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Senior officials in Yerushalayim have voiced sharp frustration with US special envoy Steve Witkoff over what they say is intense pressure on Israel to open the Rafah crossing before the release of the final remaining hostage, Ran Gvili.

One Israeli official, who spoke anonymously, delivered a pointed rebuke of Witkoff in remarks to Ynet, warning that his approach could have dangerous regional consequences. “Witkoff pushed to bring our major rival, Turkey, to the border. The clock is ticking backward toward a confrontation with Turkey, which would pose a real danger to our security.”

According to a report by Kan 11 News, Israeli officials were surprised by the public announcement that the Rafah crossing would be opened and are preparing to seek clarifications from both Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Security Cabinet is set to meet on Sunday, where ministers are expected to formally approve the opening of the crossing and review recent developments related to Iran.

Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Israel today, but their trip was not scheduled in advance. The visit was organized at the request of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu following the announcement that the Rafah crossing would be opened as part of President Trump’s rollout of the “Board of Peace.”

During their stay, the two envoys are meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the planned opening of the Rafah crossing, as anticipation grows over the expected return of Ran Gvili, the last hostage still being held. On Saturday night, Gvili’s family released a statement emphasizing their concern and urgency: “President Trump himself stated this week in Davos that Hamas knows exactly where our son is being held.”

In their appeal, the family called on international actors to redirect their efforts. “Given this knowledge, we urge that pressure be directed where it belongs: on Hamas, to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Hamas is deceiving the international community and refusing to return our son – the last remaining hostage – in clear violation of the agreement it signed.”

The statement concluded with a direct message to Israel’s leadership regarding the ongoing diplomatic engagement. “We ask that the Prime Minister of Israel make clear to the respected American envoys that anyone who truly seeks to advance the rehabilitation of Gaza and peace in the Middle East must, first and foremost, bring Rani home.”

{Matzav.com}

Newly surfaced close-up video footage of the fatal Minneapolis shooting shows that protester Alex Jeffrey Pretti was armed, with the federal agent who fired more than a dozen shots appearing to react to a perceived threat during the chaotic confrontation.

It remains unclear whether Pretti had already drawn the weapon before being subdued, whether an officer pulled it from his clothing, or whether he was in the process of reaching for it when another federal agent was seen removing the gun from the 37-year-old as he was pinned to the ground.

A review of the disturbing footage conducted by CNN found that a federal agent reached into the struggle and secured a firearm just moments before a different officer opened fire, killing Pretti.

According to the report, the weapon visible in the video appears consistent with the 9 mm semi-automatic handgun that the Department of Homeland Security said Pretti possessed during the incident.

The analysis also captured officers shouting “he’s got a gun,” as an unidentified agent reached into Pretti’s waistband to retrieve the firearm.

Multiple videos show the agent who fired the fatal shots discharging his weapon at close range and then firing at least nine additional rounds into Pretti after he was already motionless on the ground.

Shortly before the shooting, one video showed Pretti holding his phone while attempting to assist a woman who had been knocked to the ground by an immigration agent, as both were repeatedly sprayed with tear gas.

A large group of federal officers then pulled Pretti away from the woman and forced him to the ground, where he struggled briefly on his hands and knees. Moments later, an agent wearing a gray jacket appeared to take possession of Pretti’s gun, followed almost immediately by the sound of gunfire.

The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti had approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun while agents were carrying out a “targeted” arrest.

“The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference Saturday night.

“Fearing for his life and for the lives of his fellow officers around him, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics were on the scene immediately and attempted to deliver medical aid to the subject, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”

{Matzav.com}

Residents across New York City and the surrounding region are preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall along with dangerously cold temperatures throughout the weekend.

Winter storm warnings are in effect across New York and New Jersey, leading both governors to declare states of emergency as forecasters warn that parts of the Tri-State Area could see a foot of snow or more. The system is shaping up to be the most severe snowstorm to hit the city since February 2021.

Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered the activation of the New York National Guard to provide assistance throughout New York City, Long Island, and the northern suburbs as the storm intensifies.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani cautioned residents that conditions could deteriorate rapidly, warning of “whiteout or near-blizzard” conditions at the height of the storm.

Storm timeline

Winter storm warnings remain in effect from 3 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning and intensify as the day progresses, according to updated forecast models.

From 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, snow is forecast to spread across the region from west to east as the storm system moves north, beginning lightly before strengthening by daybreak.

