The Times of Israel liveblogged Saturday’s events as they unfolded.

Report: US and another country behind drone attack on Iran defense facility

Screen grab from an unverified video circulating on social media said to show explosion at a defense facility in Iran's Isfahan after an alleged drone strike, January 28, 2022 {Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Screen grab from an unverified video circulating on social media said to show explosion at a defense facility in Iran's Isfahan after an alleged drone strike, January 28, 2022 {Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

A drone attack on an Iranian defense facility overnight was carried out by the US Air Force and another unidentified country, Saudi-state broadcaster Al Arabiya quotes American sources as saying.

According to the report, the attack targeted a stash of ballistic missiles.

IDF says residents of settlement can leave homes, hours after attempted attack

A gun found on a Palestinian suspect who was shot dead near the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, January 28, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)
A gun found on a Palestinian suspect who was shot dead near the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, January 28, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Home Front Command says residents of the West Bank settlement of Kedumim can return to their routines after an armed suspect apparently attempted to attack the community.

A Palestinian man armed with a handgun was shot dead by a security guard near the settlement several hours ago.

After the incident, the Israeli Defense Forces said troops were scanning the area for additional possible suspects. Sirens also sounded in the settlement as residents were ordered to remain indoors while the army searched the area.

The IDF says the sweep has been completed and there is no longer a concern of more attackers.

“The handling of the incident has come to an end. You may leave your homes and move about the area without any restrictions,” the IDF says.

Ben Gvir says he will propose law allowing death penalty for terrorists

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks to onlookers asat the scene of a terror attack in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, on January 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks to onlookers asat the scene of a terror attack in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, on January 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says after a security cabinet meeting that he will soon propose a law allowing for the death penalty against terrorists.

“I hope we will pass it with a big majority,” he says in a statement.

He says the security cabinet’s newly announced measures in response to terrorism are “important” but that he wants “a lot more and I will continue and will strive for more and more decisions for combating terror.”

Sister of terror victim berates Likud’s Nir Barkat at funeral

Friends and family attend the funeral for Eli and Natali Mizrahi, January 29, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Friends and family attend the funeral for Eli and Natali Mizrahi, January 29, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The sister of Eli Mizrahi, a victim of yesterday’s terror attack, berates Likud lawmaker Nir Barkat at her brother’s funeral.

Eli and Natali Mizrahi were killed by the Palestinian terrorist when they went outside to help victims of the shooting and are being buried in Beit Shemesh.

Eli Mizrahi’s sister interrupts Barkat, the economy minister, as he speaks at the funeral.

“Get out of here. You’re talking like that because there are people around and there’s media. You’re putting on a show,” she tells him, according to Army Radio.

Eli Mizrahi’s father says he implored the couple to stay off the street during the attack.

“I cried out for them to not go down, but they didn’t answer. They heard gunfire and went out to help,” he says.

Father of 14-year-old terror victim: ‘You’re in a good place now’

Asher Natan, 14, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Asher Natan, 14, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

The father of Asher Natan, a 14-year-old victim of yesterday’s terror shooting in Jerusalem, eulogizes him at his funeral in Jerusalem.

“I always wanted so much for things to be good for you. Now you’re in a good place for eternity,” Aharon Natan says of his son.

The funeral procession is now on its way to the boy’s burial place on the Mount of Olives.

Security cabinet decides to ‘strengthen settlements,’ seal off terrorist’s home

The security cabinet decides on a series of responses to recent terror attacks, including new measures to “strengthen settlements,” the Prime Minister’s Office says after a late night meeting. The exact nature of the measures will be announced this week.

The security cabinet also decides to seal off the house of the terrorist who carried out Friday’s Jerusalem shooting attack, before it is destroyed.

The ministers elect to cancel National Insurance and other benefits for families of terrorists that support their actions.

On Sunday, a law nullifying the national ID number of terrorists’ family members who support attacks will be debated in the meeting of the full cabinet.

In order to prevent future attacks, the process for attaining gun permits will be streamlined and will be opened to more citizens.

Additional soldiers and police will be deployed, and security forces will embark on a series of operations to gather intelligence, confiscate illegal firearms and carry out arrests.

