baba newsIsrael, in English
15 sources · Updated 5m ago
Security·5m ago

Israel Signals It Will Keep Operating in Lebanon Despite U.S.-Iran Deal

Israeli officials said the IDF will keep operating in Lebanon under the political leadership’s instructions, despite the new U.S.-Iran agreement. They said Israel will hold the yellow line, extend security control into the sea, and continue removing threats if necessary.

Kikar HaShabbat·+5 outlets · 67% center
Security·7m ago

Suspected Wife Beater Tells Judge, “I Will Kill Her,” as Custody Is Extended

A Hadera court extended by one day the detention of an Umm al-Fahm man suspected of assaulting his partner in front of their children. Judge Rania Sarogi cited possible witness testimony, the suspect’s record and the lack of a detention alternative, while the suspect shouted that he would kill her.

Kan News
Politics·9m ago

Likud lawyer says lawmakers filmed for social media impact, not orders

Attorney Ilan Bombach, representing Likud in petitions against Michael Ravilo’s appointment as state comptroller, said there is no evidence anyone ordered lawmakers to record events. He said seven MKs told him they filmed because it performs well on social media and attracts viewers.

Ynet
Economy·9m ago

Ultra-Orthodox Boycott of Coca-Cola Is Held Up as a Model for Religious Zionists

The article urges religious Zionists to copy the ultra-Orthodox boycott strategy against companies tied to Channel 12’s owner, Dudi Weisman. It presents the reported Coca-Cola boycott as a way to punish media hostility through consumer power. It cites the earlier Angel Bakeries boycott as proof that such pressure can force apologies.

Srugim
Security·12m ago

Prosecutors Charge Haifa Driver in Fatal Gas Station Hit-and-Run

Prosecutors indicted Michael Cohen, 55, of Haifa for reckless manslaughter in the death of gas station worker Gabi Kamin. The incident followed an argument at a gas station near Moshav Nir Banim, where Cohen allegedly threatened Kamin, hit him with a truck, and kept driving despite knowing Kamin was nearby.

Ynet·+2 outlets · 100% center
Security·13m ago

Record Ukrainian drone strike hits Moscow, shutting airports and damaging refinery

Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on Moscow since the war began, hitting refineries, a shopping center and residential areas. Russia said 17 people were injured, airports were shut and more than 500 flights were disrupted. Zelensky said the strike was retaliation for a Russian attack on Kyiv.

Now 14·+3 outlets · 50% center
General·17m ago

Call for cooperation over mixed-gender tank service

The author urges the IDF, yeshiva leaders, and the Military Rabbinate to work together on the Armored Corps pilot for female combat soldiers. He says the army’s proposed separate-company solution could work only through dialogue that protects religious soldiers’ halakhic and identity concerns while meeting operational needs.

Arutz Sheva·+1 outlet · 100% right-leaning
World·17m ago

Somaliland Foreign Minister Says Ties With Israel Could Open the Door to Others

Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan said ties with Israel could help win wider recognition for his country. He also said he would not rule out Israeli military cooperation in Somaliland, while Arab and Muslim states allied with Somalia condemned the visit and new embassy.

Kan News·+1 outlet · 100% center
Security·17m ago

IDF Maps New Security Zone in Southern Lebanon as Fighting and Casualties Continue

The IDF published a map of its new operating zone in southern Lebanon and warned civilians and the Lebanese army to stay clear while talks continue on next steps. At the same time, Israeli officials are concerned about possible U.S.-driven pressure to withdraw, and fighting in Lebanon has left one reservist dead and several troops wounded.

Channel 13·+1 outlet · 50% center
Politics·18m ago

Hezbollah Leader Ties Ashura Symbolism to Refusal to Disarm

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem used an Ashura speech Wednesday to blend Shiite religious symbolism with hard-line political demands. He rejected disarmament, called for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, praised Iran, and framed Hezbollah’s fight as an existential defense of Lebanon.

Now 14
General·22m ago

Thousands of Sephardic yeshiva students to protest outside Prison 10 tonight

Thousands of Sephardic yeshiva students and alumni are expected to protest tonight outside Prison 10 in Beit Lid over the arrest of Aviel Cohen, a 22-year-old from Netivot. Cohen was detained by police and military police near Ofakim, and his arrest triggered earlier road blockages and protests.

