The Times of Israel is liveblogging Monday’s events as they unfold.

Bondi Beach terrorist, charged with 15 counts of murder, faces court for first time

SYDNEY, Australia — Accused Bondi Beach killer Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link for the first time today, national broadcaster ABC reports.

Akram and his father, Sajid, are accused of carrying out a deadly terror attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in December in the nation’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades.

Akram has been charged with terrorism and 15 counts of murder. Sajid was shot and killed by police during the massacre.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

After All-Star defeat, Israel’s Deni Avdija says he feels ‘entire nation’ with him when he plays

After his team dropped out of the NBA All-Star Game, Israeli basketballer Deni Avdija thanks Israeli fans who stayed up overnight to watch him play.

“I feel like when I come to play, I come with the entire nation, and it’s fun to show that it’s possible, even for a small country like us,” he tells Channel 12 news at a post-game press conference.

Avdija is the first Israeli in history to have played in the tournament.

Lakers’ LeBron James says he ‘hopefully’ can make it to Israel someday, praises ‘exceptional’ Avdija

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he hopes to visit Israel and praised basketballer Deni Avdija at a press conference ahead of the NBA All-Star game at the Intuit Dome.

LeBron says he believes Avdija, the first Israeli to be an NBA All-Star player, is an “exceptional” basketballer, answering a question by a Channel 14 reporter.

“I hope I inspire people over there not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life, so, hopefully someday I can make it over there,” he said, adding he’s “heard great things” about the country.

LeBron James on Israel: “I hope I inspire people over there not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life, hopefully someday I can make it over there.” pic.twitter.com/Z5rPTzFval — SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) February 15, 2026

LeBron James on Israel:

“I hope I inspire people over there not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life, hopefully someday I can make it over there.” pic.twitter.com/Z5rPTzFval

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) February 15, 2026

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