Bezalel Smotrich defended Ofir Sofer after Moshe Gafni criticized him over the ultra Orthodox draft debate. The exchange highlights deep tensions within the coalition about military enlistment and religious study.

Hezbollah launched several rockets at northern Israel, with one intercepted and the others landing in open areas. No injuries were reported.

Iran says it seized an oil tanker in the Sea of Oman that was carrying Iranian oil and attempting to disrupt its exports. The vessel has been redirected to Iran's southern shores, according to state media.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting Italy’s prime minister after tensions flared between President Donald Trump, the Vatican, and Rome. Disputes over Iran, military cooperation, and criticism of the pope have strained a once-close alliance.

Rising jet fuel prices and reduced supplies from the Middle East are raising concerns about shortages in Europe. Industry officials say fuel used in the United States could help ease pressure if managed carefully.

Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel, triggering sirens across the western Galilee with no immediate reports of casualties. The barrage followed an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander and comes amid renewed cross-border fighting.

Vietnam's Communist Party plans to enlist social media influencers and artificial intelligence experts to strengthen state propaganda online. The strategy aims to dominate digital spaces with positive content and tighten control over public narratives.

Judith Miller recounts her years covering Israel and the Arab world, highlighting early warnings about militant Islamism and her relationship with Yitzhak Rabin. She contrasts Israel’s open media culture with tighter restrictions in neighboring states and reflects on the limits of peace agreements.

From Austria’s provocative performance to the Vatican’s meditative garden and a politically fraught presentation from South Africa, this year’s Venice Biennale is generating intense debate. National pavilions across the city are blending spectacle, spirituality and politics.

Iran has threatened the United Arab Emirates over its ties to the United States and Israel as missile and drone attacks intensify. In response, the Emirati leadership has strengthened its alliances, relying on American and Israeli support to defend against Iranian strikes.

European airline bodies say fuel from the United States could help prevent shortages and curb rising prices caused by the Middle East conflict. Regulators have issued guidance on safely introducing the alternative fuel into Europe.

Authorities in Queens are searching for suspects behind a series of antisemitic graffiti attacks. The newsletter also examines rising antisemitism in the United States and Europe, along with campus controversies and international concerns.