July 16: US says parties have agreed on steps to end ‘horrifying situation’ in Syria

Syrian defense ministry says soldiers have started withdrawing from Druze-majority Sweida

Syrian soldiers began withdrawing from Druze-majority Sweida on Wednesday, the Syrian defense ministry says, hours after the announcement of a new ceasefire agreement in the violence-hit city.

The Syrian army “has begun withdrawing from the city of Sweida in implementation of the terms of the adopted agreement after the end of the sweep of the city for outlaw groups,” a defense ministry statement said, without mentioning the withdrawal of any other government security forces deployed to the city.

Syrian government forces entered Sweida on Tuesday with the stated aim of overseeing a ceasefire agreed on with Druze community leaders after clashes with local Bedouin tribes left more than 100 people dead.

However, witnesses reported that the government forces joined with the Bedouin in attacking Druze fighters and civilians in a bloody rampage through the city.

In total, the number of dead was said earlier this evening to have surpassed 300.

Iran condemns Israel’s ‘unhinged aggression’ in Syria

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemns a wave of Israeli strikes on Syria, demanding an end to the “unhinged aggression”.

“The rabid Israeli regime knows no bounds… The world, including the region, must unite to end its unhinged aggression,” Araghchi says on X, adding that Iran — which fought a war with Israel last month — “supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and will always stand with the Syrian people.”

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has previously criticized Iran for “using Syria as a platform for instability” under former president Bashar al-Assad.

Trump: ‘We have good news on Gaza’

US President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Without elaborating, US President Donald Trump declares at a White House event, “We have good news on Gaza.”

US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff, who is also at the event, tells reporters that talks in Doha are progressing well.

Earlier today, an Arab diplomat and a second source involved in mediation efforts told The Times of Israel that a window has been opened to reach a deal within days after Jerusalem agreed to significantly decrease its force presence in Gaza during the 60-day truce currently under discussion.

Several other issues still need to be discussed, though, so an announcement of a deal this fast is not likely.

Rubio says parties have agreed on steps to end ‘horrifying situation’ in Syria

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio writes on X that parties “have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight” in Syria.

“This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made, and this is what we fully expect them to do,” Rubio adds.

The Syrian government attempted to intervene in clashes between Druze and Bedouin in a move that Israel said placed the Druze community at risk amid reports of more than 300 deaths, leading to widespread IDF airstrikes at Syrian government sites across the country.

Likud’s Ofir Katz appointed chair of Knesset Finance Committee following Gafni’s resignation

Knesset House Committee chairman Ofir Katz presides over a hearing against Hadash-Ta'al chairman Ayman Odeh, June 24, 2025. (Dani Shem-Tov/ Office of the Knesset Spokesperson)

Following chairman Moshe Gafni’s resignation on Monday evening, the Knesset Finance Committee approves a Knesset House Committee recommendation to appoint Likud MK Ofir Katz as chairman of the influential panel.

Following his approval as chairman, the committee announces that it will hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss the government’s compensation plan for businesses and workers harmed economically by last month’s war with Iran.

Gafni failed to show up for a scheduled discussion of the bill earlier this week, pausing its progress until his replacement could be chosen. This sparked concerns regarding the Knesset’s ability to pass the crucial legislation before the end of the summer legislative session, which wraps up on July 27.

The Knesset House Committee voted 6-3 to recommend Katz, who also serves as its chairman.

“There is an urgency to finish with the compensation outline, on which most of the work has already been done,” said Katz, adding that he intends to “finish the work in the committee, and bring the legislation up in the plenum next week.”

Katz’s appointment follows a fight between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism over which party would take over the committee.

Syrian media reports Israeli strikes on airbase near Damascus; no immediate comment from IDF

Syrian media reports Israeli airstrikes against the Mezzeh Airbase near Damascus a short while ago.

The reports say Israeli fighter jets are also flying over the Syrian capital.

There is no immediate comment from the IDF.

Likud MK says he entered Syria to ensure no Druze Israelis are killed, taken hostage after they rushed border

New Likud MK Afef Abed speaks during his swearing in ceremony at the Knesset in Jerusalem, January 6, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

MK Afef Abed, a Druze lawmaker for Likud, confirms that he entered Syria earlier today with MK Hamad Amar, of Yisrael Beytenu, to try and encourage Druze youth who crossed the border to return to Israel.

“I entered on my own accord to bring back the Druze youth who entered on their own and to protect them,” he tells Kan correspondent Yaara Shapira, adding that along with Amar, he is currently in the Syrian Druze town of Hader.

“I’m here to ensure that we won’t have any hostages or bodies,” he says, adding that he is “hopeful” that his ongoing efforts will be successful in returning the Druze youth to Israel, after they entered Syria in their hundreds earlier today amid deadly violence against their Syrian counterparts.

Abed says that the massacre of his people in the Sweida region of southern Syria is reminiscent of the carnage inflicted on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, but that the response from the Druze community, and the immediate attempt to reach the scene, is as well.

“When October 7 happened, all the Druze rushed to the south without thinking about what would happen there, what they would do there, because that’s our mentality,” he says.

Contradicting Amar, Abed says the two lawmakers entered Syria without any security forces personally accompanying them.

Israel walks back demands regarding Gaza withdrawal, creating opening for deal within days — sources

Anti-government protesters demonstrate for the release of hostages in Tel Aviv on July 12, 2025. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Israel has agreed to significantly decrease its force presence in Gaza during the 60-day truce currently under discussion, according to an Arab diplomat and a source involved in mediation efforts, who tell The Times of Israel that the softened stance opens the door for an agreement in the coming days.

Following pressure from US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff, Israel has agreed to come down from more maximalist demands regarding the extent of its partial withdrawal from Gaza during the truce, the two sources say.

Thanks to pressure from Witkoff, new maps submitted by Israel no longer envision the IDF remaining in the so-called Morag Corridor that divides the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, the two sources add.

Israel also agreed to reduce the scope of its presence in Rafah, where it had hoped to create a controversial “humanitarian city” to which Gaza’s population would be herded, vetted upon entry and prevented from leaving, as Jerusalem encourages their emigration outside of the Strip.

The updated Israeli proposal for withdrawal from Gaza would likely hamper the ability to implement the Israeli “humanitarian city” plan, the Arab diplomat says.

Mediators are currently meeting with Hamas negotiators in Doha to review the latest Israeli maps, according to the source involved in the talks, adding that they are largely in line with Hamas’s demand for the IDF to withdraw to the positions it held before the previous ceasefire began collapsing on March 2.

Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated that it is prepared to compromise on its demand for an up-front Israeli commitment for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for a personal assurance from US President Donald Trump that the truce will remain in place until the sides reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire.

With the Hamas compromise on its demand for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s compromise on the scope of its withdrawal, mediators believe that the more difficult obstacles in the ongoing Doha talks have been overcome.

However, the Arab diplomat says that the sides still have to reach agreements regarding mechanisms for the distribution of humanitarian aid and on the number and identities of Palestinian prisoners to be released during the two-month truce in exchange for 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 slain hostages.

IDF chief visits Syrian border, says military acting to prevent harm to the Druze

L-R: Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Northern Command chief, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, and Operations Directorate chief, Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen on the Syria border, July 16, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Syrian border earlier this evening, telling troops, “We are acting with determination to prevent the entrenchment of hostile elements beyond the border, to protect the citizens of the State of Israel, and to prevent harm to the Druze.”

The visit comes after around 1,000 Druze residents of Israel breached the border into Syria today, amid deadly clashes in the Syrian Druze-majority city of Sweida.

Zamir held an assessment on the border with his deputy, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai; Northern Command chief, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin; Intelligence Directorate chief, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder; Operations Directorate chief, Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen; and 210th “Bashan” Regional Division commander Brig. Gen. Yair Peli, the military says.

IDF says air defenses intercepted ballistic missile from Yemen

A ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen at southern Israel a short while ago was intercepted by air defenses, the military says.

There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries. Sirens had sounded in several communities near the Dead Sea.

Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen have launched 61 ballistic missiles and at least 15 drones at Israel. Several of the missiles have fallen short.

Sirens sound in Dead Sea area following ballistic missile launch from Yemen

Sirens sound in the Dead Sea area in southern Israel following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen.

The IDF says it is working to shoot down the projectile.

NY governor says she told Mamdani he has ‘a lot of healing to do with the Jewish community’

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she told New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani that he needs to make amends with the city’s Jews.

Hochul tells MSNBC that she told Mamdani, “‘You have a lot of healing to do with the Jewish community. Many of your words have been hurtful and hateful to people in their interpretation.'”

Mamdani caused repeated controversies with his anti-Israel rhetoric during the city’s mayoral primary campaign, and in particular with his refusal to condemn the phrase “Globalize the intifada.”

“No one should have to worry about being in the city and feeling less safe because of who the mayor is and their religious beliefs. So that was important. I raised that concern,” Hochul says.

GHF publishes photo of man who it claims has Hamas ties, says he threatened medic at aid site crush

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation publishes photos of a man who it says “is believed to be affiliated with Hamas” and who supposedly threatened one of the American organization’s medics during this morning’s deadly crush of Palestinian aid seekers at its distribution site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

GHF also publishes a photo of what it says is one of the pistols that was recovered after this morning’s deadly crush that left 20 people dead. It doesn’t specify whether the pistol belongs to the unnamed Palestinian in the separately released photo.

???? UPDATE:

GHF footage captured this image of an individual who threatened an American worker with a firearm. This man is believed to be affiliated with Hamas.

We mourn the lives lost today, and we remain committed to providing humanitarian aid as safely and responsibly as… pic.twitter.com/n0qvkbQrWD

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) July 16, 2025

During a briefing with reporters, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay says the man was previously identified at other distribution sites in June.

Aid seekers in the crowd warned the American medic contracted by GHF that the suspect had a pistol. The medic tried to tackle the suspect, but the man managed to flee, while another Hamas affiliate stabbed the medic with an ice pick-like weapon, Fay says, adding that the medic suffered puncture wounds and likely broken ribs.

???? UPDATE:

GHF team members recovered a T-33 type pistol from the site of this morning’s incident.

This weapon is known to be used by Hamas.

We are continuing to investigate and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/CARyPBkC5B

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) July 16, 2025

“Hamas continuously visits the aid sites, hiding within the crowd to conceal themselves,” Fay says, without providing corroborating evidence to support this assertion.

Fay does reveal that the IDF provided the aid organization with an assessment that Hamas might try and carry out an attack on a distribution site today.

