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As previously reported, the box delivered to Israel on Monday night contained only part of the remains of Ofir Tzarfati,  the same hostage whose body the Israeli military says it recovered in early December 2023.

The military now says that the episode in eastern Gaza City was a contrived spectacle, Times of Israel reports. Here are the details:

Operatives moved remains into a prepared pit, buried them, and then pretended to unearth the body in front of Red Cross staff. The IDF released drone footage on Tuesday showing the sequence of events and saying the clip proves the display was staged.

The video, the military added, shows Hamas fighters carrying a body bag out of a building, depositing it into a large hole and tamping earth over it before later digging the bag up with an excavator and dumping it nearby. Red Cross representatives then arrived as dirt was thrown onto the bag, and the operatives exposed the corpse while one of them took photos on his phone.

WATCH:

“Contrary to Hamas’ claims of difficulties locating the bodies of the deceased hostages, yesterday Hamas operatives were documented removing body remains from a structure that had been prepared in advance and burying them nearby,” the IDF said in a statement.

“Shortly thereafter, the Hamas terror organization summoned representatives of the Red Cross and staged a false display of discovering a deceased hostage’s body,” the military added, saying the footage “clearly shows that the Hamas terror organization is attempting to create a false impression of efforts to locate the bodies, while in fact holding deceased hostages whose remains it refuses to release as required by the agreement.”

The IDF continued: “This is accompanied by false claims of shortages in engineering equipment, equipment that is clearly unnecessary for the transfer of remains, and therefore these claims do not constitute an obstacle to the return of the remaining deceased hostages.”

Tzarfati — who was snatched from the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, while celebrating his 27th birthday — was declared dead a month later. The military says his body had been recovered in the Gaza Strip on December 1 and returned to Israel for burial at that time; relatives say seeing the new footage “is a wound that constantly reopens.”

“Once again, deception has been inflicted upon our family as we try to heal,” Tzarfati’s family said in a statement. “This morning we were shown video footage of our beloved son’s remains being removed, buried, and handed over to the Red Cross — an abhorrent manipulation designed to sabotage the deal and abandon the effort to bring all the hostages home.”

News of the staged handover prompted voices from across the political map to demand immediate action. The Prime Minister’s Office called the episode “a clear violation of the agreement,” and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu scheduled an emergency security meeting to weigh Israel’s response.

Israeli media reported one option under consideration is extending the IDF’s control by moving the so-called Yellow Line that divides Gaza, giving the military authority over more territory as leverage to pressure Hamas to release additional remains; Channel 12 said the United States is open to the idea.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum — which has urged pausing the US-backed truce until the bodies are returned — demanded an urgent meeting with Netanyahu and called for decisive measures. “Hamas’s repeated violations and the IDF’s documentation prove what we have known and stated clearly and unequivocally: Hamas knows the location of the hostages and continues to act with contempt, deceiving the United States and mediators while dishonoring our loved ones,” the forum said in a statement. “The Israeli government cannot and must not ignore this, and must act decisively against these violations.”

Families of other slain captives echoed the outrage. Ruby Chen, father of American-Israeli soldier Itay Chen whose body remains in Gaza, told Ynet on Tuesday, “This agreement isn’t good, that’s the lesson. Hamas has no incentive to transfer all the slain hostages to Israel.” He added, “What is the government of Israel doing right now? They should dedicate their energy and their thought to what we’ll do to change the equation. We shouldn’t lose this window of opportunity.”

Far-right ministers called for an all-out return to the campaign to eliminate Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir posted on X: “The fact that Hamas continues to play games and does not immediately transfer all the bodies of our fallen is in itself evidence that the terror organization is still standing,” and continued, “Now we don’t need to ‘exact a price from Hamas’ for the violations. We need to exact from it its very existence, and destroy it completely, once and for all — in accordance with the central goal defined for the War of Revival.”

Writing to the prime minister, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded an urgent security-cabinet session to map “forceful and determined responses” to what he described as repeated ceasefire breaches. “Against the backdrop of Hamas’s repeated violations of the ceasefire terms and the first stage of President Trump’s plan, and against the backdrop of the lack of progress in its dismantling and the demilitarization of Gaza, I request that you urgently convene the security cabinet today for a discussion in order to formulate a package of forceful and determined responses, and to ensure our adherence to the central objective of the war: the destruction of Hamas and the removal of the threat emanating from Gaza toward the citizens of Israel,” Smotrich wrote.

