Dozens of Shabbos-observant passengers were stranded in London for Shabbos after an Israir flight to Israel was canceled when an airport service vehicle collided with the aircraft during ground operations.

Israir Flight 116 was scheduled to depart for Israel on Thursday evening, but the aircraft was damaged while being towed before takeoff. The collision rendered the plane unfit for service, forcing the airline to cancel the flight.

According to reports, this is the third such incident involving an aircraft being damaged during towing operations at the London airport. It remains unclear whether airport officials have conducted a formal investigation into the previous incidents.

Following the cancellation, passengers were returned to the terminal to collect their luggage. Israir arranged hotel accommodations and transportation for the stranded travelers and informed passengers who chose to make their own lodging arrangements that they would be reimbursed for hotel, transportation, and meal expenses in accordance with company policy.

The airline said it has been working with airport authorities and other relevant parties to operate a rescue flight as soon as possible to return passengers to Israel.

However, Shabbos-observant passengers who remained in London will not be able to return until Sunday.

Israir apologized for the disruption, stressing that the incident was beyond the airline’s control and emphasizing that passenger safety remains its highest priority.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israel Tax Authority has suspended the processing of war compensation claims for Bnei Brak residents following Thursday’s attack on Tax Authority inspectors in the city’s Vizhnitz neighborhood.

In a letter sent Friday to Bnei Brak Mayor Chanokh Zeibert, Israel Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich announced that he had ordered an immediate freeze on all compensation claims related to damages from Operations “Am K’Lavi” and “Sha’agas HaAri” until the municipality issues a public condemnation of the attack.

The decision comes a day after Tax Authority inspectors were assaulted while carrying out official duties in Bnei Brak. Video from the scene showed a crowd surrounding the inspectors’ vehicle, pelting it with eggs and damaging its windows before police officers arrived to rescue the employees.

According to Aharonovich, the inspectors were attacked while performing their work and required police intervention to safely leave the area. He noted that this was the second recent violent incident targeting Tax Authority inspectors and criticized the municipality for failing to publicly condemn the attack.

Aharonovich wrote that Tax Authority employees will not return to work in Bnei Brak until the city issues a clear and unequivocal public condemnation. As a result, personnel from the Compensation Fund have also been instructed to halt processing of war damage claims submitted by Bnei Brak residents.

The Tax Authority director also requested that the municipality publish its condemnation in media outlets serving the Chareidi community. Until such a statement is issued, the freeze on compensation claims will remain in effect.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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A 90-year-old left-wing activist was detained for questioning on Friday after allegedly running over two residents at Tomer Farm in Gush Etzion, lightly injuring both.

According to police, officers from the Etzion station responded after receiving a report that a vehicle had struck a woman at the scene.

A preliminary investigation found that the suspect, an Israeli citizen, arrived at the location and began filming with a camera. At some point, an argument broke out between him and a teenage resident. Police say the suspect then got back into his vehicle and drove forward, allegedly striking the teenager, who was not injured seriously and did not require medical treatment.

The vehicle also allegedly struck a woman, dragging her several meters. She sustained light injuries.

The suspect was taken into custody for questioning as police continue their investigation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A meeting between Dimona Mayor Benny Biton and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is drawing attention in the Likud stronghold, as local figures point to early signs of shifting political sentiment in the southern city.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received a positive but somewhat subdued welcome at this week’s Negev Conference in Dimona. Michal Elmalem Abu, a former Likud city councilwoman who has joined Eisenkot and now heads the local branch of his Yashar party, said the atmosphere was noticeably different from previous years.

Elmalem Abu said she sees no conflict between supporting Eisenkot and maintaining a close working relationship with Biton. She previously served two terms on the Dimona City Council and said Biton asked her to join him ahead of the last municipal election. She declined, explaining that she would not return to Likud.

“I support Benny; he is doing an excellent job,” she said. Elmalem Abu added that she backed Eisenkot when his party was polling at only five seats. When she informed Biton of her decision, she said he reacted warmly despite having wanted her to run alongside him.

“He said he loves Gadi and respects me and my decision,” she recalled. “That is the greatness of leadership. He said he understood it. At the same time, I will stand beside him whenever necessary.”

Elmalem Abu said Biton and Eisenkot have met twice, including after a missile struck Dimona. “He is very caring. You recognize that very quickly,” she said of Eisenkot.

Elmalem Abu, 55, is deputy chairwoman of the Histadrut’s Negev district and chief executive of the cultural centers in southern Israel. She has three children—two sons and a daughter who serves as a career officer in the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

Reflecting on Netanyahu’s reception at the Negev Conference, she said there was “really something that was not as it had been before.”

“I have managed this venue for years. This time it was truly unusual,” she said. “Dimona is a Likud city. The mayor is strongly committed to it and is very dominant. But something is developing here. It stands out particularly in Dimona because of the city’s political identity.”

Elmalem Abu said she does not expect Dimona to completely reverse its longstanding political allegiance anytime soon. “It will take several generations, but this is the beginning of a change, and people understand that,” she said.

As head of Yashar’s Dimona branch, Elmalem Abu organized a party gathering attended by Eisenkot. She said more than 300 people attended, noting that all 300 chairs were occupied and additional participants stood along the walls.

Senior figures in Dimona also believe Eisenkot is gaining substantial support in the city. One local official said that although Netanyahu’s supporters publicly chant “Only Bibi,” some may vote for Eisenkot once they are alone behind the ballot-box curtain.

“It is a question of identity—Moroccan, the Moroccan language, the development town where he was born, the development city where he grew up, traditional, a bereaved father, and a man who wore a uniform for more than 40 years,” the official said.

Biton’s associates confirmed that he met Eisenkot in his office. Biton has a broad political history: In the 1998 municipal election, he ran against late Likud politician Gabi Lalush. A year later, he was placed 12th on Yitzhak Mordechai’s party slate, which competed against Likud. He later joined Ehud Barak, entered Likud in 2011, and has served as Dimona’s mayor on the party’s behalf since 2013.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A group of Israelis from communities near the Gaza border were brutally attacked last Motzaei Shabbos in the coastal city of Budva, Montenegro, in what they describe as an antisemitic assault after identifying themselves as Israelis.

The incident was first reported by Kan News.

One of the victims recounted that he and his friends were sitting along the beachfront promenade when four strangers approached them and asked in English where they were from.

“We said Israel. They attacked us, shouting ‘Free Palestine.’ We didn’t respond, and they left. Then they came back with another 10 to 15 young men.”

“They started cursing and threatening us,” he said. “We didn’t respond. They put out a cigarette on one of us, kicked us, threw chairs at us, and punched us. We started running and split up. Some of our friends were knocked to the ground and kicked. We somehow managed to escape.”

The victim said three members of the group became separated during the attack. One suffered a broken jaw and underwent surgery, another sustained serious head injuries, and a third lost consciousness after being beaten.

According to the victims, local police witnessed the aftermath but failed to intervene.

“We were all bleeding, and the police told us, ‘You’re making too much noise for the neighbors,’ and walked away,” one victim said. “We ran to the local Chabad House, and from there we took one of the injured to the hospital. The embassy arranged earlier flights home. One of the Israelis is still hospitalized after surgery.”

“We felt like it was the Holocaust,” he added. “We were beaten and lynched. We were afraid they were going to murder us, and we never fought back.”

Another victim described a similarly violent assault.

“They started throwing punches without mercy. They threw chairs and tables at us. One of our friends passed out, and they started kicking and punching him. We realized we couldn’t fight them, so everyone ran in a different direction. They kept chasing us. Some people they caught, they continued beating. One of them had his jaw broken.”

He said the group sought help from nearby police officers.

“We told them, ‘Listen, we’re Israelis. We were brutally beaten.’ We were covered in blood with swollen heads. They simply told us, ‘Be quiet, you’re disturbing the neighbors,’ and walked away. They didn’t even acknowledge us.”

The victim stressed that the group had not displayed any outward signs of being Jewish or Israeli.

“We weren’t wearing kippahs or anything like that. They attacked us solely because we said we were from Israel. We never imagined it could reach this point. Everyone else we met was friendly when we said we were from Israel. Only this group of young men apparently hated Israelis. The Israeli embassy told us not to engage with anyone there and to return home. We realized the local authorities simply don’t care about incidents like this.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is continuing to advance his proposal to use crocodiles around prisons housing security prisoners after Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration paving the way for a pilot program.

The declaration classifies crocodiles as a “domesticated wild animal,” an official designation that will allow security agencies, including the Israel Prison Service (IPS), to conduct a pilot program keeping crocodiles on prison grounds while ensuring their welfare and appropriate living conditions.

The move comes about six months after Ben Gvir proposed establishing a prison surrounded by crocodile-filled moats for Nukhba terrorists.

The Israel Prison Service adopted the proposal and began extensive planning for the project, including a series of professional studies and visits to zoos. According to the IPS, those findings indicated that constructing a prison surrounded by crocodile-filled moats could significantly reduce ongoing security costs while creating a strong deterrent against escape attempts by security prisoners.

After Ben Gvir approved moving forward with a practical pilot program, including construction planning and the creation of appropriate safety and environmental conditions for keeping the crocodiles, the initiative encountered a legal obstacle. Under existing Israeli law, the Nile crocodile is classified as a protected wild animal, preventing it from being kept outside licensed zoos.

To overcome that obstacle, officials developed a legal solution by classifying the crocodile as a “domesticated wild animal,” a legal status that permits it to be kept for commercial purposes. That designation existed under Israeli law until 2013, when it allowed crocodiles to be bred and slaughtered for commercial use. Under the new declaration, however, the designation is limited solely to the keeping of crocodiles by authorized security agencies for security purposes.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran has reportedly sent a dramatic message to Hezbollah and its other regional proxies, telling them that the “waiting period is about to end” and instructing them to prioritize preparations for potential military scenarios, according to the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al Watan.

The report, published Friday, says the message was delivered during meetings in Tehran attended by senior figures from Iran’s regional alliance, including Hezbollah representatives.

According to sources cited by the newspaper, Iran’s message was unequivocal: prepare fully for any development, as any future conflict would be unlike previous rounds of fighting and could be broader, more intense, and fought across multiple fronts simultaneously.

Nidaa Al Watan also reports that Tehran still views Hezbollah as its most important regional asset following the setbacks suffered by Iranian terror proxies in recent months. According to the report, Iranian officials believe Hezbollah could play a central role in any future confrontation if pressure on Tehran reaches unprecedented levels.

The newspaper further claims that organizational and operational preparations have already begun throughout the so-called “Axis of Resistance” in anticipation of possible decisions in the coming period should the fighting expand.

Journalist Alan Sarkis, who reported the story, said these developments run counter to efforts by the Lebanese government to prevent another war through diplomatic channels. While Beirut is seeking stability and attempting to keep Lebanon out of another conflict, Hezbollah continues operating as part of Iran’s regional network, potentially placing Lebanon at the center of any future regional confrontation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel is advancing a plan to establish an overland energy corridor linking Gulf states to Eilat, with the goal of bypassing both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid renewed fighting between the United States and Iran and continued volatility in global energy markets. Maariv reports that the initiative is being promoted by Israel’s Energy Ministry.

The project calls for the construction of alternative oil pipelines from Gulf countries to Eilat. It is expected to include the government-owned Europe Asia Pipeline Company (EAPC), together with private developers. Officials believe the infrastructure would reduce dependence on the two strategic maritime chokepoints and weaken Iran’s ability to pressure global energy markets.

A senior Energy Ministry official said, “The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are the past. We are looking toward the future with the goal of permanently bypassing the straits and their impact on oil prices. The Iranians will miss their ability to pressure energy prices.”

The article notes that oil prices had previously fallen to around $65 per barrel after earlier tensions eased, but have climbed again over the past two weeks following the renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran. Despite the increase, prices have remained below $80 per barrel, with officials believing the current conflict has had a more limited impact on energy markets than previous rounds of fighting.

Israel continues to benefit from its domestic natural gas reserves. The Energy Ministry, headed by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, announced this week that state revenue from natural resource royalties totaled NIS 1.98 billion, while cumulative royalty collections since 2004, excluding taxes and levies, have reached NIS 17 billion. The ministry expects royalty revenue to reach at least NIS 2.5 billion in 2026.

The ministry also recently launched another offshore oil and gas exploration tender. ExxonMobil is expected to participate together with the Greek energy company Energean, while Chevron is investing an additional $2.5 billion in the continued development of the Leviathan natural gas field.

Despite Israel’s growing energy independence, gasoline prices remain high. A liter of gasoline currently costs NIS 7.48 and is expected to rise by approximately 10 agorot on August 1 due to higher global fuel prices and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the shekel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

An IDF soldier has been summoned for questioning after publishing a video criticizing Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, commander of the IDF’s Central Command, over his use of administrative restriction orders against Jews in Judea and Samaria.

The soldier, Yehuda Tzabari, accused Bluth of focusing on Jews instead of Israel’s enemies. “With one hand, Avi Bluth sends me to war, and with the other he signs administrative orders against my friends,” Tzabari said. “Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, I demand that you stop issuing administrative orders.”

The IDF said it “views the soldier’s statements with severity,” adding that the remarks “are unacceptable and do not align with IDF values or the standards expected of its soldiers.”

According to the IDF, Tzabari has been summoned for clarification by his commanders. The incident is under review, and command-level disciplinary measures will be considered once the inquiry is complete.

The military also said the movement restriction orders signed by Bluth are based on “clear and substantiated evidence” and are necessary to maintain security in the area.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The United States expanded its strikes against Iran on Thursday, launching a fifth consecutive night of attacks that reportedly hit bridges, an airport, communications infrastructure, and other sites across southern Iran. Ynet reported that Washington informed Israel it planned to broaden its campaign to include infrastructure and energy facilities.

Iranian media reported that a communications tower was struck in the port city of Bandar Abbas, with the Tasnim News Agency claiming that seven people were wounded. U.S. warplanes were also reported to have attacked Iranshahr Airport, while explosions were heard in Bandar Khamir and the Kahurestan area.

Several bridges were reportedly targeted, including a bridge along the Bandar Abbas–Shiraz route, while power supplies were disrupted in parts of the Kahurestan area.

Despite the widening U.S. campaign, Israeli officials currently assess that Iran does not want to draw the IDF into the fighting by launching an attack against Israel. However, Israel is preparing for that possibility. “We are prepared, and if they make that mistake, they will pay a heavy price. Let them come,” an Israeli official said.

Iran has publicly threatened to broaden its attacks if the United States continues escalating. Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that if Iranian infrastructure is struck, infrastructure throughout the region will become a target. He also said Tehran would never relinquish its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran continued firing toward Gulf countries and American bases across the Middle East, including launches toward Jordan and Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities said 32 drones had been intercepted since Thursday morning.

Israeli officials currently identify two developments that could bring Israel directly into the campaign: an Iranian attack against Israel or a request from the United States for the IDF to join the strikes. Neither has occurred at this stage.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar are working to renew negotiations, saying neither side has withdrawn from the understandings previously reached. Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains the central issue in the talks. The White House said Iran remains in contact with Washington and wants an agreement, while accusing Tehran of violating the understandings through its attacks on Gulf states.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The 25th Knesset was officially dissolved early Friday morning after lawmakers approved the Party Financing Bill, which included the clause dissolving the Knesset, by a 62-0 vote.

The legislation passed in its second and third readings, officially beginning the election recess and setting Israel on course for new elections.

The vote came after late-night political drama in the Knesset plenum. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri initially sent the bill back to committee and refused to bring it to a vote without the backing of the opposition, arguing that party financing affects every faction and should not be approved without broad support.

Opposition parties refused to cooperate. Yesh Atid said the coalition should pass the legislation on its own, while Yisrael Beytenu argued that the parliamentary recess was already scheduled to begin on July 17 and did not depend on the passage of the bill.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

According to a report in Walla, Israel has lost its place in the production line for 12 advanced AH-64 Apache attack helicopters after delays by the Finance Ministry prevented the IDF from finalizing the purchase, despite repeated efforts by military leaders to move the deal forward.

The report states that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir pushed to acquire the helicopters following the lessons learned from the October 7 Hamas massacre. The U.S. Department of Defense reportedly granted Israel two extensions, but the final deadline expired before the Finance Ministry approved the necessary funding.

The IDF was prepared to submit a formal Letter of Request to the Pentagon to reserve its place on the production line, but doing so required budget approval from the Finance Ministry. According to the report, military officials held multiple discussions on the issue, and Finance Ministry officials pledged to identify funding sources, but the delays continued until Israel lost its production slot.