The GHF spokesperson says that the group’s personnel only fired gunshots one time during today’s stampede — an American security contractor spotted a Palestinian child being crushed by the crowd and fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd in order to extract the boy. Pepper spray was also employed by GHF contractors, but not tear gas, Fay asserts.

While the GHF spokesperson blamed Hamas for the continued chaos at its distribution sites, critics of the American group have argued that its mechanism is inherently flawed by forcing Gazans to walk long distances and cross IDF lines — coming under repeated deadly IDF fire — in order to pick up aid.

Footage from over the weekend showed Gazans ducking for cover outside a GHF site, as Israeli gunfire could be seen and heard in the background.

BBC’s Verify team located the following footage, which has been circulating online, to an area less than 750 metres from aid site “SDS2” of the US-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. It’s thought to have taken place on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/pLGfEogAEf

— Tom Bateman (@tombateman) July 15, 2025

IDF says ballistic missile launched from Yemen, sirens expected in southern Israel

A ballistic missile has been launched from Yemen at Israel, the military says.

Sirens are expected to sound in southern Israel in the coming minutes.

Senior official says Israel has ‘understandings’ rather than ‘formal agreement’ with EU to boost Gaza aid

Trucks and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip are seen at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, on the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip, May 29, 2025. (Flash90)

Following the European Union’s announcement last Thursday that it had reached understandings with Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, a senior Israeli official emphasizes that no formal agreement exists, and that Israel’s actions are determined by its cabinet decisions, not by external guarantees.

“I want to clarify this as clearly as possible: we defined our position in a cabinet decision 11 days ago… We made certain decisions. We do not have an agreement with the EU — we have understandings. There is no formal agreement,” the official says.

Asked about the EU’s reference to Israeli “pledges” to improve the humanitarian situation, the official responds: “We have understandings, but they are not the basis [for implementation]. The basis is the cabinet decision.”

That cabinet decision, the official explains, was based on recommendations from the IDF and COGAT — the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories — including the need to ensure fuel supply for “strictly humanitarian infrastructure, such as hospitals or water systems.”

“In my view, without humanitarian aid, the war could not have been conducted,” the official adds, while acknowledging internal disagreements in the cabinet. Increasing aid, he says, also eases tensions with allies “like the Germans, Italians and other countries who wanted to support us, but whose publics are critical of the humanitarian situation.”

Though Israel remains uncomfortable with certain mechanisms discussed in the recent understandings with the EU, it agreed — “due to the reality on the ground” — to adopt “supplementary solutions” alongside the existing Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s mechanism, even if those alternatives are not Israel’s preferred approach.

The official stresses, however, that Israel cannot control all outcomes, even when it authorizes additional aid. “Europe knows that the United Nations or its agencies sometimes can’t deliver aid we’ve approved, due to security concerns, lack of personnel, or other logistical barriers. What’s under our control — with our commitment to preventing aid from reaching Hamas — that’s the government’s policy.”

Addressing reports that hundreds of Gazans have been killed by IDF forces near aid sites since the GHF began operating in late May, the official says: “These events are investigated by the IDF. I can only regret the situation.”

“There may have been an exceptional case, one, where our forces felt threatened by a crowd. But in the most recent incident, GHF itself said Hamas was responsible,” the official notes, referencing an incident today in which GHF said that 20 Palestinians were killed, and accused armed agitators linked to Hamas of being responsible.

“From what GHF describes — Hamas throws grenades at American workers, kills and kidnaps Palestinian laborers working on humanitarian efforts. Their goal is for all aid to pass through them,” the official says.

Druze MK enters Syrian buffer zone in effort to bring Israeli Druze back after they crossed border

MK Hamad Amar, a Druze lawmaker for Yisrael Beytenu, crossed into Syria earlier today as part of a coordinated effort with Israeli security forces to appeal for Druze youth to return to Israel, after they crossed the border in their hundreds in an attempt to assist their Syrian counterparts amid deadly sectarian violence.

In a statement confirming that he entered the Syrian buffer zone, Amar’s office says the lawmaker “is acting out of national responsibility and deep concern for the peace of the Druze youth and the entire public.”

In response to a query from The Times of Israel, a spokesperson for the lawmaker says he didn’t venture far into Syria but stayed in the buffer zone near the border “accompanied by security forces and with their permission.”

According to Hebrew media, MK Afef Abed, a Druze lawmaker for Likud, also crossed into the buffer zone to speak with Israeli Druze.

FM Sa’ar speaks with European counterparts about deadly violence in Syria

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar speaks with European counterparts about the violence in Syria, telling them that Israel would not allow a threat to develop in southern Syria or for harm to be done to the Druze community there.

According to the Israeli readout, Sa’ar stresses to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis that attacks by the Syrian regime and jihadists against Alawites, Druze, Kurds and Christians are a recurring phenomenon. He emphasizes that the protection of minorities was a precondition for the EU lifting sanctions against Syria.

He tells his counterparts Syria’s promises to conduct an independent investigation “are a farce.”

“The regime in Syria has been given clear messages,” Sa’ar says, “and it knows exactly how to restore peace and stability if it so desires.”

Firefighters battling blaze in Aminadav Forest, in the Jerusalem hills

A fire rages in the Jerusalem hills, on July 16, 2025. (KKL-JNF)

Fire and rescue teams, and KKL-JNF staff are battling a fire on steep slopes in the Aminadav Forest and Nahal Refaim area of the Jerusalem hills.

Rami Zaritsky, head of emergency forest fire protection at KKL-JNF, says the fire broke out in a “difficult area to navigate with particularly complex conditions.”

He says, however, that they are making “great efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading towards residential areas and other open areas.”

“We ask the public to avoid the area, to follow instructions and to be vigilant and responsible partners,” he adds.

Israel won’t ‘stand idly by’ when Druze community is under attack, Herzog vows

President Isaac Herzog speaks at the state memorial in Jerusalem for Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl, on July 16, 2025. (Screenshot/GPO)

Israel will not “stand idly by” when threats emerge from Syria, says President Isaac Herzog.

Speaking at the state memorial in Jerusalem for Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl, Herzog says that “Israel does not stand idly by when there is even the potential for a jihadist threat over the border.”

“Second, Israel does not stand idly by when our allies and family members of Israelis – the sons and daughters of the Druze community, an integral part of us – are under attack and in danger of a horrific massacre,” he continues.

He calls for Druze in Israel not to cross the border, after roughly 1,000 did so earlier today.

“Israel must act, and indeed is acting and will continue to act, until quiet and security are restored to our border,” he says.

He calls for the return of all hostages from Gaza, which he does at almost all his public appearances.

“This is not only a moral imperative but a sacred responsibility of a state to its citizens – to return them urgently to their homeland,” says Herzog. “Every last one.”

Rubio says ‘real de-escalation’ in Syria expected in coming hours

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a ceremony at the US State Department in Washington, July 16, 2025. (Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says fighting between Syrian Druze and Bedouin in the southwest of the country led to a “misunderstanding” between the Israeli and Syrian governments that resulted in widespread IDF bombings of regime targets.

Rubio tells reporters in the Oval Office, “We’re on our way towards a real de-escalation, and then hopefully getting back on track to helping Syria build a country and arriving at a situation there in the Middle East is far more stable.”

He says the US hopes to see progress in this effort in the next few hours, though, there are already reports of a ceasefire in place in Syria, so it’s not clear whether Rubio was updated on that development.

Following reports of ceasefire in Syria, some Druze voice opposition

A statement published on an official Druze page in Syria calls to “continue fighting the terrorist gangs until our land is liberated from them” — referring to regime forces.

“There is no agreement with these gangs that call themselves a government,” the statement says. This comes after announcements of a ceasefire agreement between Syrian regime forces and the Druze in Sweida.

According to reports on social media, among those leading the opposition to the agreement is Druze Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who has taken a hardline stance against the new regime in Syria.

Shas minister decries government’s ‘terrible persecution’ of yeshiva students

A meeting of the Shas Party Council of Torah Sages in Jerusalem on July 16, 2025. (Flash90)

Announcing the ultra-Orthodox Shas party’s exit from the government following a meeting of its ruling Council of Torah Sages, Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli decries what he calls the “continued terrible persecution against the holy yeshiva students” and blames Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party for the break.

Reading from a statement by the Council of Torah Sages, Malkieli says that the rabbis were angered by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein’s decision to walk back promises regarding a proposed bill regulating ultra-Orthodox enlistment, as well as recent moves by the IDF and attorney general to increase enforcement against draft dodgers, Malkieli says, calling such efforts “nothing less than cruel and criminal persecution against yeshiva students.”

Edelstein, he asserts, had “reversed himself on all agreements and added draconian and unacceptable demands whose sole purpose is to harm and humiliate the Torah scholars.”

With the “persecution against yeshiva students continuing and in the absence of a law regulating their status, the Council of Torah Sages instructed the representatives of the Shas movement to immediately resign from all their positions in the government,” Malkieli declares.

Despite quitting the government, Shas did not follow fellow ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism’s example and exit the coalition, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still holding a parliamentary majority of 61 out of 120 seats. This leaves an opening for a possible Shas return to government in the future.

Shas will also not join forces with leftwing opposition parties and will retain its seats on Knesset committees, Malkieli adds.

According to the council, “there is no room for any cooperation with the leftist and opposition parties, since they too led the wild incitement against the Torah scholars.”

In what appears to be a veiled threat, the rabbinic panel also instructs the party’s lawmakers to enact a law exempting yeshiva students from military service “as soon as possible and no later than the opening of the Knesset winter session, so that it will be possible to maintain the existence of the government and the coalition partnership.”

The Knesset is set to enter a nearly three-month-long recess on July 27 and reconvene on October 19.

Shas bill to enlarge, upgrade in-home bomb shelters approved by Knesset

A Shas-sponsored bill to expand and upgrade in-home bomb shelters (mamads) passes into law after its second and third readings in the Knesset today, with 13 votes in favor, even as the ultra-Orthodox party announced it was leaving the governing coalition earlier today.

The legislation, introduced by Shas MK Erez Malul, would amend the national building code to make mamads larger and permit the installation of toilets and other plumbing inside them, making them more “suitable for extended stays during emergencies.”

The measure gained traction following the 12-day war with Iran in June, which saw many Israelis sheltering in their saferooms for extended periods amid intense missile barrages. Under current standards, most mamads are compact, with poor ventilation and without running water, making long stays difficult.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri first announced in June that his party would advance legislation changing building standards for reinforced saferooms in residential apartments to “adapt them to the current security reality.”

“This is an urgent and necessary need,” Deri said at the time. “This law will help millions of citizens who are forced to spend a long time in protected areas, and will ensure adequate and safe conditions for every family in Israel.”

