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[Video below.] During his tish held on Purim Demukafin, the Pnei Menachem Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shaul Alter, shared a number of sharp and insightful remarks in his well-known style. At one point during the gathering, he related a story about a dream that one of the chassidim had told him about. With a smile, the Rosh Yeshiva explained why the fact that the question in the dream was specifically a question in learning actually proves the point he has been making throughout the year. The exchange, part of the shmuessen delivered by the Rosh Yeshiva on Purim, was published by the Machon Dvar Emes, which is dedicated to spreading the Torah of the Rosh Yeshiva.

The shmuessen delivered by Rav Shaul at the tishen he conducts every Shabbos are widely known for their depth and sharpness. On Purim, however, he has a special way of weaving witty and uplifting remarks into his words, bringing joy to those gathered in keeping with the spirit of the day. Indeed, at the Purim tish he held on Wednesday, Purim Demukafin, the Rosh Yeshiva told a story that drew smiles and laughter from those present, though the conclusion he drew from it was his familiar assertion that he is not a Rebbe.

In the course of the shmuess, which dealt with the cheit of the earth that was cursed for failing to produce trees with the same taste as their fruit, the Rosh Yeshiva mentioned a dream that one of the chassidim had recently shared with him. In the dream, the chossid said, he had asked the Rosh Yeshiva a question.

The Rosh Yeshiva, recounting the dream with his characteristic warmth and wit, explained that the story actually proves his point. From the fact that the chossid asked him a question in learning, he concluded that the message must already be deeply ingrained among the chassidim.

As he put it with a smile, the dream demonstrates that “what I say all the time, that I am not a Rebbe, is so firmly understood by the chassidim that even in a dream they know they can ask me a question of lomdus, but not questions for a Rebbe.”

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{Matzav.com}

Media commentator Tucker Carlson recently told viewers during a broadcast that the Chabad-Lubavitch movement is working toward rebuilding the Bais Hamikdosh in Yerushalayim.

During the segment, Carlson briefly discussed the background of Chassidism and the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. He concluded the discussion by claiming that Chabad is the main group advocating for the physical reconstruction of the Third Bais Hamikdosh on the Har Habayis.

Carlson appeared to confuse the Chabad movement with sectors of Israel’s National Religious community. Some individuals within the Religious Zionist camp have taken practical steps related to preparations for a future Bais Hamikdosh, including efforts connected to institutions such as the Temple Institute in Yerushalayim.

Chabad, by contrast, is widely recognized as a worldwide Jewish movement focused primarily on outreach activities and the establishment of community centers serving Jewish populations around the globe.

Beyond the theological confusion, Carlson also framed the discussion in connection with claims involving the “Greater Israel” and “Al-Aqsa is in Danger” narratives.

In his remarks, he portrayed the idea of rebuilding a Third Bais Hamikdosh as part of what he suggested was a broader Israeli plan to expand control across the Middle East and remove the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the site.

Carlson further described these aspirations as inherently “anti-Muslim,” presenting the issue through a lens commonly associated with rhetoric used by political activists in the region.

Critics of the segment also noted that Carlson did not mention a central historical element of the site itself: that the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock were constructed centuries later above the remains of the Second Bais Hamikdosh following the Islamic conquest of Yerushalayim.

{Matzav.com}

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone if necessary.

Explosions have been reported in Bahrain following a new wave of attacks from Iran.

In a moving and romemusdig gathering that left a deep impression in the hearts of all attendees, the Jewish Kehillah in Panama marked the significant expansion of “Dirshu” learning in the country. The event, held under the banner of “Ahavas HaTorah,” took place in the central Einstein Auditorium in the capital city.

Panama City was lavesh chag last week for the “Ahavas HaTorah” event—a historic Ma’amad that united the entire local Kehillah. The event sparked peak excitement among the Bnei Torah and local Baalei Batim, serving as a powerful Kiddush Hashem the likes of which Panama has never seen.

The many participants—men, women, and children—members of the “Dirshu family,” packed the hall, seeking to derive chizuk from the global Torah revolution of Dirshu, which has started taking root in Panama and connecting the Kehillah to the Torah HaKedoshah.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of Gedolei HaTorah and Roshei Kehillos from across Panama, who came to give kavod to the Torah and encourage the tzibbur to join the various maslulei limud and strengthen the limud among members of the Kehillah.

