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IDF Holding 65% of Operational Area In Gaza

Matzav -

Over the last several days, IDF troops operating under the Southern Command, with support from the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence, successfully neutralized over 100 members of Hamas. Among those killed were high-ranking operatives, including Hakam Issa, who served as Hamas’s Head of Combat Assistance; Mohammad Al-Sheikh, who led operations for the Khan Younis Brigade; Issa Abbas, a platoon commander in the Zaytoun Battalion; and Mohammad Jarousha, who commanded a platoon in the Tzabara Battalion.

As part of renewed military efforts, Division 98, which re-engaged in ground operations this week, joined forces with Division 162 to carry out strikes on Hamas operatives affiliated with the Gaza Brigade in northern Gaza.

The Israeli Air Force has so far conducted airstrikes on more than 7,500 terror-linked sites throughout Gaza. These targets have included storage locations for weapons, rocket launch positions, tunnel networks, and members of various terror groups within the coastal enclave.

The IDF now maintains tactical dominance over roughly 65% of Gaza. “IDF and Shin Bet forces continue to operate in Gaza in line with the goals of the war, aiming to protect Israeli citizens, particularly those living in the Gaza envelope,” a statement said.

{Matzav.com}

What Will Happen To SNAP Under Trump’s Big Tax Cut Bill, By The Numbers

Yeshiva World News -

President Donald Trump ’s big tax cut bill will overhaul a common food assistance program for lower-income people by forcing states to pick up some of the costs and requiring more people to work to receive benefits. The changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are projected to squeeze some people out of the program, which has existed for decades in varying forms as part of the nation’s social safety net. Here’s a look at the food assistance program, by the numbers: Year: 2008 The federal aid program formerly known as food stamps was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, on Oct. 1, 2008. The program provides monthly payments for food purchases to low-income residents generally earning less than $1,632 monthly for individuals, or $3,380 monthly for a household of four. The nation’s first experiment with food stamps began in 1939. The modern version of the program dates to 1979, when a change in federal law eliminated a requirement that participants purchase food stamps. There currently is no cost to people participating in the program. Number: 42 million More than 42 million people nationwide received SNAP benefits in March, the latest month for which figures are available. That’s roughly one out of every eight people in the country. Participation is down from a peak average of 47.6 million people during the 2013 federal fiscal year. Often, more than one person in a household is eligible for food aid. As of March, more than 22 million households were enrolled in SNAP, receiving an average monthly household benefit of $350. The money can be spent on most groceries, but the Trump administration recently approved requests by six states — Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Utah — to exclude certain items, such as soda or candy. Dollars: $186 billion Legislation approved by Congress is projected to cut $186 billion in federal spending from SNAP over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. More than one-third of those savings come from expanded work requirements for SNAP participants, which the CBO assumes would force some people off the rolls. Another third comes by shifting costs to states, which administer SNAP. Yet another provision in the legislation would cap the annual inflationary growth in food benefits, saving the federal government tens of billions of dollars by 2034. Ages: 14 and 55-64 To receive SNAP benefits, current law says adults ages 18 through 54 who are physically and mentally able and don’t have dependents, need to work, volunteer or participate in training programs for at least 80 hours a month. Those who don’t do so are limited to just three months of benefits in a three-year period. The legislation expands work requirements for those ages 55 through 64 and for parents without children younger than 14. It also repeals work exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans and young adults aging out of foster care. States could continue to seek federal waivers from SNAP work requirements in areas with unemployment over 10%. But the bill eliminates a more flexible exemption for areas without sufficient jobs. Percentage: 6% The federal government currently splits the administrative costs of SNAP with states but covers the full cost of food benefits. Under the legislation, states would have to cover three-fourths of the administrative costs, starting in the 2027 federal fiscal year. Some states, for the first time, also would have to […]

