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Israel eliminates senior Iranian Quds Force operative in Lebanon

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:43:26 +0000

The IDF and the Shin Bet security agency said Thursday they eliminated a senior operative in Iran's Quds Force in northeastern Lebanon.

The target was identified as Hossein Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, a key operative in the Quds Force's operations unit. He was killed together with another terrorist, Majed Qansoua, according to Israeli officials.

Al-Jawhari operated under Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was involved in Iranian directed terrorist activity against the State of Israel and Israeli security forces, the IDF said.

In a statement, the IDF stressed that Unit 840, the Quds Force's external operations unit headed by Asghar Bagheri and his deputy Mohammad Reza Ansari, is responsible for directing Iranian terrorist activity against Israel. "The IDF and the Shin Bet view with utmost seriousness any attempt by the Iranian regime and its proxies to advance terrorist plots and will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel," the statement said.

Earlier, Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike in northeastern Lebanon. The reports said that in addition to al-Jawhari, Qansoua was also killed in the attack.

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'Eitan was kidnapped by Gazans who opened a toolbox and cut his back'

miriw — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:37 +0000

In the coming days, the 7155 Paratroopers Battalion will complete 107 days of reserve duty. Among those present in the room is Zvika, father of Eitan Mor, who was released last October from Hamas captivity.

Zvika, who will soon celebrate his fiftieth birthday, could have received an exemption, but even during the war, when his son's condition was unclear, he continued to show up. Not always, only when he was available, but he accumulated days in order to continue belonging to the company.

"On the first candle of Hanukkah 2023, I climbed onto an armored personnel carrier on the way to Khan Younis," recalled Major (Res.) D., Zvika's friend in the battalion. "All around were cluster bombs and I admit I was scared. I asked 'what for?' and then the thought crossed my mind that if Zvika had asked 'I need ten people to help get Eitan out of Gaza.' Obviously I would come and I know that if I were in his situation, picked up the phone, he and my friends in the battalion would come, right?" Staff Sergeant (Res.) Zvika Mor, from Company B, didn't think for a second. "Obviously."

Major (Res.) D. celebrated his fortieth birthday the day before we met. With him in the room were Zvika, Staff Sergeant (Res.) A. the NCO and Command Sergeant Major (Res.) A., and the company third-in-command. Everyone has known each other for years of training and combat. Only when Mor reached age 45 did they part from him. They thought the time had come, but two months before the war broke out, the day that would shake his life, he began to waver about returning. "I said I wanted to contribute," Mor said. "I thought that if I come at my age it will strengthen the younger soldiers and I asked to be a fighter like them."

In the army, procedures take time and by the time they came back with an answer the war had broken out. The battalion was called up in the morning hours of October 7 to the Gaza border region and entered combat in Kfar Aza. At the same hours, Mor was at the synagogue in Kiryat Arba for Simchat Torah prayers.

"I didn't understand what happened until Saturday night," Mor said. "There were no sirens. True, they talked about rockets, but we didn't think it was unusual. Only when I returned home, I found everyone crying. My wife said, 'Eitan disappeared, he was in the south' and directed me to the news. I didn't open the news websites, but from the quiet group of the company, and there I received a war diary."

In the first ten days, there was no information about Eitan, and when Zvika felt there wasn't much of a way to help, he picked up the phone to the battalion, and asked if there was a way to help.

Zvika Mor (Photo: KOKO) KOKO

"A week after the start of the fighting, Zvika appears with equipment that was missing from the company," A. said. "I ask 'what are you doing?' He said a sentence I won't forget 'We're part of the people and I need to contribute.'"

Zvika smiled. "I brought things that fighters need," he explained. "By contrast, it's like in mourning after the death of a relative. There are those busy with the burial and there are those who sit on the side and cry. I didn't have a need to run away, we didn't know what Eitan's condition was, we prayed that he was kidnapped. I asked my wife if she agreed that I would go to reserve duty and she said yes."

But Zvika received approval to return to reserve duty only in summer 2024, and then he joined the battalion that was active in the north. "My wife begged that I wouldn't cross the border fence," he said. "She said it's enough we have another son who is a soldier in regular service and a son-in-law who is fighting. I agreed, but I didn't announce that I was in an outpost near Metula. I told her I was organizing vegetables in Kiryat Shmona."

