In early September, Poland declared a state of emergency along its border with Belarus due to the arrival of thousands of migrants. A three-kilometer-wide strip along the 400-kilometer border was off-limits to anyone except residents, police, military, or members of the Polish Border Guard. Although the state of emergency is no longer in effect, a new law passed by the Polish parliament at the end of November has extended the prohibition of access to this border for three more months. The current situation is very different from a month ago when images of thousands of people crowded on the Belarusian side of the border were arriving. The number of arrivals has drastically reduced following pressure from the EU on Belarus.

The Israeli city of Sderot, close to Gaza, has been liberated by the army after three days of intense fighting with Palestinian militants who killed about 40 residents. The city is now a ghost town marked by destruction and silence. Residents express fear, anger, and frustration, with some criticizing the security forces and politicians, particularly Netanyahu, for allowing Hamas to grow. Despite the devastation, Rabbi David Fendel remains hopeful, determined to see the city not just survive but thrive.

Israel faced a day of tension and concern after the Knesset approved a law limiting the Supreme Court's intervention in government decisions, marking a significant victory for Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform. The law's passage sparked nationwide protests and criticism from local media, with five major newspapers printing black front pages in protest. The Israel Free movement described the government as dictatorial and called for renewed resistance against the reform. Attention is now on the Supreme Court as civil society groups appeal to overturn the law. Political analyst Amir Oren noted the unprecedented nature of such intervention, while State Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara recommended revoking a March law that protects Netanyahu from being disqualified from office.

Jader Adnan, a well-known Palestinian prisoner, died after 86 days on hunger strike in an Israeli jail, sparking increased tensions in the region. His death led to rocket launches, a shooting attack, protests, and a general strike in Gaza and the West Bank. Adnan, accused of terrorism by Israel, the US, and the EU, had refused medical care in prison and was on his fifth hunger strike. Following his death, the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine warned that Israel would pay for this and other crimes. Hamas, governing Gaza, vowed to escalate resistance. The Israeli military responded to the projectile launches by attacking Gaza, with no injuries reported but material damages to homes.

Israel's new government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu with ultra-Orthodox and far-right partners, targets the LGBT community, which sees itself on the front line of battle against a widespread offensive on various minorities. Avi Maoz, deputy minister in charge of educational and migration policies, has openly criticized the LGBT ideology and movement. The coalition agreements include a clause to amend anti-discrimination laws, allowing service refusal on religious grounds. LGBT representatives vow to fight for their rights, with Tel Aviv hosting the Middle East's largest Pride Parade annually. Incidents of homophobia have risen by 75% in the last year. Organizations like AGUDÁ and Havrutá are mobilizing protests and fear the return of conversion therapies, previously banned. The government's judicial reform, threatening liberal democracy and minority rights, has also drawn LGBT organizations into broader protest movements.