Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial was postponed on Monday under special circumstances, sparking speculation about critical developments regarding either a hostage deal with Hamas or a potential military strike on Iran.
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.
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.
Vice President-elect JD Vance reinforced President-elect Donald Trump’s position on avoiding involvement in Syria, declaring that the ongoing conflict is "not our fight." In a post on X, Vance echoed Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the need for the United States to focus on its own priorities and avoid entanglement in Syria.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) increased its military presence along the Syrian border in the Golan Heights on Friday in response to rapid advances by Syrian rebels against the Assad regime. The move comes as rebel forces, including Islamist factions, capture key cities like Aleppo and Hama, forcing regime troops to retreat.
Concerns over a broader conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or avoid affected airspace. The cancellations impact major hubs like Tel Aviv, Beirut, and others, with timelines varying by carrier. Here is an overview of current airline decisions:
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages held in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in unprecedented consequences in the Middle East.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, concluding over a year of hostilities. The truce follows Israel's Security Cabinet's approval of a U.S.-brokered agreement, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote.
Hamas announced readiness for a cease-fire in Gaza on Wednesday, following a truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The group stated its willingness to end the 13-month conflict, provided conditions are met, including a halt to Israeli military operations, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced residents, and a hostages-for-prisoners exchange.
Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in Beirut’s suburbs and the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Tuesday as Israel’s security Cabinet prepared to vote on a U.S.-brokered cease-fire proposal with Hezbollah. The deal, aimed at ending over a year of conflict, includes a two-month halt to hostilities. It also requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon while Israeli troops return to their side of the border.
