Feed aggregator

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tonight, responding to Ankara’s legal action against senior Israeli officials and accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy for failing to respond to Iranian attacks on his own country.

In a post on X, Katz lashed out at Erdogan, claiming the Turkish leader is deflecting attention by targeting Israel instead of addressing security threats closer to home.

“Turkish President Erdoğan, who did not respond to missile fire from Iran into Turkish territory and was revealed as a paper tiger, is fleeing to the realms of antisemitism and declaring field trials in Turkey against Israel’s political and military leadership,” Katz wrote.

He continued by accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy and aligning with hostile elements, stating, “What an absurdity. The Muslim Brotherhood man, who massacred Kurds, is accusing Israel of genocide for defending itself against his Hamas partners.”

Katz concluded with a blunt warning, asserting Israel’s determination to continue its military efforts regardless of outside criticism.

“Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and determination – and he had better sit quietly and shut up.”

Turkish prosecutors have brought sweeping charges against dozens of senior Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, over last year’s naval interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, seeking severe penalties that include life sentences and thousands of years in cumulative prison terms.

The indictment, submitted over the weekend by the Istanbul public prosecutor’s office, targets 35 high-ranking officials in connection with the seizure of the vessel “Sumud” in October. Authorities are pursuing punishments ranging from life imprisonment to combined sentences exceeding 4,500 years.

Among those listed in the case are Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Navy Commander David Salama. The document also names former IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

Prosecutors argue that stopping the flotilla does not qualify as a lawful security measure and instead amounts to a “deed with serious consequences” under international legal standards.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc described the case as a reflection of Ankara’s legal stance, writing that the indictent was “a tangible expression of the determination of the Turkish judicial system, operating on the basis of international law.” He further stated that Netanyahu and the other defendants would “bear legal responsibility” for what he characterized as serious offenses, including genocide, torture and looting.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued a recorded address tonight, declaring that Israel has already secured major gains in its campaign against Iran, even as a ceasefire remains in place and fighting with Hezbollah continues.

“The campaign is not yet over, but it is already clear that we have achieved historic accomplishments,” Netanyahu said. “I want to remind everyone where we were: Iran tried to encircle Israel in a stranglehold. They sought to choke us, and now we are choking them. They threatened our destruction, and now they are fighting to survive.”

Netanyahu described a series of actions taken under his leadership to counter Iran’s progress, including operations that were not publicly disclosed at the time, emphasizing that Israel took steps others could not see.

“We hit them, [but] we have more to do. I approved all sorts of actions, most of them covert, in order to delay Iran, and we did delay them, but the world didn’t hear it. Many said, ‘It’s not so bad. It wouldn’t even be that terrible if Iran had nuclear weapons.’ I heard those voices not only abroad but also within Israel. And I, as the Prime Minister of Israel, only Jewish state, could not accept that.”

He pointed to a turning point during a major military operation, highlighting what he described as a breakthrough moment when Israeli forces directly struck inside Iran.

“The biggest change was made on the evening of Operation Rising Lion, when I informed you that our daring pilots were flying in Iranian skies and striking targets all across Iran. We were the first to break the barrier of fear and act inside Iran itself.”

Netanyahu reflected on the emotional impact of that moment, noting both his own reaction and what he believed was felt across the country.

“I remember the feeling I had the emotion, the pride, the goosebumps. I know that you all experienced it. But if I had told you a year ago that our pilots would be flying over Iran, who would have believed it?”

He concluded by asserting that Israel’s actions eliminated what he described as an immediate existential threat, saying the country had successfully blocked Iran’s path to nuclear weapons.

“We had to remove two existential threats. Had we not launched these two operations, Iran would already have nuclear bombs. We have prevented that existential danger.”

President Donald Trump said today that the United States has already prevailed, regardless of the outcome of negotiations with Iran, as high-level talks in Islamabad concluded without a deal.

Speaking to reporters while discussions were still underway, Trump projected confidence in the U.S. position, insisting that the outcome of the negotiations would not change what he described as a decisive American advantage.

“We’re going to see what happens. We’re in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless,” Trump said, adding, “We’ve defeated them militarily. They’ve dropped a couple of water mines.”

.@POTUS: "They have no navy. They have no radar. They have no air force. Their leaders are all dead. Khamenei is gone. For many years he ruled; he's gone. With all of that, let's see what happens — but from my standpoint, I don't care." pic.twitter.com/mdOLlNVEiG

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 11, 2026

He went on to detail what he described as the extent of Iran’s military losses, emphasizing that the U.S. holds the upper hand no matter how diplomacy unfolds.

“Let me just tell you, we win, no matter what. We’ve defeated their military, they have no Navy, 158 ships are underwater, undersea, all of their minesweepers and all of their, they call them mine droppers. Can you imagine, a country has 28 mine droppers, you think that’s nice? With all of that being said, they’re all defeated, by the way, they’re all at the bottom of the sea.”

