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WSJ: Malware Likely Behind Exploding Pagers in Hezbollah Shipment, Leaving 1,500 Terrorists Dead or Wounded
1,000+ Hezbollah Terrorists Hurt as Communication Devices Explode
Hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists were wounded across Lebanon on Tuesday when their communication devices exploded, according to Lebanese reports, which cited “security sources” and eyewitnesses.
A Reuters journalist saw 10 terrorists bleeding from wounds in the southern suburb, which is the primary stronghold of Hezbollah. A security source told Qatar’s Al Jazeera that explosions occurred across Lebanon, not only in Beirut but also in the Beqaa Valley and the south.
Lebanese media affiliated with Hezbollah attributed the incident to the Israel Defense Forces, claiming the mysterious explosions were caused by a hack of the terrorist group’s internal communications networks.
A Hezbollah terrorist official in Lebanon cited by Reuters called the alleged computer hack by Israel the “biggest security breach so far.”
The IDF declined to comment to JNS on the incident, which came just hours after the Israeli Cabinet added the return of citizens displaced from their homes in the north to the country’s war goals, bringing a potential major confrontation with Hezbollah closer to reality.
Iran-backed Hezbollah has attacked Israel nearly daily since Oct. 8, firing thousands of rockets, missiles and drones. The attacks have so far killed more than 40 people and caused widespread damage. Tens of thousands of civilians remain internally displaced due to the violence.
According to Israeli media reports, the heads of the country’s security agencies, including Mossad chief David Barnea, convened on Tuesday afternoon for “frantic” talks regarding the threat posed by Hezbollah.
(JNS)
Iranian Ambassador To Lebanon Among Injured When Hezbollah Pagers Exploded
HE DOESN’T STOP: UN Chief Condemns Israel Over ‘Collective Punishment’ In Gaza
On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again voiced criticism toward Israel, accusing the country of enforcing “collective punishment” on the residents of Gaza in the ongoing military operations there.
“The level of suffering in Gaza is unimaginable; the scale of death and destruction is unlike anything I’ve witnessed since becoming Secretary-General,” Guterres stated in an interview with AFP.
He made it clear that the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas, including the taking of hostages, are universally condemned. “We all condemn the terror attacks made by Hamas, as well as the taking of the hostages, that is an absolute violation of international humanitarian law,” Guterres said.
However, he asserted that nothing could justify the current treatment of the Palestinian population, emphasizing, “But the truth is that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, and that is what we are witnessing in a dramatic way in Gaza.”
Guterres stressed the need for accountability for all civilian deaths, declaring to AFP that “Accountability should be a must” and noting that both Israel and Hamas had committed “serious violations.”
Commenting on the stalled negotiations concerning a ceasefire and the release of hostages, Guterres remarked, “They are endless” and acknowledged that reaching a resolution would be “very difficult,” but maintained a sense of optimism.
Throughout the Gaza conflict, Guterres has frequently criticized Israel. In late October, he implied that Israel bore some responsibility for the October 7 Hamas attack, remarking that the assault “did not happen in a vacuum.”
Following a wave of backlash, Guterres insisted his comments were misconstrued, affirming that he had, in fact, condemned Hamas.
In a later statement, he drew attention to sexual violence, simultaneously mentioning Hamas’ sexual crimes during the October 7 attack on Israel alongside “reports of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.”
Just last week, Guterres publicly censured Israel for an airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of UNRWA personnel. On X, he posted, “What’s happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. A school turned shelter for around 12,000 people was hit by Israeli airstrikes again today. Six of our UNRWA colleagues are among those killed.”
“These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now,” Guterres added in his post.
In response, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sharply criticized Guterres, declaring, “What is ‘unacceptable,’ Antonio Guterres, is the fact you refuse to recognize reality and continue to distort it.”
Danon went on to assert that terrorists using civilian structures formerly operated by UNRWA cannot be considered “innocent,” and accused the UN of unfairly condemning Israel while overlooking Hamas’ use of human shields. “Terrorists operating out of civilian buildings previously used by UNRWA are not ‘innocent.’ It is unconscionable that the UN continues to condemn Israel in its just war against terrorists, while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shields,” Danon stated.
He urged Guterres to thoroughly investigate the individuals targeted in these strikes, stating, “I suggest you carefully investigate who these terrorists were, what they were doing in the past and what atrocities they were committing when they were eliminated before making statements.” Danon concluded firmly, “Israel will continue its just war against terrorism. The solution is not a ceasefire, but the release of all hostages still held in Gaza and the elimination of Hamas.”