Armed Palestinian shot dead by guard near West Bank settlement, medics say

Security forces at the West Bank settlement of Kedumim after a security guard killed a Palestinian said to be armed with a handgun, January 28, 2023. (Gabi Ivgi/Courtesy)
Security forces at the West Bank settlement of Kedumim after a security guard killed a Palestinian said to be armed with a handgun, January 28, 2023. (Gabi Ivgi/Courtesy)

A Palestinian man allegedly armed with a handgun has been shot dead by a security guard near the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, medics say.

According to the Rescuers Without Borders emergency service, the suspect approached Kedumim’s northern neighborhood, where he was spotted and shot by a settlement security guard on a patrol.

The service says the suspect has been killed and there are no other injuries.

Security forces are scanning the area for other possible suspects. A siren sounds in the settlement as residents have been ordered to remain indoors until further notice.

There is no immediate comment from the military on the incident.

Kedumim is in the northern part of the West Bank near the Palestinian city of Nablus.

Final victim of Jerusalem terror attack named as Ilya Sosansky, 26

Ilya Sosansky, 26, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Ilya Sosansky, 26, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

The seventh and final victim of last night’s terror attack in Jerusalem is named as 26-year-old Ilya Sosansky.

Sosansky was shot dead by the terrorist in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood.

Earlier, the names of the other six victims were published.

Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45, a couple that had gone outside to try and help those who had been shot, Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, Asher Natan, 14, Shaul Hai, 68, and Irina Korolova, a Ukrainian national.

Security cabinet meeting ends

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the security cabinet after two terror attacks in Jerusalem, January 28, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the security cabinet after two terror attacks in Jerusalem, January 28, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)

A meeting of the high-level security cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has ended.

The cabinet was convened earlier this evening following two terror shooting attacks in Jerusalem and heightened tensions in the region.

There are no further details on any decisions made during the meeting.

Ukrainian national Irina Korolova named as sixth victim of Jerusalem terror attack

Irina Korolova, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Irina Korolova, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

Irina Korolova, a Ukrainian national, is identified as the sixth victim of last night’s terror attack in Jerusalem’s Neve Ya’akov neighborhood.

According to Hebrew media reports, Korolova worked as a caretaker.

There were no immediate details regarding her funeral arrangements.

Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that one of the victims was a Ukrainian.

“We share [Israel’s] pain after the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem. Among the victims is a [Ukrainian] woman,” he says on Twitter.

“Sincere condolences to the victims’ families. The crimes were cynically committed on the [International] Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

“Terror must have no place in today’s world. Neither in [Israel] nor in [Ukraine],” he adds.

Seven people were killed in the shooting attack.

Earlier, the names of five of the victims were published. Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45, a couple that had gone outside to try and help those who had been shot, Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, Asher Natan, 14, and Shaul Hai, 68.

One victim has not yet been publicly named.

Fifth victim of Jerusalem terror attack named as Shaul Hai, 68

Shaul Hai, 68, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Shaul Hai, 68, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

The fifth victim of the shooting attack last night in Jerusalem’s Neve Ya’akov neighborhood is named as 68-year-old Shaul Hai.

Hai was a gabbai (sexton) at a synagogue in the neighborhood, but not the one where the attack took place, according to the Kikar Shabbat news site.

The site says Hai was killed while heading to a Torah lesson at his synagogue.

Seven people were killed in the terror attack.

Earlier, the names of four of the victims were published. Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45, a couple that had gone outside to try and help those who had been shot, Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, and Asher Natan, 14.

The other two victims have not yet been named. One is identified as a Ukrainian woman.

Channel 13 news crew attacked by protesters at scene of Jerusalem terror attack

Channel 13 news journalists and crew reporting from the scene of last night’s terror attack in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood are attacked by a group of demonstrators.

Footage shows the crowd pushing over fences surrounding the location where the broadcast was being held.

“Leftists go home!” the crowd chants.

 

Jerusalem terror victims to be buried tonight

Victims killed in a terror attack in Jerusalem on January 27, 2023: Asher Natan, 14, and Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45. (Courtesy)
Victims killed in a terror attack in Jerusalem on January 27, 2023: Asher Natan, 14, and Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45. (Courtesy)

Eli and Natali Mizrahi, victims of the shooting attack in Jerusalem last night will be buried at the Derech Hachaim cemetery near the city of Beit Shemesh at 11:30 p.m., the municipality says.

A funeral for 14-year-old Asher Natan will begin at 11 p.m. at the Har HaMenuchot Cemetery, and he will be buried at the Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives, according to Hebrew-language media reports.

There are no immediate details on the funerals for the four other victims.

