Channel 14 News Israel

Category: Israel

  • Israeli Navy Conducts Mass Drills in Med and Red Seas

    Israeli Navy Conducts Mass Drills in Med and Red Seas

    The Israeli Navy conducted a large-scale, service-wide exercise in the Mediterranean and Red Seas this week, incorporating scenarios of sea incursions, multi-front combat, aerial threats, and the defense of strategic assets. Hundreds of troops and a diverse array of naval vessels participated in the drills.

    Israeli Navy vessel | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

    The exercise was led by the Missile Boat Flotilla (Flotilla 3), in collaboration with the Submarine Flotilla (Flotilla 7), Routine Security Patrol Squadrons 914 and 916, operational headquarters, and additional units. During the drills, forces practiced live-fire capabilities and defense protocols for gas platforms, Israeli seaports, and vital national infrastructure.

    The exercise was conducted as part of the ongoing process of integrating lessons learned from combat over the past three years. Alongside operational scenarios, simulations were carried out in the Red Sea sector in coordination with the Navy’s operational headquarters.

    Israeli Navy | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

    The simulations aimed to strengthen control capabilities, synchronization, and inter-unit cooperation across the Israeli Navy. The IDF stated that the Navy continues to adapt its operational capabilities to evolving maritime threats while working to detect and thwart dangers in real time.

  • Iran Spy Suspect Filmed Jabotinsky Tomb Before PM Visit

    Iran Spy Suspect Filmed Jabotinsky Tomb Before PM Visit

    The grave of Ze’ev Jabotinsky at Mount Herzl was documented by one of the suspects in the new espionage case just one week before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the site to attend a memorial service. The suspect was also sent to document the homes of defense industry figures and other sensitive sites.

    נמל אילת
    Photo: Yehuda Ben Itach / Flash90

    The investigation into the case revealed that over recent months, Amshukov maintained contact with an Iranian foreign agent and performed various security assignments on his behalf. In exchange for his activities, he received financial payments transferred via digital cryptocurrencies. It was further revealed that a portion of the tasks was carried out jointly with Kushnirko.

    Among other assignments, Amshukov was directed to document the homes of individuals connected to defense industries. Additionally, he photographed Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s grave at Mount Herzl just a week before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the location to participate in a memorial ceremony.

    Photo: Chaim Goldberg / Flash90

    During the course of contact, the Iranian foreign agent instructed Amshukov to travel to Eilat and purchase an advanced mobile phone featuring high-resolution photography capabilities. Thousands of shekels were provided to fund the device purchase to enable him to conduct high-quality photography assignments for and under the direction of the handler.

    At the foreign agent’s request, Amshukov also photographed other sensitive areas, including the Port of Eilat and a museum. According to investigation findings, he executed the assignments despite realizing he was operating on behalf of an Iranian foreign agent. Today, an indictment was filed against Amshukov and Kushnirko in the Tel Aviv District Court by the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.

  • Israel Informs U.S. it Rejects the 15-Point Gaza Agreement

    Israel Informs U.S. it Rejects the 15-Point Gaza Agreement

    Reported Thursday evening on Channel 14 News: As the Security Cabinet convenes to discuss the continuation of combat operations in the Gaza Strip and the proposed settlement agreement, Israeli officials clarify that the 15-clause “roadmap”—presented as part of international efforts to advance an agreement—is unacceptable in its current framework. Against the backdrop of deliberations, reservations among cabinet ministers regarding the document and its implications for IDF freedom of operation are intensifying.

    Israeli forces in Gaza | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

    A political official told Channel 14 News that “Israel has already notified the Americans that the 15-point document formulated by Egypt and Hamas—the ‘roadmap’—is unacceptable to us, and we have submitted our reservations to them.” According to the official, “The only element the Cabinet approved was immunity for a limited force of Moroccan and Ugandan troops from the international force, to the extent they deploy to the Strip.” He further emphasized: “We informed the Americans that we will not withdraw from the current Yellow Line, and we will continue to thwart all threats against our forces and citizens.”

