Israeli multi-language online newspaper reporting developments in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world
A Washington Post photographer, Heidi Levine, has been severely injured after masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and foreign journalists during olive harvesting near Abu Falah on 16 October. Israeli authorities have detained multiple suspects and opened investigations after footage and eyewitness accounts prompted international condemnation and calls for accountability.
Sarah Helm’s X post praising Palestine Action is being assessed by the Metropolitan Police after publishers faced backlash over Sally Rooney’s UK sales. Officials say the post did not meet the criminal threshold and no action is planned. Palestine Action remains proscribed under UK law.
Sally Rooney has agreed with publisher Faber that her books will no longer be supplied in the UK because current UK terrorism legislation has made it impossible for the publisher to pass UK earnings to her after she pledged to fund Palestine Action. E‑books have been removed; some physical stock remains. The Supreme Court will hear an appeal next month.
British counter-terror police have rearrested a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual UK‑Iranian national under the National Security Act in connection with a suspected plot near RAF Fairford on 27 September. Investigators have said they consider Iranian state involvement highly likely and are continuing a "hugely complex" inquiry; no charges have been filed.
The Bell review has urged England’s schools and colleges to treat antisemitism as a distinct safeguarding harm, with 27 recommendations accepted by the government to strengthen reporting, training and teaching about antisemitism and modern Jewish life. The changes aim to create clearer procedures and accountability across state and independent schools.
Thousands of Hajduk Split supporters have marched before a UEFA Conference League match with Ajax, chanting antisemitic and pro‑Nazi slogans and parading a coffin labelled “Ajax.” Police have arrested about 12 people on charges of inciting violence and hatred, political leaders and the Israeli embassy have condemned the scenes, and Hajduk has apologised.
Medics have said an Israeli air strike has killed Akram Yassin and his wife, Dina Abu Baker, in an apartment in Gaza City. Health authorities report further deaths from gunfire and drone strikes across Gaza today as Israeli forces continue targeted operations during the year-old ceasefire, while aid and reconstruction remain stalled.
Palestinian olive harvests near Nahalin have been disrupted as Israeli forces detained around 80 volunteers, including US Democrat nominee Seth Lander, and released some with warnings. Authorities say the area was a closed military zone, while rights groups say the detentions highlight tensions over occupation and settler violence.
Israeli carriers are overhauling premium cabins and onboard services in response to security concerns around foreign-crew flights. El Al launches a premium makeover with new partners; Israir and Arkia are adjusting routes and equipment use amid tightened rules on leased foreign aircraft and crews. Delta and other carriers race to redefine luxury in the skies.
A US-backed Board of Peace has presented a six-month, $2.45bn, 66-project recovery plan for Gaza but implementation has not started. Israel has expanded control over much of the Strip, Hamas has not fully disarmed, donor pledges remain largely unpaid and international forces and Palestinian technocrats have not entered to begin reconstruction.
Jordan Bardella has denied Mediapart's allegation that private Facebook Messenger chats from 2013 show him making antisemitic remarks. He has launched defamation proceedings against Mediapart and called the publications a "total war" to destabilise his party. Marine Le Pen has publicly expressed "total confidence" in Bardella while critics are demanding accountability.
Iran has told Qatari mediators that they have discussed US ideas on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and expect a formal American reply within a day. Tehran is maintaining a blockade of commercial shipping and is demanding a seven-day Middle East ceasefire, the release of frozen assets and an end to US sanctions and naval restrictions. Washington has so far rejected Tehran’s seven‑day truce offer and is relying on economic pressure rather than further military strikes.
A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 has made an emergency landing in Tabuk after a co-pilot attacked the captain and the aircraft plunged thousands of feet. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker; the captain is hospitalised and investigations are underway. About 150 Israeli passengers were aboard.
Labour has won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Sagal Abdi‑Wali has taken 45% (12,292 votes) to Green leader Zack Polanski’s 33% (8,928). The result has intensified scrutiny of Polanski after the Green conference motion equating Zionism with racism and his absence from that vote; he has said he will remain party leader.
Israeli carriers have paused Dubai-Tel Aviv flights after UAE authorities revoked landing permissions linked to the flydubai incident. Repatriation efforts by Israeli airlines are disrupted, with thousands of Israelis stranded. Some flights resume with tighter security and baggage controls, while Etihad operates additional routes from Abu Dhabi to support arrivals.
Iran has reiterated its seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while indirect Washington–Tehran talks continue through mediators. Attacks on vessels in the Gulf persist as the war escalates, with US, UK and regional actors watching closely.
