Yoav Etiel

Yoav Etiel is a journalist and reporter for Walla.

A Canadian passport with approved stamp (illustrative)

WATCH: Canadian-Israeli denied option to put Israel as place of birth in her new passport

Lightning illuminates the sky over the upper Galilee, during a rain storm on November 13, 2025.

WATCH: Ashkelon firefighters rescue eight as coastal cities face winter's first flash flooding

 Seismic waves are seen on a screen during a demonstration of an earthquake early warning system which triggers sirens if a nationwide network of 120 seismic monitoring stations detects a strong earthquake, at the Geological Survey of Israel in Jerusalem.

Two earthquakes topping 5.9 magnitude hit Cyprus in one day, both felt in northern Israel


Israeli child hospitalized after leaving kindergarten bruised, parents claim police inaction

The five-year-old student was hospitalized after her parents received notification from an after-school program that the child was experiencing a "minor medical matter."

Children arrive for the first day of school in the Israeli town of Mevaseret Zion, September 1, 2025.

Thai authorities arrest Israeli wanted for armed robbery ahead of flight from country

Osher Farhi, a 22-year-old Israeli with a criminal record, was arrested by Surat Thani authorities, reportedly following a request made by Israeli authorities.

Thai authorities arrest Israeli criminal Osher Farhi in Koh Samui, November 2025.

Jewish traveler says locals 'radiated love for Israel' during Syria trip

Avi Gold’s visit to Syria stands out for the unexpected affection he received from locals, including a special encounter with one of Damascus's last Jews.

Avi Gold in Damascus wearing a scarf with the Syrian flag, over an illustrative backdrop of the flag.

White's thrush spotted in Israel for the first time by local birdwatcher

White's thrush is a small bird from the thrush family whose natural habitat spans the northern forests of Asia, from the continent’s northeast to the slopes of the Ural Mountains.

The golden thrush (Zoothera aurea), spotted for the first time in Israel on October 30, 2025.

Druze religious council submits evidence to UN on genocide, systematic attacks against Syrian Druze

The Supreme Druze Religious Council's appeal alleges that the Druze population in Sweida has been the target of systematic terror attacks carried out by jihadist groups.

People stand next to a destroyed tank, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.

Last Warsaw Ghetto Uprising survivor Michael Smuss dies at 99

Michael Smuss was born on April 15, 1926, in Danzig, where his family lived until the rise of the Nazi Party.

Michael Smuss, last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, dies at 99, October 23, 2025.

Israeli spy for Iran, Moti Maman, petitions court after moshav rejects his residency

Mordechai “Moti” Maman, currently serving ten years in prison for spying for Iran, has been trying to register as a resident of northern Israel moshav Bustan Hagalil.

 Moti Maman, 73, accused of visit Iran twice and being in contact with Iranian intelligence, arrives for a court hearing at the court in Beersheba, September 19, 2024.

IDF Brig.-Gen. reassures northern communities after Lebanese civilians approach Israeli border

Lebanese individuals, allegedly civilians, were seen approaching up to 80 meters from the border with Israel.

Hezbollah supporters hold images of late former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and current leader Naim Qassem at a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025.

Thai authorities crack down on Israeli visa overstays, illegal work

Israeli tourists on Koh Phangan face arrests and scrutiny as Thai authorities clamp down on visa abuse and illegal business activity linked to foreign nationals.

 Police officers stand guard before the start of the funeral procession for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej before the Royal Cremation Ceremony in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, October 26, 2017

Young Israeli woman suspected of burglarizing homes in Los Angeles

Adva Lavie, 27, is suspected of robbing older men's homes after posing as a companion on social media.

Sheriff's notice of suspect Adva Lavie