Israel

The former FBI informant admitted that he fabricated a story about $5 million in bribes to Joe and Hunter Biden from the Ukrainian company Burisma. Smirnov also pleaded guilty to tax evasion on $2 million in income.

The IDF launched a massive air strike on military targets in the Syrian province of Tartus, destroying missile depots. The explosions were so powerful that they caused a magnitude 3 earthquake.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a phone conversation with Donald Trump about the release of hostages in Gaza and the events in Syria. Trump threatens “hell” in the Middle East if the hostages are not released before his inauguration.

The Israeli Air Force carried out large-scale strikes on military targets in Syria's Tartus and Latakia. Air defense bases, surface-to-surface missile depots, and other military facilities near the Russian naval base were attacked.

Israel is investing 40 million shekels to increase the population in the occupied Golan Heights due to threats from Syria. The plan was announced after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and the coming to power of a new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin due to Ireland's “anti-Semitic actions. ” The decision was made after Ireland recognized Palestine and supported the claim of “genocide” in Gaza.

In the village of Kosenivka, the ruins of a house with the remains of seven representatives of the Trypillian culture were discovered. Traces of burns and injuries were found on the bones, which may indicate a violent death in a fire.

The G7 countries reaffirmed their support for the political process in Syria and called for the formation of a new inclusive government. The leaders emphasized the need to bring the Assad regime to justice and destroy chemical weapons.

The Israel Defense Forces said it could strike Iran's nuclear facilities after weakening its allies in the region. The Israeli Air Force is increasing its readiness for potential strikes despite Iran's denial of developing nuclear weapons.

According to Reporters Without Borders, 54 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2024, one third of them in Gaza. 550 media workers are imprisoned around the world, most of them in China and Myanmar.

The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by 158 votes to 9. The United States had previously vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council.

In the Manot Cave in Israel, archaeologists discovered a 35,000-year-old stone sculpture of a turtle. The artifact could have been used for rituals by ancient people in a special room in the cave.

The IDF has begun withdrawing troops from the area of the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon in accordance with the November ceasefire agreement. The full withdrawal from all areas is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke in court in Tel Aviv, calling the charges “an ocean of absurdity. ” He is accused in three cases related to gifts and influence on the media.

During a night operation, the Israeli Navy completely destroyed the Syrian navy. Israeli troops are also creating a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria and strengthening their positions near the Golan Heights.

The G7 countries have expressed their readiness to support the new Syrian government after the change of power. A key condition for support is the observance of human rights and respect for religious and ethnic minorities.

The Israeli military has carried out 250 air strikes on Syrian military targets, including air bases and military facilities. IDF tanks are advancing to the suburbs of Damascus, and the Israeli Air Force is close to destroying the Syrian Air Force.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will appear in court for the first time on corruption charges. He has to testify three times a week, despite the ongoing war with Hamas and regional instability.

The Israeli Prime Minister declared the inalienable nature of the Golan Heights from Israel after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Netanyahu stressed the strategic importance of the region and thanked the United States for recognizing the annexation.

Iranian officials have confirmed direct contacts with groups in Syria's new leadership. Tehran is seeking to maintain its influence in the region after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Israeli ground forces crossed the Demilitarized Zone on the border with Syria for the first time since 1973. The military took control of Mount Hermon and other strategic positions to protect the border.

Russia has initiated an urgent closed meeting of the UN Security Council due to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Syrian rebels captured Damascus, and Israel took control of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

The US president expressed support for the transfer of power in Syria after the overthrow of the Assad regime. Washington plans to strengthen cooperation with regional allies and contribute to the development of a democratic Syria.

The Israeli military attacked a Research Center in Damascus, where Iranian long-range missiles were allegedly being developed. The headquarters of Customs and military intelligence in the Kafr Souza area was also shelled.

The pope called on the international community to reach a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas. The pontiff prayed for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions.

Israeli forces took control of the buffer zone on the Golan Heights after the fall of the Assad government. Netanyahu declared the necessity of the seizure due to the withdrawal of Syrian troops.

The Israel Defense Forces has deployed forces in a buffer zone on the border with Syria due to the threat of armed men entering. The IDF emphasizes that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of Syria, but will protect the security of the Golan Heights.

Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 34 Palestinians. Among the dead are both civilians and possible militants, dozens of people were injured.

Augsburg police have arrested a 37-year-old asylum seeker from Iraq who was spying on a Christmas market. The man had connections with IS and published extremist materials on social networks.

Military expert Dmitry Snegirev calls for mass training of civilians based on the Israeli experience. A National Resistance Center with free training from veterans has already been opened in Brovary.