On X, Smotrich proposed a concrete punitive step: rearrest “all of the terrorists released to [the West Bank] as part of the hostage deal.” Under the agreement Israel freed 250 prisoners serving life sentences along with roughly 1,700 Gazans held after the October 7 attack — some sent to the West Bank, some to Gaza and others abroad.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett — seen by many as Netanyahu’s most credible electoral challenger — added his voice to calls for decisive action: “Hamas is a cancer. Hamas must be destroyed,” he said in a statement.

{Matzav.com}

A New Hampshire man is resuming dialysis after living with a gene-edited pig kidney for a record 271 days, doctors said Monday. His experience is helping researchers in their quest for animal-to-human transplants. Tim Andrews, 67, had the organ removed on Oct. 23 because its function was declining, according to Mass General Brigham. In a […]

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni paid a visit today to the yeshiva bochurim who have been jailed in a military prison for refusing to enlist, strengthening and encouraging them during their ordeal. This marks the first time a chareidi Knesset member has personally visited the imprisoned bochurim.

Following the visit, Gafni delivered a sharp statement: “It is a great stain on the State of Israel that someone who studies Torah is arrested and thrown into prison. This is an unbearable and unconscionable reality, and we will do everything possible to free them from here and bring them back to their yeshivos so they can continue learning Torah.”

Over the past week, Gafni has been actively working for the release of the detained yeshiva students. He has also sent a strong message to the Prime Minister’s Office warning that the continued arrests and imprisonment of Torah learners could lead to the complete collapse of the coalition by the chareidi parties.

{Matzav.com}

Three BMG Roshei Yeshiva — Rav Malkiel Kotler, Rav Dovid Schustal, and Rav Yisroel Neuman — met Tuesday with Assemblyman Avi Schnall, offering their encouragement and urging the Lakewood community to re-elect him to a second term in the New Jersey General Assembly. During their discussion, the Roshei Yeshiva emphasized the importance of maintaining strong […]

The Rav’s visit marks major progress in building thousands of housing units for leading avreichim from the yeshivah world In light of the accelerated development of thousands of housing units for elite avreichim from the yeshivah world in Netivot’s Kiryat Beit Halevi and the Ramot Meir neighborhood, HaRav HaGaon Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, shlit”a, Rosh […]

Yerushalayim police are preparing for extensive road closures and heavy congestion ahead of Thursday’s massive Atzeres Ha’achdus, expected to draw tens of thousands of participants from across Israel.

According to a police statement, hundreds of officers and Border Police units will be stationed throughout the city’s entrances and key intersections to maintain order, ensure the safety of attendees and residents, and manage traffic flow.

As part of the coordinated security plan with event organizers, Highway 1—the main route connecting Yerushalayim and Tel Aviv—will be completely closed to private vehicles in both directions from 12:00 p.m. until the rally concludes. The closure will extend from Latrun to the Givat Shaul and Givat Sha’ar HaGai areas, including Route 16 and the main Yerushalayim entrance.

Entry to the city will only be permitted for organized buses, which will be directed to designated drop-off points near Givat Shaul and Givat Sha’ar HaGai.

Drivers exiting Yerushalayim will be able to use the Har Ha’arazim tunnel, Route 16, or Route 443, which will remain open to private vehicles. Public transportation leaving the city will operate until 3:00 p.m. through the Har Ha’arazim terminal only. Within Yerushalayim, access roads around the city’s entrances and central areas will be blocked, with additional closures possible as needed. Police have warned that severe traffic delays are expected throughout the day.

Authorities have instructed drivers and participants not to attempt reaching the rally by private car but instead to use only the organized transportation provided. Any attempt to block key routes or disrupt traffic will be treated as a criminal offense. Police have further prohibited the lighting of fires, use of flammable objects, or operation of drones without prior authorization.

Motorists are advised to avoid traveling toward Yerushalayim from early morning, use navigation apps for real-time updates, and follow police directions at all times.

