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Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Saturday targeting Iran’s Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex in Khuzestan Province, striking critical infrastructure and bringing production at one of the country’s largest industrial sites to a standstill, according to Iranian officials and reports.

The strikes hit the massive facility near Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, focusing specifically on two central utility units—Fajr 1 and Fajr 2—which provide electricity, gas, and industrial water to more than 50 petrochemical plants operating within the complex. According to The New York Times, two senior officials from Iran’s oil ministry confirmed that the attack forced a complete shutdown of operations across the entire site.

Hamed Shams, who oversees marketing and communications for the petrochemical sector within Iran’s oil ministry, wrote on social media that the damaged infrastructure supplies power to the surrounding plants and, in the summer, “plays a key role in providing electricity to 500,000″ people in Khuzestan Province.

Iranian authorities described the Bandar Imam facility as a cornerstone of the country’s petrochemical industry, with an annual output of 72 million tons. The complex supports a large portion of the local population—estimated at around 300,000 residents—and produces essential materials including polymers, chemicals, and inputs used in plastics, textiles, fertilizers, and medical equipment.

Two senior figures in the oil ministry said the shutdown represents a devastating economic setback for Iran, whose economy is already under strain. They estimated it could take roughly two years to rebuild the damaged utility systems and restore the facility to full capacity.

Khuzestan Province Governor Seyed Mohammadreza Mavalizadeh visited the site following the attack and told Iranian media that emergency responders and firefighting teams arrived quickly. According to his office, the strikes left five people dead and 170 others wounded. Footage circulating on social media showed heavy smoke and flames billowing from within the complex.

Mavalizadeh added that additional Israeli strikes hit other facilities in the area, including the Razi, Karoun, and Bandar Imam petrochemical plants. Iranian state television reported that the entire complex was evacuated after the bombardment.

“Attacking Mahshahr’s petrochemical plants means attacking the heart of Iran, the vital arteries of Iran’s economy,” Mehdi Bostanchi, who heads a private industrial complex and represents a group of Iranian industrial leaders, said in a social media post.

Petrochemical exports make up roughly a quarter of Iran’s total exports to about 60 countries, generating between $10 billion and $15 billion annually and serving as a major revenue stream as the country works to lessen its reliance on crude oil.

The strike is part of a broader escalation involving Israeli and American attacks on Iranian infrastructure in recent days, which have also targeted steel production facilities, pharmaceutical and research centers, as well as key transportation hubs including airports and seaports.

Astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission reported detecting a strange burning odor coming from the spacecraft’s advanced $23 million toilet system, which had already experienced issues shortly after launch.

“Regarding the smell, I just wanted to make sure you all were tracking the EGS notes of the kind of burning heater smell that was coming from toilet several times,” astronaut Chrisna Koch, who repaired the system on Thursday, radioed to mission control on Saturday, Space.com reported.

Koch added that the source of the odor could not be definitively determined, explaining, “It was never identified as the source, what it exactly was, but it was identified as an unknown smell,” Koch said.

According to the crew, the odor resembled that of an old electric heater being used after sitting idle for a long period, the report noted.

NASA engineers on the ground initially theorized that the smell might be linked to orange insulation located on the hygiene bay door of the toilet system.

Despite the unusual issue, mission control approved continued use of the restroom and indicated there were no “major concerns” related to the odor, according to Space.com.

The latest development follows an earlier malfunction shortly after liftoff on April 1, when the urine hose in the spacecraft’s Upper Waste Management System failed but was quickly repaired by Koch the next day.

A fourth individual has been taken into custody in connection with last week’s arson attack on ambulances belonging to Hatzolah in north London, according to the Crown Prosecution Service, as reported by the BBC.

Prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that the suspect was apprehended this morning at the courthouse itself, where police were seen escorting a man out of the building. Authorities indicated that four people were involved in carrying out the attack.

Earlier that same day, three suspects already charged in the case appeared before the court and were ordered held in custody.

Those charged include two British men, ages 20 and 19, along with a 17-year-old who holds dual British-Pakistani citizenship.

