The ritual bath is rectangular, measuring 3.05 meters (10 feet) in length, 1.35 meters (4.4 feet) in width, and 1.85 meters (6 feet) in height. It was carved into bedrock, and its walls are plastered. In its southern section, four hewn steps that led into it were exposed. The ancient installation was discovered sealed beneath the destruction layer from the Second Temple period,  a layer dated to 70 CE. Within this layer, which contains burnt ash providing evidence of the destruction, numerous pottery vessels were found, along with stone vessels characteristic of the Jewish population that lived in the city on the eve of the destruction.

The excavations beneath the Western Wall plaza, where the ritual bath was discovered, are adjacent to the site of the Second Temple and to two of its main entrances 2,000 years ago: the Great Bridge from the north and Robinson's Arch from the south. Additional evidence has been found in the area, including ritual baths, stone vessels, and other artifacts related to ritual purity. Israel Antiquities Authority researchers speculate that the ritual bath served the Jews who lived in the area and the many pilgrims who visited the region and the Temple.

"Jerusalem should be remembered as a Temple city," explains Ari Levy, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. "As such, many aspects of daily life were adapted to this reality, and this is reflected especially in the meticulous observance of the laws of ritual impurity and purity by the city's residents and leaders. Indeed, the saying 'purity spread in Israel' was coined in this context. Among the most prominent archaeological finds representing this phenomenon are ritual baths and stone vessels, many of which have been uncovered in excavations throughout the city and its surroundings," says Levy. "The reasons for using stone vessels are halakhic (Jewish religious law), rooted in the recognition that stone, unlike pottery and metal vessels, does not contract ritual impurity. As a result, stone vessels could be used over long periods and repeatedly."

According to Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, "The exposure of the ritual bath beneath the Western Wall Plaza strengthens our understanding of how deeply intertwined religious life and daily life were in Jerusalem during the Temple period. This moving discovery, made just ahead of the fast of the Tenth of Tevet (Jewish fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem), underscores the importance of continuing archaeological excavations and research in Jerusalem, and our obligation to preserve this historical memory for future generations."

According to the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mordechai Eliav, "The exposure of a Second Temple period ritual bath beneath the Western Wall Plaza, with ashes from the destruction at its base, testifies like a thousand witnesses to the ability of the people of Israel to move from impurity to purity, from destruction to renewal."

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The Iran International channel, which is affiliated with Iran's opposition, reported overnight (between Sunday and Monday) that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been developing biological and chemical warheads for long-range ballistic missiles.

The report also stated that the IRGC's Aerospace Force has been working on manufacturing the unconventional warheads for ballistic missiles while transferring launchers to areas in eastern Iran. "These activities have accelerated in recent months, against the backdrop of regional tensions and Tehran's fear of the possibility of another direct confrontation with Israel and the US," the report said.

Trump-Netanyahu meeting

The report comes hours before the scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Florida, which was moved up to 8:00 p.m. Israel time. The talks between the leaders are expected to focus on the Iranian issue, amid concerns that Tehran has been rehabilitating ballistic missile production facilities and repairing air defense systems that were damaged during the war in June.

"Complementary deterrent factor"

According to Iran International, the IRGC's plans include optimizing ballistic missiles so they can carry biological or chemical material. One of the sources claimed that the IRGC, while preparing for scenarios of wide-scale confrontation, has been building capabilities that decision-makers in the Islamic Republic view as a "complementary deterrent factor," alongside Iran's conventional missile program.

The push to develop chemical and biological warheads comes half a year after Iran's foreign minister described his country as "the greatest victim of chemical weapons in modern history," referring to the chemical weapons attack carried out by Saddam Hussein in the city of Sardasht in western Iran – an attack that, according to OPCW documentation, claimed the lives of more than 100 people in a large-scale mustard gas attack.

When asked about the contradiction between these statements, one of the sources said: "The Iranian leadership views potential Israeli and American strikes as a threat to its very existence, and intends, in the event of confrontation, to significantly raise the price for the opposing side." According to that source, among the highest decision-making ranks in the Islamic Republic, there is a perception that "the use of unconventional weapons can be justified in situations of existential threat."

"Unusual activity"

Last week, the outlet reported that Western intelligence agencies had identified "unusual" activity by the IRGC's Aerospace Force and had increased monitoring and surveillance of these movements. In Iran, the use of unconventional weapons has allegedly been banned for religious reasons.

In 2003, it was reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a "fatwa" against developing nuclear weapons, but before the Israeli strike on Iran and the 12-day war, Israel was no longer certain he would even announce the cancellation of this "fatwa" publicly – which would allow detection that Iran was building such a weapon.

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Malfunctioning traffic lights due to rain in Bnei Brak 

Following the rains, traffic lights at the intersection of Jabotinsky, Abuhatzeira, and Sokolov streets in Bnei Brak malfunctioned. Traffic congestion has formed at the location. Police recommend drivers use alternative routes. Police forces are on scene directing traffic.

Trees collapse in Acre following storm

Following the severe weather, trees have collapsed at several locations throughout Acre. Acre municipality crews are on the ground working to address the incident.

Water Authority reports Sea of Galilee level rose 2 centimeters in 24 hours

According to Water Authority measurements today, following the recent rainfall, the Sea of Galilee level has risen 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) in the past 24 hours and stands at -213.395 meters (-700 feet). The level remains 0.395 meters (1.3 feet) below the lower red line, and 4.595 meters (15.1 feet) remain to reach the upper red line.

