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Israeli diaspora minister says Australia should have seen ‘writing on the wall’ before terror attack
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Australian officials should have seen the «writing on the wall» before last weekend’s terror attack that left 15 people dead during the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, said Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas, Australia has become a «hotbed» of antisemitism, Chikli told Fox News Digital, citing demonstrations with people shouting antisemitic slogans and engaging in violence.
Slogans like «Globalize the intifada» and the waving of flags in support of Hamas, ISIS and other terror groups during an August protest on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge encouraged the climate that led to the Bondi Beach attack, he said.
«The prime minister said that it was a demonstration of unification, of unity,» said Chikli. «I think that the leadership here failed to understand that words have meanings, and incitement is something which is very, very dangerous. And so there were zero actions from the government, zero condemnation.»
DEMOCRATS UNITE AGAINST SYDNEY TERROR — BUT FETTERMAN WARNS PARTY’S ANTI-ISRAEL RIFT BOILING OVER
Israeli Minister For Diaspora Affairs and Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli (C) attends the Light Against Terror: Hanukkah Memorial event next to Former Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott (L) at Chabad of Bondi Synagogue on Wednesday in Sydney. (George Chan/Getty Images)
«The writing was on the wall,» he added. «It was not a surprise. We knew that it was going to happen, this way or another, there was going [to] be violence.»
Since the attack, which claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor, among others, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved to tighten the country’s already strong gun laws. In addition to those killed, dozens more were wounded.
«The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,» Albanese said Monday after meeting with his National Cabinet. «If we need to toughen these up, if there’s anything we can do, I’m certainly up for it.»
The focus on gun control is an attempt to bypass the real issue, said Chikli.
WERE WARNINGS IGNORED IN AUSTRALIA TERROR ATTACK?
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attend a press conference at NSW Police headquarters, following a deadly shooting incident during a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Dec. 16, 2025. (Hollie Adams/Reuters)
«It’s inconvenient for this government, who was very supportive of these pro-Palestinian demonstrations, to say it loud and clear that we have a problem of jihadist violence of radical Islam,» he said. «I’ve never heard the prime minister of Australia even using the words radical Islam. It seems to be beyond his capabilities to just say the words radical Islam.
«It’s not the shotgun who killed these innocent people. It is the man behind it,» he added.
Albanese’s office referred Fox News Digital to a Wednesday news conference in which he talked about terrorism.
«People who have this perversion of Islam that leads them to support Islamic State, and to have a view that somehow there is some reward for them,» he said. «There is not. They are evil. We need to make sure that we do whatever is within our powers. Now, that means education. It means as well, stamping out, calling out evil when we see it. And we’ll continue to do so, not just as a government, but as a nation as well.»
In a podcast interview that aired the same day, Albanese said the suspects linked to the attack were motivated by «the sort of ideology of the Islamic State.»
«There were flags present in the back of their vehicle that they drove to Bondi in order to cause harm,» he said. «This is a perverse ideology, a terrorist ideology that does not respect human life, and that is antisemitic in character, but anti-humanity as well.»
EYEWITNESS TO AUSTRALIA TERROR ATTACK DESCRIBES ‘PANDEMONIUM’ DURING DEADLY SHOOTING AT HANUKKAH EVENT
Rabbi Yossi Friedman speaks to people gathering at a flower memorial by the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, following Sunday’s shooting in Sydney. (Mark Baker/AP Photo)
Dionne Taylor, the communications manager for the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council, previously told Fox News Digital that the government was warned about the potential for violence against Jews.
«It started with hate speech,» she said. «Then graffiti. Then public demonstrations. Then firebombing synagogues, preschools, people’s homes, people’s cars. And now murder.»
She said Jewish leaders and community representatives repeatedly raised alarms with state and federal officials, warning that inaction would lead to bloodshed. Taylor pointed to formal submissions and a detailed report produced by Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, which she said was acknowledged by the government but never implemented.
Chikli, who has visited Australia since the attack and has attended the funerals for the victims, compared the Australian leadership to the Biden administration, which was criticized by some who said it failed to call out Islamic extremism in favor of woke ideology.