    Within the Cabinet, near-total consensus exists against accepting the “roadmap” in its current iteration. According to the source, opposition spans across most coalition components—from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud ministers, through Religious Zionism ministers, to Otzma Yehudit. Furthermore, Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock are expected to demand that the Prime Minister revoke last week’s Cabinet decision approving the entry of the international force’s advance guard into the Gaza Strip. They claim that the entities presenting the plan failed to disclose the full ramifications of the document to ministers. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is likewise expected to demand that final approval be referred to the Knesset for debate and vote. Concurrently, it was clarified that the Prime Minister himself is dissatisfied with the document, leading to assessments that no tangible progress toward its approval is anticipated at this stage.

    Hamas terrorists in Gaza after the withdrawal of our forces, archive | Photo: Ali Hassan, Flash90

    As is known, the 15-clause “roadmap” forms part of a broader international initiative aimed at promoting the demilitarization of Hamas, establishing a new civilian governance mechanism in the Strip, deploying an international force, and executing a gradual Israeli withdrawal contingent upon meeting predetermined milestones.

  • Minister Attacks Lebanon Pilot, Demands Beirut Burn

    Minister Attacks Lebanon Pilot, Demands Beirut Burn

    Minister for the Development of the Negev and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf attacked the South Lebanon pilot project today (Thursday) during an interview on “The Open Studio” with Noy Bar and Tamir Schneid, labeling it “naïve.” The minister further stated that he will soon present his conclusions regarding the pilot before the Security Cabinet.

    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun | Photo: Arab social media

    Minister Wasserlauf spoke out against the very notion that the Lebanese government and military could assist in disarming the Hezbollah terror organization: “They lack the capability to disarm Hezbollah, and furthermore, representatives of the terror group themselves sit in the Lebanese government—they are part of it.”

    The correct directive, according to Wasserlauf, broadly speaking, is maximum firepower: “The only way to disarm Hezbollah is through the IDF; everything else consists of attempts at shortcuts and pie-in-the-sky dreams. We will state our position in the Cabinet. For every one of their drone operations, for example, we need to drop missiles on their heads, while simultaneously deepening the fighting. Beirut should burn.”

  • IDF Probes if Fatal Lebanon Blast Was Israeli Ordnance

    IDF Probes if Fatal Lebanon Blast Was Israeli Ordnance

    Following the deaths of two soldiers yesterday in Southern Lebanon—Major (res.) Harel Birenstock and Master Sergeant (res.) Tamir Vaknin—as a result of a building explosion, the defense establishment is currently investigating the possibility that the blast was caused by Israeli explosive material, rather than an IED planted by the Hezbollah terror organization.

    Archive | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

    However, defense officials clarify that this represents a low probability and is merely an investigation based on findings present at the scene. It should be recalled that the severe incident led to several strikes against Hezbollah terror infrastructure and weapons storage facilities by our forces in the sector. Yet, while the Israeli public and defense establishment pressed to approve a harsh response against the terror organization, we reveal for the first time that real drama unfolded last night.

    At 9:00 PM, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz convened a discussion regarding the incident, during which the possibility was raised for the first time that the severe explosion may have been caused by Israeli explosives. Consequently, the major response that was slated for execution was frozen, and until Israel definitively understands what caused the blast, it may not be carried out. This comes at a time when briefings were circulated yesterday evening claiming that the IDF was pushing for military action while the political leadership objected.

    IDF strikes in Southern Lebanon | Photo: Hebrew social media

    In the meantime, various reports were circulated claiming that the United States intervened and mediated between the parties, leading to a curbing of escalation and a limitation of the Israeli response. Additionally, the alleged American intervention was cited as the factor that enabled the resumption of the third meeting in Rome, as part of the seventh round of negotiation talks between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at “protecting the momentum built at the negotiating table thus far and preventing the collapse of diplomatic contacts.”

  • Ashkelon Pair Charged With Spying for Iran

    Ashkelon Pair Charged With Spying for Iran

    In a joint operation by the National Unit for Serious and International Crime Investigation within Lahav 433 and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israeli citizen Tremilan Amshukov and Ukrainian national Alina Kushnirko were arrested during July 2026. The two residents of Ashkelon were detained under suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and executing security missions under their direction.

