IDF Special Forces Map Explained, and Why the New Haredi Brigade Changes the Rules

Gidi Cohen, founder of "Kal BeKarav," explained the structure of IDF special forces, the new Hashmonaim brigade, and the physical demands of combat service. He also warned that young recruits are underprepared, urged broader enlistment, and ended by honoring fallen Duvdevan fighter Yona Bezalel Barif.

Kikar HaShabbat

Police Consider Blocking Caravans From Reaching Military Prison Protest

Israel police are considering blocking a large ultra-Orthodox car protest from entering Kfar Yona and redirecting it to an outside parking area. Organizers plan about 2,500 vehicles to leave from 19 cities on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. toward Prison 10 to protest arrests of yeshiva students and married students.

Kikar HaShabbat·+2 outlets · 67% right-leaning

How Will Cases 1000 and 2000 Against Netanyahu Be Decided?

A special report reviews the key issues from Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in Cases 1000 and 2000. It highlights the cigars, champagne, and conversations with Noni Moses that could affect the judges’ decision.

Channel 13·+7 outlets · 63% center

Israeli Rail Freight Chief to Move Aside After Two Safety Incidents

Israel Railways will move freight division vice president Israel Marco to another post after two safety incidents, including pipes falling from a freight train near Haifa. Acting CEO Avner Flor also ordered a special probe into the events, one of which involved damaged power cables on a train run from Ashdod to Haifa in August 2025.

Globes

Varonis Shares Surge on Reports of Possible Sale and Strong Results

Varonis Systems rose more than 13% in New York after Bloomberg reported it is exploring strategic options, including a possible sale. The company has also posted strong quarterly results and raised its 2026 SaaS ARR outlook. Analysts remain broadly positive, though some warn of competition from larger cloud firms and private startups.

Globes

Hapoel Tel Aviv Owner Ofer Yanai Confronts Association Chief Before Game 4

Ofer Yanai, owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv, confronted Israeli Basketball Association chairman Amos Frishman before Game 4 of the playoff final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Yanai objected to a ban he received after a prior incident against Hapoel Jerusalem, shouting that he needed a court order to watch his team in the final.

Mako·+1 outlet · 100% center

Former Arab MK Mohammed Barakeh Detained on Suspicion of Incitement to Terror

Police detained former MK Mohammed Barakeh in Judea and Samaria on suspicion of incitement to terror over a 2022 public speech. He was later released under restrictions, including a 30-day ban from Judea and Samaria, while prosecutors review whether to indict him.

Kikar HaShabbat·+3 outlets · 75% right-leaning

Former Public Official Arrested on Suspicion of Incitement to Terror at 2022 Rally

Samaria police arrested a former public official from northern Israel on suspicion of incitement to terrorism during a 2022 public rally. The case was opened after a complaint and prosecution approval, and the suspect is being questioned by the Samaria District investigative unit.

Kikar HaShabbat

How a Near-Settlement at Lucifer Police Station Shaped the Making of Beit Yatir

Former South Hebron Hills regional chief Zviky Bar Chai recounts how Lucifer Police Station nearly became an early settlement foothold for Beit Yatir. He says the plan was stopped after a government decision, turning a setback into a unifying moment for the group.

Arutz Sheva

Prosecutors Close Case Against Former Big Brother Contestant Abraham Aklum

Israel's State Attorney's Office has closed the criminal case against former Big Brother contestant Abraham Aklum, more than a year after it began. The case stemmed from a complaint by his ex-wife, Sapir Borgil, over a suspected serious sex offense. His lawyer welcomed the decision and said it ends a difficult period for Aklum.

Srugim·+2 outlets · 67% center

Shocking Ashura self-flagellation video from Manchester spreads widely on X

A viral video of Shiite Muslims performing the Ashura tatbeer ritual drew huge attention on X. The footage, widely mistaken for being from Iran, was actually filmed in Manchester, UK, and was reposted by Elon Musk.

Kikar HaShabbat

Police Spokesperson and Senior Officer Clash Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Deputy Commander Lior Abudraham and a senior female police officer held a heated confrontation over her sexual harassment complaint. Both denied wrongdoing, were ordered not to contact each other, and the investigation continues.

N12·+1 outlet · 100% center

Speed Goes Wild After Ronaldo’s Goal

Sports 5 published a short item on June 23, 2026, showing Speed’s reaction to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal. The article says the Ronaldo fan lost control after the score and links the moment to World Cup 2026 coverage.