In the battalion, they didn't know what to do. With all due respect to Mor's desires to fight, there's national sensitivity here. In the end, he was assigned as one of the NCOs in Company B, under A., the chief NCO. "I told them 'I'm here'," he recalled. "I know how to cook, to clean. To lend a hand. There were all kinds of tasks like moving equipment, bringing medicines, fixing a torn vest. I explained that I don't need mercy. I only asked for flexibility in trips home."

A., the chief NCO, confirmed. "Zvika always reports for duty." It's quite amazing how connected the two are. Mor, a resident of Kiryat Arba, who during the two years his son was in captivity waved a different flag from part of the families. He believed in military pressure on Hamas, which, in his opinion, would also lead to the release of the hostages.

A., who comes from a Hashomer Hatzair kibbutz in the Jezreel Valley, was on the other side of the political map. "Zvika thinks differently and that's fine," A. laughed. "There's nothing that can undermine the connection. They said, 'Your friend from Channel 14' and I felt pride. We're in a democratic country where everyone says what they think."

Zvika, who experienced quite a bit of criticism during the two years, agreed. "We're such good friends," he said. "Take a couple of parents who don't get along and now their child is sick and if they're normal they know to put everything aside and save the child and after that they'll have time to quarrel."

Weren't there people in the battalion who thought differently from you?

"They asked, 'Aren't you afraid they'll torture Eitan?' I answered 'I have instructions not to humiliate the captives and not to speak against Islam'. I want my son. 'Pressure Hamas,' I requested. In some places, Eitan was a card. I say with reservation, but he was at lower risk than a fighter on the front and after he returned, we also heard from him that Izz a-Din al-Hadad (head of Hamas' military wing) visited him four times and told the captors that if something happens to him, he will kill them. Not everyone was careful, once Eitan stole pita when he was hungry, they tied him to a chair and beat him terribly."

The company took an outpost above Metula when Hezbollah fired at them. A. was even injured when the APC overturned, but there, on one of the evenings, Zvika stood before the company and spoke. "It was important for me to share, because there were those who wanted to know and were embarrassed to ask," he explained. "I said I'm opening everything."

Zvika continued to move between home, his son's release activity, and reserve service. "When the country trembled over whether there's a deal, he'd show up with the car," A. said. "I say to myself, 'We can't concentrate, so why is he coming?'" Zvika smiled, "I brought equipment."

On the day of Eitan's release from captivity, the company was in Ramot Naftali, and he was, of course, at Reim Base in the south, waiting for his son. Those who weren't in active service watched with excitement at what was happening. "We opened a laptop and watched like a soccer match," A. said. "When we saw Eitan, there was a shout of 'yesss' like a winning goal in the Champions League final. Everyone was on the screen."

Today, more than two months after the release, Zvika can share what his son went through. When they met, he showed his friends the first video that proved to the family that Eitan was alive. A video that naval commandos found in Gaza.

"Here we saw that he has two hands and two eyes," Zvika said. "Eitan was kidnapped on October 7 by Gazans, who opened a toolbox on him and literally cut his back. We feared for his condition, and the intelligence also didn't know how to tell. Eitan returned thin, weak, but healthy. Understand, he was a tough guy and lost 15 kilograms of muscle mass. He went through torture, but he's strong, optimistic, and didn't reach a difficult mental state."

Zvika Mor

Was he in mortal danger?

"The army didn't know where he was being held, so Eitan was sure he would die in the bombardments. Most of the time, he was held in basements and apartments and buildings around him collapsed. Thank God nothing happened to his hearing, to vision, yes, he's now wearing glasses. He came back a bit subdued, for two years he spoke in a whisper, and even when he returned, he spoke in a whisper. For example, on the first day, when he met his brother, he suggested they go into a room in the hospital and talk, and automatically sat on the floor, in an Eastern sitting position. Arab behavior. Slowly, he returned to himself, smiled, and for us, in some ways, it's like getting to know him anew."

How is he physically?

"There was an infection in his hand, digestive system problems, and thank God, we've almost finished that stage. The main thing is to see him returning, because he's a joker. He managed to escape from the hospital when he was in treatment. He climbed over a fence and went out to walk around the streets of Petah Tikva. He said, 'I was in captivity, so another one?'"

