Passenger Battery Starts Smoking on China Domestic Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing

A Tianjin Airlines domestic flight in China made an emergency landing on Tuesday after a passenger’s rechargeable battery overheated and filled the cabin with smoke. Flight attendants extinguished the fire with mineral water bottles, and no one was hurt. The incident has renewed concerns about lithium battery safety on planes.

Kikar HaShabbat

Two Men Indicted Over Drone-Smuggled Drugs and Cigarettes Into Gaza

South District prosecutors indicted Hani Hamidi and Marwan Ahmidi for allegedly smuggling drugs and cigarettes into Gaza by drone. The case says the scheme was planned about a month ago, during a ceasefire while IDF forces were still active in the Strip.

Ynet

Justices Propose a New Vote for the State Comptroller Post

The High Court of Justice justices are proposing a repeat vote for the state comptroller position. The brief report, published on 18 June 2026, gives no further details about the reasons or timing.

Kikar HaShabbat

Leumi Partners shifts to direct stake in Nofar Energy, expecting up to NIS 300 million gain

Leumi Partners said Thursday it has exited Yanai Group and will hold about 5% directly in Nofar Energy. The move follows a 116% rise in Nofar’s share price and could generate a NIS 250 million to NIS 300 million profit for Leumi Partners.

Calcalist

Report: Portland Pulls Back From Giannis Antetokounmpo Chase

U.S. reports say Portland has dropped out of the race for Giannis Antetokounmpo, leaving Miami and Boston as the leading suitors. The article also says Denver may pursue Bogdan Bogdanovic for next season.

Walla

Supreme Court Judges Suggest Re-vote on State Comptroller

Israel’s Supreme Court judges suggested a repeat vote for the state comptroller after hearing petitions. Justice Noam Sohlberg said the parties would receive a response by Sunday.

Ynet·+10 outlets · 60% center

Former Hamas Member Says the Land of Israel Belongs to the Jews

Former Hamas member Iehab Omar says a 13-year personal transformation led him to reject anti-Jewish indoctrination and acknowledge Jewish historical claims to the land. In an interview with Srugim, he says he fled Bethlehem for Germany, fears return to the West Bank, and is seeking help from Israel after Germany rejected his asylum bid.

Srugim

Two Israelis drugged in Lima and robbed while unconscious for 17 hours

Yoav Paz and Oren Avidan say they were drugged by two women they met in Lima, Peru, and woke up 17 hours later after thieves emptied their hostel room. The Israelis were taken to a hospital, filed a police complaint, and are warning others after losing all their belongings.

Mako·+1 outlet · 100% center

Barclays Hotels Updates Prospectus After Disclosure of CEO’s Criminal Indictment

Barclays Hotels has corrected its bond prospectus after Calcalist revealed that controlling shareholder and CEO Motti Green was indicted in 2023 and is on criminal trial. The company is seeking to raise 400 million shekels and now says the case is unrelated to its operations.

Calcalist

Quiet Betrayal? New Nuclear Deal Leaves Israel Exposed to Iran

A Hebrew report warns that a new Trump-Iran understanding could leave Israel exposed, because Washington and Jerusalem are deeply split on how to handle Tehran’s nuclear threat. The article says 60 days remain to decide the fate of 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, but key enforcement details are still unresolved.

Kikar HaShabbat

Why Trump May Be Seeking a Deal With Iran, and What It Could Mean for Israel

The article says Trump’s apparent drift toward a costly deal with Iran has alarmed Israelis and may reflect age-related decline, Chinese leverage, advisers’ Gulf business interests, or U.S. domestic politics. It also links the timing to Trump’s push for a grand 250th independence anniversary in 2026.

Kikar HaShabbat·+1 outlet

Bnei Brak Was Not Always Ultra-Orthodox, New Book Shows

Dr. Menachem Keren-Karz’s new book argues that Bnei Brak became a Haredi city only in the last few decades. The book cites archival evidence of a much more mixed religious, civic, and even sporting past. It also says the broader Haredi world changed dramatically in its attitudes toward work, the state, and public protest.

Kikar HaShabbat

Opinion Urges Legal Offensive Against Police Violence in Ultra-Orthodox Protests

An Israeli opinion article says ultra-Orthodox protesters should stop relying on local fixers and begin suing abusive police officers. It argues that police violence at demonstrations, including ripped clothing, stun grenades, and humiliation, can be curbed only by coordinated legal pressure.

