ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Arab citizens, particularly Muslims, joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during Itamar Ben-Gvir's four years as national security minister, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to data from Israel's Ministry of National Security and the Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023, before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline also extends to other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment remained very low, dropping from six recruits in 2022 to two in 2025.

The figures stand out against a broader increase in police recruitment, with thousands of new officers reportedly joining the force in recent years.

Officials have pointed to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy had allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements aimed at increasing representation, but that policy was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

ISRAEL: Muslim Recruits Fall From 165 To 96 |Ben-Gvir Faces Questions Over Arab Representation

ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Muslim citizens joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during the four years of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to figures cited from Israel’s Ministry of National Security and Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023 before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline has also affected other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment reportedly fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to just 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment dropped from six to two over the same period.

Officials have attributed the decline to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy that allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

The figures come amid continuing concerns over violence in Arab communities in Israel. Ben-Gvir’s office has rejected criticism and highlighted the broader increase in police recruitment during his tenure.

Israel Police Recruitment: Muslim Numbers Fall Sharply Under Ben-Gvir As Overall Police Hiring Rises

Russia has issued a stark warning over the future of Israel as the West Asia conflict continues to escalate, with a senior Russian military commander claiming that Israel could ultimately cease to exist as a state if the war continues to intensify.

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of Russia's Main Military-Political Directorate, reportedly made the remarks while speaking to Russian state-owned news agency TASS. He accused Israel of attempting to draw the United States and wider NATO deeper into the conflict and warned that Israel could be overestimating its strength.

The comments come amid growing reports of closer military cooperation between Russia and Iran as Tehran faces confrontation with the United States and Israel.

Russia Issues Stark Warning Over Israel's Future Amid Regional War

Turkey and Israel are locked in a fresh diplomatic confrontation after Ankara reportedly sought an Interpol Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

The dispute centres on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed toward Gaza carrying hundreds of activists before Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in the Mediterranean and detained those on board.

Turkey has accused Netanyahu and others of serious crimes, while Israel has rejected the allegations and sharply attacked the Turkish government.

The wider controversy comes as Britain, Canada and Australia condemn Israel’s decision to close a probe into the 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza.

Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice For Netanyahu | Israel-Turkey Row Escalates Over Gaza Flotilla

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition is facing growing political pressure as national elections approach, with its popularity reportedly continuing to decline.

The shifting political landscape could create fresh challenges for Netanyahu and his coalition partners as Israeli voters weigh the government’s performance and future direction. The election race is expected to remain closely watched amid continuing political and security developments.

This report examines the latest polling trends, the challenges facing Netanyahu’s coalition and what the changing voter mood could mean for Israel’s upcoming national elections.

Netanyahu's Coalition Continues to Slip in Popularity Ahead of National Elections

Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

Fresh Israeli airstrikes have struck multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others, even as hopes rise for a new ceasefire agreement.

According to reports, an Israeli strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp after evacuation warnings were issued. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah also resulted in casualties. Meanwhile, families across Gaza continue searching for loved ones who remain missing amid the ongoing conflict.

The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as part of a proposed second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Trump said Israel was "very happy" with the agreement and described it as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Israel Strikes Gaza As Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Middle East Crisis

Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of working as an Israeli spy and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in one of the most significant counterintelligence cases in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect is believed to have provided Israel with highly sensitive intelligence that allegedly helped identify targets for the assassinations of several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024. Reports claim the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and passed intelligence after meeting alleged Israeli intelligence operatives during trips abroad. Lebanese officials say he was arrested at Beirut's airport while attempting to leave the country for Iraq after months of surveillance.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack fundamentally changed Israel's security doctrine. Israel now insists on maintaining buffer zones inside Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, arguing they are essential to prevent future attacks. While Israeli leaders say the policy is about national security, critics accuse Israel of prolonged military occupation and violating neighboring countries' sovereignty.

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

Violence clashes between Israel defence forces and Palestinians continue. Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during a pre-dawn raid in the occupied West Bank. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Three Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank raid

The tensions between Israel and Gaza is once again flaring up. Israeli air strikes hit Gaza city for second night in a row. The Israeli Defece Forces said it was ready for a "resumption of hostilities" if the attacks from Gaza continue.

Israel bombs Gaza City in second day of strikes under new govt

Police later confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old woman for allegedly participating in "public disturbances" in Sheikh Jarrah.

Israeli police detain prominent Palestinian activist

Israel started vaccinating its population against the coronavirus on Dec 20 and the country has seen one of the most rapid vaccine rollouts of anywhere in the world.

Outdoor mask-wearing no longer required in Israel?

The cyber attack took place a day after Tehran unveiled new advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the Natanz facility

Israel carried out cyber attack on Iran N-Facility?

The dissolution bill next heads to a parliamentary committee, giving Gantz and Netanyahu a week or two to try to salvage their troubled alliance.

Israel PM accuses Defence Minister Benny Gantz of coalition agreement violation

Israel appears headed to 4th election within 2 years

The government is taking the extraordinary step after watching daily cases rise from five in late May to more than 4,000 this week.

Israel under 3 week lockdown during Jewish holiday

The Israeli flag carrier’s flight marked the implementation of the historic U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two nations

First direct Israel-UAE flight lands in Abu Dhabi

Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah last fought a war in 2006, and tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border have been running high

Hezbollah will avenge slain fighter, leader warns Israel

An Israeli jewellery company is working on what it says will be the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask

Israeli jeweller makes $1.5 million gold Coronavirus face mask

Israeli aircraft struck Syrian military targets on Monday, the Israeli army confirmed in a rare statement.

Israel strikes Syrian army bases after Golan heights attack

Israel-Syria tensions: IDF strikes military bases in Syria after Golan Heights attack

Israeli warplanes hit several Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza Strip early Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Israel strikes Hamas sites after Gaza rocket intercepted

Around 50 protesters were arrested Tuesday night following clashes with police at a thousands-strong rally in Jerusalem (Israel) demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign

Israel Protests: Demonstrators unhappy with Netanyahu's economic policies

Thousands of Israelis have staged a demonstration in Israel to protest against what they say is economic hardship caused by the government's mishandling of the coronavirus crisis.

Thousands protest in Israel over handling of economy