A. asked if Eitan speaks Arabic. "When he was captured, he said, 'My job is to survive.' He made a deal with his captors 'I'll learn Arabic, you'll learn English.' Today, he's 100% Arabic. Reading and speaking in the Gaza dialect. He writes his memoirs in Arabic."

The battalion will finish a round of reserve duty in early 2026 and, in the summer, will serve two more months, this time in the south. "I told my wife, 'I wish I could say I'm not going anymore'. I can't. I'm 47 years old, and she knows that if I stay home and they're in reserve duty, I'll drive her even crazier." Zvika agreed, "As long as they need me, I'll report for duty."

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Israeli arrested for photographing Bennett home for Iran

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:09:55 +0000

An Israeli citizen from Rishon Lezion has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out security offenses under the direction of Iranian intelligence operatives, including photographing the area near the home of former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett.

The suspect, Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli citizen in his 40s and a resident of Rishon Lezion, was detained by the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police. Investigators said Kupriyanov was instructed by his handlers to purchase a car-mounted camera as part of the mission.

According to the investigation, over the past two months Kupriyanov was asked to carry out a range of security-related tasks. At the request of those directing him, he transferred various photographs taken in his city of residence and in other cities, in exchange for different sums of money.

Espionage for Iran (illustrative). Photo: Netalie Ron-Raz Netalie Ron-Raz

On Thursday, following the conclusion of the investigation, an indictment will be filed against Kupriyanov at the Lod District Court by the Central District Attorney's Office.

Bennett responded in a post on his Instagram account, writing: "Iran's efforts to harm me will not stop me from my life's mission."

Bennett in Iran's crosshairs

Last week, an Iranian cyber group hacked into Bennett's smartphone and published a 141-page phone book that it claimed was taken from Bennett's personal device. Shortly afterward, the group released portions of private correspondence he had conducted over the years.

The hackers mocked the former prime minister in a message addressed to him, saying that despite his past claims of being a beacon of cybersecurity and presenting his expertise to the world, it was ironic that his iPhone 13 had fallen so easily into their hands. They derided what they described as his digital fortress as nothing more than a paper wall waiting to be breached.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch

Bennett later said the matter was being handled by the authorities, adding that Israel's enemies would do everything possible to prevent him from becoming prime minister again. "It won't help them," he said. "No one will stop me from acting and fighting for the State of Israel and the people of Israel."

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Turkish troops may be allowed to enter Gaza despite denials

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:08:04 +0000

The schedule for the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, set for Monday, will focus on two main issues. One will be discussed behind closed doors: Iran. The other will be public: steps toward ending the war in Gaza.

Israel Hayom has learned that under the American plan, which Israel is aligning itself with, the meeting will address details of negotiations on the second phase of the deal. At the center of these talks are the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of alternative governing bodies in Gaza. These include an overseeing body, the "Peace Council," to be headed by Trump, and a civilian governing authority largely composed of Palestinian officials from Gaza.

On Sunday, an Israeli delegation headed by Gal Hirsch, the government's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, traveled to Cairo along with representatives of the Shin Bet security agency and the Mossad. Their goal was to accelerate efforts to locate the body of the last remaining hostage, Ran Gvili. Israel insists it will not move forward to the second phase of the deal until Gvili is returned, and security officials are convinced that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad possess information on his burial site.

Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili

The Turkish issue

During meetings in Cairo, the parties discussed intensifying the search in hopes of finding Gvili before Netanyahu departs for the US. Members of the Gvili family are expected to join the trip. Trump is known to have a warm attitude toward the families of hostages, making their presence at the summit both important and symbolic.

According to diplomatic sources, the joint statement concluding the meeting is expected to include, alongside the Iranian issue, an announcement on progress toward the second phase and the establishment of international institutions for Gaza's rehabilitation, as part of the path toward ending the war. The statement is also expected to meaningfully address the Gvili case, in remarks by both Netanyahu and Trump. The precise wording and any conditions tied to advancing practical steps on the ground have not yet been finalized.

One of the main difficulties in implementing the second phase lies in the failure to assemble a multinational force, due to countries' refusal to deploy troops as long as Hamas remains armed. As a result, most of the initial progress is expected to focus on the civilian track.

