Dec 23 Ex-aide says Netanyahu sought to evade responsibility for Oct. 7 attack By Julia Frankel, Associated Press A former close aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that immediately following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, he was ordered to figure out how the premier could evade responsibility for the security breach. Continue reading
Dec 22 Watch 6:30 How Israeli communities scarred by Oct. 7 celebrated Hanukkah By Karl Bostic, Dan Sagalyn For millions of Jews around the world, Hanukkah ended Monday evening at nightfall. A holiday centered on dedication and perseverance, the Festival of Lights is particularly special in Israel, and especially for survivors of Oct. 7, their families and the… Continue watching
Dec 21 Israeli Cabinet approves 19 new Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press Israel’s Cabinet has approved a proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, the far-right finance minister said Sunday, as the government pushes ahead with a construction binge in the territory that further threatens the possibility of… Continue reading
Dec 18 Israel launches airstrikes in Lebanon as deadline to disarm Hezbollah looms By Bassem Mroue, Associated Press Israel has carried out airstrikes on southern and northeastern Lebanon. Thursday's strikes come as the deadline to disarm Hezbollah looms. Continue reading
Dec 17 Israeli mortar fired into Gaza residential area, wounding at least 10 By Julia Frankel, Associated Press Israel said the mortar had veered from its intended target, which it did not specify. Continue reading
Dec 14 Hamas confirms death of a top commander in Gaza after Israeli airstrike By Associated Press The Hamas statement described Raed Saad as the commander of its military manufacturing unit. Israel had described him as an architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war in Gaza, and asserted that he had been “engaged… Continue reading
Dec 10 Iceland joins a growing list of countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel's participation By Jill Lawless, Associated Press This decision follows similar moves by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia. These countries have withdrawn after organizers refused to expel Israel over its actions in Gaza. Continue reading
Dec 10 Aid deliveries into Gaza fail to meet ceasefire terms, analysis shows By Julia Frankel, Associated Press Under the October deal, Israel agreed to allow 600 trucks of aid into Gaza each day. However, only an average of 459 trucks a day have entered between Oct. 12 and December 7. Continue reading
Dec 09 Hamas wants more pressure on Israel before ceasefire's next phase By Megan Janetsky, Julia Frankel, Associated Press Hamas has little leverage in ceasefire negotiations and could come under heavy pressure from regional powers like Qatar and Turkey to not hit the brakes on the fragile truce. Continue reading
Dec 07 Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas will soon enter second phase of ceasefire By Melanie Lidman, Kirsten Grieshaber, Associated Press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are “very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire,” after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. Continue reading