President Donald Trump has approved a U.S. Army firing‑squad execution for Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shootings that killed 13 and wounded more than 30. The Pentagon has said the Army will set the time and place; officials have indicated the execution will be livestreamed and scheduled for December 3.
President Donald Trump has suggested at a Nebraska rally that higher fuel costs from the US‑Israel war with Iran are "a small price to pay" and said "they can take out a city — let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego." California officials have condemned the remarks as dangerous; the White House has dismissed the backlash as a "media freakout."
An 18-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota has been arrested after attempting to purchase a firearm and ammunition in a sting operation. He planned a mass casualty attack at the Mall of America, targeting non-Muslims during a community event, and pledged allegiance to ISIS in messages with an undercover FBI source. The FBI and local authorities disrupted the plot, with the suspect facing terrorism-related charges.
Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem has been renamed the UK Mission, Jerusalem, with a skeleton staff remaining after a last‑minute agreement with Israel. London says East Jerusalem remains occupied; Israel says the move is a response to sanctions on West Bank settlements. A wider standoff between the allies continues as talks proceed.
Palestinian factions have reached understandings to postpone parliamentary elections in Gaza and the West Bank due to logistical hurdles in East Jerusalem and Gaza, with discussions centering on national dialogue and consensus. Abbas has set November 28 as the election date, but timing remains unsettled as factions weigh the path forward.
Israeli society continues to face escalating mental health challenges three years after the October 7 attacks, with PTSD, anxiety and sleep disorders rising among children, evacuees and the broader population. New data from Clalit Health Services and other researchers show sustained strain, increased psychiatric emergencies, and shifting healthcare needs as the war persists.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2026 Peace Prize to South African jurist Navi Pillay for her decades-long work enforcing international law, including leadership at the Rwanda tribunal, service on multiple international courts and chairing a UN inquiry that concluded Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Pillay received the news while attending a legal forum in Nuremberg.
Prosecutors have sought a 30-year term for Rohan Rane, head of the CVLT group, who is guilty of extortion and torture against underage victims. The case, linked to a Discord-based network, involves dozens of victims mainly from the US, with investigations stretching across France and the United States.
Western officials say Tehran remains capable of rebuilding its arsenal, with ballistic missiles and anti-ship weapons well stocked and able to be expanded. China/Russia feedback not confirmed; US and allies watch for further action ahead of midterm elections.
A Saudi-backed government offensive is pushing to recapture areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Bab al-Mandab and Mayun Island, as clashes with Houthi forces intensify. Authorities report dozens of civilian casualties and continued fighting on multiple fronts amid a volatile regional confrontation.
The Green Party conference has adopted a controversial motion declaring Zionism as racism while backing a single democratic Palestinian state. The move has drawn condemnation from the European Greens and sparked resignations and internal criticism within the Green Party of England and Wales. The European Greens distance themselves, reaffirming support for a two-state framework.
A missile attack strikes King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, injuring dozens and prompting evacuation as Saudi authorities confirm the assault amid ongoing Houthi strikes on civilian targets. Health workers are mobilising, flights are suspended, and international warnings have been issued as the conflict widens.
Demonstrations across London and European cities commemorate three years since Gaza’s crisis began. Protesters call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and stronger sanctions, while police enforce a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime amid counter-demonstrations. The protests come as sanctions and international pressure continue to shape the political response to the conflict.
The US has moved to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, prompting international debate as Trump publicly pressures Zelensky and calls for new leadership while Ukraine seeks to protect energy infrastructure amid rising tensions.
The Times of Israel reports continued Israeli strikes in Gaza targeting Hamas operatives, including leaders in the Nukhba Force and weapons production, as Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas capabilities. The operations follow Oct. 7 and ongoing ceasefire violations, with casualty updates from multiple sites.
Homeland Security Investigations has executed a court-authorised search of Representative Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on 12 October as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. Agents seized phones, a passport and other items; multiple grand jury subpoenas have been issued to relatives. No charges have been announced.
An Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight has turned back to Addis Ababa after Israeli authorities refused it permission to land because the pilot is an Indonesian national. The aircraft dumped fuel over the sea, returned to Addis Ababa where the pilot was replaced, and later landed in Tel Aviv. The move follows tightened Israeli rules on foreign crew after a flydubai copilot attack.