The planned purchase of 12 Apache helicopters was intended to be the first stage of a broader acquisition of approximately 30 aircraft. Military officials believe the helicopters are a critical component in strengthening Israel’s ability to prevent a large-scale ground invasion similar to the October 7 massacre.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A 7-year-old girl was hospitalized at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center after suffering second-degree chemical burns from a squishy toy she received at a summer camp.

According to Hadassah, the girl initially returned home with what appeared to be mild redness on her hands and legs after the toy ruptured, releasing a gel-like substance onto her skin. Over the next two days, the redness worsened, white discoloration appeared, and large blisters developed, prompting her parents to rush her to the emergency room.

Doctors diagnosed first- and second-degree chemical burns to her hands and legs. She was treated with pain medication before undergoing debridement under sedation by the hospital’s burn unit, where the damaged skin was cleaned, treated, and bandaged.

Dr. Leah Serna Cahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah Ein Kerem, urged parents and educators to act immediately if the substance from a similar toy comes into contact with a child’s skin.

“If the material touches the skin, it should be removed immediately and the affected area washed thoroughly with running water for several minutes,” she said. “If redness persists, severe pain develops, blisters form, a large area is affected, or the eyes are involved, medical attention should be sought immediately.”

The girl’s mother stressed that the toy had not been heated in a microwave, unlike other reported incidents involving similar products. She said the toy had been purchased from a store in Israel that supplies toys to schools and daycare programs.

Doctors said they had not previously encountered chemical burns caused by this type of toy and expressed hope that the girl’s second-degree burns would heal without permanent scarring. She is expected to continue receiving follow-up care at Hadassah’s burn clinic.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran has instructed its Houthi allies in Yemen to prepare to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if President Trump follows through on his threats to strike Iranian power plants and other infrastructure, according to a Reuters report citing three sources.

According to the report, the Houthis have completed preparations to target commercial shipping, deploying missiles and drones near the strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. A source close to the Houthis told Reuters the group is awaiting orders before launching any attacks.

The report added that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) currently in Yemen are expected to decide whether and when the Houthis begin targeting ships transiting the strait.

The development comes as Iranian officials issued additional warnings over the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that Tehran would “under no circumstances” allow the United States to interfere in the strategic waterway, calling it one of Iran’s “red lines.”

Iranian military officials also warned that if the United States attacks the country’s infrastructure, Iran would retaliate by targeting regional infrastructure on a scale “more severe, broader and more terrifying than ever before.”

An Iranian military spokesman further claimed that much of Iran’s military capability has not yet been revealed and warned that any further hostile action against the country would trigger a response that “will exceed the enemy’s expectations” and open new fronts in the conflict.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli security officials are raising new questions about the condition and authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, citing what they describe as increasing signs of weakness and a lack of leadership within the regime.

According to the officials, Khamenei has remained out of public view, has responded slowly to major developments, and when he has spoken, his messages have often been viewed as disconnected from unfolding events.

Security officials also noted that Khamenei has remained silent despite growing infighting within Iran’s leadership, including public attacks during the funeral of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, when President Masoud Pezeshkian was cursed by mourners and Ali Larijani was reportedly pelted with stones.

One Israeli security official said several possibilities are being considered: “It’s clear he’s not in good health, but the severity of his physical and mental condition is unclear. Either he is weak and afraid to take a stand, or he is not truly in control and senior Revolutionary Guard officials are running the country.”

The assessment comes as Iran faces mounting economic difficulties, with scattered protests by taxi drivers and doctors over worsening economic conditions and ongoing power outages. Israeli officials, however, said those demonstrations remain limited and do not yet represent a broader nationwide uprising.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Baltimore Jewish community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 1-year-old boy who, according to initial reports, was Niftar after being left inside a hot vehicle on Thursday.

The child was the son of a respected member of the local kollel community. Levaya arrangements are expected to be announced later.

In response to the tragedy, an Asifas Chizuk for the women of the community has been scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the “New House,” located at 6329 Green Meadow Parkway. Rabbonim, together with representatives from Chai Lifeline, are expected to offer words of chizuk and support to those affected by the devastating loss.

The tragedy is the latest in a string of hot-car deaths that claim the lives of young children across the country every year, particularly during the warmer months. Safety advocates have long urged parents, drivers, and carpool operators to implement systems, such as placing a personal item in the back seat, verifying head counts upon arrival, or using car seat alarms, to prevent these heartbreaking incidents.

YWN does not like posting these tragedies, but we have no choice but to keep doing it, because these stories never seem to stop.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli government on Tuesday approved the “Diplomacy Journey” program, a new initiative proposed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar aimed at equipping young Diaspora Jews with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to advocate for Israel on the international stage.

The six-week program will serve as a dedicated track within the existing “Journey” framework, providing participants with training in public diplomacy, outreach, and navigating international discourse while strengthening their connection to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. According to the government, the initiative comes amid what it described as unprecedented challenges facing Israel worldwide, including rising antisemitism, delegitimization campaigns, and the spread of false information.

The program is based on a successful pilot launched in 2016 in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry. Following its strong reception, the steering committee of the Masa project decided to expand it into a permanent program, citing the importance of investing in the next generation of Diaspora Jewish leaders to strengthen Israel’s standing around the world.

Netanyahu said Israel’s struggle is being fought “not only on the battlefield, but also on the international propaganda front,” adding that Israel must present its truth “in a clear, determined and effective voice.” He said the initiative will help develop a new generation of leaders who will emerge with greater knowledge, practical tools, and a deeper connection to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Sa’ar described the initiative as “a unique educational platform” that will enable young Jewish leaders to learn firsthand about Israel’s challenges while building stronger bridges between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Masa CEO Meir Holtz welcomed the decision, saying it reflects the understanding that diplomacy begins with young people from across the globe who choose to come to Israel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Shin Bet, Israel Police, and IDF announced Thursday that they have arrested several senior officials involved in operating the Union of Health Work Committees, an organization authorities say resumed functioning as part of the financial network of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization.

According to Israeli security officials, the organization was designated a terrorist organization in Israel in 2021 after it was found to play a significant role in the PFLP’s financial infrastructure. It was also declared an unlawful association in Yehuda and Shomron by the head of the IDF Central Command.

The arrests were carried out in recent weeks during a joint operation involving the Shin Bet, Border Police forces operating in Yehuda and Shomron, and the IDF. Among those detained are senior officials at the organization, several of whom are also identified as PFLP operatives.

Investigators allege that the organization resumed operations from its headquarters in Ramallah and continued employing members of the PFLP despite its terrorist designation.

Israeli security officials noted that PFLP terrorists were responsible for the 2019 bombing attack at Ein Bubin Spring in which Rina Shnerb Hy”d was murdered.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel’s defense establishment is preparing for the possibility that the IDF could rapidly join the fighting against Iran under three specific scenarios, a senior security official told Walla ahead of Thursday’s weekly security assessment chaired by Defense Minister Israel Katz.

According to the official, the first scenario would be a formal U.S. request for Israel to participate in a major wave of strikes against Iran. The second would be Israeli intelligence detecting preparations by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack Israel, prompting consideration of a preemptive strike. The third would be a surprise Iranian missile and drone attack requiring a broad and forceful Israeli response.

The security assessment will be attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior members of the General Staff. While Israeli defense officials currently do not identify an immediate intention by Iran to attack the Israeli home front, they believe Tehran understands such a move could trigger a large-scale Israeli Air Force campaign targeting strategic infrastructure across Iran.

The IDF Operations Directorate and Planning Directorate continue preparing for every scenario to ensure the military can transition from routine operations to full-scale combat without bureaucratic delays or the loss of valuable time. Meanwhile, the Intelligence Directorate, under Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, is maintaining heightened readiness across its units, while Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, head of the Operations Directorate, has instructed forces to remain on high alert against missile and drone threats.

At this stage, Israeli defense officials do not identify an intention by Iran, Hezbollah, or the Houthis in Yemen to attack Israel’s civilian population, but the military remains prepared for all possible contingencies.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

MK Tzvi Succot, chairman of the Knesset Education Committee and the Subcommittee for Yehuda and Shomron Affairs, on Wednesday called for the closure of a cafe in Jerusalem’s Old City that he says is operated by an organization affiliated with Hamas.

Succot visited The Message Cafe in the Muslim Quarter, claiming it is run by the Al-Quds Committee (“Lajnat al-Quds”), which he says is affiliated with Hamas and serves as a center for spreading Islamist incitement.

According to Succot, the Jerusalem District Police have already recommended issuing a closure order for the establishment, but the process has not yet been completed.

Succot alleged that legal delays have prevented the order from being finalized and accused Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of holding up the process.

During his visit, Succot addressed those operating the cafe, saying, “The days when you could spread incitement are over.”

He vowed to push for implementation of the police recommendation and called on the attorney general to approve the closure.

“I am sending a clear demand from here to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara,” Succot said. “It is time to close this place. We cannot continue delaying while leaving open what he described as an incitement center operating under the protection of Hamas, the terror organization responsible for the worst massacre in Israel’s history.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation that would require the State Department to develop a plan to dismantle the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and replace it with alternative organizations while ensuring humanitarian aid continues uninterrupted.

The “Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act,” introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), directs the State Department to submit a strategy within 180 days identifying organizations and host governments that could assume UNRWA’s responsibilities throughout the Middle East. The plan would also include a phased timeline for winding down UNRWA’s operations while maintaining humanitarian services and requiring successor organizations to meet standards for neutrality, transparency, and accountability.

If enacted, implementation of the transition would be required to begin within one year.

Lawler said UNRWA has “repeatedly failed to meet the basic standards of accountability and neutrality” expected of humanitarian organizations. Gottheimer added that the United States “can’t keep funneling money through an organization that teaches kids to hate and employs Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7th attack.”

The legislation comes after a June report by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Inspector General found that investigations led to suspension or debarment referrals for more than 100 current or former UNRWA employees accused of participating in the October 7 Hamas attack or maintaining ties to the terror group. The individuals reportedly included school principals, teachers, security personnel, and medical professionals.

The bill has also received backing from several pro-Israel organizations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed optimism following talks with Israel, as U.S.-brokered negotiations continue over implementing the recently announced ceasefire framework between the two countries.

According to officials close to Aoun, the discussions were held in a “positive atmosphere,” with the United States reaffirming its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s security needs. Aoun said Lebanon remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement and stressed that diplomacy is the only path to preserving the country’s sovereignty and avoiding another military conflict.

The United States announced Wednesday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on the terms for implementing “pilot zones,” under which the IDF would gradually withdraw from designated areas that would then be taken over by the Lebanese Armed Forces under American supervision.

Despite the agreement, Israel is expected to maintain control of several strategic positions in southern Lebanon, including the Ali Taher ridge, where Israeli officials believe a significant underground Hezbollah complex remains active. Discussions over dismantling the site are continuing as negotiators seek to avoid disrupting the diplomatic process.

The talks come as Hezbollah continues to reject calls to disarm, despite the requirement to do so under the memorandum of understanding reached at the end of June. The terror group has insisted that no agreement can move forward without its involvement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, said some international aid intended for Gaza ultimately reached Hamas, where it was used to purchase weapons, build tunnels, and develop rockets.

Speaking by video conference to European and Arab foreign ministers during a donor meeting in Brussels, Kushner urged what he described as a “new approach” to rebuilding Gaza, arguing that the current aid system has been shaped by non-governmental organizations and terrorist actors.

According to Kushner, the international community must move beyond simply funding humanitarian assistance and instead ensure that reconstruction is tied to the dismantling of terrorist organizations.

He said Gaza should operate under the principle of “one government with one gun,” making clear that reconstruction cannot succeed while Hamas and other terror groups retain military capabilities.

Kushner’s remarks were widely interpreted as supporting a system that bypasses existing aid channels and conditions future reconstruction assistance on the disarmament of Hamas.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Heavy, pungent smoke from Canadian wildfires darkened skies in the U.S. on Thursday from the Great Lakes to parts of the East Coast, reducing visibility for commuters and prompting warnings that air quality could make being outside dangerous.

Detroit’s air quality was among the worst in the world for major cities, as a lingering high pressure system trapped smoke from dozens of fires in Canada and northern Minnesota, said Steven Freitag, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Pontiac, Michigan.

“Sure enough, it arrived in force here and it’s really pretty extreme levels,” said Freitag, who noted that visibility in some areas was reduced to a half mile.

Omar Mitchell wore a mask as he walked to his restaurant in Detroit. He said he urged his employees to do the same.

“It’s scary,” Mitchell, 50, said as he looked at the sky. “You don’t know necessarily what the side effects may be. That’s days or months later.”

Cities across the Great Lakes states registered air quality ranging from unhealthy to hazardous — which means it’s unhealthy for anyone, regardless of health conditions. Microscopic particles can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to heart and lung problems and contributing to other long-term health issues.

All of Michigan and much of Minnesota were under a hazardous air quality alert. In the Chicago area, air quality ranged from very unhealthy to hazardous.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Petr said even if winds from the northwest clear skies as expected later this week, the smoky air could keep returning until the fires are out. That could take weeks or longer.

“Anytime we have something that could bring air from that region until the fires are over, it could conceivably dip back into the area,” Petr said.

In St. Paul, Minnesota, the air was “glowing yellow,” said Brent Williams, head of the soil, water and climate department at the University of Minnesota, who said the area “could be looking at weeks to months of continued smoke and flare-ups off and on as the winds blow in different directions.”

A study published this year found that long-term exposure to tiny particles from wildfire smoke contributed to an average of 24,100 deaths a year in the lower 48 states. Long-term exposure can make existing health problems worse and lead to a range of chronic and deadly health issues, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and premature death.

In the New York City area, a thick, gloomy haze tinged the morning sky in orange-and-yellow, reducing visibility so dramatically that it partly obscured Manhattan’s prominent skyline.

Smoke eased a bit in the metropolitan area but was expected to thicken again by late afternoon or evening, possibly lasting overnight, weather service meteorologist Maureen Hastings said.

City officials opened cooling centers as health officials urged New Yorkers to limit strenuous and prolonged outdoor activities and to stick to air-conditioned spaces as much as possible. State officials distributed tens of thousands of face masks at transit hubs and other major locations.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said public schools, parks and other city agencies were moving activities indoors, rescheduling events and adjusting operations as air quality was expected to worsen as the day progressed.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation warned that there was a potential for temporary spikes of “very unhealthy” air quality from Buffalo in the state’s western corner to Rochester by Lake Ontario, Syracuse in the central region, down to the greater New York City area.

Philadelphia officials urged people to avoid strenuous activity and stay inside or wear N95 or KN95 masks outside.

“Today is not the day to start your marathon training plan,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, the city’s public health commissioner.

(AP)

Mortgage rates in the United States have climbed to their highest level since the conflict with Iran began, as rising Treasury yields continue to push borrowing costs higher.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.55%, the highest level in nearly a year after briefly falling below 6% earlier this month. The increase followed a rise in Treasury yields as renewed fighting with Iran fueled concerns that higher oil prices could complicate progress in lowering inflation.

The higher rates are already being reflected in the housing market. Pending home sales fell 5.4% in June compared with the previous month and were 0.3% lower than a year earlier. Mortgage applications also declined 7% last week and remain 2% below their level from the same period last year.

Mortgage rates generally track the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note. Although annual inflation eased to 3.5% in June from 4.2% in May, economists say higher energy prices could make it more difficult for borrowing costs to move lower in the coming months.

Zillow expects mortgage rates to gradually ease later this year, forecasting they will end 2026 at around 6.4%, though that would still be above where they ended last year.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A Hamas operative identified by Palestinian reports as Anas Mahmoud Ahmed Nimer Hamdan, the terror group’s military spokesman for its Khan Younis Brigade, was reportedly eliminated Thursday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

According to the reports, Hamdan also was the son-in-law of Rafaa Salameh, the former commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, who was eliminated alongside Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif nearly two years ago.

Separately, the IDF announced that overnight operations in central Gaza destroyed four Hamas weapons depots containing Kalashnikov rifles, RPG launchers, grenades, explosive devices, and additional combat equipment.

The military said the weapons were intended for use in attacks against IDF troops operating in the area and against Israeli civilians. The weapons caches were destroyed to eliminate the threat, the IDF said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Syrian authorities announced Thursday that they had intercepted a shipment of weapons and missiles being smuggled across the Syrian-Iraqi border, saying an initial investigation indicates the cargo was ultimately destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to Syria’s state-run SANA news agency, security forces seized the shipment during an anti-smuggling operation as part of Damascus’ ongoing campaign to combat illegal arms trafficking. Officials said the weapons were intended to transit through Syrian territory before reaching Hezbollah.

