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Israel’s Foreign Ministry says documents recovered by troops in Gaza show Hamas’s direct involvement in the flotilla of boats attempting to break the blockade, claiming they reveal links between the flotilla leaders and Hamas’s foreign arm, the...

Yeshiva World News -

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says documents recovered by troops in Gaza show Hamas’s direct involvement in the flotilla of boats attempting to break the blockade, claiming they reveal links between the flotilla leaders and Hamas’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA).

“Total Surrender”: Netanyahu Accused of “Losing War” by Accepting Trump’s Plan

Matzav -

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s acceptance of President Donald Trump’s 21-point proposal to bring the Gaza conflict to a close has unleashed strong opposition from the right, including an unexpected rebuke from his onetime spokesman, Omer Dostri.

Posting on X, Dostri blasted the initiative as a “surrender agreement” and a “complete failure,” warning that it would leave Hamas entrenched in Gaza, shrink Israel’s borders, place the territory under what he described as a naive foreign administration, and open the door to a Palestinian state while eliminating the voluntary migration plan.

“The Prime Minister has no mandate to wave a white flag,” Dostri wrote, highlighting growing anger within Netanyahu’s own base.

Criticism also came from inside Likud. MK Tali Gottlieb faulted Netanyahu for “humiliating himself” with his apology to Qatar, though she added that his intentions were for the benefit of the country.

Gottlieb further expressed doubt that Hamas would free captives within the 72-hour timeline, dismissing the idea as unrealistic. MK Yitzhak Kroizer of Otzma Yehudit shared a photo of a cap that read “The Complete Failure,” pointedly mocking Netanyahu’s long-standing slogan of “The Complete Victory.”

Families of the hostages, through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, struck a more guarded tone. They thanked Trump for his involvement but insisted on urgent implementation to secure the release of all those still held.

Einav Zangauker, whose son has been in captivity for 724 days, voiced continued mistrust, accusing Netanyahu of undermining previous arrangements and targeting hostages with airstrikes instead of rescuing them.

Responses from the broader political spectrum were divided. Shas leader Aryeh Deri endorsed the plan, expressing hope that hostages would be home in time for Sukkos, while Benny Gantz commended Trump’s role yet pressed for concrete results.

Israeli Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs defended Netanyahu’s decision, arguing that the agreement satisfies all of Israel’s requirements. Still, doubts persist over whether the plan can actually be realized, with Hamas’s reply looming as the decisive factor.

{Matzav.com}

Shutdown Odds Rise As Leaders Leave White House Without Progress

Matzav -

Congressional leaders left their White House sit-down with President Donald Trump on Monday saying that no ground had been gained in efforts to avert a government shutdown by Wednesday, raising the prospect that federal operations will grind to a halt within 48 hours.

Democrats continue to press for extending health care subsidies set to lapse at the end of the year, while Republicans insist their stopgap funding measure must be accepted as-is.

Both sides admitted little progress was made during the discussion — and each blamed the other for the impasse.

“There are still large differences between us,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters outside the White House.

“Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input. That is never how we’ve done this before,” Schumer continued. “It’s up to the Republicans whether they want a shutdown or not.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) pushed back, pointing to the GOP bill itself.

“This is sitting right now at the Senate desk,” Thune said while holding up a copy of the measure. “We could pick it up and pass it tonight, pick it up and pass it tomorrow before the government shuts down, and then we don’t have the government shutdown. It is totally up to the Democrats, because right now, they are the only thing standing between the American people and the government shutting down.”

The tense meeting followed weeks of very public wrangling — not only between Democrats and Trump but also between Democrats and Republicans in general.

For weeks, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) had not met with their GOP counterparts, Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who maintained there was no need since their proposed continuing resolution would keep the government running through late November.

Democrats, however, argue that such a “clean” bill will not suffice this time.

Schumer has insisted any short-term spending plan must address issues like the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, Republican Medicaid reductions included in their larger tax and spending package, and Trump’s power to reclaim previously appropriated funds.

With no side budging, many lawmakers now believe a shutdown is nearly inevitable.

“Unless something breaks in the morning, unfortunately it looks like they’re going to shut it down,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the GOP leadership, pinning the blame on Schumer. “Schumer is going to shut it down.”

Schumer told reporters that he and Trump discussed the health care matters extensively, suggesting the president appeared to be hearing about them for the first time — an assertion Republicans strongly rejected.

He further claimed there were signs of a potential split between Trump and GOP leaders over the subsidies.

