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During a campaign event on Thursday night featuring Oprah Winfrey, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democratic presidential candidate, made a surprising statement about what she would do if someone broke into her home—she would shoot them.

The conversation started with Harris remarking, “I’m a gun owner. Tim Walz is a gun owner.” Oprah, taken aback, responded, “I did not know that.” Harris continued, “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.”

Harris had publicly acknowledged being a gun owner more than five years ago, during her unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election.

On April 11, 2029, CNN reported her saying, “I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety.”

Interestingly, while Harris owns a firearm for her own “personal safety,” she has consistently opposed the idea of allowing teachers to carry guns in schools to protect themselves and their students. On July 25, 2024, Breitbart News referenced a speech Harris gave to the American Federation of Teachers, where she criticized “extremists” who advocate for arming educators to defend classrooms.

WATCH:

 

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Yerushalayim on Thursday night for a protest organized by the Tikva Forum for Families of Hostages, demanding immediate and decisive action from the government to secure the release of all Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza and the definitive defeat of the terrorist group.

The demonstration, which took place on Kaplan Street, which runs through the government campus on Givat Ram, starting at 7 p.m., brought together families of hostages, bereaved families from the Forum for Families of Fallen Heroes (the Gvura Forum), war veterans and IDF reservists under the banner “Demanding Resolution Now for the Release of All Hostages.”

The protest comes amid ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, with critics arguing that current proposals could leave captives in Gaza for years without Israel maintaining leverage over Hamas.

Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit) addressed the crowd, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

“Our goal is clear: to bring back all our hostages,” she declared. “What we need to do today is one thing only: Strike Hamas in every possible way until they are forced to release our loved ones.”

Son Har-Melech also stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Hamas by restricting aid supplies and other goods from entering Gaza until all hostages are free.

The protest gained significant momentum earlier in the day when Rabbi Tzvi Tau, a prominent figure in the Religious Zionist community and president of the Har Hamor Yeshivah in Yerushalayim, issued a letter calling on the public to attend.

“It is a great mitzvah to join the clear, healthy and loyal voice of the people at tonight’s mass rally,” Tau wrote, urging support for the government’s military efforts and the soldiers defending Israel.

The Tikvah Forum expressed support for a new hostage deal proposal reportedly submitted by Israel to the United States. The proposal includes the release of all Israeli captives, the exit of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar from the Gaza Strip, the release of terrorists held by Israel, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of a new control mechanism in the Strip.

“The Tikva Forum for Hostage Families expresses great support for the new proposal, which includes the release of all the hostages held in Hamas’s dungeons for a whole year in a single phase,” the group stated. “We believe that only a deal in one phase can bring the hostages home. Any other deal is not feasible and could lead to the murder of the hostages.”

Shimon Or, an uncle of hostage Avinatan Or, told JNS after attending the rally: “Allowing Hamas to give back only some of the hostages would give it leverage, in the form of the remaining hostages, that it could use to drag out negotiations for years, all the while signaling to the Palestinian population that it’s in charge.”

The current premise of the indirect negotiations, in which Hamas has expressed a tentative willingness to release only some of the hostages, Shimon Or, who is a member of the Tikvah Forum, added, is a “pipe dream. It’s not going to lead anywhere. So anyone who actually wants to see the hostages return needs to change the premise, which is what we’re calling to do.”

Members of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum also said, “We welcome the new Netanyahu proposal, which strengthens security in Israel and allows for a comprehensive regional arrangement. The prime minister must lead this proposal with courage, determination, and speed.”

More than 30 families of hostages are expected to attend next week’s U.N. General Assembly session to meet with international officials and advocate for the release of their loved ones.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday harshly criticized an Israeli television news report accusing him of “torpedoing” a ceasefire deal with Hamas, saying it echoed the terrorist group’s propaganda.

“The fact that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has acceded to every American proposal for releasing the hostages despite the ultimatum from elements in the coalition completely refutes the claim that he has torpedoed any deal whatsoever due to political considerations,” his office said in a statement in response to the Channel 12 report.

“The false claims in the media against Prime Minister Netanyahu echo the propaganda of the Hamas terrorist organization and invert reality. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already brought about the release of 154 hostages, 117 of whom are alive, and will continue to utilize all means to release the hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Hamas currently holds 101 hostages captive in Gaza, including 97 abducted on Oct. 7.