Between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, snowfall is expected to become extremely heavy, with rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas.

From mid-afternoon through late evening Sunday, warmer air may be drawn into the system, pushing the freezing line northwest. During this period, New York City and areas to the south and east could see a mix of freezing rain and sleet, while parts of the Jersey Shore and Long Island’s South Shore may change over to plain rain. Areas north and west of the city are expected to remain all snow, with heavy accumulations continuing.

Winds are also forecast to strengthen, particularly along the coast, with gusts between 25 and 35 mph. Ice accumulation of up to two-tenths of an inch is possible, raising concerns about downed trees and power disruptions when combined with the gusty winds.

From late Sunday night into early Monday morning, precipitation is expected to transition back to snow across the entire Tri-State Area as the storm gradually weakens. Light to moderate snow could linger into Monday afternoon.

Expected snowfall totals

Despite periods of mixed precipitation, forecasters say snow totals will be substantial across much of the region.

Areas north and west of New York City are most likely to receive more than 12 inches of snow. The five boroughs and nearby locations are expected to see between 8 and 12 inches, while coastal areas may receive lower totals due to mixing, generally in the 5- to 10-inch range.

Forecast totals include:

New York City: 8–12 inches

Long Island: 8–12 inches on the North Shore and western sections; 4–9 inches on the South Shore and eastern areas

Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore: 8–12 inches inland; 4–9 inches along the coast

North Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut: 12 inches or more

Upper Hudson Valley and far northwestern New Jersey: 12 inches or more

Officials urge residents to limit travel, prepare for power outages, and closely monitor updates as the storm unfolds.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard issued a stark warning to the United States on Friday, declaring it is fully prepared for confrontation as American naval forces move toward the Middle East.

The statement follows weeks of escalating pressure from President Donald Trump amid widespread anti-regime demonstrations inside Iran and a harsh government crackdown in which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has played a central role.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief,” IRGC Gen. Mohammad Pakpour said, according to The Associated Press, which cited Nournews, an outlet closely aligned with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Pakpour also cautioned Washington and Jerusalem “to avoid any miscalculation,” the AP reported, echoing a warning issued last week by an Iranian ambassador who accused the U.S. and Israel of fueling “political destabilization, internal unrest and chaos.”

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both voiced support for Iranian protesters. Netanyahu said Israel was “closely monitoring” developments and pledged that once Iran is “liberated from the yoke of tyranny,” Israel would be ready to help usher in peace.

Earlier this week, Iranian officials directly threatened Trump, warning him not to take action against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“Trump knows that if any hand of aggression is extended toward our leader, we not only cut that hand, but also we will set fire to their world,” said Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran’s armed forces, according to the AP.

On Thursday, Trump confirmed that U.S. naval forces were being repositioned toward Iran, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that the move was precautionary.

“We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it,” Trump said, according to the AP.

A U.S. Navy official later told the AP that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with accompanying warships, was operating in the Indian Ocean.

The unrest in Iran began on Dec. 28, when large crowds took to the streets to protest worsening economic conditions and the country’s growing international isolation. Since then, despite a government-imposed internet blackout, reports of widespread violence against demonstrators have continued to surface.

At the outset of the protests, Trump warned Tehran that the United States was “locked and loaded” and prepared to respond if the regime used force against civilians.

In a Truth Social post on Jan. 16, Trump claimed the Iranian government had canceled more than 800 scheduled executions.

Iran’s chief prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, rejected that claim on Friday, saying, “This claim is completely false; no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision,” according to the AP.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported Friday that confirmed deaths have climbed to 5,137, with 7,402 people seriously wounded. The group said arrests have surged to nearly 28,000.

Iranian authorities offered their first official casualty figures on Wednesday, stating that 3,117 people were killed. Of those, officials said 2,427 were civilians and security personnel, while the remainder were described as “terrorists,” the AP reported.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said during a press conference that the man fatally shot by a federal agent was legally permitted to carry a firearm, offering a sharply different characterization from that later provided by federal authorities.

Video of O’Hara’s remarks, aired by C-SPAN and later shared online by Midas Touch’s digital editor, shows the police chief explaining that the man who was killed had minimal prior contact with law enforcement.

In the footage, O’Hara states that the deceased individual’s “only interaction with law enforcement was for traffic tickets.”

He went on to add, “We believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.”

In contrast, Breitbart News reported that the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement asserting that the armed man who was shot and killed in Minneapolis posed a grave threat to officers.