Authorities did not disclose where the shipment was intercepted, the types or quantities of weapons seized, or whether any suspects were arrested. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing to determine who was behind the smuggling operation and its full scope.

The interception comes as Syrian authorities have tightened security along border crossings amid heightened regional tensions and the expanding conflict involving the United States and Iran. In recent months, Syria has repeatedly announced the seizure of weapons shipments allegedly bound for Lebanon through smuggling networks operating along its borders.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A civil lawsuit seeking NIS 65,000 has been filed in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court against an Arab man previously convicted of carrying out an antisemitic attack on a Chareidi Jew walking to the Kosel Hamaaravi.

According to the lawsuit, filed by attorney Chaim Bleicher and legal intern Tom Nissani of the Honenu legal aid organization, the attack took place in September 2019. The victim and a friend, both visibly Chareidi, were walking along Jerusalem Boulevard on their way to the Kosel when they were suddenly targeted without any prior interaction or provocation.

The lawsuit states that the attacker, who was walking a short distance behind them, threw small marble-sized objects at the pair three times out of hostility toward them because they were Jewish. One of the objects struck the victim in the neck and shoulder, causing pain.

The assailant was later indicted and, in March 2023, convicted as part of a plea agreement on a charge of assault motivated by racism. The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court sentenced him to five months of community service, a four-month suspended prison sentence, and ordered him to pay the victim NIS 2,000 in compensation.

The new civil lawsuit argues that the victim continues to suffer emotional harm, including humiliation, anxiety, and an ongoing fear of being attacked again. According to the filing, the incident has left him constantly on alert and struggling with fears that affect his daily life.

The lawsuit seeks NIS 40,000 for pain and suffering, along with an additional NIS 25,000 in punitive damages, arguing that the antisemitic nature of the attack warrants enhanced compensation.

Tom Nissani of Honenu said the lawsuit sends a clear message: “Anyone who attacks Jews will pay the price. Honenu will continue working to ensure that those who assault innocent civilians on the streets of Israel are held fully accountable.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Former Likud MK Dan Illouz has claimed that roughly one-third of the party’s Knesset faction supported replacing Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the weeks following the October 7 Hamas massacre, but the effort ultimately collapsed because no agreement could be reached on who would succeed him.

Speaking on the Hebrew-language political podcast 120 VeAhat (“121”), Illouz said the discussions took place several weeks after the massacre, once the immediate shock had subsided. Asked whether there had been an organized effort within Likud to replace Netanyahu, he replied, “Absolutely.” Illouz said at least one-third of the faction believed Israel’s leadership needed to change, but the initiative failed because those involved could not agree on a replacement.

Illouz, who recently announced he is leaving Likud after opposing legislation aimed at strengthening protections for Torah students and limiting enforcement against Chareidi draft evaders, said the issue became his breaking point with the party. He argued that the coalition has abandoned Likud’s traditional principles and accused its leadership of putting political survival ahead of policy. Referring to coalition chairman Ofir Katz, Illouz said, “The coalition whip boasts that we’re completing a full term in office, as if survival is everything.” He added that if preserving the coalition becomes the overriding objective, “then I think this bloc has become an idol.”

While saying Netanyahu bears responsibility for the failures surrounding October 7, Illouz rejected attempts to place all the blame solely on the prime minister. He called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry to examine the actions of the political leadership, the military, and other institutions, saying responsibility must be determined through a comprehensive investigation.

Illouz also said many of the lawmakers who had once discussed replacing Netanyahu later returned to supporting him. Asked whether Netanyahu could still be replaced if lawmakers agreed on a successor, he responded, “Probably, yes,” while acknowledging that most of those MKs have since rallied behind the prime minister. He added that he has not yet decided whether to join another political party ahead of Israel’s October 27 election.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Shin Bet chief David Zini is expected to approve extended security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, after Netanyahu leaves office, rejecting the recommendation of professional officials within the agency, Channel 12 reported.

According to the report, significant pressure was applied behind the scenes by associates of the prime minister and his wife to advance the arrangement. Shin Bet professionals had recommended that the extent and duration of the protection be determined solely according to the assessed threat level, but Zini is reportedly preparing to adopt a different position.

The final arrangement has not yet been decided. One option would provide Bibi and Sara Netanyahu with lifetime security protection, while their children would receive protection for five years. Under another proposal, Sara Netanyahu would receive security protection for five years.

Sara Netanyahu reportedly sought guarantees that the security arrangement would remain in place even following a change of government. Zini’s recommendation is expected to be submitted to a ministerial committee, where it is expected to receive approval.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A dramatic development unfolded in the Likud on Thursday when the Lod District Court issued an injunction halting a vote on the proposed overhaul of the party’s primary system.

The court’s decision came moments before the planned vote among approximately 4,500 Likud Central Committee members.

The ruling was issued in response to a petition filed by the Social Forum, affiliated with the National Histadrut, which claimed that the planned reform to the party’s internal election system violates the integrity of the process.

The center of the dispute was a proposal by Likud Central Committee Chairman and Minister Chaim Katz to overhaul the party’s primary system. The proposal had received the backing of Likud chairman and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu earlier this week and was approved by the party’s Constitution Committee.

Under the proposal, Netanyahu would have received eight reserved slots on the Likud Knesset list—in positions 2, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 31. The proposal also included a new division between the national list and district representatives, along with mechanisms guaranteeing representation for women, young candidates, immigrants, non-Jews, and people with disabilities.

The proposal sparked sharp disagreement within the Likud during the Constitution Committee’s deliberations. MK David Bitan opposed increasing Netanyahu’s reserved slots, left the meeting before the vote, and presented an alternative plan that would have granted the prime minister only three reserved slots.

The Social Forum welcomed the ruling, saying: “This is a victory for common sense. We will not allow the elections in the Likud movement to be stolen. The Social Forum affiliated with the National Histadrut will continue to serve as the shield protecting the 150,000 registered Likud members.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

President Trump is weighing a broader U.S. military campaign against Iran after days of briefings with senior national security advisers, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. While no final decision has been made, officials say the president has been presented with a range of military options as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

According to the report, proposals discussed include expanding U.S. airstrikes, deploying American forces to seize Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and striking a heavily fortified underground site believed to be connected to Iran’s nuclear program. One option reportedly discussed during a Tuesday meeting involved Iran’s Kharg Island and other strategic locations along the vital shipping route.

The report says another potential target is a deeply buried underground tunnel complex near Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, sometimes referred to as “Pickaxe Mountain.” The site is believed to be carved roughly 100 meters into granite, making it one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear-related facilities and difficult to destroy even with bunker-busting munitions.

The discussions reportedly involved Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Despite reviewing military options, Trump has continued to publicly and privately say he prefers a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

According to the report, however, Iran has not agreed to Trump’s demands to surrender its nuclear stockpile, prompting the administration to examine additional measures that could increase pressure on Tehran or halt attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials told the Journal that Trump remains hesitant about committing U.S. ground forces, noting that he has previously stepped back from some of his most aggressive public threats. Any decision to expand the conflict would mark a significant escalation and could have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East.

In an interview released Wednesday, Vice President Vance told podcaster Joe Rogan that the military campaign is intended to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.

“We’re not just going to bomb for the sake of bombing,” Vance said. “We’re going to use military force as one of many tools to solve the problem.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran’s currency plunged nearly 5% over the past 24 hours, falling to a record low of approximately 1.88 million rials per U.S. dollar as economic uncertainty and tensions with the United States intensified.

The sharp decline came after President Trump signaled that the current U.S. understanding with Iran could be canceled or fundamentally reworked, fueling concerns about additional economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. Just one day earlier, the exchange rate stood at roughly 1.75 million rials per dollar.

The rial is now among the weakest currencies in the world. Before Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, one U.S. dollar was worth about 70 rials. Today, it takes approximately 1.88 million rials to purchase a single dollar, underscoring the dramatic collapse in the currency’s value over the past four decades.

The latest plunge has renewed fears of economic unrest inside Iran. Similar currency crashes in recent years have sparked anti-regime protests as inflation and the loss of purchasing power devastated ordinary Iranians.

Analysts warn that growing domestic pressure could increase instability within Iran, with concerns that the regime may seek to divert attention from its economic crisis through heightened regional tensions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli government has paved the way for certain yeshivos to lose valuable tax benefits after informing the High Court that Torah institutions will now be required to certify that none of their talmidim are subject to military service and have failed to regularize their status.

The policy centers on Section 46 of Israel’s Income Tax Ordinance, which allows donors to approved nonprofit organizations—including yeshivos—to receive tax credits for their contributions. A petition filed by the “Israel Hofsheet” organization argued that institutions with talmidim who are obligated to serve in the military but have not resolved their status should not qualify for those tax benefits.

During Thursday’s court hearing, the state largely adopted the petitioners’ position, announcing that yeshivos seeking to obtain or renew Section 46 approval will be required to declare that none of their talmidim fall into that category. Institutions will also be required to submit relevant student lists for review.

According to the state, letters have already been sent to 147 Torah institutions. Even yeshivos that already hold valid Section 46 approval will be required to submit documentation demonstrating compliance. Institutions found not to meet the new requirements could face proceedings to revoke their approval after a hearing.

Following the state’s announcement, the High Court ruled that the petition had become moot because the government had already accepted the core of the petitioners’ demands and begun implementing the new policy. The petition was dismissed without costs, and the court emphasized that it was not ruling on the legality of the new policy itself. Institutions affected by the changes will be able to file separate legal challenges.

Notably, the Netanyahu government and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich did not present a legal challenge to the state’s position or seek separate representation before the court. As a result, the policy advanced without the High Court having to issue a substantive ruling compelling the government to act.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel Police announced a special security and traffic deployment ahead of a planned protest Thursday afternoon in the Bnei Brak area by members of the Peleg Yerushalmi faction affiliated with HaRav Tzvi Friedman. The demonstration is being held in protest of the recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim who declined to report for military service.

Beginning at approximately 4:00 p.m., police warned of significant traffic disruptions, including the possible closure of Route 4 in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh and Em Hamoshavot interchanges. Heavy congestion and additional road closures are also expected along Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak.

Dan District police officers will be deployed throughout the area to direct traffic and maintain public order. Authorities are urging motorists to use alternate routes, monitor traffic updates, and avoid the protest area whenever possible.

Police reiterated that they respect the right to peaceful protest but stressed that they will not tolerate disturbances, road blockages, or any actions that endanger public safety.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said on Wednesday that he doesn’t currently have plans to leave the Democratic Party but would do so if Democrats completely turn their backs on US support for Israel.

Fetterman’s comments came after 103 Democrats supported an amendment sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to cut off $3.3 billion in annual military aid to Israel.

Speaking during an interview at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, Fetterman said, “If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me.”

Fetterman said he “can’t understand why the Democratic Party would turn against Israel, a long-standing ally of the US and the only democracy in the Middle East.”

He pointed to House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark’s support for Massie’s bill, saying that it reflects a trend in the party. “You look at the kinds of individuals that are winning our recent primaries. It’s becoming more anti-, anti-Israel and hostile to people” who are pro-Israel.

He criticized fellow Democrats who “are trying to ingratiate ourselves with that segment of the base of our voters are intensely, intensely anti-Israel.”

Fetterman admitted that Republicans have approached him about leaving the Democratic Party but declined to reveal further details.

During the interview, Fetterman also slammed progressive candidates for their support of the “defund the police” movement.

“Now here’s more Democrats to ‘defund the police.’ Here we are back to part of the worst impulses that we just can’t resist. We forgot the crazy things that we said, and that cost us the election in 2024. Now we want to revisit that — if anything they’re coming back in the strongest kind of terms. Look at the people who are winning,” he said.

According to The Hill, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist candidate backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), deleted a social media account in which she called for abolishing police, borders and prisons, and claimed Israel doesn’t exist. Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old activist, defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The Peleg Yerushalmi faction is preparing to hold a protest on Thursday following the arrest of a talmid of Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim.

The protest is expected to begin at 5:00 p.m., but its official location has not yet been announced.

In addition, a tefilla rally and protest is scheduled for this evening outside Prison 10, led by the Sanzer Rebbe, with thousands of Sanzer chassidim from throughout the country expected to attend.

The protest was organized following the arrest of an avreich and yeshiva bochur. According to the organizers, additional Chassidic communities are expected to join.

In an interview with Kol Chai, Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor and Sanzer asken Yossi Yaakovovitz said that the two were arrested last week after arriving at the military recruitment office to resolve technical matters regarding their status.

“They came to regularize their status in accordance with the law, and from there they were sent directly to the detention facility,” he said.

Yaakovovitz noted that about a year ago, during the Three Weeks, the Sanzer Rebbe joined other Gedolei Yisrael at a rally outside Prison 10.

“Now, one year later, as the measures against Lomdei Torah, bochurim and avreichim continue to intensify, we are once again raising our voices,” he said.

Yaakovovitz added that other Chassidish communities have asked to participate because, “This is not only a Sanzer protest—it is a protest on behalf of the entire Torah world.”

He said that in recent days, community representatives and attorneys focused on efforts to secure the detainees’ release, but after the military court extended their detention by 20 days, the decision was made to hold the rally.

“We are Jews. We are not coming to fight, throw stones, or block roads. We are coming to pray, to cry out, and to awaken Rachamei Shamayim,” he emphasized.

He further noted that the rally is being held in full coordination with the police and the prison administration.

“We met with the prison commander and reached a full understanding. Everything will be conducted in a respectful manner,” he said.

Buses and organized transportation have been arranged from all 12 Sanzer kehillos throughout the country, along with parking areas and shuttle service. The program will include Mincha, divrei chizzuk, the recitation of Tehillim, and a sicha by the Sanzer Rebbe.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will not travel to the United States next week, his office announced on Thursday.

The visit, which was expected to include a meeting with President Donald Trump and attendance at the memorial service for the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been postponed.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the reason for the postponement of the trip is that Graham’s memorial service has been pushed off until the end of the month.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Ezrachi delivered divrei chizzuk to hundreds of yeshiva bochurim at the Ner Zerach Yeshiva in Moshav Otzem in southern Israel on Wednesday, JDN reported.

HaRav Ezrachi shared that even before the recent period, he had addressed the possibility of harsh decrees befalling bnei yeshivos, saying that a time might come when Bnei Torah will be required to be moser nefesh. He emphasized that bochurim may be prepared to be moser nefesh but that the ratzon alone is not enough.

“Of course you want to be moser nefesh, but who says you can?” HaRav Ezrachi said, explaining that this is the deeper meaning of the Meshech Chochmah’s explanation of the conduct of King Chizkiyahu, who gave all of his possessions to the King of Ashur but did not surrender “that which was most precious to him”—the holy Torah.”

“The willingness alone to be moser nefesh is not enough. One must prepare and develop the genuine ability to do so, an ability that comes from a heart entirely devoted to Avodas Hashem. If the heart is occupied with other things, it may want to give, but it cannot. It is already full.”

In conclusion, HaRav Ezrachi stressed that we daven not to face nisyonos of mesiras nefesh, chalila, but if the time comes, one should aspire to be worthy of enduring it. “If chalilah, such a situation arises, we must go—and fortunate are those who are seized for divrei Torah. But for us to truly be capable of that, everything depends on our midos being refined and on our hearts not being occupied with jealousy, hatred, and other negative middos.”

HaRav Ezrachi’s warning about the need for Bnei Torah to be moser nefesh is reminiscent of that of HaGaon HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, who wrote a sharply worded letter in 2024 following the High Court’s ruling mandating the recruitment of bnei yeshivos. HaRav Bergman wrote in the letter that his father-in-law, HaGaon HaRav Elazar Menachem Man Shach, z’tl, had foreseen this situation.

“And I already wrote [in 2000] in the name of Rabbeinu HaGadol Rosh HaYeshivah [HaRav Shach, z’tl], that if it becomes nogeah– to publicize to the public in his name that the gezeirah of the recruitment of bnei hayeshivos is a gezeiras shmad and it’s necessary to be moser nefesh for it, as it’s explained in Shulchan Orech Yoreh De’ah.”

“And therefore, if we are tested in this, we must oppose it with all our strength, to the point of mesirus nefesh.”

HaRav Bergman’s letter.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The depth of the corruption of Israel’s judicial system is truly disturbing, with the latest revelation showing that the State Attorney’s Office’s indictment against Dr. Michael Ben Ari ahead of the elections for the 21st Knesset was politically motivated.

In 2019, the High Court banned Ben-Ari from running for the 21st Knesset as part of the Otzma Yehudit party after the State Attorney’s Office charged him with 57 counts of “incitement to racism.”

