Kan English

A growing number of Israelis, even among right-wing orthodox, are supporting freedom of marriage from the Orthodox monopoly in the state. According to a poll carried out by Hiddush, an organization for Religious Freedom and Equality, some 60 percent of the Jewish population now support recognizing all types of marriages, including civil, Conservative and Reform ceremonies. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Dr. Yifat Solel, the deputy director and legal adviser of Hiddush, about their poll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Netanyahu to hold news conference on Gaza war. Hostage families call for general strike to protest security cabinet decision on military takeover of Gaza City. Cabinet expected to authorize additional callup of reservistsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of a security cabinet meeting expected to approve a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, veteran diplomat Colette Avital spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal about her concerns over the government's war policy and its impact on Israel – both internally and internationally. (Photo: Security cabinet meeting, January 2025. Associated Press) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security cabinet convenes Thursday evening to decide on Gaza war escalation. Relatives urge IDF to block moves endangering the hostages. IDF hits Hizbullah targets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 26th Lo BaShamayim festival in the Upper Galilee, taking place August 7-5, will feature dozens of cultural events, including music, lectures and discussions on Jewish and Israeli identity, especially in the wake of October 7th. This year's festival is also a tribute to the region and its rehabilitation, and will include tours of the area. Meirav Shveiky-Fishman, chief of staff of Makom Productions, which produces the Lo BaShamayim festival, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Sigal Goldemberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabinet to convene Thursday to discuss next strategy against Hamas in Gaza, UN security council holds session on Israeli hostages, first soldiers of ultra orthodox brigade finish trainingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Maj. Gen. Gershon Hacohen served with the IDF for 42 years and today a senior researcher at the Begin Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, said that even if an IDF last maneuver destroys the remaining Hamas strongholds in central Gaza the war would only end when Hamas agrees to enter negotiations. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that even if Israel succeeds in releasing the hostages and the war declared ended, the ideology of Hamas would continue. (photo: IDF Spokesman) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sam Speigel Film School in Jerusalem has been recognized as one of the best film schools in the world. The Hollywood Reporter placed it in the top 15 international films schools and cited its diverse student body as making it “one of the only institutions in the region where Jewish, Muslim and Christian students… study, live and create side by side.” Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Benjamin Freidenberg, a lecturer of international cinema at the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson, leading a delegation of Republican Congresspeople, visited the ancient site of Shilo and the town of Ariel. Yisrael Gantz, the chairman of the Yesha Council and head of Binyamin Regional Council, told KAN that Johnson’s visit was extremely meaningful and praised him for recognizing the rights of the Jews in the holy places in Samaria. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that Johnson was very familiar with the bible. (photo: GOPIsrael) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While there has been a huge increase in calls for official boycotts against Israel, there is also a rise in “quiet boycotts” in the academic world, where Israelis are shunted aside from conferences, or researchers drop their collaboration with Israeli colleagues and more. Prof. Alon Tal, from Tel Aviv University’s Department of Public Policy and former member of the Knesset, spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan on the phenomenon. (photo: Yossi Aloni/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UN Security Council to hold special session on hostages. Tensions between political, military echelon over direction of Gaza operations. IDF overnight intercepts Houthi missile fired from Yemen at Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has voted to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Prominent law professor Mordechai Kremnitzer says he expects the High Court to overturn the dismissal of the attorney general. Speaking to KAN's Mark Weiss he said we already cannot describe Israel as a substantive democracy. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The October 7th attack and the ongoing war has brought to the forefront discussion of PTSD, how it can be identified and treated. A new form of PTSD treatment offered by medical provider Stella Israel treats PTSD not as an exclusively psychological issue, but one with physiological changes that can be reset. Its SGB treatment involves injection of a local anesthetic into a nerve bundle in the neck, serving to block PTSD symptoms. Stella Israel General Manager Jason Blankfield spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit/Inset: Elad Rachlis)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Govt set to fire Attorney General. She describes the move as unlawful. MK Edelstein publishes his draft exemption proposals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 years ago this week the Gaza disengagement took place when the government of then PM Ariel Sharon ordered the IDF to expel 8,000 Jewish residents of the Gaza Strip from their homes in 22 settlements. The dramatic event ended the Israeli presence in the coastal enclave that began in the early 1970s, a few years after the 1967 Six Day war. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with veteran settler activist Yisrael Meidad. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has criticized France, Britain and Canada, which announced they would recognize a Palestinian state. Saar quoted Hamas senior official Razi Hamed, who said that "the initiative by several countries to recognize a Palestinian state is one of the fruits of October 7." Saar wrote on X: "If this is who is applauding you - what does that say about you?" The images of hunger in Gaza and residents killed while trying to obtain food have led to fierce criticism of Israel across the world. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with veteran Foreign Ministry diplomat Jeremy Issacharoff. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hansen House, the historic Jerusalem building that currently serves as a cultural hub, once housed what was known as a leper asylum, a site that fascinated and mystified the public. For Rivka Gita Regev, the architectural marvel was home. During the 1960s, she lived in the compound of what was then known as the Hansen Government hospital, where her father served as the volunteer resident physician. Her memoir, "My Wanderings in the Gardens: The Legacy of Hansen House in Jerusalem" takes readers on a personal and historical journey. She spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Screenshot) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terror groups publish shocking videos showing two emaciated hostages, spurring calls for urgent release of hostages, end of war. IDF says destroyed 300-meter tunnel in southern Gaza Strip.. Jordan condemns far-right minister Ben Gvir's visit to Temple Mount site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women, nature, and the fragile Israeli reality lie at the heart of the video installation "Bliss" by artists Ayelet Carmi and Meirav Heiman. at the Israel Museum's Ticho House in Jerusalem. Portraits of women by artist Anna Ticho that are hung in an adjacent gallery room create a chorus to the works. Ticho House senior curator Timna Seligman spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Roni Kaufmann)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Brinn, most people know him as a long-time managing editor of The Jerusalem Post and the paper’s music critic. He is also a singer songwriter and he has just come out with a new album. It’s called A Little Something and includes a number of songs that have Gaza related themes to them. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that the October 7th massacre and subsequent war has left an impact on the Israeli music scene. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US envoy Witkoff arrives in Israel. Canada announces plans to recognize Palestinian state in September. Moroccan air force plans bearing Gaza aid land at Ben Gurion airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel is facing record-breaking temperatures and dwindling water sources, with northern streams drying up and the Water Authority sounding alarms over a severe drought. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Yuval Arbel from Tsalul, the Marine Campaign NGO dealing with water issues. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortly after the start of the Gaza war the Foreign Press Association, which represents the foreign media working in Israel, petitioned the High Court, asking that journalists be allowed to enter the enclave. Israel is still denying access, except for limited tours accompanied by soldiers from the IDF spokesperson’s unit. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Nicolas Rouger, a member of the FPA board. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tsunami fears ease. Minister Eliyahu: Hostages should be called POWs. More states say they will recognize Palestinian state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Israel Democracy Institute analysis of a Central Bureau of Statistics survey has found that 28 percent of businesses in Israel used AI in the past six months as part of their business activity. Among those businesses, 60 percent say that certain tasks formerly performed by humans are now performed by AI. Of these, 44 said this relates to routine and technical tasks only, while a smaller share, 16 percent, said it does "tasks that require thinking." Gilad Be'ery, head of the Israel Democracy Institute's Economic Reform Program, spoke to reporter Naomi Segal about the analysis, including in which sectors AI is expected to most impact employment and worker replacement. (Photo: Shutterstock)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Saar says international pressure is hardening Hamas' stance. IDF releases footage says shows Hamas looting of aid truck. Popular actor Alon Abutbul dies, aged 60See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the horrific wildfires in the Jerusalem corridor caused widespread and visible damage to the forests this past spring, Global warming too is having a strong impact this summer. Keren Kayemet L’israel, the JNF, however, has today opened a new visitors center in the Jerusalem Hills site of Sataf, a gorgeous site with flowing springs and plenty of shade. Gidi Bashan, the manager of the mountain district of the KKL, said that the new visitor center was built with green principles that integrate into the natural landscape. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that the global warming and forests were changing the nature of the flora. (photo: JNF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five presidents of Israel's leading academic institutions are calling on the Prime Minister to act immediately to solve the hunger problem in the Gaza Strip. In an open letter to Netanyahu, they state that along with a growing number of the country's residents, they are watching in shock at the footage coming from the Strip, including images of babies dying every day from hunger and disease. The letter to the Prime Minister was signed by the presidents of the Weizmann Institute, the Technion, and the presidents of Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University, and the Open University. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Prof. Leo Corry, the president of the Open University, about the letter and its effect. (photo: Abdel Kareen Hana/AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel continues pauses in Gaza Strip fighting to allow humanitarian aid deliveries, Defense Minister vows heavy action if Hamas doesn't release hostages, Houthis threaten to strike any merchant ship calling on Israel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Res. Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, says that Israel had no option but to implement the new humanitarian steps in Gaza in light of the impression given to the world of the situation in the enclave. Kuperwasser, a former head of the research division in the IDF military intelligence directorate, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about what the moves could mean for the military operation against Hamas and Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal efforts. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The announcement by president Emmanuel that France would become the first Western member of the United Nations Security Council to recognize a Palestinian state in September has caused diplomatic ructions from the Middle East through Europe to Washington. Israel and its staunch supporter the United States have blasted France's move, branding it a reward for Hamas. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Omer Zanany, head of the joint policy unit of the Mitvim Institute and the Berl Katznelson Foundation. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 IDF soldiers killed in blast against vehicle in Gaza; third succumbs to injuries from earlier, separate attack. IDF announces daily 10-hour humanitarian pauses in Gaza. Israeli navy intercepts pro-Palestinian activist boat trying to break maritime blockade of Gaza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summer, over 2,000 new immigrants—many from the U.S.—are expected to arrive in Israel amid a worsening rental shortage in Gush Dan following the recent war with Iran. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke earlier with Dennis Brodetzky, the CEO of Blueground Israel which manages furnished apartments in the Gush Dan region, about the rental trends and surge in demand for new olim struggling to find housing. (photo: Shahar Yaari/flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car ramming near Kfar Yona injures 8, IDF forces shoot dead 2 Arab terrorists hurling fire bombs on civilian cars near Bethlehem, Israel examining latest Hamas response to ceasefire/hostage release talksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel, long a prime target for cyber attacks, has seen a dramatic increase since the war with Iran last month. The cyber attackers are not just hitting institutional sights, but also going after civilians with sophisticated phishing campaigns, mostly to steal money. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Ori Segal, a co-founder and CEO of Cyvore, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, about the minds of the attackers and cautionary measures everyone should take. (photo: shuttersock) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump is pulling the US out of UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization , citing its anti-America and anti-Israel leanings as well as its woke agenda. Trump ordered a 90-day review of America’s presence in UNESCO back in February, with special emphasis on probing any “anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.” Upon conducting the review, administration officials took issue with UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies as well as its pro-Palestinian and pro-China bias, a White House official said. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Gerald Steinberg, founder and president of NGO Monitor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Various groups of Israeli psychologists are holding an emergency conference tonight at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square stressing the need to end the Gaza war and explaining how the war has impacted the whole of Israeli society , leading to a significant increase in depression and anxiety- an impact that could last for generations. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Merav Roth, a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist from Haifa university. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her new piece, "Home Work," choreographer Maya Brinner invites her two children, Mikhael and Zohar, aged 10 and 7, to turn the stage into an unexpected playful space. Created in the studio amid the ongoing war, the intimate work explores trust, shared space and family. For Brinner, the dance piece bridges two arenas in her life, as a mother and as an artist. Brinner spoke to reporter Naomi Segal about Home Work, with the next performance scheduled for July 24th at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv. (Photo: Efrat Mazor)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witkoff to meet in Rome with Dermer and Qataris on Thursday. Hamas wants Rafah crossing to reopen. Likud faction meets to oust Edelstein from Knesset FA and Defense ctee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belgian police this week questioned two Israelis who had served in Gaza during the war and were attending a music festival in Belgium. They were questioned over allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law but released after a few hours. The case was hailed as a “turning point in the global pursuit of accountability” by a Belgium-based group called the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has campaigned for the arrest of Israeli troops it accuses of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This wasn’t the first case when Israelis travelling abroad have been targeted. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Eran Shamir-Borer, Director of the Israel Democracy Institute’s Center for Security and Democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two IDF soldiers killed in separate incidents in southern Gaza Strip. Houthi missile fired at Israel falls short hours after earlier launch from Yemen intercepted. Report: United States pulling out of UNESCO See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump is pulling the US out of UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization , citing its anti-America and anti-Israel leanings as well as its woke agenda. Trump ordered a 90-day review of America’s presence in UNESCO back in February, with special emphasis on probing any “anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.” Upon conducting the review, administration officials took issue with UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies as well as its pro-Palestinian and pro-China bias, a White House official said. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Gerald Steinberg, founder and president of NGO Monitor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid-east expert Ksenia Svetlova says that Israel’s policy toward Syria was “schizophrenic” and reduced to tactical measures. A former member of the Knesset and today executive director of ROPES, the Regional Organization for Peace, Economics and Security, Svetlova told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that the Druse conflict with the Bedouin has been longstanding and vicious, some of it over drug trafficking routes and that the Druse in Syria themselves are divided over receiving aid from Israel. (photo: Omar Sanadiki/AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Force strikes Hodeidah port in Yemen as Iranian-backed Houthis continue to fire rockets at Israel, Israel delivers humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Druze in Syria, moves underway in Likud Party to oust MK Yuli Edelstein from Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense CommitteeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Knesset Constitution Committee is slated this week to discuss a controversial immigration bill being advanced by committee chair Religious Zionism party MK Simcha Rothman. Initiated against the backdrop of debate over asylum seekers, the proposed Basic Law: Entry, Immigration and Status in Israel, passed a preliminary reading earlier this year and aims to establish a legal framework for immigration and residency in Israel for those who are not eligible to immigrate under the Law of Return. It proposes sweeping immigration restrictions that have caused alarm among potentially affected population groups. These include international couples comprising Israelis and their non-citizen partners. KAN reporter Naomi Segal heard more about the concerns of the community from Gareth Williams. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when disruption has become part of routine, the Manofim contemporary art festival in Jerusalem explores the concept of the extreme. The event, which runs July 22nd-26th, will feature dozens of events, performances and exhibitions in locations through the city. Festival artistic director and co-manager Rinat Edelstein spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal (Photo: Zohar Ron) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC has recently been involved a number of controversies related to Israel. A documentary about Gaza was shelved after it was revealed that the 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas deputy minister. Last month the BBC continued a live feed from the Glastonbury music festival after punk rapper Bob Vylan led chants of ‘Death to the IDF’ from the stage. Were these unfortunate errors of judgement or a symptom of an underlying anti-Semitism? KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with John Ware, a veteran investigative reporter who has made numerous BBC documentaries. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF set to begin ground operations for first time in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah. Israel's health ministry plans to send aid to Syrian Druze. Ministerial committee recommends firing attorney generalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the United States, conservative commentator and media host Tucker Carlson declared that any American who has fought for a foreign army should lose their American citizenship… especially those who have served in the Israel Defense Forces. Steve Hartov, who is a combat veteran of the Israeli paratroopers and also a retired major in the US Air National Guard spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan on the inciteful statement by Carlson. (photo: David Cohen/flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Report: Israeli strike hits church in Gaza, killing 2. Syrian president accuses Israel of seeking to sow chaos in country. Ultra-Orthodox Shas party quits governmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jacques Neriah, of the Middle East Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, and former deputy head of assessment for IDF military intelligence, said Israel’s warning to Syrian leader is that if you harm the Druze his regime would be in danger. He said that Israel’s actions were part of a new strategy to make the area of southern Syria demilitarized. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that despite the conflict, talks on security arrangements between Israel and Syria could still occur. (photo: SANA via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.