Historical and biblical name for the central region of the Land of Israel
The government has announced a new plan diverting hundreds of millions of shekels from Arab community development to fund enforcement, expanding Shin Bet’s role in combating organized crime alongside police. Protests and legal objections arise from rights groups amid criticism of deepened inequality.
UNESCO has placed several Lebanese cultural sites on its danger list amid ongoing Israel-Hezbollah clashes. Tyre and Beaufort Castle face threats to their conservation, with the Lebanese government requesting the designation. The move follows direct damage from recent hostilities and concerns over access, with UNESCO urging protection of the sites’ universal value.
UNESCO has placed Sebastia in the West Bank and five Mount Amel castles in southern Lebanon on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing ongoing conflicts. Israel opposes the move, calling it politicisation, while Palestinian and Lebanese officials celebrate protections amid tensions.
The articles report on Israeli plans to create a 'Samaria' national park on land in the Sebastia area, amid land expropriation and UNESCO involvement. Landowners face expropriation without payment, while restoration and excavations proceed. UNESCO has added Sebastia to its Danger List, highlighting cultural and political stakes.
Gadi Eisenkot, Israel’s former military chief, is gaining ground in polls as the October elections approach. Western media have highlighted his profile against PM Netanyahu, with notable profiles and coverage circulating globally.
Israeli forces have carried out a raid in western Gaza City and have captured Muein (Moen) al-Arabid, whom Israeli officials describe as the head of Hamas’s internal security apparatus. Palestinian health authorities and eyewitnesses have reported strikes, at least three civilians killed and several wounded; Israeli officials say the operation aimed to remove threats and gather intelligence.
The UN has updated its human-rights database to list 214 companies across 11 countries, most of them Israeli, with five removals this year. The update, first published in 2020, comes as Britain, France and Canada take steps to restrict settlement-linked trade. Volker Türk reiterates that firms must conduct due diligence to respect human rights.