In the recent hearing on Dr. Ben-Ari’s appeal in the Lod District Court, Judge Ron Solkin ruled that the State Attorney’s Office pressured the police to expedite its investigation into Ben-Ari due to the elections, a process that ultimately led to his disqualification from the 21st Knesset. In unusually sharp criticism of the State Attorney’s Office, Judge Solkin also ruled that during the investigation, prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office dictated the questions the police were to ask, rather than allowing the investigating authority to conduct the investigation independently.

Dr. Ben Ari, a candidate on Moshe Feiglin’s Zehut Party list for the 26th Knesset, told B’Sheva_: “_In other words, the State Attorney’s Office used the police to advance a political agenda. They told the police: ‘To disqualify Ben Ari, we need critical mass—collect the material for us.’ That is blatant political interference in Israel’s political system by the prosecuting and investigating authorities.”

“They never did this before, not against [Arab MKs] Azmi Bishara or Ahmad Tibi—they always stood by people like them,” Ben-Ari noted. “Section 7A states that anyone running for the Knesset must recognize Israel as a Jewish state. None of them recognize Israel as a Jewish state, yet no one seeks to disqualify them. To disqualify me, they searched with candles and under the floorboards.”

“They brought 40 publications to the petition seeking to disqualify me in the High Court. But when they came to file the indictment, only nine remained out of those 40. The ‘critical mass’ they claimed simply didn’t exist. It was all lies—a witch hunt carried out through the unlimited power of then-State Attorney Shai Nitzan and his gang in the State Attorney’s Office,” Ben Ari said, adding that he believes that Nitzan treated the indictment against him as a personal project.

B’Sheva journalist Yoni Rotenberg responded to the report by stating: “Let’s simplify what this article is saying for a moment: A district court judge—who is not suspected of being sympathetic to Ben Ari—states unequivocally that the State Attorney’s Office used a criminal investigation for political purposes. Yes, that’s what he’s saying: according to the ruling—prosecutors pressed the police to speed up the investigation into Ben Ari so there would be a case to present to the Central Elections Committee and the High Court to disqualify him from running for the Knesset. This is what a dying democracy looks like.”

It should be noted that following investigations by the “Choosing Life Forum,” which represents bereaved families, it was recently revealed that Mansour Abbas’s Ra’am party— the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Israel — transferred funds to the military wing of Hamas and promoted terror content. Following the publication, the Registrar of Associations and the Official Receiver petitioned the Lod District Court, and Judge Merav Ben‑Ari ordered the NGOs closed. Ben‑Ari noted that the Reform Movement and prosecution officials who rushed to disqualify him for ‘racist statements’ are silent when it comes to Mansour Abbas.

Dr. Ben Ari said in an interview with Galey Yisrael: “This decision opens Pandora’s box. I knew that box was there—I just needed the smoking gun itself. It’s written in very, very clear language. The entire objective of the State Attorney’s Office wasn’t merely to disqualify me—it was solely to disqualify me. The State Attorney’s Office adopted a political position and became a kind of branch of Balad or a branch of the Reform Center. They decided they didn’t want Ben Ari in the Knesset. Shai Nitzan wanted to remove me from the political system, and together with an entire group within the State Attorney’s Office, they lied every step of the way.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

A vote in the U.S. House on Wednesday highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel, as 103 Democrats supported an amendment that would have blocked billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), ultimately failed by a vote of 314-104. Ninety-eight Democrats voted against the measure, while 10 voted present.

The split extended to the party’s leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar voted against the amendment, while House Minority Whip Katherine Clark voted in favor. Democratic leaders chose not to whip the vote, allowing members to vote according to their conscience after weeks of internal discussions on the issue.

Although the amendment was defeated by a wide margin, the vote underscored the increasingly varied views within the Democratic caucus regarding U.S. support for Israel. Several lawmakers said the vote reflected broader discussions taking place within the party over future policy in the Middle East, even as the measure itself had little chance of passage.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday morning that it had completed another wave of strikes against military targets in Iran, the fifth consecutive night it has bombed targets in the country.

In a first since the “ceasefire,” the US carried out strikes in the Tehran area and also targeted Bandar Abbas, a major port.

“U.S. forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said. “CENTCOM used precision munitions to hit targets in multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas. Earlier this morning, American forces struck coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island during a 90-minute wave.”

Iran responded to the strikes by launching missiles and drones at US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is inclined to expand military operations in Iran. According to the report, the options under consideration include intensifying the air campaign, deploying ground forces to seize Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and bombing the secret nuclear facility inside Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz.

In recent days, Trump has held discussions on the matter with Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined Shomron Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan and hundreds of residents on Wednesday for a cornerstone-laying ceremony marking the start of a new neighborhood in the community of Hinnanit in northern Shomron.

The ceremony, organized by development company Mider, was attended by local leaders, community representatives, and residents, who celebrated the expansion of the community as part of broader efforts to strengthen Jewish communities in northern Shomron.

Addressing the crowd, Ben-Gvir said sovereignty is demonstrated not only through government decisions but through building communities and establishing new neighborhoods.

“Hinnanit is an example of Zionism and pioneering at its best,” Ben-Gvir said. “We are strengthening settlement in Shomron, building and expanding, while also ensuring we protect the residents.”

The minister highlighted his office’s efforts to bolster security, pointing to expanded firearms eligibility and the establishment of more than 1,000 rapid response teams across Israel.

Dagan described the project as another milestone in strengthening Israel’s presence in northern Shomron.

“Strengthening our hold and community in northern Shomron is the real security that will restore quiet to the State of Israel,” Dagan said. “Twenty-one years after the painful Disengagement, we are rebuilding and expanding communities, and the growth of Hinnanit is among the most important Zionist achievements of our generation.”

Dagan also thanked Ben-Gvir for his support in strengthening community security, expanding access to firearms for qualified civilians, and reinforcing rapid response teams throughout Shomron.

Ze’ev Greenberg, deputy CEO and owner of Mider, said the groundbreaking marked an important milestone for both the company and the residents, expressing hope that the new neighborhood would become a model community featuring modern housing in the heart of Shomron.

Hinnanit community chairman Or Yaakobovitz said the expansion reflects the area’s continued growth, noting that the community of approximately 200 families is now set to double in size as longtime residents remain and new families continue to move in.

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A delegation of state legislators from eight U.S. states visited Yehuda and Shomron this week, touring the Binyamin region, including Psagot and the ancient city of Shiloh, as part of an official visit organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

During the visit, the lawmakers received historical and archaeological briefings and met with Binyamin Regional Council Chairman and Yesha Council Chairman Yisrael Ganz, who outlined the region’s security challenges and ongoing development efforts.

Ganz described Binyamin as “Israel’s security belt” and thanked the delegation for visiting the area to gain firsthand knowledge of the realities on the ground.

The delegation included Arkansas State Rep. Aaron Pilkington, Florida State Rep. Debra Tendrich, Kansas State Rep. Pat Proctor, Missouri State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Missouri Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, Ohio State Rep. Meredith Craig, Texas State Rep. Matt Shaheen, and Utah State Reps. Candice Pierucci and Karianne Lisonbee.

Utah House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci encouraged Americans to visit Israel themselves rather than relying solely on media reports.

“I would encourage people, instead of reading the news, to actually come out and see what it really is like in the great State of Israel,” she said, adding that she was inspired by Israelis’ “resiliency, grit, and faith.”

Kansas State Rep. Pat Proctor said he was honored to visit Yehuda and Shomron and praised local residents for their commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their communities.

The visit comes days after a separate visit to the area by Rep. Ro Khanna generated controversy. According to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Khanna entered a restricted area without notifying local Israeli authorities or the U.S. Embassy. Khanna has publicly disputed aspects of the criticism surrounding the visit.

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The Knesset on Wednesday approved legislation limiting the powers of Israel’s Attorney General, passing the bill in its second and third readings by a vote of 65-51, Kan News reported.

The law provides that the Attorney General’s legal opinions will no longer be binding on the government. It also allows the government to obtain independent legal representation instead of relying on the Attorney General and bars the Attorney General from presenting a separate legal position in those proceedings.

The legislation was scaled back from its original version and does not include splitting the role of the Attorney General. Instead, it focuses on limiting the powers of the office. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Ahead of the vote, a coalition dispute was resolved after the government agreed to raise the salaries of Chareidi kindergarten teachers, prompting Degel HaTorah to back the legislation.

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Lebanese authorities have arrested a senior figure with close ties to Hezbollah on suspicion of spying for Israel and providing intelligence that allegedly led to the elimination of several top Hezbollah officials, according to a report by AFP citing a Lebanese judicial source.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly arrested last week at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Iraq.

According to the judicial source, the man allegedly supplied Israel with highly accurate intelligence that contributed to the targeted killings of Hezbollah operatives, including four senior members of the terror group’s security leadership.

“He was very close to Hezbollah commanders and had access to a broad range of sensitive information through those relationships,” the source said.

The report further claims that the suspect made multiple trips to Iraq, where his wife is from, and from there traveled to Türkiye, where Lebanese authorities allege he met with individuals linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and passed along intelligence on targets in Beirut.

The Lebanese source did not identify which Hezbollah leaders were allegedly killed as a result of the intelligence or specify when the operations took place.

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Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has placed Israeli journalist Amit Segal on an official list of individuals and media organizations the regime considers “hostile,” warning that Iranians who communicate or cooperate with those named could face lengthy prison sentences.

According to an official Iranian directive published on July 12, anyone who provides information, photographs, videos, or other material to those on the list may be prosecuted under Iran’s law imposing harsher penalties for espionage and cooperation with Israel and countries deemed hostile to Iran’s national security. The directive was issued by the Intelligence Ministry to Iran’s Attorney General on June 13.

Segal disclosed that he had been added to the list, writing that Iran’s Intelligence Ministry designated him as someone whose contact could result in years of imprisonment for Iranian citizens. Also named are Israeli-Arab activist Yoseph Haddad, Israeli journalist Yossi Melman, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, Iranian activist Masih Alinejad, former football star Ali Karimi, and numerous Iranian opposition figures and media outlets.

The document states that the restrictions are not limited to classified or military information. It says political, cultural, media, and propaganda-related cooperation may also constitute a security offense. Iranian authorities further warned that any new accounts or platforms created by individuals or organizations on the list will automatically be treated as part of the same designation, adding that the list will be reviewed and updated periodically.

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Nearly three weeks after two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, rescue crews continue searching through the rubble as the death toll has climbed to nearly 5,000, authorities announced.

According to the latest official figures, more than 16,000 people have been injured and nearly 18,000 have been left homeless by the June 24 earthquakes, which caused widespread destruction across parts of the country.

Despite the passage of nearly three weeks, many people remain missing, with families continuing to search through collapsed buildings for their loved ones. Venezuelan authorities said approximately 6,500 people have been rescued since the disaster.

Officials also reported that emergency responders have assisted 128,324 families and established 107 temporary shelters currently housing 20,903 displaced residents.

The earthquakes damaged 856 buildings, including 190 structures that completely collapsed, making the disaster one of the deadliest natural catastrophes to strike Venezuela in recent history.

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Hamas’ military wing currently has an estimated 25,000 terrorists, including approximately 2,500 Nukhba terrorists, according to figures presented by Israel’s security establishment and revealed Wednesday by Kan News.

Before the war, Hamas’ military wing was estimated to have 35,000 terrorists, including roughly 5,000 Nukhba terrorists, reflecting the losses the organization has suffered during the war.

Israel’s security establishment has also identified an increase in Hamas’ execution of suspected collaborators and opposition figures. According to the report, unlike in the past, Hamas is now carrying out the executions in secret, using concealed locations such as hospital basements to avoid public attention.

The report also cited details revealed Tuesday about a meeting between senior Hamas officials and Iran’s leadership during the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. During the meeting, Hamas reportedly presented a list of demands, including diplomatic backing for its negotiating position, a firm rejection of any future disarmament or removal of Hamas from governing Gaza, linking future U.S.-Iran negotiations to the Gaza conflict, and continued financial and logistical support to rebuild the organization’s military capabilities.

According to the report, senior Iranian leaders pledged to fully meet Hamas’ requests.

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In a historic gathering hosted by the European Union, senior rabbis from Muslim-majority countries—including Iran—met this week with top EU officials in Brussels to discuss the challenges facing Jewish communities across the Islamic world and ways to strengthen Jewish life.

The conference, organized by the Union of Rabbis in Islamic Countries, included a session held inside the European Parliament. Among the participants was Iran’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Yehuda Gerami, alongside rabbanim representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Tunisia, Albania, Nigeria, Tanzania, Gibraltar, and other countries.

During meetings with senior European Union officials, the rabbanim highlighted the religious and communal challenges facing Jewish communities in Muslim countries. EU leaders expressed particular interest in the status of Iran’s approximately 20,000-member Jewish community and discussed issues relating to religious freedom.

The conference was organized by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Chitrik, Chief Rabbi of Türkiye and chairman of the Union of Rabbis in Islamic Countries. EU officials who participated included European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for Health Olivér Várhelyi, diplomats, and members of the European Parliament.

Šuica praised the work of the rabbanim, recalling the centuries-old synagogue in her hometown of Dubrovnik, Croatia, which survived earthquakes, world wars, and the siege of the city during the 1990s.

“That synagogue proves that a place is stronger when every religion is free to live and flourish,” she said. “Every day you demonstrate that Jewish life can exist alongside Muslim majorities. In some of your communities, Jews and Muslims have lived together for centuries. That is something precious.”

She added that discrimination, persecution, and violence against minorities must never be tolerated and pledged that the European Union would continue standing with threatened Jewish communities.

Katarina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to fighting antisemitism across Europe. Speaking about growing up in Germany, she said learning from Holocaust survivors inspired her lifelong commitment to preserving Holocaust memory and protecting Jewish communities.

Von Schnurbein also told participants that her office remains available to assist Jewish communities and pledged to do everything possible to ensure Jews can continue wearing a yarmulke openly and safely throughout Europe.

The conference also included discussions among the participating rabbanim on improving kashrus systems, mikvaos, Jewish marriages, and access to proper kever arrangements for Jewish communities throughout the Islamic world. The rabbanim exchanged ideas and practical solutions while strengthening cooperation between their communities.

PHOTOS BY: Gabriel Lelievre

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Keren Olam HaChinuch has launched a major national initiative dedicated to strengthening mosdos, easing the tuition burden on families, and helping ensure that every child has access to a strong and stable chinuch system.

For years, mosdos have been absorbing growing scholarship deficits while stretching operating budgets, increasing fundraising efforts, and working tirelessly to ensure that children receive the Torah education they deserve. At the same time, parents have found themselves increasingly squeezed by rising tuition costs and the growing expense of raising a family. Keren Olam HaChinuch views these as two sides of the same challenge, requiring a coordinated communal response that supports both families and the mosdos educating their children.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Keren Olam HaChinuch is working alongside school leadership, rabbanim, askanim, parents, and donors, to build a national framework that enables each kehilla to develop practical, sustainable solutions based on its own unique challenges, strengthening mosdos through transparency, collective action, and long-term financial sustainability.

The effort began with its first School Leadership Roundtable, held in Rockland County, where more than twenty administrators representing a broad cross-section of Litvish and Chassidish mosdos gathered to discuss the realities facing today’s schools. Similar meetings are planned in Lakewood and additional communities, with each region shaping its own response within the shared framework.

As part of that effort, participating schools are contributing confidential financial and operational data that will be aggregated to provide a clearer picture of the true cost of Torah education. By presenting an accurate, community-wide picture while protecting the privacy of individual schools and families, Keren Olam HaChinuch aims to strengthen donor confidence, increase public understanding, and encourage broader communal support for local chinuch.

The Rockland County gathering marks the first step in what will become an ongoing series of leadership roundtables, community awareness initiatives, and collaborative efforts across the country.

Further details regarding future community partnerships, public awareness campaigns, and additional initiatives will be announced as Keren Olam HaChinuch continues expanding its work.

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

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Hezbollah is reportedly preparing a large-scale military escalation against Israel that would include intensive attacks on communities in northern Israel, according to Lebanese sources cited by the Arab news outlet Iram News.

According to the report, the terror organization is awaiting a green light from Iran before launching any major offensive and has already begun reinforcing its front-line positions north of the Litani River.

Lebanese sources told the outlet that Hezbollah’s decision to escalate will depend on the extent of future U.S. military action against Iran following the recent resumption of hostilities, or whether Washington gives Israel approval to strike additional strategic infrastructure deep inside Iran.

The report states that Hezbollah’s primary operational plan is to focus its attacks on northern Israeli communities. The timing of the offensive—referred to as “Zero Hour”—would reportedly not be determined by Hezbollah itself, but instead dictated directly by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps based on regional developments and the broader confrontation involving the United States.

