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In ''The Genius of Israel,'' Dan Senor and Saul Singer take a look at the economic strength and high quality of life for some of the people who live in [...]

Yahya Sinwar, the newly appointed political leader of Hamas, has a complex history that includes advocating for a cease-fire with Israel and expressing ambitions for Gaza to become prosperous like Singapore or Dubai. Sinwar's election as political leader solidifies his control over the group, and Israeli officials believe he has been running cease-fire negotiations behind the scenes. However, Sinwar is also seen as a mastermind behind a deadly Hamas attack in October, and Israeli officials consider him a top target for assassination. The current situation between Sinwar and Israel is one of intimate enemies, as they have been watching and analyzing each other for decades. [Extracted from the article]

Yahya Sinwar, the newly appointed political leader of Hamas, has a history of advocating for cease-fires and expressing a desire for peace. However, his recent appointment has solidified his control over the group and its military activities. Sinwar's leadership has been linked to a deadly assault on Israel by Hamas, which has led to significant destruction in Gaza. Israeli officials view Sinwar as a top target for assassination and believe he played a key role in planning the attack. Sinwar's release from prison in 2011, as part of a prisoner exchange, allowed him to rejoin Hamas and rise to a senior leadership position. [Extracted from the article]

Israel is preparing for a potential attack from Iran and regional militias in response to the assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas officials. The US is sending defensive reinforcements and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza to prevent further escalation. The Group of Seven foreign ministers expressed concern about the risk of a wider regional crisis, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that an attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah could begin as early as Monday. The shekel has fallen and Israeli stocks have dropped, while foreign carriers are suspending flights to and from Israel. The Israeli military has struck schools in Gaza City, and tensions are rising within Israel following a stabbing attack. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to try to reach a resolution and prevent further violence. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has targeted senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Beirut and Tehran, raising tensions in the region. The Israeli government has not officially claimed responsibility for the assassinations, but has not denied it either. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed to seek vengeance and ordered retaliation. The killings may complicate negotiations with Hamas and undermine US-led diplomacy with Hezbollah. While there is concern about potential escalation, Israel remains calm and analysts believe the killings will benefit the country in the long term. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has carried out twin strikes in Tehran and Beirut, targeting senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The Israeli government did not officially claim responsibility for the killings, but did not deny it either. The strikes have raised tensions in the region and could lead to retaliation. Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and efforts to get Hezbollah to stop firing missiles at Israel may be undermined. The international community has expressed concern, with China condemning the assassinations. However, within Israel, there is little panic and analysts believe the killings will benefit the country in the long term. [Extracted from the article]