Trump continued by describing what he said was a complete collapse of Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership.

“They have no Navy, they have no radar, they have no air force, their leaders are all dead. Khamenei is gone. For many years, he ruled, he’s gone. With all of that, let’s see what happens, but from my standpoint, I don’t care.”

Addressing reports that China may provide Iran with defensive weaponry, Trump issued a warning to Beijing.

“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems.”

His remarks followed intelligence reports cited by CNN indicating that China could be preparing to transfer shoulder-fired anti-aircraft systems, known as MANPADs, to Iran through intermediaries in an effort to conceal the transaction.

After the talks wrapped up, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that negotiations had ended after nearly a full day without any agreement, placing the responsibility on Tehran for rejecting U.S. terms.

“We’ve been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news,” he said. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

He added, “So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.”

Vance stressed that Washington’s position had been clearly laid out throughout the negotiations and that Iran chose not to accept the terms.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on, and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on. And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” the Vice President said.

Fresh negotiations in Cairo today brought together Hamas representatives, a Gaza-linked figure from the so-called “Peace Council,” and international mediators, as efforts continued to push forward the ceasefire arrangement, according to a senior Arab official cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.

During the discussions, Hamas made clear that it will not move on to any second phase of the agreement until all elements of the initial stage are fully carried out. That includes postponing any conversation about disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian Arab terror groups until those first commitments are met.

The group is also pressing for firm assurances regarding implementation and is calling on mediators to step in and resolve lingering disputes, amid fears that the ongoing impasse could trigger a renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling its weapons infrastructure.

Palestinian Arab political analyst Hossam al-Dajani argued that any meaningful progress must be tied to a broader political framework addressing the wider Palestinian issue, along with international protections for Judea and Samaria, Jerusalem, and Gaza, citing what he described as “daily Israeli violations.”

He added, “It is impossible to agree to the start of the second stage without implementing the first stage, and it is also unacceptable to accept the ‘victory image’ that Netanyahu seeks, which is expressed in the surrender of resistance weapons in exchange only for Gaza’s reconstruction, as this is a proposal that is unacceptable to the Palestinian side.”

Under the terms of the first phase, Israeli forces are expected to pull back to designated positions. However, repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hamas have made such a withdrawal unworkable for now. Israeli officials maintain that removing Hamas’ weapons capabilities would prevent further breaches and allow for meaningful rebuilding efforts in Gaza to proceed.

Four astronauts safely returned to Earth late Friday, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean and completing NASA’s first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit in more than half a century, a mission seen as a major step toward sending humans back to the moon.

After a 10-day voyage that carried them around the moon and back, the Artemis II crew reentered Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds before landing off the coast of San Diego inside NASA’s Orion capsule. The successful return marked the conclusion of a mission that tested critical systems needed for future lunar landings.

“We are back in the business of sending astronauts back to the moon. This is just the beginning,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said from the deck of the USS John P. Murtha, the Navy vessel that served as the recovery ship.

Reflecting on the moment, he added, “I’m honestly still at a loss for words,” and said, “The childhood Jared right now can’t believe what I just saw.”

The capsule splashed down at 8:07 p.m. EDT, following a high-risk descent through Earth’s atmosphere. During reentry, the spacecraft reached speeds approaching 25,000 miles per hour, placing the astronauts among the fastest-traveling humans in history. On board were NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

“What a journey,” Wiseman said as he floated in the Pacific Ocean inside the Orion capsule shortly after landing.

Recovery teams from the U.S. Navy quickly moved in, removing the astronauts from the capsule and transporting them by helicopter to the USS John P. Murtha. From there, they are expected to return to Mission Control in Houston for debriefing and evaluation.

The mission, launched on April 1, sent the crew on a lunar flyby without landing, allowing NASA to test life-support systems, propulsion, and navigation capabilities in deep space. Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program to travel beyond Earth orbit, and its success is expected to pave the way for a planned moon landing later this decade.

With the mission now complete, attention is already turning to Artemis III, which NASA hopes will land astronauts on the lunar surface as early as 2028.

Following the successful splashdown, NASA officials expressed enthusiasm about what lies ahead and emphasized the significance of the mission’s achievements.

“It’s good to be NASA, it’s good to be an American today,” said Shawn Quinn at a post-mission news conference.

Lori Glaze, a senior NASA official overseeing exploration systems development, highlighted the broader impact of the mission, saying, “Welcome to our moonshot,” and adding, “NASA has shown that ambitious goals are worth pursuing and can inspire the world.”

Rick Henfling, the Artemis II entry flight director, pointed to key metrics that underscored the mission’s precision and success.