Route 4 closed to traffic due to flooding

The second storm system that hit Israel this morning has led to flooding across the country. The Israel Police has updated that as of now, Route 4 has been closed to traffic. Police will provide updates on developments.

Second rainfall wave intensifies, Israel Meteorological Service issues red rainfall warning

Heavy rain fell at times today, accompanied by thunderstorms in the north and center of the country. Strong westerly winds have been blowing, especially across most of the country. Rain will spread throughout the day to the Negev. Flooding is feared in the coastal plain and lowlands. Flash flooding is feared in eastern streams.

Starting tonight and through Wednesday, rainfall will pause. The trend will change on Wednesday night, when another rainfall wave will pass over the country on Thursday. This rainfall wave will end by Friday. No rain is expected over the weekend; however, it will be extremely cold.

Flood danger feared

Today (Monday), rain fell at times, accompanied by thunderstorms in the north and center of the country. Strong westerly winds blew, especially in most parts of the country. Rain will spread throughout the day to the Negev. Flooding is feared in the coastal plain and lowlands. Flash flooding is feared in eastern streams. Snow fell on Mount Hermon ridges. Toward evening, the rain will weaken and decrease. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy. Local rain is possible, with drizzle in most parts of the country.

Earlier, authorities warned of severe flooding in cities and towns, along with a real danger of flash floods in major streams, including Nahal Hadera, Nahal Alexander, Poleg, the Yarkon River, the Ayalon River, and Nahal Sorek. Dozens of millimeters of rain are expected to fall within a few hours, an amount that could cause significant disruptions to road traffic.

Winds reaching speeds of 100 km/h

Alongside heavy rainfall, strong winds are expected, reaching 90-100 km/h (56-62 mph) along the coastal plain and 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) in mountain areas. These winds could cause damage to property and infrastructure, including trees, power and communication lines, antennas, sheds, and unsecured objects. It is recommended to prepare in advance, secure objects on balconies, and avoid unnecessary risks. Haze is possible in southern Israel due to the winds.

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This was the first occasion in modern financial history where a manufacturing commodity surpassed a premier technology corporation in worldwide asset rankings.

Global markets confronted a fifth consecutive year of supply shortfalls, intensified by China's strengthening export restrictions scheduled to commence January 1, 2026. Simultaneously, successive interest rate reductions by the US Federal Reserve enhanced the appeal of non-yielding holdings such as precious commodities, driving additional capital flows into the sector.

Silver retreated after securing an all-time high exceeding $80 per ounce on Monday, while gold prices softened from near-record levels as investors locked in gains and geopolitical concerns appeared to ease, Reuters reported. The shift in sentiment curbed the aggressive safe-haven buying that has characterized recent sessions.

Following the extraordinary price appreciation, asset valuations were briefly reorganized across major categories. Gold commands the apex at $31.5 trillion, while silver now registers approximately $4.7 trillion, narrowly exceeding Nvidia's roughly $4.6 trillion valuation. Apple follows at approximately $4.0 trillion, with Alphabet controlling around $3.8 trillion, Microsoft holding approximately $3.6 trillion, and Bitcoin totaling roughly $1.8 trillion.

The metal's advancement to the runner-up slot resulted from a remarkable 170–180% appreciation throughout the calendar year. The commodity functions as a dual-purpose asset, proving indispensable for high-growth manufacturing sectors including photovoltaic panel production, battery-electric vehicle systems, and artificial intelligence data center infrastructure.

Spot gold dropped 1.7% to $4,455.35 per ounce by 1321 GMT, slipping from Friday's record of $4,549.71, while US gold futures for February delivery fell by an identical margin to $4,474.80, according to Reuters.

The pullback was even sharper for other precious metals. Spot silver lost 5.1% to trade at $75.15 per ounce, falling from an intraday peak of $83.62. Reuters noted that this correction comes amidst a broader sell-off in the sector.

Platinum prices slid 6.9% to $2,281.15 per ounce after reaching a record $2,478.50, while palladium experienced a steep decline of 11.9% to $1,694.75 per ounce, the wire service reported.

"This morning's (gold) price decline, which follows record highs, is attributable mainly to traders taking profits ahead of the year-end,"  ActivTrades analyst Ricardo Evangelista was quoted by the outlet.

The analyst further observed that "Tentative optimism from the US administration regarding progress in the Ukraine peace talks also represents a mild headwind."

This sentiment followed comments from US President Donald Trump, who stated on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were "getting a lot closer, maybe very close" to a deal to end the conflict, according to Reuters.

Despite the day's losses, bullion has climbed roughly 72% this year, mainly due to factors such as  relaxed US monetary policy, dollar weakness, global friction, and robust central bank purchasing.

Silver has significantly outperformed gold, registering a 181% increase year-to-date. Reuters identified key drivers as its classification as a US critical mineral, persistent supply deficits, and rising appetite from both industrial users and investors.

Attention now turns to the release of the Federal Reserve's December meeting minutes on Tuesday, which investors hope will provide clarity on the interest rate trajectory, the outlet noted.

Traders have currently priced in two rate reductions for the coming year. Reuters explained that assets without yield typically prosper during periods of low interest rates.

"Gold prices are trading at an elevated premium, and downside risks could emerge if a hawkish pivot by the Federal Reserve were to surprise and/or large ETF outflows were to affect the market," UBS analysts said in a note.

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