EPA Puts On Leave 139 Employees Who Spoke Out Against Policies Under Trump

Yeshiva World News -

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday put on administrative leave 139 employees who signed a “declaration of dissent” with its policies, accusing them of “unlawfully undermining” the Trump administration’s agenda. In a letter made public Monday, the employees wrote that the agency is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment. The letter represented rare public criticism from agency employees who knew they could face blowback for speaking out against a weakening of funding and federal support for climate, environmental and health science. In a statement Thursday, the EPA said it has a “zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging and undercutting” the Trump administration’s agenda. Employees were notified that they had been placed in a “temporary, non-duty, paid status” for the next two weeks, pending an “administrative investigation,” according to a copy of the email obtained by The Associated Press. “It is important that you understand that this is not a disciplinary action,” the email read. More than 170 EPA employees put their names to the document, with about 100 more signing anonymously out of fear of retaliation, according to Jeremy Berg, a former editor-in-chief of Science magazine who is not an EPA employee but was among non-EPA scientists or academics to also sign. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health made a similar move in June, when nearly 100 employees signed a declaration that assailed Trump administration “policies that undermine the NIH mission, waste public resources, and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe.” An additional 250 of their colleagues endorsed the declaration without using their names. But no one at NIH has been placed on administrative leave for signing the declaration and there has been no known retribution against them, Jenna Norton, a lead organizer of the statement, told AP on Thursday. Norton oversees health disparity research at the agency’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, in his confirmation hearings, had pledged openness to views that might conflict with his own, saying dissent is the “essence of science.” Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, EPA has cut funding for environmental improvements in minority communities, vowed to roll back federal regulations that lower air pollution in national parks and tribal reservations, wants to undo a ban on a type of asbestos and proposed repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas. Zeldin began reorganizing the EPA’s research and development office as part of his push to slash its budget and gut its study of climate change and environmental justice. And he’s seeking to roll back pollution rules that an AP examination found were estimated to save 30,000 lives and $275 billion every year. The EPA responded to the employees’ letter earlier this week by saying policy decisions “are a result of a process where Administrator Zeldin is briefed on the latest research and science by EPA’s career professionals, and the vast majority who are consummate professionals who take pride in the work this agency does day in and day out.” (AP)

Russia Pounds Kyiv With Largest Drone Attack Of The War — Just Hours After Trump’s Call With Putin

Matzav -

Russia unleashed a ferocious wave of aerial attacks against Ukraine on Friday, launching a barrage of drones and missiles in what Ukrainian officials say was the most extensive assault since the war began nearly three years ago. The strikes came shortly after President Trump voiced frustration over his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was “disappointed.”

Ukraine’s air force reported that a staggering 539 drones and 11 missiles were fired at the capital, Kyiv, over a span of seven hours. The assault injured at least 23 people and caused widespread destruction across the city, with numerous residential buildings and infrastructure damaged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to speak with Trump later on Friday regarding the ongoing conflict, denounced the onslaught as “deliberately massive and cynical.”

“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelensky posted on X.

“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, urging the international community to ramp up efforts to pressure Moscow into changing its “dumb, destructive behavior.”

As the drone and missile attack raged, loud explosions lit up the night sky and echoed across Kyiv. Sirens wailed through the streets, prompting people to flee to safety, including into metro stations, as seen in videos widely shared online.

According to city officials, the strikes caused destruction in six of the city’s ten districts. Approximately 40 apartment buildings were hit, along with passenger rail infrastructure, schools, kindergartens, cafes, and vehicles.

“What Kyiv endured last night, cannot be called anything but a deliberate act of terror,” wrote Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on X.

“Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv,” added Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. “One of the worst so far.”

Russian strikes on Kyiv have intensified significantly in recent weeks, with several of the attacks being among the deadliest in the entire conflict.

The latest barrage followed Trump’s statement that his conversation with Putin the day before had produced no movement toward peace.

“I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don’t think he’s there,” Trump told reporters. “I’m just saying I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad.”

“I didn’t make any progress with him at all,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Man Who Killed Former Minnesota House Speaker Says He Looks Forward To ‘Truth’ Coming Out