IDF says ongoing strikes hit Syrian military sites, armed vehicles heading to Sweida

Israeli airstrikes on Syrian government forces continue in the Sweida area, the IDF says, releasing footage.

The IDF says strikes in the past few hours hit armored vehicles and pickup trucks with mounted machine guns, which were heading to the Druze majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have taken place.

Strikes also hit Syrian army positions, weapon depots and other military targets in southern Syria, the IDF adds.

Israeli airstrikes on Syrian government forces continue in the Sweida area, the IDF says, releasing footage.

The IDF says strikes in the past few hours hit armored vehicles and pickup trucks with mounted machine guns, that were heading to the Druze majority city of Sweida where… pic.twitter.com/uNZgcvjadQ

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) July 16, 2025

Lapid: Israel now has ‘illegitimate’ minority government

Following Shas’s resignation from the government, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid says Israel is now being run by an “illegitimate” minority government that has no authority to make crucial decisions.

“A minority government cannot send soldiers to battle. A minority government cannot decide who will live and who will die. A minority government cannot decide the fate of Gaza, reach arrangements with Syria or Saudi Arabia. It cannot continue to transfer billions to the corrupt and the military draft dodgers at the expense of taxpayers,” he says.

“Of course, a minority government cannot dismiss Haredim from military recruitment. It has no authority, it has no right. It is an illegitimate government,” he states, calling for elections.

במדינת ישראל יש החל מהיום ממשלת מיעוט. אין לה סמכות, היא ממשלה לא לגיטימית. pic.twitter.com/VvWZ1NMq73

— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) July 16, 2025

IDF chief: We’ll know within days if there’s a hostage deal; if not, Gaza op to expand

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir speaks with troops in the Gaza Strip, July 16, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says that if no hostage deal is reached in Gaza soon, the military will “intensify and expand ” its offensive against Hamas “as much as possible.”

“We will persist in targeting terrorists until Hamas is defeated and dismantled. Your achievements are significant, we already control 75% of the territory in the Strip,” Zamir says to troops during a visit to Gaza today.

“We are approaching a very critical juncture. In the coming days, we will know whether there is a deal or not. I want to tell you that if there is a deal and the hostages return, it is thanks to your fighting, first and foremost because of your fighting,” he says.

Zamir says that “if an agreement is reached, we will pause and prepare along lines defined by the political echelon.”

“If no deal is reached, my directive to the Southern Command is to intensify and expand the fighting as much as possible, beyond what we are doing now,” he says.

He says the IDF will “enter additional areas and continue operations as we have until now.”

Zamir also notes that the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed and captured by Hamas in the 2014 Gaza War, has now been held by the terror group for over 4,000 days.

“We are making tremendous efforts to return Hadar to his family, and we will not rest or remain silent until we bring him home, to his home and family, along with all the other hostages,” he adds.

Shas decides to quit government, but is not leaving coalition or pushing for elections

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri speaks with United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni in the Knesset, December 14, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The Shas party decides to exit the government following a meeting of its ruling Council of Torah Sages in Jerusalem, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a government. The party will, however, remain a part of Netanyahu’s coalition for now and is not pushing for elections.

The party’s ministers are expected to resign their positions tomorrow morning.

Shas announced yesterday that “following the serious and unacceptable harm to the status of Torah scholars” brought about by the current government, its ruling Council of Torah Sages would meet for “a crucial discussion regarding [the party’s] continued path in the government.”

Shas party newspaper HaDerech blamed the crisis on what it called “Likud and Edelstein’s blatant violation of agreements on the law regulating the status of yeshiva students.”

Fellow Haredi party United Torah Judaism quit the coalition Monday night after being presented with a copy of a proposed enlistment bill prepared by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein, which it argued violated the terms of a compromise that was reached by the two sides last month when an effort was being made to prevent the Haredi parties from toppling the government ahead of the war with Iran.

IDF soldier seriously hurt during fighting in south Gaza, army says

An IDF soldier with the Kfir Brigade’s Shimshon Battalion was seriously wounded during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip earlier today, the military announces.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment and his family was notified, the army adds.

Labor MK says Israelis must not ‘bury heads in the sand’ over toll of war on innocent Gazans

Labor MK Gilad Kariv leads an Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem on March 26, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Labor MK Gilad Kariv says Israelis must stop ignoring the toll that it is inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza, arguing that the IDF’s Operation Iron Swords has become a “war of folly.”

He highlights reporting from Haaretz and The Times of Israel about yesterday’s strike in the Shati refugee camp that killed an entire family, including children who bled out underneath the rubble after the IDF prevented rescue forces from approaching the area to extract them.

“We must not close our eyes. We must not bury our heads in the sand,” Kariv writes on X. “We must not continue to be indifferent to the harm caused to innocent lives in the framework of a war that should have ended long ago.”

“The war must be ended. Until it ends, the IDF must change its conduct regarding strikes in population centers,” the left-wing lawmaker adds.

He knocks mainstream Israeli media for failing to sufficiently cover what is happening in Gaza, while also admitting that the opposition has to do a better job expressing a “clear and resolute” demand to end the war.

“Enough is enough. We are losing our values. We are losing our resilience. We are losing our way,” Kariv says.

Senior Israeli official: ‘Syria is making serious mistakes, peace talks will depend on regime’s behavior’

Amid Israel’s strikes on Syria in response to recent violence against the Druze community, the likelihood of Jerusalem reaching a peace agreement with the new Syrian government “depends on how the regime behaves,” says a senior Israeli official.

“Everything depends on how this regime behaves. There’s no doubt things have taken a negative turn in the past few days, after a brief period of calm. But we’re not deluding ourselves,” says the official.

“Our policy isn’t based on illusions — it’s based on reality. First and foremost, we want security, and we’re clear with the other side about what we expect,” the official adds.

“Syria is making serious mistakes. The legitimacy their regime recently received may be distorting their sense of reality….they would do well to wake up. This country has been torn apart from within for years, with external help, through endless war and bloodshed. What’s happening now is not helping them get to a better place,” the official continues.

The official says that Damascus’s posture toward European and foreign actors doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground in Syria: “When this regime first came to power, they spoke nicely — people said ‘look, they’re talking’….They know exactly what the Europeans want to hear, and they deliver. But there’s a huge gap between their rhetoric abroad and their actions at home.”

“In the end, we deliver messages that reflect these truths. Of course, we would prefer these events hadn’t happened, but we can’t ignore them. As neighbors, we cannot ignore them. That’s it,” says the official.

Regarding whether Israel would consider sending troops further into Syrian territory in defense of the Druze, the official says, “There are two methods — one is to threaten all day long, the other is to act without talking,” before adding that Israel “is not in favor of inflating this issue.”

The official adds: “The Americans — and not only they — have been involved in efforts to de-escalate the situation since two days ago. We have a positive dialogue with them.”

The official’s remarks came shortly before US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Washington is “very concerned” by the violence in Syria.

“We want the fighting to stop,” Rubio said, adding that the US is in contact with relevant parties to try and deescalate, and that “Hopefully we’ll have some updates later today.”

Syria: Ceasefire reached between government forces and Druze in Sweida

Smoke billows during Israeli strikes in the vicinity of Syria's southern city of Sweida on July 16, 2025. (Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)

The official Syrian news agency announces that a ceasefire has been reached in the Druze-majority city of Sweida.

According to the agency, regime forces will deploy checkpoints in the area.

One of the Druze leaders in Syria, Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, announces the terms of the ceasefire in a video published by Arab media.

He says that the roads in the area would be secured by state forces, state institutions in Sweida would resume operations (apparently referring to institutions that were previously run under Assad’s rule), a joint committee of Druze and the regime would be established to investigate the “crimes and legal violations” that occurred during the events in the area, and all detainees arrested during the unrest would be released.

Ben Gvir says Israel must ‘eliminate’ Syria’s Sharaa over violence against Druze

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, flanked by fellow lawmakers, heckles MK Ayman Odeh, ahead of a failed vote on the latter's proposed expulsion from the Knesset, on July 14, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says Israel must “eliminate” Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, referring to him by his nom de guerre “al-Julani,” in response to reports that more than 300 Syrian Druze have been killed in days of violence in southern Syria’s Sweida province.

“The shocking images from Syria prove one thing: once a jihadist, always a jihadist,” Ben Gvir says in a video statement. “Anyone who murders, shaves mustaches, humiliates, and rapes cannot be negotiated with, and the only thing that can be done is to eliminate al-Julani.”

“We must eliminate the head of the snake,” he adds. “I love the Druze citizens of Israel and send them a warm hug.”

Thousands of Israeli Druze have staged rallies across the north, demanding Israeli intervention, with about 1,000 breaching the border fence in the Golan Heights in an attempt to cross into Syria.

Israel has been carrying out heavy airstrikes in Damascus and other parts of Syria, targeting regime and military facilities in what officials say is a direct response to the attacks on Druze civilians.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public plea calling on Israeli Druze not to cross the border, warning that it endangers their lives and complicates IDF operations.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed to protect Druze communities in Syria and says Israel will continue striking Syrian regime forces if attacks on civilians persist.

Katz to head to Washington tonight, will meet Hegseth and other US officials

Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a state memorial ceremony for Operation Protective Edge at the National Memorial Hall at the entrance to the military cemetery on Mount Herzl on July 6, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Defense Minister Israel Katz will head to Washington, DC, tonight for an official visit, his office says.

Katz will meet with his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other officials.

“During his visit, the defense minister will discuss a series of security and political issues with his counterpart, foremost among them Iran and other regional threats, procurement matters, and additional strategic cooperation,” the statement from Katz’s office says.

Joining Katz on the trip include Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, outgoing IDF Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk, Israel’s defense attaché to the US Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, and Katz’s military secretary Brig. Gen. Guy Markizeno.

“The defense minister will continue to closely monitor security developments in Syria throughout his visit,” his office adds.

Over 300 killed in Sweida violence since Sunday, Syrian war monitor says

DAMASCUS, Syria — More than 300 people have been killed in days of violence in southern Syria’s Sweida province, a war monitor says, raising an earlier toll of 248 dead.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that since clashes erupted on Sunday, 69 Druze fighters were killed as well as 40 civilians, 27 of them in “summary executions… by members of the defense and interior ministries,” while 165 government forces and 18 Bedouin fighters were also killed, along with 10 members of the government’s security forces in Israeli strikes.

Additionally, Syria’s Health Ministry says a series of Israeli strikes targeting the army and Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus killed one person and wounded another 18.

