Zion News

Hamas said to agree to ceasefire dealPrime Minister Netanyahu has canceled a diplomatic trip to Colombia in order to convene an emergency meeting with Israel’s Security Cabinet. The stakes of this meeting are unusually high, following reports that Hamas has agreed to Egypt’s proposal for a long-term ceasefire deal with Israel. Details of this plan are still under wraps at the moment but it would likely require Israel to ease its blockade of the Gaza strip. Criticisms continue against nation-state bill  Dr. Martin Sherman, Founder & Executive Director of the IISS speaking at ILTV Studio about the nation-state bill and how supporters say 'there's a distinction between the 'state' and the' nation.' 90,000 protest against nation-state bill in TLV Despite the government’s stance that Israel’s nation-state law does not discriminate against minorities, outrage from those minorities has boiled over into massive protests. Last night tens of thousands of Israelis led by Druze lea

Israel: U.S. policy on Iran has not changedU.S. President Donald Trump stunned allies and enemies alike yesterday, after he announced that he’d be willing to meet with Iranian leaders with “no preconditions.” He’s just doubled down on that position at a rally in Tampa, and the possibility of a U.S-Iran Summit has left Israeli leaders a bit uneasy, despite American assurances that Trump’s policy on Iran has not changed at all. Is it time to cut ties with Turkey? Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Bar Ilan University speaking at ILTV Studio about the Turkish President Erdogan that criticized the U.S. for having a 'Zionist mentality'. Arab-Israeli poet jailed for incitement Several years ago at the height of the 2015 terror wave in Israel, an Arab-Israeli woman was arrested and charged with inciting violence with her poetry. The prosecution of poet Dareen Tatour quickly became an international incident. And now, following years of litigation, Tatou

More fallout over Nation-State LawThe fallout over Israel’s new and much-debated Nation-State Law continues to build, as the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem has just denounced the law as completely discriminatory and is urging the government to undo the damage caused to nearly two million non-Jews living in the country. LGBTQ+ community responds to Orthodox Rabbis Rabbi Andy Sacks, Masorti Movement Israel and Rabbi Dov Halbertal, Former Head Of The Office Of The Chief Rabbi Of Israel speaking at ILTV Studio about the backlash against Jerusalem Rabbi Aryeh Stern, who recently called homosexuals abominations and deviant.3.  Trump open to talks with Iran ‘anytime’ U.S. President Donald Trump has just shocked opponents and allies alike with what appears to be a surprising turnaround on his own Mideast policy. After weeks of threatening rhetoric against the Iranian regime– both in public statements and on twitter, Trump has just made a surprising new proposal: seemingly offering

U.N., Fatah, Egypt talk peace in CairoPalestinian, Egyptian, and international diplomats are convening in Cairo to discuss measures to avoid an all-out war on the Israel-Gaza front. The weekly clashes have been boiling over for months now, with semi-regular rocket attacks threatening to plunge the region into conflict. But the U.N.’s Mideast envoy says that after meeting with Egyptian officials, he is confident that all sides can resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and avert regional war. Zionist union M.K. suspended over sexual assault Gil Ronen, Columnist & Chairman of the Family Movement speaking at ILTV Studio about the new allegations against M.K. Eitan Broshi that was revealed and Gabbay asks Broshi to resign. 3.  Zionist union M.K. suspended over sexual assault Adv. Keren Greenblatt, Co-Chair of Layla Tov speaking at ILTV Studio about the divisive topic of the new allegations against M.K. Eitan Broshi.    Iranian economy hits record-lowWell speaking of Iran, Iran&rsqu

Knesset member resigns over nation-state lawA member of the Knesset has just taken a surprising stand against the government’s recent passage of the Jewish nation-state law. M-K Zouheir Bahloul, an Arab-Israeli member of the labor party has officially resigned from his position, accusing the government of becoming the “private estate of Netanyahu and his cohorts.” Knesset member resigns over nation-state law Dr. Amir Fuchs, the Israel Democracy Institute and Naphtali Bensimon, Likud Party speaking at ILTV Studio about the controversy that swarmed following major rewrite of Israel's basic laws. Israeli killed in stabbing attack Shortly before the weekend, an Israeli man was stabbed to death in the West Bank by a 17 year-old Palestinian attacker in the settlement of Adam. The victim, Yotam Ovadia, was a father of two. The suspect breached the security barrier of the Adam settlement in the West Bank, and penetrated deep into the community before encountering Ovadia in the streets sometim

