Etgar Lefkovits

Israel

Journalist at The Jewish Press

Award-winning international journalist

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Articles

Israel kicks off transformation of biblical Sebastia into archaeological park

3 days ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(May 12, 2025 / JNS)Israeli authorities began archaeological work on Monday toward the restoration and development of Sebastia, a major archaeological site that served as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel nearly three millennia ago. The dig in the biblical heartland comes two years after a nearly $9 million Israeli government investment in the compound following decades of neglect, damage and disrepair.
European Parliament passes resolution calling for PA funding freeze over hateful textbooks - The Jewish Chronicle

1 week ago | thejc.com | Etgar Lefkovits

That deal made continued aid conditional on textbook reform – reforms that have yet to materialise without consequence. Lawmakers singled out examples of content promoting hatred and glorifying terrorists, accusing the Palestinian curriculum of violating basic principles of coexistence and peace education.
Foreign airlines extend suspension of Israel flights

1 week ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(May 8, 2025 / JNS)Travel disruptions in and out of Israel continued throughout the week as numerous foreign airlines postponed flights, some through mid-May, following a Houthi missile attack that landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Chicago-based United Airlines has canceled its twice-daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv through May 18, while Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Dallas, has paused its daily New York–Tel Aviv route until May 19.
European Parliament urges funding freeze for PA over continued textbook hate

1 week ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(May 8, 2025 / JNS)The European Parliament passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning Palestinian Authority school textbooks for promoting antisemitism and inciting violence. The resolution called for European Union funding to the Ramallah to be frozen until substantial reforms are made.
Foreign airlines extend suspension of Israel flights

1 week ago | clevelandjewishnews.com | Etgar Lefkovits

Travel disruptions in and out of Israel continued throughout the week as numerous foreign airlines postponed flights, some through mid-May, following a Houthi missile attack that landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Chicago-based United Airlines has canceled its twice-daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv through May 18, while Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Dallas, has paused its daily New York–Tel Aviv route until May 19.
Argentinian lawmaker sees greater support for Jerusalem embassy move after elections

1 week ago | clevelandjewishnews.com | Etgar Lefkovits

An Argentinian lawmaker said Wednesday that he expects greater support for moving the country’s Israel embassy to Jerusalem after parliamentary elections this fall. The remarks come after more than 30 members of the Argentinian Congress signed a Declaration of Solidarity and Friendship to the State of Israel, reaffirming their support for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security and expressed backing for the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Israeli deputy FM visits Gabon amid diplomatic push in Africa

1 week ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(May 5, 2025 / JNS)Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel visited the central African nation of Gabon over the weekend to attend the inauguration of the country’s new president in the latest diplomatic outreach to the continent. The trip marked the latest effort in a growing tug-of-war between supporters and opponents of the Jewish state in Africa.
Turkish Jew arrested over visit to Israel

1 week ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(May 5, 2025 / JNS)A 29-year-old Turkish Jew who visited Israel last month and posted a picture of himself next to an Israeli flag on a Tel Aviv beach on social media was arrested, fired from his job at Turkish Airlines and forbidden to travel abroad pending a trial. Umut Ataseven, who worked at Istanbul Airport as a visa/passport officer for Turkish Airlines as well as a freelance blogger for a Turkish paper, was in Israel as a tourist on April 6-12.
A home for lone soldiers is planned, envisioned by fallen son of immigrants

2 weeks ago | jns.org | Etgar Lefkovits

(April 30, 2025 / JNS)He wasn’t even required to fight the terrorists who had overrun Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. When the deputy company officer in the Israel Defense Forces commando unit told Lt. Jonathan Gutin that he did not expect him to take part since he didn’t have their training, the 20-year-old liaison officer newly assigned to the multidimensional unit had none of it. “I’m with you all the way, brother,” he replied.
Netanyahu to Visit Azerbaijan amid US Nuclear Talks with Iran

2 weeks ago | unitedwithisrael.org | Etgar Lefkovits

The official visit comes as Azerbaijan has expressed interest in further strengthening ties with Israel and the United States, in addition to joining the 2020 Abraham Accords.