IDAN KWELLER

Idan Kweller is the diplomatic correspondent for the Hebrew news site, Walla .

A worker pours honey into a jar at the Raikin apiary in Moshav Sde Eliezer in northern Israel on September 19, 2022 ahead of the Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashanah; illustrative

Demand for food assistance surges 32% ahead of Rosh Hashanah

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, after a joint news conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2026.

Israel’s ‘crazy election’ making it ‘a little irrational’ in regards to Gaza plan, Kushner says

 US Vice President JD Vance speaks during a press briefing, the first since Karoline Leavitt stepped down as press secretary, at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, September 3, 2026.

JD Vance: Only US can protect Strait of Hormuz, prevent global energy crisis


'Facts matter less': Israel, Huckabee slam UK foreign secretary over Gaza medicine claims

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee backed the Foreign Ministry, writing: “the Brits have lost it. Their government’s Jew hatred knows no bounds and recognizes no facts.”

Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband arrives to attend a cabinet meeting after the summer recess at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, September 1, 2026.

Israeli woman attacked overnight at Paris hotel, Foreign Ministry says

An Israeli woman in her 80s was attacked at a Paris hotel, with the Foreign Ministry saying its officials are maintaining contact with her and her family as the case is handled.

 Illustrative: A police officer waits outside the courtroom at the courthouse in Paris, March 31, 2025.

Military, economic pressure on Iran may lead to internal uprising, US officials say

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the pressure on Tehran could lead the Iranian public to rise up against the regime or cause the IRGC to turn against itself.

A security personnel stands guard as Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, in Tehran, Iran, March 13, 2026

Senior Israeli official: Settler violence harming Israel, Syria security deal attempt failed

A senior Israeli said that talks on a security agreement with Damascus failed, and that no progress has been on disarming Hamas

IDF soldier operating on Israel's border with Syria, September 9, 2025.

Iran leadership is willing to take extreme measures to disrupt Gulf shipping, JD Vance says

According to Vance, the United States is now at a stage where a significant portion of its activity in the region is aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice President JD Vance arrives to discuss anti-fraud initiatives during a visit to Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing at Milwaukee Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US July 8, 2026.

'Ballsack Zionist': Jewish politician Lander insulted while protesting NYC Hindu nationalist event

"You look like a scrotum, you filthy ballsack!" one protester shouted at Democratic Congressional candidate Brad Lander at Madison Square Garden, adding. "F*** you, ballsack Zionist!"

Former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander speaks during a press conference outside of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 24, 2026 in New York City.

US calls on international governments to protect Jewish communities ahead of High Holy Days

In recent days, the State Department sent instructions to US diplomatic missions around the world to contact local governments and request that they increase security around synagogues.

A protester holds a sign that reads ‘Anti-Semitism Kills!’ during the ‘Britain Stands With British Jews’ rally at Downing Street in May in London, England. Antisemitic incidents have risen dramatically against Jews globally and in the United States and violence has become once again part of Jewish l

New York Governor Kathy Hochul promises to increase holiday security at synagogues, Jewish sites

About two weeks ago, a man broke into Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue, attacked a worshiper and a security guard, and caused property damage. He was later charged with hate crimes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul listens as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during the annual New York State Financial Control Board meeting on August 12, 2026 in New York City.

US denies Lebanese report that Ambassador Michael Issa got 'green light' to meet Hezbollah

Issa himself denied on Wednesday that he is currently holding any talks with Hezbollah, but said he would be willing to speak with the organization if it had something to offer.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa looks on during a US hosted meeting with Israeli and Lebanese delegations at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2026.

Trump says Iran is 'in deep trouble' as US maintains blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Asked why Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed or committed not to attack NATO territory, Trump responded, “I had good conversations with him. He is not going to attack NATO territory.”

US President Donald Trump reacts as he speaks to the media with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent behind him, on the day of a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, Turkey, July 8, 2026.