According to DHS, the individual “wanted to…massacre law enforcement.”

The department said the man “approached U.S. Border Patrol Officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.”

DHS further detailed the encounter in its statement, saying: “The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but [he] was pronounced dead at the scene.”

O’Hara: What I can tell you, is we have identified this person. 37-year-old white male, resident of the city. The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets. We believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. pic.twitter.com/FSdNZXUjPs

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 24, 2026

Trump threatens to impose 100% tariff if Canada makes deal with China * President Donald Trump warned Canada that the U.S. would impose 100% tariff if Prime Minister Mark Carney made a trade deal with China. * Trump suggested that China would try to use Canada to try to avoid paying U.S. tariffs. * “If Governor […]

At least 67 people have died in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza fire, with witness accounts and documents suggesting ignored safety warnings and a delayed fire brigade response

German authorities arrested a 36-year-old Lebanese citizen at Berlin airport on suspicion of acting on behalf of Hamas and being involved in acquiring ammunition intended for attacks targeting Israeli/Jewish targets across Europe.

CHIEF O’HARA: “We have identified this person, a 37-year-old, white male, resident of the city. The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets & we believe he is a lawfully gun owner with a permit to carry”

MAYOR FREY: “I just saw a video of more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents & shooting him to death. How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?”

Hennepin County, MN Sheriff requests assistance from the Minnesota National Guard

Gov. Walz calls on Trump to halt ICE operations in Minnesota after another fatal shooting * “Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wrote in a post on X. * Minneapolis Police Chief Brian […]

Video appears to show a shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis. This video may include graphic content. At this point, it is not yet clear exactly what occurred in the video or what happened before the footage begins. Ali Velshi reports.

WATCH:

NEW: NYC Mayor Mamdani issues statement following the fatal shooting in Minneapolis “Abolish ICE.”

Israeli intelligence helped the U.S. obtain unequivocal evidence that Iran carried out mass executions of protesters, contradicting assurances given to President Trump. * Trump had delayed a strike on Iran after receiving commitments that more than 800 protest-related detainees would not be executed, the report said. * Additional intelligence showed protesters were killed by live […]

The U.S. Department of War has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, which says Iran, despite major setbacks in recent months, including Operation Midnight Hammer, remains determined to rebuild its conventional forces and may continue pursuing nuclear weapons while refusing serious negotiations with the United States. The strategy reiterates President Trump’s position that Iran will […]

TRUMP: If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a “Drop Off Port” for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a […]

U.S. President Donald Trump heaped praise Saturday on British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, in a post on social media that represented a partial reversal of comments he made this week that drew a cascade of criticism in the U.K., particularly from families of those killed and seriously injured in the conflict. In the wake […]

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of the Kossoner Rebbe of Boro Park, who was niftar on Friday and buried later that day at the Har Shalom cemetery in Monsey.

Rav Rothenberg led his kehillah from his beis medrash on Ninth Avenue in Boro Park, where he guided his chassidim in the path of his forebears with devotion and humility.

The Rebbe was born an only son to his father, Rav Asher Yeshaya Rothenberg of Kosson, who lived on Rechov Chofetz Chaim in Bnei Brak and was niftar approximately fifteen years ago. His father was the son of Rav Moshe Shmuel of Kosson, grandson of the Shmuah Tovah of Kosson and great-grandson of Rav Yosef of Kosson, the author of Bnei Shloshim.

He was a descendant of a distinguished lineage of tzaddikim from the Ziditchov, Komarna, and Tosh dynasties. Through marriage, he was a son-in-law of Rav Menachem Mendel Rubin, the Admor of Kerestir, and a grandson of Rav Yeshayale of Kerestir.

Known for his rare humility, warmth, and refinement, the Rebbe served the Ribono Shel Olam with deep sincerity and toiled in Torah day and night. He taught Torah to many talmidim and for years served as a melamed at the Belzer Talmud Torah in Boro Park. With a warm smile and genuine affection, he uplifted his talmidim and instilled within them a sense of kedushah.

He was deeply connected with the Satmar Rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe, and remained closely attached to his derech throughout his life.

At the corner of 50th Street and Ninth Avenue in Boro Park, Rav Rothenberg led his beis medrash, becoming known in particular for his avodah of tefillah, which left a lasting impression on his chassidim and admirers.

In recent years, the Rebbe endured significant yissurim. On Erev Shabbos, he was niftar.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}