Thousands of kilometers separate Tel Aviv from Rome, but the cultural and existential waters between them are closing fast. On the other side of that divide stands a radical Islamist spectrum. At one end, raw savagery - the kind the world witnessed on October 7. At the other, those who raise the flag of friction between Islam and the West, working through soft power, financial leverage, and cultural infiltration - chief among them Qatar and Turkey - to hollow out Western societies from within.

Hezbollah’s attack, the wounded IDF troops and Israel’s response triggered diplomatic pressure and international criticism within hours. An unusual statement from the Prime Minister’s Office showcases how constrained Israel is in its response, and how much power Hezbollah still has to disrupt the calm in northern Israel. Meanwhile, pressure is also mounting on the Palestinian front, along with debate over how Israel should wield its military power. 

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it is devoid of conscience or responsibility. As we give it increasingly significant roles in the physical and biological worlds, we will require tighter, more rigorous and more mature human oversight.

The regime in Tehran is trying to convince the world that it emerged from the war stronger than ever, but testimony from inside Iran paints a different picture. In a special interview with Israel Hayom, an Iranian opposition activist reveals what is happening behind the ayatollahs’ iron curtain.