“When we made these arguments it was clear there was a division or possible division between the president and the two Republican leaders,” Schumer said, referring to Thune and Johnson.

Thune denied any rift, saying Republicans remain united.

“We’re unified. We’re all on the same page,” Thune said, dismissing Schumer’s remarks.

Much of the speculation in recent days has been whether Democrats will hold together in opposing the GOP proposal, especially after Schumer frustrated progressives in March by backing a Republican spending bill.

At that time, Schumer cited the administration’s moves to slash government payrolls under the Department of Government Efficiency, which was tasked with eliminating jobs across multiple agencies.

This round, Democrats appear more willing to confront the administration directly. They denounced the Office of Management and Budget’s contingency plan, authored by Director Russell Vought, which outlines sweeping layoffs, calling it a political stunt.

Still, reports surfaced Monday that Schumer had asked Senate Democrats about potentially supporting a brief 7-to-10-day resolution if a shutdown occurs, signaling he was weighing next steps for reopening government.

Republicans quickly rejected that notion.

“The House bill is going to be on the table and that’s what we’re going to vote on,” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said. “This is clearly going to be a Democrat shutdown, driven by [Schumer].”

Later, Schumer dismissed the idea of short-term extensions, pointing to his Oval Office health care discussion with Trump and saying time had run out.

Some Republicans have indicated interest in negotiating around the ACA subsidies, which expire December 31, given the expected rise in premiums and the political stakes heading into an election year.

But GOP lawmakers want to pair any such deal with tougher restrictions on the credits and would prefer to tackle it in November with a longer-term budget package — something Democrats reject as inadequate.

“On October 1st, [people] get these notices, and many of them, by November, have to make a decision whether to change their health care,” Schumer said. “You can’t wait till January. You have to do that now.”

With no resolution in sight, both sides have dug in deeper, escalating the blame game as the shutdown deadline approaches.

“You don’t put a gun to the American people’s head and say, unless you do exactly what Senate and House Democrats want you to do, we’re going to shut down your government,” Vice President Vance said after the meeting.

“I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing. I hope they change their mind,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Macron: Hamas Must Accept Trump’s Deal and Free All Hostages

Matzav -

On Monday night, French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed President Donald Trump’s proposal to halt the fighting in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the terms.

“I welcome President Trump’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages,” Macron declared.

“I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan,” he continued.

“These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution and on the principles endorsed by 142 UN member states, at the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia,” Macron explained.

“France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party,” he concluded.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her approval of Trump’s plan, saying Italy is prepared to work closely with Washington, European allies, and regional stakeholders.

“The proposal presented today by US President Donald Trump could mark a turning point, enabling a permanent cessation of hostilities, the immediate release of all hostages, and full and secure humanitarian access for the civilian population,” Meloni said.

“Hamas, in particular – having initiated this war with the barbaric terrorist attack of October 7, 2023 – now has the opportunity to end it by releasing the hostages, agreeing to have no role in Gaza’s future, and fully disarming,” she added.

{Matzav.com}

We can’t go into Yom Tov ignoring this!

Yeshiva World News -

  When the story of Sharona reached HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstine shlit”a, his response was very passionate: “We can’t go into Yom Hadin without worrying about them!” Sharona is a fast-growing Israeli community in the big city of Kfar Yona that bustles with over 30,000 residents to date.  And it’s missing a mikvah taharah.  How could it be that in the heart of our homeland, a place has everything a young family needs, except for the pillar of Jewish life?   The Gedolei Hador are rallying behind the desperately-needed Mikvah Sharona, a space that will bring thousands of Jewish families to taharah for the first time, and for a lifetime.  Our Gedolim bentch all those who give $219 (the value of taharah) and have promised to daven for you during the most auspicious time of year:  “When we bentch our children Erev Yom Kippur, we will also bentch those who join with chaim and shalom” If you were looking for a zechus, look no further.  Give $219 for Mikvah Sharona and the Gedolei Hador will daven for you Erev Yom Kippur. CLICK HERE. Send your support to Mikvah Sharona and your kvitel now. Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha
 www.taharas.org | 855-824-2727
 For dedication opportunities: 732-333-1299 
 Since 1942, Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha has built and restored 1,158 mikvaos across Eretz Yisroel, under the guidance of Gedolei Hador. In community after community, we work to ensure every Jewish family, observant or not-yet, has access to a kosher, dignified mikvah experience. Right now, we’re building 30 mikvaos that with your help, can be completed this year. CLICK HERE TO HELP.

