Israel

Bnei Zion Medical Center announced a major international scientific breakthrough: researchers have identified the genetic source of a severe neurological disease that causes microcephaly (an abnormally small head). With the disease-causing gene now identified, doctors may be able to prevent it from recurring in future pregnancies.

The Knesset voted to grant MK Tally Gotliv immunity from criminal prosecution in the case involving the exposure of a Shin Bet agent’s identity. The decision followed heated debates in both the House Committee and the full Knesset.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen and Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi agreed to strengthen and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The two signed an agreement to advance innovative water purification and desalination technologies. The Defense Ministry is also promoting a cooperation agreement.

The U.S. ambassador in Dublin is launching a direct attack on anti-Israel boycott legislation being advanced by the Irish government, warning of damaging economic consequences, direct harm to major American companies, and a wave of layoffs for ordinary Irish workers.

Dozens of Haredi protesters from the “Jerusalem Faction” blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak as part of a protest over the arrests of yeshiva students. Police cleared the road by force. Eight protesters were injured and five were arrested. Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri called on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir: “Stop the violence against בני התורה.” Ben Gvir responded: “I will hold an urgent discussion on the use of stun grenades against a civilian population.”

The number of Israelis who formally asked to end their residency dropped in 2025 compared with the previous year. But Knesset data still points to a significant ongoing departure of young adults and highly educated Israelis.

President Donald Trump briefly addressed the memorandum of understanding with Iran, which is set to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. He stressed: "It’s a good deal. But if Iran develops nuclear weapons, all hell will come down on them."

An Israeli passenger plane en route from Tel Aviv to Prague stopped responding to air traffic control calls while flying over Hungary. Hungarian fighter jets were then scrambled and escorted the aircraft to the edge of Hungarian airspace. Arkia said, "There was no danger to passengers, and the incident is under review."

President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that he had ordered the planned strike on Iran to be called off. He said that "the points of the agreement were approved in principle, and the signing date will be announced soon."

During this year’s archaeological dig at Ancient Shiloh, researchers uncovered three large storage jars dating back thousands of years. They were found near the area identified with the *Mishkan*. Scholars are now examining whether they were used to store agricultural produce.

The 2026 Global Peace Index paints a complicated picture of a world growing less stable, while a few places still feel remarkably calm. From Iceland holding onto the top spot for nearly two decades, to the surprising rise of Slovenia and Poland, to the U.S. continuing to slide and Israel’s troubling ranking amid war — here’s what you need to know.

The U.S. administration reportedly pressured Colombian officials to cancel a planned meeting in New York between President Gustavo Petro and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The backdrop: Petro’s attacks on President Donald Trump and Israel.

Nearly a year after Brazil’s government announced it would not accept Israel’s new ambassador, Brazil has now also decided to reject Israel’s request to appoint a consul general there. The diplomatic crisis has deepened.

Lebanese media aligned with Hezbollah published a piece urging President Joseph Aoun to back away from efforts to advance an agreement with Israel, while also threatening to reveal secrets tied to his past.

Satellite images released after Iran’s missile barrage appear to show possible damage at Israel’s Ramat David Air Base. The assessment is based on a comparison with earlier imagery, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that a long-term deal on Iran’s nuclear program may be possible — and that Israel may or may not welcome it. Overnight, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a drone launched from Yemen toward Eilat.

In a final Knesset vote, lawmakers formally recognized Israeli Sign Language in law, giving it official status and requiring the state to promote, preserve, and develop it for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Italy’s prosecutor general announced that an investigation has been opened into Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, following a complaint filed by several activists from the Gaza flotilla who were detained at sea and brought to Israel.

The Knesset has given final approval to a new criminal law targeting smuggling outside official border crossings. The bill states that "smuggling into the country, mainly באמצעות drones, creates a real threat to state security."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the U.S. bears direct responsibility for violating the ceasefire and fueling the regional escalation: "Washington's responsibility for violating the ceasefire is clear."