All three face charges of arson with intent to damage property, along with recklessness regarding whether lives could have been put at risk.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that a 19-year-old man, previously identified by officers, was arrested at the courthouse on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been taken into custody.

The attack occurred in the early hours of March 23, when Hatzolah ambulances were deliberately set on fire in the parking lot of a shul in Golders Green. The court was told the destruction caused is estimated at nearly £1 million.

During proceedings, it was stated that there is strong evidence indicating the incident was a “premeditated and targeted attack against the Jewish community”.

In a related development, two additional men, ages 45 and 47, were arrested last week in connection with the case but were later released on bail pending further inquiries, with conditions extending until late April.

Prosecutors added that authorities are continuing to examine whether an Iranian-backed group that claimed responsibility for the incident had any role in the attack.

The investigation is being handled by counter-terrorism police, although officials clarified in a statement Friday that the case “has not been declared as terrorism” at this stage.

The incident comes amid a broader surge in antisemitic activity across London in recent years. Just last month, a Jewish-owned bakery in the city was vandalized following a pro-Palestinian Arab protest, during which demonstrators accused the business of “funding Israel.”

In December, anti-Israel protesters targeted another bakery in London that is owned by Israelis.

The previous month, police intervened to relocate an anti-Israel protest away from St. John’s Wood Synagogue after dozens of demonstrators gathered outside.

A month earlier, an Israeli academic delivering a lecture at City St. George’s, University of London, was disrupted when anti-Israel activists stormed the classroom, shouting accusations and issuing threats.

Iran’s top military leadership today dismissed President Donald Trump’s ultimatum threatening to destroy key Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, signaling a further escalation in the standoff between the two countries.

Earlier, Trump issued a sharply worded message on Truth Social, warning Tehran to act immediately. He wrote, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

In response, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi condemned the warning in remarks carried by AFP, calling Trump’s threat “a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”.

He also issued a direct warning of his own, stating, “the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you”.

Since the outbreak of the current conflict, Iran has effectively blocked or severely disrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The regime has declared the strategic waterway “closed,” while threatening commercial shipping and deploying military capabilities including fast attack boats, drones, missiles, and reportedly naval mines.

On Wednesday, Trump asserted that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had reached out to Washington seeking a ceasefire.

“Iran’s new regime president, much less radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” the President announced on Truth Social.

Trump made clear that any such arrangement would hinge on reopening the critical shipping route. “We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”

Iran swiftly rejected that claim, with its Foreign Ministry describing the report as “false and baseless.”

Separately, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps insisted it maintains full authority over the waterway, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz “is firmly and decisively under the control” of its forces.

“This strait will not be opened to the enemies of this nation through the ridiculous spectacle by the president of the United States,” the statement added.

President Donald Trump informed Attorney General Pam Bondi that her time in the administration had come to an end during a car ride from the White House to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

As the two traveled to attend oral arguments in a closely watched birthright citizenship case, Trump reportedly told her, “I think it’s time,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

Bondi, who took office as U.S. Attorney General last February, is said to have asked the 79-year-old president if she could remain in the position through the summer.

According to the report, Trump declined her request.

Discussions about Bondi’s future had been ongoing for months, with Trump expressing concerns about the pace at which she was advancing his policy priorities, the report said.

Sources told the outlet that her removal was not triggered by a single issue but rather “a steady drip of frustrations,” including the handling of the Epstein files and dissatisfaction with the level of favorable media coverage surrounding the Justice Department.

Despite being told earlier in the day, Bondi remained at the White House that evening and attended Trump’s primetime address on the war with Iran.

Her departure marks the second major personnel change in Trump’s administration, following his earlier decision to remove Kristi Noem from her role as Secretary of Homeland Security.

“We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future, and our Deputy Attorney General, and a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General,” Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday.

Blanche is considered a potential long-term choice for the position, though Trump is also reportedly considering Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for the role.

Zeldin, a former congressman from Long Island, is viewed as a leading contender among a group of Trump allies that also includes Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Bondi addressed her dismissal Thursday night, pledging her continued support for Trump.

“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history,” she posted on X.

“I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again.”