Yeshiva World News -

The man charged with killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband on June 14, and wounding a state senator and his wife, said Thursday that he’s looking forward to the facts coming out about what happened that day. During a court appearance, Vance Boelter waived his right to full hearings on whether he should remain jailed without bail, and on probable cause, where the judge would determine whether the government has enough evidence to proceed with prosecuting the case. Thursday’s hearing lasted less than 10 minutes. “Your honor, I’m looking forward to court, and looking forward to the facts about the 14th coming out,” Boelter told Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko. Boelter affirmed that he knowingly waived his rights to the full hearings he was entitled. “That gets us to court faster, where the truth can come out.” A date for Boelter’s next court appearance has not been set. The acting U.S. attorney for Minnesota, Joe Thompson, told reporters afterward that the next step is for a grand jury to return an indictment, which is due by mid-July and could include additional charges. Boelter would then return to court for an arraignment, which is when he’d be expected to enter a plea. Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, was wearing a standard two-piece yellow jail uniform with a yellow T-shirt underneath and orange slippers when federal marshals escorted him into court on Thursday. He appeared clean-shaven, except for a goatee. That contrasted with the green padded suicide prevention suit that an unshaven Boelter wore when he was brought into court last Friday. That hearing was put on hold until Thursday at the request of his federal defender, Manny Atwal, who said her client had been unable to sleep while on suicide watch due to harsh jail conditions, making it difficult for them to communicate. Boelter complained that he’s still being held in a cell where the lights are never out, “and I don’t know if it’s day or night.” But Micko said the conditions at the Sherburne County Jail are not up to him. Asked to comment on Boelter’s remarks about wanting the truth to come out, Thompson told reporters, “I think that’s what everyone wants.” Boelter faces separate cases in federal and state court on charges of murder and attempted murder, but the feds are using their power to go first. “This isn’t just a murder case,” Thompson said. “This is a political assassination.” Authorities say Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot to death in their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park in the early hours of June 14 by a man disguised as a police officer who was driving a fake squad car. Boelter also allegedly shot and seriously wounded state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, earlier that morning at their home in nearby Champlin. The Hoffmans are recovering, but Hortman’s golden retriever, Gilbert, was seriously injured and had to be euthanized. Boelter surrendered near his home the night of June 15 after what authorities called the largest search in Minnesota history, a hunt of around 40 hours. Neither Boelter nor his lawyer have publicly commented on the charges themselves, which could carry the federal death penalty. Friends have described Boelter as an evangelical Christian with politically conservative views. But prosecutors have […]

Report: Hamas to Respond to Ceasefire Proposal Tonight

Matzav -

Palestinian Arab terror factions are anticipated to issue a formal reply later today to the current ceasefire offer, a source told the Saudi-based Al-Arabiya news channel. According to that insider, there appears to be strong alignment among the various groups around a short-term 60-day pause in fighting, which would serve as a window for discussions on a permanent resolution and the complete pullout of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The individual emphasized that all factions involved have, in principle, given their backing to an initial two-month truce.

That timeframe, they said, would be used to conduct further negotiations aimed at forging a longer-lasting arrangement, which would include halting the war altogether and removing IDF forces entirely from the territory.

The source also pointed out that the factions are unified in their view that a ceasefire is necessary in order to stabilize the internal situation in Gaza.

Still, the final word on whether to approve the deal rests with Hamas leadership. The source indicated that Hamas appears inclined to accept the proposal, although certain technical details remain unresolved.

Separately, Hamas representatives told the Saudi Alsharq channel that the group has shown signs of willingness to compromise on key security matters, including an openness to halting arms smuggling and even allowing some of its leaders to leave the area temporarily under a broader ceasefire framework.

Though the most recent conversations haven’t specifically touched on disarmament or banishment of top commanders, the sources noted that there is “flexibility” on the matter of weapons.

The group might also agree to the temporary and symbolic removal of a limited number of commanders, so long as it serves the goal of securing a broad and lasting ceasefire agreement.

The report also noted that both Arab and Western mediators have been engaged in talks with Hamas as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Sergeant Asaf Zamir, 19, Killed in Southern Gaza

Matzav -

A young soldier serving in Israel’s Armored Corps, Sergeant Asaf Zamir, 19, from Dimona, lost his life in the southern Gaza Strip after being struck by an anti-tank missile.

The same attack that claimed Sergeant Zamir’s life also left two members of the 53rd Battalion of the 188th Brigade with critical injuries.

Both injured soldiers were transported to the hospital for emergency care. The total number of fallen Israeli soldiers since the outbreak of the war now stands at 883.

Earlier in the day, authorities released the identity of another soldier who was killed in a separate incident: Sergeant Yair Eliyahou, 19, of Ezer, located in the Be’er Tuvia regional council.

Sergeant Eliyahou died during a military engineering operation in northern Gaza when one armored engineering vehicle plunged into a subterranean pit or cavity and collided with a nearby vehicle. Eliyahou was inside the second vehicle and was fatally wounded by the collision.