During the Ma’amad, recorded words of chizuk and brachos were heard from Gedolei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael: Hagaon Hagadol Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Avraham Salim shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Maor HaTorah. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Shlomo Yedidya Zafrani shlit”a.

A special guest who arrived from the U.S. was Horav Eli Mansour shlit”a, Rav of the “Edmond J. Safra” Shul in Brooklyn, who delivered a riveting speech on the greatness of Amalei Torah. The Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter shlit”a, praised Panama’s unique connection to the Dirshu revolution and the ribui HaTorah in recent years, noting that Panama is positioning itself as a “lighthouse” of Torah and Chesed in Latin America.

The Ma’amad marked the peak of Dirshu’s expansion in South America, following similar events held in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Brazil. While a Dirshu branch was established in Panama City about a decade ago, it saw a significant growth this past year and now operates regular shiurim and bechinos in “Daf HaYomi B’Halacha” and “Amud HaYomi,” which continue to expand.

The musical portion of the evening was led by Baal Menagen Naftali Kempeh, accompanied by an expanded orchestra conducted by Gershon Freishtat, who led the crowd in shira and dancing לכבוד התורה. Additionally, a special sale of Dirshu sefarim  for the benefit of the lomdim.

A mine collapse at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo left at least 200 dead, according to Congolese authorities, a number disputed by the rebel group that controls the mine. The collapse took place Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebel group, Congo’s Ministry of Mines said in […]

In a moving and romemusdig gathering that left a deep impression in the hearts of all attendees, the Jewish Kehillah in Panama marked the significant expansion of “Dirshu” learning in the country. The event, held under the banner of “Ahavas HaTorah,” took place in the central Einstein Auditorium in the capital city. Panama City was […]

Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth: We now have operational control of our southern border. Zero people are crossing our southern border. We will not rest until we have complete operational control of every inch of all of our borders.

The first rescue flights carrying Israeli passengers landed at Ben Gurion Airport early Thursday morning, marking the reopening of Israel’s skies after five days of complete closure following the outbreak of the war with Iran.

An El Al flight arriving from Athens and an Israir flight from Rome were the first aircraft to touch down after commercial air travel to and from Israel was halted when the conflict began.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev came to Ben Gurion Airport to welcome the arriving passengers. “We wish you a safe landing. With God’s help, we will bring all Israelis home safely,” she said.

Shortly before departure from Greece, El Al captain Roi Meir addressed passengers on board the rescue flight to Israel.

“Welcome to the El Al flight to Tel Aviv. This is the first rescue flight that will land at Ben Gurion. For all of us this is an emotional and meaningful moment. After more than five days in which the country’s skies have been closed to commercial flights, we are excited to host you on the flight that opens the rescue operation back to Israel,” Meir told passengers.

The Athens–Tel Aviv flight arrived after El Al completed extensive operational preparations in recent days. It is the first in a series of additional rescue flights expected to operate over the coming 24 hours.

El Al said in a statement that it will continue working to return its customers to Israel gradually and safely.

“El Al will continue to operate to bring its customers back in a gradual, safe and organized manner, and we are working to place all El Al passengers whose flights were canceled onto rescue flights, without additional cost,” the airline said.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Navy struck and eliminated Hamas commander Wasim Attallah Ali in Tripoli, Lebanon on Thursday morning. Ali was responsible for training and exercises for Hamas’ military wing in Lebanon and had promoted terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops. The strike marks the first in the Tripoli area since the start of Operation […]

Sen. Tim Sheehy helped Capitol Police subdue a protester who disrupted a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The man, later identified as Green Party Senate candidate Brian McGinnis, allegedly injured three officers while resisting removal.

Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, is seen jumping into the scrum and trying to yank the 44-year-old McGinnis, who was wearing a US Marine Corps uniform, out of the room. The situation only calmed down after a loud snap was heard, which appeared to be the sound of the protester’s arm breaking inside the Hart Senate Office Building.

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Dear Editor,

Every year Purim comes and goes with its special simcha. But this year, I found myself overwhelmed by the unbelievable tzedakah that was given out on Purim, sums of money that are simply hard to comprehend. We are talking about literally millions of dollars that were distributed to help Yidden in need. Millions! Standing there and seeing it with my own eyes, I kept thinking to myself: Heilige Yidden! What a nation we are.