The FBI is warning that Americans’ personal information could be gathered and stored in foreign countries—even by people who have never installed a foreign-developed app themselves—due to how widely used mobile platforms access contact data.

According to the alert, details such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses can be extracted from someone else’s contact list if a friend or relative grants an app permission to access their device, potentially exposing the information of non-users.

While scrutiny in recent years has largely focused on TikTok and its connections to China, the FBI’s latest warning indicates the issue is far broader and applies to a wide range of apps developed outside the United States.

In a public service announcement, the agency said that many commonly used foreign-built apps—especially those linked to China—can gain access to extensive data once users approve permissions, including full address books containing information about both users and individuals who have never used the app.

The bureau cautioned that some apps may continue harvesting data even when not actively in use, and in certain cases, that information could be stored on servers located in countries where authorities may have legal access to it.

“Developer companies can store collected data on users’ private information and address books, such as names, e-mail addresses, user IDs, physical addresses, and phone numbers of their stored contacts,” the FBI said. “The app can persistently collect data and users’ private information throughout the device, not just within the app or while the app is active.”

Although the FBI did not identify specific companies, the warning is believed to apply to a number of popular apps developed by Chinese firms, including video-editing tools, shopping platforms, and social media networks that rank among the most downloaded in the U.S.

Officials have long expressed concern that data collected by Chinese-linked apps could be used to build detailed profiles of Americans, track relationships and networks, and potentially assist intelligence-gathering operations—especially if accessed under China’s national security laws.

The FBI noted that apps operating within China are subject to those laws, which could compel companies to provide user data to the government if requested.

The agency also highlighted warning signs that may indicate excessive data collection, such as abnormal battery drain, sudden spikes in data usage, or suspicious account activity following installation.

Users were advised to minimize the amount of information they share, install apps only from official app stores, and routinely review app permissions. The FBI also cautioned that downloading apps from unofficial sources can expose devices to malware designed to access personal data without authorization.

Years of scrutiny over TikTok ultimately led to a 2026 agreement requiring its Chinese parent company to transfer control of its U.S. operations to an American-led ownership group in response to national security concerns.

The FBI’s latest advisory underscores that the risks tied to foreign-developed apps are not limited to a single platform but extend to a much broader digital ecosystem used by millions of Americans.

Iran declared today that a newly deployed air defense system—credited by Tehran with downing two American aircraft—will enable it to “definitely achieve full control” of its airspace, as U.S. and Israeli strikes against the country continue.

The claim was issued by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military headquarters in remarks carried by state media, according to Reuters.

According to a report in The New York Times, Iran may have relied on its Third Khordad system, a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile platform, to bring down an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet.

Other analysts suggested a different approach may have been used, pointing to passive infrared tracking systems that allow Iranian forces to follow and target aircraft without emitting radar signals—making detection by U.S. jets far more difficult, ABC News reported.

The F-15E, valued at approximately $31 million, is believed to have crashed in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in southwestern Iran near the Iraqi border. Both crew members ejected; one was recovered following the Friday incident, while the second remains unaccounted for.

During a follow-up rescue mission, an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” was also struck. The aircraft ultimately went down after reaching Kuwaiti airspace, though the pilot managed to eject safely.

These incidents mark the first confirmed U.S. aircraft losses inside Iran since hostilities began on Feb. 28. To date, the U.S. military has conducted strikes on more than 12,300 targets throughout the conflict.

American officials have maintained that the ongoing bombardment has significantly weakened Iran’s offensive capabilities, claiming its missile and drone programs have been reduced by more than 90%.

Meanwhile, with the F-15E’s weapons systems officer still missing, reports indicate that armed local tribesmen have joined the search effort, as authorities have reportedly offered a $60,000 reward and urged civilians to assist in locating the missing crew member.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing intense backlash from elected officials and critics after focusing on gun violence rather than the perpetrators in response to the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old baby in Brooklyn.

The mayor issued a statement following the killing of Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was struck by a stray bullet while sitting in her stroller Wednesday, when a gunman riding a moped opened fire in what authorities believe was a gang-related shooting.