{Matzav.com}

Not even a year out from the last presidential election, the Democratic National Committee has begun setting up a framework for the party’s next round of presidential primary elections, which could upend the early-voting calendar yet again. The Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee on Monday approved a plan giving states until […]

Win $1.2 MILLION Apartment in Yerushalayim!! The Dream Raffle #8!! CLICK HERE  Early Bird Special: 2-for-1 tickets + Free entry to win $15,000 CASH PRIZE   YES! Enter to Win $15,000.00 On November 17th!!   CLICK HERE    Two spacious bedrooms. A secure mamad. Your own parking spot. A supermarket just downstairs. And for the first […]

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Tuesday, pressing him to immediately assemble the cabinet to decide how Israel should respond to Hamas’s latest ceasefire breaches.

“Against the backdrop of Hamas’s repeated violations of the ceasefire conditions and the first phase of President Trump’s plan,” Smotrich wrote, “and against the backdrop of the lack of progress in dismantling and demilitarizing Gaza, I request that you urgently convene the cabinet today.”

Smotrich stressed that the meeting’s goal must be to design a decisive strategy that reaffirms Israel’s commitment to victory. He said the government must “formulate a firm and determined package of responses and to ensure our adherence to the central objective of the war – the destruction of Hamas and the removal of the threat emanating from Gaza toward the citizens of Israel.”

The finance minister emphasized that Hamas’s latest conduct leaves no room for silence. “We will not allow Hamas to mock the citizens of Israel and to cynically and cruelly play with the feelings of the families of the hostages,” he declared.

His appeal came shortly after officials confirmed that the body Hamas returned on Monday night was not among the 13 murdered hostages the terror group was obligated to hand over—further deepening anger across Israel and prompting Smotrich’s urgent call for immediate action.

{Matzav.com}

A large crowd attended this week’s pidyon haben for a descendant of the Modzhitz and Zvhil dynasties and great-grandson of Rav Shmuelka Halpert — grandson-in-law of HaRav Chaim Baak, Rosh Mesivta of Yeshiva Minchas Yitzchak. The Kohen performing the Pidyon was the Spinka Rebbe. As is customary, the baby was adorned with gold and silver […]

Palestinian media report that an Israeli airstrike on a car in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis has killed five people. The IDF has yet to comment on the strike.

UK’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis meets Pope Leo in Rome, saying he “highlighted the centrality of Israel in our Jewish faith and consciousness, and our deep yearning for peace.”

In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Rabbi David Fendel, the Rosh Yeshivah of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot, explained his decision to take part in the Chareidi protest against the arrests of bnei yeshivos in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon. “I see it as a great zechus to join the mass tefillah,” Rabbi Fendel said. “Hakadosh […]

Gov. Gavin Newsom supports California’s Attorney General suing the federal government over the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch declines to comment at City Hall on whether she would take Zohran Mamdani’s offer to stay in her role if he wins election.

An Israeli educator was attacked in midtown Manhattan on Monday in what authorities believe was an antisemitic assault — the latest in a troubling wave of bias incidents targeting Jewish New Yorkers. According to reports in American and Israeli media, 58-year-old Rami Glickstein was walking toward Mr. Broadway, a kosher restaurant on West 38th Street, […]

For the thirteenth time, Democrats on Tuesday blocked a measure that would have reopened the federal government, prolonging a shutdown that threatens essential services across the country.

Speaking to The New York Post, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed frustration over the stalemate, saying there was a straightforward solution to prevent millions of Americans from losing access to food assistance. “The simplest way to end it and the simplest way to make sure that people are getting the food assistance they need is to pick up the bill and give us five votes,” Thune said.

He added that once that happens, “And we’ll, we’ll send it to the president. It’ll be signed into law.”

Despite the urgency, the Senate failed to pass the measure in a 54-45 vote, extending the shutdown’s economic toll and leaving vulnerable families in limbo.

Roughly 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for help buying groceries. Because of the ongoing government shutdown, their next monthly payments will be delayed and will not be distributed on Shabbos, Nov. 1.

{Matzav.com}

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday confirmed the names of five candidates to replace Jerome Powell as chair of the powerful Federal Reserve next year. On an Air Force One flight to Asia with President Donald Trump, Bessent said he would engage in a second round of interviews in the coming weeks and present a […]

WATCH: The moment Hurricane Melissa’s strong winds tore the roof off Savanna La Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Jamaica

Amazon announced Tuesday that it will eliminate 14,000 corporate positions — one of the largest workforce reductions in the company’s history — as it continues restructuring under CEO Andy Jassy’s push for efficiency.

