Israel’s Yuval Raphael delivered a stirring performance at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, earning the highest number of audience votes and securing a proud second-place finish despite facing a torrent of political hostility and attempts to exclude Israel from the event altogether. Held in Basel, Switzerland, this year’s Eurovision brought together 26 nations, with Israel among a small number of non-European countries regularly invited to participate.

In a significant move to strengthen economic and technological ties, New York City and Israel have agreed to establish a joint economic council aimed at boosting bilateral innovation and creating new opportunities for Israeli businesses in the American market. Announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, the creation of the New York City-Israel Economic Council will serve as a gateway for Israeli startups to enter the U.S., while fostering collaborations with local companies in New York.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the fate of senior Hamas operative Mohammed Sinwar, as a top Hamas official claimed Monday that Israel’s recent operation to eliminate him was unsuccessful. Osama Hamdan, a senior member of Hamas, told the Tehran Times a media outlet aligned with Iran’s regime that Mohammed Sinwar remains alive and actively engaged in fighting Israeli forces. “Our brothers in Gaza have assured us that Mohammed Sinwar is alive and still fighting the enemy firmly.”

In a remarkable intelligence achievement, the Mossad has recovered approximately 2,500 original documents, photographs, and personal items belonging to Israel’s legendary spy, Eli Cohen. These priceless artifacts, unveiled for the first time, offer fresh insight into one of the most extraordinary espionage careers in Israeli history. Eli Cohen’s name has long stood as a symbol of unmatched courage and cunning. Born in Alexandria to Syrian Jewish parents, his fluency in Arabic, English, and French made him an ideal candidate for intelligence work. After an initial stint in espionage during the mid-1950s, Cohen returned to Israel, where his path would soon change the course of Israeli history.