Turkish forces near the border with Syria. Photo: AFP AFP

According to the sources, at the end of the meeting, or after several meetings, two bodies will be formally announced: the supervising Peace Council, made up of international figures and leaders, and a new civilian governing authority composed largely of Palestinians who previously served as officials in the Palestinian Authority. Israel Hayom has reported that lists of some of these former Palestinian Authority employees have been transferred to Israel for security vetting, to ensure they are not affiliated with Hamas.

This is where the Turkish issue comes into play. Turkey is pressing the US to include its troops in the multinational stabilization force, the International Stabilization Force, and to lift Israel's veto. All the sources contacted by Israel Hayom deny that Israel has agreed to remove its veto. However, it is possible that Turkish military personnel specializing in engineering and mine clearance could be allowed to take part in units focused on those tasks.

The Americans are interested in launching the initiative through an international conference, likely to be held in the US in January, with the participation of the president, Middle Eastern leaders and partner countries. Following that, Israel, the mediators and Hamas are expected to begin discussions on the second phase, which would include the disarmament of Hamas, the transfer of governing authority and a redeployment of the Israel Defense Forces to a new defensive line.

Israel insists that there will be no withdrawal as long as Hamas and other terrorist organizations have not been disarmed and no longer pose a threat. In practice, this means that discussions on transferring civilian control will initially apply only to areas under IDF control, as well as pockets in northern and southern Gaza controlled by clans opposed to Hamas.

The meeting on Monday

Regarding Iran, Israel is expected to present Trump, during their meeting in Florida, with accumulated intelligence and assessments regarding the pace of Iran's military rehabilitation. One of Israel's goals is to secure US recognition that as long as the current regime remains in power, Iran will continue to operate terrorist organizations across the region, fuel conflicts and block what Washington views as the "mega-deal," the broad American plan for the Middle East.

Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss the need to confront Iran, with the ultimate objective of significantly weakening Iranian influence in the region and removing the nuclear and missile threats. Israel Hayom reported Sunday that former minister Ron Dermer assisted in preparations for the meeting, particularly on the Iranian issue. Dermer previously oversaw the Iran portfolio and was an architect of the cooperation with the US that led to American support for Israel during the war and its participation in the strike on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Missile launch by Iran's Revolutionary Guard (archive photo). Photo: EPA EPA

Issues related to Lebanon and Syria will also be on the agenda. On Lebanon, the sides are expected to discuss how to proceed with the disarmament of Hezbollah, the terrorist organization, and with civilian negotiations between Israel and the Lebanese government. On Syria, Trump is expected to seek a renewal of security talks with Israel, aimed at reaching an arrangement that would prevent military clashes and meet Israel's security needs.

The Israeli delegation is expected to include acting National Security Council head Gil Reich, who has recently grown closer to Netanyahu; political adviser Ophir Falk; military secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman; and Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter. Transportation Minister Miri Regev is also expected to join the trip.

The first meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is scheduled for Monday, December 29, followed by a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Given the wide range of issues, an additional meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is expected on Tuesday or Wednesday.

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Missouri man wins $1.8 billion Powerball prize

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:05:30 +0000

A Missouri resident has claimed half of the second-largest lottery jackpot ever, after coming forward with one of the winning tickets in a nearly $1.8 billion Powerball drawing in the US.

According to the Missouri Lottery, the winner matched all the numbers in the September 6 drawing for a $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot. Two winning tickets were sold, entitling each holder to half the prize. The lottery did not disclose the man's name.

He held one of the two tickets sold that matched all the numbers (illustration). Photo: AP

Describing himself as a homebody, the winner said he plans to take time off and spend it with his wife. "I'm just going to do what's good for me for a year," he said as he arrived at Missouri Lottery headquarters in Jefferson City to claim the prize. "A perfect day is sitting at home and doing what I do, relaxing." Referring to his wife, he joked that "she's going to drag me out of town now."

Each winning ticket holder was given the choice between an annuity of $893.5 million paid over time or a one-time cash payment of $410.3 million, both before taxes. The Missouri winner opted for the lump sum, the lottery said.

He admitted the scale of the win was hard to grasp. "I'm a millionaire, a multimillionaire, and I did laundry last night," he said in disbelief, according to the Missouri Lottery. He also described several sleepless nights after realizing his ticket was a winner, adding, "This is the best problem I've ever had."