Clashes reported between Palestinians, police in East Jerusalem

Palestinian media outlets report clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police in East Jerusalem’s Shuafat refugee camp and Jabel Mukaber neighborhood.

Footage from the area shows Palestinians launching fireworks, apparently toward officers.

There is no immediate comment from police on the incidents.

Tel Aviv anti-government protest winds down

Israelis gather in Tel Aviv on January 28, 2023 during a protest against controversial government plans to give lawmakers more control of the judicial system. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)
Israelis gather in Tel Aviv on January 28, 2023 during a protest against controversial government plans to give lawmakers more control of the judicial system. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)

Dampened by this weekend’s deadly Jerusalem terror attacks, an anti-government protest on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street is already winding down.

Channel 12 news, citing police estimates, says 30,000 people showed up.

Last week, the street drew over 100,000 Israelis to protest the government’s judicial reform plan, which protesters say is a threat to democracy. A fraction of that number was estimated to arrive this weekend.

Gallant calls to sanction family members of terrorists

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets with top military officials, January 27, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets with top military officials, January 27, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Gallant during an assessment with top military officials calls to sanction family members of terrorists.

“I instructed the security establishment to increase defensive efforts with an emphasis on the area surrounding Jerusalem and to increase deterrence and preventative actions against anyone who is involved or plans to harm civilians,” Gallant says in a statement.

Gallant says he instructed his office to examine imposing sanctions against terrorists and their families.

“We will not allow a situation in which a person who receives rights from the State of Israel, murders Israeli citizens and remains a resident of the state,” he says.

Protesters hold muted march in Jerusalem

Protesters gather in Jerusalem against government judicial plans, January 28, 2023. (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
Protesters gather in Jerusalem against government judicial plans, January 28, 2023. (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)

When the speeches at a protest in Jerusalem against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s planned judicial overhaul came to an end, singers performed quiet songs.

“We’re trying to find a way to honor and give respect,” said a protest organizer. “We are represented here by all sides of the political spectrum.”

After singing Hatikva, the crowds began dispersing, and protest organizers moved the protesters toward Azza Road, closer to Netanyahu’s house.

Protesters first marched quietly down the side streets of Rechavia, and soon began calling, whistling, and chanting for democracy.

“We won’t agree to a nation without legal safeguards,” chanted the crowd, standing in the middle of Azza Road, a major city street.

Anti-occupation group joins in weekly anti-government protest

Protesters in Tel Aviv carry the Palestinian flag, January 28, 2023. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)
Protesters in Tel Aviv carry the Palestinian flag, January 28, 2023. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)

Palestinian flags wave over Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street, as anti-occupation protesters assert their stance after largely conceding to pressure to down the nationalist symbol in last Saturday’s protest.

Chanting “there’s no such thing as justice and occupation,” dozens of left-wing Israelis hold court in a prominent corner.

“It’s not a nationalist thing,” to Liam Bernheimer, 20, from Petah Tikva. “This flag represents the millions of people who live here under the Israeli government and they don’t really have human rights. Because this flag represents them, I wave it.”

“Yea, sure, the right and maybe center left will say it’s ruining the cause,” says Bernheimer, especially in the backdrop of increased sensitivities following this weekend’s terror attacks, “but I think if we fight for a state that doesn’t have rights for everyone, it’s not a democracy.”

Tens of thousands gather in Tel Aviv for 4th weekly protest against government’s judicial plans

Israelis hold placards and wave flags in Tel Aviv on January 28, 2023 during a protest against controversial government plans to give lawmakers more control of the judicial system. (Jack Guez/AFP)
Israelis hold placards and wave flags in Tel Aviv on January 28, 2023 during a protest against controversial government plans to give lawmakers more control of the judicial system. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Despite registering a more muted tone in the wake of this weekend’s Jerusalem terror attacks, tens of thousands gather on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street to protest the government’s sweeping judicial reform platform.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the plan to increase political control at the expense of the courts is restoring balance among authorities, critics and protesters decry the measures as threats to liberal democracy.

Under a sign emblazoned with “doctors are fighting for the life of democracy,” stands Yarden Dor, 30, from Tel Aviv.

The medical intern said she joined the protest because she is worried about “what’s going on now with [politicians’] statements about the Supreme Court,” including plans to take political control over judicial appointments and to pass laws to neuter its oversight over the Knesset.

“It started with this and it can go to how to work in our hospitals and what kind of patients to take care of,” she adds.