{Matzav.com}
How Small Businesses Can Recover From Break-Ins And Theft
HAND OF HEAVEN: Trump After 2nd Assassination Attempt: ‘There’s Something Going on, Perhaps It’s God’
Former President Donald Trump remarked, “There’s something going on, perhaps it’s God,” just one day after surviving his second assassination attempt within a two-month period.
In a Monday night post on X Space, Trump mused, “There’s something going on, perhaps it’s God wanting me to be president to save this country.” He added, “Nobody knows.”
Reflecting on the first attempt on his life, Trump recounted, “When I made the right turn, it’s very unusual because the people weren’t on the right, the people who were standing out in front of me. When I turned my head at an exact 90 degree angle, the bullet came zooming by and clipped my ear.”
He continued, “And then yesterday, you had another one [assassination attempt] with a different result, actually, a much better result because we lost Corey [Comperatore],” adding that rally attendees David Dutch and James Copenhaver were gravely injured.
On July 13, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Two months later, on September 15, Trump faced a second assassination attempt when Ryan Wesley Routh, a suspected assailant, was discovered hiding in the bushes near Trump International Golf Course, waiting for Trump to come into view while he was golfing.
Routh was reportedly equipped with a rifle, backpacks, and a Go-Pro, as noted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office.
Secret Service agents, who typically secure the area a few holes ahead of Trump during his golf outings, reportedly intercepted Routh before he could fire at the former president.
Trump explained in his Monday night X Space, “A Secret Service agent had seen a barrel of an AK-47. He started shooting at the barrel. He started shooting in the bushes. He could only see the barrel — based on that, he started shooting.”
The agent “ran toward the target and was shooting,” Trump detailed.
Trump further described, “Those were the shots we heard. The other one [Routh] never got a shot off. And [Routh] ran across the street and hopped into his truck or car.”
He added that a woman who witnessed the scene trailed Routh in her vehicle, took photos of his license plate, and submitted them to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
“Amazingly, a civilian in that area saw something that looked very suspicious and drove their car to the back of his truck and took pictures of the license plate, gave them to the sheriff’s office,” Trump said.
“And within a fairly short period of time, they tracked him down on the highway — and they got him,” former President Trump concluded.
{Matzav.com}
MYSTERIOUS BLASTS: Close To 1,000 Hezbollah Terrorists Are BLOWN UP In Israeli-Attributed Op
DEADLY ACCESS: Routh Exploited Security Hole Known to Photographers, Secret Service – Report
The gunman who reportedly targeted former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course with an SKS rifle took advantage of a well-known security vulnerability that the Secret Service has been aware of for years.
Photographers covering Trump’s activities have repeatedly managed to secure positions around the course’s perimeter, easily capturing photos of the former president either playing golf or riding in a golf cart.
Some photographers, using telephoto lenses, have been able to snap images of Trump from the bushes without being detected. On several occasions, they’ve gotten as close as 75 yards away, without drawing any significant attention from Secret Service agents.
“They’re always amazed how close they can get to Trump and his entourage — it’s easy for them,” one source from a photo agency told The Post.
Photographers generally inform the Secret Service of their presence to avoid being mistaken for a threat, but the source mentioned that agents are easy to bypass.
According to sources cited by the Washington Post, the Secret Service was fully aware of this security gap and even attempted to alert Trump, though he remained confident that his golf clubs were adequately secured.
Authorities should drop their territorial dispute over handling the Florida Trump-assassination case The alarming attempt on Trump’s life came just two months after Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed onto a roof and fired eight shots at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, grazing the former president’s ear.
Officials say Ryan Wesley Routh managed to position himself between 300 and 500 yards away from Trump after spending 12 hours in a makeshift sniper’s nest just outside the fence near Summit Boulevard, a busy road by Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The golf course, which Trump visits frequently when staying at Mar-a-Lago, spans hundreds of acres and is covered in dense tropical vegetation, providing ample concealment.
The source mentioned that photographers can take photos of Trump with surprising ease at the West Palm Beach course, pointing out “dozens” of hidden gaps in the thick foliage surrounding the property.
Even in areas where the tree line appears unbroken, persistent photographers can find a view of the course. Some of the lighter vegetation can be pulled apart by hand, creating new openings where anyone can watch the golfers without being noticed, the source explained.
On the rare occasions when Secret Service agents do spot a photographer near the course, they seldom ask many questions, the source said.
The security team is also easy to spot as they approach on golf carts, allowing photographers to monitor their movements and stay out of sight until Trump arrives.
“If they do approach the photographers, sometimes they quickly check their credentials but that’s about it,” the source claims.
“No Trespassing” signs are posted around the outside of the course, but photographers easily take pictures from behind these signs, which pose no real obstacle to anyone with malicious intent.
Trump was on the fifth hole when Secret Service snipers noticed Routh’s gun barrel protruding through a chain-link fence between the sixth and seventh holes, prompting them to open fire on the suspect.
