Christians in Jerusalem celebrate Christmas facing discrimination and economic burdens, including exorbitant taxes like the “Arnona”, on churches, freezing of bank accounts, seizure of properties and holy sites, and activities by settlement associations

Israeli-founded startup Believer Meats, a biotechnology firm that creates chicken, lamb and beef products from animal cells, has ceased operations in Israel and the US for running out of funds; it faces a lawsuit over $34 million in unpaid bills

A software error in a widely used genetic screening test led to incorrect results for a rare mutation linked to a serious neurological disease in fetuses; the flaw affected analysis of the MECR gene, which is tested in both parents to assess fetal risk.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature asked Israel Nature and Parks Authority to protect the Buxton’s jird; the rodent, in an area threatened by urban development, is listed lists as vulnerable to extinction by Small Mammals Specialist Group

All 20 remaining living hostages have returned to Israel, after two years in Hamas captivity; US President Trump personally joined celebrations