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Jun 12 2026POLITICS

France Bans Israeli Finance Minister Over Settlement Plans

A new wave of sanctions has hit the European Union as France joins a growing list of countries banning Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The move follows similar actions by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, all of which have targeted officials who push for expan

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Jun 07 2026POLITICS

Can nations act alone on Israel-West Bank issues?

France and some European friends are quietly putting together a list of people to punish for recent violence in the West Bank. These aren't big dramatic moves—just freezing bank accounts and banning certain people from traveling. The catch? Each country might pick different names, so no single world

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Jun 06 2026POLITICS

A Family’s Life Shattered by Gunfire in Hebron

A seven-month-old baby died and his parents were injured after Israeli soldiers fired shots at their car near Hebron in the West Bank. The baby, named Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was hit by a bullet that went through his face and head. His parents were also struck—his mother took a bullet to her cheek, whi

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Jun 04 2026POLITICS

Israel Approves More Housing in West Bank: What It Means for Peace

Israel recently greenlit plans to build over 2, 000 new homes in three West Bank settlements, a move that’s stirring fresh debates about land disputes and future borders. The decision, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to strengthen Israel’s presence in the territory, which most countri

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Jun 04 2026POLITICS

A closer look at Israel's latest West Bank housing plans

Israel’s government just approved plans to build over 2, 000 new homes in three West Bank settlements. These areas are under Israeli control but claimed by Palestinians for a future state. Most countries see these settlements as against international law, making peace talks harder. Finance Minister

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Jun 01 2026POLITICS

Life by the Border: The Cost of Crossing Divides

In a quiet town near Nablus, a 26-year-old man named Imad Haroun Ishtayeh ran a small business—just another family trying to get by. His poultry slaughterhouse kept him busy, but the West Bank’s economic crisis made it hard to survive. Even with his father relying on him, the money wasn’t enough. So

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Soldiers Reassigned After Arresting CNN Crew

An Israeli battalion that had taken a CNN crew into custody is back on duty after a month’s pause, according to a security insider. The unit belongs to the ultra‑Orthodox “Netzah Yehuda” group and has just finished a training session on ethics. Military radio says it will resume normal operations so

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Apr 10 2026POLITICS

New Settlement Push Adds Fuel to West Bank Tensions

Israel quietly approved 34 new West Bank outposts in early April, a move condemned by Palestinian leaders as a direct break from international rules. While the government didn’t issue a formal announcement, local media broke the news after military censors cleared the details for publication. Most o

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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

The Rise of Violent Settler Attacks in the West Bank

In recent months, violence by some Israeli settlers against Palestinians has grown louder and more dangerous. This trend started to notice people after the war with Iran began, but it has been building for years. Experts say that attacks have become bigger and scarier. One researcher at a s

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

New Land Rules Spark Tension in West Bank

Israel’s cabinet has just passed a new plan that will let settlers buy land more easily in the West Bank, a move Palestinians say is a step toward full annexation. The decision marks the first time since 1967 that Israel has opened a formal land‑registration process for this occupied territory. T

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