Kikar HaShabbat

Final Column Urges Hope for Singles Facing Health Challenges

The final column in the “Zivug Agum” series encourages singles, especially those with medical backgrounds, not to lose hope. It cites Jeremiah’s prophecy of renewed joy and announces that the writer himself became engaged last week.

Kikar HaShabbat

From Durian to Buddha's Hand, a Tour of the World's Strangest Fruits

A magazine feature examines extraordinary fruits and the biological tricks behind them. It highlights durian, Monstera deliciosa, jaboticaba, Buddha’s hand citron, and kiwano, plus several other exotic species. The article links their odd chemistry and appearance to survival, cuisine, and cultural symbolism.

Kikar HaShabbat

Japanese Radio Dispatcher Stayed on Air and Helped Save Thousands in 2011 Tsunami

Miki Endo, a 24-year-old emergency announcer in Minamisanriku, Japan, stayed on the air during the March 2011 magnitude 9.0 tsunami to warn residents. Her broadcast is credited with helping thousands escape, and she was later found dead on April 23, 2011.

Kikar HaShabbat

Children Need Clear Instructions, Not Hints

The article says children need direct, concrete instructions, not hints or vague praise. Through examples from Shabbat, a Passover lesson, and everyday parenting, it argues that clear wording helps children understand and succeed. The author is Rabbi Asher Gruzman of the Razi-Li Talmud Torah in Bnei Brak.

Kikar HaShabbat

Why Rest Triggers Guilt, and Why Doing Nothing Can Help the Brain

The article says many people feel guilty when they rest because modern hustle culture ties self-worth to productivity. It argues that deliberate idleness helps the brain create, process emotions, and solve problems, and it offers practical ways to relearn rest.

Kikar HaShabbat

Three Killed in Israeli Drone Strike on Vehicle in West Gaza City

An Israeli drone strike hit a jeep near Abu Khadra mosque in western Gaza City. Three people were killed and others were wounded.

Kikar HaShabbat

A Match Nearly Collapsed Over a Hidden Smartphone

A yeshiva student says a promising match nearly collapsed when the woman revealed a hidden, filtered smartphone during their third date in Jerusalem. She said she concealed it to avoid stigma, while he later realized he was worried about the judgment he might face if others found out.

Kikar HaShabbat

Why Parents Should Watch Their Own Behavior, Not Just Their Children's Ears

The second episode of the "Madabrim Al Chinuch" podcast says children learn more from their parents’ behavior than from their words. It uses a story about the Chazon Ish to argue that anger and inconsistency teach lessons too, and urges parents to model the values they want at home. The article says parents need not be perfect, but must turn their own failures into educational moments.

Kikar HaShabbat

What to Check Before Buying Land, and the Warning Signs Sellers Won't Mention

A real estate column warns investors in Kiryat Ata to verify land deals carefully before buying. It explains the difference between direct tabu ownership and purchase groups, and says buyers should demand a tabu extract, a Standard 22 appraisal, and their own lawyer. The writer cites a failed January 2024 tender for about 5,200 units as evidence that promised appreciation is far from guaranteed.

Kikar HaShabbat

How a Hidden Bag of Clothes Exposed a Son’s Double Life, and Saved Him

Israeli father Aharon says his family discovered their eldest son Nati was leading a hidden double life after finding colorful clothes in his closet. Instead of confronting him harshly, they followed expert advice, responded with unconditional love, and say he eventually returned to Torah-observant life by choice.

Kikar HaShabbat

After 25 Years of Marriage, a Hidden Childhood Trauma Explodes in Therapy

Mordechai Rot describes a 50-year-old man whose 25-year marriage is repeatedly collapsing because both spouses carry severe childhood trauma. Rot argues that only deep individual therapy, not standard couples counseling, can break the cycle of conflict and protect the family.

Kikar HaShabbat

When May Graves Be Moved to Make Way for New Construction?

A Torah-law article reviews when Jewish law allows moving a dead person’s grave, including for public projects or other special cases. It explains the general ban, the main reasons behind it, and the recognized exceptions, such as danger, dignity, the deceased’s wishes, and public need.

Kikar HaShabbat

WIGBOX Launches Summer Wig-Fitting Lottery With Three Prizes

WIGBOX has started a summer promotion that enters women into a prize draw after they book and complete a wig fitting at its Jerusalem showroom. Three winners will get a trip, a Kia Picanto for three weeks, or a family vacation, and the draw is set for July 14.