In a change from last week, the steady throb of drumbeat and chanting from a megaphone are the only music on the street, after protester organizers cut more of the carnival-like elements in the wake of two terror attacks that claimed seven lives in the Israeli capital.

Nevertheless, protesters still flocked to several sites across Israel.

“I think we should protest every week, even with” the terror attacks, Dor says. “Something is wrong here.”

Netanyahu vows ‘strong, fast’ response to terror, calls on citizens not to take law into own hands

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the security cabinet after two terror attacks in Jerusalem, January 28, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the security cabinet after two terror attacks in Jerusalem, January 28, 2023. (Haim Zach/GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the beginning of a security cabinet meeting to discuss the deadly terror attacks and heightened tension, calls on Israelis not to take the law into their own hands.

“Our response will be strong, fast and accurate,” Netanyahu says. “Whoever tries to hurt us — we will harm them, and anyone who helps them.”

“We are not looking for escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” he says.

“I call again to the citizens of Israel: Do not take the law into your hands. We are not in the days of the [Jewish] Underground. We have a sovereign country, with an excellent army, government, and security forces,” Netanyahu adds. “Let them do their work.”

The prime minister thanks President Biden and other world leaders for their messages “standing by Israel at this time.”

Praising the security forces, he says Israel is bolstering deployments. Israel will also “seal and demolish” the terrorists’ homes, “in an accelerated process” so that those who support terrorism pay an additional price.

He says the government will speed up the process by which eligible citizens can acquire gun licenses. “As we have seen time and again, including this morning [when the 13-year-old shooter near the Old City was neutralized], this saves lives.”

Israeli expats protest planned judicial overhaul in New York

Israeli expats hold a demonstration in New York against the government's planned judicial overhaul, January 28, 2023. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)
Israeli expats hold a demonstration in New York against the government's planned judicial overhaul, January 28, 2023. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)

Several hundred protesters gather in New York City to decry Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s planned judicial overhaul.

The crowd in Washington Square park bears Israeli flags and signs that read, “Democracy now and for all,” “Israel democracy, not demockracy,” and “Fascism is not ok.”

Speakers address the crowd in Hebrew and English and lead chants of, “From the river to the sea, all people must be free.”

“We’re here because we’re afraid for democracy in Israel,” one speaker tells the crowd. “We need the Supreme Court to be independent.”

“There are a lot of Israelis and Jewish Americans here in New York who are standing in solidarity with the protests in Israel, who are worried about the situation in Israel, the legal reform that Netanyahu and his allies are trying to have,” says Omer Lubaton Granot.

“We’re worried about democracy and we’re trying to do our part.”

Palestinian gunman opens fire at West Bank restaurant; no injuries

A Palestinian gunman opened fire at a restaurant near the Almog Junction close to Jericho in the West Bank earlier this evening, the military says.

Surveillance camera footage of the incident showed the gunman armed with an assault rifle and another person approaching the restaurant.

A military source says the gunman had a jam in his weapon and only managed to fire one shot, before fleeing the scene.

The Israel Defense Forces says it has launched a manhunt for the suspects who fled in a vehicle.

There are no injuries in the attack.

MDA paramedic, an East Jerusalem Arab, describes terror scene; TV host hails him as ‘amazing man’ who encapsulates ‘our crazy paradox’

Fadi Dekidek, a senior medic with Magen David Adom emergency services, who was the first medic on the scene of the deadly January 27, 2023 terror attack in Nave Yaakov, Jerusalem, speaks to Channel 12 news on January 28, 2023. (Channel 12 screenshot)
Fadi Dekidek, a senior medic with Magen David Adom emergency services, who was the first medic on the scene of the deadly January 27, 2023 terror attack in Nave Yaakov, Jerusalem, speaks to Channel 12 news on January 28, 2023. (Channel 12 screenshot)

Fadi Dekidek, the first Magen David Adom paramedic on the scene of Friday night’s deadly terror attack in Neve Ya’akov, describes the “very difficult” scene he encountered, as he checked the pulses of victims and realized that many of them were dead, and worked to treat the casualties.

He tells Channel 12 news in an interview that the police had given his team the okay to enter the scene, even though gunfire was still audible nearby — possibly from the exchange in which the terrorist, Alqam Khayri, 21, a resident of East Jerusalem, was shot dead by police officers nearby.