N12·+1 outlet · 100% center

Israeli hospital reports 20-minute treatment that helped end pill addiction

A patient who had become severely dependent on roughly 130 painkillers a day was treated at Rambam Hospital with a new sound-wave-based procedure. The reported treatment took 20 minutes and ended the addiction, according to the article. The report says the method may be a broader breakthrough, but its availability and use for other addictions remain unclear.

Channel 13·+7 outlets · 75% center

Storm at Telma Yellin as Students Say Right-Wing Views Are Silenced

Students and parents at Telma Yellin High School in Givatayim say the school has fostered a one-sided political atmosphere, and that right-wing opinions are feared. The school says it supports civic engagement and free expression, while the Education Ministry is being asked to examine the claims.

Now 14

Likud MK Tally Gotliv Says She Was Warned of Attempts to Destroy Her Politically

Likud MK Tally Gotliv said she was warned of attempts to politically destroy and smear her before the primaries. She rejected negative polls, portrayed herself as a key draw for right-wing voters, and insisted Likud is a right-wing, not centrist, party.

Srugim

Israeli troops get new Lebanon rules of engagement after ceasefire

New IDF open-fire rules in southern Lebanon took effect Friday after being agreed the night before. The army can now fire more freely inside the Yellow Line, while outside it, fire is allowed only against clear threats; officials also expect the underground sites there to be destroyed.

Behadrei Haredim·+3 outlets · 100% right-leaning

Family of missing 9-year-old Haimanot Kassa calls public march in Tel Aviv

A march and rally in Tel Aviv on Wednesday will mark 850 days since 9-year-old Haimanot Kassa disappeared. Her family and supporters are urging the public to attend, while several relatives of hostages and fallen soldiers are expected to speak.

Srugim

Cristiano Ronaldo Climbs the World Cup Scoring Chart After Brace Against Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal against Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup. The brace lifted him to 10 career World Cup goals and 10th place on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. Lionel Messi remains the top scorer with 18.

Mako·+3 outlets · 75% center

Maccabi Tel Aviv seeks title-clinching win in Game 4 at Hapoel Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv played Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 4 of the Israeli finals on Tuesday night, seeking a 3-1 series win and its 58th title. Hapoel, which has not been champion since 1969, aimed to force a deciding Game 5 on Thursday if necessary.

Walla·+4 outlets · 80% center

Lebanese Reports: Drone Strikes Vehicle in Southern Lebanon

Lebanese reports said a drone struck a vehicle in the Al-Khardali area of southern Lebanon. The strike landed near a Lebanese Army checkpoint, and no injuries were reported.

Ynet

Leak Claims Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Thinks It Has the Upper Hand in U.S. Talks

Channel 14 reported leaked private remarks from senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials after the first round of U.S.-Iran talks ended Tuesday. The quotes say Tehran believes it won, plans to pressure Washington through the Strait of Hormuz, and intends to portray Israel as the region’s main problem.

Now 14

Leaked recordings show ultra-Orthodox rabbi backing enlistment in principle

Channel 13 aired leaked recordings in which Rabbi Moshe Berzovsky, a senior Agudat Yisrael figure, is heard supporting enlistment in principle for ultra-Orthodox youths who do not study Torah. The report comes as the Haredi struggle against military conscription escalates.

Channel 13

Noam Shapira Appointed Head of the National Public Diplomacy Staff

Arutz Sheva·+2 outlets · 67% right-leaning

Ofer Winter Says He Won't Join Any Party and Slams Eisenkot

Ofer Winter says he will not join any existing party and may run independently in Israel's upcoming election. In recordings from a house meeting, he attacked former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot and criticized ultra-Orthodox leaders over the draft law.

Now 14

Eilat Residents Fear a Multi-Front Infiltration After Shin Bet Warning

Eilat residents are worried about a possible multi-front terrorist infiltration after a warning from Shin Bet chief David Zini and a revealed infiltration attempt. The IDF held a large defensive drill, including against a threat from the Jordanian coast, while some tourists said they would not cancel their vacations.

Channel 13·+9 outlets · 50% center

Mass Orthodox protest convoy planned from 19 cities amid draft exemption dispute

Hardline Orthodox groups plan a protest convoy Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. from 19 cities nationwide, with road disruptions and a parallel march toward military prisons. The move follows last week’s Route 4 blockade and violent clashes over the arrest of a draft evader.