(JNS)

All are urged to daven for Tzvi ben Leah Miriam, a bochur learning in Eretz Yisroel who was involved in a tragic accident.

Tzvi was electrocuted, suffering severe burns on 50% of his body and a serious spinal injury.

He is currently fighting for his life in the hospital.

Tzvi is an alumnus of Waterbury Yeshiva and is presently a talmid at Rav Fisher’s yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel.

All are asked to daven for Tzvi ben Leah Miriam. The next hours and days are critical.

WATCH: Tehilim Gathering | Tzvi Ben Leah Miriam | Rabbi Daniel Kalish

{Matzav.com}

A series of two missile barrages, involving around 130 rockets, were fired at northern Israel early Friday afternoon, leaving one person with minor injuries.

Magen David Adom (MDA) teams have been dispatched to multiple locations to search for potential casualties.

The missile strikes triggered several fires in the region, adding to the chaos.

Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that the rockets were fired at an IDF base in Birya in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on villages in southern Lebanon.

In response, the IDF began conducting strikes on targets in southern Lebanon.

The IDF issued a statement confirming the situation: “Following the sirens that sounded over the past few hours in the areas of the Golan Heights, Safed, and the Upper Galilee, approximately 120 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory.”

“The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted some of the launches. Fallen projectiles and fallen shrapnel from the interceptions were identified in several areas. Fire and Rescue Services are currently operating to extinguish fires that were caused by fallen projectiles in several areas.”

“Following the sirens that sounded in the areas of Meron and Netu’a, approximately 20 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Most fell in open areas. No injuries were reported.”

The IDF statement further detailed their actions: “Earlier today, IDF soldiers identified a Hezbollah terrorist entering a terrorist infrastructure site used by Hezbollah in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon. Swiftly, the IAF struck the site from which the terrorist was operating.”

“Additionally, the IAF struck Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the areas of Aitaroun, Kfarkela, Meiss El Jabal, Tayibe, Odaisseh, and Yaroun in southern Lebanon.”

“IDF artillery struck in a number of areas throughout southern Lebanon.”

The IDF emphasized that it “will continue to operate against the threat of the Hezbollah terrorist organization to defend the State of Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The IDF confirmed on Friday that a targeted airstrike eliminated Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s military operations, along with several top commanders of the group’s elite Radwan Force. Aqil was also the acting commander of the Radwan Force, Hezbollah’s special operations unit, and was responsible for overseeing a plan to invade northern Israel. According to the IDF, Aqil and his fellow commanders were key figures behind Hezbollah’s “plan for the occupation of the Galilee,” a strategic initiative aimed at infiltrating Israeli territory and attacking civilian communities. The plan, as described by the IDF, involved large-scale raids into Israel with the intent to “murder and kill innocents,” similar to the deadly attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7. “Aqil and the commanders who were eliminated were among the architects of the ‘plan for the occupation of the Galilee,’ in which Hezbollah planned to raid Israeli territory, occupy the communities of the Galilee, murder and kill innocents, similar to what the Hamas terror organization carried out in the murderous massacre on October 7,” the IDF said in a statement. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

New York Representative Ritchie Torres criticized what he termed the “selective outrage” shown by those condemning Israel’s targeted strikes on Hezbollah militants, while turning a blind eye to the nearly constant, indiscriminate attacks the Lebanese group has launched against Israel over the past year.

In a social media post shared on Thursday, Torres, a congressman from New York, expressed his frustration with individuals who, in his view, only focus on Israel’s actions against Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure while failing to acknowledge the terrorist group’s continuous attacks on Israel.

Torres, who represents New York’s 15th Congressional District and left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in February due to its harsh criticism of Israel, argued that singling out Israel’s defensive actions while ignoring Hezbollah’s aggression works against the efforts to achieve peace.

“You are obstinately opposing Israel’s right to defend itself against the world’s most heavily armed terrorist organization,” Torres said, stressing the importance of Israel’s self-defense in the face of Hezbollah’s violence.

Since hostilities began, Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israel, forcing people to flee their homes and causing widespread damage.

“How can one be outraged over a precision strike by Israel against terrorists while remaining silent about Hezbollah’s role in firing over 8,000 rockets against Israel; in displacing up to 100,000 Israelis from their homes; and in murdering 12 Druze children with relentless rocket fire?” Torres asked, calling attention to the uneven criticism directed at Israel.

Recently, Torres, a consistent advocate for Israel’s right to defend itself, also criticized airlines that suspended flights to Israel, accusing them of “effectively boycotting” the Jewish state.