At one point during Purim, I happened to stop by Chuny Herzka’s house in Lakewood. There was a whole setup there with gabbaim sitting and distributing his checks. Yes, the line was long. People were coming through, one after another, and the gabbaim were handing out the checks with quiet efficiency.

But what struck me was not just the organization. It was the amounts.

I happened to glance at some of the checks as they were being given out, and I could not believe the numbers I was seeing. These were serious sums of money.

I stood there only for about an hour or longer, yet in those minutes I watched check after check being handed out. The gabbaim kept pulling from the stacks and giving them out calmly, almost as if this was routine. But to anyone watching, it was anything but routine. It was astounding.

And then it hit me: This was just one house.

Across Lakewood and in communities everywhere, similar scenes were taking place. Homes where gabbaim sat surrounded by envelopes and lists. Quiet – or noisy! – lines of Yidden coming in, many of them broken from the weight of parnassah pressures. And behind the scenes, individuals who had prepared enormous sums of money simply because fellow Yidden needed help.

Millions of dollars given out in one day. Millions.

Not for recognition. Not for kavod.

Just because it is Purim, and because a Yid cannot bear to see another Yid struggling.

That is the heart of Klal Yisroel. When the mitzvah of matanos la’evyonim arrives, something extraordinary happens. The Jewish heart opens wide. People give with a generosity that the outside world simply cannot understand.

And the most remarkable part was the quietness of it all. There were no speeches, no announcements, no publicity. The gabbaim sat there calmly doing their job, the people came and went with dignity, and the checks kept flowing.

Watching this unfold, I felt an enormous sense of pride to be part of such a tzibbur. The world may not see these moments. That dopey Youtuber who’s been hounding our communities didn’t bother catching this. They may never hear about the quiet rivers of chesed that flow through our communities. But anyone who witnessed it this Purim knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Standing there, watching the checks being handed out one after another, I kept thinking the same words over and over again:

Heilige Yidden! Look at the heart of our people.

May the Ribbono Shel Olam bench all those who gave with endless shefa and bracha, and may the incredible tzedakah of this Purim bring yeshuos to Klal Yisroel.

T. K.

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Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, 14 families in Bnei—about 60 residents in total—were evacuated after their homes were damaged by missile shrapnel and required immediate evacuation. Most of the evacuations took place on Tuesday (Purim), when 11 families, numbering about 45 people, were forced to leave their homes. All of the families were […]

Antisemitic media personality Tucker Carlson has unleashed what is arguably his most insane conspiracy theory yet, arguing that the war with Iran is tied to a supposed Chabad plan to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and rebuild the Bais Hamikdash (Third temple). During an episode of his podcast, Carlson questioned why some Israeli soldiers had been […]

Political commentator Candace Owens sparked widespread outrage this week after promoting a conspiracy theory alleging that Israel was responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which killed roughly 3,000 Americans.

The controversy escalated Wednesday when Owens responded online to a video clip of Bibi Netanyahu speaking about the ongoing joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. The clip was captioned, “Netanyahu: You see the difference. The tyrants of Tehran target civilians. We target the tyrants of Tehran to protect civilians.”

Owens reposted the video and added a sharply worded accusation: “You murdered 3,000 Americans on 9/11. For starters.”

A day earlier, Owens published several additional posts suggesting that Israel had orchestrated the deadliest terrorist attack in American history. In one post, she shared a clip of Tucker Carlson discussing an anti-Israel conspiracy theory and wrote, “From 9/11 to the Lavon Affair and many [sic] inbetween, false-flags are the Israeli way. Mossad agents are taught that they will inherit the earth ‘by way of deception’. Bibi wants a third world war so they can hit a global reset— as they have done everytime people start noticing.”

Owens, who hosts a widely followed podcast, also used Tuesday’s broadcast to criticize Blake Neff, a producer for The Charlie Kirk Show and a close associate of a MAGA influencer who was recently assassinated. Responding to Neff’s criticism of her comments about Erika Kirk, Owens wrote, “Of everything I have said on the show— Blake Neff has chosen to author a long-winded response to my OBVIOUS joke about Erika’s Shabbat Shalom world tour.”