Beth Galetti, Amazon’s senior vice president of people experience and technology, revealed the sweeping layoffs in a company blog post, describing the decision as part of the ongoing transformation to run Amazon “like the world’s largest startup.” She emphasized that while the company remains strong financially, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the way Amazon operates.

“This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before (in existing market segments and altogether new ones),” Galetti wrote. She explained that in order to keep pace, Amazon must be more agile, cutting through layers of management and redirecting resources toward areas with the most growth potential.

The restructuring will affect roughly 4% of Amazon’s corporate staff — about 14,000 out of its 350,000 white-collar workers — though the company will continue to employ over 1.5 million people worldwide. Galetti said that while some divisions will see cuts, Amazon will keep hiring in strategic departments focused on innovation and emerging technology.

The move reflects Jassy’s multi-year effort to make Amazon leaner, more disciplined, and faster to adapt. Since the pandemic-era surge faded, Amazon has been trimming costs, eliminating underperforming ventures, and restructuring management. Jassy’s initiatives have included tightening budgets, streamlining operations, reducing bureaucracy, and requiring employees to return to the office full-time.

Amazon’s cost-cutting campaign gained momentum after 2022, when demand normalized and profits tightened following the company’s aggressive expansion during the pandemic. Jassy had warned earlier this year that AI-related efficiencies would likely lead to workforce reductions. In June, he said Amazon’s adoption of advanced automation would “shrink certain functions,” foreshadowing the current layoffs.

The company’s retail and cloud divisions have already seen hiring freezes and job losses this year, part of a broader trend among major technology firms adjusting to the AI boom. Microsoft cut around 15,000 positions in 2025, with CEO Satya Nadella urging staff to “remain focused on its three core priorities: security, quality, and AI transformation.” Meta has also laid off employees, telling some departments that their roles are being replaced with automated systems.

Amazon’s internal memo to staff elaborated on the changes:

“I want to let you know that we’re making organizational changes across Amazon that will impact some of our teammates. There will be communications from leaders to those teams and individuals today, but we also wanted to share the broader context about what’s happening and why. Last year, Andy posted a note about strengthening our culture and teams — explaining how we want to operate like the world’s largest startup, the importance of having the right structure to drive that level of speed and ownership, and the need to be set up to invent, collaborate, be connected, and deliver the absolute best for customers. Many of you have put significant effort into that work of strengthening your organizations by reducing layers, increasing ownership, and helping reduce bureaucracy. We’re already seeing the results, with teams moving faster and many Amazonians feeling more ownership, and the S-team and I appreciate all the work you’ve done. The reductions we’re sharing today are a continuation of this work to get even stronger by further reducing bureaucracy, removing layers, and shifting resources to ensure we’re investing in our biggest bets and what matters most to our customers’ current and future needs. While this will include reducing in some areas and hiring in others, it will mean an overall reduction in our corporate workforce of approximately 14,000 roles. We’re working hard to support everyone whose role is impacted, including offering most employees 90 days to look for a new role internally (the timing will vary some based on local laws), and our recruiting teams will prioritize internal candidates to help as many people as possible find new roles within Amazon. For our teammates who are unable to find a new role at Amazon or who choose not to look for one, we’ll offer them transition support including severance pay, outplacement services, health insurance benefits, and more. Looking ahead to 2026, as Andy talked about earlier this year, we expect to continue hiring in key strategic areas while also finding additional places we can remove layers, increase ownership, and realize efficiency gains. Some may ask why we’re reducing roles when the company is performing well. Across our businesses, we’re delivering great customer experiences every day, innovating at a rapid rate, and producing strong business results. What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before (in existing market segments and altogether new ones). We’re convicted that we need to be organized more leanly, with fewer layers and more ownership, to move as quickly as possible for our customers and business. I don’t know of any other company with the breadth of Amazon, the number of exciting bold bets we’re making, and all the ways we can make customers lives better and easier around the world. I’m inspired by what I see across the company every day, and the S-team and I appreciate all that you do. Beth.”

{Matzav.com}