Dekidek says he has been with Magen David Adom for many years, and encountered many terrible scenes, but this was of a different order.

As the senior medic at the scene, “I had to check all the people, to my sorrow including all the fatalities, and to oversee the scene… and to enter the [Ateret Avraham] synagogue, in order to check that there was nobody inside. We had received a [first, inaccurate] report that the incident took place in the synagogue, but fortunately, there was nobody injured inside.”

Ben Caspit, the Channel 12 host, says to him: “Fadi, you realize that you are a man who encapsulates our whole story here. One amazing man. An Arab from East Jerusalem. Someone from your people carried out [this terror attack]. You save the Jews. You treat them. That’s the whole crazy paradox we live in — you encompass it.”

Dekidek responds: “I’m sure you and the public all know that Magen David Adom is a state all of its own for co-existence. Jews save Arabs. Arabs save Jews. I think it’s an example for the whole world.”

Police call on citizens with firearm license to carry their weapons

Illustrative: A man prepares to load bullets in his 9mm semi-automatic handgun for a shooting demonstration at his gun range, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Illustrative: A man prepares to load bullets in his 9mm semi-automatic handgun for a shooting demonstration at his gun range, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai calls on residents with licensed firearms to carry them, following the two terror attacks in Jerusalem.

In a statement, police say that Shabtai has “called more than once to the public who holds a firearms license and is trained to use it when it is necessary to carry the weapon.”

“Over the years, more than once civilians skilled in the use of licensed weapons neutralized terrorists and prevented more serious attacks when they were near the scene of an attack. Those citizens even prevented harm to civilians and the security forces more than once,” the statement says.

Asher Natan, 14, named as fourth victim of Jerusalem terror shooting

Asher Natan, 14, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Asher Natan, 14, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

The fourth victim of the shooting attack last night in Jerusalem’s Neve Ya’akov neighborhood is named as 14-year-old Asher Natan.

Seven people were killed in the terror attack.

Earlier, the names of three of the victims were published. Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45, a couple that had gone outside to try and help those who had been shot, and Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56.

The other three victims have not yet been named.

Protesters gather in Tel Aviv for subdued anti-government rally after terror attacks

Candles lit in memory of the victims of a terror attack in Jerusalem, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, January 28, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)
Candles lit in memory of the victims of a terror attack in Jerusalem, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, January 28, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Protesters begin to gather in Tel Aviv for a weekly demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s planned judicial overhaul.

The mood is more subdued than in previous weeks, after seven people were killed and five injured in two Jerusalem terror attacks.

Organizers said ahead of the demonstration that there would be no music at the rally as a sign of respect for the victims, and they would hold a minute of silence.

Protestors light candles in memory of those killed at a specially arranged table at Habima Square.

US veep Kamala Harris calls Israeli president to express condolences over Jerusalem terror shootings

President Isaac Herzog and US Vice President Kamala Harris. (Collage/AP)
President Isaac Herzog and US Vice President Kamala Harris. (Collage/AP)

Vice President Kamala Harris calls President Isaac Herzog after the end of Shabbat, condemning the terrorist attacks and expressing condolences on behalf of the American people.

According to the president’s office, Herzog thanks Harris for her call, and stresses that the two countries must work together to fight terrorism.

Other world leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also call Herzog to express their condolences.

AG denies Ben Gvir’s claim that she prevented sealing of terrorist’s home

Composite photo: Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir (L) during a faction meeting at the Knesset on November 21, 2022; Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara speaks at Tel Aviv University on September 28, 2022. (Flash90)
Composite photo: Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir (L) during a faction meeting at the Knesset on November 21, 2022; Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara speaks at Tel Aviv University on September 28, 2022. (Flash90)

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara denies National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s claim that she blocked security forces from swiftly sealing the home of a Palestinian terrorist who killed seven people in a terror attack last night.

“As clarified to Minister Ben Gvir… operational decisions by the political leadership must be supported with a factual basis, which it must present,” a statement from her office says.

It adds that Baharav-Miara received a legal opinion on the matter an hour ago, which is now being assessed. She is due to address the issue during the security cabinet meeting due to be held later this evening.

“The attorney general will do everything possible to provide legal tools that will allow the political leadership to achieve its policy,” the statement says.

Ben Gvir blames AG for refusing to authorize immediately sealing Jerusalem terrorist’s home

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks to onlookers asat the scene of a terror attack in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, on January 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks to onlookers asat the scene of a terror attack in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, on January 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir assails Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for not authorizing security forces to seal the home of the Palestinian terrorist who killed seven Israelis in Jerusalem last night.