Israeli Minister For Diaspora Affairs and Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli speaks during the Light Against Terror: Hanukkah Memorial event at Chabad of Bondi Synagogue on Wednesday in Sydney. (George Chan/Getty Images)
On the opposite end, he noted that the Trump administration has pressured American universities to address antisemitism and has moved to revoke the visas for foreign students who participate in anti-Israel demonstrations and foment radical movements.
«The Biden administration is similar in terms of ideology to the current leadership here in Australia – progressive, woke, weak leadership,» Chikli said. «Simple as that, with zero capability of addressing the threat of radical Islam and zero actions.»
A woman kneels and prays at a flower memorial to shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, a day after a shooting. (Mark Baker/AP Photo)
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He also noted that he hadn’t seen current Australian officials at the funerals for the victims.
Fox News Digital’s Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
australia,mass shootings,crime,mass murder
INTERNACIONAL
Duffy gives Illinois 30-day ultimatum after audit finds 1 in 5 noncitizen truck licenses issued illegally
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FIRST ON FOX: Illinois could lose millions in federal funding if it does not clean up its driver’s licensing system after the U.S. Department of Transportation warned Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s top licensing official that one in five commercial licenses issued to noncitizens were issued illegally.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a written ultimatum to both the Hyatt Hotels heir and Kevin Duesterhaus, the state director of driver services under Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and listed several cases of drivers from El Salvador to Ukraine who were in violation of the law.
«I need our state partners to understand that they work for the American people, not illegal immigrants who broke the law illegally entering our country and continue to break it by operating massive big rigs without the proper qualifications,» Duffy said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
DUFFY SAYS ‘TIME’S UP’ FOR NEWSOM AS FEDS WITHHOLD $160M OVER ILLEGAL TRUCKING LICENSES
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, center, speaks in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
«[Joe] Biden and [Pete] Buttigieg forced Americans to share their roads with unqualified and unvetted foreign drivers, but the Trump administration is putting the needs of American families first where they belong.»
Duffy warned Duesterhaus and Pritzker that $128 million in federal highway funding, including Illinois’ share of the National Highway Performance Program and Surface Transportation Block Grants for FY-2027, would be held up if fixes are not made within 30 days and noncompliance continues.
«In addition, if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues a final determination of substantial noncompliance, the agency may decertify Illinois’ CDL program,» Duffy wrote.
SOME STATES HAVE LET UNQUALIFIED FOREIGN DRIVERS ON THE ROAD AND AMERICANS PAY THE PRICE
Non-domiciled CDLs are commercial licenses issued to noncitizens who are not green card holders. The only exceptions to the non-domicile rule are truckers from Mexico and Canada, whose licensing systems the U.S. Department of Transportation has determined are in compliance with American standards, in deference to the reciprocal relationship between the two countries.
Duffy took issue with two main categories of illegally held licenses: drivers whose license validity dates exceeded their lawful presence in the U.S., and drivers who were given licenses without Illinois verifying their lawful presence.
The audit was also conducted as part of President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring English the official language of the U.S.
Pritzker and Duesterhaus must immediately pause issuances of all non-domiciled CDLs, identify noncompliant ones in circulation, revoke and reissue all compliant ones, and conduct their own internal audit.
Audited examples of CDL scofflaws include two Kyrgyz nationals who presented expired employment authorizations (EAD) and USCIS applications for new EADs, which Illinois should not have accepted.
A Nigerian national and a Moldovan national were found in similar situations.
TRUMP THREATENS TO CUT $75M FROM PENNSYLVANIA OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CDL SCANDAL
A Singaporean national was provided a license after presenting only partial documentation, and several drivers «whose citizenship is unknown» were among those scrutinized.
Fox News Digital reached out to Pritzker for comment, as well as Duesterhaus via Giannoulias’ office.
Giannoulias condemned what he called a «threat» to Springfield’s funding in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
«A strong economy depends on strong logistics,» Giannoulias said. «If trucks don’t move, supply chains fail, prices rise, and families feel it in their pocketbooks. We can see the actions by the Trump administration taking their toll on our truckers and our farmers, both of whom are essential to Illinois’ economy.»
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Newly elected Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias addresses the crowd after taking the oath of office during a ceremony Jan. 9, 2023, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
Giannoulias’ office said it believes its CDL issuance policies are «substantially compliant» with U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements and that it will conduct its own review of Duffy’s findings.