    The investigation revealed that over recent months, Amshukov maintained contact with an Iranian foreign agent and performed various security assignments on his behalf. In exchange for his activities, Amshukov received financial compensation transferred via digital cryptocurrencies. Findings further indicated that a portion of the tasks was carried out jointly by Amshukov and Kushnirko.

    During the course of contact, the Iranian foreign agent instructed Amshukov to travel to Eilat and purchase an advanced mobile phone featuring high-resolution photography capabilities. Thousands of shekels were provided to fund the device purchase to enable him to conduct high-quality photography assignments as directed by the handler.

    At the foreign agent’s request, Amshukov performed photography tasks at sensitive locations, including the Port of Eilat, a museum, and the military cemetery at Mount Herzl. According to investigation findings, he executed the assignments despite realizing he was operating on behalf of an Iranian foreign agent. Today, an indictment was filed against Amshukov and Kushnirko in the Tel Aviv District Court by the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.

    Security officials emphasized that intelligence and terror entities from enemy states persist in efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for security missions, acts of terror, and espionage inside Israel. Officials noted these recruitment attempts frequently occur via social media outreach and deceptive job offerings.

  • Michigan’s Mamdani Claims to Love Jews, Then Attacks Israel

    Michigan’s Mamdani Claims to Love Jews, Then Attacks Israel

    Right after winning the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed sparked controversy yesterday during a campaign event after pairing warm words for the Jewish people with a sharp attack on Israel.

    “I love Judaism, and I love the Jewish people,” El-Sayed said. “AIPAC and Israel are not synonymous with Judaism and the Jewish people. I call that nonsense.”

    Political analysts in the United States point to Michigan’s large Arab American community as the driving force behind El-Sayed’s primary victory. The community has become a significant political bloc in the state and includes many voters with strong anti-Israel views. Analysts say the result could have major implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party and intensify debate over the growing influence of its anti-Israel wing ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

    President Donald Trump responded to El-Sayed’s victory by calling it “great news for the Republican Party.”

    “El-Sayed, the communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the expected winner in his race against the socialist,” Trump wrote. “As usual, the polls were way off. They didn’t expect her to do nearly as well as she did. Now the Democrats’ insane policies are only going to get worse.”

    Trump later escalated his criticism even further. “Abdul El-Sayed is a man full of hate. He doesn’t love Israel. He doesn’t love Jews. He hates them with a passion that burns in his heart. There’s nothing he can do about it, because he hates them.”

    With Zohran Mamdani’s rise already fueling concerns among many Jewish New Yorkers about the growing influence of anti-Israel voices within the Democratic Party, El-Sayed’s victory is likely to deepen those fears. For many observers, the question is no longer whether this trend exists—but how far it will spread ahead of the 2028 election.

    Photo: From the X account of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed

    El-Sayed’s remarks are likely to fuel an already intensifying debate over whether hostility toward Israel has become an increasingly accepted feature of Democratic politics—and whether separating support for Jews from attacks on the Jewish state is a distinction many voters are still willing to accept.

  • Gaza Board of Peace Contracts U.S. Firm for Moroccan Base

    Gaza Board of Peace Contracts U.S. Firm for Moroccan Base

    The “Board of Peace” slated to serve as the governing oversight body for the Gaza Strip, has finalized its first construction contract on the ground: a project to build a basic military outpost for 150 personnel to house Moroccan soldiers, an anonymous source reported to British media. The contract, which has not yet been fully finalized, was awarded to Arkel International—a Louisiana-based U.S. company that has previously executed government contracts in locations such as Iraq.

    Will send troops to Gaza. King of Morocco, Mohammed VI | Photo: Reuters

    In an email sent by a senior official in the Board of Peace, it was stated that the Board and the “National Committee for Gaza Management”—an entity intended to function as Gaza’s civil government akin to the ‘Palestinian’ Authority—are “in the final stages of preparing several contracts for award, though none have been finalized yet.”

