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Netanyahu: ‘We Accepted The Witkoff Deal, Hamas Rejected It’

Matzav -

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu pushed back Sunday against reports accusing his government of refusing to advance a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Addressing the allegations, Netanyahu took aim at Israeli media outlets, accusing them of spreading false narratives. “They always echo Hamas propaganda, but they are always wrong. We accepted the deal, the Witkoff deal, and then the version proposed by the mediators. We accepted it, Hamas rejected it,” he said.

Netanyahu explained that Hamas’s intentions are clear—they aim to remain in Gaza and see Israel retreat, which would allow them to rearm and strike again. “They want us to leave, so they can rearm and attack us again and again. I will not accept this; I will do everything to bring our hostages home. I meet with the families; I know their pain, I know their suffering. I am determined to bring the hostages home and eliminate Hamas.”

When asked to respond to surveys indicating broad public support for a deal, Netanyahu questioned the integrity of the polling data. “Sure, I am in favor of a deal too, but they don’t tell you the other side. The polls are manipulated, they always mislead the public. They don’t ask, ‘Do you want a hostage deal that leaves Hamas in place? That allows them to repeat the rapes, the murders, the kidnappings, the invasions?’ No, that’s not it. Suddenly, the numbers turn completely, it’s all manipulated.”

In his closing remarks, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to the twin goals of freeing the hostages and removing Hamas from power. “We must do the right things, insist on releasing the hostages, and insist on the other goal of the war in Gaza, the elimination of Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel. That’s what I’m doing, I will not give up on any of these missions.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

R’ Yehuda Traub Falls to his Death During Work – Leaves Behind a Widow and Three Orphans

Yeshiva World News -

Tragedy in Bnei Brak: R’ Yehuda Traub, just 29, fell from a 12-meter height while working and was killed on the spot, R”L. He left home in the morning like any day, but never returned. The accident occurred during renovations in Ramat Gan. Despite rescue attempts, he had already passed. His levayah in Bnei Brak was attended by many shocked relatives and friends. Yehuda was known for his kind heart and warm personality. He leaves a widow and three small orphans, still struggling to absorb the loss. Kupat Ha’ir has opened a fund to support the broken family.   The public is urged to help the family in their time of need. Please give generously. To donate >>>

Iran Threatens: Israel Will Pay For Targeting Iranian President

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A senior Iranian source told Al-Jazeera, the Qatari-based news outlet, that Tehran holds Israel responsible for the recent attempt on the life of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, warning that there will be consequences. The official emphasized that Iran will not allow the attack to go unanswered.

He stated that authorities have launched a comprehensive probe into the incident, which occurred during Operation Rising Lion. Investigators are reportedly exploring the possibility that local collaborators assisted in carrying out the attempted assassination.

The Iranian official went on to claim that this attempt on Pezeshkian’s life is not an isolated event, but rather a component of what he described as a coordinated Israeli effort to destabilize and ultimately topple the Iranian government.

Earlier today, Fars News Agency, which is closely tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, released details on the incident. According to their report, Pezeshkian sustained a minor leg injury during what was described as an Israeli strike that took place amid Operation Rising Lion.

Fars reported that the strike occurred on June 16 and targeted a structure in the western part of Tehran. At the time, a session of the Supreme National Security Council was underway on a lower level of the building. The attack involved six explosives aimed at entrances and exits to the facility.

The outlet also noted similarities between this operation and the killing of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. Following the explosions, power to the floor where the council was meeting was cut, but officials present were able to evacuate through an emergency route.

{Matzav.com}

NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani Demanded “Justice” For Terrorist Who Carried Out Deadly Bombing In Israel

Yeshiva World News -

As socialist New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani gains momentum in the polls, controversy is mounting over his past ties to radical anti-Israel activism — including support for a convicted terrorist responsible for the murder of two college students in a 1969 supermarket bombing in Jerusalem. During his time at Bowdoin College, Mamdani co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group that in 2014 publicly called for “justice” for Rasmieh Yousef Odeh — a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) operative convicted in two terrorist bombings. Odeh, deported from the U.S. in 2017 for immigration fraud, was sentenced to life in Israel but released in a prisoner exchange before entering the U.S. on a visa she obtained through deception. A Facebook account linked to Mamdani “liked” the SJP post praising Odeh, which sparked outrage from critics who say his political rise is tainted by radical affiliations. Independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden blasted Mamdani’s group for “radical extremism and antisemitism,” pointing to a pattern of support for extremists — including Mamdani’s past praise for Hamas-linked figures and a tweet defending al-Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

IDF Eliminates Commanders Who Sought To Rebuild Hamas, Islamic Jihad

Matzav -

In recent days, the IDF, working in coordination with the ISA and relying on intelligence operations, has carried out targeted strikes eliminating a number of key figures within Hamas’ military structure and the Islamic Jihad terror group. These individuals were central to efforts aimed at restoring and enhancing the military capabilities of both organizations, including those involved in weapons development and intelligence gathering.

