Israel’s humanitarian aid organization, IsraAID, is supporting first responders and families in Dnipro, Ukraine, following a direct missile strike on a residential building during Russian air raids across the country.

 Saturday’s strike left at least 40 people dead, and 75 injured, including 14 children.

At least 25 people are still missing. 

Psychologists trained by IsraAID are providing free support to victims of the strike and first responders and the organization is also  delivering urgently needed aid items to partners in the city.

KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Shahar May, IsraAID  press officer, who is in the Ukrainian city of Odessa.

(Photo:Reuters)

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Palestinian gunman who fired on IDF forces is shot and killed; no Israeli casualties. Hamas says video it released claiming to show Israeli captive Avera Mengistu was filmed in recent weeks. More than 90 UN member states call on Israel to cancel sanctions imposed on Palestinian Authority in reaction to latter's appeal against Israel at International Court of Justice. 

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Public trust in state institutions has plummeted from 61 percent 10 years ago to 33 percent today, according to the 20th edition of the Israeli Democracy Index of the Israel Democracy Institute, which was presented this week to President Isaac Herzog. The report also showed, against the backdrop of government plans to reform the judiciary, that over a  decade, a majority of Israelis support the Supreme Court having the authority to overturn laws passed by the Knesset if they are found to be contrary to the principles of democracy. Prof. Tamar Hermann, Academic Director of the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the report.

(Photo: Student protest in Jerusalem against government's planned reforms, January 16, 2023. Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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Ltn Gen Herzi Halevi becomes IDF's 23rd Chief of Staff. PM: Iran is responsible for 90 % of Mid East problems. Smotrich recording of homophobic, racist comments.

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Ltn. Gen. Herzi Halevi is the 23rd chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, replacing outgoing chief Aviv Kohavi.

The new top general begins  his four-year term  at a time of mounting uncertainty for the military.

Col. (Res) Itamar Yaar is a former head of the National Security Council and today is the Director General of the NGO Commanders for Israel’s Security.

KAN's Mark Weiss asked him what are the challenges facing the incoming IDF chief of staff. 

(Photo:GPO)

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IDF soldier killed, three others injured, in accidental grenade explosion in residential quarters on base. Israeli security forces fatally shoot Palestinian assailant. Following mass protests in Israel against government's planned judicial reforms, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the  changes are backed by the millions who voted for the current government.

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Israeli security forces arrest several Palestinians, including central operative in Lion's Den group, in Nablus raid. Former attorneys general, state attorneys issue opinion warning judicial overhaul sought by government will destroy the judiciary. Ancient ostrich eggs found in Negev archaeological excavation.

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A three-day meeting of 150 officials took place in  Abu Dhabi this week with participants  from the six Negev Forum countries: the US, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt.

The officials met to plan regional projects in six categories: clean energy, tourism, healthcare, food security and water technology, education and coexistence, and regional security.

The Jordanians were invited to be part of the forum, but they have yet to join.

KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with foreign ministry spokesperson Lior Hayat, who participated in the gathering.

(UAE Foreign Ministry)

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Shas spiritual leader dies at age 94. Leaders of protest against judicial reform meet with police commissioner ahead of demonstration.  President Herzog receives credentials of Turkish ambassador to Israel.

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The government's planned reforms to the judiciary have spurred vigorous debate. Critics warn it will end checks and balances on government; supporters say it will rein in overreaching judicial activism. Prof. Oded Mudrik, a former vice president of the Tel Aviv district court, and currently a professor at Ariel University and a special adviser to the AYR law firm, told KAN reporter Naomi Segal he does not think the reforms threaten Israeli democracy; and while he does not agree with all of the proposals, most are reasonable.

(Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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