Nearly three years after arriving in Israel from the US and just one day before completing his military service, Ari Goldberg was found dead in his Dimona apartment, shortly after accompanying his younger brother to the IDF induction center 

From drone shows and fireworks to midnight kisses, countries around the globe ushered in 2026; Sydney paused for a moment of silence, Kyiv kissed before curfew, a suicide attack struck Syria, millions gathered in Brazil and New York marked America’s 250th anniversary

Fresh videos show a fourth straight day of protests across Iran as authorities report a Basij militia member killed in clashes. Demonstrators chanted anti-regime slogans in Isfahan, Dorud and Parsan, while gunfire was heard in several areas.

A powerful explosion at a business in Nazareth sparked a fire overnight, injuring 12 people; two were listed in critical condition, one moderate and the rest lightly hurt; police said the cause was unclear and an investigation is underway

From electricity and water to property taxes, food and electric vehicles, a broad wave of state-led price hikes takes effect on January 1, with tax relief promised only later if the 2026 budget is approved in March

Finance and Defense ministries ordered the IDF to cut 20,000 reserve posts planned for 2026, with the impact felt immediately as thousands are released, including from settlement defense, while emergency call-ups continue despite the war’s end

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that if a US-backed international stabilization force fails to disarm Hamas, Israel could face renewed Hamas recovery unless a clear decision is made on who will govern Gaza afterward