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Trump's Christmas message: 'Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Scum'

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:00:05 +0000

President Donald Trump offered his version of a Christmas greeting in a post on his Truth Social account and on X (formerly Twitter), in which he took aim at political opponents and highlighted what he described as the successes of his presidency.

"Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly," Trump wrote in his holiday message.

Donald and Melania Trump at a Christmas greeting. Photo: AFP

"We no longer have Open Borders, Men in Women's Sports, Transgender for Everyone, or Weak Law Enforcement," the president declared, adding that under his leadership, the situation had dramatically improved.

"What we do have is a Record Stock Market and 401K's, Lowest Crime numbers in decades, No Inflation, and yesterday, a 4.3 GDP, two points better than expected. Tariffs have given us Trillions of Dollars in Growth and Prosperity, and the strongest National Security we have ever had. We are respected again, perhaps like never before. God Bless America!" Trump concluded.

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These are the key issues at the Trump-Netanyahu Florida summit

omrif — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:04:31 +0000

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive in Florida on Sunday, December 28, for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. He is likely to remain in the US for about five days and return to Israel on January 1.

During the visit, an additional meeting between the two leaders is also possible, as previously revealed by Israel Hayom. Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as with evangelical figures, public officials and representatives of Jewish communities.

Key issues on the agenda

The central topics to be discussed by the two leaders are the front against Iran and the implementation of Phase Two of the American president's 20-point plan for the Gaza Strip.

Unlike Netanyahu's previous visits, which took place at the White House in Washington, this time he is expected to meet Trump at the president's private residence, the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where Trump is staying for the holiday period. The prime minister is not expected to stay at Mar-a-Lago itself but rather at a hotel in Palm Beach.

Trump's estate in Florida, Mar-a-Lago. Photo: Reuters

Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister's Office announced that Gal Hirsch, the government's coordinator for captives and missing persons, had departed for Cairo, where he met with senior officials and representatives of the mediating parties in an effort to secure the return of the body of fallen captive Sgt. First Class Ran Gvili. The statement said that representatives of the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet security agency and the Mossad also took part in the delegation.

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Israel's new Air Force, Navy commanders approved

adin — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:00:28 +0000

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved on Wednesday the appointments of Colonel Omer Tishler as Israeli Air Force commander and Major General Eyal Harel as Israeli Navy commander.

The decision came after Defense System Comptroller Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Valensky completed a comprehensive investigation at the defense minister's request regarding Col. Tishler in the context of the October 7 events, going beyond the investigations conducted and published to date. This included meetings and interviews with numerous officers, examination of source materials and recordings, and, after reviewing all findings, recommending approval of his appointment.

Major General Eyal Harel (Photo: IDF)

Additionally, following review of the updated report conducted according to the directive of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Israeli Navy activity after publication of the Turgeman report (an internal IDF investigation), the defense system comptroller found no systemic or personal deficiencies related to Eyal Harel that could affect his candidacy for the position of Israeli Navy commander. He recommended approving the appointment, and the defense minister accepted his recommendation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (L), Israeli Air Force commander Tomer Bar (C), and Colonel Omer Tishler (R)

This fulfilled the defense minister's directives given exactly 30 days ago to examine the appointment of senior officers based on completion of investigations and updated reviews regarding the October 7 events before making decisions on the appointments.

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Retired officer allegedly drugged, taken to Israel in covert operation

omrif — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:55:04 +0000

New details have emerged in a case that has shaken Lebanon. The Saudi-owned daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported Wednesday on Arab media claims regarding the capture of a relative of a senior Hezbollah terrorist.

The Lebanese legal source told the newspaper that inquiries conducted by the Internal Security Forces suggested Israel abducted the retired officer Ahmad Shukr in what was described as an intelligence "honey trap" operation, prompted by suspicions of his involvement in the kidnapping of Ron Arad, whose aircraft was downed over Lebanon in 1986.

Ron Arad

"Drugged and abducted"

"The information branch has so far found no physical or technical trace indicating Shukr's presence inside Lebanese territory," said the legal source overseeing the investigation. "This strengthens the hypothesis that he was drugged and abducted to Israel, either by air or by sea via a boat departing from the Lebanese coast, as occurred in the abduction of maritime captain Imad Amahz, a Hezbollah terrorist, in the town of al-Batroun in November 2024."

