IDAN KWELLER

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

An election campaign poster featuring Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu alongside US President Donald Trump is displayed on the back of a bus in Jerusalem, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 25, 2026.

Trump repeats endorsement of Netanyahu, calls for Israel, US to 'finish the job'

(L/R) US President Donald Trump greets Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC on November 7, 2025.

'MAGA conservatives' dream candidate': Trump administration eyes Orban as next UN chief - report

US President Donald Trump prepares to board Air Force One on October 25, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Trump rules out Sunday strike on Iran as Netanyahu warns Israel faces imminent existential threat


Netanyahu shows 'political desperation' in push for Trump backing, US sources tell 'Post'

As Netanyahu seeks more Trump endorsements before Israel's elections, US officials signal readiness to work with any government and pursue regional deals.

Banner from the Likud campaing showing Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

US updates Israel travel warning, cites growing threat from Iran-backed Houthis

The travel advisory update warns of potential escalation by Iranian-backed Houthis, while keeping Israel at Level 3 and maintaining Level 4 restrictions in designated border areas.

 Footage released by Houthi Military Media says to show a launch of missile, which the Houthis say they fired at Israel, at an unknown location in this screen grab obtained from a handout video released on December 19, 2024.

Rubio received intel. warning of Iranian plots against US diplomats, official confirms to ‘Post’

The confirmation follows an Axios report revealing a US intelligence warning that Iran has significantly escalated efforts to target American personnel in the Middle East and beyond.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in New York, US, September 23, 2026.

US, Israel plan renewed Iran strikes after midterms, focusing on short, intense attacks - report

According to the report, the plans focus on a short, intensive military operation that could last approximately three days and include strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

 A joint exercise between the IAF and US Air Force

Vance downplays choice not to support Netanyahu, says won't endorse 'any more foreign candidates'

"I'm going to be focused on the midterm elections here in the United States of America," Vance told reporters.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance meet at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem last month. US politics has transformed Israel into a volatile symbol of domestic partisan identity, the writer asserts.

Abdul El-Sayed faces Michigan Senate race controversy over Hamas remarks by Democratic activist

A hidden-camera investigation has sparked controversy in Michigan's Senate race over claims involving Hamas and foreign donations, with Abdul El-Sayed's campaign rejecting the activist's allegations.

Democrat US Senate candidate for Michigan Abdul El-Sayed speaks on stage with US Representative Ayanna Pressley (L), Democrat of Massachusetts during a midterm campaign rally in Flint, Michigan on October 18, 2026.

Veteran UNRWA teacher exposes alleged Hamas radicalization, hatred of Jews in Gaza schools

A UNRWA teacher of 15 years alleged that Gaza schools taught hatred of Jews and glorified Hamas. After speaking out, she was threatened: “If you don't stop arguing, we will cut out your tongue.”

UNRWA has operated schools for generations of Palestinian children in Gaza, but its education system has faced mounting scrutiny over the curriculum and materials used in its classrooms.

US VP Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu despite Trump’s backing ahead of Israeli election

Vance said that he endorses American candidates and does not intend to get involved in Israeli elections, just a day after Trump offered Netanyahu his “Complete and Total Endorsement."

US Vice President JD Vance and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak during a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, October 22, 2025.

Netanyahu, Hegseth hold covert meeting at Israel's Ovda air base days before Israel's election

Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the meeting, but IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior Israeli officials were not invited for confidentiality reasons.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (R) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) during an arrival ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., on July 9, 2025.

Trump says Saudi Arabia may accept Israeli help against Houthis, revive Abraham Accords

Trump expressed confidence that the Abraham Accords could gain renewed momentum with Saudi Arabia.

US President Donald Trump looks on while he speaks to reporters as he departs the White House for Joint Base Andrews en route to Dalton, Georgia, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, US, October 16, 2026.