“It is possible to seal the home right away,” Ben Gvir tells reporters outside a hospital in Jerusalem after visiting victims of the attack.

He said he sat with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throughout the night going over legal precedents that would allow Israel to seal the home immediately.

“The prime minister approved, and we made a decision to immediately seal the home. The chief of staff and police commissioner were also in favor,” Ben Gvir claims.

The far-right minister says at 8 a.m. a formal request was given to Baharav-Miara to approve forces sealing the East Jerusalem home. He claims she has not yet given a response.

“It’s not a demolition, it’s just sealing. I was shocked to find that until now, she isn’t allowing [us] to seal the home,” Ben Gvir says.

“In my opinion, it is terrible, it can’t be, this harms Israeli civilians,” he adds.

Sealing the homes of attackers is often a replacement for demolishing them. In general, the process takes several months. The home needs to be mapped out, the High Court must deny appeals by the family, and security forces often wait for an optimal time to enter Palestinian cities for the operation.

Arab Israeli woman said lightly hurt in settler stone-throwing attack in West Bank

An Arab Israeli woman is lightly injured after several Jews hurled stones at her vehicle and other Palestinian cars near Bethlehem in the West Bank, the Ynet news site reports.

Security officials cited by Ynet say military forces are at the scene.

There is no immediate statement by medical forces, the military, or police on the incident.

Herzog appeals for unity after Jerusalem terror attacks

Following the end of Shabbat, President Isaac Herzog releases a statement on the pair of terror attacks in Jerusalem over the past day, including the deadly shooting last night in which seven were killed.

“The heart breaks in light of the terrible attacks,” Herzog said. “We lost seven innocent civilians in a murderous terror attack… May their memories be a blessing.”

Herzog says that while attending synagogue services this morning, “not a single eye was dry among the worshippers” as the cantor recited a prayer for the dead.

“The terrible attacks again remind us of a simple and painful truth: Whatever differences there are among us, when facing our enemies who seek our harm and rise up to kill us — we must safeguard our unity,” Herzog says, alluding to intense political divides over the new government’s plans for overhauling the judicial system.

He also praises security forces, wishes for a speedy recovery of the wounded and sends condolences to the victims’ families.

IDF deploys three additional battalions to West Bank amid heightened tensions

Israeli troops operate in the West Bank, early January 16, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)
Israeli troops operate in the West Bank, early January 16, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Israel Defense Forces says it is deploying three additional battalions to the West Bank amid heightened tensions following two shooting attacks in Jerusalem.

The military says the decision was made following an assessment top officers held.

The battalions being deployed are the 101st Paratroopers Battalion, the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Battalion, and the 17th battalion from the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders.

The 101st and reconnaissance battalion were deployed earlier today and yesterday.

Tensions have increased dramatically since Thursday morning, when an IDF raid in the West Bank city of Jenin against a terrorist cell left nine Palestinians dead — most of them gunmen and members of the cell, though at least one civilian was also killed.

Defense minister to hold assessment with top security officials

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (left) meets with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi at military headquarters in Tel Aviv on January 16, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (left) meets with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi at military headquarters in Tel Aviv on January 16, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Gallant is to hold an assessment with military chief Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and other defense officials in the coming hour, his office says.

Gallant had been in the US for a personal trip, which was cut short following last night’s deadly terror attack in Jerusalem.

Later, Israel’s security cabinet is set to convene to discuss measures following the attack that left seven dead and a second shooting in the capital this morning.

Moscow says 14 killed in Ukraine strike on eastern hospital

MOSCOW, Russia — Russia’s defense ministry accuses the Ukrainian army of striking a hospital in the eastern Luhansk region, leaving 14 dead and injuring 24 others.

On Saturday morning in the town of Novoaidar, “the Ukrainian armed forces deliberately attacked the building of a district hospital” with a US-made HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system, the ministry says in a statement.

The ministry adds that 14 were killed and 24 wounded among the “hospital patients and medical staff.”

It says that the hospital has been providing “necessary medical assistance to the local population and military personnel for many months.”

“A deliberate missile strike on a known active civilian medical facility is, without doubt, a grave war crime by the Kyiv regime,” the ministry says.