AFP correspondents say the strikes destroyed part of a four-story building adjacent to the Defense Ministry, while the city’s usually bustling Umayyad Square nearby was empty except for ambulances and military vehicles.

Rubio says US ‘very concerned’ over Syria violence; Trump administration said to ask Israel to halt strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gestures as he boards his flight before departing from Subang Air Base, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, on July 11, 2025. (Mandel NGAN / POOL / AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells reporters that Washington is “very concerned” by the fighting in Syria between various ethnic groups that has also led to Israeli strikes against regime forces.

“We want the fighting to stop,” Rubio says, adding that the US is in touch with all relevant parties in order to bring the conflict to an end. “Hopefully we’ll have some updates later today.”

The Trump administration has also asked Israel to halt its strikes in Syria and engage in dialogue with the government in Damascus in order to deescalate tensions, a US official tells the Axios news site.

This is the second day in a row in which the request has been made, with yesterday’s ask apparently falling on deaf ears in Jerusalem.

The requests have been made by US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in conversations with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

“We told the Israelis to stop and take a breath,” the senior US official tells Axios.

Sa’ar warns Ireland over West Bank import ban: ‘If they pass it, they will pay a price’

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks at the Muni Expo 2025 conference in Tel Aviv, on July 15, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar says that Dublin “will pay a price” if proposed legislation in the Irish parliament to ban the import of goods from the West Bank and East Jerusalem is passed.

״We are taking intensive action against this legislation — it is antisemitic. If they pass it, Ireland will pay a price,” Sa’ar says.

“You can’t keep turning the other cheek. The Irish legislation is antisemitic because it’s based on the residence of Jews and blocks import and export interaction,” the foreign minister adds.

Yesterday, the Irish parliament held a meeting of its Committee of Foreign Affairs to debate the Occupied Territories Bill, which, if passed, would make Ireland the first European Union member state to implement such a ban on Israeli goods.

A draft of the bill was officially published last month, though with the Irish parliament set to recess on Thursday, further debate is not expected until the fall.

Sa’ar’s remarks come amid increasingly strained relations between Dublin and Jerusalem. In December, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin after the Irish government announced it would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state and passed a nonbinding motion declaring that “genocide is being perpetrated” by Israel in Gaza.

Fearing circumcision crackdown, Jewish leaders launch EU campaign defending ritual

More than 50 prominent Jewish leaders and rabbis from across Europe have signed a letter to the president of the European Commission defending the Jewish rite of circumcision as part of a new campaign to defend the tradition.

The letter, spearheaded by the European Jewish Association, was sent as a response to a series of raids conducted in Belgium in May looking for people illegally conducting ritual Jewish circumcisions.

That raid, in which police confiscated instruments needed to perform the procedure and demanded a list of all infants circumcised in the past year, “echoed one of the darkest chapters in European history,” the letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says. The European Commission is the primary executive arm of the European Union.

On May 14, police conducted raids on three locations in Antwerp to investigate reports that said the brit milah ritual was being performed on Jewish baby boys by unlicensed mohalim (people who perform circumcision) instead of licensed doctors.

While the law does not specifically regulate Jewish ritual circumcision, Belgium requires that all medical procedures be performed by a licensed doctor.

No European country has laws banning circumcision, but there are fears that rising antisemitism could lead to such legislation in the future.

“Banning circumcision would mean an end to Jewish life in countries with such law, which is contradictory to the European Commission’s aim at fostering Jewish life in the EU,” the letter says.

“Circumcision is much more than a key tenet of Judaism. It is what defines the Jewish male, a religious commandment. It represents a core pillar of our faith and a practice carried out over millennia without incidents by meticulous and highly-trained Mohalim.”

Medical research shows that circumcised men have a lower risk of urinary tract infection, a lower risk of penile cancer, a lower risk of penile infections, and a lower risk of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, the European Jewish Association notes.

On May 14, Antwerp police raided the homes of three mohels, confiscated religious instruments, and demanded a registry of circumcised infants. This alarming action directly targets Brit Milah — a sacred commandment that has been safely practiced by the Jewish people for thousands… pic.twitter.com/N2WqVG3ysd

— EJA – EIPA (@EJAssociation) July 16, 2025

Delayed two-state confab to be held this month in New York, will work on Israeli integration into region — source

PARIS, France — International envoys will discuss a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at UN headquarters in New York this month, before national leaders meet in September, a French diplomatic source says.

The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, was originally planned for mid-June to revive work on the long-standing diplomatic effort to find a way for the Israeli and Palestinian states to live side by side in peace.

It was postponed at the last minute due to Israel’s military campaign against Iran.

Last week, diplomatic sources said last week the conference had been rescheduled for July 28 and 29, but did not say who would attend.

The French source says today that the meeting will be at the ministerial level.

It will seek to “advance the recognition of a Palestinian state for a certain number of states who have not yet recognized it, including France,” the source says.

But it would also work “on normalization and Israel’s regional integration with Arab and Muslim countries.”

Heads of state and government will then meet in either Paris or New York, before the UN General Assembly, which will be attended by world leaders on September 22, the source adds.

AG tells ministerial panel she won’t attend 2nd hearing on potential sacking

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting in the Knesset on April 27, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara tells the ministerial committee tasked with recommending to the government whether she be fired that she will not attend a second dismissal hearing that it has called for her tomorrow.

“A situation in which, from now on, the government can end the service of an attorney general without oversight and due to ulterior and, God forbid, corrupt motives, including illegitimate influence over ongoing criminal proceedings, constitutes a severe blow to the rule of law,” Baharav-Miara tells the five-member committee.

The committee held its first hearing on Monday, which Baharav-Miara also refused to attend, describing it as “a sham hearing with a predetermined outcome.”

The government began the process for firing the attorney general in March under rules laid down in 2000.

But when it failed to appoint the requisite members to a public, professional committee tasked with recommending to the government whether the attorney general should be fired, the government changed the process in June and empowered a ministerial committee to make the recommendation instead.

Official says gaps remain in talks with Hamas, Israel not committed to ending war

As negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement with Hamas continue in Doha, a senior Israeli official says in a briefing with reporters that while a deal is more likely to be reached than not, certain gaps remain.

“I believe a deal is attainable,” says the official, but adds that “it’s not simple. Negotiating with Hamas isn’t easy or short, and I can’t give a timeline, but it is within reach.”

Regarding the details of the deal, the official says it was agreed that eight hostages would be released on the first day, and two more on the fiftieth day.

According to him, Hamas’s greater openness to United States special envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework reflects a shift in the terror group’s stance, which emerged about two weeks ago “as a result of intense military pressure and American engagement, along with Hamas’s desire to reach a framework. As a result of that desire and Qatar’s ties with Hamas, Qatar is taking on a different kind of involvement.”

The official reveals divisions within the security cabinet over what concessions Israel should be willing to make in a deal, saying: “Some members of the cabinet said not to withdraw from the territory we captured in Operation Gideon’s Chariots” — Israel’s intensified ground invasion which began in May.

“I told them, ‘Then say you don’t want a deal,'” the official says.

According to the official, there is no commitment on Israel’s part to ending the war, and clarifies that the proposed 60-day ceasefire would be temporary, during which talks on a permanent truce would take place.

“There’s a gap between the sides on the end of the war. If we bridge it, great. [Israel is] not glued to war, the war itself isn’t an ideology; it’s a tool. There may be an effort, possibly a major one by various actors, to bring about [a diplomatic solution]. We’re not there yet — it’s a bit premature — but that effort may come.”

“Israel knows what its aim is, I can simplify it very clearly in four words,” the official adds, conveying the message in English: “Hostages back, Hamas out.”

Footage apparently shows Israeli flag hoisted on roof in Sweida

Footage circulating on social media shows an Israeli flag hung on the roof of a building in the Druze-majority city of Sweida in Syria, according to accounts and Israeli media outlets.

WATCH

The Druze hang an Israeli flag on the roof of one of the buildings in Suwayda, Syria. pic.twitter.com/0bMSmSvP56

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 16, 2025

IDF footage shows strikes on Syria’s military HQ, another target near Presidential Palace

The IDF releases footage of its latest strikes in Syria, targeting the general staff command building in Damascus and another target near the Presidential Palace.

The military says the military headquarters was used by Syrian government forces to send troops to the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have taken place.

צה"ל ממשיך לתקוף מטרות צבאיות של המשטר הסורי בדמשק

צה״ל תקף לפני זמן קצר את קריית המטה הכללי של המשטר הסורי במרחב דמשק שבסוריה.

מקריית המטה הכללי בדמשק מפקדי המשטר הסורי מנהלים את הלחימה ושולחים את כוחות המשטר למרחב א-סווידא׳.

בנוסף, הותקפה מטרה צבאית במרחב ארמון הנשיאות של… pic.twitter.com/58iEQDzJRV

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) July 16, 2025

Retired Druze IDF general accuses Syria’s Sharaa of trying to ‘eliminate the Druze’

IDF Brig. Gen. (ret.) Amal As'ad speaks to Channel 12, July 16, 2025. (Screen capture: Channel 12)

IDF Brigadier General (ret.) Amal As’ad, an Israeli Druze public figure, accuses Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa of wanting to “eliminate the Druze” amid deadly clashes in the southern Syrian city of Sweida.

Speaking to Channel 12, As’ad describes the attacks on Druze in Sweida as “just like on October 7,” claiming that girls as young as five have been raped and pregnant women have been slaughtered.

He denounces Druze residents of Israel who crossed the border into Syria today, but says that Israel should have done more to help their community. He also criticizes efforts to make peace with the new regime in Syria.

“Was it possible to make peace with Sinwar? With Nasrallah?” he says, charging that the current regime in Syria is “way worse” than the former Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

He urges Israel to do more, including creating a corridor to allow the elderly, women, and children to escape Sweida, establishing a humanitarian tent city as a refuge for civilians, and allowing Druze youth to fight the Syrian regime.

State comptroller pressed to investigate rabbinical court appointments over reported nepotism

MK Mickey Levy, head of the State Control Committee, leads a committee meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on September 13, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

State Control Committee chairman Mickey Levy from the Yesh Atid party calls on the state comptroller to probe the appointment of rabbinical judges in light of press reports that some judges “are close to members of the [appointments] committee and senior figures in the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties.”

“About 9 of the 21 newly appointed rabbinical judges, which is 43%, are related to other rabbinical judges and senior figures in the religious establishment,” says Levy.

“What about those who have no political connections? These are questions that need to be considered. The rabbinical court system is part of the state judicial system in Israel. There is definitely room to ensure that appointments are conducted legally and transparently.”