However, the spot Routh chose wasn’t ideal for photographers, as the angles were tricky and the distances long.
“Routh could easily have picked a better spot, but maybe he was worried about being seen by a photographer,” the source speculated.
The source added that taking photos at Trump’s other Florida golf venue, Trump National Doral, located about 77 miles from West Palm Beach, is even easier.
Doral’s four courses, including the famous “Blue Monster,” are far more open, making it simple for photographers to capture images.
On the other hand, Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, NJ, is much more secure. State police often close surrounding roads when Trump is on the course, and even seasoned photographers admit that getting pictures there is next to impossible.
Regarding the security breach in West Palm Beach on Sunday, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted that Trump’s protective detail was reduced because he is currently a presidential candidate rather than the sitting president.
“At this level that he is at right now, he’s not the sitting president,” Bradshaw told reporters during a Sunday evening press conference. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded.”
Routh, 58, fled the scene after Secret Service agents fired at him but was apprehended on I-95 in Palm City, approximately 40 miles north of the golf course, thanks to a witness who saw the suspect get into a black Nissan to escape and shared a photo with law enforcement.
Routh appeared in shackles and smiled during his Monday morning appearance in a Florida federal court, where he faced felony firearm charges.
{Matzav.com}
Wildfires In Portugal Blamed For At Least Six Deaths As Europe Sends Aircraft To Help
Rav Shmuel Raber zt”l
It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of Rav Shmuel Raber zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Otzar HaTorah in Yerushalayim.
Rav Raber, who dedicated his life to teaching Torah and guiding thousands of talmidim, passed away at the age of 74 after a prolonged illness.
Rav Raber was a son of Rav Avraham Aba Raber and Mrs. Rachel Haber. He attended the Yeshiva of Kfar Chassidim, where he quickly gained the respect of his rabbeim, particularly Rav Eliyahu Lopian and Rav Mishkovsky.
After marrying his wife, Rav Raber began his career in harbotzas haTorah at the Daas Torah yeshiva in Yerushalayim. He later established and led the Otzar HaTorah yeshiva in the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he profoundly impacted the lives of countless bnei Torah.
Rav Raber was renowned for his unique approach to chinuch. Many heads of smaller yeshivas sought his advice on educating their talmidim. He was deeply loved by his talmidim, who saw him as a father figure. His teachings not only inspired them to embrace the Torah, but also imparted important methods for in-depth study of Torah.
Rav Raber was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim, where he passed away surrounded by his family.
Rav Raber is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The levayah was held at the Otzar HaTorah yeshiva of Rechov Chizkiyahu Shabtai in Ramot. Kevurah took place on Har Hamenuchos.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Gallant’s Dismissal Is Delayed Amid “Complex Security Event”
Rabbi Avraham Noach and Devora Paley Celebrate Birth of a Son
Rabbi Avraham Noach and Devora Paley have celebrated the birth of a son, their second son born after the tragic deaths of their children, Menachem and Yaakov Yisrael Paley in the vehicular terror attack on Erev Shabbos Parshas Yisro at a bus stop in the Ramot neighborhood.
Just last week, the family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Moishe, who survived the attack. Moishe was a meter away from Rav Alter Shlomo Lederman, who was murdered.
Additionally, the Paley family recently announced the engagement of their eldest daughter to Shloimy Steinharter, a talmid at Yeshiva Bais Mattisyahu.
Reb Avraham Nachum Paley, who miraculously survived the attack and has since recovered b’siyata diShmaya, serves as a Rosh Kollel in Ramot.
A month after the attack, the Paley family welcomed a son named Yonasan Refoel. Now, as mentioned, they have welcomed another son.
Additionally, another simcha: The widow of Rav Alter Yaakov Lederman got remarried last Tuesday in Yerushalayim to Reb Menachem Aryeh Konigsberger, a Chernobyler Chossid.
{Matzav.com Israel}
BREAKING: Shin Bet Foils Hezbollah Plot To Assassinate Senior Israeli Official
State Department: We’re Actively Working On Updated Ceasefire Proposal
The United States remains engaged with intermediaries from Egypt and Qatar to craft a new ceasefire proposal for the ongoing Gaza conflict, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday, as reported by Reuters.
For several weeks, officials have indicated that a new plan is forthcoming, with the aim of securing an agreement that includes the release of hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7.
Miller told the press that Washington is actively collaborating with these mediators to finalize the details of the proposal, stating that “it’s a proposal that can get the parties to an ultimate agreement.”
“I don’t have a timetable for you other than to say that we are working expeditiously to try to develop that proposal,” Miller added.
