Channel 14 News Israel

Category: Israel

  • Council Head, Deputy Wounded in Attempted Murder

    Council Head, Deputy Wounded in Attempted Murder

    The head of the Jadeidi-Makr Counci and his deputy were seriously injured last night (Sunday through Monday) after undergoing an attempted murder. According to medical sources, the two were evacuated to the Galilee Medical Center. Upon receiving the report, large forces from the Western Galilee Station arrived at the scene and are conducting a manhunt for the suspects, along with collecting evidence from the scene and deploying checkpoints.

    A paramedic said: “We saw a 49-year-old man who was wounded by gunfire while he was conscious. We provided him with life-saving medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital in moderate to serious condition. Another injured man, a man in his 50s, was evacuated from the scene while he was conscious and suffering from serious gunshot wounds to his body and was in serious condition.”

  • Ben-Gurion Uni. Article: Israel Guilty of Genocide

    Ben-Gurion Uni. Article: Israel Guilty of Genocide

    Ben-Gurion University published an article on its official website accusing Israel of “committing genocide in Gaza”—a move that has sparked significant outrage for its falsehood and national defamation.

    Matanya Jeffery, CEO of the Im Tirtzu organization, blasted the university’s response: “While they employ lecturers who support terror and oppose the IDF, they claim this is just a technical error.”

    The article’s author, Niv Gordon, is a former Ben-Gurion University lecturer who now teaches in London and continues to publish what Jeffery calls “hateful content against Israel.” In the piece, Gordon claimed Israel uses ‘Palestinians’ as human shields and is carrying out genocide, war crimes that the terror groups Israel faces commit and attempt to commit themselves.

    The university said the publication was a mistake. But Jeffery pointed out that the institution employs faculty members who have repeatedly attacked the IDF, including lecturer Sebastian Ben Daniel, who called IDF soldiers “murderers.”

    According to Jeffery, the university keeps making these kinds of “mistakes,” sharing incitement and hatred against Israel and IDF soldiers. “It’s time to put an end to this,” he said.

    The article made several accusations against Israel: dressing ‘Palestinian’ civilians in military uniforms, designating civilian buildings as shields, and exploiting international law to justify harming civilians. “The guy who wrote it, Niv Gordon, supports refusal to serve in Judea and Samaria and claims Israel criminalizes homes in Gaza to destroy them,” Jeffery said.

    Jeffery, who served as a combat soldier in both Gaza and Lebanon, pushed back hard. “As a fighter who served in Gaza and Lebanon, I saw that in Gaza every house is a terrorist’s house. So I, as a combat soldier and reservist—when there are also tons of reservists at Ben-Gurion University—am shocked that this is what it chooses to share. It’s insane. When will they put an end to this?”

    Ben-Gurion University responded: “The automated system that pulls articles by university faculty mistakenly identified the author as such, even though he hasn’t been part of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev for nearly a decade. The error has been corrected.”

  • Default Death Sentence for Judea & Samaria Terrorists

    Default Death Sentence for Judea & Samaria Terrorists

    Following Defense Minister Israel Katz’s directive, Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an amendment today (Sunday) enabling the application of the “death penalty for terrorists” law in Judea and Samaria—legislation pushed through the Knesset last month by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party. Starting today, the default sentence for a terrorist who murders Jews in Judea and Samaria will be execution.

    Following the Knesset’s approval of the death penalty law for terrorists—initiated by Ben Gvir—Defense Minister Katz directed the IDF to begin implementing the law’s provisions across the security establishment, starting with amending the security regulations order for the West Bank. Now, under Katz’s instruction, the Central Command chief has signed the amendment allowing the death penalty to be applied to terrorists in Judea and Samaria in accordance with the law.

    This marks a sharp policy shift after the October 7 massacre—a terrorist who murders Jews can no longer count on prisoner exchanges, conditions, or hope of future release. The message is clear: anyone who chooses murderous terror against Jews should know that the State of Israel will pursue maximum punishment.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and National Security Minister Ben Gvir advanced the move from one clear position: against murderous terror, there’s no containment—you strike decisively, punish, and create a price no terrorist will want to pay.

    Defense Minister Israel Katz: “The era of containment is over. Terrorists who murder Jews won’t sit in prison in comfortable conditions, won’t wait for deals, and won’t dream of release—they’ll pay the heaviest price. I commend my colleague, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who led this important law with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s backing.

    “Immediately after the law’s approval, I directed the IDF to implement it in Judea and Samaria as well, and today, with the Central Command chief’s signature on the amendment, we’re turning the new policy into reality. Our message to every terrorist is clear: whoever raises a hand against a Jew, whoever harms IDF soldiers or Israeli citizens—the State of Israel will pursue him, reach him, and exact maximum punishment.”