Israel conducted twin strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut and Hamas in Tehran, assassinating top leaders of both organizations. The strikes were in response to a rocket attack from Lebanon that killed young people in the Golan Heights and the war in Gaza triggered by an attack on Israel. While the risks of retaliation and regional tensions are high, Israel views these actions as part of its long-term counter-terrorism strategy. The strikes may impact ongoing negotiations with Hamas and Hezbollah, and China has expressed concern about possible escalation in the region. Israel's view differs from the outside perspective, with no changes in defensive guidelines and positive commentary on the effectiveness of military actions. The impact on Iran, the chief sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, remains uncertain, but Iran's Supreme Leader has vowed retaliation. The strikes also increase risks to energy infrastructure, shipping, aviation, and personnel in the Persian Gulf region. The US Defense Secretary stated that war is not inevitable but affirmed support for Israel's defense. Targeted assassinations have a long history in Israel, and they may play a role in deterring Iran and its proxies. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has claimed responsibility for assassinating top leaders of Hezbollah in Beirut and Hamas in Tehran, demonstrating its willingness to take risks and potentially ignite regional conflict in pursuit of its enemies. The assassination of Hezbollah's Fuad Shukr in response to a rocket attack from Lebanon and the killing of Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh in retaliation for the war in Gaza have raised concerns about the future of negotiations and diplomacy in the region. While Israel views these actions as necessary for counter-terrorism, international reactions have expressed alarm and warned of possible escalation. The impact on Iran, the chief sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, remains uncertain, but retaliation is expected. The article also highlights the potential risks to energy infrastructure, shipping, aviation, and personnel in the Persian Gulf region. The US has stated its commitment to defending Israel if it is attacked. The practice of targeted assassination has a long history in Israel, and while some believe it may deter Iran and its proxies, others are unsure of its impact on ongoing hostage negotiations. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has carried out targeted assassinations of top leaders of Hezbollah in Beirut and Hamas in Tehran, demonstrating its willingness to take risks and potentially escalate regional tensions. The assassination of Hezbollah's Fuad Shukr in response to a rocket attack from Lebanon and the killing of Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh in retaliation for the war in Gaza have raised concerns about the impact on ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts. While Israel views these actions as part of its counter-terrorism strategy, there are fears of potential retaliation and increased risks to energy infrastructure, shipping, aviation, and personnel in the region. The US has stated its support for Israel's defense but hopes to prevent a broader conflict. Targeted assassinations have a long history in Israel, and some believe they may deter Iran and its proxies. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has conducted an airstrike on Beirut, killing a senior Hezbollah commander, in response to an attack in the Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals. The strike targeted Fuad Shukr, a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli officials have stated that no further hits are planned at this time, indicating a desire to avoid further escalation. Hamas, backed by Iran, later claimed that Israel had assassinated its political leader in Tehran. The targeted nature of the assault on Beirut has eased concerns of a full-blown war, but tensions remain high. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has conducted an airstrike on Beirut, killing a senior Hezbollah commander, in response to an attack in the Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals. The targeted nature of the assault on Beirut suggests that Israel does not want to escalate the conflict into a full-blown war. Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, denied responsibility for the attack in the Golan Heights. The strike in Beirut resulted in the death of at least one woman and caused the Israeli shekel to slump temporarily. The US State Department reiterated its commitment to Israel's security and is working towards a diplomatic solution. Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in daily exchanges of fire since the conflict with Hamas began in October. Iran condemned the Beirut strike and emphasized Lebanon's right to respond. Hezbollah is considered a powerful non-state actor and part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance." [Extracted from the article]

Israel has launched an airstrike on Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander in retaliation for a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people. Israeli officials have stated that they do not plan to escalate the situation further. The strike targeted Fuad Shukr, a senior military advisor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who is wanted by the US government for his involvement in a bombing in Beirut in 1983. The strike has the potential to trigger a conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, but analysts believe that both sides do not want a regional escalation. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has accused far-right members of the government of undermining the nation's war effort by supporting protests against the arrest of soldiers suspected of abusing a Palestinian prisoner. The protests resulted in unrest at two detention facilities related to the war in Gaza, with demonstrators calling for the release of the accused soldiers. The soldiers deny the charges against them. The defense minister described the events as a grave blow to national security. The support for the demonstrators came from ultra-nationalist ministers and legislators of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party. The incident occurred as Israel considers retaliation for a rocket attack from Lebanon and as the war against Hamas approaches its 10th month. The article also mentions the trauma caused by the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants and the allegations of cruelty by the attackers. The article highlights the shock of Israeli authorities at people trying to stop the police from doing their jobs and describes the deployment of troops and the attendance of the top general at the courthouse for the detainees as drains on wartime operations. The defense minister's accusations have led to demands for an investigation into his actions. The article also includes statements from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who called the actions a danger to democracy, and from Likud lawmaker Yuli Edelstein, who sided with the demonstrators. The military's personnel chief acknowledged mistakes in the arrest of the soldiers and stated that such events will not recur. The suspects are due to face a military court hearing. The article also provides [Extracted from the article]

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has accused far-right government officials of undermining the nation's war effort by supporting protests against the arrest of soldiers suspected of abusing a Palestinian prisoner. The protests resulted in the army diverting two regiments after unrest at two detention facilities related to the war in Gaza. The defense minister called the events a grave blow to national security. The support for the demonstrators came from ultra-nationalist ministers and legislators of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, indicating a shift to the right in Israel. The war against Hamas is approaching its 10th month with no sign of an imminent cease-fire. [Extracted from the article]