In response, Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli defends the appointments process, asserting that there is no patronage and that the committee in charge of appointing rabbinical judges has “conducted itself in practice in a much stricter manner” than its counterpart in the secular court system.

Ohad Weigler of the ITIM nonprofit, which helps Israelis deal with religious bureaucracy, alleges that one person had “accepted a position as a paid employee of a religious council and she remained a member of the committee for the appointment of religious judges.”

Speaking with The Times of Israel, ITIM founder Seth Farber says that “there is something problematic in a system when one of the committee members appointing religious judges was appointed by the minister to a paid position on a religious council in the weeks before the vote and yet she remained on the committee. This is a blatant conflict of interest that casts a deep shadow over the entire appointment process.”

IDF chief orders beefing up of forces on Syrian border, more strikes to stop attacks on Druze

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered the further bolstering of the Syrian border area with additional surveillance and offensive capabilities, amid the ongoing incidents in Syria.

Zamir also instructs the Northern Command to divert forces to the Syrian frontier to “increase the rate of strikes and stop attacks against the Druze in Syria,” the military says.

The additional forces will bolster the 210th “Bashan” Division along the border and in the Israeli-controlled Syrian buffer zone.

“The IDF is committed to the deep alliance with our Druze brothers and is therefore striking targets across Syria in order to protect them in the Sweida region, Jabal al-Druze, and wherever necessary,” the statement says.

The IDF also adds that “crossing the fence into Syria without control endangers the Druze and our forces, and must be stopped immediately,” after around 1,000 Israeli Druze entered Syria today.

Israel ‘more likely than not’ to reach Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, official says

Anti-government protesters demonstrate for the release of hostages in Tel Aviv on July 12, 2025. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Israel feels optimistic regarding a potential deal for the release of hostages, according to a senior Israeli official at a briefing with reporters.

“It’s more likely that we will reach a deal than not. A hostage deal is attainable,” the official says.

“I don’t know how much longer it will take — negotiating with Hamas is never a simple or short event,” the official adds.

“The government is interested in the release of hostages, and this is the position led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” the official continues, but adds that “There are disagreements at various levels… issues we haven’t yet fully resolved, like the parameters for release.”

Turkey says Israeli airstrikes aim to thwart Syria’s attempts at stability

ANKARA, Turkey — Israeli airstrikes on Damascus — targeting the Syrian military headquarters, Defense Ministry, and areas around it — aim to sabotage Syria’s efforts to establish peace and security, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry says.

The ministry says Syria had a historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate into the world after the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, the former president, in December.

Footage shows IDF heavily bombed Syrian military HQ in Damascus

The IDF appears to have heavily bombed the Syrian general staff command building in Damascus in a major airstrike, footage shows.

Earlier, a warning strike was carried out against the entrance. Defense Minister Israel Katz then warned that the IDF would ramp up its strikes unless Syrian forces withdraw from the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have taken place.

Several airstrikes targeted the military headquarters building in Damascus, live television footage shows. The IDF confirms hitting the building.

Strikes by the Israeli Air Force have now totally destroyed the Ministry of Defense and General Staff Headquarters in the Syrian capital of Damascus. pic.twitter.com/ANa5rG4JTz

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 16, 2025

Netanyahu, Smotrich said to be arguing over pick to chair Knesset Finance Committee

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (left) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a vote in the Knesset plenum, Jerusalem, December 31, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism are currently arguing over which party will take over the powerful Knesset Finance Committee following the resignation of chairman Moshe Gafni of the United Torah Judaism party.

According to Hebrew media reports, Likud wants to appoint one of its own MKs as a placeholder chairman while Smotrich is pushing for the appointment of its lawmaker Moshe Solomon. Otzma Yehudit’s Yitzhak Kroizer has also been named as a contender for the position.

The Ynet news site reports that Likud says that whoever is appointed will be a temporary chairman, with the position being reserved for UTJ should it return to the coalition.

UTJ left the coalition on Monday evening after being presented with a copy of a proposed Haredi enlistment bill, which it argued violated the terms of a compromise that was reached with Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein last month.

In the wake of his resignation, Gafni failed to show up for yesterday’s Finance Committee meeting on the government’s compensation plan for businesses and workers harmed economically by last month’s war with Iran, taking participants by surprise.

The discussion cannot advance until the Knesset House Committee appoints a new chairman. Any delay in approving the measure in the committee could result in a failure to pass the compensation bill before the end of the summer legislative session, which wraps up on July 27.

IDF confirms several hundred Druze crossed border into Syria, troops working to return them

Druze residents protest near the Israeli-Syrian border fence in solidarity with their community in Syria, in Majdal Shams, July 16, 2025. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)

Several hundred Druze residents of Israel crossed into Syria today amid protests over deadly clashes in the Sweida area, according to the IDF.

The IDF says troops are working to return them to Israel. The military acknowledges that it was unprepared to handle the chaos.

Meanwhile, the military says it successfully prevented Syrian Druze from entering Israel from the Hader area of southern Syria at the same time.

The chaos on the border comes as the Syrian military deployed forces to the Druze-majority city of Sweida to crack down on deadly clashes.

Syrian government forces are now believed by the IDF to be in control of 70% or more of Sweida, with around 200 forces in the city and 1,000 in the outskirts.

Israel has warned it would strike Syrian forces unless they withdraw from Sweida.

A short while ago, the IDF says it struck the Syrian general staff command building in Damascus, after an earlier warning strike on the entrance to the headquarters.

The IDF also says it hit Syrian tanks and other army vehicles in the Sweida area. Over 160 targets were hit in Syria, mostly in the Sweida area, since Monday.

The Israeli military says it is preparing for several days of fighting, while at the same time, there are ongoing indirect talks between Israel and Syria.

The IDF is also readying to deploy two divisions to the Golan Heights and divert aerial forces, including drones and fighter jets, to the area.

EU says it’s ‘alarmed’ over violence in Sweida, calls for truce

A man stands at a window as smoke billows during Israeli strikes in the vicinity of Syria's southern city of Sweida on July 16, 2025. (Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European Union says it is “alarmed” by the continuing clashes in Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida, calling on all sides to implement a ceasefire and protect civilians.

A statement by the EU’s diplomatic arm also urges “all external actors” to “fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” after Israel carried out strikes in support of the Druze.

Syrian government forces stand accused of summary executions of Druze and other abuses in Sweida, where sectarian violence between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes has left scores dead.

Israeli strike reported on Syria’s Presidential Palace

Syrian media reports a fresh Israeli airstrike against the Presidential Palace in Damascus.

The military has not yet commented on the latest strike.

Katz posts video of Syrian TV anchor startled by strike: ‘The heavy blows have started’

Defense Minister Israel Katz posts video from Syrian television showing an anchor being startled by an Israeli strike in the background in central Damascus.

“The heavy blows have started,” Katz says in a post on X.

Earlier he warned Syria of heavy strikes if regime forces did not withdraw from Sweida, a Druze city in the south.

החלו המכות הכואבות pic.twitter.com/1kJFFXoiua

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) July 16, 2025

Another Israeli airstrike reported in Damascus

Syrian media reports a fresh Israeli airstrike against the military headquarters in Damascus a short while ago.

A loud explosion reverberates across the city.

Earlier, the IDF said it hit the entrance to the headquarters. The military has not yet commented on the latest strike.

Netanyahu implores Israeli Druze not to cross into Syria, says IDF will aid Syrian Druze under attack

Syrian Druze protest near the Israeli-Syrian border, as seen from the town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a video statement imploring members of the Druze community not to cross the border into Syria to try and rescue their brethren under attack by Syrian regime forces in the city of Sweida.

“My fellow Druze citizens of Israel, the situation in Sweida, the situation in southwestern Syria, is very serious,” Netanyahu says. “The IDF is working, the Air Force is working, other forces are working. We are working to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime’s gangs.”

“And now I have one request from you: You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border,” Netanyahu says amid scenes of chaos on the frontier in the Golan Heights.

“You are risking your lives; you can be murdered, you can be kidnapped and you are harming the efforts of the IDF. Therefore, I ask you – return to your homes, let the IDF operate,” he says.

Katz says Damascus strike was a signal, ‘painful blows’ will follow unless regime forces withdraw from Druze city

Syrians cross a road next to the Ministry of Defense near Damascus' Ummayad Square, after Israel said it hit the nearby military headquarters with a drone strike on July 16, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Defense Minister Israel Katz says “painful blows” will be dealt to the Syrian government, while vowing to protect members of the Druze community in Syria.

“The signaling in Damascus is over, now come the painful blows,” Katz says in a statement after the IDF carried out a strike on the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters.

He says the “IDF will continue to operate forcefully in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until their full withdrawal.”

“Our Druze brothers in Israel: You can count on the Israel Defense Forces to protect your brothers in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I, as defense minister, have made a commitment, and we will uphold it,” Katz adds.

Sa’ar slams international community for silence on Syrian regime attacks on Druze

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar looks on during a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart at the Foreign Ministry in Vilnius on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Petras Malukas / AFP)

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar slams the international community for its silence in the wake of attacks on the Druze in southern Syria.

Sa’ar says that in Syria, “We are seeing a recurring phenomenon of persecution of minorities, to the point of massacres and pogroms. Sometimes it’s carried out by regime forces, sometimes by jihadist militias that are part of the regime’s base — and usually it’s both.”

“But now, in southern Syria, we are seeing extremely disturbing images — the murder and humiliation of civilians. And I ask: What else has to happen for the international community to speak out? What more are they waiting for?” Sa’ar asks.

Sa’ar details Israel’s interests in Syria, describing them as “known, limited, and clear” after Israel carried out strikes to defend the Druze.

“First, to maintain the status quo in southern Syria — near our border — and to prevent the development of threats to Israel in that region. Second, to prevent harm to the Druze community, with whom we have a strong and close bond through the Druze citizens of Israel.”

Knesset bill to cut off aid to Gaza fails

A bill to halt all essential services to the Gaza Strip — including electricity, water, fuel, and humanitarian aid — failed to pass in the Knesset today, receiving only 10 votes in favor.

The bill was introduced by opposition MK Yulia Malinovsky of the hawkish Yisrael Beytenu party and supported by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. It aimed to stop all supplies to Gaza as a pressure tactic amid ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas. Supporters said continuing aid only benefits Hamas and called for a full cutoff until the hostages are released.

“Gaza is Hamas,” Malinovsky said during her speech at the plenum, adding that despite Israel’s repeated military operations in the Strip, Hamas keeps re-emerging because essential supplies such as food continue to reach it.