“This is not our first family to know this pain,” said the mayor, responding to the murder of infant Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was struck and killed by a stray bullet in her stroller Wednesday as a gunman on a moped opened fire in a suspected gang-related incident.

“Too many children have never grown up into becoming adults. To parents who’ve had to bury those they love most.

“We cannot accept it as normal in our city. We cannot grow numb to this pain, and today is a devastating reminder of just how much more work there is to be done… to combat gun violence across the city.”

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens) sharply criticized Mamdani, accusing him of ignoring the real issue by refusing to hold criminals accountable.

“Literally anything but blaming the criminals who our system releases onto our streets repeatedly, over and over again, with no consequences,” Paladino posted on X Thursday. “Absolute disgrace.”

Commentator Brittany Hughes also weighed in, pointing to another recent killing in the city and arguing that Mamdani selectively avoids addressing certain types of crime.

“an 83-year old veteran was killed in New York City last month after being randomly pushed onto the subway tracks by an illegal alien. Mamdani didn’t say a word because trains aren’t a good political prop, and he won’t condemn criminal aliens.”

She was referring to 83-year-old Vietnam War veteran Richard Williams, who was killed March 8 after being shoved onto subway tracks in Manhattan, allegedly by a migrant suspect.

Rafael A. Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said Mamdani’s response reflects an unwillingness to directly confront violent offenders.

“Hizzoner’s remarks about the heinous crime ‘suggests that he is uncomfortable with acknowledging that the murder of Kaori Patterson-Moore was committed by two evil thugs whose callous disregard for the value of human life should disqualify them from ever experiencing freedom,’” Mangual told Fox News Digital.

“Framing this as a gun problem rather than an evil gangbanger problem is more familiar territory for a self-styled progressive whose political base is constituted by people simultaneously — if dissonantly — committed to the cause of gun control as well as efforts to reorient the criminal justice system to be more lenient toward the offenders who pull triggers.”

Police said 21-year-old Amuri Greene has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the infant’s death.

Authorities also took a second suspect into custody Friday, identifying him as 18-year-old Matthew Rodriguez, who was arrested in Pennsylvania.

Investigators allege that Rodriguez was operating the moped used in the attack, transporting the suspected shooter who opened fire near the intersection of Humboldt and Moore streets in the Bushwick neighborhood.

The president of the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court, Judge Shmuel Herbst, turned down a police request to prohibit journalist Arnon Segal and his son from entering the Old City for 45 days following an incident tied to a Korban Pesach demonstration.

Segal and his son had been taken in for questioning after he filmed his son leading a young goat intended for use as a Korban Pesach near the Old City.

In his ruling, Herbst wrote that there was no basis for suspecting a criminal act and dismissed the allegation of animal abuse. “I did not find that a reasonable suspicion exists,” he wrote, adding, “We all love animals, but most of us also eat them. It cannot be said that every animal destined for slaughter makes the person slaughtering it an abuser.”

The judge characterized the act as a form of protest against the current status quo on Har Habayis, explaining that “its time has passed and its sacrifice is null,” since the designated time for the offering had already passed. He also opened his decision with a historical and halachic discussion, stressing that the Korban Pesach is a central mitzvah connected to Yetzias Mitzrayim and the geulah of Klal Yisroel.

Responding to police claims that the incident created a security threat, Herbst ruled that no concrete evidence had been presented to support that concern. “Claims of danger and volatility require proof, and such proof was not brought before me,” he stated, cautioning against relying on broad assumptions and noting that long-standing “security axioms” must be reevaluated carefully.

Herbst also pointed out that Segal and his son live in Ir Dovid, near the Old City, and that banning them entirely from the area would be an excessive restriction on their freedom of movement. Instead, he ruled they would be barred only from Har Habayis, which is already closed to visitors during the Yom Tov period.

Attorney Nati Rom of Honenu praised the decision, stating, “There are real judges in Yerushalayim. A ruling that respects the deep yearning of the people of Israel is one that honors the judicial system. I hope the police will draw conclusions.”