Iron dome intercepts more Gaza rocketsLast night’s deadly escalation of violence along the Gaza border has carried over into today. Israel’s iron dome has just intercepted another rocket fired from the strip, the ninth projectile fired at Israeli territory in the last twelve hours. Hamas’ military wing has mobilized for combat ahead of the growing possibility of war. Iron dome intercepts more Gaza rockets Col. (Ret.) Dr. Reuven Berko, Former Arab Affairs Adviser of the Southern Command and Stav Cohen, Deputy Chair of Young Labor speaking at ILTV Studio about the rising tensions between Israel and Gaza following last nights escalation. Druze community condemns nation-state law The Knesset’s recent passage of the nation-state bill remains one of the more contentious issues in modern Israeli history. Well in something of an admission of errors here, the Knesset has convened a special meeting today with Druze leaders to discuss atoning for any damage caused by the bill to the Druze

Breaking: I.D.F. downs Syrian jet Moments ago a Syrian fighter jet apparently breached Israeli airspace over the Golan Heights. The I-D-F has confirmed that two patriot missiles were launched to neutralize the jet and at this time it appears that the jet was downed, and crashed inside Syrian territory. 2. Breaking: I.D.F. downs Syrian jet Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ram Shmueli, Former Head of Israeli Air Force Intelligence speaking at ILTV Studio about the incursion of a Syrian jet while Israeli Air Defense systems triggered above the Golan Heights. 3.  Israel draws red line with Russia Following this week’s dramatic escalation of tensions along the Syrian border, Israel has reportedly refused a Russian offer to keep Iranian forces some sixty miles away from Israel’s front door. According to officials, Israel is demanding that exactly zero Iranian forces be allowed anywhere in Syria, period– a red line that’s driving a wedge between Israeli-Russian relations. 4. State earmarks $8 billio

Rockets fired from Syria Things may be developing quickly on the Syrian front faster than previously suspected. Earlier this morning, two short-range ballistic missiles were fired from Syrian airspace at Israeli territory, triggering Israeli air defense systems. In a perhaps related bit of breaking news, Russia’s Foreign Minister has just arrived in Israel for a surprise visit to discuss top-level security issues with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I.A.F. reportedly attacks base in Syria Another round of airstrikes have just pummeled a Syrian base with links to Iranian forces, the fourth such attack this month. Israeli fighter jets were reported flying over Lebanese airspace en route to this facility, though as usual, the I-D-F has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in these alleged airstrikes. 13 years since disengagement Maj. Gen. (Res.) Gershon Hacohen, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies speaking at ILTV Studio about how 13 years have passed since Israeli unilaterally withdrew from th

I.D.F. soldier killed by Gaza sniper Tragic news over the weekend. I-D-F staff sergeant Aviv Levi, an infantry soldier in the Givati Brigade, was killed when Palestinian snipers opened fire on Israeli troops along the Gaza border. This marks the first time that an Israeli soldier has been killed on the Gaza front since the 2014 war ‘operation protective edge’. For now, there is an uneasy calm, but make no mistake: this is by far the closest to war that we’ve been in the last 4 years. Israel rescues hundreds of Syrians from war Israel has been providing direct humanitarian aid to Syrians impacted by the civil war for years now, but nothing like this. The army has just launched an unprecedented covert operation and evacuated hundreds of Syrians from the warzone. This includes some 800 members of the ‘white helmets’, a volunteer group consisting of search and rescue workers who’ve operated in the most horrific regions of Syria over the last 4 years. Israel rescues hun

Jewish nation state bill passes In a groundbreaking development, the Knesset has officially passed the contentious Jewish nation-state bill into law. The new legislation effectively enshrines the country’s jewish identity into its de-facto constitutional ‘basic laws’ and while opponents argue that this grossly endangers And potentially discriminates against minorities in the state, supporters hail this as a new era of Jewish freedom. Jewish nation state bill passes MK Sharren Haskel, Likud And MK Hilik Bar, Deputy Speaker Of The Knesset, Zionist Union speaking at ILTV Studio about the debate over the newly passed nation-state bill. Breaking the silence strikes back Earlier this week, the Israeli government passed new legislation banning groups that are critical of the I-D-F from entering schools. This law is widely believed to have been specifically targeting the group ‘breaking the silence’, which publishes testimony from former soldiers who claim they committed human r