Greece has received 22 antiquities from Israel in a ceremony at Athens’ National Archaeological Museum. The items, dating from 700 B.C. to 320 B.C., were illegally removed from Greece and returned as part of a bilateral effort to protect cultural heritage. This marks the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece, highlighting closer cooperation on heritage protection.
A group of ORT Ma’alot students and teachers on a hiking trip near the Lebanese border has been struck by an unexploded ordnance believed to be a Hezbollah cluster submunition. One 14-year-old student has died and about two dozen more are injured. Investigations focus on the route approval, UNACCESSIBLE warning signs, and the handling of ordnance near a military frontier.
Pro-Palestine hecklers disrupt Jerry Seinfeld’s Chicago performance, accusing him of supporting Israel’s actions and genocide. The comedian responds with sarcasm, while security removes protesters. The incident follows similar disruptions abroad and at Duke University, highlighting mounting scrutiny over Seinfeld’s stance on Israel and Gaza.
Iran is bolstering defenses around sensitive sites and mobilising civilian support in the run-up to potential renewed US strikes after the November midterms. Reports say Tehran has warned regional actors of retaliation and is preparing its population for war, while the US and allied forces position for possible renewed hostilities.
Authorities have appointed a government trustee to Halk TV, halting broadcasts and triggering a clash over press freedom as prosecutors pursue a broad corruption case against Istanbul officials. Journalists report the building is sealed and operations are blocked while opposition groups condemn the move.
Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, signalling a shift under President Abelardo de la Espriella toward closer ties with Israel. The move follows Petro’s criticism of Israel over Gaza and aligns with a broader regional realignment. The ceremony was attended by Israeli and Colombian officials as part of upgrading ties and strengthening security, trade, and information sharing.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has demanded cancellations of Andrea Bocelli's scheduled performances at Borobudur and Jakarta as part of his Romanza tour, citing Bocelli's past support for Israel. The Tourism Ministry says it is seeking consensus with the MUI, while local police have withdrawn a permit recommendation for Borobudur.
Colombia has restored diplomatic relations with Israel and opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a shift from the Petro era. The move is celebrated by officials in both countries and signals a strengthened security and trade partnership, with priority given to dialogue and mutual benefits for citizens.
UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon is due to expire at end-2026. Lebanon has pressed for a one-year extension; France, Italy and EU partners are weighing a successor arrangement as tensions linger along the Blue Line. The UN and Lebanon stress the need for continued monitoring, humanitarian support and stability as the drawdown proceeds.
The IDF has issued a high alert and ordered a leave freeze across units as it prepares for Israel’s elections on October 27. The military is reinforcing West Bank deployment, and Prime Minister Netanyahu warns enemies not to test Israel’s resolve amid heightened regional tensions.
The Board of Peace has awarded a contract to Arkel International to build a fortified outpost for 150 international troops as the vanguard of a broader stabilisation force for Gaza. Israel has not authorised construction, delaying the ISF deployment and threatening Gaza's reconstruction. The Guardian reported continued border closure; comments from officials confirm ongoing blockage and political sensitivities ahead of Israel’s election.
Missile strikes target King Khalid International Airport, wounding multiple people and prompting evacuations. The assault follows two earlier attacks this week, with Saudi officials saying the airport remains vulnerable amid escalating Yemen conflict and regional tensions. U.S. and allied governments are weighing responses as flights are diverted and operations disrupted.
President Trump has said the Dec. 3 firing‑squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will not be livestreamed, reversing a plan announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump has confirmed the execution will proceed at Fort Hood and said victims' family members may attend in person. The cancellation follows widespread domestic and international backlash.
Tesla has unveiled the second-generation Roadster with thruster-assisted demos in McGregor, Texas. Production is set for 2028, deposits remain, and regulators are weighing airspace and road-use rules for a car that could redefine driving.
New York City Comptroller has maintained Israel bonds within the pension portfolio, citing financial considerations as the primary driver, despite earlier pledges to reinvest. Officials say Israel remains part of a diversified portfolio and not part of any boycott movement.
Sally Rooney’s UK publisher has halted supply of her books in Britain following the government’s proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The ban makes membership or support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Rooney has said she will use proceeds to support the group. Booksellers scramble as stock and distribution become uncertain, while critics decry censorship and stress the need to maintain free expression.
Arab turnout in Israel’s 2026 elections is shaping coalition dynamics. Arab leaders say they aim for a government of change, potentially cooperating with former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, while opponents warn against alliances with Arab parties. Polls show no bloc has a majority, leaving kingmaking potential to Arab lists such as Ra’am and Joint List.