Arab MK at Haaretz Conference: Since Oct. 7, Israeli Racism Has Turned Into Facism

Here are Friday’s updates on Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and the Middle East:

■ Hundreds are attending the Haaretz Democracy Conference in Tel Aviv, titled From Coup to Resistance, marking three years since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to cripple Israel’s judiciary with the proposed judicial overhaul.

■ The Iranian judiciary rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Tehran halted the execution of 800 demonstrators under the threat of U.S. military intervention.

■ Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an “armada” carrying aircraft on route toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.

■ The United States withdrew on Thursday from the World Health Organization and announced the cessation of all U.S. funding and staffing in response to “the WHO’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

■ The IDF announced that 14 people were arrested and 350 buildings searched in an overnight military operation in Hebron.

■ The IDF announced on Thursday the appointment of a new commander for its Multidimensional Unit, known as the “Ghost Unit,” which operates on multiple warfare domains, including ground forces, air force, intelligence, engineering, armor and sting units.