Herald section
The latest politics reporting from The Belfast Herald.
More than 50 Haredi Jews join the Israel Defense Forces for the first time since the start of the Gaza war, forming the Haredi Hasmonean Brigade, after repeated protests against the conscription of yeshiva students.
The German government ceased official funding for two Israeli human rights groups, Zochrot and New Profile, which advocated for Palestinian rights and antimilitarism, following a series of attempts by a German aid organization to prevent the decision.
Darryl Wilson, a councillor for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, has resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party following a controversy regarding the selection for an Assembly seat. He will continue to serve as an independent councillor.
The Taliban government announces it will close all national and foreign NGOs in Afghanistan that employ women, citing compliance with Islamic regulations and issuing warnings of license revocation for non-compliance.
President Joe Biden has ordered a state funeral for former president Jimmy Carter to be held at Washington National Cathedral on 9 January. Flags will be lowered to half-staff for thirty days.
The United States Senate passed a funding bill, which President Joe Biden signed into law on 21 December 2024, averting a government shutdown. The measure extends funding through 14 March and includes disaster relief and aid for farmers.
The Stormont Executive has agreed to release its draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year for public consultation, with most of the £19bn allocation directed towards health and education.
The U.S. Electoral College formally certifies President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election.
