Israel News for 10-14-2026
News Update
Colombia inaugurated its new embassy in central Jerusalem today. The ceremony was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Colombia’s newly appointed ambassador to Israel, Tania Gilinski. Colombian Foreign Minister Bula Escobar described the opening as a new chapter in relations between the countries, emphasizing Colombia’s commitment to restoring political dialogue and expanding their strategic partnership — “We are renewing relations with greater strength, rebuilding our strategic partnership and reinforcing Colombia’s presence in Israel. Relations between our countries should never have been damaged.” He added, “Israel is a strategic partner. It always has been, and from now on it will be even more so.” Colombia is the 10th country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has filed an NIS 3 million defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Netanyahu. The lawsuit alleges that in the months leading up to October 7, Netanyahu received repeated warnings about the possibility of an escalation on multiple fronts, with particular emphasis on the Gaza Strip and the Jewish High Holidays. According to the lawsuit, Bar also presented proposals to target senior Hamas officials, but the prime minister rejected both the warnings and the proposed plans. The lawsuit emphasizes that Bar is not trying to evade responsibility, but is challenging what it describes as defamatory statements by Netanyahu that shift responsibility onto Bar. For more, click here.
Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu denies that he ever met with any Egyptian intelligence official directly prior to the Oct. 7 attack, in response to reports that he received a specific warning regarding the attack from the Egyptian intelligence chief.
Tens of thousands of Israelis are reportedly planning to fly home to vote in the upcoming October 27 election. For a brief explanation of how Knesset elections work, click here.