Behadrei Haredim·+3 outlets · 75% center
General·22m ago

Tel Aviv’s New Schnitzel Spot Draws Long Lines and Big Buzz

Oscar’s, a new schnitzel restaurant on Nahalat Binyamin in Tel Aviv, has become a major buzz spot with 30 to 40 minute waits. It is run by Tal Rashbavski and serves 88-shekel schnitzels in a self-service format, opening only from 6 p.m. The review also highlights its wine prices, side dishes, and all-evening free mashed-potato refills.

Ynet
General·24m ago

Binyamin Brigade Spring Dedicated in Memory of Two Fallen Commanders

A spring in Beit El was inaugurated and renamed in memory of former Binyamin Brigade commanders Col. Sharon Asman and Col. Yehonatan Steinberg. The ceremony drew their families, soldiers, and officials, and local council head Shai Alon said the site was developed by the council and is open to visitors.

Arutz Sheva
Culture·25m ago

Niv and Assaf’s Secret Honeymoon in Sicily Comes to Light

Niv and Assaf, a couple who met on "Marriage at First Sight," took a honeymoon trip to Sicily. Photos showed them enjoying classic Italian scenes, food and scenery, while the show teased more developments in later episodes.

Srugim
World·25m ago

Trump and Netanyahu Clash as U.S. and Iran Sign Preliminary Deal

A Wall Street Journal report says tensions between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump have sharply worsened over the U.S. push to settle the conflict with Iran. Their clashes came as Washington and Tehran signed a preliminary agreement in France and set new talks for Switzerland.

Kikar HaShabbat·+4 outlets · 60% right-leaning
Sports·26m ago

Beitar Jerusalem Faces a Tough Conference League Test Against AEK Larnaca

Beitar Jerusalem will meet AEK Larnaca in the second qualifying round of the Conference League. The Cypriot side is led by Mauro Camoranesi and features several familiar and dangerous players, while Beitar holds a slight squad-value advantage. The tie is expected to be closely matched over two games.

Now 14·+1 outlet · 50% center
Culture·28m ago

Daniel Zamir and Berry Sakharof Release New Duet "Yimlokh"

Daniel Zamir has released "Yimlokh," a new song based on words from the Saturday Musaf prayer. The track is a duet with Berry Sakharof, whom Zamir praised as an inspiration. Zamir dedicated the song to God.

Arutz Sheva
Security·29m ago

Hegseth Berates NATO Allies in Brussels, Warns U.S. Support Will Depend on Europe

Pete Hegseth told NATO defense ministers in Brussels that the U.S. will review its force posture in Europe over the next six months and judge allies by their defense burden-sharing. He accused Europe of underinvesting, criticized allies that refused U.S. access for strikes on Iran, and said NATO must become a tougher, more Europe-led alliance.

Ynet
Economy·29m ago

Housing Starts Rise, but Construction Times Stretch Further

Israel saw more housing permits, starts and completions over the past year, but average building times also lengthened. The Central Bureau of Statistics said the longest delays were recorded despite gains in construction activity and urban renewal projects.

Calcalist·+2 outlets
Politics·29m ago

Guy Peleg blasts Tali Gottlieb after immunity decision sparks uproar

Guy Peleg opened his 103fm radio show with a fierce attack on MK Tali Gottlieb after her immunity from prosecution was approved. He also criticized Benjamin Netanyahu and coalition members for backing her despite Shin Bet warnings about the security risks of her conduct.

Srugim
General·30m ago

Chabad Says It Operates 941 Centers Across Israel

Chabad's youth organization says it now operates 941 Chabad Houses in Israel, staffed by 1,335 emissary families. The report details major activity in education, welfare, outreach, and digital services, including millions of annual participations and new donors.

Arutz Sheva
Culture·30m ago

The Red Heifer as a Symbol of Life After Confronting Death

The article interprets the red heifer ritual as a Jewish response to death, human limits, and the need to return to life. Drawing on medical experience, the author says modern progress can create an illusion of control, but death still shatters it. She argues that the Torah points instead to humility, continuity, and renewed life.