Opponents of the bill argued the move would deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and damage Israel’s international standing during ongoing talks to release the remaining hostages.

Shas rabbis to meet at 4:30 p.m to decide on quitting government

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef at a press conference in Jerusalem, June 8, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party announces that its ruling Council of Torah Sages will meet this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in Jerusalem to hold a previously announced discussion regarding the party’s future participation in the government and coalition.

The council’s decision will be made public following the meeting, a party spokesman says.

Shas announced yesterday that “following the serious and unacceptable harm to the status of Torah scholars” brought about by the current government, its ruling Council of Torah Sages would meet for “a crucial discussion regarding [the party’s] continued path in the government.”

Shas party newspaper HaDerech blamed the crisis on what it called “Likud and Edelstein’s blatant violation of agreements on the law regulating the status of yeshiva students.”

Fellow Haredi party United Torah Judaism quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition Monday night after being presented with a copy of a proposed enlistment bill prepared by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein, which it argued violated the terms of a compromise that was reached by the two sides last month when an effort was being made to prevent the Haredi parties from toppling the government ahead of the war with Iran.

According to media reports, Shas is expected to follow UTJ’s lead and exit the coalition.

Syria promises to punish those who committed abuses against Druze in Sweida

Syrian government security forces gather on the outskirts of Sweida province where clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, southern Syria, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Malek Khattab)

The Syrian presidency vows to punish those who committed violations against Druze-majority Sweida’s residents, as government forces are accused of summary executions and other abuses by right groups, witnesses and local factions.

In a statement, the presidency said they “strongly condemn these heinous acts and affirm our full commitment to investigating all related incidents and punishing all those proven to be involved.”

Source says Edelstein went back on his commitments to ultra-Orthodox

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein delivers a statement on efforts to pass an ultra-Orthodox conscription law, July 15, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Despite claiming otherwise, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein breached his June 12 compromise with the Haredi parties on enlistment, a coalition source with knowledge of the matter declares, backing up United Torah Judaism’s claim that the coalition “violated its commitments.”

Edelstein “could have been more honest and forthright with the Haredim through this process and there is truth in them saying that he took them for a ride,” the source tells The Times of Israel, adding that the senior Likud lawmaker believes that the fact that the Haredi parties violated their commitment to vote with the coalition justified his actions.

“They created a legislative bottleneck. It was never the agreement that the next bill passed would be theirs and that they would continue to block everything,” the source adds. “We need to govern and be able to pass laws. If the Haredim had lived up to their side and voted with us it would’ve been much more difficult for him to go back on his word.”

UTJ quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition Monday night after being presented with a copy of a proposed enlistment bill prepared by Edelstein, which it argued violated the terms of a compromise that was reached by the two sides last month when an effort was being made to prevent the Haredi parties from toppling the government ahead of the war with Iran. The rabbinic leadership of fellow Haredi party Shas is slated to meet this afternoon to decide if they will follow UTJ out of the coalition.

Edelstein has denied misleading Shas and UTJ or going back on his word, telling reporters in the Knesset yesterday that his proposal was “based on the principles that we have discussed throughout the legislative process” and that even after his agreement with Haredim, “it was clear to everyone that the drafting work was not finished.”

Instead, he asserted, it was the Haredi parties and not he who violated their agreement when they began boycotting coalition legislation and threatening to bring down the government following the war.

Addressing a conference this afternoon, Edelstein said that his door was open and called on the Haredim to “come with a concrete proposal.”

Edelstein added that he had asked the Haredim to convince their rabbinic leaders to call on members of the community not engaged in full-time yeshiva study to enlist but “so far, I have not heard or seen such a call.”

IDF releases footage of strikes on Syrian targets, says attacks continue

The IDF releases footage of its latest airstrikes against Syrian military targets, and says its attacks on the Syrian government continue.

According to the IDF, the strikes in the past day hit Syrian tanks, rocket launchers and pickup trucks with mounted machine guns that were heading to the Druze-majority city of Sweida in southern Syria.

The military says it also hit access routes.

“The IDF continues to monitor developments and activity against Druze civilians in southern Syria and, in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, is attacking the area and is prepared for various scenarios,” the statement adds.

צה"ל ממשיך בתקיפות נגד מטרות צבאיות של המשטר הסורי בדרום סוריה

כלי טיס של חיל האוויר תקפו ביממה האחרונה וממשיכים לתקוף טנקים, מטולי רקטות, אמצעי לחימה וטנדרים חמושים במקלעים כבדים, שעושים את דרכם למרחב א-סווידא שבדרום סוריה.

כמו כן, הותקפו צירי הגעה לביצוע חסימות במרחב.

צה״ל… pic.twitter.com/zcm2mflJ07

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) July 16, 2025

Khamenei says Israel attacks tried to spark uprising and overthrow regime

This handout picture released by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him addressing the crowd during a meeting with the head of the judiciary and other officials in Tehran on July 16, 2025. (Photo by KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says that Israel’s attacks during last month’s 12-day war were intended to weaken the Islamic Republic’s system and spark unrest to topple it.

“The calculation and plan of the aggressors was to weaken the system by targeting certain figures and sensitive centers in Iran,” says Khamenei in a statement published on his website.

He said the move was meant to stir “unrest and bring people into the streets to overthrow the system.”

Khamenei also say that Iran is ready to respond to any renewed military attack, adding Tehran was capable of giving a bigger blow to adversaries than the one delivered during the 12-day Iran-Israel war last month.

Israel says it launched the strikes to strop Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon and to destroy its ballistic missile capabilities.

Hamas official denies progress in Gaza ceasefire talks

IDF troops operate in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip in this picture released on July 15, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)

A senior Hamas official rejects claims of progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, adding that the Palestinian terror group has not received maps planning for Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.

“(Israel) has not yet delivered any new or revised maps regarding military withdrawals from the Gaza Strip,” Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas political bureau, tells AFP, accusing Israel of wanting to “prolong military control” in Gaza for the long term.

IDF says dozens tried to breach Syrian border in both directions amid clashes between Syrian Druze and regime forces

Isaeli troops take measures to stop Druze Syrians from crossing the dividing line into the Golan Heights, near Majdal Shams on July 16, 2025(Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

The military says dozens of Syrians attempted to enter Israel a short while ago, near the Syrian Druze town of Hader.

Troops and Border Police officers are working to prevent the infiltration and disperse them, the military says.

Pictures show troops firing tear gas.

Simultaneously, civilians from the Israeli side of the border breached the barrier near the  Druze city of Majdal Shams and entered Syria, the IDF says.

The military says it is working to return the civilians, Druze residents of Israel, back to the country.

“The IDF emphasizes that this is a grave incident that constitutes a criminal offense and endangers the public and IDF forces,” the army says.

The incidents come as Israel carries out strikes on Syrian regime forces who are attacking Druze militias in southern Syria.

IDF using tear gas amid chaotic scenes as Druze breach border with Syria

Israeli troops use tear gas to disperse the crowds as Druze attempt to cross the Syrian border on the Golan Heights near Majdal Shams on July 16, 2025 (Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

There is chaos on the Israeli-Syrian border, as dozens of Druze civilians breach the border barrier and enter Syria.

Footage shows hundreds of people gathered in the area.

The IDF is attempting to gain control of the situation with riot dispersal means.

Yesterday, dozens of Druze residents of Israel entered Syria, before returning hours later. The IDF announced it would be bolstering forces following yesterday’s incident.

Meanwhile, AFP reports that the IDF is also using tear gas to repel Syrian Druze trying to enter Israel.

The incidents come amid deadly clashes in the Druze-majority city of Sweida in southern Syria.

כאוס בגבול סוריה: מאות פרצו את הגדר | תיעוד@ItayBlumental https://t.co/WiyBaf4IzU pic.twitter.com/JpBgZuOWMB

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) July 16, 2025

IDF bolstering forces on Syria border

Israeli troops take measures to stop Druze Syrians from crossing into the Golan Heights, near Majdal Shams on July 16, 2025 (Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

Following a fresh assessment, the IDF says it is bolstering forces in the Syrian border fence area.

The forces include four companies from the Border Police, Military Police, and Golani Brigade troops in training.

The move comes amid deadly clashes in the Druze-majority city of Sweida in southern Syria and after Druze residents of Israel briefly entered Syria yesterday in protest.

“The IDF will continue to operate defensively and offensively to maintain the security of Israeli citizens,” the military adds.

Germany: Iran sanctions ‘snapback’ possible if no solution on nuclear program

Traffic flows past a huge billboard bearing a painting of a missile falling on Israel with the slogan in Farsi: "The missile has fallen amidst the demons", on a main road in central Tehran on July 16, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Germany and its partners France and Britain, collectively known as the E3, could reactivate Iran sanctions if the nuclear dispute is not resolved over the course of the summer, a spokesperson for the German foreign office said on Wednesday.

“A sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution is needed that takes into account the security interests of the international community. If such a solution is not found over the course of the summer, the snapback is an option for the E3,” the spokesperson told Reuters.

The “snapback” mechanism automatically reimposes all UN Security Council sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 Iran deal.

Otzma Yehudit to support opposition bill to cut aid, utilities to Gaza

Palestinians receive meals from volunteers in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza Strip, on July 14, 2025. (Ali Hassan/Flash90)

Far-right party Otzma Yehudit announces it will support a bill introduced today by opposition MK Yulia Malinovsky to halt all essential services to the Gaza Strip, including electricity, water, fuel, and humanitarian aid — a move that highlights growing pressure on the government as hostage deal negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas.

Otzma Yehudit says that due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “rush…toward a capitulation deal with Hamas” despite the party’s firm opposition, it will support “the bill to halt the supply of humanitarian aid to the enemy.”

The far-right party has repeatedly threatened to leave the coalition if the government agrees to a hostage deal with Hamas.

“I call on all Zionist parties in the Knesset that truly want the hostages returned and Hamas toppled to vote in favor of my bill,” Malinovsky says.

Malinovsky’s party, the hawkish Yisrael Beytenu, says that all “Zionist parties in the coalition and opposition” should support the legislation, adding that “the Hamas monsters must not be fed.”

“It’s inconceivable that the State of Israel continues to send thousands of trucks, electricity, water, and fuel to a murderous organization that holds our hostages, endangers our soldiers, and seizes the aid we send,” the statement continues.

The proposed legislation comes as international agencies warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where much of the population faces severe food and water shortages.

Israeli officials argue that limited aid is needed to avert international backlash and preserve diplomatic support during delicate negotiations to release the remaining 50 hostages, but hardline right-wing lawmakers say the supplies are strengthening Hamas and must be cut off completely.

