Public-figures and organisations in the news, in concise, current bio form.
Israel has moved to recognise the Armenian genocide in a cabinet-backed proposal, a measure that still requires Knesset ratification. The move comes as Israel-Turkey ties deteriorate over Israel’s Gaza war, with commentators calling it a cynical bid to pressure Ankara. Several European and regional voices have weighed in on the implications for regional diplomacy.
Opposition figures have not criticized Israel’s wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran; they challenge the government’s conduct and its alignment with the United States, while warning of growing regional threats. Bennett, Lapid and Eisenkot are among the leaders who argue Israel must fight better even as they acknowledge public support for anti-Iran and anti-Hezbollah campaigns.
Since late July, US and Iranian forces have resumed strikes across the Middle East after a brief pause. The US and Saudi Arabia have carried out airstrikes on pro‑Iran militias in Iraq; Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones at US forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz; regional actors including the Houthis are expanding pressure on Red Sea routes. Diplomatic talks remain fragmented.
Satellite images show a growing barrier along the Yellow Line in Gaza, with berms and concrete blocks extending through Palestinian communities and cutting off land and water access. Israel says the barrier aims to prevent infiltration and protect troops, while Palestinians fear it signals a de facto border and intensified displacement.
Israel’s government faces a constitutional clash as appointees to the Second Authority resign amid court intervention, threatening Channel 13’s sale. The High Court has frozen authority operations, citing concerns over political influence. The government refuses to concede, arguing the court’s ruling is invalid while pursuing legislation to curb regulatory power.
Authorities enforce a pilot-zone withdrawal plan in southern Lebanon as residents return to damaged homes. Some families seek shelter in local shops while awaiting full rebuilding after fighting linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Lebanese army clearance and water deliveries are under way as the town awaits wider Israeli withdrawal.
The Gaza disarmament framework has moved into its second phase, with international pressure mounting to verify Hamas disarmament while IDF withdrawal is debated. Israel and Hamas have voiced guarded positions as Western partners push for a credible enforcement mechanism and a stabilizing force.
In a Channel 12 interview tied to a new book, former prime minister Naftali Bennett accuses a pro-Netanyahu campaign machine of distorting his image and reveals tense moments from his 2021 handover discussions, underscoring the fragility of Netanyahu’s governing coalition as elections approach.
Prime minister has said Iran sought to murder one of his sons, as tensions escalate after US-Israel strikes on Iran. The claim comes amid discussions over security for political figures ahead of October elections, with mixed details about timing and targets.
UNRWA’s Qalandiya Training Centre, which trains about 340 Palestinian refugees each year, has been raided and closed by Israeli forces. Staff have been expelled, and materials are being removed as the site is eyed for a new educational complex by Jerusalem authorities. UNRWA says the move deprives students of vital vocational training and worsens a broader funding and legal fight surrounding the agency.
The Shin Bet has stated there was a significant threat to harm Yair Netanyahu, prompting an urgent extraction and return to Israel. Reports link the threat to an Iranian assassination plot in Florida, with Netanyahu claiming Iran targeted his son.