Giannoulias said the Illinois Agricultural Association raised concerns over the pause in issuing non-domiciled CDLs and that «Illinois agriculture depends on timely, practical, and legally sound regulatory decisions. Continued uncertainty places employers, workers, and food production systems at unnecessary risk.»
infrastructure across america,trucks,illinois,illegal immigrants,jb pritzker
INTERNACIONAL
Ukraine makes fastest gains in years as Russia talks stall, exploiting cracks in Kremlin command
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As U.S.-backed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended without a breakthrough, Kyiv made gains on the battlefield, recapturing territory at its fastest pace in years through localized counterattacks along the southeastern front.
The advances come as analysts point to disruptions in Russian battlefield communications and shifting operational dynamics, developments that could strengthen Ukraine’s leverage even as talks remain stalled.
Ukrainian forces retook about 78 square miles over five days, according to a report by Agence France-Presse based on an analysis of the Institute for the Study of War battlefield mapping. The gains represent Kyiv’s most rapid territorial advances since its 2023 counteroffensive in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton said Ukraine’s battlefield performance should not be underestimated. «As this war grinds on, the world too often forgets that Ukraine’s determination, innovation and moral clarity are force multipliers. Its ability to defend against a larger, better-resourced enemy should never be counted out,» Newton told Fox News Digital. «There are growing signs that Russia’s supposed invincibility is no longer a safe assumption, particularly as pressure increases on the Kremlin and its partners.»
UKRAINE SAYS IT CARRIED OUT FIRST-EVER UNDERWATER DRONE STRIKE ON RUSSIAN SUBMARINE IN NOVOROSSIYSK
Ukrainian soldiers from the 115th Brigade Mortar Unit conduct mortar training in Lyman, Ukraine. (Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The fighting has centered east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces have steadily advanced since mid-2025. Open-source battlefield monitoring and mapping indicate Ukrainian troops pushed forward around Huliaipole and nearby settlements, though analysts caution the front remains fluid, and some areas are not fully secured, The Telegraph reported.
The Institute for the Study of War assessed in mid-February that the counterattacks appear to be exploiting disruptions in Russian command-and-control. ISW said Ukrainian forces are likely leveraging limits affecting Russian battlefield communications, including reported restrictions tied to the use of Starlink satellite terminals and messaging platforms cited in open-source reporting.
Members of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces control an FPV drone with optical fiber guidance in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka on Feb. 17, 2026. (Iryna Rybakova/Press Service of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters)
Analysts say reduced connectivity can create short windows for Ukrainian units to move through contested zones that are typically dominated by drone surveillance and electronic warfare. ISW and other observers emphasize that such opportunities are temporary and do not signal a broader collapse in Russian defenses.
The evolving fight is also shaped by the growing role of drones. In a Feb. 10 special report, ISW said Russia’s expanding use of first-person-view drones reflects a campaign to «weaponize and institutionalize intentional civilian harm as a purposeful tool of war,» warning the tactic is becoming embedded in operational doctrine and could influence future conflicts.
UKRAINE STRIKES MAJOR RUSSIAN AMMO DEPOT WITH ‘FLAMINGO’ MISSILE AS TRUMP URGES ZELENSKYY TO MOVE ON DEAL
Ukraine fires six FP-5 Flamingo missiles in a night strike on Russia’s 117th GRAU arsenal in Kotluban, Volgograd Region. (East2west)
Despite the recent gains, analysts caution against viewing the developments as a decisive shift in the war. Newton argued that sustained Western military support remains essential. «Putin responds to force,» he said. «The United States and Europe should continue providing Ukraine with both defensive and offensive capabilities, including long-range systems capable of striking deep inside Russia.»
Retired Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward said battlefield gains are increasingly tied to diplomacy. «Both sides are trying to use battlefield advances to strengthen their position at the negotiating table,» Harward said. «It’s a sign neither side is ready to strike a deal yet.»
Harward pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stated willingness to hold elections following a ceasefire as evidence Kyiv is signaling flexibility, while Moscow continues to press its demands. «If a lasting and fair diplomatic agreement is achievable, the current U.S. team is well-positioned to help deliver it,» he said. «But negotiations must be paired with sustained pressure on Russia and its partners.»