Hungarian P.M. arrives in Israel For the first time ever, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will be arriving in Israel for an official state visit. Ties with the somewhat isolated nation of Hungary have been warming considerably over the last year but while some hail this as another impressive accomplishment of Prime Minister Netanyahu, others are distressed to see Israel welcoming a foreign leader whose platform is littered with traces of Anti-Semitism and Nazi approval. 2. Israel warming up to the Visegrad Davidi Hermelin, President Of The Int’l Center For Public Diplomacy In Israel speaking at ILTV Studio about the relations between Israel and Visegrad countries. ‘Sorry-not-sorry’ to burst your balloon We’ve just learned that Hamas is allegedly working to halt the deadly incendiary kite and balloon attacks coming out of the Gaza strip. This report comes on the heels of the some of the most turbulent days in recent memory between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza, tensions th

Syrians turned away from Israeli border Some heartbreaking images just now. A group of roughly 200 displaced Syrian civilians has just marched up to the Israeli border waving white flags, in an apparent plea for Asylum. Israel has helped thousands of Syrians in similar situation in the past through either direct aid or covert help, but in this case, Israeli soldiers along the border now were apparently given direct orders to turn the group away. Trump and Putin put Israel center stage U.S. President Donald Trump has just met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Helsinki summit. While Trump’s apparent endorsement of Putin at this summit is drawing some major flack back at home, there is someone who presumably comes out on top here: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. In fact, Israeli security was at the forefront of the Trump-Putin statements to the press. Trump and Putin put Israel center stage Ben-Dror Yemini, Israeli Journalist & Author of ‘Industry of Lies’ speaking at

Israel accused of airstrikes in Syria Late last night, a Syrian military base in Aleppo was pummeled by a round of airstrikes. Israel is widely believed to be behind the attack, though as per policy, the army has offered no comment on the matter. Anywhere from 9 to 22 pro-regime fighters have been reported killed in the blast. This base is also heavily linked with Iranian proxy forces, which may explain the site’s significance as a target to the I-D-F. I.D.F. expands Iron Dome The I-D-F has just sent a very clear message to Hamas that the country is prepared for war if need be. Additional iron dome batteries have just been deployed to Tel Aviv, as well as regions of southern Israel. The army has also summoned reservists from the air defense corps to man the effort. Though this is all precautionary, the mere gesture is a demonstration of Israel’s readiness for war in any situation. Leah Goldin: ‘we’ve been abandoned’ Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic S

Ceasefire deal holding, for now After a devastating weekend of violence, a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza strip finally appears to be holding. Egypt reportedly stepped in to mediate an emergency deal, following the worst flare-up between I-D-F forces and terror cells in the strip since the 2014 war ‘operation protective edge’. In the last 48 hours, terrorists have hurled some 174 rockets into Israeli territory. Ceasefire deal holding, for now Dr. Col. (Ret.) Reuven Berko, Middle East Expert speaking at ILTV Studio about Egypt stepping in to mediate worst flare up between Israel and Gaza since 2014.3. Kidnapped child returned home The story of 7 year-old Karim Jum-Hour, who was kidnapped late last week for still-unknown reasons has reached a happy conclusion. Little Karim has finally been returned home to his family after 3 days in captivity. We’re happy to report that the child is safe and sound though as of now, his abductors still remain at large. Tho

Israeli jets launch counterattack in Syria Following yesterday’s encroachment of a Syrian drone into Israeli airspace, Israel’s air force has just conducted a series of counterstrikes in Southern Syria. I-D-F officials have confirmed that three military sites belonging to the Assad regime have been targeted in early morning hours. These tensions are unfolding perhaps purposely with Prime Minister Netanyahu currently in Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin. A.G. warns Knesset not to discuss ‘Ritman affair’ Ziv Maor, Editor-In-Chief at mida.org.il and Yariv Oppenheimer, Board Member & Former Director of Peace Now speaking at ILTV Studio about the Knesset committee that has now been called following a slew of accusations between the Netanyahu family and the Lahav 433 anti-corruption police unite. Breaking: Knesset debate called off Moments ago, the Knesset’s discussion concerning this possible conflict of interest in the police anti-corruption unit has been canceled. Is