Segal also responded to the ruling, noting that the court had rejected the request for a prolonged ban and had highlighted the importance of the Korban Pesach in its reasoning. “There are real judges in Yerushalayim,” he echoed.

Several Iranian strikes were reported in Bnei Brak from Friday night through Motzaei Shabbos, including a direct hit on a residential building on Rechov Kehillos Yaakov and another impact in the city center on Shabbos afternoon, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

In one of the incidents, a residential apartment was hit, causing significant damage to the unit and leaving the entire building badly affected.

A 24-year-old man was transported to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center after suffering from smoke inhalation, with his condition listed as light. Magen David Adom (MDA) personnel also provided treatment at the scenes for several residents experiencing shock.

Footage captured by security cameras on Rechov Kehillos Yaakov documented the moment of impact Friday night, showing a massive blast that resulted in extensive destruction. One of the affected homes belonged to MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism, where windows were blown out and frames were ripped from their fittings.

In a separate incident on Shabbos afternoon, another strike in the city center led to the collapse of walls in an apartment, effectively destroying the unit and causing major structural damage to the surrounding building. MDA teams continued scanning the area to ensure no additional victims were trapped or injured.

City officials, together with Home Front Command personnel, arrived at the various locations to evaluate the extent of the damage and coordinate response efforts. Residents were reminded to adhere to safety instructions and enter protected spaces immediately upon hearing sirens.

Israeli Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Yosef sharply condemned a High Court decision issued on Shabbos night permitting a hearing regarding demonstrations at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, in light of Home Front Command guidelines on large gatherings.

In its ruling, the court approved a framework allowing up to 600 demonstrators at Habima Square, while limiting attendance at other locations across the country to a maximum of 150 participants.

“This is an unlawful act in a Jewish state,” Rav Yosef stated. “These judges sit on Shabbos, trample the law, and compel state representatives to respond on the holy day in complete contradiction to the law. They are acting recklessly and crudely trampling the traditions of Israel and our holy Torah.”

He noted that the religious tzibbur had the option to insist on holding the traditional Birkas Kohanim at the Kosel, but refrained due to the ongoing war. At the same time, he said, left-wing demonstrators turned to the court specifically in order to protest and be mechalel Shabbos.

Rav Yosef went on to say that confidence among the religious public in the judicial system has eroded, describing what he sees as a consistently one-sided and anti-religious posture.

“There is not a single religious Jew today who places trust in this brazen group of the Supreme Court. Through their actions, they have become enemies of Judaism,” he said.

“We will fight with all our strength for the identity of the State, and in the end, Judaism will be what prevails.”

New intelligence cited by The Telegraph indicates that, since the war began, four Chinese vessels have docked in Iran carrying materials used in the production of solid fuel for missile engines, raising concerns about Tehran’s potential to expand its ballistic arsenal.

The report states that the ships sailed from Gaolan port in Zhuhai, a major center known for housing some of China’s largest liquid chemical storage facilities.

According to expert assessments, the cargo may have included sufficient quantities of sodium perchlorate to support the manufacture of hundreds of ballistic missiles. At the same time, uncertainty remains over whether Iran is currently capable of producing such weapons after recent strikes by the United States and Israel damaged key facilities.

Against this backdrop, President Donald Trump warned Iran that it has 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face serious repercussions.

Previously, Trump had threatened to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure, including its power grid, oil installations, and desalination plants, cautioning that such an attack could effectively “return the country to the Stone Age.”

President Donald Trump tonight shared newly released video showing American airstrikes carried out in Tehran, highlighting the impact of the operation on Iran’s military leadership.

Posting the footage on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Many of Iran’s Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!”

Earlier in the day, Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country faces severe consequences within 48 hours if it fails to change course.

In a message posted on Truth Social, he wrote, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

Since the conflict began, Iran has effectively blocked or heavily restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz. The regime has declared the passage “closed,” threatened commercial shipping, deployed fast attack boats, drones, and missiles, and reportedly placed naval mines in the area.

A far-left anti-war protest took place this evening in Habima Square in Israel, with police moving in to disperse participants after the crowd exceeded the permitted limits. Ten demonstrators were taken into custody.

