Israel will compete in the first semi final of Eurovision on 12 May in Vienna, facing past winners including Greece, Portugal, Serbia and Sweden. The 70th edition of the song contest is being overshadowed by protests and boycotts over Israel’s participation, with five countries pulling out and the total number of entrants falling to its lowest level in two decades.


Eurovision: Israel Drawn Against Eurovision Heavyweights in Vienna Semi Final | WION

Gaza: Hamas is preparing to hold internal elections to rebuild its leadership following Israel’s killing of several of the group’s top figures during the conflict in Gaza. Watch for more details!


Hamas to hold elections: Israeli militia claims killing senior Hamas officer in South Gaza

Hamas to hold elections: Pressure mounts on Hamas' leadership as war continues in Gaza

Israel’s Iron Dome cannot stop Iran’s Kheibar and Sejil ballistic missiles, which fly at Mach 12-16. The defence task falls to the Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 systems, designed for space and high-altitude interception.

Israel’s Iron Dome might not be capable of stopping Iran’s Kheibar and Sejil ballistic missiles, which fly at Mach 12–16. The task of defence falls to the Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 systems, designed for space and high-altitude interception

‘Iran vs Israel’: Can Israel’s Iron Dome stop Iran’s Kheibar and Sejil missiles?

Bedouin families in the occupied West Bank are dismantling their homes and fleeing their villages after what they describe as relentless harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers. In Ras Ein al-Auja, near Jericho, residents say pressure escalated sharply after settlers established an outpost just meters from their homes. The United Nations reports thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by settler violence and movement restrictions since October 2023, raising concerns that expanding settlements are entrenching Israeli control over large parts of the West Bank.

Israeli Settler Violence Forces Bedouins in West Bank to Leave

Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians to seize state institutions and embassies, replacing the flag of the Islamic Republic with the national flag. He predicts the rapid fall of the regime and international support.

Iran Protests: Reza Pahlavi Announces A New Phase of National Uprising 

Israel launched airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon shortly after issuing evacuation warnings to nearby civilians, Lebanese media and state reports say. Warplanes struck areas including Jezzine, Iqlim al‑Tuffah and Saida district, and one person was reported killed as smoke rose over multiple sites, with the military saying it hit weapons and infrastructure linked to Hezbollah amid heightened border tensions.

Israel Hits Alleged Hezbollah Targets, Hours After Evacuation Warning 

The Israeli military has planned to launch a renewed offensive in Gaza in March to seize more land and push the Yellow Line further west towards the coast of the enclave, Times of Israel reported, quoting officials.

Israel Seeks Western Gaza Offensive | Tel Aviv Protesters Call For Netanyahu To Step Down

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to develop contingency plans as part of ongoing strategy discussions amid the long-running conflict with Hamas in Gaza.


Israeli PM Netanyahu Orders Military Contingency Planning

Likud remains the largest party with 26 seats, according to the Channel 13 News poll, but Netanyahu's coalition does not have the majority necessary to form a government. Neither does the opposition, which cannot form a government without the Arab parties.

Netanyahu Coalition Wins Most Seats in Poll, But Remains Short of Power

The Hamas-run Gaza civil defense agency said Israeli attacks in the coastal enclave killed at least 13 people late Thursday, including five children, despite a ceasefire that has largely halted the fighting.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israel Strikes Gaza After Failed Projectile 

Israel says it carried out retaliatory strikes after a projectile was launched from Gaza, escalating tensions in the region. Reports indicate damage to targeted sites, while no immediate civilian casualties have been confirmed.


Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israel Claims It Retaliated to Projectile Launch from Gaza

#Gravitas Is Israel stepping into an issue that could be the spark for a wider war? During a tour of the Western Negev, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he will 'return the Negev to the state of Israel.'   

Netanyahu Targets Negev, Moving Towards Permanent Conflict 

Israel is taking a step that could potentially change the map and the future of West Asia.  By pushing ahead with a massive settlement project east of Jerusalem, Israel is effectively preparing to slice the West Bank in two.   


Israel issues tender for settlement project which can divide Gaza 

Gaza Ceasefire: President Trump plans to announce the Gaza Board of Peace as part of advancing the ceasefire deal's second phase, with around 15 countries expected to participate in overseeing Gaza's reconstruction and governance.