Netanyahu trial adjourned amid strikes on Syria

Israel protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the District Court in Tel Aviv, where he is testifying in the trial against him, July 16, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his criminal trial in the Tel Aviv District Court ends early due to the developments in Syria and IDF strikes in that country aimed at defending its Druze community.

IDF says drone strike targeted Syrian military HQ amid regime forces assault on Druze community

The IDF confirms carrying out a drone strike in Damascus a short while ago, saying it struck the entrance to the Syrian military headquarters.

“The IDF continues to monitor developments and activity against Druze civilians in southern Syria and, in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, is attacking the area and is prepared for various scenarios,” the statement adds.

Syrian media reports that two civilians were injured in the Israeli strike on Damascus.

Syrian media reports Israeli strike in Damascus

Syrian media reports an apparent Israeli airstrike in Damascus.

The reports say an explosion was heard in the capital following the flight of a drone over the area.

There are no immediate reports of injuries in the strike, which appears to have been a warning.

The IDF has not yet commented.

IDF said to carry out new drone strikes against Syrian forces attacking Druze city

Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern Sweida city on July 16, 2025vin the predominantly Druze province of Sweida (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)

The Israeli Air Force carried out drone strikes a short while ago against Syrian government forces in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have taken place, according to local media.

The reports say Syrian government forces were injured and their vehicles were damaged in the strikes. Syria said its forces were deployed to Sweida to break up the clashes.

There was no immediate comment from the IDF.

Low-cost Israir gets permit to operate flights to New York

An Israir flight takes off from Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 25, 2024. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

Low-cost carrier Israir is granted a license to operate long-haul services to New York and is set to become the third Israeli airline to offer nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York, the Transportation Ministry says.

Israir previously announced that the airline seeks to start plying the route by Passover in spring 2026, with as many as six weekly nonstop roundtrip flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and New York.

The plans for the debut of Israir’s long-haul flight service to New York come after local rival Arkia launched nonstop service between Tel Aviv and New York in early February, bringing more competition into the mix against flag carrier El Al.

“This is an important step to strengthen competition, lower prices, improve service, and expand options for the public,” says Transportation Minister Miri Regev. “After United announced the resumption of its flights to Israel, we are also working to bring back Delta on the route.”

“The air route between Israel and the US will be growing stronger, with five airlines operating between the countries: three Israeli and two American,” Regev says.

US envoy Huckabee visits Netanyahu trial, has to leave due to closed-door session

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (L), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee (R) at the Tel Aviv District Court during the premier's criminal trial on July 16, 2025 (Courtesy via Ohana's spokesman)

Immediately after US Ambassador Mike Huckabee arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court to show his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his trial, the hearing is changed to a closed-door session due to the issue under discussion, requiring Huckabee and all other members of the viewing public, to leave.

Netanyahu, Huckabee and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who was also present in court, do however have a photograph taken together in a room just outside the courtroom.

Prosecutor Yonatan Tadmor has been questioning Netanyahu this morning about his relationship with billionaire Hollywood Arnon Milchan, and specifically the allegation that Netanyahu tried to help Milchan obtain a long-term US visa.

Milchan disclosed in 2013 that he had done clandestine work for Israel’s security agencies. It is alleged that Netanyahu intervened with then-US secretary of state John Kerry to get Milchan the long-term visa he sought.

Netanyahu suggested earlier in today’s hearing that the hearing become a closed-door session in order to discuss these details.

Yesh Atid launches ad campaign against Haredi draft evasion

A sign reading "No discrimination between blood and blood. Recruitment for all" hangs on a bridge in Israel on July 16, 2025 (Courtesy)

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party announces a nationwide ad campaign against “Haredi evasion,” with party activists hanging signs calling for universal conscription on dozens of bridges across Israel.

The signs read: “No discrimination between blood and blood. Recruitment for all.”

In a statement, the party pledges to “stop any attempt to close any deal for Haredi evasion in exchange for saving the October 7 government.”

Both of the Knesset’s Haredi parties are looking to pass legislation that would enshrine sweeping exemptions from mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men. United Torah Judaism quit the coalition on Monday evening over its failure to legislate such an exemption, while Shas’s rabbinic leadership is scheduled to meet today to discuss following suit.

Druze in Israel declare a strike, urge community to prepare to cross into Syria to help brethren

Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern Sweida city on July 16, 2025. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)

Druze leaders declare a strike for community members living in Israel in solidarity with members of their community in Syria who have been killed in clashes with Bedouin groups and Syrian armed forces.

“Silence and standing by are not possible,” they say in a statement urging local Druze to prepare to cross into Syria to help.

Yesterday, dozens of Druze crossed the border in the Golan Heights before being brought back by the IDF.

US envoy Huckabee to attend Netanyahu trial to show support

People walk next to a sign with portraits of US President Donald Trump (L) and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in central Jerusalem on May 7, 2025. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)

In an unusual move, United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee says he will attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s court hearing today to show his support for the premier.

“I’m going to go by today and sit through a little of it. It should be very interesting to be a witness to it,” Huckabee says, speaking at an event in Tel Aviv this morning.

Asked by an interviewer to explain the unusual decision, Huckabee references the bond between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who last month explicitly demanded an end to Netanyahu’s trial, describing it as a “witch hunt.”

The move drew widespread criticism that he was interfering in Israel’s internal politics.

“It’s a matter of representing what the president has said repeatedly,” Huckabee says, “The president has made his position very clear. He has not intervened in the proceedings or in the outcome. He recognizes that has to go its own way. But it’s a personal thing for him. He considers the prime minister a friend.”

Huckabee says the friendship between the leaders was strengthened by Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last week: “They had an extraordinary bonding, if you will. And there’s such a partnership between the United States and Israel…We have allies, but we only have one partner, Israel. It’s a unique relationship.”

Death toll from southern Syria violence rises to 248, including 21 Druze executed, monitor says

Red Crescent volunteers carry a government soldier injured in Sweida city during clashes between the government forces and Druze militias at a clinic in Busra al-Harir village, southern Syria, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

At least 248 people have been killed in southern Syria’s Sweida province following several days of clashes that triggered the deployment of government forces, a war monitor says.

The toll includes 92 members of the Druze minority, 28 of them civilians with 21 “killed in summary executions by government forces,” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

At least 138 Syrian security personnel were killed, along with 18 allied Bedouin fighters, the monitor said.

Israel carried out strikes on Syrian forces yesterday and warned it will strike again unless they withdraw from Sweida.

IDF says it hit more than 120 targets across Gaza in past day

IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip in this picture released on July 16, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)

The Israeli Air Force struck over 120 terror targets in Gaza over the past day, the military says, as five divisions continue ground operations across the Strip.

The IDF says the targets included cells of operatives, buildings used by terror groups, caches of weapons, tunnels, and other infrastructure.

Dozens of casualties were reported by media outlets in Gaza in the past day, but there are no immediate tolls from the Hamas-run health ministry or other health officials.

In northern Gaza’s Jabalia, the military says troops of the 401st Armored Brigade came under RPG fire, and within minutes directed a drone strike on the cell that fired on the tank. No soldiers were injured, according to the IDF.

In the Beit Hanoun area, reservists of the 646th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade destroyed a rocket-launching site used to fire projectiles on southern Israel earlier this week, and killed operatives who were planting bombs in the area, the IDF adds.

Netanyahu testimony briefly interrupted by note from military secretary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Tel Aviv District Court before the start of his testimony in his trial, June 3, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his criminal trial in the Tel Aviv District Court is halted briefly after he is handed a note from Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, who arrived at the court to speak with the prime minister.

“I have to see him immediately, he doesn’t usually come here,” Netanyahu tells the judges, who grant him permission to leave the courtroom to speak with Gofman.

Following an approximately 20-minute break Netanyahu returns to the court.

Army Radio reports the interruption revolved around Druze leaders holding an emergency meeting following reports of renewed attacks by Syrian forces on the Druze city of Druze-majority city of Sweida.

The report says there are fears that Druze living in Israel may cross into Syria en-masse to try and help their brethren and start deserting the IDF.

Prosecutor Yonatan Tadmor is focusing today on the allegations in the indictment that Netanyahu tried to help billionaire Hollywood Arnon Milchan secure a long-term US visa.

Netanyahu and his wife Sarah received hundreds of thousands of shekels in luxury gifts from Milchan, and the indictment alleges that by providing the billionaire with assistance not available to other people the prime minister committed the crime of fraud and breach of trust.

Katz warns Israel will continue strikes on Syrian forces unless they withdraw from Druze city

A Syrian government tank is carried on a truck, withdrawing from Sweida city, pass on Daraa highway, southern Syria, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Defense Minister Israel Katz says the IDF will continue to strike Syrian government forces unless they withdraw from the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have been taking place.

“The Syrian regime must leave the Druze in Sweida alone and withdraw its forces. As we have made clear and warned, Israel will not abandon the Druze in Syria and will enforce the demilitarization policy we have decided on,” Katz says in a statement.

“The IDF will continue to strike regime forces until they withdraw from the area, and will soon escalate its response against the regime if the message is not understood,” he adds.

Fresh clashes between Syrian forces and Druze were reported this morning.

Clashes resume in Syria’s Druze city of Sweida after ceasefire announcement

A convoy of government forces drives toward Sweida city where clashes erupted between government troops and Druze militias as it passes through Mazraa village in southern Syria, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

Clashes between Syrian government troops and local Druze fighters resumed in the southern Druze city of Sweida early this morning, just hours after a ceasefire was announced.

Local news outlet Sweida24 says the city and nearby villages were coming under heavy artillery and mortar fire early, while Syria’s defense ministry, in a statement carried by state news agency SANA, blames outlaw groups in Sweida for breaching the truce.

Israel carried out strikes against Syrian forces yesterday in a bid to protect the Druze, but reports last night said Israel had agreed to a US request to halt the strikes.

Iran parliament rules out resumption of US talks until ‘preconditions’ are met

Iran’s parliament said the country should not resume nuclear negotiations with the United States until preconditions are met, in a statement published by the Iranian Students’ News Agency.

The report does not say what the preconditions are.

Gaza aid group says 20 Palestinians killed in crowd crush, blames armed Hamas agitators

Palestinians carry humanitarian aid packages near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution center operated by the US-backed organization in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says 20 Palestinians were killed this morning in a crush at an aid distribution site in Khan Younis, blaming armed agitators linked to Hamas for fomenting unrest.

The Israeli- and US-backed group says 19 people were trampled to death and one person was stabbed “amid a chaotic and dangerous surge, driven by agitators in the crowd.”