Kikar HaShabbat

Rabbi Yigal Cohen Offers a Weekly Insight on Parashat Chukat

Rabbi Yigal Cohen, head of Yabia Omer institutions and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, offers a short Torah thought on Parashat Chukat for Kikar HaShabbat. The video highlights the theme of “faith above reason” and runs for 1 minute and 4 seconds.

Kikar HaShabbat

Jonathan the Seychelles Giant Tortoise Named Guinness “Icon” at 194

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise on Saint Helena, has reached age 194 and was named a Guinness World Records “Icon.” He has lived on the island since 1882, may have been born by 1832 or earlier, and still eats and basks despite losing his sight and smell.

Kikar HaShabbat

Economy Ministry Warns Against Using a Child Stroller Sold as a Car Seat

Israel’s Ministry of Economy warned against using a Stroller Plus 4 in 1, model G308, sold under the ANGELS brand. A standards review found it fails Israeli requirements and poses safety risks to infants. The ministry said it must not be sold and owners should stop using it.

Srugim·+1 outlet · 100% right-leaning

Bereaved Father Warns Against Relying on UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon

Izik Pitusi, whose son Yishai was killed, is calling on Israel to keep UNIFIL out of southern Lebanon near the yellow line. The Forum of Heroism also wrote to Benjamin Netanyahu warning against shifting responsibility to Lebanon or using Israel’s security as leverage in talks with Iran.

Arutz Sheva

Massive Gur protest outside Prison 10 highlights anti-arrest anger

A major Gur Hasidic rally was held opposite Prison 10 after arrests of yeshiva students, including one from Gur. The gathering, led by the Gur Rebbe, drew thousands and was managed behind the scenes by Motti Babchik.

Kikar HaShabbat·+1 outlet · 50% center

Court overturns house arrest for right-wing activist Mordechai David

A court on Thursday overturned five-day house arrest for right-wing activist Mordechai David. He had been detained after an alleged confrontation outside a courthouse involving Lucy Aharish and Tzachi Halevi, and the investigation also includes six other suspects.

Now 14

MK Zvi Sukkot warns school in East Jerusalem against terror incitement funding

Now 14·+1 outlet · 100% right-leaning

Silver ritual items stolen in sophisticated overnight break-in at Bnei Brak synagogue

Thieves broke into the Tchernobyl Hasidic court in Bnei Brak overnight and stole silver ritual objects worth tens of thousands of shekels. Police suspect the robbers may have scouted the site on the previous Shabbat while the rebbe was in Jerusalem.

Kikar HaShabbat

Police Chief Says Elections Will Be Fair and Lawful

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy said at an event in Jerusalem that the coming elections will be fair, legal, and protected. He vowed police would prevent any attempt to undermine the vote.

Ynet

Public transport fares will stay unchanged this year

Israel’s Transportation Ministry has delayed a planned public transport fare increase that was set for July 1. It is also considering scrapping the automatic indexation system that has driven recent price hikes, while keeping current fares in place until at least the end of 2026 if the move is approved.

Now 14

Summer Jobs for Teens in Israel: Key Rights, Pay Rules and What to Do If Violated

N12 published a guide on the labor rights of Israeli teenagers starting summer jobs. It details legal minimum wages, age limits, work-hour rules, injury benefits and complaint options.

N12·+1 outlet · 100% center

Bnei Brak Businesses Hit by Scooter-Riding Burglar as Theft Concerns Grow

Police in Bnei Brak are investigating a wave of overnight burglaries blamed on a suspect riding an electric scooter. Local business owners say break-ins are increasing on weekdays, and a separate hotel-theft complaint has deepened concerns.

Kikar HaShabbat

Veteran TRT commentator removed after mixing up Iran and New Zealand at World Cup broadcast

TRT removed veteran commentator Murat Erkam Cimen from its 2026 World Cup coverage after he confused Iran and New Zealand during a Group G match in Los Angeles. The broadcaster apologized, opened an internal review, and said he will not call any more games in the tournament.

Walla

The Reality Behind Viral Humanoid Robots Is Far Less Impressive

Robotics experts say viral humanoid robots are still mostly remotely controlled or limited to narrow tasks, despite dramatic online demos. At a Boston robotics conference, they said safety, data shortages, and unpredictability remain major barriers, even as AI and new VLA models improve performance.

Kikar HaShabbat