Gaza Ceasefire: Trump Set to Launch Gaza Board of Peace with 15 Nations

Be'er Sheva District Court President Judge Benny Sagi, 54, died in a tragic road accident on January 4, 2026, when an off-road vehicle struck his motorcycle on Route 6 near Kfar Menachem, Israel.


Israeli Judge Sagi Dies in Highway Collision

#Gravitas Israel is taking a step that could potentially change the map and the future of West Asia.  By pushing ahead with a massive settlement project east of Jerusalem, Israel is effectively preparing to slice the West Bank in two.   


West Bank at Risk: Israel Wants to Split the West Bank

Israel and Syria have resumed talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border after a months-long hiatus, Israel's Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday, as a new round of negotiations began in Paris. In a statement, the office said the dialogue was being mediated by the United States. Israel said the two sides agreed to continue talks "to advance shared objectives and safeguard the security of the Druze minority in Syria."


Israel-Syria talks: US brokered talks aimed at facilitating military de-escalation

An internal Likud poll conducted in early January shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to command overwhelming support within the party, maintaining a wide lead over all other potential leadership candidates.


Israel: Netanyahu secures overwhelming Likud support, internal poll shows

Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors.“Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read.&nbsp;The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities.&nbsp;The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, held a protest to condemn recent riots in the country. <a href="https://t.co/AOP8Vi0bwM">pic.twitter.com/AOP8Vi0bwM</a>&mdash; Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) <a href="https://twitter.com/TehranTimes79/status/2008474660015346152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Iran has accused its long-standing enemies of “a calculated approach aimed at the disintegration of beloved Iran”. “The intensification of threatening rhetoric and interference, which goes beyond mere verbal posturing, can be interpreted as hostile conduct,” said Iran in the statement. It would take &nbsp;“proportionate, firm, and deterrent response,” ready for any possible consequences.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a new military plan, “Operation Iron Strike”, emphasising "solidarity with the aspirations of the Iranian people for freedom.”Various Media reports suggest that the plan could involve striking various military infrastructure, coinciding with the protest. However, specific details of the operation remain undisclosed. A British MP, Tom Tugendhat, said there have been reports floating about massive cargo shipments from Russia landing in Iran. Neither Iran nor Russia have responded to these claims.&nbsp;

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors. “Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read. The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities. The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran warns of possible preemptive military strikes amid protests and rising US tensions

Talks in Paris between Israel and Syria will continue for a second day today. 


Israel-Syria: Talks Between Israel and Syria Set to Continue for 2nd Day in Paris 

In a move aimed at stemming violence in the west bank,
The israeli defense forces have authorised the use of electronic monitoring bracelets to enforce restraining orders.
Under the new order,
Authorities can require individuals under administrative restraints to wear electronic monitoring devices and track any violations of their restrictions.
Officials have warned that breaching the restraining order or damaging the equipment would constitute a criminal offense, with the possibility of prosecution.

IDF Authorises Advance Monitoring to Curb Extremist Violence

A screening of Hind Rajab at Birzeit University was stopped after Israeli forces opened fire in the area, according to reports. The incident has raised serious concerns over campus safety and freedom of expression amid heightened tensions. Students and faculty were reportedly forced to disperse as security conditions deteriorated. Stay tuned for updates on developments in the region.


Israel: Screening of Hind Rajab Stopped as Israeli Forces Open Fire on Birzeit University

IDF airstrikes slam Hezbollah & Hamas sites across south Lebanon—Al-Manara homes damaged, Aanan targeted after evac warnings. Ceasefire tested as Israel vows to dismantle terror network.

IDF Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah, Hamas Positions in South Lebanon 

Israel launched airstrikes across southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah and Hamas sites, as stated by the IDF amid ongoing border tensions.


Israel Strikes Lebanon: IDF Says Targeted Hezbollah, Hamas Sites

Deadly clashes between protesters and forces rage across 26 Iranian provinces, killing at least 20. Iran warns Israel & U.S. against interference amid blackout. 


Deadly Protests Grip Iran: Iran Unrest: 20 Killed in Clashes Across 26 Provinces 

IDF airstrikes slam Al-Manara in south Lebanon, destroying homes & shops while targeting Hezbollah-Hamas sites. Evacuation warnings preceded hits amid fragile truce.