Hamas’ Weapons Production Headquarters has been focused on replenishing and expanding its stockpile of arms, while the group’s Military Intelligence Unit has used various methods to collect intelligence, maintain command and control over operations in Gaza, and advance attacks against Israel.

Among the senior operatives taken out by the IDF was Muhammad Abu Awwad, a top figure in the Projects and Development Department of Hamas’ Weapons Production Headquarters. He played a pivotal role in the terror group’s precision missile initiative and served as Head of Production and Technical Control in the department.

Also eliminated were Bilal Abu Shikha and Tayseer Shareem, both section commanders within the same Hamas weapons division. Mundhir Salami, a commander overseeing one of Hamas’ production sites, was also killed; he had been heavily involved in the manufacture of weapons and played a key role in bolstering the group’s firepower in Gaza.

Bilal Musallam, another casualty, served as a section commander in Hamas’ Military Intelligence Unit. Additionally, Rabi‘ Mustafa Rabi‘ Sukhweil, who was active in handling Hamas’ finances, was eliminated. He facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in funding that helped sustain and revive the organization’s terrorist infrastructure.

Other high-level operatives killed include Ahmad Abu Shamala, a squad commander in the Military Intelligence Unit; Mustafa Dababesh, the deputy head of a department within the Weapons Production Headquarters; and Muhammad Al-Bayouk, a prominent figure in Islamic Jihad’s weapons production branch.

The IDF emphasized that these operations are part of an ongoing mission to thwart the rebuilding efforts of these terror organizations. Targeting the individuals responsible for regenerating Hamas’ and Islamic Jihad’s military capacity remains a top priority, and the IDF has vowed to persist in its efforts to neutralize them.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rudy Giuliani: Mamdani Must Be Stopped

Matzav -

Democrat mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, who recently clinched the party’s nomination in New York City, is promoting a far-left agenda that Rudy Giuliani says mirrors the ideology of Karl Marx — and it’s raising serious alarm bells.

“Government retail-owned stores — I mean, that’s worse than some of the communist countries; price controls on everything. The list goes on and on,” Giuliani said during an appearance on Newsmax’s Saturday Report.

Giuliani also expressed outrage over Mamdani’s radical foreign policy stances. “He wants to erase [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu. That’d be secession. He tried to arrest a world leader. You can’t let him interfere with the foreign policy of the United States.”

Mamdani stunned the political world by defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, securing his place on the ballot for November’s general election.

The 33-year-old, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who has served in the New York State Assembly since 2021, began his campaign as a political unknown, but gained traction with an ambitious platform aimed at reshaping city policy.

In the fall, Mamdani will compete against sitting Mayor Eric Adams, independent challenger Jim Walden, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa.

“My inclination would be” that Curtis could beat Mamdani, said Giuliani.

“Those three men, whatever you think their failings are, they’re like Abraham Lincoln against” Mamdani, he told Newsmax.

{Matzav.com}

Elise Stefanik: ‘American People Will Never Forget How God Saved Trump A Year Ago’

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Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York spoke out on Sunday to mark the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident, which occurred while Trump was addressing supporters, resulted in him being grazed by a bullet on his ear.

“Today marks one year since the horrific assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Stefanik posted. “Americans will never forget that God was looking down on President Trump that fateful day and miraculously spared his life by a quarter of an inch.”

Reflecting on the time that has passed since Trump returned to office, Stefanik emphasized the impact of his leadership. “We are so proud and blessed that President Trump is saving America in just six months after he was sworn into office,” she stated. She also pressed for additional details to be released regarding the events surrounding the shooting, stressing the need for accountability and transparency. “The American people deserve real answers and much greater transparency on what transpired that day and Congress must work harder to uncover it and release it to the public.”

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Stefanik pledged to continue seeking clarity and pushing for investigations into the circumstances of the attack. “There are still more questions than answers, and I am going to continue to ask the tough, important questions on the House Intelligence Committee.”

She concluded her remarks with a rallying cry: “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!”

