Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended deadly strikes on alleged cartel boats, asserting President Trump’s authority to act militarily. He outlined a new national security approach and criticized past foreign policy strategies.

Friends and family of Ran Gvili are calling on Israel to delay any Gaza deal until all hostages are accounted for. Officers praised Gvili's courage and urged authorities to prioritize the safe return of every hostage.

Route 90 north of Eilat has reopened after nine hours of closure due to flooding. Access remains limited beyond the Arava Junction as heavy rains continue to affect the area.

Italian police stopped pro-Palestinian activists from disrupting the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch relay in Rome. The relay began with tight security and will travel across Italy before the opening ceremony in Milan.

Rabbi Moshe Maya of the Shas party voiced distress over arrests of yeshiva students refusing military service. He urged students to find strength in religious study and called for prayers to end what he described as a harsh decree.

Hamas says it is ready to give up its weapons in Gaza if Israeli occupation ends and a Palestinian authority governs the territory. The group also supports United Nations forces monitoring the ceasefire, but opposes international disarmament missions.

Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza war, bringing festive spirit back to the city. Thousands attended the event, though ongoing conflict and travel challenges continue to affect tourism.

Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza war, drawing thousands to a festive ceremony. The event marked a hopeful return to tradition, though the city still faces challenges from ongoing conflict and a slow recovery in tourism.

A civilian passerby was shot dead by troops in Hebron during a response to a car-ramming attempt. The military says the civilian was not involved in the attack.

Genetic science is set to transform how India diagnoses and treats major diseases, but experts warn of critical gaps in infrastructure and policy. Dr Abhijit Dixit urges early adoption of genetic testing and stronger privacy rules. He also highlights the need for broader newborn screening and careful use of stem cell storage.

Conservative and religious students faced grading disputes, threats, and club bans at schools across the country this week. The controversies have sparked investigations, protests, and ongoing debates over free speech and campus policies.

Saudi Arabia has reiterated that peace in the region depends on protecting Palestinian rights and security. Diplomat Manal Radwan stressed that Israeli security must be built on political solutions, not military power.