The investigation is being conducted in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, where it is believed the abduction was carried out by two individuals holding Swedish citizenship, one of whom is reportedly of Lebanese origin.

Ahmad Shukr previously held a rank equivalent to captain in Lebanon's General Security apparatus. His family has ties to Hezbollah, a factor that raised suspicions regarding his alleged involvement in the Ron Arad affair. The Lebanese legal source said he fears Shukr's disappearance may be only "part of a series of Israeli operations in Lebanon."

Alongside the abduction scenario, the report noted that several possibilities remain regarding Shukr's fate, ranging from the possibility that he was assassinated, similar to the case of money changer Ahmad Sarrour who was linked to Hezbollah, to the assessment that he was transferred out of Lebanon, meaning to Israel.

The legal source added that Lebanon's Internal Security Forces intensified their investigation after receiving a report of Shukr's disappearance last week, revealing that the investigations unit reviewed surveillance camera footage and analyzed communications data.

According to the source, this produced "initial indications" that Shukr fell into a carefully planned trap that began in his hometown of Nabi Sheet in the northern Beqaa Valley and continued to the city of Zahle, where he disappeared and where investigative efforts are now focused.

The capture of Ron Arad

Before he disappeared

In addition, the Lebanese newspaper Ad-Diyar reported, citing its sources, that Shukr was apparently lured to the al-Suwairi area near his hometown, where signals from his mobile phone were detected for 37 seconds before disappearing.

The sources raised the possibility that this indicates he was transferred to Israel via the Mount Hermon area, together with an escort from the al-Kassab family. In this context, two scenarios were suggested: that the family member cooperated with the abductors, or that he too was abducted.

Meanwhile, Lebanese government sources complained Wednesday in Ad-Diyar that Israel is attempting to damage the image of the Lebanese army as a unifying institution enjoying internal consensus and international support. The complaints followed the killing of a Hezbollah terrorist who was exposed as having operated as a Lebanese soldier.

According to the sources, Israel is hinting at cooperation between army personnel and Hezbollah in order to sow doubt within Lebanese society and to send a message to the international community that "the line between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah is not clear."

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Trump administration bars ex-EU commissioner from US entry

adin — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:45:15 +0000

The Trump administration barred Thierry Breton, formerly the EU commissioner for Internal Market and Services, who helped craft the Digital Services Act, plus four individuals working on anti-disinformation campaigns, charging that they coerced American tech firms into silencing content, according to CNBC.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated publicly that "The State Department is taking decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose." He asserted that "these radical activists and weaponized NGOs have advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states—in each case targeting American speakers and American companies."

Their admission into America therefore creates "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences," he contended, declaring that "Based on these determinations, the Department has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on agents of the global censorship-industrial complex who, as a result, will be generally barred from entering the United States.

Fromer European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton looks on before French President Emmanuel Macron's speech on Europe in the amphitheatre of the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, April 25, 2024 (Photo: Christophe Petit Tesson/via Reuters)

In a statement released on Wednesday, the European Commission "strongly" condemned Washington's decision to ban five people from entering the country – including former commissioner Breton – over allegations they suppressed free expression.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world," the European Commission's statment read. "The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments. Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination."

The Commission warned it is prepared to take countermeasures: "We have requested clarifications from the US authorities and remain engaged. If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures."

For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose. The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.

Today, @StateDept will take steps to…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 23, 2025

The Digital Services Act mandates that major technology corporations, including Google and Meta, intensify policing of illegal content or confront substantial fines.

Breton, whose commissioner tenure spanned 2019 to 2024, posted on X: "Is McCarthy's witch hunt back? As a reminder: 90% of the European Parliament — our democratically elected body — and all 27 Member States unanimously voted the DSA." He also wrote: "To our American friends: "Censorship isn't where you think it is."

Josephine Ballon, who co-directs the non-profit organization HateAid and sits on Germany's Advisory Council of the Digital Services, was among anti-disinformation workers receiving sanctions. Her co-director Anna-Lena von Hodenberg also faced restrictions. The organization called the US move an "act of repression," Barrons reported.

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