EU foreign ministers adopted a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which targets a cryptocurrency exchange for the first time, a Council statement said.Diplomats last week said the sanctions would include a ban on primary aluminum imports and the sale of gaming consoles while also listing 73 vessels of the so-called shadow fleet used to evade sanctions.The aluminum ban will be phased in, with no more than 275,000 tonnes of imports allowed for one year before the ban takes effect on February 26 next year. A further exception is provided until the end of December 2026 for up to 50,000 tonnes contracted before February 25, the legislation showed.The EU is making an effort to crack down on Moscow's use of cryptocurrency to circumvent Western sanctions. In this package, the EU lists Garantex, a Russian crypto exchange, which is "closely associated with EU-sanctioned Russian banks."

An east Jerusalem resident attempted a ramming attack in east Jerusalem against Jerusalem Border Police during a joint Shin Bet operation, Israel Police announced on Monday evening.The Border Police chased the terrorist, arrested the suspect in his vehicle, and found two knives.The suspect was arrested and transferred to the Shin Bet for further questioning.There were no injuries reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Kash Patel on being confirmed as FBI director and Dan Bongino on being appointed deputy director on X/Twitter Monday evening."Congratulations Kash Patel on being confirmed as FBI Director and Dan Bongino on being appointed Deputy Director," he wrote. "I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our cooperation in fighting organized crime and international terrorism and in ensuring transparent government."Congratulations @Kash_Patel on being confirmed as FBI Director and @dbongino on being appointed Deputy Director. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our cooperation in fighting organized crime and international terrorism and in ensuring transparent government— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 24, 2025

The Bank of Israel is keeping the interest rate unchanged at 4.5%, it announced on Monday, due to a moderate recovery of Israel's economy.