The U.S. has been advocating for a ceasefire and a hostage release plan, originally outlined by President Joe Biden in May, though Hamas has repeatedly dismissed all proposals offered to it.
Last week, Hamas once again asserted its negotiators’ willingness to agree to an “immediate” ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, based on a prior U.S. proposal without additional stipulations from any party.
Miller pointed out on Monday that the main sticking points in the negotiations remain Israel’s determination to keep forces in the Philadelphi corridor, as well as the specifics surrounding the exchange of hostages and terrorist prisoners held by Israel.
His statements echoed those of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who last week countered the pessimism surrounding a potential hostage deal, promising that the U.S. would soon put forth a fresh proposal.
“On the ceasefire, here’s what I can tell you: More than 90 percent of the issues have been agreed, decided. So we’re down to a handful of issues – not even a handful of issues – that are hard but fully resolvable, in our judgment. And as we’ve said before, when you get down to the last 10 percent, the last 10 meters, those are, almost by definition, the hardest ground to cover. But we believe that these are fully resolvable,” Blinken explained to reporters.
“Right now, we’re working intensely with our Egyptian and Qatari counterparts to work together to bridge any remaining gaps. And in the coming time, very soon, we’ll put that before the parties and we’ll see what they say,” he added.
{Matzav.com}
The Legendary Melodies of the Modzitzer Rebbe! – The Original Musical Notes
Handwritten Signature of Rabbi Mordechai Benett of Nikolsburg on Sefer Michlal Yoffi
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Cornell Prof. Who Lauded October 7 Attack Back To Teaching
A Cornell University professor who praised Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, calling it “exhilarating” and “energizing,” has returned to his teaching role at the prestigious upstate Ivy League institution, as reported by The New York Post.
History Professor Russell Rickford had been on “voluntary leave” for a year following widespread backlash after he was caught on video expressing support for the Hamas assault at an off-campus protest.
“It was exhilarating, it was energizing… I was exhilarated,” Rickford stated at the rally before later issuing an apology for his remarks, which glorified the killing of innocent civilians.
According to The Post, Rickford is now teaching two courses this semester, African Americans Vision of America and Socialism in America, in addition to leading a seminar.
Cornell University acknowledged in a statement to The Post that Rickford was not disciplined for his inflammatory statements. The institution declined to comment on whether he received pay while on leave.
Rickford’s words were condemned at the time by Cornell’s leadership as “reprehensible,” with the administration describing them as reflecting a “complete disregard for humanity.” However, Joel Malina, Cornell’s Vice President for University Relations, explained that Rickford’s right to free speech protected him from disciplinary measures.
“Since Professor Rickford’s comments were made in his personal capacity during his own time, the university leadership determined that his conduct in this case did not meet the threshold required for any disciplinary action,” Malina said.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney voiced her objections, sending a letter to Cornell’s interim president, Michael Kotlikoff, protesting Rickford’s reinstatement.
“I am deeply appalled by Cornell’s decision to continue employing Mr. Rickford after his horrendous remarks celebrating the murder of innocent people and inciting violence,” Tenney wrote in the letter, which was shared with The Post.
“No matter one’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing the death of human beings, including women, children, the elderly, and Holocaust survivors, as energizing’ or exhilarating’ is indefensible,” Tenney continued.
“Rickford’s role at the university gives him the power to shape and influence the minds of young people. This position comes with a higher expectation of conduct, one that rejects antisemitic rhetoric and open endorsement of terrorism. By spreading such vile views, Rickford has not only violated his ethical duties as an educator but has also endangered the Jewish community and damaged Cornell’s reputation,” Tenney concluded.
In its statement, Cornell emphasized that Rickford had apologized and voluntarily stepped away from his position for the remainder of the academic year.
However, the university maintained that under the framework of academic freedom, Rickford’s comments did not meet the criteria for disciplinary action. “In accordance with well-established principles of academic freedom, Cornell follows a process to determine whether public remarks like those made by Professor Rickford at an off-campus political event fall under the umbrella of protected speech or cross the line into prohibited bias, discrimination, or harassment,” Malina wrote.
This controversy surrounding Rickford is just one of several antisemitic incidents that have taken place on Cornell’s campus in the past year.
In the most severe case, a student was arrested after threatening to kill Jewish students on campus.
The threats were posted on an online forum about fraternities and sororities in October, prompting concern among students and leading to warnings for Jewish students to avoid the campus’s kosher dining hall.
The student, Patrick Dai, later admitted to posting the threats and was sentenced in August to 21 months in prison.
Cornell University President Martha Pollack stepped down in May, though she insisted that her resignation was unrelated to the protests against Israel or the incidents of antisemitism on campus.
{Matzav.com}
Betting On Elections Threatens Confidence In Voting And Should Be Banned, US Agency Says
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