News and features from Israel

17.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invitations have been sent to participate in the international "Board of Peace" that is meant to govern Gaza temporarily as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the Palestinian enclave, U.S. officials said. The move came after Washington on Wednesday said it was launching the second phase of Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan even as key elements of the first phase remain unfulfilled. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Ronnie Shaked, a Palestinian expert from the Hebrew University’s Truman Institute. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earthquake hits Dead Sea region-no-one hurt. PM appoints MK Eichler as dep min ensuring Haredi support for draft bill. Arab bus driver released from house arrest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State plane Wings of Zion moved abroad amid heightened Iran tensions. US administration expected to announce second phase of Gaza framework. Former army chief Halevi asked to give testimony in confidential documents leak affairSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israel Opera will be performing the opera Iolanta by Peter Tchaikovsky. It is the first time that this opera will ever be performed in Israel. Sung in Russian, with Hebrew and English subtitles, the opera tells the liberating story of a blind princess and will run from January 18 through the 28th. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with the show’s director Shirit Lee-Weiss about Iolanta. (photo: Yossi Tzveker) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel police aided by Border Police and the IDF quickly nabbed an armed gang of Bedouin who posed at IDF troops and robbed a Palestinian jewelry store in Judea. Israel Police spokesman St. Sgt. Dean Elsdoun spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about the unusual event. (photo: Israel Police) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian political analyst Younes Sadaghiani, who is based in London, spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about events in Iran. He said that Israel and other countries needed to act soon to help bring about the fall of the regime. (photo: Reuters) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has both threatened strong military action in response to the Iranian regime crackdown on protesters and said Iran wants to negotiate. Prof. Eytan Gilboa, a US expert at Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities, told KAN reporter Naomi Segal that while it is unclear how the US leader will respond to the unrest in Iran, Trump's driving motivation is his success. (Photo: Associated Press) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Animals-Now organization has launched a public awareness campaign to draw attention to what it says are problematic practices in the meat industry, and to encourage the public to eat less meat. Animals-Now CEO Shahar Dayan spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Avi Jacobson)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first 11 days of the year, 14 Arab citizens of Israel have been killed – two of them shot by police. Hundreds of people demonstrated outside of the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Sunday to protest the government's failure to curb violent crime in the Arab community. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr. Khader Sawaed, the head of the Israel Democracy Institute’s Arab Society in Israel program. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian media reports quiet night, pro-regime rallies. US President Trump says US considering strong options on Iran, says Tehran wants to negotiate. Court sentences 3 for looting the Nova siteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in Sydney, a delegation of educators from Australia and South Africa arrived in Israel for a ten-day Educators Seminar led by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF). The visit carried particular resonance, conveying a message of resilience, continuity and commitment to Jewish education. Ellie Nagel of Australia spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the personal significance of the trip. (Photo: Courtesy. Delegation plants tree in memory of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi attack)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel believes the US is likely to attack Iran in the near future. The Qatari Al Araby network reports that Israel has raised its level of alert and reinforced its air defence capabilities. The New York Times reports that President Trump has in recent days been briefed on new military strike options against Iran, as he weighs whether to follow through on his threat to respond to the regime’s violent crackdown on protesters. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser and a professor at Tel Aviv and Columbia universities. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel believes US strike on Iran likely. NYT: Trump weighing military options. Iran: We will retaliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli humanitarian aid organizations have been reporting a drop in partnerships and donations abroad since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Ayelet Levin Karp, the CEO of SID Israel, which is an umbrella organization for Israel’s international development and humanitarian aid community, said their recent survey shows a retreat from international cooperation and donors, even Jewish ones. She told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that despite this, most organizations have not collapsed and continue to work to better the world. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lebanese say they have concluded the disarmament of Hezbullah in south Lebanon. But Jerusalem is skeptical. Prof. Uzi Rabi, a senior researcher at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle East affairs at Tel Aviv University, says a clash with Hezbullah appears inevitable as Israel is not willing to entrust its security to anyone but itself. (photo: Bilal Hussein/AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel calls Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah encouraging but far from sufficient. IDF identifies failed rocket launch from Gaza Strip. Teen from north to face charges for supporting ISIS, planning attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents in the south are decrying the lawlessness that has taken hold of many of the areas due to Bedouin crime.Mayor of the community of Meitar near Bersheva, Shimon Peretz, who was meeting with President Isaac Herzog on the matter, told KAN that greater law enforcement was required, particularly to confiscate weapons. He said the relationships between the Jews and Bedouin were suffering and there was a growing insecurity by residents in the Negev. (photo: Moshe Shai/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Saar visits Somaliland.PM says Rafah crossing will only open after Gvili body return. Pres Herzog demands security for Israeli Arabs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6.1.2026 - Kan EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Press Association has expressed 'profound disappointment' with the Israeli government’s submission to the Supreme Court arguing in favor of continuing the ban on foreign journalists entering the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire. The FPA has submitted a number of petitions to the court demanding the ban be lifted. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Nicolas Rouger, a board member of the FPA. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new therapeutic space for children that recently opened in the northern border town of Shlomi introduces a first-of-its kind design concept in Israel, that treats design itself as a central tool for coping with trauma. The space integrates all five senses to foster a sense of safety and softness. The center was established by Early Starters International, an educational humanitarian organization. Early Starters International co-founder and CEO, Ran Cohen Harounoff, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Courtesy, Early Starters International)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wave of protests sparked by Iran's failing economy has entered its ninth day, as President Donald Trump renewed his threat of US intervention. On Sunday, videos published online showed demonstrations in Tehran, as well as Fars, Ilam, North Khorasan and Semnan provinces. Human rights activists said protests had taken place in 26 of the country's 31 provinces since last week, and that at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces had been killed. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Thamar Gindin from Haifa University's Ezri Center. (Photo: Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Report: Israel, Syria to renew security arrangement talks in Paris. IDF thwarts arms smuggling attempt by drone from Egypt. Israeli charged with spying for IranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Arie Kacowicz of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem speaks to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the US military strike in Venezuela and capture of the country's leader Nicolas Maduro, and its possible implications, including for Israel. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel welcomes Trump strike on Venezuela. Prime Minister Netanyahu rebuffs attorney general challenge to fire Ben Gvir. Police fatally shoot Bedouin man during raid in Negev town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As antisemitism surges globally, over 80 North American student leaders are currently in Israel to strengthen efforts to combat antisemitism. The delegation members have met with public leaders, visited the Gaza periphery and traveled north to kibbutzim impacted by the war with Hezbollah. One of the participants is Taylor Shaw, a student government representative at Rutgers University and social media chair for the university's chapter of Students Supporting Israel. Shaw spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Hasbara Fellowships/IsraelAmbassadors.com)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten foreign ministers have condemned Israel's decision to close down dozens of international NGOs providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza, urging the Israeli government to "lift these obstacles to humanitarian access and fulfill its commitments" in the territory. The foreign ministers, including from Britain, France and Canada, expressed "deep concern" over the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation and called on Israel to "ensure that international NGOs can operate in Gaza on a sustainable basis." Israel took the decision to revoke the licenses of 37 aid groups working in Gaza and the West Bank from today, claiming they failed to meet requirements under new registration rules. NGO’s that did not renew their registration are no longer allowed to operate in the Gaza Strip starting from today. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Tirza Leibovitz from Physicians for Human Rights (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40 feared dead in Swiss ski resort blast. Israel stops 37 NGOs working in Gaza. South African-Israeli philanthropist Morris Kahn dies, aged 95.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli billionaire and philanthropist Morris Kahn, the financial powerhouse behind Israel’s attempt to land on the moon and a range of social, medical and cultural endeavors, died Thursday at age 95. Kahn, a native of South Africa, moved to Israel in 1956. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with journalist Steve Linde, who made aliyah from South Africa, and was a close friend of Morris Kahn. (Photo :Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel indicates a significant shift in patterns of fertility and demographic growth in Israel. According to the findings, the rate of population growth in 2025 will be just 0.9%, the lowest since the state was founded in 1948. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Alex Weinreb, the Taub Center’s Director of Research and head of Demography, about the report. (Photo: Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Netanyahu downplays Jewish settler violence. High Court freezes state comptroller probes related to October 7th failures. Reporter show negative immigration figures for second straight year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump says Hamas must disarm soon. Netanyahu says Israel Prize will be awarded to American president. IDF to grant special recognition of war service-related suicidesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of rehabilitating the north and fostering resilience among its residents is addressing disparities in access to quality healthcare - a challenge that existed prior to the outbreak of the Gaza war. The Tzafon Medical Center is seeking to meet these challenges, including with the recent opening of its new rehabilitation center. Tamar Bodek Mala, CEO of Friends of Tzafon Medical Center spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Tzafon Medical Center)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gaza war continues to impact children, according to a survey conducted by the child development organization Tipuli. According to the poll, more than 35 percent of parents reported that their children are expressing fear and insecurity, while 30 percent reported impaired social and daily functioning of their children. Ester Kreimer, co-CEO of Tipuli spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Doron Letzter)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida Monday for talks that are expected to cover Gaza and a range of other pressing issues. Any decisions made could have a potentially momentous impact on questions that determine the future of the region. It will be their sixth meeting since Trump's return to office 11 months ago. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Eitan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israel relations from Bar Ilan and Reichman universities, ahead of the Florida meeting. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funeral to be held for second Israeli murdered in Friday terror attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu, US President Trump, to meet in Florida. Hamas military wing says will issue important statementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have termed the large-scale burning of trash by Palestinians in the West Bank as a national security threat and the potential to cause respiratory harm. The Palestinians lack sufficient local landfills and are supposed to transport their trash on trucks to other locations. But truckers often dump the trash earlier to save time and money, and the trash is then burned. The fumes cause problems both for West Bank Palestinian communities and for settlements and communities over the green line inside Israel such as Modi’in and Shoham. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Naomi Kahn from the Regavim NGO about the problem. (Photo: Environmental Protection Ministry)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has a mutuality of interests. For Somaliland it’s important diplomatic recognition and for Israel it could provide strategic depth in the conflict with Iran and Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. This according to Gerald Steinberg, a professor emeritus of political science from Bar Illan University. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan the tradition of not creating new countries is no longer a reality and Somaliland may be a breakaway, but it is a stable country and it was in Israel’s vital interest to recognize it. (photo: Abdirahman Aleeli/AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Netanyahu departs for US ahead of meeting with President Trump. Iran-linked hackers claim to have breached phone of Netanyahu chief of staff. IDF seals home of terrorist who murdered two Israelis in Friday's attack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar has reiterated his threat to cut funding from the film industry. “The creators of films that harm IDF soldiers will not receive money from the citizens of Israel,” Zohar said. “Not on my watch.” The minister said he has followed through on his threat to end funding for the Ophir Awards — which he cut after the annual ceremony gave its top prize this year to “The Sea,” a film about a Palestinian boy who dreams of seeing the Mediterranean. Zohar also announced that public funding for professional creators’ unions in movies and television will be discontinued beginning in 2026. These unions include those for directors, actors, producers, and editors. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with the Jerusalem Post film critic Hannah Brown. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.