Russia releases drone footage of an alleged Ukraine attack on Putin residence. (Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via Reuters)
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Nearly two years after Ukraine’s last major offensive stalled, the war remains defined by incremental territorial changes rather than sweeping breakthroughs. Both sides continue to rely heavily on drones, artillery and electronic warfare, with front lines shifting village by village.
«As U.S.-led talks continue, it is critical to increase pressure on Putin to end the war on terms that restore deterrence and prevent further aggression,» Newton said.
ukraine,russia,wars,world,politics
Menos de mil familias permanecen en el campamento al-Hol, en el noreste de Siria, tras la toma de control por parte de fuerzas del gobierno de Ahmed al-Sharaa, según informó Jihan Hanna, exdirectora del recinto y actual coordinadora con agencias internacionales. Miles de personas huyeron el mes pasado, en medio de la retirada de las kurdas Fuerzas Democráticas Sirias (SDF) y el avance gubernamental sobre la zona, que incluyó la ocupación de varias cárceles de combatientes del Estado Islámico.
El campamento, ubicado cerca de la frontera con Irak, fue uno de los principales centros de detención para familiares de presuntos militantes del Estado Islámico tras la campaña respaldada por Estados Unidos contra el grupo yihadista en Siria. El ejército estadounidense confirmó recientemente la transferencia de 5.700 detenidos adultos a Irak, en una operación coordinada tras el cambio de control en la región.
Según datos obtenidos por Reuters el 19 de enero, un día antes de la entrada de las fuerzas gubernamentales, al-Hol albergaba a 6.639 familias, equivalentes a 23.407 personas, en su mayoría sirios e iraquíes, además de 6.280 extranjeros de más de cuarenta nacionalidades. La Agencia de la ONU para los Refugiados (ACNUR/UNHCR) observó en las últimas semanas una “disminución significativa” en el número de residentes, aunque el acceso al campamento fue restringido por motivos de seguridad y no dispone de cifras exactas de la población actual.
Las autoridades sirias han comenzado a trasladar a los últimos residentes nacionales a un campamento próximo a Alepo, mientras la mayoría de extranjeros habría huido o abandonado el lugar durante el vacío de seguridad generado por la retirada de la SDF. Fuentes de seguridad indicaron que un sector del campamento, conocido como “el anexo” y considerado el más peligroso, quedó completamente vacío tras los incidentes. Se reportó que algunas personas escaparon con ayuda de familiares o grupos armados, dispersándose dentro y fuera de Siria.
El Observatorio Sirio de Derechos Humanos confirmó que “miles huyeron de al-Hol”, algunos por su cuenta durante la retirada kurda y otros con la ayuda de fuerzas progubernamentales. Unidades de seguridad, en coordinación con socios internacionales, han iniciado operaciones de seguimiento y búsqueda de los fugitivos, especialmente de aquellos considerados de alto riesgo.
En el Líbano, fuentes de seguridad informaron que más de una docena de ciudadanos libaneses que cruzaron ilegalmente desde Siria tras huir de al-Hol fueron interrogados por el ejército local. Paralelamente, el gobierno sirio anunció el traslado de cientos de personas, principalmente mujeres y niños, a un nuevo campamento cercano a Akhtarin, en el norte de Alepo, con apoyo de grupos civiles como la Unidad de Apoyo a la Estabilización (SSU).
La reubicación, que según Mounzir Salal, líder de la SSU, podría completarse en una semana, forma parte del plan para cerrar definitivamente al-Hol y comenzar la reintegración de los antiguos residentes. La ACNUR subrayó la importancia de identificar a los extranjeros que abandonan el campamento para facilitar su repatriación o procesamiento legal según corresponda.
Desde 2019, tras la derrota territorial del Estado Islámico, al-Hol se consolidó como un entorno de alta peligrosidad, donde la influencia ideológica del grupo persistió y la vida cotidiana se caracterizó por la ausencia de legalidad, según testimonios de residentes y observadores internacionales.
(Con información de Reuters y DPA)
Civil Conflict,Demonstrations,Riots,Middle East,Civil Unrest
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