Israel is considering its response to a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 Druze civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a harsh response, but there are indications that Israel wants to allow talks for a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza to progress. The US and other world powers are urging calm and seeking to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from escalating into a full-blown war. [Extracted from the article]

Israel is considering its response to a rocket strike on the Golan Heights that killed 12 Druze children. The attack has raised concerns about a potential escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking a "limited but significant" action that would send a message without spiraling out of control. The US and other world powers are urging calm and calling for restraint from all parties involved. The negotiations for a cease-fire deal with Hamas in Gaza have also been affected by recent events. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to the US Congress defending Israel's war against Hamas. He urged the US to provide military aid and dismissed concerns about civilian casualties. Netanyahu framed the conflict as a battle against Iran, which he claimed wants to destroy the US. The speech was boycotted by many Democratic lawmakers and made no direct reference to a cease-fire proposal put forward by President Joe Biden. Netanyahu's visit to the US was overshadowed by the recent events in American politics, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and Biden's announcement that he would not seek a second term. [Extracted from the article]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress defending Israel's war against Hamas, positioning it as a battle against Iran. He called for the US to expedite military aid and dismissed concerns about civilian casualties. The speech, which was boycotted by many Democratic lawmakers, did not directly address President Joe Biden's cease-fire proposal. Netanyahu's visit to the US was overshadowed by recent political events, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and Biden's announcement that he would not seek re-election. The response to the speech was divided, with Republicans praising it and Democrats criticizing it. [Extracted from the article]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress, urging the US to provide weapons for Israel's war against Hamas. He defended Israel's actions and framed the conflict as a battle against Iran, which he claimed wants to destroy the US. The speech was boycotted by many Democratic lawmakers and drew protests outside the Capitol. Netanyahu rejected criticism of Israel's military actions and called for a permanent end to the fighting, including Hamas giving up its weapons. The response to the speech was divided, with Republicans praising Netanyahu and Democrats expressing cooler reactions. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit US President Joe Biden in the Oval Office and address Congress, despite Biden's previous reluctance to invite him. This visit is seen by many as a symbol of Biden's declining influence on the world stage. Netanyahu, on the other hand, is viewed as being in a better position than expected, with his troops claiming to be wrapping up operations in Gaza and having dismantled Hamas's military infrastructure. However, Netanyahu's popularity remains low, and there are ongoing challenges in the region, including the captivity of hostages and attacks from Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis. Biden's relationship with Israel has highlighted the challenges he faces in foreign policy, and his administration's attempts to influence Israel's behavior have been largely unsuccessful. The visit is also expected to be met with protests, and some members of Congress have announced their intention to boycott Netanyahu's speech. Netanyahu has been working to mend his relationship with former President Donald Trump, who has shown support for Israel but is seen as unpredictable. Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to accept a hostage deal, and some of his top aides and members of the security establishment have openly criticized him. The Oct. 7 attack has shifted Israeli public opinion to the right on security and the Palestinian issue, and Israel's international standing has suffered as a result. However, there is cautious optimism that a ceasefire agreement can be reached in Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

The Israeli military has reported significant progress in destroying Hamas' tunnel network in Gaza after nine months of fighting. The combat between Hamas and Israel has largely taken place in the tunnels, which the group has used to hide hostages and conduct operations. The Israeli army has destroyed dozens of kilometers of tunnels and hundreds of shafts, focusing on eliminating weapons factories deep within the extensive tunnel network. However, the army has also faced challenges in its underground battle, such as failed attempts to flood tunnels with seawater. The tunnels are solely used by Hamas and not by ordinary Gazans. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli security officials believe that their targeted attack on Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was successful, despite Hamas' denial. The officials claim to have tracked Deif's movements, located him, and carried out an attack that would have been difficult to survive. While Hamas says that Deif is alive, Israeli officials argue that his death, if confirmed, would be a major blow to Hamas and could help force the group to agree to a cease-fire. However, some analysts suggest that Hamas' daring attack has won them loyalty among Palestinians, and Hamas has denied reports of withdrawing from talks. [Extracted from the article]

