Former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked refused visa to enter Australia, over her opposition to a Palestinian state. 'An antisemitic decision and a black day for Australian democracy.'

A military jeep picked up Daniella Weiss, without authorization of the top brass, and took her into a closed military zone in Gaza where she scouted out potential locations for a Jewish community.

<p>Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani responded to the ICC warrants: “We support the ICC, while always remembering that the court must play a legal role and not a political role. We will evaluate together with our allies what to do and how to interpret this decision.”</p>

<p>A UK government spokesperson commented on the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant.</p><p>"We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court, which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern.”</p><p>“This government has been clear that Israel has a right to defend itself, in accordance with international law. There is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, which are terrorist organizations.</p><p>“We remain focused on pushing for an immediate ceasefire to bring an end to the devastating violence in Gaza. This is essential to protect civilians, ensure the release of hostages, and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza."</p>

<p>Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Attorney General, has withdrawn his candidacy.</p><p>"I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," Gaetz stated.</p><p>"I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America," he added.</p><p>President-elect Trump stated: "I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!"</p>

Barrage of ten rockets fired towards Nahariya and its environs, man critically injured in rocket strike dies shortly afterwards.

Sirens sound in the Upper Galilee

<p>Braen Direktor, age 27 from Maalot-Tarshiha, has been named as the man killed in a Thursday morning rocket strike on a park in Nahariya. He is the fourth person to be killed in Nahariya in less than a month.</p>