N12·+8 outlets · 63% center

Moshe Kahlon Weighs Joining Gadi Eisenkot’s Party

Moshe Kahlon is reportedly considering joining Gadi Eisenkot’s party ahead of the 2026 election. Earlier, he met with Naftali Bennett and was linked to talks with Gilad Erdan about a new right-wing slate, though those talks were denied.

Behadrei Haredim

Recorded confrontation in police sex probe exposes heated exchange between senior officers

The Competition Authority confronted Brig. Gen. Lior Abudraham with a senior police officer who accused him of sexual misconduct, during a two-hour session marked by sharp denials and accusations. The probe is nearing completion and could lead to an indictment recommendation, while related questioning has also ensnared Maj. Gen. Alona Shoshan and Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi.

Channel 13·+2 outlets · 100% center

Musk’s Record Wealth Surge Reverses as SpaceX Shares Slide

SpaceX shares slumped less than two weeks after the company’s market debut, cutting more than $350 billion from Elon Musk’s wealth. The decline came amid a wider tech selloff driven by investor concerns over debt-financed AI spending, even as SpaceX plans to raise funds through bonds for AI development.

Now 14·+1 outlet · 100% right-leaning

Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira Says a Spiritual Awakening Is Spreading Across Israel

Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira spoke at the B'chol Levavcha conference about what he sees as a nationwide spiritual awakening. He said a yeshiva song unexpectedly became a hit and linked the moment to broader changes in Israeli society and history.

Arutz Sheva

Severe Heatwave Across Europe Leaves Dozens Dead in France

An extreme heatwave has killed dozens in Europe, including at least 40 people in France and two young children left in a car. France, Spain, and Italy have issued heat warnings as temperatures climb above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas.

Arutz Sheva·+10 outlets · 56% center

Trump Says IAEA Inspectors Will Be in Iran at the Right Time

Donald Trump said Iran is wrong about nuclear inspections and that IAEA inspectors will be in Iran at the right time. His comments came in response to Iranian claims about oversight of its nuclear program.

Ynet

EU Hosts Taliban Delegation for Rare Talks in Brussels

The European Union is preparing to host a Taliban delegation in Brussels for rare talks on consular cooperation and trust-building. The visit, enabled by one-day Belgian visas, has triggered sharp criticism over the EU’s engagement with a regime accused of grave abuses against women and girls.

Arutz Sheva·+1 outlet · 50% center

Shas elder backs planned vehicle protest, while party spokesman distances the party

Rabbi Moshe Maya, a senior Shas rabbinic authority, publicly urged participation in a vehicle protest scheduled for Wednesday. Shas spokesman Asher Medina later said the party would not take part, triggering strong anger in Haredi circles and among organizers.

Behadrei Haredim

Questions Remain Over the Death of Fitness Icon Gilad Yankelevich in Hawaii

The family of Gilad Yankelevich says his death in Hawaii is under active police investigation, after earlier reports claimed he died in his sleep. He will be buried in Israel beside his parents, and his close friend Haya Halperin said she had understood he suffered a cardiac arrest.

N12·+2 outlets · 100% center

Mystery Weight-Loss Drug Case Fuels Speculation About Trump

An experimental weight-loss drug given under FDA compassionate use to an unnamed 79-year-old patient has sparked speculation that the patient is Donald Trump. The White House has not directly denied the connection, while officials say the request involved serious health conditions and was reviewed case by case.

Kikar HaShabbat

Israel Opens First Honorary Consulate in Gdansk

Israel opened its first honorary consulate in Gdansk, Poland, to expand cooperation in northern Poland. Anna Oweruszko-Cichowska was appointed honorary consul, and the mission will also support Jewish ties and heritage preservation.

Ynet

Israel's defense exports hit a record as Asia-Pacific becomes the fastest-growing market

Israel’s defense exports hit about $19.2 billion in 2025, led by fast growth in Asia-Pacific. India remains the top customer, but Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and Australia are emerging as important markets.

Globes

Maccabi Haifa Begins Preseason With New Faces and New Staff

Maccabi Haifa started preseason training at Kfar Galim on Tuesday ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Yarin Levi returned from a two-year loan at Beitar Jerusalem, while Yair Mordechai joined from Ironi Kiryat Shmona and the new coaching staff was presented.

Mako·+1 outlet · 100% center