This comes after reports that Israel had targeted Hezbollah leaders’ communication equipment in Lebanon, part of the country’s response to Hezbollah’s relentless attacks on Israeli civilians. According to Breitbart News, senior Hezbollah officials’ communication devices were blown up across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Currently, Israel is engaged in a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 terrorist attack, which resulted in the murder of nearly 1,200 people, most of whom were Israeli civilians. This attack, the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust, left over 4,800 wounded and saw 241 people taken hostage, with more than half still being held in Gaza. The casualties included a significant number of American citizens.

On October 8, a day after the Hamas assault, Hezbollah launched guided rockets and artillery at Israel, further escalating the conflict. Since then, clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have intensified, with fighting across the Lebanon-Israel border causing large-scale displacements and raising concerns of a broader war between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist political and military force, holds significant sway in Lebanon, where it influences both the government and security forces, often acting like a separate state within the country. Over the years, its military might has grown, at times even surpassing the capabilities of the Lebanese Army. With backing from Iran and political support from Syria, Hezbollah has extended its operations beyond Lebanon’s borders, notably joining the Syrian Civil War on behalf of the Assad regime.

Hezbollah, recognized as a terrorist group by over a dozen nations and international organizations, including key Western countries, the European Union, and many members of the Arab League, has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting Americans, French, Israelis, and others.

Its actions pose a significant threat to Israel’s security, and its relationship with the United States has been fraught with tension. In 1983, Hezbollah carried out a bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American military personnel, an attack that remains one of the deadliest assaults on Americans prior to 9/11.

Speaking at an event in 2018 commemorating the 35th anniversary of the attack, then-President Donald Trump remarked, “No terrorist group other than al Qaeda has more American blood on its hands.”

 

Members of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit were killed alongside top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil in the Israeli strike in Beirut as they were holding a meeting, two security sources tell Reuters. (Reuters)

A soldier from the 50th Battalion, Nahal Brigade, was severely injured earlier today during combat in southern Gaza. The soldier was evacuated to a hospital for further treatment, his family was notified.

This morning (Friday), the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, met with the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command and the division commanders in the Northern Command.

A source close to Lebanon’s Hezbollah says the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood killed Ibrahim Aqil, a senior commander in the terror group’s elite Radwan unit. “The Israeli air strike killed Radwan Force commander Ibrahim Aqil, its armed force’s second-in-command after Fuad Shukr,” who was killed by an Israeli strike in July, also in Hezbollah’s southern Beirut stronghold, says the source who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. (AP)

An Israel Defense Forces targeted strike in Beirut on Friday reportedly killed senior Hezbollah terrorist Ibrahim Aqil, alias Al-Hajj Abdul Khader, in the predominately Shi’ite Dahiyeh neighborhood.

Aqil was a member of Hezbollah’s top “military” body, the Jihad Council, which is subordinate to the Shura Council and under the direct control of terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Aqil was also responsible for the Radwan Force commandos in the Sword of Iron war and led Hezbollah’s tunnel project in Lebanon.

The U.S. had offered a $7 million bounty for Aqil.

In July, the Israeli Air Force struck in Beirut, killing Fuad Shukr, also known as al-Hajj Mohsin, a senior member of the Jihad Council who was responsible for the 1983 bombing that killed 241 U.S. troops in the Lebanese capital.

In January, an Israeli drone strike on an office in Beirut eliminated Saleh al-Arouri, the commander of Hamas operations in Judea and Samaria and the terrorist group’s deputy politburo chief.

Earlier Friday, the IDF hit several buildings, a weapons depot and over 100 loaded rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah across Southern Lebanon, in one of the most significant attacks since the beginning of the war.

The strikes were launched in several waves over the course of the afternoon and following a heavy barrage of rockets from Lebanon.

Israel has been conducted waves of strikes since dozens of Hezbollah terrorists were killed earlier this week when their communications devices were remote detonated in coordinated attacks attributed to Yerushalayim.

On Tuesday, at least 12 Hezbollah terrorists were killed and some 3,000 wounded across Lebanon when their pagers exploded, with the terrorist organization saying it held Israel “fully responsible” and vowing revenge.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 25 Hezbollah operatives were killed and 450 wounded on Wednesday when their hand-held walkie-talkies exploded.