The assassination attempt took place on July 13, 2024, when a shooter opened fire on Trump from a rooftop overlooking the rally. The attack left Trump and several others wounded, one spectator dead, and the gunman was also killed during the incident.

In a development reported last Thursday by Reuters, six members of the Secret Service have been suspended in relation to their roles during the Butler rally.

{Matzav.com}

Supreme Court Rejects Petitions to Halt Hearing for AG’s Dismissal

Yeshiva World News -

Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg on Sunday rejected the petitions seeking to halt the hearing for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and freeze the process of her dismissal. The decision comes after the government submitted a response to the Supreme Court earlier on Sunday regarding the petitions against the dismissal, arguing that issuing an interim order to freeze the process would constitute an overreach of the court’s authority. Sohlberg wrote in the decision: “The well-established rule, which has been applied only recently, is that this court does not address claims relating to a particular matter before a final decision has been made by the authorized body regarding that matter. Thus, the time for judicial review is after the decision has been made, and not before.” “If this is the case regarding the dismissal of petitions outright, it is understood that they are valid, all the more so, when we are dealing with a request for an interim order, since it is clear that in the absence of a final decision – this is not an irreversible step. It is understood that if there is a change in the factual situation, it will be possible to return and apply with an appropriate request,” Sohlberg ruled. In accordance with his decision, the hearing scheduled for Monday can take place. It is unclear whether Baharav-Miara will attend the hearing. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Report: Iran Ignored a Turkish Warning About Imminent Mossad Assassinations

Yeshiva World News -

Turkey conveyed an early warning to Iran about a Mossad assassination plan shortly before Operation Rising Lion was launched, a report published in the Arab newspaper Rai al-Youm on Sunday morning revealed. According to a Turkish diplomatic source quoted in the article, Ankara warned Tehran of Israel’s intention to carry out a series of assassinations, including Revolutionary Guards officials, in the Iranian capital. The report claims that Pakistan also provided detailed warnings, but according to the source, the Iranian authorities chose to ignore them as well. There is no confirmation of the matter from Western sources or on behalf of Iran, but the very publication of the report in a major Arab newspaper indicates an interesting shift in the regional arena and the possibility that there is covert communication between Turkey and Pakistan regarding Israeli activity. Operation Rising Lion began with a coordinated wave of assassinations of senior members of the Revolutionary Guards, including the commander of the Iranian Air Force, several generals, and 14 nuclear scientists. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Despicable Chareidi Leftist Journalist Released to House Arrest After Celebrating IDF Soldier Deaths

Yeshiva World News -

Yisrael Frey, a far-left chareidi journalist whose inflammatory celebration of the deaths of five IDF soldiers sparked national outrage, was released to house arrest earlier today following a week of detention in a high-security prison. Frey, who had been held under the rare designation of a “security prisoner,” will remain confined to his home until at least Friday, according to police. Frey’s arrest followed a tweet in which he said, “The world is a better place” after five Israeli soldiers were killed by roadside bombs in Gaza. Four of the soldiers belonged to the Netzah Yehuda battalion, a unit composed largely of frum troops. “The world is a better place this morning,” Frey wrote, “without five young men who partook in one of the most brutal crimes against humanity.” He went on to say that “this is a call to every Israeli mother: Do not be the next to receive your son in a coffin as a war criminal. Refuse.” The tweet drew furious condemnation from across the political spectrum, with families of the fallen soldiers calling his remarks “inhuman” and “beyond the pale.” At the request of the prosecution, police sought to place Frey under full house arrest with unspecified “additional restrictions.” Details of those restrictions have not been made public. The decision to hold Frey in a security wing of the prison system was made by Israel Prison Service chief Kobi Yaakobi and received public backing from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has repeatedly pushed for harsher treatment of those accused of incitement during wartime. While critics argue that Frey’s arrest and detention signal a crackdown on free speech, supporters say his remarks crossed every line of decency — particularly at a time when the country is mourning its dead and IDF soldiers are risking their lives in Gaza. For now, Frey remains confined at home, under police surveillance and with his social media presence effectively silenced. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A Dollar’s Worth of Eternity for Joey Newcomb: How a Song, a Farbrengen, and a Rebbe’s Dollar Changed Everything

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It was the day after the concert when Rabbi Levi Plotkin spotted one of his campers quietly seated at the piano, playing Joey Newcomb’s song “Yidden.”

“I’m the only Jewish kid in my school,” the boy told him, his voice barely above a whisper. “This song means so much to me. I’m bringing it back home with me.”

