Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office refuted claims made by President-elect Donald Trump that Israel withdrew from the plan to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, leaving the U.S. to execute the operation alone. The denial came in response to a Channel 12 investigation that included Trump's comments. Trump had previously stated that Israel was supposed to participate in the operation but backed out two days prior. Netanyahu praised Trump's decisive action following Soleimani's assassination, emphasizing Israel's support for the U.S. in its efforts for peace and security.

Michèle Flournoy, a former senior Pentagon official, criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel's weakened global standing due to its conduct in the Gaza conflict. She supports President Joe Biden's balanced approach to the war, advocating for Israel's right to defend itself while minimizing civilian harm. Flournoy highlights growing frustration among Democrats, with some senators voting to block weapons shipments to Israel. She suggests Netanyahu may be more receptive to negotiations with Donald Trump than with Biden, reflecting internal political dynamics and strategic considerations.

A memorial ceremony in Tel Aviv's HaYarkon Park honored the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks, emphasizing themes of unity, bravery, and healing. Israeli artists and speakers, including Shlomo Artzi and Ivri Lider, performed and shared stories of loss and resilience. The event, organized by the Kumu movement, highlighted the need for accountability from the Israeli government for the failures surrounding the attacks. Families of victims and released hostages, such as Yagil Yaakov and Yuval Sharvit Trabelsi, shared their experiences, while calls for a state inquiry were met with applause. The ceremony underscored the diverse society's strength and the hope for a reformed and united Israeli future.

Lee Yaron's book, '10/7: 100 Human Stories,' delves into the personal accounts of victims from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of Israeli society and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through interviews with survivors and families, Yaron highlights the diverse backgrounds of the victims and the impact of the attacks on Israel's peace community. The book also addresses the rise in antisemitism and the challenges faced by the Israeli left. Yaron's work underscores the interconnectedness of personal stories and historical events, advocating for renewed commitment to peace and a two-state solution.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated following Israel's targeted strikes on Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon, including the assassination of senior commander Ibrahim Aqil. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 150 rockets and missiles into northern Israel, reaching as far as Haifa. The IDF has called for Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, as Israel prepares for further strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for security and criticized Hezbollah's unprovoked attacks. The U.S. has cautioned against an all-out war, advocating for diplomatic solutions. The situation remains tense, with potential for further escalation.

The U.S. Justice Department has unsealed terrorism charges against six senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, for their roles in the October 7 terror attacks and subsequent events, such as the murder of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the charges as part of a broader effort to target Hamas' operations. The charges were initially filed in February but were kept sealed until recent developments, including the death of Ismail Haniyeh. Israeli police criticized their own prosecution for not taking similar actions.

Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., leads a delegation of displaced Israelis from northern Israel to Washington to raise awareness about the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The delegation, organized by the Israel Advocacy Group, meets with U.S. lawmakers and administration officials to highlight the plight of Israelis near the Lebanon border, who have been affected by Hezbollah's attacks. The group seeks to differentiate the northern conflict from the southern conflict with Hamas, emphasizing the need for a solution to the Hezbollah threat. The article highlights the personal stories of the delegation members and their call for international attention and action.

Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining momentum in the presidential race, leading Donald Trump in key battleground states according to recent polls. Her campaign has energized the Democratic base, transforming her image and drawing large crowds. Despite Trump's attempts to challenge her record, Harris maintains a favorable rating and is building a coalition similar to Barack Obama's 2012 campaign. The article highlights the challenges faced by Trump's campaign, including struggles to effectively counter Harris's rise. Additionally, the piece touches on other political developments, such as the Democratic primary in Minneapolis and Doug Emhoff's visit to Paris to address antisemitism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, warning of challenging days ahead as Israel faces threats on multiple fronts. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's readiness to respond to aggression and highlighted the elimination of key figures like Hezbollah's Fuad Shukr, responsible for past attacks on Israeli citizens. He reiterated the importance of ongoing military operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and secure the release of hostages. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum stressed the need for the release of all hostages to achieve true security gains.

Russia advocates for the reconsideration of international sanctions on North Korea, arguing that the continuous imposition of sanctions is unfair and discouraging. This stance comes as Moscow and Pyongyang strengthen their relations.