At the scene, a police officer urged the crowd to leave, warning that the gathering posed a danger to public safety. He later announced that authorities would begin clearing the area, stating, “If necessary, we will use force.”

The protest came after a High Court ruling issued during Shabbos permitting a demonstration of up to 600 participants in the square. The court criticized what it described as inconsistent enforcement, noting that Home Front Command restrictions were being applied to protests while similar guidelines were not uniformly enforced at other events and locations. “This situation is difficult to reconcile,” the ruling stated, adding that officials were aware of other gatherings where regulations had not been enforced.

The decision drew sharp backlash across the political spectrum, particularly because it was issued on Shabbos, raising strong concerns of Chillul Shabbos. The Shas party denounced the move as “a trampling of the sanctity of Shabbat” and announced plans to file a formal complaint against the judges after Yom Tov.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also sharply criticized the ruling, warning that it places the public at risk. “Supreme Court judges making such decisions – whose side are you on?” he said, adding that demanding a response within an hour on Shabbos is unreasonable and undermines security.

Deputy Communications Minister Yisrael Eichler condemned the ruling in strong terms, calling it “a declaration of war against the sanctity of Shabbat,” and accusing the justices of being out of touch and intent on eroding Jewish tradition.

UTJ chairman MK Moshe Gafni likewise spoke out against the decision, describing it as reckless and insensitive. He said issuing such a ruling on Shabbos was done “to prove their superiority over the public in Israel.”

An IDF soldier was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, the military announced Saturday night, identifying the incident as a friendly fire tragedy that occurred amid an active mission.

Sergeant First Class Guy Ludar, 21, from Yuvalim, served in the elite Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade and was killed on Friday while engaged in operational activity in southern Lebanon.

During the same incident in which Sergeant First Class Guy Ludar lost his life, another soldier sustained severe injuries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement following the news, saying: “Our hearts are with the family of Maglan unit fighter, Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar, of blessed memory, who fell in the unfortunate incident in southern Lebanon.”

“My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Guy, of blessed memory, who fought with courage and bravery to protect our communities and our citizens. May his memory be blessed.”

According to reports, Ludar was killed as a result of friendly fire during an operation in the village of Shebaa in southern Lebanon, where forces were carrying out an arrest mission. Another soldier was seriously wounded in the same event.

Preliminary findings indicate that a Maglan special forces team operating late Friday in Shebaa had surrounded a building as part of an effort to detain an individual suspected of collaborating with Hezbollah when the incident occurred.

At one point during the operation, a soldier spotted figures he believed to be “suspects” attempting to flee the area and opened fire.

It was later discovered that those individuals were fellow members of the same unit. The IDF has classified the incident as friendly fire caused by a breakdown in coordination regarding the positioning of troops, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

The suspect believed to have aided Hezbollah was ultimately captured and brought into Israel for interrogation.

NASA’s Artemis II mission lifted off Wednesday evening, sending a four-person crew aboard the Orion spacecraft on a historic journey around the moon — the first time astronauts have traveled beyond low-Earth orbit in more than five decades.

The crew — NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen — boarded the 322-foot Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center earlier in the day, ahead of a scheduled liftoff at 6:35 p.m.

The mission is set to carry the astronauts on a trip around the moon and back to Earth, marking the first crewed deep-space voyage since 1972.

While Artemis II will not include a lunar landing, it will take the crew farther from Earth than any human mission since the Apollo program.

NASA has described the Orion spacecraft as the most powerful rocket system it has ever developed.

Rising 322 feet into the sky, the launch system is designed to propel both the spacecraft and its crew into deep space, serving as a critical test for systems needed in future missions aimed at landing astronauts on the moon.

With the crew now in orbit, they are expected to spend several days in space, including a multi-day passage around the far side of the moon before returning for a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

The mission had originally been targeted for a February launch, but technical problems uncovered during testing delayed the timeline. Among the issues were fuel and helium leaks that required repairs to the Space Launch System rocket.

Artemis II follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission and represents a key step toward future objectives, including Artemis III, which is intended to place astronauts back on the lunar surface.