    National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir: “We promised—and delivered. A terrorist who murders Jews should know his end won’t be in a release deal, but in a death sentence. I commend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, my colleague Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the Central Command chief for advancing and implementing this important policy. After October 7, the State of Israel is changing the equation. Against murderous terror, you don’t fold and you don’t contain—you strike decisively.”

    Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, former chief military prosecutor for Judea and Samaria, told Channel 14: “The signed order created a new reality. Until now, the death penalty that existed in Judea and Samaria law was a dead letter, mainly because the military prosecution never once requested the death penalty for any terrorist.

    “The innovations in the new order are that the death penalty becomes the default sentence unless special reasons are found to impose a different punishment, and the authority to impose the death penalty doesn’t depend on the prosecution’s request. The discretion given to the court is extremely important, because it’s highly doubtful whether a provision establishing the death penalty as a mandatory sentence, without the possibility of exception, would pass a legality test.”

  • Home Front Command: No Change in Guidelines For Now

    Home Front Command: No Change in Guidelines For Now

    Amid heightened security tensions, the Home Front Command’s defense policy remains unchanged following an IDF situation assessment.

    Current guidelines will continue to apply in all areas until Tuesday at 8:00 PM Israel time.

    The IDF said decisions are being made based on developments and the security situation assessment.

  • MK Rotman Fast-Tracks Bill to Split AG’s Powers

    MK Rotman Fast-Tracks Bill to Split AG’s Powers

    The Knesset Constitution Committee continued today (Sunday) to prepare for a first reading of the bill to split the attorney general’s position, one of the coalition’s flagship judicial reform initiatives. The move comes as part of a broad legislative blitz the coalition is pushing in recent days, attempting to calm the crisis with ultra-Orthodox parties and prevent them from supporting dissolving the Knesset over the military draft law crisis.

    Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rotman announced that after 37 committee sessions, the updated draft “reflects the deliberative decisions” and that he intends to bring the proposal to a vote this week.

    Under the proposal, the attorney general’s powers would be split into two positions: an attorney general who would be responsible for legal counsel and representing the state in non-criminal matters, alongside a solicitor general who would have sole responsibility for criminal matters and prosecutions. Additionally, the government would be able to determine in certain cases that the attorney general’s opinion is not binding and does not reflect the law.

    The proposal further stipulates that the attorney general would be appointed by the government based on recommendations from the prime minister and justice minister, and the term would be tied to the appointing government’s tenure. In contrast, the solicitor general would be appointed for a six-year term from a list of candidates compiled by a professional committee and would be independent in criminal decisions. The law also includes new mechanisms for opening investigations and filing indictments against senior officials, which would require approval from a district court and a special senior officials committee.

    The committee debate turned into a sharp confrontation between the coalition and the opposition. MK Gilad Kariv criticized Rotman and claimed this was a “revenge campaign” and “rushed legislation,” while MK Yoav Segalovitz accused the coalition of “absolute abuse of Knesset work.” During the debate, Rotman ordered Segalovitz removed from the hall after a loud confrontation, and opposition members subsequently walked out of the session.

    Professional sources and legal advisers also criticized the proposal. Representatives from the Justice Ministry, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Israel Democracy Institute warned of damage to the attorney general’s independence, politicization of the position, and undermining of checks and balances against the government. In response, Rotman argued that the law’s purpose is “to clearly regulate the division of powers” and that the current situation creates an unusual concentration of power in the attorney general’s hands.

    The coalition hopes that advancing a series of bills, including the attorney general split bill, will help stabilize the ranks with the ultra-Orthodox partners and for now, distance the threat of dissolving the Knesset.

  • Trump Warns Iran: ‘There’ll Be Nothing Left’

    Trump Warns Iran: ‘There’ll Be Nothing Left’

    President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the regime needs to start moving fast—or face total destruction.

    “For Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving, fast, or there won’t be anything left of them,” Trump said. “Time is running out!”

    Snapshot from President Trump’s Truth social media accout
  • IDF Kills Hamas Operations Chief Behind Recent Attacks

    IDF Kills Hamas Operations Chief Behind Recent Attacks

    Israeli forces killed Bahaa Baroud on Saturday, a commander in Hamas’s operations headquarters. The targeted strike aimed to remove an immediate threat to troops operating in Gaza and to Israeli civilians.

    IDF Forces in Gaza | Photo by: IDF Spokespersons Unit

    According to the IDF, Baroud spent the entire war—especially in recent months—planning and executing multiple terror operations. His activity focused on advancing deadly attacks against IDF soldiers operating in the Strip and against civilians in the immediate term, making him a high-priority target.

    The strike was carried out using a precision airstrike, with significant measures taken to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians. The IDF emphasized it used precision munitions and advance aerial surveillance to ensure accuracy and prevent collateral damage as much as possible.

