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Israel is facing mounting pressure from European allies over its expanded military operations in Gaza and aid restrictions on the enclave. Britain this week announced it was suspending free trade negotiations, and European Union member states have pledged to review commercial ties with Israel. This as France affirmed its intent to recognize a Palestinian state, and an upcoming conference at UN headquarters in New York in June will seek to revive the pathway toward a two-state solution. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan asked veteran retired diplomat Avi Pazner, a former ambassador to Italy and France, how serious are the current tensions between Israel and Europe. He also said the rising antisemitism is spreading to the point where it may be dangerous to be Jewish in the United States. (Photo: Associated Press)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming Shavuot holiday is traditionally a time to get out and get in touch with nature, celebrate the harvests on the agricultural communities and experience Israel’s rural districts. There is a 5-day festival called “Ba Li Galil” I feel like the Galilee running from May 29th through June 2nd which is offering an opportunity to explore wineries and crafts in Jewish towns, and also Arab villages that are opening up with home cooking, folklore, performances and much much more. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan got a preview of the events in a visit to the Galilee. Here is his report. (photo: Erez Ben Simon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Israel embassy staffers murdered in shooting attack in Washington, DC. Israel's foreign minister blames shooting on anti-Semitic, anti-Israel rhetoric, including from world leaders. IDF intercepts second Houthi missile fired at Israel from Yemen, hours after downing a similar projectile. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well for those who are lovers of folk, blues and jam sessions, there is festival taking place this weekend. It’s called Singing At Nave Shalom and will host some of the well-known Israeli singers and musicians in an atmosphere close to old Jacob’s Ladder Festival. Harold Jacobs the organizer of the music festival spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about the shows. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has recently approved a comprehensive security-settlement program to bolster Israel’s frontiers. The plan calls for establishing new communities, army farming outposts and yeshivas including for ultra-Orthodox men on the borders.   One of its leading proponents has been the Hashomer Hachadash. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Uri Sapir, Deputy Director General for Settlement Affairs for Hashomer Hachadash about the plan. (photo: hashomer hachash)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shawna Goodman, who immigrated with her family from Canada to Israel some 10 years ago, believes in the formative power of an immersive summer camp experience. To that end, she founded Summer Camp Israel, to provide such a 10-day experience to Israeli youth. With financial support from the organization, thousands of Israeli children including those evacuated from the north and children of reservists, will take part in a camp experience this coming summer. Goodman spoke to KAN reporter about the organization.  (Photo: Courtesy Isracamp)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can joint Israeli-Palestinian health programs help build trust where politics have failed? According to a new paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the health care field can play a crucial role in building bridges between communities in conflict. Written by two Jewish Israeli and two Palestinian doctors during a period of temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the paper reviews 16 joint initiatives, highlighting in particular two programs: Road to Recovery and Physicians for Human Rights Israel. The authors also present recommendations on how cross-national health care programs can play a role in post-war peacebuilding. One of the paper's authors, Avner Halperin, a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Middle East Initiative, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Billie Weiss)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Curtain Up, the Culture Ministry's flagship dance project now in its 35th year, is a showcase for contemporary dance in Israel, providing a springboard for independent choreographers to premiere their works in locations around the country. Twelve creators are participating in this year's program which runs through May 30th. Curtain Up co-artistic director Maya Brinner spoke with KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the creative process in complex times.  (Photo: Yair Meyuhas)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF soldier killed in southern Gaza. Pope calls for sufficient aid to be allowed into Gaza. Soccer players suspected of defrauding national insurance instituteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A UN humanitarian affairs spokesperson in Geneva said the organization has received approval to bring 100 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip. According to him, 'We requested approval for many more trucks. If babies in Gaza do not receive the life-saving equipment they need, they will be in mortal danger.' Reporter Mark Weiss spoke about the legal aspects of providing aid in a time of war with Dr Eran Shamir Borer, Director of the Israel Democracy Institute’s Center for Security and Democracy, and a reserve colonel and former head of the IDF’s International Law department. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak , killed in Gaza, is  buried.PM mulls returning negotiators from Doha. Outrage over Yair Golan's remarks that " a sane country doesn't kill babies as a hobby."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tzav 9 movement, which opposes sending aid to Gaza, responded to the decision to renew humanitarian supplies by calling on people to prevent the aid trucks from entering Gaza.   “Netanyahu, this is on you. We shouldn’t provide luxuries and aid to Hamas until the last hostage returns,” the group said in a statement. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Rachel Touitou, a co-founder and spokesperson for  Tsav 9. (Photo:Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social and political activist Gershon Baskin, co-head of the Alliance for Two States, blasted the current IDF campaign against Hamas in Gaza, saying that military pressure doesn’t save hostages… it kills them. Speaking to reporter Arieh O’Sullivan, Baskin outlined possible moves that could free the hostages, end the fighting and rebuild Gaza. (photo: Ohad Zwigenberg./flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF orders evacuation of civilians from Khan Yunis amid offensive, humanitarian aid starts entering Gaza Strip, laborer killed in work accident in Bnai Barak See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the ongoing war, overseas students continue to flock to Israel, with the international school at Reichman University reporting a 6 percent increase in enrollment. Some 2,600 students from 90 countries are studying in the English-language programs. Of this cohort, some 350 students are lone soldiers serving in the reserves. Jonathan Davis, Vice President at Reichman University and head of the Raphael Recanati International School spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal. (Photo: Screenshot Facebook. Inset: Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Knesset, coalition fails in bid to issue emergency call-up orders to IDF reservists. Defense minister says signs indicate Hamas military leader was killed in Gaza Strip bombardments. Israel's Yuval Raphael finishes second in Eurovision song contest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tzeela Gez from the West Bank settlement of Bruchin was buried in Jerusalem on Thursday evening. She was on her way to a hospital delivery ward on Wednesday night to give birth to her fourth child when a  Palestinian terrorist opened fire. Doctors managed to save the life of her baby boy who remains in serious but stable condition but Tzeela was killed. Her husband, who was driving the car, was lightly hurt. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Yigal Dilmoni, the founder of American Friends of Judea and Samaria and the former CEO of the Yesha Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli woman en route to hospital to give birth murdered in Samaria shooting attack. Impasse in Doha talks on hostage release deal. Israel to participate Thursday in Eurovision second semi-final See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Yossi Shain, former head of department of government at Tel Aviv University and a former Knesset Member, said Israel is dragging its feet to put the conflict to an end at a time when US President Trump was closing deals all around. Speaking to reporter Arieh O’Sullivan, Shain said that Israel is currently in a trap due to indecision on the real objectives of the war  He added that Israel has found itself out of the loop with not just the Iran nuclear talks, but relations with regional countries like Syria. (photo: Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel warns Yemenis of impending strike on three ports after Houthis launch multiple missiles at the Jewish state, Earthquake felt in Israel, Air Force continues bombing site where Hamas military commander Mohammed Sinwar believed to be hidingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.