1st Arab Muslim Israeli border police commander
Yasser Hadaya Asadi declared, “The sky is the limit” on receiving the rank of deputy commissioner in Israel’s border police. He will lead the Adumim battalion, helping secure the Jerusalem envelope, bringing with him three decades of operational experience.
Israel and Morocco begin defense coordination
Israel and Morocco have agreed on a joint military work plan for 2026. It was formalized during the Joint Military Committee, in Tel Aviv that coincided with five years since Jerusalem and Rabat normalized relations under the Abraham Accords.
Iran’s leader-in-waiting visits Israel
While we watch events in Iran unfold, Israel had an important visitor - Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former leader, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Israel has many grass-roots supporters inside Iran.
Hypocritical Colombia deploys Israeli defense system
Colombia's anti-Israel President Gustavo Petro accused Israel of genocide but has continued the strategic integration process of Israel Aerospace Industries Barak MX air defense systems, which won a $131.2 million tender in 2022. “Business is Business”, I suppose.
Israelis in Muslim Somaliland
Rabbi Yosef Garmon was warned by many to take off his skullcap when visiting Somaliland, but when he reached Hargeisa, the rabbi was greeted by crowds yelling “Am Yisrael Chai,” (“The Jewish People Live)”. And read what Somaliland’s envoy to the USA, and Israeli journalists say.
Look who is Honduras’ new president
National Party’s Nasry Asfura won Honduras’ Presidential election. He is the son of Christian Arabs who emigrated from British mandate Palestine in the 1940s. Asfura told Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar that he wished to strengthen ties with Israel.
Indigenous Chileans visit Israel
A delegation from Chile recently visited Israel for the first time. It included Ivan Enrique Pardes Pichinao, the President of the indigenous Kupal Pichinao Mapuche community. They were also persecuted by the Spanish as heretics in the late 15th century and now share a spiritual bond with Israel.
East Med allies increase ties
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have signed a new trilateral military cooperation work plan for 2026, further deepening security ties among the three eastern Mediterranean partners. It includes joint military exercises and training, working groups across multiple domains, and ongoing strategic dialogue.
Big increase in Haredi IDF enlistment
537 men from the ultra-Orthodox sector enlisted in the Dec-Jan cohort for haredi tracks in the army, many joining IDF combat units. Others have enrolled in a course incepted by the Ma'alot Tzur association, to be trained as IDF welfare officers, and serve soldiers from the haredi community.
Holydays in Israel
Sharon took a tour from Jerusalem to the Western Galilee. Her photos show how this season is peacefully and respectfully celebrated in Israel by members of different faiths. And (TY Hazel) the Jerusalem Municipality again distributed free Christmas trees to the city’s Christian residents.