NASA has said the broader Artemis program is designed to support sustained exploration of the moon and to help prepare for eventual human missions to Mars.

The Artemis initiative was launched in 2017 under President Donald Trump as part of an effort to return American astronauts to the moon.

Ahead of Wednesday’s launch, Trump praised the mission and its crew.

“America is going back to the Moon!,” he said. “America doesn’t just compete, we DOMINATE, and the whole World is watching. God bless our incredible Astronauts, God bless NASA, and God bless the Greatest Nation ever to exist, the United States of America!”

House Speaker Mike Johnson also commended the astronauts and NASA’s efforts.

“Praying for the safety and success of the Artemis II crew and @NASA as they undertake a mission that will carry humanity farther into space than we have gone in over half a century,” he said. “I had the privilege of hosting these courageous pioneers at the State of the Union earlier this year. Americans are watching proudly as our Golden Age reaches new heights!”

Vice President JD Vance has informed intermediaries engaged in talks between the United States and Iran that President Donald Trump is eager to reach an agreement to bring the war to an end, according to a source familiar with the discussions cited in a CNN report Wednesday.

Vance, who has taken on a more central role in efforts to negotiate a resolution, has been in contact with officials from mediating countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, as recently as Tuesday.

According to the source, Vance conveyed a warning intended for Iranian officials, describing it as a “stern message” that pressure on Iran’s infrastructure would intensify “unless the Iranians made a deal.”

Trump has previously warned that critical infrastructure in Iran, including power stations and desalination facilities, could be targeted if Tehran refuses to allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

As he prepares to deliver a national address on Iran later Wednesday, Trump directed Vance to communicate that the United States is open to a ceasefire, provided its conditions are met, CNN reported.

One of those key conditions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump reiterated in a social media post must be cleared before any halt in fighting would be considered.

In that same message, Trump also claimed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had sought a ceasefire.

Iran rejected that assertion, with its Foreign Ministry describing the claim as “false and baseless.”

Separately, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said it maintains full control over the strategic waterway.

“This strait will not be opened to the enemies of this nation through the ridiculous spectacle by the president of the United States,” it said, adding that the strait “is firmly and decisively under the control” of its forces.

A mohel from Bnei Brak who is under investigation for allegedly causing the death of an infant through negligence has been released to house arrest, following a court decision on Wednesday morning, just ahead of Pesach.

The Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court ruled to free the suspect under restrictive conditions, including house arrest. Police filed an appeal, but the District Court upheld the lower court’s decision, extending the house arrest until April 9, 2026. Police stated, “The investigation is ongoing in order to uncover the truth.”

The mohel’s attorney, Yair Ben Shitrit, said in response, “What began with great fanfare has ended quietly. My client shares in the family’s deep sorrow over this tragic incident. However, it should be emphasized that my client acted throughout in accordance with the required professional standards, and even beyond that.

“The police appeal to the District Court against the release decision was also rejected, and my client was released, which speaks for itself. It should be noted that the infant’s death occurred approximately three weeks after the circumcision—a significant detail that greatly weakens any attempt to establish a causal link or negligence on the part of my client. Under these circumstances, we are confident that once all examinations are completed, the case will be closed with nothing remaining.”

The mohel, a resident of Bnei Brak, was initially arrested on suspicion of negligence following the death of a baby after a circumcision he performed. The procedure took place about a month ago, and authorities suspect that a complication led to an infection that caused the infant’s death roughly two weeks later.

He is suspected of negligent manslaughter of a minor. After being questioned, he was detained, and as noted, was brought to court this morning for a hearing on extending his detention.

Israel Police said in a statement last night: “Investigators from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police opened an investigation upon receiving a complaint today regarding the death of an infant, on suspicion of causing death by negligence, due to a suspected complication from a circumcision procedure performed by the mohel. Patrol officers arrested the suspect, a 66-year-old mohel from Bnei Brak. Israel Police shares in the family’s grief and will continue a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and carry out all necessary actions.”