Nasrallah acknowledged on Thursday that Hezbollah had suffered an unparalleled defeat, saying that the alleged Israeli attacks amounted to a declaration of war.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said at the start of Sunday’s weekly Cabinet meeting in Yerushalayim that the current circumstances in the Galil and the Golan “will not continue.”

He called for a “change in the balance of forces on our northern border,” amid daily attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, while pledging to do “whatever is necessary” to return evacuated residents safely to their homes.

Netanyahu spoke days after he ordered the military to prepare for a broad campaign in Lebanon against the Iranian-backed terrorist army.

His instructions were given during a security-strategic discussion on Sept. 12 with the heads of the security establishment, including Defense Minster Yoav Gallant, along with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

On Wednesday, Gallant said that the IDF had entered a new stage in the conflict against Iran’s regional terrorist proxies.

“I believe that we are at the beginning of a new period in this war,” he declared, speaking at the Ramat David Airbase near Haifa.

“The center of gravity is moving to the north. This means that we are moving forces, resources and energy to the north,” the defense minister said. “We did not forget the hostages, and we did not forget our missions in the south. This is our duty, and we carry it out simultaneously.”

Hours later, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi approved “attack and defense plans for the north,” the army said. “We still have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, I repeat, we have not yet activated …,” he said.

“The rule is that every time we work on a certain stage, the next two stages are already ready to advance. At each stage, the price for Hezbollah must be high,” Halevi added.

(JNS)

According to John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, the United States was not briefed in advance about Israel’s decision to launch an attack on a high-ranking Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Former U.S. President and current Republican candidate Donald Trump addressed attendees on Thursday evening during the opening session of the 2024 Israeli-American Council (IAC) National Summit.

“I believe we are closer to World War 3 than at any time in the history of this country,” Trump remarked. “We have leaders who are grossly incompetent. They have no idea what’s happening.”

He went on to reflect on the upcoming anniversary of a tragic event, stating, “In less than three weeks, we will mark the one-year anniversary of the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. On October 7, Hamas terrorists slaughtered more than 1,200 people…they tortured, kidnapped and horribly maimed thousands more. Unthinkable. Would not have happened if I was President. You know that.”

Trump then paid tribute to the victims of the attacks, saying, “Tonight we honor the memory of all who lost their lives in the October 7 attacks, and we pray to God that Israel will redeem their deaths with ultimate victory over those who wish to destroy it.”

During his speech, Trump invited Andrei Kozlov, a former hostage freed during “Operation Arnon” in Gaza, to join him on stage. Trump humorously noted, “He has more courage than I do.”

Reflecting on the horrors of the past year, Trump said, “This evening, we repeat the vow that we have kept in our hearts since the terrible day in October: Never again. This should never have happened. Weak leadership in the United States allowed this to happen, and it should never have happened.”

Warning of future dangers, he added, “If we continue down our current path, with four more years of Kamala [Harris], Israel will be faced not just with an attack but with total annihilation.”

Trump then made a pointed comment about voting preferences, stating, “I’ve said long and loud, and especially over the last few years: Anybody who’s Jewish, and loves being Jewish, and loves Israel, is a fool if they vote for a Democrat. But beyond that: If they love Israel, anyone who votes for Democrats and Kamala especially – she makes Barack Hussein Obama look like he loved Israel – you should have your head examined.”

He concluded with a clear message about the upcoming election, saying, “My message today is very simple: If you want Israel to survive, you need Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. It’s very simple.”

The opening session marked the beginning of a significant three-day event that commemorated the October 7 attacks on Israel, remembering the victims, honoring the heroes, and highlighting the experiences of survivors and the families of those taken hostage.

Trump reflected on the state of international relations during his administration, particularly with Iran. “The saddest part: They had no money, they wanted to make a deal, and these guys came in and they never made a deal. Now they’re rich again because [Biden] took all the sanctions off and everybody started buying, in particular China.”

Promising swift action if reelected, Trump vowed, “We will deport the foreign jihad sympathizers and Hamas supporters from our midst. If you hate America, if you want to eliminate Israel – we will throw you out of our country so rapidly your head will spin.”

He also issued a stark prediction regarding Israel’s future, saying, “If I don’t win this election, Israel in my opinion will cease to exist within two years, and I believe I’m 100% percent right. If I do win, Israel will be safe and secured. We will stop the toxic poison of antisemitism from spreading here.”

