Israel

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

Many diplomats boycotted Netanyahu's speech UN General Assembly, in which he promised that Israel would “hunt down” its enemies and “finish the job” in Gaza, rejecting international criticism

Simon Leviev, infamously known as the ‘Tinder Swindler,’ was detained upon his arrival at Batumi International Airport; the information was released by Leviev’s lawyer who adds that the reasons for his arrest in Georgia remain unclear

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index gained 1,7% as shares rose to new record highs at the end of trading day yesterday following an Israeli airstrike that targeted top Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar; index has marked over +32% so far this year

Yinon Levi, a sanctioned settler who allegedly shot dead prominent Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen near Umm al Kheir, West Bank, was given 4 days of house arrest by Jerusalem Court; he was driving 'recklessly' a heavy construction vehicle through Umm

Israel reportedly recited the call for immediate peace in the Gaza Strip, jointly advanced by 28 countries, by stating it is 'disconnected from reality and passing the wrong message to Hamas'