“We have credible reason to believe that elements within the crowd – armed and affiliated with Hamas – deliberately fomented the unrest,” the GHF says, adding that for the first time since operations began multiple firearms has been identified in the crowd.

“This horrific event follows a deeply troubling pattern in recent days. False messages about aid site openings, including at SDS4 (Wadi Gaza) and the long-closed SDS1 (Tal Sultan), have circulated widely on Telegram and other platforms, fueling confusion, driving crowds to closed sites, and inciting disorder,” the GFH says.

19 אנשים נרמסו למוות במלכודת המוות שהקימה ישראל באמצעות שכירי חרב אמריקאים. מאות אנשים מורעבים נורו למוות באיזור הזה כשעמדו לתור לחלוקת מזון מינימלי. פשע מוסרי מתמשך

. 19 people were trampled to death in the death trap set up by Israel using American mercenaries. Hundreds of… pic.twitter.com/CHYfA1Cshy

— Ahmad Tibi (@Ahmad_tibi) July 16, 2025

New drone attacks hit three oil fields in northern Iraq: Kurdish forces

Explosive-laden drones hit three oil fields in Iraq’s northern autonomous Kurdistan region, Kurdish forces say, a day after a similar attack shut operations at a US-run field.

“At 06:00 and 06:15 (0300 and 0315 GMT) two explosive-laden drones attacked” the Peshkabir oil field operated by the Norwegian oil group DNO, and at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) a similar drone struck the Tawke field in Zakho district,” Kurdistan’s counterterrorism services says. “Another attack at 7:14 am (0415 GMT) targeted a US-run oil field in Dohuk province. There were no reported casualties.”

IDF says troops have opened new corridor bisecting Gaza’s Khan Younis

This illustration, published by the IDF on July 16, 2025, shows the route of the new Magen Oz corridor and the Morag Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF has established a new corridor in the southern Gaza Strip, bisecting east and west Khan Younis, the military announces.

The route, dubbed Magen Oz, was established in recent weeks by the 36th Division amid efforts to clear Khan Younis of terror infrastructure and operatives.

The IDF says the division’s 188th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade met up recently, after completing the new corridor which splits Khan Younis.

An illustration published by the IDF shows that the route connects to the Morag corridor, which separates Khan Younis from Rafah.

The IDF says the Magen Oz corridor is 15 kilometers long, and is “a major part in exerting pressure on Hamas and defeating the Khan Younis Brigade.”

During the division’s operations in Khan Younis, the IDF says troops killed dozens of operatives and destroyed Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels and caches of weapons.

The Magen Oz corridor in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, in a video published by the IDF on July 16, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Iran seizes foreign tanker over fuel smuggling

Iran has seized a foreign tanker in the Sea of Oman on charges of fuel smuggling, the judiciary says.

The vessel was intercepted “after legal documents related to its cargo were found to be incomplete,” says Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of the judiciary in southern Hormozgan province, according to the judiciary’s Mizan Online outlet.

He addsthat the ship was reportedly carrying “two million liters of smuggled fuel.”

“Seventeen suspects, including the captain and crew of the foreign tanker, have been taken into custody,” Ghahremani says, without elaborating on the identity and nationality of those arrested.

The seizure comes months after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards intercepted two Tanzanian-flagged tankers allegedly transporting 1.5 million liters of diesel in the Gulf.

Fuel smuggling is a recurring challenge in Iran, where heavy subsidies have kept domestic fuel prices among the lowest in the world.

UN council authorizes continuing vigilance of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping

This handout picture released by the Houthi group's Ansarullah Media Centre on July 8, 2025 reportedly shows the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Eternity sinking C after it was attacked by the Huthis at sea. (ANSARULLAH MEDIA CENTRE / AFP)

The UN Security Council authorizes continued reporting on attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have defied its previous demands to immediately halt all such attacks.

The vote in the 15-member council was 12-0 with Russia, China and Algeria abstaining because of attacks against Yemen in violation of its sovereignty, a clear reference to US airstrikes against the Houthis who control most of northern Yemen.

The Trump administration has carried out the strikes because of the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on close ally Israel.

The resolution, cosponsored by the United States and Greece, extends the requirement that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres provide monthly reports to the Security Council about Houthi attacks in the Red Sea until Jan. 15, 2026.

Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea says the resolution recognizes the need for continued vigilance “against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist threat.”

She cites the two latest attacks by Houthis against civilian cargo vessels, the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C, which caused both vessels to sink and led to the loss of innocent seafarers and saw crew members taken hostage.

Mamdani reportedly says he’ll ‘discourage’ use of term ‘globalize the intifada’ but still doesn’t condemn it

Far-left Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdan speaks at a union endorsement event on July 15, 2025, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)

In a meeting of top New York City business leaders, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani says he’ll “discourage” the use of the phrase “globalize the intifada” but did not condemn it, according to reports in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

The far-left candidate was reportedly pressed by Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, the son of Holocaust, survivors about the phrase, a common refrain for protest groups calling for Israel’s destruction and the ostracization of Zionists in the US. Mamdani’s repeated refusal to condemn the term has emerged as a key controversy for his campaign and been cited as a concern among leading New York Democratic politicians who have refrained from endorsing him.

The New York Times says Mamdani told the group he would not use the phrase, and that he understood Jewish New Yorkers concerns about antisemitism. The Wall Street Journal reports that Mamdani said for him personally the phrase means to protest against Israel’s alleged occupation of Gaza.

Trump to host Qatari emir at White House for dinner amid effort to broker Gaza truce

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) and US President Donald Trump sit side by side at the Royal Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

US President Donald Trump will host Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani for dinner on Wednesday, the White House announces

The meeting will come as the US and Qatar are in the midst of trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

While Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism in recent weeks about the chances for an imminent hostage deal, talks have been stalled in recent days over the scope of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza during the 60-day truce under discussion.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump will meet with the crown prince of Bahrain at the White House.

Anti-Israel UN rapporteur sanctioned by US calls for global action over Gaza ‘genocide’

Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Authority ambassador to the UN, left, and UN special rapporteur on Palestinian rights Francesca Albanese, attend a two-day conference to address the Israel-Hamas war and Israeli military actions in Gaza, in Bogota, Colombia, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

BOGOTA, Colombia — The United Nations’ special rapporteur for Gaza and the West Bank says that it’s time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop what she called the “genocide” in Gaza.

Francesca Albanese speaks to delegates from 30 countries meeting in Colombia’s capital to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and ways that nations can try to stop Israel’s military offensive in the territory. Many of the participating nations have described the violence as genocide against the Palestinians.

“Each state must immediately review and suspend all ties with the State of Israel … and ensure its private sector does the same,” says Albanese, who was sanctioned by the US earlier this month. “The Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal.”

The two-day conference organized by the governments of Colombia and South Africa is being attended mostly by developing nations, although the governments of Spain, Ireland and China have also sent delegates.

Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has adamantly rejected genocide allegations against it as an antisemitic “blood libel.”

Trump says Iran ‘would like to talk’ but he’s ‘in no rush’ after striking nuclear sites

US President Donald Trump waves as he walks on the South Lawn upon arriving at the White House in Washington on July 15, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP)

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump says Tehran is hoping to engage in discussions with the United States, but he is in no rush to talk with Iran.

“They would like to talk. I’m in no rush to talk because we obliterated their site,” Trump tells reporters after his arrival in Washington after a trip to Pittsburgh, referring to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last month.

US, European allies to give Iran until end of August to reach nuclear deal — report

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the UK agreed in a phone call on Monday to set the end of August as the de facto deadline for reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, Axios reports, citing three sources.

If no deal is reached by that deadline, the three European powers plan to trigger the “snapback” mechanism that automatically reimposes all UN Security Council sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 Iran deal, according to the Axios report.

Jewish leaders speak at Irish parliament debate over bill to ban West Bank goods

Chief Rabbi of Ireland Rabbi Yoni Wieder (L) and Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Chair Maurice Cohen speak at a session of the Irish parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, July 15, 2025. (Screenshot / Irish parliament)

Jewish leaders in Ireland participated in a session of the Irish Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs today, debating Dublin’s proposed Occupied Territories Bill, which would prohibit the import of goods from East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

A draft of the bill — which would make Ireland the first European Union member state to implement such a ban — was officially published in June, though with its parliament set to recess on Thursday, further debate is not expected until the fall.

Alan Shatter, former Irish justice minister and representative of the Ireland Israel Alliance, strongly opposed the measure, claiming it “echoes legislation drafted during the Nazis in the 1930s.” Maurice Cohen, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, also warned that the bill, whether intentionally or not, sends an “anti-Jewish message.”

“This is not diplomacy. This is not a strategy. It’s performance politics dressed as principle. And in that theatre, we’re not helping Palestinians — we’re just congratulating ourselves,” Cohen told the committee.

Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder told the committee that the bill “demonizes Israel” rather than holding Iran and Hamas to account. In a message to The Times of Israel, Wieder added: “If Ireland was genuinely motivated by humanitarian concerns as the committee said today, it would also be trying to put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.”

The American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, B’nai B’rith International, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations also issued a joint statement condemning the legislation, warning that it “could create significant risks for US companies doing business in Israel and would fuel rising antisemitic and anti-Zionist sentiment in Ireland and elsewhere,” adding that the bill “undermines the prospect for a negotiated two-state solution by attempting to unilaterally predetermine the final status of disputed territories.”

On the other side, RTE News reported that Ireland Palestine Alliance argued the bill was a necessary response to Israel’s ongoing occupation and its disregard for rulings from the International Court of Justice. Fatin Al Tamimi, from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “genocide,” and argued that the bill could lead other countries to take action too, saying if Ireland passes the bill, “everybody will follow.”

Some Irish MPs have also criticized the bill for practical reasons, saying it would isolate Dublin economically and strain ties with key allies.

The debate comes amid increasingly strained relations between Dublin and Jerusalem. In December, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin after the Irish government announced it would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state and passed a nonbinding motion declaring that “genocide is being perpetrated” by Israel in Gaza.

IDF soldier seriously wounded on training base in apparent attempted suicide

An IDF soldier was seriously wounded in an apparent incident of attempted suicide earlier today.

The military says the paratrooper in training was found with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound at a training base in southern Israel.

He was taken to a hospital and his family was notified, the IDF says.

The IDF says a Military Police investigation has been opened into the incident, the findings of which will be sent to the Military Advocate General for review.

In separate incidents yesterday and on Wednesday, two soldiers died by suspected suicide.

During the ongoing war, the military has seen a rise in suicides among soldiers.