Aside from Trump’s main address, the event also featured appearances by other notable figures, including Andrei Kozlov, who spoke prior to Trump. Additionally, the parents of hostages still held by Hamas, Yael and Adi Alexander of Tenafly, NJ, whose son Edan remains in captivity, and Orna and Ronen Neutra of Plainview, NY, whose son Omer is also being held, addressed the audience.

IAC CEO Elan Carr, a former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and the current U.S. Special Envoy, Deborah Lipstadt, are both slated to discuss the significance of the upcoming October 7 anniversary.

WATCH:

A U.S. intelligence official informed ABC News that Israel likely spent approximately 15 years preparing the operation involving the exploding Hezbollah devices.

According to the source, executing such a mission would require a long-term effort to establish shell companies and implement several layers of deception, allowing agents to infiltrate the supply chain without detection.

The official also mentioned that some individuals involved in the operation might have been unaware they were working on behalf of Israeli intelligence.

The source further explained that the CIA had previously refrained from employing a similar strategy, due to concerns about the significant risk posed to civilian populations.

{Matzav.com}

Donald Trump twice claimed on Thursday that Jewish Americans would be a major factor in his potential loss in the upcoming presidential election if they do not increase their support for him. Speaking at two events focused on combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, Trump expressed frustration over what he perceives as insufficient backing from the Jewish community. “If I don’t win this election… the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss,” Trump said during an event branded “Fighting Antisemitism.” He added, “I will put it to you very simply and gently: I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger.” The remarks sparked immediate backlash, with left-leaning Jewish leaders accusing Trump of fueling dangerous rhetoric. Amy Spitalnik, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, tweeted, “This is dangerous antisemitism intended to sow division and distrust and undermine our democracy. And it’s going to lead to (more) violence against Jews.” Undeterred by the criticism, Trump reiterated his message later in the evening at an event organized by the Israeli American Council (IAC). He once again cited unspecified polling that suggested 60 percent of Jewish voters support U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “Do they know what the hell’s happening if I don’t win this election? The Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens, because… 60% of the people [are] voting for the enemy,” he told the IAC crowd. Jewish Americans, who make up just two percent of the U.S. population, have historically voted in large numbers for the Democratic Party. Trump has frequently criticized this trend, but his comments on Thursday marked a notable intensification of his rhetoric. Trump also escalated his warnings about the future of Israel should he lose the election. He claimed that Israel would face annihilation within two years if Harris wins, arguing that Iran would quickly obtain nuclear weapons and that terrorist groups would launch constant attacks on Israeli civilians. “Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will become unlivable war zones, as suicide attacks grind life to a halt,” he said. The former president also recounted a conversation with Miriam Adelson, a major IAC supporter, where he told her, “They have to go through a little tough love here today because we have to tell them the fact that Israel will not exist within two years if [Harris] becomes president.” Trump concluded by urging the crowd to defeat Harris at all costs, saying, “You have to defeat Kamala Harris more than any other people on Earth. Israel, I believe, has to defeat her,” and claiming that Harris “makes Barack Hussein Obama look like he loved Israel by comparison.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Multiple senior U.S. officials have expressed skepticism that a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas will be reached before the end of President Joe Biden’s term, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. “No deal is imminent. I’m not sure it ever gets done,” one U.S. official told the Journal on condition of anonymity. One of the major obstacles to a deal has been the ratio of Palestinian prisoners Israel is being asked to release in exchange for hostages. According to U.S. officials, Hamas has been making demands, only to reject potential agreements after Israel accepts them. “There’s no chance now of it happening,” an official from an Arab state told the newspaper, adding that both sides are in “wait-and-see mode” until after the U.S. election, which they believe will influence the outcome of any future negotiations. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are further complicating the situation. Hezbollah has been launching near-daily attacks on Israel in support of Hamas during more than 11 months of fighting in Gaza. The tensions have escalated after mass detonations of Hezbollah’s communication devices injured thousands of terrorists, and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers in Lebanon. U.S. officials from the White House, State Department, and Pentagon acknowledged that the possibility of a full-blown conflict between Israel and Hezbollah complicates ongoing diplomacy between Israel and Hamas. Despite the challenges, officials emphasized that it would be “irresponsible” to stop pursuing a deal. “As we’ve said from the outset, it is going to require leadership and compromise,” one official told the Journal. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh insisted on Thursday that the U.S. does not believe a potential deal is falling apart, while White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby admitted that no progress has been made, saying, “We aren’t any closer to [a deal] now than we were even a week ago.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

BREAKING UPDATE: The target of the Israeli airstrike in Beirut was Ibrahim Aqil, security sources tell Israeli media. Aqil sits on the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s top military body. NO CONFIRMATION THAT HE WAS KILLED During the 1980s, Aqil was a principal member of Islamic Jihad Organization—Hizballah’s terrorist cell—that claimed the bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in April 1983, which killed 63 people, and the U.S. Marine barracks in October 1983, which killed 241 U.S. personnel. In the 1980s, Aqil directed the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon and held them there.