Red alerts sound in Israel’s north Breaking news from Israel’s north, a patriot missile was just launched from the northern city of Tzfat in response to an unmanned aerial vehicle from Syria. According to witness reports and the IDF, red alert sirens were sounded across the Golan Heights and Jordan valley in response to the launching of the patriot missile.   Nationality bill under fire After heavy debate, opposition and criticism, the drafters of the nation-state bill may now be rewriting the bill in hopes of passing it into law by the end of next week. The proposed legislation would essentially enshrine much of the country’s Jewish identity into the backbone of the country’s ‘basic laws’ but critics including President Rivlin, the Attorney General, and even the Knesset’s own Legal Advisor say parts of the bill may actually harm the Jewish state. Netanyahu and Putin to meet in Moscow Maj. Gen. (res.) Uzi Dayan, Former Nat. Security Advisor speaking at I

Israel shutters main Gaza crossing Israel’s Prime Minister has just announced the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing point with Gaza until further notice. This checkpoint is the only place along the Israeli border where food, water and aid can be transferred into the strip. Israel says specially approved shipments will still be allowed in but in announcing the closure, Prime Minister Netanyahu made it very clear that the majority of operations will be shuttered.2. Nationality bill ‘harms state of Israel’ Rabbi Ariel Konstantyn, Founding Rabbi at the Tel Aviv Int’l Synagogue and Rabbi Dov Lipman, Former MK; Yesh Atid Party speaking at ILTV Studio about how Israeli president Reuven Rivlin breaks silence on the draft legislation. P.A. plows ahead with ‘Martyr’ payments Despite a growing international condemnation of the practice, the Palestinian authority has vowed to plunge ahead with paying stipends to terrorists and their families. While Israel sees these so-called

Last night a major Syrian-Iranian stronghold came under fire, triggering Air Defense systems throughout the region. This base, the T-Four, is the same one that Israel has repeatedly targeted in the past due to its massive strategic importance to Iranian-linked proxy forces. For this reason, many have placed the blame on this latest round of airstrikes on Israel as well.2. Details of the ‘Nationality Bill’ released Nir Avishai Cohen, Political Advisor & Peace Activist and Adv. Simcha Rothman, Legal Advisor; Meshilut speaking at ILTV Studio about how Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently advancing the 'nationality bill' towards its second and third readings in the Knesset. Anne Frank’s family was denied Asylum in the U.S. Shocking new research has just illuminated what could be a difficult truth about Anne Frank. Leading Holocaust organizations have released documents that seem to indicate Frank and her family were actually seeking refuge in the United States in the years leading up to

Emergency rescue in Thailand underway The rescue of twelve boys and their soccer coach trapped in a cave in Thailand has just become a race against the clock as the group has been trapped in the cave system for over two weeks now. Israeli rescuers have joined an international team in an attempt to save the boys before incoming rains raise the floodwaters to deadly new heights. An emergency underwater rescue is now also underway, and as of now at least six of the boys have been safely rescued. Russia brokers ceasefire in Southern Syria Dr. Martin Sherman, Founder & Executive Director of the IISS speaking at ILTV Studio about how Russian officials have just broken a ceasefire deal between rebels forces in Syria and the Assad regime and if it will effect Israel. U.S. eyes Gaza in lieu of peace deal It looks like we may never learn the full details of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Mideast peace. That’s because the White House has reportedly put the deal on the backburner followin

Gonen Segev trial begins today The trial of the Former Israeli Minister accused of spying for Iran begins today. Gonen Segev who served as Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for two years under Yitzhak Rabin and then Shimon Peres has already been convicted for a myriad of crimes including drug smuggling, forgery, and credit card fraud, but this latest charge of carrying out espionage for Iran certainly tops them all. Netanyahu slams E.U. on Iran Prime Minister Netanyahu has just delivered some sharp words for European leaders hoping to keep the JCPOA Iran ‘nuclear deal’ alive. According to Netanyahu, leaders need to look no further than the events of the past few days which saw an Iranian diplomat arrested in Europe for allegedly planning a bombing attack in Paris. This attack reportedly targeted an Iranian exile group but Iran denies any such plan. Bedouin village to be demolished A flash of violence has just erupted in a small village in the West Bank. Knan Al-Ahmar is