She continued by sharing a screenshot of Neff’s reply to her attacks on Erika Kirk, who has been promoting her late husband’s final book, Stop in the Name of God, a work that focused on his appreciation for observing Shabbos.

Owens added another comment criticizing the response to her remarks, writing, “This is what they NEEDED to clarify. They need the world to know that Charlie loved Shabbat. We are beyond parody.” Owens has previously suggested that Israelis may have been involved in the influencer’s killing.

The latest controversy follows a pattern of highly controversial claims from Owens, who has frequently drawn headlines for promoting conspiracy theories. At one point earlier in her career, she even publicly advanced the claim that France’s first lady is actually a man.

Her recent posts triggered an immediate wave of criticism, including from figures on the political right.

Brent Scher, editor in chief of The Daily Wire and a former employer of Owens, shared her comments and criticized them sharply, writing, “We need better conspiracy theorists. Israel did 9/11 is one of the most tired conspiracies in the playbook. Didn’t know we were stating it as fact now in the asylum.”

David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network also mocked the claims, responding with a satirical equation describing how Owens and Carlson relate to reality and concluding, “Take whatever they say and invert it.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Finance Ministry warned Wednesday that the ongoing war with Iran is costing the country’s economy an estimated NIS 9.4 billion ($3 billion) each week as long as strict nationwide limitations on economic activity remain in effect.

In a letter sent Wednesday to Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Klapper, Finance Ministry Director General Ilan Rom urged that some of the restrictions be loosened to allow a gradual and partial reopening of workplaces and businesses as early as Thursday. When approached by The Times of Israel, the IDF Home Front Command declined to comment on the request.

Rom stressed the need to balance security concerns with the country’s economic stability. “There is no dispute about the need to preserve a defense policy adapted to the security situation, but at the same time, shutting down the economy on a broad scale carries heavy economic costs,” Rom cautioned.

“We need a solution that addresses both the security needs of the Home Front and the needs of the economy, after two and a half years in which the economy has been paying a heavy economic price in light of the increase in security needs and the repercussions of the [Hamas] war,” he said.

The current restrictions were imposed after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran. In response, the IDF’s Home Front Command introduced nationwide emergency directives banning public gatherings, halting educational activity, and closing most workplaces aside from essential services. The rules also limit commuting to work, require many employees to work remotely, and keep schools closed.

Following a new security assessment on Monday as the conflict continued, the Home Front Command decided to extend the restrictions across the country until Saturday night.

In his letter, Rom asked Klapper to downgrade the alert status from the current red level — which allows only essential activity — to the orange level, which would permit limited economic operations. According to the Finance Ministry, the red-level restrictions are responsible for the estimated weekly economic loss of NIS 9.4 billion, factoring in school closures, workplace shutdowns, and the widespread mobilization of reserve soldiers.

Under the orange alert level, workplaces and economic activity would be allowed to resume on a limited basis as long as employees remain close to protected spaces, though schools would remain closed.

“n their workplaces and make it clear to employees that the door is open if they want to come back,” said Manpower Group Israel CEO Dror Litvak. “This is not a move to ignore the security situation, but rather an adaptation to it.”

“From the perspective of employees, work is both economic security and a psychological anchor,” Litvak said.

Rom noted that if the country moves to the orange alert level, the expected weekly economic damage would drop to roughly NIS 4.5 billion ($1.5 billion), less than half the losses incurred under the stricter red-level restrictions.

“This policy will enable the expansion of economic activity while maintaining Home Front security, in a manner that meets both economic and security needs,” Rom remarked.

“The cost that the economy is required to absorb as part of the activity under the orange alert level is expected to have significant economic implications, but we believe that it reflects a balance that is necessary in the current reality, and allows for the minimum necessary economic activity while maintaining required security restrictions,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

In major events in Jerusalem on February 16 and 17, the State of Israel and World Jewry celebrated the reclamation of the 3,000 year old Har Hazeitim, the historic burial site of more than 150,000 Jews over the ages. Among them Nevi”im, many great Rabbis, and notable modern Israeli leaders. The events were sponsored by the International Committee for Har Hazeitim ICHH in conjunction with the Israeli government and Municipality of Jerusalem.

The highlight of the two day mission was the ceremony marking the completion of the first floor of the Visitor Education Center which ICHH is building in partnership with national and municipal government entities. The Center will serve not only as a gateway for the hundreds of thousands who visit each year, but as a permanent educational and security anchor to preserve the kedusha of the mountain and protect the kevarim of so many gedolim and kedoshim buried there.