As part of its preparations, Hezbollah is said to be quietly stockpiling food, fuel, weapons, and other supplies for an extended conflict. The group has also reportedly begun moving terrorists under heavy secrecy to designated hideouts and forward positions near the border.

According to the report, once the order is given, Hezbollah forces would rapidly redeploy and launch coordinated terror attacks on northern Israel with close Iranian support.

The report further claims that the planned offensive is intended to form part of a broader multi-front regional conflict. Any decision to begin hostilities would reportedly be coordinated from a joint command center in Tehran operated by the IRGC’s Quds Force, rather than being made independently by Hezbollah’s leadership in Beirut.

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Anti-American incitement in Iran has grown increasingly aggressive as the renewed US military operation against the Islamic regime continues.

Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran’s former foreign minister and now a member of parliament, called for a ground raid on a U.S. military base in the region and the abduction of 100 American soldiers.

“I propose that we launch a ground assault on one of the American bases in the region, capture 100 soldiers, and bring them to Iran,” Mottaki said.

In Tehran’s Revolution Square, authorities erected a huge billboard featuring an image of President Donald Trump inside a coffin, stating: “We will kill Trump.”

The display comes just days after funeral events for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, were accompanied by chants calling for revenge against Trump and other US, Western and Israeli figures.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had provided the United States with intelligence indicating that Iranian officials were considering a plan to assassinate Trump. According to the report, Iran continues to view the killing of Qassem Soleimani as grounds for revenge, and the threat against Trump remains an active consideration within the regime.

A day later, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that “Israeli intelligence warned the White House about a specific plot to assassinate Trump.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

An elderly woman in Kew Gardens Hills was scammed out of $25,000 Tuesday afternoon in what authorities say was a fraud scheme targeting a vulnerable member of the community.

Queens Shomrim received the report shortly after the incident and immediately dispatched volunteers to assist the victim while notifying the NYPD. Officers from the NYPD’s 107th Precinct quickly launched an investigation, with volunteers from Queens Shomrim and the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP) assisting on the scene.

Thanks to the rapid coordination between Shomrim and the NYPD, a suspect was taken into custody in connection with the scam.

Queens Shomrim is urging the public to remain vigilant. Residents should never provide money, banking information, or personal details to unsolicited callers or individuals claiming to represent a business, government agency, or family member without first verifying the request. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a scam should contact the NYPD immediately.

 

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Israel’s coalition faced renewed tensions Wednesday after United Torah Judaism chairman MK Moshe Gafni warned that his party would not support legislation restructuring the role of the Attorney General unless the government first advances a pending decision regarding continued funding arrangements for Chareidi private kindergarten networks.

The Knesset was expected to approve the bill in its second and third readings later in the day. The legislation, which was split from a broader proposal, seeks to redefine the relationship between the elected government and the Attorney General by formally establishing the Attorney General’s role as assisting the government in implementing its policies and presenting legal alternatives.

According to the report, Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman sought to delay the vote in an effort to give coalition leaders time to resolve the dispute, while opposition lawmakers protested the proceedings in the Knesset.

Under the bill, written legal opinions issued by the Attorney General would continue to reflect the Attorney General’s legal interpretation, but the government would be permitted, under certain circumstances, to determine that such opinions do not reflect the law, provided the decision is reported to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee or the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This provision would not apply to criminal matters, where the Attorney General’s independence would remain unchanged.

The legislation also provides that the government, rather than the Attorney General, would determine the state’s legal position in court. If the Attorney General declines to represent that position, the government could appoint outside legal counsel. In such cases, the Attorney General would be prohibited from appearing in the same proceeding without government approval. The bill would also make the Attorney General accountable to the government and subject to the oversight of the Justice Minister. If approved, the law would take effect on January 1, 2027.

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As Israel and Lebanon continue a sixth round of direct talks in Rome, discussions are reportedly centered on transferring two pilot zones in southern Lebanon from IDF control to the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of a broader security framework.

Under the proposal, the Lebanese army would assume responsibility for security in the designated areas and work to disarm Hezbollah.

However, some Lebanese citizens are expressing skepticism over whether the army is capable of carrying out that mission.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, a Lebanese citizen opposed to Hezbollah said peace between Israel and Lebanon is “a shared and urgent need for both sides,” but argued that the Lebanese army cannot realistically dismantle the Iranian-backed terror organization.

“The militia that Iran established must leave completely,” he said. “The one capable of removing it is certainly not the Lebanese army, because it is managed along sectarian lines and is not capable of carrying out the mission.”

He further claimed that Hezbollah could only be disarmed through military force or by an agreed-upon international force tasked with dismantling the organization.

Meanwhile, public discussion in Lebanon over possible normalization with Israel has become increasingly open.

During a televised debate on Lebanon’s MTV channel, Ali Khalifa, a Shiite professor and outspoken Hezbollah opponent, said he would gladly “drink whiskey in Tel Aviv” if Israel and Lebanon were to sign a peace agreement.

The remark sparked immediate backlash from other panelists, with one accusing Khalifa of betraying the Shiite community. Khalifa responded that he was expressing a personal opinion, underscoring the growing divide within Lebanon over the prospect of peace with Israel.

The public debate comes as diplomatic and security contacts between Jerusalem and Beirut continue behind the scenes.

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Arab leaders have told President Donald Trump they no longer have confidence in Israel’s current government or Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, arguing that he is obstructing the president’s vision for peace and broader regional agreements in the Middle East, Kan News reported.

Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions said Trump’s conversations with regional leaders have influenced his thinking and that he is beginning to view Netanyahu as “an obstacle to realizing his vision for the region” and to advancing regional agreements.

According to the report, countries in the region are now waiting to see the outcome of Israel’s upcoming elections. While publicly avoiding the appearance of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs, including the election campaign, efforts are reportedly being made behind the scenes to influence Trump’s views regarding Netanyahu.

Last month, Trump told Kan News he would “very likely” support Netanyahu in the upcoming election but wanted to see who else would enter the race. He added that while he has a good relationship with Netanyahu, “he needs to be more rational.”

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Former hostage Rom Braslavski has made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem since his release from his torturous captivity in Gaza, choosing to turn to Hashem and Yiddishkeit as he struggles to rehabilitate his life and deal with severe post-trauma symptoms.

Now, as part of his teshuva process, he made the decision to remove his tattoo.

“And you shall not place a tattoo upon yourselves,” he wrote, quoting the issur from the Torah. “Abba, thank You for the zechus of removing the tattoo from my body. Abba, thank You for the zechus to be free and happy. Abba, thank You for the zechus of being Jewish. Abba, thank You for the privilege of not being a hostage in Gaza.”

“Thank You for the zechus to rectify myself.

“I will never forget that during my darkest days in Gaza, in the intense heat of August and September, the terrorist forced me to wear a jacket so that no one would see my tattoo in case someone managed to break into the place where I was being held. That tattoo was what identified me as a Jew.

“The irony is that a true Jew is not supposed to have a tattoo on his body.

“Today, months after the moment when Hakadosh Baruch Hu, through His nissim and wonders, chose to free me from the house of bondage and redeem me from my suffering, I am strong and stable enough to decide to remove this tattoo with laser treatments from my body, and to endure the pain—but for one purpose alone: to serve and devote myself to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

“I am willing to suffer physically again and again, and I am prepared to die in agony for Him. I will do everything to please my Father in Shamayim, always.

“Abba, thank You for my captivity in Gaza, and thank You for the suffering I endured. Thank You for every hardship You placed in my life.”

Earlier this week, Braslavski shared a video relating his difficult battle with post-traumatic symptoms but emphasized that he chooses to wake up every day and thank Hashem.

“This captivity was both my curse and my blessing from Hashem,” he said. “This captivity shaped me—it shaped my character. But now that I’m free, I’m dealing with very severe post-traumatic stress. It’s very difficult to return to life after such a tremendous upheaval.”

“My question is this: Am I going to return to life, or am I going to remain a captive in Gaza? Am I going to get up and strengthen myself again and again and not let them win, or am I going to lock myself in my room and not let the sun come in? Because if I do that, they’ve won—not me.”

“They’ve won—not me—if I fall into depression and sadness. That’s not something I’m willing to accept. Every day I make the choice to open the blinds, get up early, and let the sun into my life. To let the sun brighten my dark face. Dark on the inside, bright on the outside. And the light on the outside slowly seeps into my soul.”

“The post-trauma and the severe trauma I went through. The bodies I saw, all the blood I saw, all the people who died whom I carry on my shoulders, all my friends who were murdered—that’s reason enough not to get up.”

“But time and again, I choose to rise from the blow I’ve been dealt. To thank Hashem: ‘I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, for mercifully restoring my soul within me; great is Your faithfulness,’ because Hashem, in His mercy, saved me from that house of bondage.”

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(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The United States is backing efforts to revive a long-dormant oil pipeline linking Iraq to Syria’s Mediterranean coast in a move aimed at creating an alternative export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported.

According to the report, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack has been holding talks with Iraqi and Syrian officials, as well as major energy companies including Chevron, about restoring the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been out of service for more than two decades. A U.S. State Department official confirmed Washington supports rehabilitating the pipeline to strengthen trade between Iraq and Syria and expects American companies to play a role in the project.

The renewed push comes after the recent conflict in the Middle East exposed the world’s heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. With shipping through the strategic waterway severely disrupted during the fighting, regional governments have intensified efforts to develop alternative routes capable of moving oil to international markets without relying on the narrow passage.

The proposed route would transport Iraqi crude to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where it could be exported directly to global markets. Bloomberg reported that Chevron, TotalEnergies SE, and Qatar XRG Holding have all participated in discussions, though the companies declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment.

Significant obstacles remain. Portions of the proposed route would pass through western Iraq and eastern Syria, where security concerns persist. Syria’s energy infrastructure also suffered extensive damage during years of civil war, meaning major reconstruction would be required before the pipeline could become operational.

Iraq has been accelerating plans to diversify its export routes. In recent months, Baghdad approved an expansion of the Basra-Haditha pipeline, while discussions have also continued over additional routes that could eventually connect to Syria, Jordan, or Turkey. Iraqi officials have also explored linking their network with Syria’s Mediterranean ports as relations between the two countries continue to improve.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that he will vote against a proposal to end U.S. assistance to Israel, breaking with members of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing who have pushed to halt American funding.

In a letter to fellow Democrats, Jeffries said the proposed amendment to the State Department and foreign operations appropriations bill for fiscal year 2027 is “overly broad” and could unintentionally block funding for longstanding programs, including humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building initiatives, and U.S. embassy operations.

Jeffries also argued that the amendment could limit America’s ability to confront Hamas, saying its current language would have consequences extending well beyond its stated goal of ending aid to Israel.

The announcement comes amid growing divisions within the Democratic Party. While progressive lawmakers have called for ending U.S. financial support to Israel, other Democrats aligned with party leadership have warned that the proposal could also cut off humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza.

Jeffries emphasized that Democratic leadership will not issue a formal whip directing members how to vote, saying there are “legitimate reasons” why lawmakers may reach different conclusions on the measure.

At the same time, Jeffries wrote that the U.S.-Israel relationship needs a “significant course correction,” particularly as the 10-year U.S. security assistance agreement negotiated during the Obama administration approaches its expiration.

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Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer announced Wednesday that he will not run in Israel’s upcoming Knesset election, bringing his political career to a close.

In a statement, Sofer thanked Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich for “years of trust and shared work” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his leadership during what he described as a complex and challenging period. He said Israel “must continue strengthening its security and build a strong iron wall, but one that is also founded on spirit, values, and unity.” He added that all Israelis have a responsibility to promote unity, solidarity, national resilience, faith in the justice of Israel’s cause, and belief in the heritage and eternity of the Jewish people.

Reflecting on his tenure, Sofer said he was privileged to lead the Immigration and Absorption Ministry during a difficult period and help oversee the aliyah of tens of thousands of Jews who chose to make Israel their home during this time, an experience he said filled him with great hope and optimism.

Sofer said he will continue serving until the end of the current Knesset term and intends to continue contributing to the State of Israel and Israeli society in other capacities. He also thanked his supporters, staff, and family for standing by him throughout his years in public service.

Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich said he received Sofer’s decision “with sadness,” calling him an important voice within the Religious Zionism movement. Smotrich praised Sofer’s years of public service and said he is confident Sofer “will find his next opportunity to serve the People of Israel and the State of Israel.”

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Morocco has signed an agreement to join the International Stabilization Force planned for the Gaza Strip, becoming the latest country to participate in the multinational effort aimed at supporting security and stability in postwar Gaza, according to Morocco’s state news agency MAP.

The agreement was signed in Rabat during a ceremony attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, senior Moroccan defense officials, Nicolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s envoy for Gaza, and the commander of the International Stabilization Force. The agreement formally commits Morocco to participating in the multinational mission.

Officials did not immediately disclose the size of Morocco’s deployment, the timeline for its participation, or the specific role its forces will play. The mission is expected to operate as part of the broader international framework for Gaza’s postwar transition, with additional details expected to be announced at a later date.

Morocco’s participation is considered a significant development given the country’s diplomatic ties with Israel while also supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state.

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Former Mossad official Dr. Udi Levy, who previously headed the agency’s Tzalzal unit, said Wednesday that recent reports alleging the Mossad cultivated ties with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not surprise him, saying one of the primary objectives of any intelligence agency is to reach the highest levels of an enemy’s leadership and attempt to recruit senior figures.

Speaking to Radio 103FM, Levy said the reported operation should also prompt Israelis to examine Qatar’s own activities. “Everyone is celebrating the Mossad’s remarkable success in this matter,” he said. “But nobody draws the comparison — the Qataris did the exact same thing to us. It’s about reaching the decision-makers, influencing them, and getting them to do what you want.”

Levy, who is considered one of Israel’s leading experts on the Gulf states, described Qatar as a particularly dangerous actor, saying it has returned to playing the role it knows best: enthusiastically supporting radical organizations while simultaneously serving as a leading regional mediator. He claimed Qatar is deeply involved in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza, while also maintaining close cooperation with Iran. Levy questioned why Qatar has not been declared an enemy state and argued that the same questions should also be asked in Washington.

Turning to Iran, Levy said the regime’s refusal to quickly seek an agreement with the United States stems not only from ideology, but also from confidence in an economic system it has built despite years of sanctions. He described it as a “hybrid” network combining trade, money, gold and banking into a single framework that allows Tehran to bypass sanctions and exploit weaknesses in international cooperation. According to Levy, Iran began building this system after the 2015 nuclear agreement and, together with China and Russia, is working to create an alternative to American economic dominance and the U.S. dollar.

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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during an interview with radio host Sid Rosenberg, accusing him of supporting Hamas and Iran and aligning himself with forces hostile to both Israel and the United States.

Speaking Tuesday on “Sid & Friends in the Morning” on 77 WABC, Netanyahu questioned Mamdani’s positions, saying, “Who does he support? Hamas, which openly calls for the murder of every Jew on earth and carried out the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”

Netanyahu also accused Mamdani of defending Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as “the world’s largest terror regime” and noting that it has publicly called for the assassination of President Donald Trump and other senior American officials.

“He is on the side of the terror axis,” Netanyahu said. “The problem is that he either doesn’t realize, or doesn’t care, that those who hate the Jews and hate Israel ultimately hate America as well. In fact, I think deep down he hates America.”

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An IDF soldier has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of maintaining contact with an Iranian agent and transmitting information that could benefit the enemy, the military announced.

According to court findings, the case began in 2025 when the soldier received messages on Telegram from individuals linked to Iran offering paid “jobs.” He later agreed to film and send videos in exchange for money.

During Operation Rising Lion, the soldier sent the Iranian handler two videos he personally recorded showing Israeli missile interceptions over civilian areas and received payment for one of the recordings. He later sent additional footage of missile strikes that he had obtained online.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet, ultimately leading to the filing of an indictment.

Military prosecutors sought a seven-year prison sentence, arguing that the soldier’s actions posed a significant security threat and warranted a strong deterrent. The court, however, noted that he did not pass classified information obtained through his military position.

The court also considered that the soldier eventually ended contact with the Iranian agent on his own after becoming uncomfortable with the situation and reported the communications to his commanders, a disclosure that led to his immediate arrest by the Shin Bet.

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, the soldier received a suspended sentence, was fined NIS 1,000, and was demoted to the rank of private.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli defense officials are increasingly concerned that Hezbollah will refuse to surrender its weapons and could ultimately derail the emerging agreement between Israel and Lebanon, according to a report by Walla.