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, with both sides engaging in destructive attacks. While both parties claim they do not want a full-blown war, there is concern that they may stumble into one or deliberately start one. The potential consequences of such a conflict include a major regional war, rising oil prices, and plunging financial markets. Efforts are being made by senior US and French diplomats to prevent escalation, but the situation remains precarious. War with Hezbollah would be devastating, as the group is a powerful military force with a large arsenal of rockets and missiles. The economic impact would be significant, with disruptions to infrastructure and education, and a potential credit downgrade for Israel. On the other side of the border, Lebanon is already facing economic challenges and further damage from a conflict would be difficult to repair. The Lebanese public is not interested in another round of combat. While no party wants a war, a miscalculation or misunderstanding could trigger one. The US is using diplomatic channels and supply chain measures to try to avoid a broader conflict. Israel would likely focus on its campaign against Hamas in Gaza before opening a second front with Hezbollah. However, there is a risk that the current tensions could escalate further in the coming months. [Extracted from the article]

Israel is currently facing a legal and political battle over the draft of Ultra-Orthodox men into the military. The Attorney General has called for the immediate recruitment of 3,000 Ultra-Orthodox recruits, with plans for larger numbers in the future. The Supreme Court ruling to end the exemption for Ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service has received broad support, despite opposition from the group. This decision has implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition government, which relies on religious parties for majority support. The front pages of newspapers in Israel reflect differing perspectives on the ruling, with center-right papers celebrating it as a historic day, while Haredi papers view it as a tragedy. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that Ultra-Orthodox men must be conscripted into military service, a decision that could challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition. The court also called for the state to stop funding seminaries whose students avoid the draft. This issue has long divided Israel and has become more contentious during the ongoing war with Hamas. The court's focus on equality has led to attempts by the government to limit the power of the judiciary. The drafting of Ultra-Orthodox men could benefit Israel's economy by relieving some of the burden on other sectors. The exemption from military service for the Ultra-Orthodox dates back to when Israel's first prime minister allowed a small number of Haredi students to study in seminaries instead of being drafted. However, as the Ultra-Orthodox population has grown, many secular Israelis argue that the exemption is unfair, especially during times of conflict. The government has been working on a conscription law to increase recruitment rates among the Ultra-Orthodox. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that the government must conscript Ultra-Orthodox men into military service and stop funding seminaries whose students avoid the draft. This decision could potentially lead to a political crisis. The court argued that the current system creates discrimination between those who are required to serve and those who are exempt. The issue of military service exemption for religious Jews has become more contentious since the recent war with Hamas, with many Israelis believing that religious Jews should not be exempt from military service. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that the government must begin conscripting Ultra-Orthodox men into military service and stop funding seminaries whose students avoid the draft. This decision could potentially lead to a political crisis. The court argued that the current system creates discrimination between those who are required to serve and those who are exempt. The issue of military service for religious Jews has become more contentious since the recent war with Hamas, with many Israelis believing that religious Jews should not be exempt from serving. The court's ruling has caused Israeli stocks to rise. The exemption from military service for Ultra-Orthodox men dates back to the early days of the state, but as the population of the Ultra-Orthodox community has grown, so has the controversy surrounding the exemption. The court quoted the state as saying that there are currently 63,000 draft-age Ultra-Orthodox men. The opposition leader, Benny Gantz, blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the situation and called for agreements that would serve the country's security needs while also ensuring equality. The Haredi parties may choose to stick with Netanyahu rather than form a new coalition. The decision has been met with anger from some members of the Ultra-Orthodox community, who argue that it infringes on their religious freedom. Secular Israelis have long called for the Ultra-Orthodox community to share the burden of military service. The recent war with Hamas has highlighted concerns about the impact of the exemption on the country's defense and economy. The [Extracted from the article]