The mission began Monday night with a well-attended Town Hall Meeting at the Begin Center, where United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee spoke warmly about the vital importance of securing and protecting Har Hazeitim. Ambassador Huckabee emphasized the global and historic significance of the site and praised the unwavering work of the ICHH in safeguarding this sacred mountain for generations to come.

Tuesday morning, participants toured Har Hazeitim firsthand, witnessing the remarkable progress made in cleaning, restoring, and securing the cemetery. Delegates saw the rehabilitation efforts, enhanced security measures, and ongoing improvements that now enable the hundreds of thousands who visit annually to do so with safety and dignity, something that was unthinkable just years ago.

The series of historic events also included an impressive reception by Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rabbi Kalman Ber (Ashkenazi) and Rabbi David Yosef (Sephardi). The Chief Rabbis spoke passionately about the unique holiness of the mountain as the only cemetery within the traditional borders of Jerusalem and stressed the vital importance of protecting its sanctity for future generations. They were effusive in their praise for the members of the ICHH who succeeded in securing the historic cemetery and ending the rampant vandalism that plagued it prior to the organization’s founding.

In a special state ceremony honoring the accomplishments of the ICHH, President Isaac Herzog spoke of the historic and personal significance of Har Hazeitim. He noted that his own grandfather, former President Chaim Herzog, is buried on the mountain, underscoring the deeply personal connection so many families have to this sacred site. President Herzog declared that he stands ready to do anything necessary to ensure the success of the ICHH mission to protect Har Hazeitim. In a particularly moving gesture, the President gifted signed copies of a book about the Herzog family to Menachem and Avraham Lubinsky, the two brothers who founded the ICHH, as a token of appreciation for their historic leadership and dedication. The ceremony, held at the President’s Residence, included more than 80 members of the ICHH from the United States and abroad who traveled to join the historic festivities.

Despite the trying times facing Israel, the Knesset, headed by Speaker Amir Ohana, paused its intense national schedule to honor the ICHH, demonstrating the vital importance of this effort to Israel’s sovereignty and national dignity. More than 20 Members of Knesset and six government ministers attended, showing their commitment by taking time away from pressing national matters and critical events unfolding in Israel to stand in support of Har Hazeitim. MK Rabbi Yoav ben Zur, who headed the Knesset Caucus on Har Hazeitim, which at one time featured 76 members from all parties, the largest caucus in Knesset history, joined in recognizing the ICHH’s 16-year effort to reclaim this biblical and historic site.

The Lubinsky brothers reminded the Knesset why they founded the ICHH in 2010 following the devastating report by the late Israel Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss, which exposed years of neglect and desecration, including broken tombstones and soccer matches played atop graves. Since then, the ICHH has brought transformative change. 176 surveillance cameras were installed, a police substation was established, new fences and gates were erected, and extensive rehabilitation was undertaken in partnership with government authorities and law enforcement.

The keynote event was the dedication celebrating completion of the first floor of the Har Hazeitim Visitor Education Center. Beyond construction progress, the Center represents a bold commitment to educate visitors about the mountain’s 3,000-year history, reinforce its kedusha, and ensure ongoing security and stewardship. The project, years in the making, has now advanced to construction of the second floor. Particular praise was given to Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion for his pivotal role in helping make the Visitors’ Center a reality.

An especially meaningful addition to the mission was the participation of hundreds of attendees of the Agudah Yarchei Kallah, who joined the delegation for a special luncheon highlighting the importance of the ICHH’s mission. In addition, the N’shei Yarchei Kallah were given a guided tour of Har Hazeitim, allowing them to witness firsthand the extraordinary progress in security, restoration, and preservation efforts.

The guests stood in silence as a Chazan recited Kaddish and Kel Maleh Rachamim for the 150,000 Jews buried on Har Hazeitim, a solemn reminder of the sacred responsibility entrusted to this generation.

An impressive evening of recognition was held at Jerusalem’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria Hotel, chaired by noted Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein, Chairman Emeritus of the Conference of Major American Jewish Organizations. Leaders and dignitaries praised the American delegation who invested their resources, time, and dedication to help establish the Visitors’ Center and secure the future of Har Hazeitim for the hundreds of thousands who come each year to connect with Jewish history, heritage, and holiness.