Israel Strikes Lebanon: Hezbollah, Hamas Targets Hit in Al-Manara

#Gravitas As protests in Iran entered its ninth day, across the country, the demonstrations continue to grow with each passing hour. Amidst this background, Iran conducted unannounced large-scale missile drills and air defence exercises across various parts of the country. 

As Iran Protests Continue, US And Israel Escalate Strike Rhetoric

Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-ends-2025-with-hateful-late-night-truth-social-tirade-tells-rivals-to-rot-in-hell-in-ny26-1767235319298">Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26</a><h2>Mamdani's 'true face'?</h2>On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire."Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic."On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-bharat-s-future-under-unimaginable-threat-baloch-leader-warns-india-about-chinese-troops-in-pakistan-s-balochistan-1767336398462">'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan</a><h2>Mamdani claps back</h2>Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.

Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.

Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel. Also read | Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26 Mamdani's 'true face'? On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire." Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic. "On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Also read | 'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan Mamdani claps back Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.

Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.

'Mamdani shows his true face': Israel accuses New York Mayor of antisemitism after IHRA policy rollback

Iran has erected banners across Tehran threatening further attacks on Israel and a US base in Qatar. The banners show maps and locations of sites hit during the June conflict, including Israel’s Nevatim airbase, Haifa refinery, and Qatar’s Al‑Udeid airbase.

IRGC officials warned that Tehran’s missile capabilities have grown and future retaliation could be even more extensive. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s support for possible Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear or missile sites, escalating tensions in the region and raising fears of renewed conflict.


Iran-Israel tensions: Iranian banners show Israeli sites targeted in June  

Iran has erected banners across Tehran threatening further attacks on Israel and a US base in Qatar. The banners show maps and locations of sites hit during the June conflict, including Israel’s Nevatim airbase, Haifa refinery, and Qatar’s Al‑Udeid airbase.

IRGC officials warned that Tehran’s missile capabilities have grown and future retaliation could be even more extensive. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s support for possible Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear or missile sites, escalating tensions in the region and raising fears of renewed conflict.

Iran Threatens Israel and US Interests in Tehran Banners Following June Strikes

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Eurovision: Israel Drawn Against Eurovision Heavyweights in Vienna Semi Final | WION

Hamas to hold elections: Israeli militia claims killing senior Hamas officer in South Gaza

Hamas to hold elections: Pressure mounts on Hamas' leadership as war continues in Gaza

‘Iran vs Israel’: Can Israel’s Iron Dome stop Iran’s Kheibar and Sejil missiles?

Israeli Settler Violence Forces Bedouins in West Bank to Leave

Iran Protests: Reza Pahlavi Announces A New Phase of National Uprising

Israel Hits Alleged Hezbollah Targets, Hours After Evacuation Warning

Israel Seeks Western Gaza Offensive | Tel Aviv Protesters Call For Netanyahu To Step Down

Israeli PM Netanyahu Orders Military Contingency Planning

Netanyahu Coalition Wins Most Seats in Poll, But Remains Short of Power

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israel Strikes Gaza After Failed Projectile

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israel Claims It Retaliated to Projectile Launch from Gaza

Netanyahu Targets Negev, Moving Towards Permanent Conflict

Israel issues tender for settlement project which can divide Gaza

Gaza Ceasefire: Trump Set to Launch Gaza Board of Peace with 15 Nations

Israeli Judge Sagi Dies in Highway Collision

West Bank at Risk: Israel Wants to Split the West Bank

Israel-Syria talks: US brokered talks aimed at facilitating military de-escalation

Israel: Netanyahu secures overwhelming Likud support, internal poll shows

Iran warns of possible preemptive strikes amid protests and rising US tensions

Israel-Syria: Talks Between Israel and Syria Set to Continue for 2nd Day in Paris

IDF Authorises Advance Monitoring to Curb Extremist Violence

Israel: Screening of Hind Rajab Stopped as Israeli Forces Open Fire on Birzeit University

IDF Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah, Hamas Positions in South Lebanon

Israel Strikes Lebanon: IDF Says Targeted Hezbollah, Hamas Sites

Deadly Protests Grip Iran: Iran Unrest: 20 Killed in Clashes Across 26 Provinces