Arutz Sheva·+1 outlet · 100% right-leaning
Culture·30m ago

Toy Story 5 Proves the Franchise Still Has Heart

Toy Story 5 continues Pixar’s long-running franchise with a story about abandoned toys, children, and the pull between analog play and digital screens. Jessie leads the film, Bonnie gets a rival tablet named Lilypad, and the movie builds to an action-heavy reunion of familiar characters and 50 Buzz Lightyear dolls.

Ynet
Politics·35m ago

Report Alleges Police Broke Procedure Only at Haredi Protests

A Kikar HaShabbat investigation alleges Israeli police systematically violated procedure at Haredi protests, including direct stun-grenade fire and severe injuries. Police have suspended one officer and said some personnel acted outside the rules, while a prior complaint to the commissioner went unanswered.

Kikar HaShabbat
Sports·36m ago

Ronaldo Faces Fierce Criticism After Portugal Draw With DR Congo

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoreless 90-minute display drew intense criticism. Pundits blamed both Ronaldo’s decline and Roberto Martinez for keeping him on the field, while Portugal now prepare to meet Uzbekistan.

Walla·+2 outlets · 100% center
Security·38m ago

Life Sentence for Man Who Killed His Partner in Central Israel

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Moshe Atiyas to life in prison plus two more years for murdering his partner, Sigalit Barakha, 54, the mother of his three children. He was also ordered to pay her family 258,000 shekels in compensation.

Ynet·+2 outlets · 67% center
Economy·39m ago

Sale of Cal Enters Final Stretch as Antitrust Ruling Looms

Cal’s sale to Union Group and Harel Investments is awaiting a final antitrust ruling expected in the coming days. The key obstacle is possible overlap involving Shufersal’s card program, Be pharmacy chain, and Union’s stake in Super-Pharm. If the deal fails for regulatory reasons, the buyers must compensate Bank Discount.

Globes·+1 outlet
Culture·40m ago

Shlomo Artzi Songs Reimagined With Andalusian Orchestra Sound

Shlomo Artzi’s songs have been reworked for the first time with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod under producer Patrick Sabag. The album revives nine classics and is paired with the single “Kol Yom,” which now features Andalusian arrangement and Moroccan Arabic singing.

Srugim·+1 outlet · 50% center
· scroll for more ·
00 / 40
Original
Tech07:29 · 3h ago

AI star Noam Shazeer leaves Google again for OpenAI

Center
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story · English

Noam Shazeer, one of Google’s best-known AI engineers and a vice president of engineering, is leaving the company for OpenAI, less than two years after Google paid an estimated $2.5 billion to $2.7 billion to bring him back with a 30-person research team and access to their technology. The move marks the second time the 50-year-old has left Google.

Shazeer first joined Google in 2000 and spent 17 years there. He helped write the 2017 research paper that helped trigger the modern AI boom and is credited with inventing the Transformer architecture, which became foundational to many AI systems. In 2021, he left Google and co-founded Character.AI, a popular but controversial chatbot startup.

At Google until Wednesday, he was co-lead of Gemini’s AI models and was seen as central to narrowing Google’s gap with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. He announced his departure on X, saying, “It was a difficult decision to move on. I am very proud of the amazing team at Google and everything we built together,” and said he was “excited” to join “the extraordinary team at OpenAI.” Google thanked him for his “significant contributions,” while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on X that Shazeer was “one of the people I most wanted to work with since OpenAI was founded.”

The article says Shazeer lives in Palo Alto, is married to Yael, a Google corporate development executive, and has three children. He is the grandson of Holocaust survivors who later moved to the United States after spending time in Israel. His father, Dov, was a math teacher who became an engineer, and his wife’s parents, Nachum and Hanna Shacham, moved from Israel to Silicon Valley long ago. Hanna, a Technion graduate, is described as one of Silicon Valley’s leading real estate agents. His sister, Shira, has rabbinic ordination from Hebrew College in Massachusetts.

Shazeer’s move is the latest in a broader talent war among AI giants, as Meta, Google, OpenAI and Anthropic offer huge pay packages to lure top researchers and engineers.

Read the original at Ynet