Israel
The latest updates on Israel. As a result of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947, which formed an Arab and Jewish state—with Jerusalem designated as an international city—the Jewish Agency declared state independence in 1948 while Arab leaders rejected the plan. Tensions, and many wars, have persisted between the two factions ever since. A liberal democracy with a parliamentary government, Benjamin Netanyahu is the current and longest serving prime minister.
Colleges rush to settle antisemitism cases ahead of Trump term
Many colleges at the center of the highest-profile cases, such as Columbia and Cornell, face investigations that remain unresolved.
Netanyahu postpones Gaza ceasefire deal over Hamas 'last minute crisis'
Netanyahu's office said Thursday his Cabinet won't meet to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas backs down from what it called a "last minute crisis."
Iraq and Yemen militias to suspend attacks on Israel over Gaza ceasefire
"We announce that we will suspend our military operations against [Israel]," the Nujaba Movement's leader said.
There's a Ceasefire in Gaza, but This Is Not a Victory for Hamas | Opinion
Since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack when Hamas and their allies broke through the border into Israel, butchering and kidnapping Israelis along with citizens from around the world, Gaza has been consumed by a long and brutal war.
Gaza prisoner release not fully finalized until "recent hours": US official
Hamas and Israel didn't agree on final hostage release and prisoner exchange details until "recent hours," the official said.
Even With a Ceasefire, Gaza Has No Future | Opinion
Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Israel and what remains of Hamas in Gaza have reached a ceasefire deal that will take effect on Sunday.
Israel Hamas Gaza ceasefire deal: when will hostages be released?
This 42-day ceasefire aims to halt the 15-month conflict and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Who is Steve Witkoff? A look at central figure to Gaza ceasefire deal
Steve Witkoff, an investor and real estate mogul, has been highlighted as a key figure in securing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Trump takes credit for Gaza ceasefire brokered by Biden admin
The President-elect says his "historic victory in November" is bringing about peace in the Middle East.
Will Israel-Hamas hostage deal give Trump inauguration boost like Reagan?
Experts debate if a Gaza ceasefire deal that releases hostages could give Donald Trump a lift like Ronald Reagan's in 1981.
Hamas says ceasefire deal reached with Israel in Gaza
A Hamas source has confirmed to Newsweek that it has accepted a ceasefire deal with Israel.
Mossad planted explosives in Iran nuclear centrifuge admits official
This is the first time an Iranian official has explicitly confirmed the extent of Mossad's infiltration into Iran's nuclear program.
Palestinian PM Mustafa insists any plan to separate Gaza will be rejected
Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa has stated that it is unacceptable for any entity other than the Palestinian Authority to govern the Gaza Strip in the future.
Israel hurt and killed more civilians than all other nations in 2024—report
"The 67% surge in civilian casualties in 2024 is not just a statistic; it is a call to action," AOAV's Iain Overton told Newsweek.
Pope Francis Called for Middle East Peace. We Should Listen | Opinion
Pope Francis welcomed the New Year by thundering against the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Lebanon's new PM Nawaf Salam pledges to rebuild his shattered nation
Lebanon now has a new government in waiting for the first time in two years after Nawaf Salam was nominated for prime minister.
Hamas accepts draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Trump: Ceasefire in Gaza "very close," as Hamas accepts draft
An Israeli official said progress had been made, but the details were being finalized.
The man behind Israel's charm offensive
"I acknowledge the fact that we are not dealing successfully enough with our advocacy," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar told Newsweek in Jerusalem.
Gaza talks reach 'breakthrough' point ahead of Trump inauguration: Report
Negotiations to secure an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the nearly 100 hostages still in the strip, have been drawn-out and labored.
Iran gets major drone boost amid growing tensions with Israel
Iran's army appears to be preparing for conflict as it has acquired 1,000 drones and has recently conducted air defense exercises.
Could a Trump deal change the Middle East in 2025?
"There is no doubt that Donald Trump wants 'the big deal,'" a former government official told Newsweek.
Oil disaster averted after sabotaged tanker is salvaged
The Greek-flagged, Sounion was first attacked on Aug. 21 with small arms, projectiles, and a drone boat by the Iran-backed group.
Houthis issue ominous warning to Israel after new strikes
"Our hand is longer than the hand of Israel," an Ansar Allah source told Newsweek.
Israel IDs hostage's body amid pressure for Gaza ceasefire talks
Hamzah AlZaydani's body was retrieved with that of his father, Yosef AlZaydani, who were taken together by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
A New Dilemma in Syria As Government Is Embraced by the West | Opinion
For Israel, this evolving situation presents a serious dilemma. Jerusalem remains deeply suspicious of the new government in Syria.
Palestinian death toll in Israel-Hamas war passes 46,000: Officials
Approximately 90 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, Gaza's Health Ministry reports.
Army commander Joseph Aoun becomes Lebanon's new president
Lebanon's parliament elected the former army commander president after a two-year vacancy for the head of state.
Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon's potential next president
Lebanon's Parliament will convene tomorrow to vote on the country's next president.
Diets of human ancestors revealed by 780,000-year-old food remains
A study of prehistoric stone tools has suggested that a group of early humans ate a surprisingly diverse range of plant foods.