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated this week that she would reject all U.S. assistance to Israel, including funding for defensive systems, according to a report on remarks she made during a private meeting with members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The position represents a shift from her earlier stance. While she has long opposed aid tied to offensive military capabilities, she had previously supported funding for defensive measures such as the Iron Dome missile defense system.

The comments were first reported by Peter Sterne, an editor at City and State NY, who covered the meeting, which was streamed for DSA members. The gathering was held to consider whether the organization would endorse Ocasio-Cortez’s reelection campaign.

During the discussion, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about backing an arms embargo on Israel. According to the report, she responded, “I have not once ever voted to authorize funding to Israel, and I will never. The Israeli government should be able to finance their own weapons if they seek to arm themselves.”

A follow-up question pressed her on whether that position would extend to all military-related funding, including defensive systems. “If the moment presents itself in Congress, will you commit to voting ‘no’ for any spending on arms for Israel, including so-called ‘defensive capabilities?’”

Ocasio-Cortez answered, “Yes.”

Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive bloc in Congress often referred to as “the Squad,” has repeatedly voiced sharp criticism of Israel, including accusations related to its conduct in Gaza.

She later defended her use of the term “genocide,” arguing in an interview that conditions in Gaza had “crossed the threshold of intent.”

In an earlier 2019 radio interview, she described Israel as “criminal” in its treatment of Palestinian Arabs, asserting that they have no alternative but to “riot” against the country.

She has also previously said that reducing or cutting U.S. military and economic support to Israel should be “on the table” as a way to express opposition to Israeli policies, and has characterized Israel as an “apartheid state.”

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz visited the site of the missile strike in Bnei Brak on Wednesday, where 14 people were wounded by a direct hit from an Iranian ballistic missile, delivering remarks of support alongside senior officials.

Katz toured the scene together with MK Moshe Gafni, Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, and Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper.

The visit followed a severe early-morning attack in which an 11-year-old girl was critically injured, a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded, and dozens of others were hurt by the blast and shrapnel. The missile, launched from deep inside Iran, caused heavy destruction in the center of the city.

Speaking at the scene, Katz extended holiday greetings to IDF soldiers and the Israeli public. “I want, from here, on behalf of all of us, to extend holiday greetings and great thanks to the brave IDF soldiers who are fighting in the air, at sea, and on land,” he said. “I meet them in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in Syria, and I meet the pilots before and after they fly to Iran and everywhere — I see their commitment to protecting the safety of Israel’s citizens.”

The defense minister added, “There is no nation in the world that has such brave soldiers. The entire people must embrace them and strengthen them.” He also urged the public to follow safety guidelines, emphasizing their importance. “I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and ask that you adhere to Home Front Command instructions — they save lives and allow the IDF to continue striking our enemies.”

In a separate message, Katz addressed the families of IDF soldiers and commanders stationed along Israel’s borders. “I turn from here to the mothers, fathers, spouses, and family members of IDF soldiers and commanders deployed across all of Israel’s borders,” he said. “We have prepared for the holiday evening to provide the best possible response for each of our soldiers in every sector.”

He noted that many troops would not be home for the holiday. “Most of them are not celebrating the holiday with you. Be proud of them. They are acting with dedication, determination, and responsibility for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens, even during this holiday.”

Katz also addressed children across the country. “Dear children, some of your fathers and mothers are not with you on the holiday evening. Know that they are protecting you. They are a generation of lions — heroes and heroines.”

The visit comes during a week of heightened tensions, with multiple missile strikes reported across Israel as Iran continues launching ballistic missiles. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin warned that Iran and Hezbollah could continue attacks during the Passover holiday.

At the same time, the IDF continues broad military operations across multiple fronts. Katz recently presented a strategic plan for operations in Lebanon that includes establishing a security zone inside southern Lebanon and preventing more than 600,000 residents from returning south of the Litani River.

Concluding his remarks, Katz emphasized Israel’s core sources of strength. “I can tell you what I say everywhere: we have allies, and we have enemies, and we have friends — but we rely on only two things: on the Rock of Israel and on the Israel Defense Forces. These are the things we rely on, and in their name we fight and will continue to fight.”