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that the government must conscript Ultra-Orthodox men into military service and cease funding seminaries whose students avoid the draft. This decision has the potential to create a political crisis, as two religious parties had formed a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the understanding that their exemption from military service would be protected by law. The court's focus on equality has been a point of contention, leading the government to attempt to limit the power of the judiciary. The issue of exemption from military service for religious Jews has become more contentious in light of the recent war with Hamas, with many Israelis arguing that it is unacceptable for religious Jews to be exempt while the country faces ongoing security threats. The court has already issued an interim order to stop funding seminaries whose students avoid service. The exemption for Ultra-Orthodox men dates back to the early days of the state, when Prime Minister David Ben Gurion allowed a small number of Haredi students to study in seminaries instead of being drafted. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli scientists are facing a growing academic boycott due to the country's war with Hamas in Gaza. Researchers in Israel have seen invitations to conferences withdrawn, papers pulled from review, funding suspended, and requests for evaluations ignored or rejected. Universities in Belgium and other European countries have instructed their researchers to drop projects with Israeli partners or remove Israelis from consortia. The boycotts are seen as damaging not only to Israel but also to science, which relies on global collaboration. Some scholars argue that if the boycotts continue, it will have a negative impact on scientific progress worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

Benny Gantz's resignation from Israel's war cabinet is unlikely to have a significant impact on the conflict in Gaza or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's key policies. Gantz, a former military chief of staff, joined the cabinet after a deadly invasion by Hamas militants triggered the ongoing conflict. However, his influence has diminished, leading to his frustration and resignation. Netanyahu will continue to make the major decisions, and it is unlikely that Gantz's departure will result in any significant changes. [Extracted from the article]

The recent rescue of four hostages in Gaza has brought rare celebration to Israel, boosting the government and military. However, it has also highlighted the limitations of such operations and increased pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate for the release of the remaining hostages. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have called for a deal to bring the captives home, and top US officials are due to visit the region to push for an agreement. The rescue operation, reminiscent of the famous Entebbe operation in 1976, is unlikely to change the overall dynamics of the ongoing war. [Extracted from the article]

The recent rescue of four hostages from central Gaza has brought rare and intense celebration in Israel, boosting the government and military. However, it has also highlighted the limitations of such operations and increased pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate for the release of the remaining hostages. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have called for a deal to bring the captives home, and top US officials are due to visit the region to push for an agreement. The rescue, reminiscent of the famous Entebbe operation in 1976, is unlikely to change the overall dynamics of the ongoing war. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli forces have successfully freed four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza during a major assault on the central city of Nuseirat. The hostages, a woman and three men, were in good health and have been transferred to an Israeli hospital for further checks. The operation, which involved hundreds of soldiers and members of intelligence and police, resulted in heavy fighting and the deaths of at least 94 Palestinians, including children. The remaining hostages are thought to number in the dozens, and their release is expected to be negotiated through a deal with Hamas involving the US, Egypt, and Qatar. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli forces have successfully freed four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza during a major assault on the central city of Nuseirat. The hostages, a woman and three men, are in good health and have been transferred to an Israeli hospital for further checks. The Israeli Defense Minister praised the operation and vowed to continue fighting for the return of the remaining abductees. The article also mentions the death toll and casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not embraced key aspects of a proposed cease-fire deal outlined by US President Joe Biden to end the war between Israel and Hamas. While Biden believes that Israel has accomplished most of its goals in Gaza and should focus on freeing hostages and rebuilding the region, Netanyahu's government insists that Hamas must be deprived of any aggressive capacity before the war can end. There is growing pressure in Israel for a deal that frees the hostages, even if it means ending the war, but it remains unclear if Netanyahu will agree to Biden's proposal. [Extracted from the article]

LIONESS Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel By Francine Klagsbrun Illustrated. 824 pp. Schocken. $40. In late September 1973, Israel's Labor Party made its final campaign pitch for the [...]