That moment – simple, raw, and unforgettable – captured the entire mission of Ckids Gan Israel Florida, the sleepaway camp founded five years ago by Rabbi Levi and Chaya Plotkin. Designed for Jewish children who attend public schools and lack consistent exposure to Yiddishkeit, the camp offers more than just a fun summer. It provides an immersion into authentic Jewish life – and moments like this prove it works.

This summer, that immersive experience took on a whole new level with a high-energy, soul-stirring concert by singer Joey Newcomb. But what made it even more remarkable wasn’t just the music or the dancing or the screaming of niggunim by 72 kids who’d never before experienced anything like it. It was that Joey performed the entire concert for a single dollar – and not just any dollar.

Months earlier, during Sukkos in Toronto, Joey had casually stepped into a farbrengen in the sukkah of Rabbi Yosef Leib Vechter, mashpia at Mesivta Lubavitch. He had just finished performing at a Simchas Beis Hashoeva organized by Levi Ackerman but felt drawn to the small gathering of bochurim. Guitar in hand, he joined in.

The farbrengen was intense and uplifting. Joey shared a personal dream – that he had always wanted to receive a dollar from the Rebbe. Seizing the opportunity, Rabbi Vechter turned to him and said, “If you come perform for the precious neshamos at the Plotkins’ camp in Florida, I’m sure he’ll get you a dollar.”

Joey didn’t hesitate. “I’m in,” he replied, sealing the deal then and there.

That dollar was lovingly donated by Rabbi Plotkin’s paternal grandparents, Rabbi and Mrs. Shmuel Plotkin. As this summer approached, plans were finalized. And just nine months after that impromptu farbrengen, Joey Newcomb stood onstage at Ckids Gan Israel Florida, pouring his heart out to campers and staff alike.

“The concert was absolutely insane,” said Chaya Plotkin. “The kids, the staff, Joey – everyone was on fire. Just seeing 72 public school children singing niggunim, dancing, and screaming songs about mitzvos and Jewish pride was surreal. Longtime staff said it was one of the most emotional experiences in all of camp history.”

Joey left with only one thing in hand: the Rebbe’s dollar.

“I got paid only one dollar for this concert,” he said, “but it was one of the most rewarding concerts I’ve ever done.”

“One of the very first things the Rebbe did after becoming Rebbe was to open Gan Yisroel for secular children,” said Rabbi Plotkin. “At camp, we see again and again the unbelievable and powerful impact camp has on these kids. For 24 hours a day, they’re surrounded by real, authentic Yiddishkeit – and all in a way that’s genuinely fun and exciting. I can’t think of a single camper who wasn’t deeply impacted by the experience.”

As Joey now plans to return next summer – this time, he says, with his wife – the Plotkins continue their mission: turning one week of camp into a lifetime of Jewish pride, one neshamah at a time.

{Matzav.com}

Top Brass from NYS Police PBA Tour Chaverim of Rockland, Explore Enhanced Collaboration

Yeshiva World News -

A delegation from the New York State Police Police Benevolent Association (PBA), accompanied by Law Enforcement Chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman, visited Chaverim of Rockland’s headquarters on Thursday afternoon to learn more about the organization’s operations and explore ways to strengthen cooperation. The tour was led by Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margaretten, who was joined by other dedicated Chaverim volunteers. The delegation included top PBA officials and heads of various State Police Troops, among them 1st Vice President Andrew Davis, 2nd Vice President Jason Sheridan, Troop T Head Anthony Nigro, Troop F Head Paul Catrona, and Troop G & H Head Thomas Kuchark. The visit focused on Chaverim’s well-known capabilities in search and rescue operations, their daily emergency response services, and their advanced drone and communications units. The group was given a full tour of the facility and tested Chaverim’s specialized fleet and support vehicles. The NYS Police PBA officials expressed appreciation for Chaverim’s unwavering commitment to public safety and discussed opportunities to enhance collaboration between state law enforcement and community-based emergency responders. The New York State Troopers PBA represents 4,977 state troopers across the state. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

At Age 100: Maran Rosh Hayeshiva’s Urgent Plea

Yeshiva World News -

Maran HGR’ Meir Tzvi Bergman shlit”a, age 100, makes a rare public request: A chosson from a poor family has no means for a wedding—no hall, clothes, or food. “This dear bachur is a true yirei Shamayim with no help from his parents, who are losing their home,” Maran says. Kupat Ha’ir opened a fund. Maran begs:“Help them build a Torah home.” Bracha: All who give will merit true Jewish nachas from their children and grandchildren.   Suggested donation: $500. To donate >>>

“Suicide Bombers Are Soldiers” – NYC Mayor Blasts Mamdani Family’s Shocking Pro-Terrorist Stance

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Patrick Bet-David break down the growing momentum behind socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani’s potential run for NYC mayor. The panel debates whether voters are underestimating his chances and draws comparisons to other surprise election wins. They explore what a Mamdani victory could mean for the future of New York City politics.