A senior Israeli security official said the Lebanese Army is deeply concerned about the possibility of a civil war and is therefore reluctant to confront Hezbollah directly. Instead, officials in Beirut are hoping that “the diplomatic process and the IDF will do the job.” Meanwhile, the IDF continues strengthening defenses along the Israel-Lebanon border, reinforcing positions near the Litani River, and destroying Hezbollah weapons and terror infrastructure in areas under Israeli operational control.

According to the report, a U.S. delegation visited Israel last week to discuss implementation of the framework before traveling to Beirut. A key meeting between the sides is expected to take place in Rome on July 17 to resolve remaining tactical issues, followed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s planned visit to Washington on July 20. Israeli officials currently expect implementation of the memorandum of understanding to begin in approximately three weeks.

Despite the diplomatic progress, Israeli officials remain skeptical that the Lebanese Army is willing or able to disarm Hezbollah. The IDF is also preparing contingency plans for the possibility that Hezbollah could violate the ceasefire and resume attacks once implementation of the agreement begins.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Senior officials in Transportation Minister Miri Regev’s office have reportedly been discussing ways to limit the number of flights arriving at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of Israel’s October 27 election in an effort to reduce the number of overseas voters returning to support parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Haaretz reported.

The discussions come as several nonpartisan initiatives are working to help Israelis living abroad return home to vote. According to the report, Regev’s associates believe many of those expected to take advantage of those efforts support parties opposed to Netanyahu and could number in the tens of thousands.

Among the ideas reportedly discussed are limiting or preventing charter flights from landing at Ben Gurion Airport. According to the report, Regev’s associates also cited the continued presence of U.S. military refueling aircraft at the airport, saying they occupy parking stands that could otherwise be used by other aircraft. Parking priority at Ben Gurion is given first to Israeli airlines, followed by foreign carriers and then charter flights, which are expected to be the primary means of bringing overseas Israelis back to vote.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

YWN regrets to inform you of the petira of HaRav Yosef Rabinowitz ZT”L, longtime Rav of Khal Zichron Aryeh Leib in Flatbush, where he served the kehillah for more than 40 years.

The levaya will take place today at 12:30 p.m. at 2915 Avenue J in Brooklyn. Special screens and speakers will be available for Kohanim at Rabbi Scheinkopf’s shul across the street.

The kevurah will follow at Beth David Cemetery, 300 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY.

Those unable to attend the levaya may watch the livestream at: http://zkstream.com/lryr.

Besuros Tovos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington on Saturday night to attend the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate, according to a report by Channel 14.

Netanyahu is expected to remain in the U.S. through Wednesday. During the visit, he is also scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the war with Iran and the latest developments across the Middle East.

In a tribute following Graham’s passing, Netanyahu described the longtime senator as both “a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine.”

“We have no better friend than Lindsey,” Netanyahu said during their recent meeting.

The prime minister also praised Graham’s unwavering support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable,” Netanyahu said. “He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance, and standing up for the free world.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel has lifted restrictions on U.S. military refueling aircraft operating from Ben Gurion Airport following strong objections from American officials, according to a report by Kan 11.

The reversal came Wednesday morning, when the Israel Airports Authority instructed air traffic control units to once again permit the landing of U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion.

The decision reportedly overrides an earlier directive from Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who had sought to prohibit the aircraft from using the airport due to concerns that they would occupy parking space needed for increased civilian air traffic during the busy summer travel season.

According to the report, senior officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) raised the issue with top IDF and Israeli defense officials after learning of the restriction. American officials reportedly warned that limiting access for the refueling aircraft could negatively impact the operational readiness of U.S. forces in the region amid the ongoing escalation with Iran.

Sources familiar with the discussions said U.S. officials viewed the aircraft as a critical component of America’s regional deterrence and defense posture.

A senior Israeli military official told Ynet that the American request was justified, calling the refueling aircraft “a strategic asset” and an integral part of the joint U.S.-Israel military posture against Iran.

“The operational importance of allowing them to function under the conditions set by the Americans is clear,” the official said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel and Lebanon have reached an initial agreement on the first two pilot security zones following two days of U.S.-brokered talks in Rome, with both sides describing the discussions as positive and reporting progress toward implementing the existing ceasefire framework, i24NEWS reported.

The negotiations focused on practical steps for implementing the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, including phased Israeli withdrawals from designated areas, expanded deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and mechanisms aimed at preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing a presence in the pilot zones. Lebanese presidential sources described the talks as “very constructive” and said an announcement identifying the two pilot areas is expected in the coming days, with implementation intended to begin in those locations first.

According to an Israeli official, the pilot areas are designed to test the Lebanese state’s ability to assert control through Lebanese Army deployments, with compliance to be verified by a third party. The official said neither UNIFIL nor UNTSO would be part of any future verification mechanism. Lebanese officials said they are open to a U.S. proposal under which a third party would verify that the pilot areas remain free of Hezbollah fighters after implementation.

The Israeli official said the Rome talks reinforced the need to continue implementing the agreement between Israel and Lebanon and to disarm Hezbollah. Any expansion of the pilot-area model to additional locations will depend on the successful implementation of the first phase. Lebanese presidential sources also ruled out any meeting between President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling such a meeting “completely unacceptable,” while confirming that Aoun’s upcoming visit to Washington will include a meeting with President Trump.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Michael Katz, H’yd, an 82-year-old resident of Haifa, was niftar on Wednesday morning from wounds he sustained over three months ago when an Iranian ballistic missile struck his apartment building during Operation Roaring Lion.

On April 5, 2026, an Iranian missile scored a direct hit on a six-story apartment building in Haifa, destroying its lower three floors and critically injuring Michael. Rescue forces pulled him from the rubble and rushed him to Ramban Hospital, where they fought to save his life.

Four members of the Gershovitz family, Michael’s neighbors, were killed in the same strike, the deadliest Haifa suffered during the war.

Katz worked at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for decades, contributing to Israel’s security, and received the Rafael Prize for his work. He is survived by his wife, Nina, his sons, Itamar and Yoav, and six grandchildren.

Michael’s wife, Nina, who was lightly wounded in the attack, said: “On that terrible Sunday, my life was shattered in an instant by an Iranian missile. I was given the gift of a new life, and for that I thank the Borei Olam. But from this day forward, I will live that new life as half a person after 55 years of marriage.”

“It will not be easy, and I will forever miss the wholeness that my beloved Michael brought to our shared life, to our children, and our grandchildren. Michael was sociable and full of joy, a man who loved life and knew how to enjoy it. Everyone who met him immediately fell in love with him. He will be missed not only by us, but by everyone who knew him.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

As expected, Israel’s High Court of Justice on Wednesday issued a temporary order immediately suspending the law freezing the arrests of bnei yeshivos who are designated as “draft dodgers” that was passed in the Knesset on Tuesday evening.

The order, issued by Justice Ofer Grosskopf in response to petitions filed by Yesh Atid and, separately, by Yisrael Beiteinu, means the new Security Service Law (Amendment No. 28 – Temporary Provision) will not take effect until further notice.

The petitioners argue that the law is discriminatory and unconstitutional, claiming it does not meet the requirements of Israel’s Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty.

In his decision, Justice Grosskopf ordered the state to explain why the law should not be invalidated altogether.

“In light of this Court’s longstanding rulings regarding the enlistment of bnei yeshivos, the significance of suspending arrest, investigation, and enforcement proceedings with respect to only certain segments of the population, and the substantial arguments raised by the petitioners challenging the law’s validity, a conditional order is hereby issued directing the respondents to explain why the Security Service Law (Amendment No. 28 – Temporary Provision), 5786-2026, should not be annulled,” the ruling states.

The burden now shifts to the government, which will have to present substantial legal arguments explaining why the law does not constitute a disproportionate violation of the principle of equality and why it should remain in force.

Because of the significance of the issue, Justice Grosskopf ordered that the petitions be heard as soon as possible before an expanded panel of Supreme Court justices, to be determined by Yitzchak Amit, the “President” of the High Court.

The state has been instructed to submit its response to the petitions and to the requests for interim orders no later than four days before the hearing.

The ruling concludes by formally granting the petitioners’ request for an interim order, stating: “A temporary order is hereby issued suspending the entry into force of the Security Service Law… until further decision.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes against military targets in Iran on Wednesday in an unusual daytime operation.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted military assets that had been used by Iranian forces to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation began at 6:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, the first daytime strikes since the “ceasefire” took effect.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials intensified their threats against the United States with increasingly aggressive rhetoric.

Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran’s former foreign minister and now a member of parliament, called for a ground raid on a U.S. military base in the region.

“My proposal is that we launch a ground assault on one of the American bases in the region, capture 100 Americans, and bring them to Iran,” Mottaki said.

The Iranian military said seven career soldiers and conscripts were killed in a U.S. strike on the Bampur military base in southeastern Iran, adding that it would respond to the attack.

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani claimed that at least 30 civilians had been killed in recent U.S. strikes in southern Iran. Iran’s Health Ministry also reported more than 260 people wounded.

In Tehran’s Revolution Square, authorities erected a large display featuring an image of President Donald Trump inside a coffin alongside a billboard stating, “We will kill Trump.”

Overnight Tuesday, the U.S. military carried out a fourth consecutive seven-hour attack on Iran, targeting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coastline, including missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems.

Meanwhile, Trump threatened to destroy vital Iranian infrastructure next week if Tehran continues to refuse to engage in negotiations for a deal.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said: “We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, we’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night, we’re going to hit them very hard the night after. And then next week it gets really bad for them…we’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges, unless they get to the table and negotiate.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced Wednesday that the dispute over the U.S. refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport has been resolved, saying the number of refueling tankers parked at the airport will be reduced by next Tuesday to 20, with the remaining aircraft relocated to Israeli Air Force bases designated by the Defense Ministry, Ynet reported.

The Defense Ministry, however, said no final agreement has yet been reached. Officials stressed that discussions are still underway and that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will ultimately have to make the final decision.

The issue sparked a heated exchange during Tuesday night’s security cabinet meeting after senior IDF officials argued that the U.S. request to keep the aircraft at Ben Gurion was justified.

“With all due respect, we have to balance security needs with civilian needs,” Regev told Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. “If we were at war, there wouldn’t even be a question. But we’re not at war, and under these circumstances we cannot harm civilians.”

Regev argued that alternative locations are available for the aircraft.

“You don’t seem to care that civilians are being affected,” she told Katz. “The Air Force isn’t making enough of an effort.”

Katz responded, “We’re trying, but it’s complicated. We’ve done what we can.”

Regev warned that if the tankers are not relocated as planned, it will significantly impair civilian air travel.

As an interim measure, National Security Council chief Shmuel Ben Ezra was instructed to arrange for the immediate relocation of four tankers.

During the meeting, Netanyahu instructed Regev, Katz, and Ben Ezra to resolve the matter.

“We need to settle this,” Netanyahu said. “We have to remember this is a civilian airport, and the IDF needs to find another location for the refueling aircraft.”

The dispute erupted after the planned relocation of the U.S. tankers was suspended, delaying efforts to free aircraft parking stands for civilian aviation during the peak summer travel season.

There are currently 33 U.S. refueling aircraft parked at Ben Gurion Airport, occupying parking positions also used by commercial aircraft.

The US strongly objected to Israel’s decision to bar additional refueling aircraft from landing at Ben Gurion, arguing that it undermines the operational needs of American forces in the region amid the current escalation with Iran.

U.S. officials emphasized that the refueling aircraft are a critical component of America’s regional deterrence and defense posture.

A senior Israeli military official echoed that assessment, telling Ynet: “The American request is justified. The refueling aircraft are a strategic U.S. asset in the region and an integral part of the joint U.S.-Israeli posture against Iran. Operationally, it is important that they be able to operate under the conditions set by the Americans.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Israeli security forces on Tuesday night arrested four Palestinian illegal infiltrators, including a terrorist en route to an attack.

The arrests were made several hours apart at the A-Za’im Crossing and the Tunnels Checkpoint by Yehuda and Shomron District police officers and Border Police troops.

In one incident, security forces discovered two infiltrators hiding in the trunk of a vehicle at the A-Za’im crossing, one of whom was wanted for questioning by security authorities on suspicion of planning an imminent terrorist attack.

The two suspects, residents of Tulkarem in their 20s and 40s, were transferred for questioning at the Ma’ale Adumim police station and were imprisoned at the conclusion of the investigation.

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Several hours earlier, officers from the Etzion police station and Jerusalem Border Police troops stopped an Israeli car at the Tunnels Checkpoint. During the inspection, two Palestinians from the villages of Azariya and Za’atara presented forged Israeli identity cards in an attempt to pass through the checkpoint without being detected.

The car was seized, and the infiltrators and their Israeli driver were arrested and transferred to the Etzion police station for questioning.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

An Israeli woman driving near the yishuv of Ma’ale Levona was injured by terrorists who hurled stones at Israeli vehicles traveling on Route 60 in the Shomron on Wednesday morning.

The woman received emergency medical care at the scene and was evacuated to the hospital in light condition.

During the attack, the terrorists damaged three cars.

Security forces were called to the scene of the attack and launched a manhunt for the terrorists who fled the scene.

Searches are being carried out in the area, and security forces surrounded the nearby Palestinian town of Sinjil, northeast of Ramallah.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

A group of women from the Women of the Wall group created a provocation at the Kosel on Wednesday morning, Rosh Chodesh Av, by smuggling in a Sefer Torah into the plaza and singing loudly while attempting to hold a Reform-style prayer service.

The move sparked protests from many women at the plaza, who shouted “Shame!” in response to their provocation, blocking the sound of their singing.

Noam Party chairman MK Avi Maoz, who was present at the site, sharply criticized the coalition, saying its leaders bear responsibility for what occurred because they blocked passage of his Kosel bill.

“Unfortunately, we once again are witnessing provocations and the desecration of the Kosel,” Maoz said. “The responsibility lies with the coalition leadership—from the Prime Minister to the Chareidi representatives and the Religious Zionist members—who failed to pass my Kosel bill and complete the legislation. Had the legislation been completed, we would not be witnessing this disgrace today.”

The Kosel bill advanced by Maoz, which passed its preliminary reading, would amend the Protection of Holy Places Law by granting the Chief Rabbinate sole authority to establish the rules governing conduct and tefilla at the Kosel.

However, according to Shas MK Michael Malchieli, the coalition chose not to advance the law after concluding that it would cause further harm to the situation at the Kosel.

Speaking to Kol Chai on Wednesday morning, Malchieli said: “Under existing Israeli law, the Minister of Religious Services already has full authority over the holy places,” he said. “If we had a normal court that ruled according to the law instead of according to its own preferences, there would have been no need for new legislation. The High Court stripped the minister of his authority without any legal basis. Senior legal experts who have dealt with this issue for decades explained to us that a new law could actually do more harm than good and open the door to further damage.”

He added: “The High Court and some legal officials sometimes behave like an opposition faction, looking for ways to undermine anything connected to Judaism or the Chareidi community. We chose the more difficult path—to fight for every opening, enact new regulations, and climb through the window whenever they close the door on us. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about these solutions.”

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said in a statement: “Alongside the thousands of mispallelim who came this morning for the Rosh Chodesh Av tefillos, marking the period during which we reduce our joy and mourn the Churban of the Beis HaMikdash, the Women of the Wall group turned the Kosel Plaza into a protest site and acted in violation of of both the site’s regulations and court directives by bringing a Sefer Torah into the Kosel Plaza.”

“The Western Wall Heritage Foundation regrets the escalating confrontations of recent months, which intensified even further this Rosh Chodesh, and calls on everyone to stop turning the Kosel Plaza into a protest site. The Kosel is not a place for whistles and shouting, nor is it a place to stage provocations and desecrate its sanctity.”

“On Rosh Chodesh Av, which marks the yahrtzeit of Aharon HaKohen, who loved peace and pursued peace, we call on everyone to treat the Kosel with the respect it deserves and preserve its kedushah in accordance with Jewish tradition.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The U.S. military reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign early Wednesday, hitting an Iranian army barracks and killing at least seven troops while wounding 260 people across the country, Iranian officials said.

Days of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East by Iran and the U.S., and both nations’ attempts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, threaten to push the region back to all-out war.

More than 30 people have been killed over “recent days,” Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said, without elaborating. Seven of the dead came from the attack on the barracks in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.

The U.S. first imposed the blockade in mid-April and then lifted it in mid-June, a day after signing the interim deal that set a 60-day period for negotiations over issues like Iran’s nuclear program, but talks have stalled as fighting over the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade passes during peacetime, has intensified.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened Wednesday to halt all energy exports from the Middle East over the blockade.

“The export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one,” it said.

