amid ICC Concerns, Seeks Immunity Assurances

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to visit Hungary, despite the country's incoming leadership signaling a return to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move raises concerns about potential legal risks for Netanyahu, who faces an international arrest warrant. In a call with Hungary's prime minister-elect Peter Magyar, Netanyahu expressed a desire to maintain close ties and agreed to attend a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. However, Netanyahu is expected to demand guarantees against arrest before confirming his visit. The two leaders also discussed future bilateral meetings and the continuation of strong ties between their countries.

Holocaust Remembrance Day Observed in Poland and Israel

Holocaust Remembrance Day Observed in Poland and Israel

Holocaust survivors and thousands of participants gathered at Auschwitz for the March of the Living, an annual event commemorating the Holocaust. The march takes place between the former death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland. Concurrently, Israel held a state ceremony in Jerusalem to honor Holocaust victims, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laying a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. The events serve as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and the importance of remembering the six million Jews who perished.

Haredi Draft Delays Face Backlash Amid IDF Manpower Crisis

Haredi Draft Delays Face Backlash Amid IDF Manpower Crisis

The Israeli government's failure to enforce military service obligations for ultra-Orthodox (haredi) draft dodgers has sparked backlash amid an IDF manpower crisis. The High Court of Justice has mandated the state to enforce enlistment, following a November 2025 ruling. However, the government has been slow to act, leading to criticism from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, who warned of severe harm to the army due to personnel shortages. The draft debate has intensified, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day, highlighting the moral implications of unequal burden-sharing among citizens.

Netanyahu Plans Hungary Visit Amid ICC Concerns, Seeks Immunity Assurances

Netanyahu Plans Hungary Visit Amid ICC Concerns, Seeks Immunity Assurances

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to visit Hungary, despite the country's incoming leadership signaling a return to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move raises concerns about Netanyahu's potential arrest due to an outstanding international warrant. In a recent call with Hungary's prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar, Netanyahu discussed maintaining strong bilateral ties and agreed to attend a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. However, Netanyahu is expected to demand guarantees of immunity from arrest before confirming his visit, as Hungary's rejoining of the ICC could pose legal risks for him.