    IDF Forces in Gaza | Photo by: IDF Spokespersons Unit

    Israeli forces in Southern Command remain deployed across the area according to operational assessments. The IDF reiterated it will continue to act decisively with all available means to remove any immediate threat and ensure the security of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.

  • Israel Pushes to Move Foreign Embassies to Jerusalem

    Israel Pushes to Move Foreign Embassies to Jerusalem

    The Israeli government unanimously approved a proposal today (Sunday) to encourage countries to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate their embassies to the city. The initiative was spearheaded by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition Yariv Levin.

    Under the plan, the two ministries will fund a package of incentives including financial assistance for costs related to establishing or relocating embassies to Jerusalem, as well as housing solutions and planning assistance as needed.

    The proposal also includes encouraging meetings and delegations in Jerusalem, alongside promoting cooperation in additional areas. The move represents a broad national effort reflecting widespread mobilization by the Israeli government and its ministries to encourage more countries to move their embassies to Jerusalem.

    The initiative follows ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance the opening and relocation of embassies to Jerusalem. As part of these efforts, Paraguay opened an embassy in Jerusalem in December 2024, Fiji did so in September 2025, and last December Ecuador opened an innovation office with diplomatic status in Jerusalem.

  • Netanyahu Unveils Historic Plan on Jerusalem Day

    Netanyahu Unveils Historic Plan on Jerusalem Day

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed today (Sunday) a series of historic decisions aimed at strengthening Jerusalem, during a special Cabinet meeting held at the Knesset museum, “Beit Frumin,” in honor of Jerusalem Day. Netanyahu emphasized the government’s deep commitment to Israel’s capital, declaring: “We are investing, building, and developing Jerusalem in a way that no government has ever done before. The strengthening of Jerusalem is a natural part of the rebirth of our nation.”

    The Western Wall during Jerusalem Day | Photo by: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation

    At the center of the plan stand four major decisions: First, the allocation of a special budget for the fortification of the Western Wall, the development of its infrastructure, and the expansion of archaeological excavations at the site, in part against the backdrop of the Iranian threat. Second, an investment in the “Shalva” center, transforming it into a national center for treating populations with disabilities during emergency situations. Additionally, the government will promote the development of the historic Mamilla Pool into a scenic spot to serve the city’s residents, as well as establish a heritage center in Atarot to document the history of settlement there.

    Netanyahu addressed the deep historical connection of the Jewish people to their capital: “For thousands of years we had to fight for Jerusalem, ever since King David established it as our capital over 3,000 years ago. It has always been at the top of our minds, the head of our joy, and the focus of our prayers.” He praised the “wondrous generation of fighters” and the resilience of the nation, which express national strength.

    The Dance of the Flags in Jerusalem day | Photo by: Atay Shalev

    Alongside the historic decisions concerning heritage and security, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government is connecting deep roots with the future. During the meeting, decisions were approved to advance future technologies, spearheaded by artificial intelligence and the national digital initiative. “There is no better place to make these decisions than in Jerusalem, in the first Knesset, where everything I have spoken about was still merely a dream. Today, we are fulfilling it,” Netanyahu concluded.

  • NYT: Israel Ran Two Secret Military Bases in Iraq

    NYT: Israel Ran Two Secret Military Bases in Iraq

    According to a report in The New York Times, Israel operated at least two bases in Iraq that were kept secret for over a year to support military operations against Iran—contrary to initial reports, which claimed only one base was operated.

    Iraq | Photo by: Reuters

    It was further noted that one of the bases was established as early as late 2024 in western Iraq, with the aim of locating remote sites from which future operations against Iran could be launched. In addition, it was reported that one of the bases was utilized by IDF forces during the war against Iran in June 2025.

    Regional sources say, “the State of Israel invested over a year in preparing a clandestine site in Iraq for its operations against Iran,” and the existence of a second base was subsequently confirmed. The secret was exposed after a local shepherd, Awad al-Shammari, accidentally stumbled upon one of the outposts—which included a landing strip, helicopters, and soldiers—and reported it to the Iraqi army.

    The American base that was attacked by pro-Irani militia in Iraq | Photo by: Reuters

    According to the report, the Israeli bases were established as part of preparations that began as early as late 2024, serving as strategic points for aerial support, refueling, and medical evacuation during the war against Tehran in June 2025. The purpose of the outposts was to shorten flight distances for the Israeli Air Force on its way to targets in Iran. Regional security sources stated that the United States was aware of the bases’ existence and even assisted indirectly, by requesting Iraq to deactivate its radar systems to protect American aircraft—a step that allowed Israel to operate without being detected by Iraqi defense systems.

    Erbil in Iraq after Iranian attack | Photo by: Reuters

    The discovery sparked a political storm in Baghdad. While the official Iraqi government continues to deny the existence of the bases, lawmakers and high-ranking military officials confirmed that the information was concealed from them by their ally, the United States.