Israel’s in a security scramble: largest settlement expansion approved, online extremism targets academics, and women in combat debates drive headlines. Ynet News — Israel’s top independent outlet since 2000.
Protests by ultra‑Orthodox communities have paralysed central Israel, with police declaring the rallies illegal and clashing with demonstrators. A demonstrator and a bus passenger have been injured in Jerusalem, while traffic and rail services are disrupted across major routes and stations.
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
A seven‑month‑old Palestinian boy, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, has been killed and his parents have been wounded after an Israeli soldier has fired at the family’s car in Tel Rumeida, south of Hebron. Rights group B'Tselem has released video that it says shows the vehicle was stopping, and Israel’s military has opened a Military Police investigation.
Video evidence from B’Tselem contradicts Israeli claims that a car carrying a Palestinian family slowed before soldiers opened fire near Hebron. Seven-month-old Sam Abu Haikal was killed; his parents were injured. The incident adds to ongoing West Bank violence amid a fragile ceasefire.
A person has been killed on the Edinburgh–Glasgow line near Croy, triggering widespread disruption during the morning peak. About 40 trains are cancelled or delayed as emergency services respond; some services are diverted via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston. The line remains affected with delays expected to continue into the morning.