Third victim of Jerusalem terror shooting named as Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56

Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)
Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, killed in a Jerusalem terror attack on January 27, 2023. (Courtesy)

The third victim of the shooting attack last night in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood is named as Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56.

Ben Eliyahu is a resident of the area and a father of three, according to Hebrew-language media.

Seven people were killed in the terror attack.

Earlier today, the names of two of the victims were published, Eli and Natali Mizrahi, a couple that had gone outside to try and help those who had been shot.

The other four victims have not yet been named.

EU says it is ‘horrified’ by Jerusalem terror shootings

A police vehicle is seen outside the Ateret Avraham synagogue after a deadly terror shooting in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, January 27, 2023. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP)
A police vehicle is seen outside the Ateret Avraham synagogue after a deadly terror shooting in Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, January 27, 2023. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP)

The European Union issues a statement on the deadly terror attack in Jerusalem last night and a second attack in the capital this morning.

“The European Union is horrified by yesterday’s appalling terror attack in a Jerusalem synagogue, that killed at least seven people and left many injured, as they attended Shabbat service, and by this morning’s attack in East Jerusalem, which left two victims injured, one seriously,” the statement says.

“The EU strongly condemns these acts of insane violence and hate.”

“These terrible events demonstrate once again how urgent it is to reverse this spiral of violence and engage in meaningful efforts to restart peace negotiations. We call on all parties not to react to provocations,” the EU adds.

Czech president expresses ‘deepest condolences’ over Jerusalem attack

The president of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, expresses “deepest condolences” to Israel over the deadly Jerusalem terror attack.

“President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman in the context of [the] terrorist attack at the Jerusalem synagogue expressed deepest condolences to the President of the State of Israel and the families of the victims in these difficult moments,” the Czech embassy in Tel Aviv says on Twitter.

“He wishes all the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement adds.

Zelensky: ‘Terror must have no place in today’s world’; says one victim of Jerusalem attack is Ukrainian

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto after their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto after their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sends “sincere condolences” to the victims of the shooting attacks in Jerusalem, adding that one victim is a Ukrainian national.

“We share [Israel’s] pain after the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem. Among the victims is a [Ukrainian] woman,” he says on Twitter.

“Sincere condolences to the victims’ families. The crimes were cynically committed on the [International] Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

“Terror must have no place in today’s world. Neither in [Israel] nor in [Ukraine],” he adds.

Palestinian Authority says it holds Israel ‘fully responsible’ for escalation

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, center, attends a Christmas midnight Mass in the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, December 25, 2022. (Ahmad Gharabli/Pool Photo via AP)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, center, attends a Christmas midnight Mass in the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, December 25, 2022. (Ahmad Gharabli/Pool Photo via AP)

The Palestinian Authority says it holds Israel “fully responsible for the dangerous escalation” in violence, after two terror shooting attacks in Jerusalem and a deadly Israeli military raid in the West Bank earlier this week

“The Palestinian leadership holds the Israeli occupation government fully responsible for the dangerous escalation that the situation has reached due to its crimes, which amounted to 31 martyrs during the current month,” the PA’s Security Council says in a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency.

On Friday night, a Palestinian gunman from East Jerusalem killed seven and injured three more in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood. On Saturday morning, a 13-year-old Palestinian shot and wounded two Israeli men near the Old City.

Tensions have increased dramatically since Thursday morning, when an Israel Defense Forces raid in the West Bank city of Jenin against a terrorist cell left nine Palestinians dead — most of them gunmen and members of the cell, though at least one civilian was also killed. The IDF said Thursday’s operation in the Jenin refugee camp was necessary to foil imminent attack plans by a local Islamic Jihad terror cell. The group had primed explosives and firearms, according to the IDF.

The IDF says the majority of the Palestinians killed this month were carrying out attacks or were killed during clashes with security forces. Some were uninvolved civilians.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas met with senior officials today to discuss the developments.

The PA says it warns Israel over the “continuation of its colonial settlement practices, land annexation, house demolitions, arrests, policies of ethnic cleansing and apartheid, and the desecration of Islamic, Christian holy sites, and storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” saying it will “lead to further deterioration, threatening security and stability in the entire region.”

“The Palestinian leadership salutes our Palestinian people in all places of their presence for their steadfastness, peaceful popular resistance, and their adherence to their legitimate national rights and to the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of our Palestinian people, the leader of our struggle for freedom and independence,” the statement adds.

After the Jenin raid, the PA said it was cutting security ties with Israel.

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