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed grief at the loss of the two soldiers, paying tribute to Sergeant Yair Eliyahou, who served in the northern brigade as a combat engineer, and to Sergeant Asaf Zamir, a tank crewman with Battalion 53. He acknowledged their ultimate sacrifice in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Katz extended sympathies to the mourning families, prayed for the swift healing of those injured, and praised the troops for their valor: “Brave fighters who are acting with courage to return the hostages and defeat the Hamas murderers.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu also offered words of comfort to the families of the fallen.

“On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send heartfelt condolences,” Netanyahu stated. “The entire nation mourns the loss of our soldiers who fought heroically in the battle to defeat Hamas and free our hostages.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Democrats See Trump’s Big Bill As Key To Their Comeback. It May Not Be So Easy

Yeshiva World News -

It is big and it is beautiful, President Donald Trump says. But for many Democratic leaders, the tax break and spending cut package passed by Trump’s Republican allies in Congress on Thursday represents the key to the Democratic Party’s resurgence. Even before the final vote, Democratic officials were finalizing ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements of Trump’s “big beautiful” bill: deep cuts to the nation’s safety net that will leave nearly 12 million more people without health coverage and millions of others without food assistance, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. In political battlegrounds across Alaska and Iowa, Pennsylvania and California, Democrats have begun to use the bill against Republicans. Democrats are promising that the Republican president’s domestic policy achievement to date will be the defining issue of every major election between now and next fall’s midterms. “One thing is abundantly clear: Republicans own this mess and it’s an albatross around their necks heading into the midterms,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told The Associated Press. “This is the least popular legislation in modern history, and the more voters learn about it, the more they hate it. That’s a clear directive for Democrats — we’re going to make sure every single voter knows who is responsible.” Even with early public opinion on their side, however, it’s far from certain that the legislation will be the political winner Democrats hope. The Democratic brand remains deeply unpopular, the party has no clear leader, its message is muddled and core elements of the Democratic base are frustrated and drifting. Some of the bill’s provisions will not take effect until after the 2026 election, so voters may not have felt the full impact by the time they vote. At the same time, it’s unclear how many voters are paying attention to the Washington-based debate. The Democratic super political action committee Priorities USA warned this week that Democrats must work harder if they want their message to break through. “We can’t just assume that because we’re angry that the voters that we need to communicate with are angry. Everyone needs to step up and realize the enormous challenge that’s in front of us,” executive director Danielle Butterfield said. “We’re nowhere near a good starting place.” The bill provides for $4.5 trillion in tax breaks that were enacted in Trump’s first term and would have expired if Congress failed to act. New breaks will allow workers to deduct tips and overtime pay. There are $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps and a major rollback of green energy investments. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade. Democrats’ challenge on display Privately, some Democrats conceded that Republicans were smart to pass the bill on the eve of a holiday weekend when fewer voters would be paying attention. As some Democrats in Washington predicted a political backlash across America, the response was somewhat muted Thursday at a Democratic event in Iowa, barely 10 miles from the State Fairgrounds where Trump later drew thousands for an evening rally. An audience of roughly 100 people listened as local Democratic officials railed against the legislation and called on voters to oust Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, the local […]

IDF Preparing to Send Draft Notices to 54,000 Chareidim — But Faces Shortage of Prison Space for Noncompliance

Matzav -

With the Knesset’s summer session ticking toward its final weeks and the High Court’s deadline looming, the IDF announced its readiness to begin issuing 54,000 draft notices to eligible chareidi men starting next Tuesday, July 8.

However, military officials have encountered a significant logistical obstacle: there are currently not enough prison facilities to detain those who refuse to enlist.

According to a report on i24NEWS by journalist Yinon Yitach, the IDF is now considering the urgent establishment of hundreds of new detention spaces to handle expected noncompliance. This plan, however, hinges on budgetary approval.

At present, the IDF’s military prison system can only house a few hundred detainees, far short of the projected number of draft evaders, which could reach into the tens of thousands at its peak.

“We won’t be able to carry out effective enforcement,” warned a senior defense official cited in the report.

As of now, the army has yet to decide whether to send out all the notices in one wave on July 8 or to spread their distribution gradually throughout the month of July, in accordance with legal requirements.