    The base currently planned will span only 100 by 120 meters and is designed to house a force of Moroccan soldiers who will rotate from a staging base inside Israel, according to the source. The outpost will be situated inside the Yellow Line zone controlled by our forces, approximately 1.5 kilometers from Israeli territory, and will feature a “rapid extraction route” in the event the small contingent comes under attack.

    Moroccan outpost will be established near Israeli forces in the Strip | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

    In earlier contract blueprints disclosed in the UK, the 150-person facility represented the initial phase of a broader plan to build a 5,000-troop military installation in Gaza for the stabilization force. The final base is designed to include combat positions for armored fighting vehicles, a perimeter earthen berm, and basic amenities suitable for short-term deployments. The preliminary contract noted that the first phase will consist of “tents and cots for troop lodging, as well as chemical toilets and handwashing stations—deemed suitable for habitation.”

    News of the base construction comes just three days after Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Board President Nikolay Mladenov in a session described as positive. In a statement issued by the Board following the meeting, it was noted that both sides share a mutual understanding—centered on complete demilitarization of the Strip and a transition to civilian governance. The statement added that the IDF will withdraw from the Yellow Line only after demilitarization is achieved, though the deployment of hundreds of Moroccan soldiers within the Yellow Line sector was not mentioned.

  • Ministry Approves ₪113M for Judea & Samaria Sites

    Ministry Approves ₪113M for Judea & Samaria Sites

    The Ministry of Heritage’s mega-plan to strengthen Jewish presence and identity in Judea and Samaria has moved forward as its steering committee granted final approval for an unprecedented investment of approximately ₪113 million. The funds are designated for the restoration, development, and accessibility of over 70 heritage and historical sites across the region.

    Photo: Yonatan Sindel, Flash90

    The initiative, spearheaded by Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, follows months of persistent behind-the-scenes negotiations against the Ministry of Finance and professional delays, aimed at positioning the cradle of Israel’s history at the top of national priorities.

    The landmark budget will fund an array of field projects, including archaeological excavations to unearth new findings, ancient structure conservation, and preparing sites for mass visitation. Ministry officials emphasized that the plan delivers a fitting Zionist response to years of neglect during which top-tier national and archaeological sites lacked adequate resources.

    Photo: Chaim Goldberg, Flash90

    As part of the effort, substantial funds will also target accessibility and transit improvements to the sites, including paving and upgrading access roads, alongside installing innovative educational displays to enhance visitor experience.

    The plan was formulated in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, the Civil Administration, and Staff Officer for Archaeology Benni Har-Even, who led the professional field mapping. Senior officials familiar with the project note it represents one of the most critical investments in recent years toward establishing roots in the land’s heritage and preserving the assets of the Jewish people.

    Photo: Hadas Parush, Flash90

    Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stated: “Without the solid backing that Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ensures to provide us every step of the way, none of this would have happened. Otzma Yehudit has pledged to elevate Jewish identity and our roots in the Land of Israel—and passing this budget stands as decisive proof of the monumental results the party brings to the ground.”

  • Trump Rips Michigan Senate Winner El-Sayed Over Israel

    Trump Rips Michigan Senate Winner El-Sayed Over Israel

    Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, sparked outrage yesterday (Wednesday) during a campaign event in the state after wrapping his flattery toward Jews in hatred toward Israel: “I love Judaism, and I love the Jewish people. AIPAC and Israel are not synonymous with Judaism and the Jewish people. I call that garbage.”

    Meanwhile, political analysts in the United States point out that the primary factor behind El-Sayed’s victory is the large Arab-American community residing in Michigan, where deep hostility toward Israel exists. The results of these elections are expected to dramatically impact the future of the Democratic Party and provoke a fierce debate regarding the power of its anti-Israel wing ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

    U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to El-Sayed’s victory, claiming it was actually “great news for the Republican Party”: “El-Sayed, the communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the expected winner in his race with the socialist. As usual, the polls were way off on this issue. She wasn’t expected to do nearly as well as she did. Now, the Democrats’ crazy policies will only get worse!”

    He added: “Abdul El-Sayed is a hate-filled man. He doesn’t like Israel. He doesn’t like Jews. He hates them with a passion burning in his heart. There is nothing he can do about it, because he hates them.”