WATCH:

Report: Hamas Likely To Step Up Efforts To Kidnap IDF Troops, Experts Warn

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Hamas is likely to escalate its efforts to kidnap Israeli soldiers active in Gaza, according to an expert from Tel Aviv University who spoke to The Guardian yesterday.

“[There is] no doubt Hamas will increase its attempts to take new hostages, including bodies of dead soldiers and civilians,” said Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian studies forum at Tel Aviv University.

His comments followed the death of St.-Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Abraham Azulay, 25, who was killed in Khan Yunis. The IDF reported that terrorists emerged from a tunnel and attempted to take him hostage.

Azulay resisted the abduction attempt until he was fatally shot by the terrorists, according to military officials. IDF forces returned fire, hitting several of the assailants and stopping the kidnapping attempt.

The Guardian noted that Hamas’s renewed focus on capturing live Israeli soldiers could provide the group with significant leverage in ceasefire negotiations and hostage-release discussions. It could also shift public sentiment inside Israel.

“Hamas may release captives to have a ceasefire, at least for now, but is also attempting to capture more … so is signaling that any agreement is not going to be a permanent end to the overall conflict,” said Ramallah-based political analyst Abdeljawad Hamayel.

“It’s not just about gaining a card to play in negotiations but is a key part of the psychological battle. Hamas aim to boost their own fighters and demoralize both Israeli soldiers in Gaza and civilians in Israel,” added a Palestinian analyst based in Qatar who is familiar with Hamas’s internal strategies.

Despite their limited manpower, with only a few hundred operatives on the ground in Gaza, Hamas seems to be operating efficiently, the same Qatar-based source explained.

“Hamas only have a few cells here, but they are very careful and precise with their resources,” they stated.

The group has also undergone a significant shift in military strategy since October 7, transitioning from a more traditional force to one that thrives on guerrilla tactics, according to defense analysts quoted by The Guardian.

“It’s a very complicated battlefield for the IDF. Hamas are taking advantage of all the rubble. They are experts in guerrilla warfare and have been fighting Israel for 20 years,” said Guy Aviad, a former IDF military historian and expert on Hamas.

“We are now seeing a form of attritional warfare which is placing some limits on Israel’s power and is also having some effect on public opinion across the world,” Hamayel added.

Milshtein also pointed out that while Hamas may be interested in a temporary ceasefire, they are unlikely to abandon their goals altogether.

“Here in Israel, we have had an experiment with the idea that more and more pressure on Hamas means they will [eventually] give up. Well, how much more pressure can you imagine?,” he said.

“We have killed their leaders. We have destroyed Gaza. But we have not changed the basic attitudes and demands of Hamas,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Jack Ciattarelli Visits Morristown Rabbinical College, Slams Sherrill for Supporting Antisemitic Mamdani

Yeshiva World News -

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli made a campaign stop at the Rabbinical College of America – Lubavitch in Morristown, where he outlined proposals to make New Jersey “safer and more affordable” for families, while accusing his Democratic opponent of siding with a controversial figure he labeled “antisemitic.” During his visit to the yeshiva, Ciattarelli emphasized three pillars of his platform: Tax Relief: “Cutting taxes” for middle-class families and small businesses, he said, would help ease the state’s high cost of living. School Choice: Ciattarelli vowed to expand educational options for parents, including support for charter schools and vouchers for students in underperforming districts. Combating Antisemitism: He pledged to partner with local law enforcement and community leaders to address rising anti-Jewish hate crimes. “It was my privilege to visit the Rabbinical College of America — Lubavitch to talk about my plans to make New Jersey a safer and more affordable place to live for all families,” Ciattarelli said in a post on social media. “That means cutting taxes, providing school choice & fighting hateful antisemitism.” In a pointed critique of his Democratic rival, Mikie Sherrill, Ciattarelli accused her of endorsing “socialist @zohrankmamdani and his antisemitic track record.” Zohran Mamdani is the newly minted Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, known for his radical socialist/Marxist views and support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. “My opponent — she’s sticking with her endorsement of socialist Zohran Mamdani and his anti-Semitic track record. It’s time for a change,” Ciattarelli added.

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