This development comes as political parties — particularly the chareidi factions — await the presentation of a consensus draft law by MK Yuli Edelstein. The pressure is on to find a workable solution before the court-imposed deadline and amid mounting tensions over the future of chareidi military exemptions.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel Sets Conditions for Gaza Ceasefire as Hamas Signals Tentative Approval

Matzav -

Reports indicate that Hamas may be willing to agree to a set of Israeli conditions in exchange for a ceasefire and the resumption of consistent humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to the London-based Arabic-language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, sources within Hamas have expressed a preliminary willingness to accept Israel’s core demands in exchange for a halt to fighting and a withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s demands reportedly include the disarmament of Hamas, the expulsion of remaining Iranian operatives and commanders from the territory, and the formal replacement of the Hamas regime in Gaza.

Israel’s security establishment has made it clear that it prefers a comprehensive deal — one that would secure the release of all hostages and end the war — while ensuring that Gaza’s future governance lies in the hands of a new, non-Hamas entity, at least in name.

Many Israeli officials believe Hamas will likely attempt to rebuild its power regardless, but if a deal is struck, it would give Israel the legitimacy to strike again in the future without the constraint of hostages being held.

Hamas is reportedly leaning toward a formal acceptance of the terms, largely due to agreements around the regulated entry of humanitarian aid and a clearly defined process for Israeli troop withdrawal.

While the full scope of Hamas’s willingness to comply with all aspects — particularly the broad expulsion of its senior leadership — remains unclear, negotiations appear to be progressing.

A Reuters report earlier revealed that President Donald Trump addressed the ceasefire talks, stating: “We’re going to know within the next 24 hours if Hamas agreed to the ceasefire.” He added, “Many others will join the Abraham Accords.”

Overnight, Hamas released an official statement noting that it is currently consulting with other Palestinian factions regarding the ceasefire proposal and will respond after deliberations conclude.

The statement read: “As part of our commitment to ending the Zionist aggression against our people and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid enters, the organization is holding consultations with the leaders of the Palestinian factions regarding the proposal presented by mediators.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened to weigh its strategic options — whether to intensify the fighting if no breakthrough occurs or to work toward a broader regional agreement, or perhaps settle for a temporary deal that would buy time and reduce pressure.

Earlier in the evening, Reuters cited an Israeli official confirming that preparations are underway for the approval of a ceasefire agreement. The official said Israel expects Hamas to deliver a response by Friday. If the answer is positive, an Israeli delegation will join indirect negotiations to finalize the arrangement.

As Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares for a high-stakes visit to Washington to meet with President Trump, pressure is mounting in Israel to arrive with tangible progress on the hostage talks and ceasefire plan — something Trump is reportedly expecting.

As previously reported, the current working framework includes a proposed 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 others.

Israeli officials are bracing for Hamas to complicate talks by disputing names on prisoner lists or quibbling over procedural details. As one source quoted on Ynet put it, “With Hamas, they’ll argue about names or keys — that’s just how it goes.”

Simultaneously, President Trump is continuing to apply significant diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire as part of a larger regional initiative aimed at establishing broader ties between Israel and Arab states.

During a White House meeting with former hostage Edan Alexander and his family, Trump declared, “We’re going to close the deal.”

One element of the emerging deal would reportedly prohibit Hamas from staging televised “release ceremonies,” as occurred during the previous truce — footage that sparked widespread international condemnation.

According to Ynet, sources within the Israeli cabinet claim Netanyahu is highly motivated to reach an agreement, even “at almost any price.” One insider said the prime minister believes the current geopolitical window is extraordinarily rare, calling it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

In closed conversations, Netanyahu is said to have described the diplomatic moment as “a dreamlike, historic opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

IDF Conducts Overnight Incursion into Syria, Targets Yafour Facility and Rakhla Village

Yeshiva World News -

Israeli forces reportedly staged a prolonged incursion into Syrian territory overnight Friday, according to the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen network and Syrian sources. Three IDF helicopters are said to have landed at a facility once tied to the presidential guard of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in the Yafour area, roughly 10 kilometers west of Damascus. The Israeli troops allegedly held their position for nearly five hours before withdrawing. Simultaneously, three IDF armored vehicles reportedly crossed into Syrian territory near the Lebanese border, entering the village of Rakhla under the cover of night.

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