“Integrity and her crew of four astronauts flew 700,237 miles,” he said. “We reached a peak velocity of 24,664 miles per hour. We hit our flight path angle target within .4 percent. We flew an entry range of 1,957 miles and we landed within less than a mile of our target. What a tremendous day.”

He also described the tense moments surrounding reentry, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous phases of the mission.

“We all breathed a sigh of relief once the side hatch opened up,” he said. “We turned around to the families and waved to the families and gave them a thumbs up.”

NASA leadership framed the mission as the beginning of a new era in space exploration, with a long-term goal of sustained human presence beyond Earth.

“Fifty three years ago humanity left the moon,” said Amit Kshatriya. “This time we return to stay. Let us finish what they started. Let us focus on what was left undone. Let us not go to plant flags and leave but to stay with firmness in our purpose.”

Howard Hu, Orion program manager, said the agency will now study the mission’s data closely as it prepares for future flights.

“This is the start of a new era of human space.”

Eliot Engel, who represented parts of the Bronx and Westchester in Congress for more than three decades, has passed away on April 10 at the age of 79. No immediate cause of death was released.

Born on February 18, 1947, in the Bronx, Engel built a lengthy career in public service that spanned local and national government.

He was educated in the New York City public school system before continuing his studies at Herbert H. Lehman College and later earning a law degree from New York Law School. Engel began his political career in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1977 until 1988. That year, he won election to Congress, where he remained from 1989 through 2021. His time in Washington came to an end after he was defeated in a Democratic primary by Jamaal Bowman, who went on to win the seat representing New York’s 16th Congressional District.

Throughout his career, Engel was known as a vocal liberal figure both in Washington and in his district, frequently appearing at events in Westchester tied to progressive causes. At the same time, he stood out as one of the most reliably pro-Israel members of Congress.

Current Representative George Latimer, who now holds the seat Engel once occupied, reflected on his legacy, saying, “Eliot Engel devoted his lifetime to public service – as a teacher and as an elected official in Albany and Washington D.C. His legacy consists of hard work on issues and kindness to all. His work in helping bring peace to the Balkans in the 1990s was a major accomplishment, among many others. We mourn with his family, and extend to them our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins also expressed sorrow at Engel’s passing, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a tireless public servant who devoted more than three decades to representing the people of New York.

“Throughout his career, Congressman Engel was a fierce advocate for his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx. He was a champion of human rights and as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he helped shape U.S. policy on the global stage while never losing sight of the needs of the communities he represented at home.

“His legacy is one of commitment, conviction and service. He understood that public office is a responsibility to speak up, to stand firm and to deliver for the people who entrusted him with their voice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact will be felt for generations.”

Representative Ritchie Torres honored Engel’s influence, calling him “a giant of New York politics and one of the greatest champions the Bronx has ever had in Congress. He served for more than three decades with unyielding dedication, fighting for his constituents and standing up for democracy around the world. He was a trailblazer for the Bronx in Washington, and a fierce advocate for Kosovo and the Albanian community at a time when few others were paying attention.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James noted his long commitment to public service, saying, “For over three decades, Congressman Eliot Engel dedicated himself to serving New Yorkers in Westchester and the Bronx, and New York is grateful for his service to our state. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.”

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted Engel’s roots and dedication, stating, “The son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Eliot Engel brought the best of the Bronx to Congress. I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served. I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts today.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reflected on Engel’s impact both locally and globally, recalling, “Even as he took on the weight of global challenges he carried the Bronx and Westchester with him. From building Mitchell Lama affordable housing to expanding health care coverage, to improving maternity care, to fighting for sensible gun control laws, he leaves behind a rich legacy of advocacy and impact.”

President Donald Trump outlined his expectations on Friday ahead of planned negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad, making clear that Washington’s primary demand remains preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking to reporters before the talks, Trump was asked whether the upcoming meeting would be a one-time effort or the beginning of a longer diplomatic process. He indicated that the outcome would determine the path forward.

“I have to see what happens tomorrow. They’ve been talking for 47 years with other Presidents – and we’re not doing much talking.”

When pressed on what he would consider a successful agreement, Trump emphasized a single overriding objective.

“No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change – we never had that as a criteria. No nuclear weapon – that is 99% of it,” he said.

Reporter: What does a good deal look like for you?

Trump: No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change—we never had that as a criteria.

No nuclear weapon—that is 99% of it. pic.twitter.com/IGp4Qvvqvw

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 10, 2026

Trump also addressed the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran since the escalation in hostilities. He expressed optimism that the key shipping route would soon reopen, adding that other nations are working toward that outcome.

Earlier Friday, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations, according to Iranian media outlets.

Reports indicated that Tehran is conditioning the start of talks on Washington agreeing to certain demands.

Ghalibaf previously identified two requirements that he said “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad.

In a social media statement, he asserted that both points had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they were “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented.”

Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the talks.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added that any attempt at deception would be met with a firm response.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that American naval forces are being restocked with advanced weaponry as a precaution in case negotiations with Iran collapse, signaling readiness to resume military action if diplomacy fails.

In remarks to The New York Post, Trump indicated that the United States is preparing for all outcomes as senior officials head to Pakistan for critical talks aimed at solidifying a lasting agreement following a temporary cease-fire reached earlier this week.

The comments came shortly after Vice President JD Vance departed aboard Air Force Two for Islamabad. He is expected to meet with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who will join him in efforts to secure a permanent resolution after the two-week pause in hostilities.

“We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” Trump said in a phone interview when asked if he thought the talks would be successful.

Trump emphasized that military preparations are already underway in the event the negotiations fall apart.

“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously, and we blew them apart,” he said.

He continued by underscoring the scale of the buildup and its intended purpose.

“But we’re loading up the ships. We’re loading up the ships with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we used to do a complete decimation.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

Iran’s delegation in Islamabad is expected to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, both of whom have previously insisted that Tehran maintains a fundamental right to uranium enrichment.

Trump voiced skepticism about Iran’s reliability in negotiations, suggesting inconsistencies between private assurances and public statements.

“You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” Trump told The Post.

“To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So we’ll find out.”

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett expressed cautious optimism about the diplomatic effort, noting that senior officials are leading the charge while contingency plans remain in place.

“We’re very, very hopeful” about the negotiations.

“We’ve got the A team going to Pakistan to negotiate with the Iranians. And we also have backup plans if necessary,” he said.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane also weighed in, stating that the U.S. military is fully capable of securing vital waterways if tensions escalate, and that Trump is unlikely to accept any agreement he views as insufficient.

“I know our forces can open up that Strait and protect the ships going through it,” Keane told Fox News. “People are hand-wringing about a drone here and a missile there … They don’t understand the plan and the details of the plan.

“The United States military can secure defined space that’s moving through the straits — put an absolute air cap and air bubble around all of that and make certain that anything that tries to penetrate it is going to be defeated.”

Negotiators are expected to focus heavily on U.S. demands that Iran surrender roughly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium stored in fortified locations and fully restore access to the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.

Trump has repeatedly stressed that reopening the strategic waterway without restriction is essential for any agreement, particularly as maritime traffic has dwindled following recent U.S. strikes.

Additional issues on the table include halting Iran’s backing of regional proxy groups, addressing its ballistic missile capabilities, and Tehran’s push for relief from American sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israel on Friday, condemning its recently approved Death Penalty for Terrorists Bill and escalating his rhetoric against the Jewish state.

Speaking through remarks cited by Anadolu, Erdogan argued that the legislation is “essentially no different from Hitler’s policies against Jews,” drawing a comparison that has intensified already strained tensions.

He went on to accuse Israel of discriminatory practices, stating, “What is being done is discrimination, it is racism, it means implementing in Israel a worse version of the apartheid regime that was overthrown in South Africa in 1994,” the Turkish President charged.

Erdogan further claimed that applying capital punishment specifically to Palestinian Arabs reflects systemic injustice, asserting that it constitutes “apartheid’ and turns law into an “instrument of racist fascism.”

In recent years, Erdogan has emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken critics and has openly expressed support for the Hamas terrorist organization, despite a brief period in which Ankara and Jerusalem appeared close to restoring ties prior to the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault.

His criticism of Israel has been consistent, including remarks last March when he denounced the country as a “terror state” following Israeli strikes on terror targets in Gaza.

Later in the year, Erdogan escalated his accusations, contending that the government led by Bibi Netanyahu poses the greatest threat to stability in the Middle East.

In April 2024, Erdogan hosted then-Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul. Haniyeh was later eliminated by Israel.

Following that meeting, Erdogan stressed the importance of unity among Palestinian Arabs, saying it was “vital” and adding, “The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity.”

In the weeks that followed, Erdogan highlighted that more than 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical care in Turkish hospitals and also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization.

{Matzav.com}

A senior Iranian delegation touched down in Islamabad on Friday for anticipated negotiations with the United States, with both sides signaling that discussions hinge on key conditions and mutual trust.

According to Iranian reports, the team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and formal talks are expected to proceed only if Washington agrees to Tehran’s stated prerequisites.

Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a high-level Iranian delegation in Islamabad led by parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. pic.twitter.com/qH2oSBT1jt

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 10, 2026

Prior to the trip, Ghalibaf outlined two conditions that he said must be addressed before any dialogue can move forward. He said that “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets held abroad.

In a social media message, he asserted that both steps had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they had been “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented”.

On the American side, Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the process.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added a warning that any lack of sincerity would be met with resistance from the U.S. team.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive”.

At the same time, American and Israeli officials have pushed back on Tehran’s assertions regarding Lebanon, making clear that any ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran does not extend to that front.