TERROR IN ISRAEL: 2 Yeshiva Bochurim Injured, 1 Seriously, In Ramming Attack On Tunnels Road Near Beitar Illit

Yeshiva World News -

Two young yeshivah bochurim were wounded on Tuesday afternoon in a ramming attack at a hitchhiking stop at the Al-Khader junction, near the tunnels road on Highway 60, on the way from Beitar Illit to Jerusalem. A 15-year-old boy in serious condition, with head and limb injuries, was evacuated to Shaare Tzedek Hospital. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was evacuated in moderate condition to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. According to initial information, the terrorist rammed into the bochurim and then emerged from the car armed with a knife. An armed civilian neutralized the terrorist. Initially, searches were conducted for another terrorist who was apparently at the scene, but after a few minutes, the suspicion was ruled out. The terrorist who carried out the attack is from Beit Jala. The public is asked to daven for the refuah sheleimah of the injured bochurim, talmidim at the Ohr Elchanan yeshivah ketanah, Aharon Ben Avigayil and Chaim Gad ben Naomi b’toch sha’ar cholei Yisrael. The incident occurred near the tunnels checkpoint, one of the main traffic arteries connecting Gush Etzion to the capital. Army and police forces are currently at the scene, and additional forces have been rushed to the area as part of a pursuit after the terrorist. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Witkoff: Hamas’s Initial Response Sounds Very Positive

Matzav -

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, voiced confidence Monday night that Trump’s initiative to halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas could realistically move forward.

During a conversation with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Witkoff welcomed Hamas’s announcement that it would examine the proposal sincerely and issue a reply.

“I think that sounds like a very positive initial reaction for a group that hasn’t really had time to study our plan,” Witkoff observed.

Baier reminded viewers of the unpredictable nature of negotiations in the region, describing it as, “One step forward, two steps back.” Witkoff agreed, answering, “Yes,” but added, “I do [feel this one is different]. Because we have so much widespread support from all of the Gulf Coast Arab countries. We have widespread support from the Europeans.”

Highlighting the role of Trump himself, Witkoff said, “With that indomitable spirit of his, everyone’s going to be pushed by him. And I think we’re going to get to the finish line.”

When pressed about how much effort it took to bring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on board, Witkoff answered, “I think Bibi is strong for his country. And the president has a great respect for that.” He went on to acknowledge Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pointing out, “We’ve been working all weekend on this.”

“The Israelis are bought into this,” Witkoff said firmly. “They want to do it the easy way first. So no threats. Let’s see if we can peacefully get everybody home on both sides.”

Asked to give his assessment of the likelihood of success, Witkoff closed with, “I’d say I’m very optimistic… I really am hopeful because I’ve met people on both sides and this needs to end.”

{Matzav.com}

HUGE, IF TRUE: Hamas Leaning Towards Accepting Trump Plan To End Gaza War, Report Says

Yeshiva World News -

Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist factions are moving toward accepting President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza, with a formal response expected to be delivered to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Wednesday, according to a source close to the talks who spoke with CBS News. The plan, unveiled at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a 20-point framework that would implement an immediate ceasefire, secure the release of all remaining hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and expand humanitarian aid deliveries. Control of Gaza would eventually shift to an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats overseen by an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also serving on the panel. Israel would retain security control along Gaza’s perimeter. A diplomatic source said that Egyptian and Qatari officials have already shared the proposal with Hamas representatives. The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, publicly endorsed the plan in a statement released by the PA-linked WAFA news agency. The PA emphasized its partnership with Washington in advancing regional peace and reiterated commitments to reforms, including holding presidential and parliamentary elections within a year after the conflict ends. “We have affirmed that we desire a modern, democratic, non-militarized Palestinian state that is committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power,” the statement read. While Trump’s plan does not grant the PA an immediate role in Gaza’s administration, it leaves open the possibility of eventual control once reforms are implemented. Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint statement welcoming Trump’s “sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza,” voicing confidence in his ability to advance peace. The statement underscored the importance of U.S. partnership in rebuilding Gaza, preventing displacement, and halting the annexation of the West Bank. European leaders also signaled support. European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “encouraged by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s positive response” and urged all parties to “seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance,” according to the BBC. At the United Nations, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called the plan a welcome step: “Anything that brings us to a ceasefire, to the release of hostages, to an end to the carnage that we see, and an end to the incredible suffering, and a pathway for peace is welcome,” he told CBS News. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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