When U.S. President Donald Trump announced the return of the blockade Monday, he also said he would impose a 20% fee on ships passing through the strait. But he dropped the plan to collect fees hours before resuming the blockade, citing requests from allies in the Persian Gulf.

The U.S. carried out another wave of strikes as it reimposed the blockade, striking dozens of targets over seven hours, the U.S. military’s Central Command said Wednesday.

Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, gave Wednesday’s casualty figure of over 260 people wounded, without specifying how many people had been killed. Kermanpour’s figures reported far more people injured than in any other round of recent violence between Iran and the U.S.

One strike targeted a barracks for Iran’s 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Bampour in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iranian state television reported. The report said the Americans fired at least 13 missiles in the attack and that the dead included conscripts and career soldiers. A number of other troops were wounded.

The army said it would make “a decisive response to this aggressive action by the American enemy,” state TV added.

The 388th operates battle tanks and armored vehicles.

Missile alert warnings went out in Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday morning as they faced incoming Iranian fire, something that’s been a daily occurrence, further straining a ceasefire in the war. Jordan also said it shot down three incoming Iranian missiles. Iran claimed attacks on the three nations.

U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads Central Command, said in a statement that Iran had launched dozens of missiles and drones at neighboring Gulf Arab countries.

“U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,” Cooper said.

When the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz by attacking and threatening ships. That sent the price of oil, fertilizer and other goods soaring.

Iran has more recently attacked ships moving through the strait on a route near Oman overseen by the U.S. military that is outside Tehran’s control, setting off the recent violence. The U.S. has threatened to reopen the strait by force — but experts say that would require a much bigger armada if not tens of thousands of ground troops.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized America’s ongoing attacks targeting his country.

“The U.S. is the aggressor, not the victim,” he wrote to the world body’s leader, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Trump says he’s seeking Gulf investments instead of fees
Trump said Tuesday that he was called by the region’s “kings and emirs,” who suggested an alternate arrangement to charging ships fees to pass through the strait like the president proposed a day earlier.

“They said we’d love to do it a different way. We’d love to invest in the United States with billions and billions of dollars,” Trump told reporters Tuesday in the Oval Office.

Trump said he preferred that arrangement to charging tolls “because I don’t think anybody should be able to charge a fee for the strait.”

It was unclear if the investment deals would be new commitments relative to what Trump announced after a visit last year to the Middle East.

Trump’s plan to charge fees would have been a change to longstanding American policy and a departure from U.S. promises that the strait would remain open to all without tolls.

Trump told Fox News Channel on Tuesday night that more U.S. strikes against Iran were coming over the next two days and that bridges and power plants could be targets by next week unless negotiations resume. Already, the U.S. has struck at least one bridge.

“You better make a deal, or you’re not going to have anything left,” Trump warned.

Under the interim deal, Iran agreed that passage through the strait would remain free of charge for 60 days — but the agreement left open what would happen after. Iran asserts it has the right to manage traffic and potentially charge fees. The U.S. has disputed that.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, briefly topped $87 early Tuesday, still well below the nearly $120 reached at the height of the war. The price dipped to $78 in the aftermath of Trump’s announcement that he had changed course, then went back up to $85 a barrel on Wednesday.

Regional mediators meanwhile are still trying to get the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.

(AP)

In a seven-hour operation, the U.S. military carried out a fourth consecutive attack on Iran overnight Tuesday, targeting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coastline, including missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said on Tuesday night that Iran attacked seven commercial ships over the past week. “Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured,” he stated. “Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries. US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives.”

CENTCOM published a video of the strikes on Wednesday morning.

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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy vital Iranian infrastructure next week if Tehran continues to refuse to engage in negotiations for a deal.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said: “We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, we’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night, we’re going to hit them very hard the night after. And then next week it gets really bad for them…we’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges, unless they get to the table and negotiate.”

Your browser does not support the video tag.

He also hinted at the possibility of a ground operation, adding, “Sometimes you need a ground operation, but we have others who will do it for us.”

Axios reported that Trump held a meeting on Tuesday with his top national security advisers to discuss plans for a significantly expanded U.S. military offensive against Iran beyond the ongoing operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier on Tuesday, CENTCOM announced that it had renewed the naval blockade of vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports.

“U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET,” the statement said.

“There are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.”

Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until the end of American evil,” adding that maritime transit through the strategic waterway is currently impossible because of ongoing U.S. military activity in the area. According to the official statement, passage through the strait will resume only after “stability and calm return” to the region.

Iranian media also reported that the military had once again attacked U.S. military facilities at Azraq Air Base in Jordan. At the same time, air raid sirens sounded before dawn in Bahrain, while Kuwait’s military said its air defense systems intercepted an Iranian drone attack. A fire broke out at one of the targeted sites in Kuwait but was extinguished without casualties.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

President Trump convened a Situation Room meeting Tuesday with his top national security advisers to discuss plans for a significantly expanded U.S. military offensive against Iran beyond the ongoing operations around the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported.

The meeting came as U.S. forces carried out a fourth consecutive day of strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems, radar sites, anti-ship missile positions, and drone launch sites along the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s southern coast. According to U.S. officials, the objective is to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. At the same time, Iran continued launching missiles and drones toward U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports officially went into effect Tuesday afternoon.

According to the report, Trump was joined in the Situation Room by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials. Sources said the discussions focused on plans for devastating strikes against additional strategic targets inside Iran beyond the current operations near the Strait of Hormuz. The White House declined to comment.

Speaking to Fox News before the meeting, President Trump warned that the U.S. military will hit Iran “hard” over the next three days and said the campaign could intensify even further next week. He specifically warned that Iranian power plants and bridges could become targets unless Tehran agrees to negotiate. Trump also said the U.S. is closely monitoring Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain facility and warned that if activity there increases, it could be struck despite its heavily fortified location.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Vaad HaYeshivos, the organization that serves as the primary liaison between the Chareidi community and the IDF on matters relating to yeshiva students, has formally appealed to President Isaac Herzog to intervene and help bring an end to the ongoing arrests of Bnei Yeshiva, according to a report in i24NEWS.

In its letter, the organization warns that the continued arrests are creating growing frustration within the Chareidi community and are having consequences far beyond the individual cases. It urges President Herzog to use the influence of his office to intervene and work toward ending the arrests before the situation deteriorates further.

The letter states that the current policy is producing the opposite of its intended goal, warning that the ongoing arrests are causing some to develop “thoughts of identification with the most extreme groups.” The organization argues that the current reality is increasing alienation rather than encouraging cooperation and understanding.

The appeal comes amid continued political and legal tensions surrounding the draft issue, as enforcement against Bnei Yeshiva classified as draft evaders remains a central issue in Israel’s public and political debate.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel resigned from the government on Tuesday after voting against the law freezing the arrest of Bnei Yeshiva classified as draft evaders, declaring, “I can no longer stand by.”

The legislation was passed by the Knesset following a heated debate by a 59-54 vote. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu entered the plenum shortly before the vote but left without participating after opposition MKs greeted him with cries of “Shame.” During the debate, coalition MKs also criticized Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana for not presiding over the session himself while the prime minister was present.

In announcing her resignation, Haskel said she stood before the public “with a very heavy heart,” arguing that those serving on the front lines had been harmed by the legislation. “Today, after the law granting exemptions to draft evaders passed, I feel I cannot back the government. I have decided to resign,” she said. Haskel added that she could no longer support a government that, in her view, had harmed those defending the State of Israel.

The vote also drew criticism from within the coalition. Likud MK Dan Illouz, who voted against the bill, called its passage “a slap in the face.” MK Avi Maoz described the measure as “just a band-aid ahead of the elections,” saying those who study Torah should continue learning, while those who do not should enlist and participate in defending the country.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized the legislation, saying it reflected “the most reckless coalition in the history of Israel.” He accused the government of weakening the IDF during wartime despite repeated warnings from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.

In contrast, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri welcomed the law, saying the Knesset had sent a clear message that “enough is enough with the persecution” of Torah students and said the legislation marked the beginning of correcting what he described as an injustice.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

I have been seeing various Jewish social media “influencers” spending the past week or two railing against AI-generated graphics appearing in advertisements in Jewish publications.

Apparently, this has become the latest crisis facing Klal Yisroel.

Let’s be honest about what’s really happening.

It is obvious that many of these campaigns are being driven by graphics companies that are terrified of losing business and are using influencers to push their agenda.

Here’s something most people don’t know:

I own a graphics company.

The moment AI became available—roughly two years ago—I embraced it. Yes, I unfortunately had to let numerous employees go because AI made many positions unnecessary. That wasn’t easy, but it was the reality of where the industry was heading.

The result? My company is making significantly more money today than before AI. We’re more productive, more efficient, and able to serve more clients than ever before.

Years ago we charged thousands of dollars for many advertising campaigns. Today we charge a fraction of those prices because AI allows us to produce work dramatically faster while maintaining quality. Our customers are saving thousands of dollars, and that’s what they care about. Businesses want results. They want quality. They want to save money. They are not interested in paying higher prices simply to preserve outdated business models.

And this isn’t just happening in the graphics industry.

The biggest companies in the world are embracing AI.

Customer service departments are being replaced with AI assistants. Software developers use AI to write code. Law firms use AI for research. Marketing agencies have reduced staff. Clothing companies that once employed 60 designers now employ six. Banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, medical offices, publishers, manufacturers, and countless other industries are reducing headcount because AI allows fewer people to accomplish far more work.

Whether people like it or not, humans are already being replaced by AI in countless jobs. That’s not an opinion. It’s reality.

Every business, regardless of the industry, should be embracing AI with open arms. If you don’t, there’s a very good chance you won’t have a business in five years.

And let me tell you something else: the AI we have today is a joke compared to what AI will be capable of in another two or five years. If you wait until then to start learning it, you’ll already be too late.

If you know how to use AI properly, it can perform an astonishing amount of work that previously required entire teams. The people who learn AI won’t be replaced by AI—they’ll replace the people who refuse to learn it.

If you actually follow the technology news instead of listening to influencers who post four paid restaurant and business “reviews” every day (have you ever noticed nothing is ever negative?), you would know how seriously governments are taking AI. There have already been discussions in Washington about regulating future generations of AI because of how powerful they are expected to become. Whether those proposals ultimately happen or not, one thing is certain: AI is going to reshape nearly every profession.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a passing fad.

Hire an AI consultant. Invest in training. Learn how to use these tools before your competitors do. They can save your business enormous amounts of money while dramatically increasing productivity.

Yes, today’s AI-generated graphics aren’t always perfect. I agree.

But my company invested in learning the technology. We hired AI experts. Today, our AI-created advertisements appear in print publications everywhere, and most people cannot tell the difference.

So don’t believe everything you’re being told by people whose livelihoods depend on convincing you that AI is the enemy.

Of course, AI should never replace a Rav. We must always follow Daas Torah and proper guidance regarding when and how these tools should be used.

But ignoring AI altogether is not a solution.

It is a colossal mistake.

Name withheld upon request

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel hired Brad Parscale, President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, to run a digital campaign designed to improve Israel’s standing among young Americans, particularly Generation Z, according to a Time magazine report.

According to the report, international advertising agency Havas hired Parscale’s company, Clock Tower X, in September to manage the campaign on Israel’s behalf. Under the agreement, Clock Tower X committed to producing 100 original pieces of content each month, with at least 80% aimed at Generation Z on platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The company also committed to generating at least 50 million digital impressions every month.

The documents further state that the campaign was intended to influence how artificial intelligence platforms—including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini—describe Israel and the war. In return, Israel agreed to pay Clock Tower X $1.5 million per month.

While the campaign was publicly presented as an initiative to combat the rise of online antisemitism, a Foreign Ministry source familiar with the agreement told Time that it also had a broader strategic goal: stopping the erosion of support for Israel among young conservatives in the United States. According to the report, the campaign is still underway, but both the Trump administration and the Israeli government are dissatisfied with the results achieved so far.

According to the report, Israel hired Parscale in an effort to strengthen the country’s standing among conservatives in the United States. However, support for Israel has continued to decline—not only among American right-wing voters, but also among the broader American public.

“We’re angry with Brad Parscale,” an Israeli official told Time. “He was supposed to improve the situation. We paid him a lot of money, but instead, the situation only got worse.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli officials believe the United States is intensifying preparations for the possibility of returning to a full-scale military confrontation with Iran, potentially within the next several weeks, according to an i24NEWS report.

Officials who are in contact with Washington described significant U.S. preparations for a scenario in which high-intensity fighting resumes. They said American officials are already working on operational plans. One Israeli official said, “There will be a war. The only question is when.”

For now, Israel is largely monitoring developments from the sidelines, including the collapse of the memorandum of understanding, the limited confrontation surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Iranian regime’s latest actions. In Jerusalem, the assessment is growing that these developments point in one direction: renewed escalation that could lead to another round of fighting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Trump in the coming days, although the date has not yet been finalized. Operation Rising Lion was launched shortly after the two leaders met in February, when intelligence reports were presented to President Trump.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In what participants described as a landmark moment for the Chareidi media world, dozens of journalists, editors, broadcasters, photographers, and communications professionals gathered Monday at the Museum of Tolerance in Yerushalayim for the official launch of the Chareidi Journalists Council.

Among those participating in the inaugural event was the YWN (Yeshiva World News) Israel Desk, together with representatives from numerous other Chareidi news organizations.

Established as an initiative of the Zricha Foundation, the council was created to unite Chareidi journalists under a single professional framework while providing practical support for members of the profession. Its primary objectives include offering legal assistance to journalists facing SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) lawsuits, strengthening cooperation among Chareidi media outlets, and providing members with professional benefits and official press credentials.

Organizers said the council was formed in response to the growing legal challenges, outside pressure, and attempts to intimidate or silence Charedi journalists in recent years. The new organization aims to provide a unified voice for the profession while safeguarding the independence of journalists regardless of their publication or affiliation.

“The Chareidi journalist needs this council today more than ever,” one of the organizers said. “Journalists should never have to fear pressure from competing media organizations or outside interests seeking to dictate their agenda. Our goal is to provide full professional protection to every member, regardless of ideology or affiliation.”

Organizers expressed hope that the council will strengthen the Chareidi media, provide meaningful legal and professional support for journalists, and help ensure they can continue reporting freely and responsibly on behalf of the public.

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(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Leaders of the Sanzer Chassidus convened an emergency meeting Tuesday as the chassidus prepares to launch a series of large-scale protests following the arrests of an avreich and a yeshiva bochur who are currently being held in Military Prison 10 over draft-related issues.

According to Hebrew media reports, an urgent message was sent to thousands of Sanzerr chassidim across Israel calling on them to prepare for a coordinated public campaign demanding the immediate release of the two detainees.

The avreich, who was arrested last Friday, is the father of two young children and a grandson of the late Rosh Yeshiva, Harav Eliyahu Shemerler zt”l, and the late Stropkover Rebbe zt”l. A second arrest followed Monday night, when a Sanzer yeshiva bochur was taken into custody in Bnei Brak.

In response, Sanzer community leaders from across the country gathered Tuesday afternoon in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya to coordinate what are expected to be multiple simultaneous protests in several major chareidi population centers.

According to individuals familiar with the plans, organizers are seeking to stage coordinated demonstrations designed to maximize participation and public impact.

The move marks a significant expansion of the anti-draft protests, which until now have been concentrated primarily in Yerushalayim and central Israel. With Sanz headquartered in Netanya, the city is now expected to become a new focal point for demonstrations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Trump urged Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during a phone call last Thursday to begin redeploying Israeli forces from Syria and to move forward with additional withdrawals from Lebanon, according to an Axios report.

President Trump warned that the continued IDF presence in southern Syria is creating tensions and could lead to further escalation. A U.S. official quoted by Axios said the president told Netanyahu, “They don’t want you there. You should redeploy,” adding that the same message also applied to Lebanon. The Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu responded by emphasizing Israel’s need for security zones along its borders.

The conversation took place one day after President Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. The Trump administration has spent months attempting to broker a new security arrangement between Israel and Syria that would include a gradual Israeli withdrawal from territory captured following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. U.S. officials ultimately concluded that Netanyahu was unwilling to make the concessions Washington was seeking.

In recent weeks, several incidents have taken place in southern Syria, where Syrian civilians protested the IDF presence and clashed with Israeli troops.

The White House declined to comment on the report but did not deny it. Instead, a U.S. official said President Trump has a strong relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, that Israel has always been a great ally of the United States, and that there has been no greater friend to Israel or stronger fighter for peace than President Trump.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that he sees himself as a serious future candidate to lead Israel once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves the political stage.

Speaking on Avi Shushan’s “Hakol Patuach” podcast, Smotrich said the experience he has gained in the current government has prepared him for the country’s top job.