At a “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America” event in Washington on Thursday night, former President Donald Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of failing to address the surge in antisemitism and challenged her to distance herself from Hamas sympathizers supporting her campaign. “Despite presiding over this explosion of antisemitism, Kamala Harris has done absolutely nothing,” Trump said. “She has not lifted a single finger to protect you or to protect your children or to even protect you with words.” Trump also blasted Harris for sympathizing with anti-Israel demonstrators on college campuses, referencing a July interview where she described the protests as an expression of “human emotion.” He condemned her remark, calling it “dangerous” and “unbefitting of a candidate for president.” “Kamala Harris said that the radical demonstrators on college campuses were, ‘human emotion should be this way.’ This is her message,” Trump said, accusing Harris of not rejecting antisemitic behavior strongly enough. He called on her to “officially disavow the support of all Hamas sympathizers, anti-Semites, Israel haters on college campuses and everywhere else,” adding, “She won’t do it. You know that.” The event, hosted by Miriam Adelson, co-owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and widow of GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson, saw Trump receive high praise. Adelson highlighted Trump’s past policies on Israel, including moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokering the Abraham Accords. Throughout his remarks, Trump expressed frustration that many Jewish Americans continue to vote for Democrats. “Any Jewish person that votes for her or the Democratic Party should have their head examined,” Trump argued, attributing it to “habit” and not policy alignment. Despite his strong support for Israel, Trump lamented receiving only 24% of the Jewish vote in 2016, with that figure growing to 29% in 2020, and currently around 40%. Trump pledged that if reelected, his administration would take aggressive action to combat antisemitism. He promised to cut federal support to universities promoting “anti-Semitic propaganda,” enforce civil rights protections for Jewish students, and ban refugee resettlement from areas like the Gaza Strip. “It will be a bright new day for the Jewish community in America,” Trump concluded. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeted a senior Hezbollah figure, two security sources tell Reuters. NO CONFIRMATION WHO WAS TARGETED

In recent weeks, Israel’s aviation and tourism industries have faced considerable disruptions, as more than twenty airlines have suspended flights to Israel in light of threats from Iran. These threats followed the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and heightened tensions after a reported Israeli operation allegedly caused the explosion of communication equipment, injuring thousands of Hezbollah fighters.

Which airlines have suspended their routes to Israel, and for how long? Below is a breakdown, which will be continuously updated as more information becomes available and airlines revise their plans. (This list is accurate as of September 20, 2024.)

• United Airlines has suspended its flights to Israel indefinitely.
• Delta Airlines has paused its Israel flights until December 31, 2024.
• American Airlines has stopped flights until March 2025, leaving El Al as the only airline currently offering direct flights between the U.S. and Israel.
• KLM announced that flights to Israel would be halted until at least October 26, while Air France briefly suspended its Paris route for one day.
• The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, has canceled flights until September 24. The airline stated that routes to and from Tel Aviv and Tehran would remain suspended through September 24, with flights to Beirut resuming on September 30.
• Croatia Airlines has suspended its service to Israel without announcing a return date.
• Vueling, a Spanish carrier, previously halted its flights to Israel until October. However, after checking the company’s website, it appears that all flights have been removed until January of next year. No formal statement has been made by Vueling regarding future operations in Israel, so additional flights may be scheduled later.
• LOT Polish Airlines resumed flights to Israel on September 6.
• Air Baltic has indicated that flights to Israel will resume shortly.
• Ryanair, the Irish airline, has canceled flights until October 26.
• Air India has suspended its services to Israel until October 24, with ticket sales unavailable on their website until October 27.
• Iberia has extended its flight cancellations to Israel until August 28.

Several airlines have already resumed their services to Israel, including Aegean, Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, Air Europa, TAROM, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Please note: All information provided here is subject to change. It is recommended to monitor real-time updates.

{Matzav.com}