The mission concluded with a special meeting at the United States Embassy with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who expressed deep familiarity with and admiration for Har Hazeitim and reiterated his strong support for the ICHH and its Israel Chairman, Jeff Daube.

This historic mission underscored not only what has already been achieved, but how much more remains to be done. The protection of Har Hazeitim, its kedusha, its history, and the graves of 150,000 Jews, requires continued vigilance, partnership, and support. We call upon all who cherish Jerusalem and its sacred heritage to join this holy mission, to help complete the Visitor Education Center and to ensure that Har Hazeitim remains protected, secure, and preserved for the hundreds of thousands who come each year and for generations yet to come.

For more information or to join this sacred effort, please visit harhazeitim.org

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said Wednesday night that escalating regional tensions have created a security environment that requires Israeli diplomats around the world to act with increased vigilance, including those serving in the United States.

Speaking in an interview with Kol Barama Radio, Danon said, “Even in the US, Israeli representatives need to be more careful during these days,” pointing to the broader implications of the current situation for Israel’s diplomatic missions.

Danon said Iran’s actions have had the unintended effect of unifying Arab states against it. “The Iranians made a very serious mistake when they attacked Arab countries. Representatives of those countries come to me and tell me: ‘Keep going with full force.’”

According to Danon, the impact was swift and far-reaching. “In a single day, Iran managed to turn the entire Arab world against it. European countries have also begun to grow concerned following the attacks on the Gulf states.”

He described Iran’s conduct as increasingly erratic under pressure, saying that “Iran is behaving like a wounded animal, and therefore it is firing in every direction.”

Turning to criticism from France, Danon dismissed the role of Emmanuel Macron, saying, “The French president is trying to demonstrate relevance on the international stage, but he isn’t succeeding. He lost control in France long ago, and that is why he is acting this way.”

Danon concluded by stressing the close cooperation between Jerusalem and Washington, saying that “there is a very high level of coordination between Israel and the US.”

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli Air Force F-35I fighter aircraft brought down an Iranian Yak-130 jet over Tehran on Wednesday, the IDF announced, marking the first time an F-35 has shot down a piloted aircraft, Times of Israel reports.

The encounter also represented the first instance in roughly four decades that the Israeli Air Force has fought an air-to-air battle against a manned enemy plane.

The previous time Israeli fighter jets destroyed a piloted hostile aircraft occurred on November 24, 1985, during a clash over Lebanon, when an Israeli F-15 shot down two Syrian MiG-23 fighter jets.

In an audio transmission released by the military, Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar praised the pilot responsible for the interception, calling the moment a landmark achievement.

“The historic interception over the skies of Tehran is an expression of the air force’s power and your personal determination. The next mission is already waiting for you,” Bar said.

Speaking with reporters, the commander of Nevatim Airbase — where Israel’s fleet of F-35 aircraft is stationed — described how the engagement unfolded once the Iranian jet was detected.

“We identified the plane, locked on it and launched [a missile].”

“The Iranian plane endangered [our] aircraft. It could have hit our plane, so we shot it down,” Brig. Gen. “Daled,” — identified only by his rank and first initial in Hebrew — said.

The base commander explained that the Israeli fighter launched its missile while already conducting operations targeting Iranian regime facilities in Tehran, noting that the aircraft is capable of executing such actions rapidly and precisely.

He added that the pilot responsible for downing the Iranian jet is relatively junior within the force, though the officer has previously flown operational missions over Iran.

“The Iranian Air Force understands that it is inferior and under significant threat. Despite this, it is trying with its remaining capabilities to carry out missions that will disrupt us. That was the situation that led to the shootdown,” the airbase commander said.

“We encounter the enemy during our sorties in Iran, but it is a weak enemy,” he added.

Video circulated on social media that appeared to show the aircraft crashing in the Lavasan Mountains north of Tehran, though the authenticity of the footage could not immediately be confirmed.

The Israeli Air Force is expected to commemorate the event by adding a “victory mark” decal to the side of the F-35I involved in the interception, recognizing the pilot and the aircraft for the achievement.

If added, it would likely be the first time in nearly twenty years that such a marking has been placed on an Israeli aircraft.

{Matzav.com}