Paraguayan President Santiago Peña officially opened his country’s embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, demonstrating strong support for Israel during a time of conflict and international scrutiny. Peña, joined by a delegation, was welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking Paraguay’s inclusion in a select group of nations recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Israel has announced plans to create a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria following significant military operations and the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Israeli-American Roy Gross, 28, sustained a compound leg fracture after an assailant, allegedly motivated by his Israeli heritage, attempted to run him and his friends over in Laguna Beach, California.
Israel is conducting its most extensive air campaign in decades, targeting remnants of the Syrian military following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad's regime. According to Army Radio, these attacks represent the largest military actions against Syria since the Six-Day War in 1967. Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes are aimed at completely dismantling Syria's military infrastructure to prevent it from threatening Israel or being seized by rebel forces.
The outgoing Biden-Harris administration granted $10 billion in sanctions relief to Iran just days after Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 presidential election. This decision, which allowed Iraq to transfer funds to Iran, has drawn criticism due to Tehran’s ongoing support for terrorist groups and attacks against Israel.
The Biden-Harris administration is reportedly considering removing the terrorist designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Syrian rebel group with ties to Al Qaeda. The move, first reported by Politico, aims to legitimize HTS to provide billions in U.S. humanitarian aid for post-civil war reconstruction in Syria. However, critics warn the decision could backfire, echoing past controversies over similar policy shifts.
While former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) faced criticism for meeting Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, prominent Democratic leaders, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), had also met with Assad in the past. Pelosi’s 2007 visit to Damascus, where she conveyed a peace message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, drew backlash from the Bush administration.
In a sweeping military operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian weaponry and chemical facilities following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Over 24 hours, Israeli forces also entered strategic Syrian territories, including the demilitarized zone and Mount Hermon, to counter emerging threats.
Donald Trump’s designated Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, issued a stern warning Monday regarding hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Speaking during a visit to the region, Witkoff stated it would "not be a pretty day" if the hostages were not released before President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2024.