“I think I am gaining more experience every year,” Smotrich said. “During this term, I gained tremendous experience. The finance minister is perhaps the third most important figure in the government — navigating the economy through turbulent waters and serving as a senior partner in managing the war in the limited security cabinet.”

Asked directly whether he would seek the premiership after Netanyahu, Smotrich replied, “I definitely think I am one of the realistic candidates in the national camp for the day after Netanyahu.”

Smotrich rejected the argument that his Religious Zionism party is too sectoral to produce a prime minister, saying efforts to portray it as a niche party are intended to weaken its influence.

“I do not think Religious Zionism should be a niche party,” he said. “What hurts me most is that people deliberately try to make us smaller.”

He said his conduct during the war demonstrated that he acts on behalf of the entire country, not only the Religious Zionist community.

“I did not manage the economy and the war for Religious Zionism,” Smotrich said. “I supported all of Israeli society.”

Smotrich also defended government support for Religious Zionist institutions and hesder yeshivos, saying they serve the broader national interest.

“The people of Israel now see this magnificent enterprise and its results,” he said. “They see these young men leading on the battlefield and, unfortunately, also filling the rows of the cemeteries.”

Asked whether Israeli voters are prepared to elect an openly religious, kippah-wearing prime minister, Smotrich said such a change would require time.

“I think this is a process that needs to happen,” he said. “Ultimately, a deep place of faith creates a worldview that does not change every morning and that people can rely on.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The tzibur is urged to daven for a 3-year-old child who remains in serious condition after choking and suffering cardiac arrest Tuesday at the Venetian Villas bungalow colony in South Fallsburg.

Catskills Hatzolah volunteers rushed to the scene and immediately began extensive lifesaving efforts, successfully restoring the child’s pulse before he was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for further treatment.

Please daven for Shulem ben Fradel for a Refuah Shelaima.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A planned Knesset vote to formally recognize the Armenian genocide has been postponed until after Israel’s upcoming elections, despite receiving unanimous government approval last month.

According to an Israeli official, the legislation will not be brought to a final parliamentary vote before the end of the current Knesset session. With the Knesset set to begin its summer recess later this week and legislative elections scheduled for October 27, the measure is now expected to be delayed for several months.

The postponement comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued diplomatic strains between Israel and Turkey. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly since the start of the war in Gaza, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan repeatedly criticizing Israel.

Tensions have also been fueled by recent regional developments involving Iran and reports that Turkey lobbied President Trump during last week’s NATO summit to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets.

For decades, successive Israeli governments declined to formally recognize the Armenian genocide, citing concerns over Israel’s diplomatic relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Although Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has previously referred to the events as genocide, the Knesset has never officially adopted such recognition.

The government’s unanimous approval of the proposal last month marked a significant shift in Israeli policy. Turkey condemned the move as politically motivated, while Azerbaijan also criticized the decision and called on Israel to reverse it.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A bipartisan effort to make Daylight Saving Time permanent is one step closer to becoming law after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure on Tuesday.

Lawmakers voted 308-117 to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would allow states to voluntarily observe Daylight Saving Time year-round as a growing mass of lawmakers push to extend daylight into the evening hours.

“For decades, we have accepted this ritual of springing forward and falling back, even though it disrupts routines, throws off our sleep, and creates unnecessary frustration for families across the country,” Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., said Tuesday, detailing how the clock changes have disrupted her infant son’s sleep schedule.

“Let’s stop asking Americans to reset their clocks every March and November,” she continued. “Let’s provide some certainty and consistency, and a little more sunshine at the end of the day.”

The legislation divided lawmakers in both parties, with members largely from coastal areas, such as Louisiana, Florida and New Jersey, supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time and others from the Midwest and agriculture-heavy states opposing it.

The measure now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain amid skepticism from members of both parties. President Donald Trump, who has long called for ending the twice-a-year clock changes, is expected to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

The White House urged lawmakers to support the Sunshine Protection Act in an internal memo sent to Hill offices Tuesday, calling it a “popular, common-sense reform.”

The proposal has alarmed Orthodox advocacy groups, which warn that permanent DST would clash with the fundamental halachic requirement that shacharis be davened only after haneitz hachamah. Under permanent daylight saving time, sunrise in New York would fall after 8 a.m. for nearly two months during the winter, and would arrive after 9 a.m. in cities like Detroit for several weeks. That would leave many working men unable to daven with a minyan and arrive at the office by 9 a.m., a conflict that would last for months rather than the narrow window of inconvenience under the current system.

Agudath Israel of America, which led the successful campaign against the last permanent-DST push in 2022, has warned that the change would cause many shuls to struggle to assemble a morning minyan and would force working Yidden to choose between davening b’tzibbur and their parnassah. The organization circulated a legislative memorandum on Capitol Hill at the time, including a survey of sunrise times in cities across the country and an analysis of zmanim by Rabbi Dovid Heber of Baltimore.

The halachic stakes were spelled out decades ago by Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, who in a 1971 teshuva sent to then-Agudath Israel president Rabbi Moshe Sherer described the extra winter hour of permanent DST as a crisis that would jeopardize the morning tefillos of observant Jews for months each year. The 1970s experiment with permanent DST was repealed by Congress in part because of widespread reports of children being struck by cars while walking to school in the dark, a concern that would immediately return if DST is enacted.

Trump’s position on the issue has shifted. In December 2024, he posted on Truth Social that the Republican Party should “eliminate Daylight Saving Time,” a stance that, while still disruptive, would have been less damaging to morning tefillah. He reversed course earlier this year, now backing permanent DST. The earlier effort to enact permanent DST passed the Senate unanimously in March 2022 but stalled in the House after lawmakers said they could not reach consensus, in part because of Orthodox community advocacy.

Sleep researchers and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have separately argued that permanent standard time, not permanent DST, would be the healthier option, citing circadian rhythm disruption. The Health and Human Services Department under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been associated with that view, which has gained traction among supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Likud MK Amit Halevi challenged the flawed assumptions held by the IDF’s senior leadership, accused top generals of involvement in politics, and said that years of mismanagement of the reserve system—not a lack of manpower—have created the shortage of combat soldiers.

Speaking in an interview with Kol Chai on Tuesday, Halevi said: “After four years on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, I’ve reached a simple conclusion: the IDF Chief of Staff should focus exclusively on preparing the army for victory. Political involvement, writing letters to the media, and generals who see themselves as social engineers are what led to the disasters we experienced and lie at the heart of the October 7 failure.”

He added that the IDF lacks a coherent strategy for achieving victory. “I’ve repeatedly asked the IDF during committee meetings to present its plan for victory. To this day, no such plan has been presented to the cabinet. Instead of developing operational concepts that don’t lead to victory and writing public letters, the Chief of Staff should improve the army’s military strategy and establish three additional combat brigades.”

Halevi also presented data on IDF personnel management, shattering the claim that drafting bnei yeshivos is the only way to address the shortage of combat soldiers.

He said that the data shows that the IDF does not suffer an overall soldier shortage, pointing to the surplus of “jobniks”—soldiers serving in non-combat roles. He explained that although the number of military-age recruits grows each year, the IDF fails to channel enough of them into combat units, instead assigning large numbers to combat-support and administrative roles.

“The shortage of 12,000 soldiers exists only in frontline combat brigades because of the expansion of operations in Syria and Lebanon,” he clarified. “The army needs to establish stricter profile standards and stop allowing soldiers to avoid combat service.”

Halevi also blamed shortcomings in the reserve system on ex-prime minister Ehud Barak’s “small and smart army” doctrine. In accordance with Barak’s policy, dozens of brigades were closed, and about 100,000 reserve soldiers were discharged from the system. When the war broke out, the military was unable to identify or locate many of them because of changes to computer systems and unit structures.

“The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee demanded that they be brought back into service,” he said. “In practice, only 15,000 of those 100,000 reservists were recalled. Instead of bringing back the remaining 85,000 trained combat soldiers, the public is being told there is a manpower shortage.”

Earlier this month, Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, the Rosh Mechina of the Bnei Dovid mechina in Eli, voice similiar criticism, exposing the IDF’s lies that the shortage of combat soldiers is attributable to the low enlistment rate among Chareidim.

It should also be noted that after the October 7 massacre, at least 4,000 Chareidim who wanted to enlist in the IDF were rejected. In addition, many Chareidim who had previously served in the military and volunteered for duty after October 7 were not called up.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Iran exported more than 80 million barrels of oil and refined petroleum products worth over $6 billion during the brief period between the lifting and reimposition of U.S. sanctions, giving Tehran several additional months of economic breathing room, according to new data released Tuesday.

Research firm TankerTrackers.com reported that between June 18 and July 13, Iran shipped the massive volume of oil to foreign buyers, taking advantage of the temporary sanctions-free window before restrictions snapped back into place.

As negotiations with the West deteriorated last week, Iran reportedly accelerated exports even further. On the night of July 8-9 alone, more than 10 million barrels were shipped abroad.

The renewed U.S. sanctions took effect on July 13, ending the export surge and leaving an estimated 30 million barrels stranded in Iranian storage facilities.

The unexpected oil revenue has altered previous assessments of Iran’s economic outlook. Intelligence officials had reportedly estimated that Tehran could face severe economic distress as early as August, but the latest export windfall is expected to extend the regime’s financial resilience by several more months.

Iran is also believed to have approximately 60 million barrels of floating storage capacity that remains vulnerable to the renewed sanctions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli government on Tuesday approved Transportation Minister Miri Regev’s proposal to allocate an additional NIS 100 million for transportation infrastructure projects in northern Israel during 2026 and 2027.

The funding is in addition to approximately NIS 200 million that was previously approved under the government’s original transportation development plan for the region. According to the Transportation Ministry, the investment is intended to improve connectivity between communities, strengthen regional transportation networks, and support long-term economic growth in the North.

The approval comes as Israel continues broader efforts to rehabilitate northern communities affected by the war. While the new funding is dedicated specifically to transportation infrastructure, government rehabilitation plans for the region extend far beyond roads and transit projects.

Broader government programs call for investments totaling billions of shekels for rebuilding damaged communities, encouraging displaced residents to return home, assisting businesses, strengthening agriculture, expanding public services, and promoting long-term economic and demographic growth.

Officials also noted that the newly approved NIS 100 million will come from within the Transportation Ministry’s existing budget rather than as an increase to the ministry’s overall funding.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev welcomed the decision, calling it “another significant step in our commitment to continue investing in the North and creating transportation infrastructure that will enable real growth for the region.”

She said transportation remains a key driver of economic and social development and that the ministry will continue investing in projects designed to improve accessibility, strengthen regional population centers, and better connect communities with employment hubs and essential services.

Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken said the funding will support regionally significant projects based on long-term planning and professional assessments, while allowing the ministry to accelerate construction in cooperation with local authorities and government infrastructure companies.

Although the additional funding represents another investment in northern Israel, discussion is expected to continue over whether transportation funding alone is sufficient given the scale of the region’s post-war recovery needs and the broader rehabilitation efforts still required.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel’s government is expected to debate on Tuesday a proposal to transfer NIS 568 million (approximately $154 million) from the country’s five-year development plan for Arab communities to the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and other agencies involved in combating organized crime.

According to the proposal, the funding would be used to strengthen intelligence gathering and criminal investigations targeting organized crime, illegal weapons trafficking, smuggling, extortion, and the growing influence of criminal organizations in Arab communities. The plan also calls for expanding the capabilities of Lahav 433, the Israel Police’s national anti-crime unit, and investing in new technological tools.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Minister May Golan have backed the proposal, arguing that additional resources are needed to combat the surge in violent crime and the high number of unsolved murders in Israel’s Arab communities.

The government said the Shin Bet would not replace the Israel Police in routine criminal investigations, but would become involved only in cases with national security implications, particularly those involving illegal weapons trafficking.

The proposal has drawn opposition from the Mossawa Center, an advocacy organization representing Arab citizens of Israel, which has urged Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to block the measure. The organization said it is considering legal action if the proposal is approved.

The Mossawa Center argues that the money was originally designated to reduce economic and social disparities through investments in education, employment, transportation, infrastructure, and local development. It warned that diverting those funds to security agencies could undermine those goals and weaken long-term efforts to reduce crime.

The organization also noted that approximately NIS 750 million remains available under a separate government program specifically designated for combating crime in Arab communities, arguing that those funds should be used instead.

The proposal has also reignited debate over expanding the Shin Bet’s role into areas traditionally handled by the police, with critics raising legal and civil liberties concerns and supporters arguing that the growing threat posed by organized crime and illegal weapons requires additional security resources.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has extended its ban on Israeli airlines operating flights to Dubai through the end of October, citing ongoing regional security tensions and concerns over a possible escalation with Iran.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, the decision means tens of thousands of Israelis who have already booked flights to Dubai are expected to begin receiving cancellation notices in the coming hours.

The directive applies to Israel’s three carriers serving the route — El Al, Arkia, and Israir. The restriction had been scheduled to expire at the beginning of September but has now been extended for nearly two additional months.

The security restriction does not apply to foreign airlines. As a result, Flydubai is expected to continue operating its 10 daily flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, while Etihad Airways will continue its regular service between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.

No timetable has been announced for when Israeli carriers will be permitted to resume flights to Dubai, with security officials expected to continue monitoring developments in the region.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Senior officials at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) have reportedly expressed frustration over Israel’s decision to halt additional landings of American aerial refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, warning that the move could affect U.S. military operations amid the escalating conflict with Iran.

According to the report, senior CENTCOM officials contacted top IDF and Israeli defense officials after Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered that no additional U.S. refueling aircraft be permitted to remain at Ben Gurion beyond those already in the country.

American officials reportedly argued that the aircraft are a critical component of the U.S. military’s regional deterrence and operational capabilities, particularly as American forces continue operations against Iran.

Sources familiar with the matter said U.S. officials were especially upset that one refueling aircraft already in Israel was required to depart instead of remaining on the ground.

A senior Israeli military official told *Ynet* that the American request is justified, saying, “The refueling aircraft are a strategic asset of the United States in the region, and they are an integral part of the joint preparations against Iran. Operationally, it is important that they be able to operate under the conditions determined by the Americans.”

The dispute began after Israeli officials sought to reduce the number of U.S. refueling aircraft parked at Ben Gurion in order to free parking stands for civilian aviation during the busy summer travel season. Four additional U.S. aircraft landed overnight, bringing the total number of American refueling aircraft at the airport to 33.

Following a security assessment on Tuesday, Regev instructed her ministry not to approve additional refueling aircraft beyond those already in Israel. The Transportation Ministry said the decision was intended to minimize disruptions to civilian air travel and prevent the cancellation of tens of thousands of airline tickets during August.

An Israeli official told the outlet that while the request to relocate some aircraft may have been reasonable before the United States became directly involved in the fighting against Iran, the situation has now changed.

Military officials also stressed that this is a particularly sensitive period in U.S.-Israel relations, with one saying, “They changed their offensive operations against Iran, and full cooperation with our partner was expected.”

The Transportation Ministry later clarified that an additional American refueling aircraft that landed Tuesday did so only for refueling purposes and not to remain parked at the airport. The ministry added that the decision to limit the number of refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion to 20 had been approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet to preserve airport capacity for civilian travel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli government on Tuesday approved a proposal by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev to rename Highway 443 in memory of former Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister David Levy.

Under the decision, the section of Highway 443 stretching from the Ben Shemen Interchange to the Beitunia-Givat Ze’ev Junction will officially be named “Derech HaLevi’im – In Memory of Minister David Levy.”

In addition to commemorating Levy, the government approved the name “Derech HaLevi’im” (“Way of the Levites”), reflecting the area’s historical connection to the Shevet Levi and the Kohanim, as well as the nearby Modiin region, which is associated with the Chashmonaim.

Highway 443 is one of Israel’s busiest transportation routes, connecting Yerushalayim with Modiin, Yehuda and Shomron, the Shefelah, and central Israel. Hundreds of thousands of motorists travel the highway each day.

Under the government decision, the Transportation Ministry, in coordination with the Defense Ministry, will update road signage along the highway, while the Government Secretariat will officially publish the new name.

Netanyahu said David Levy “was a devoted public servant who contributed greatly to the State of Israel,” adding that naming the highway connecting Yerushalayim and central Israel in his memory symbolizes his lifelong commitment to national unity, the country’s periphery, and Israeli society.

Regev said Levy was “one of Israel’s most prominent leaders,” who dedicated his life to strengthening national unity, advancing the country’s periphery, and promoting social justice. She said naming one of Israel’s central highways in his honor is a fitting tribute that will ensure his legacy endures for generations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)