A phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump turned unexpectedly tense last week, according to a report from Israel’s Channel 12, exposing stark disagreements over how to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions—despite earlier claims of consensus between the two leaders. Sources familiar with the exchange described it as a heated conversation in which Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal.” Trump is said to have emphasized that he was aiming for a resolution that benefits both nations—a statement that reportedly stunned the Israeli side. The revelation sharply contradicts the tone of official readouts released by both camps after the call. Netanyahu’s office had initially said the two “agreed on the need to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” giving the impression of a unified front. But behind closed doors, the conversation painted a different picture. Trump, currently leading delicate nuclear negotiations with Tehran, is reportedly optimistic that “good news” is on the horizon. Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed U.S. demands for a temporary freeze on uranium enrichment, further complicating Washington’s diplomatic efforts. Adding to the intrigue, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—acting as a personal envoy from Trump—met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem shortly after the call. In an interview with Fox News, Noem described the meeting as “very candid,” noting that Netanyahu’s team admitted they had “never had a bilateral meeting that was quite that candid and direct.” Noem declined to disclose Trump’s full message, but hinted at pressure on Netanyahu to align with the administration’s vision. “We are on a short timeframe here… I asked the prime minister to work with President Trump to make sure we’re making wise decisions together,” she said. Asked whether Israel has dropped its reported plans for a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Noem responded cautiously, reiterating Trump’s position: “He will never accept a nuclear-capable Iran.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
It’s the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives had described last fall as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. The airline announced the change in March, saying at the time that the the new policy would start with flights booked on Wednesday. Southwest said Tuesday that it will be charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Weight and size limits will apply for bags. Southwest had built years of advertising campaigns around its policy of letting passengers check up to two bags for free. Under its new policy, people who haven’t either reached the upper tiers of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bought a business class ticket or hold the airline’s credit card will have to pay for checked bags. Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag. People who don’t qualify for those categories will get charged to check bags. The airline said in March that it also would roll out a new, basic fare on its lowest priced tickets when the change takes effect. The airline estimated in September that charging bag fees would bring in about $1.5 billion a year but cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly Southwest because of its generous baggage allowance. Another policy that will take effect on Wednesday is Southwest requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires. These aren’t the only changes at Southwest. The Dallas airline previously announced that it was leaving behind another Southwest tradition, the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years. Southwest expects to begin operating flights with passengers in assigned seats next year. The airline also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights. Southwest has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. The airline reached a truce in October with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy fight, but Elliott won several seats on the company’s board. The airline announced in February that it was eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history. (AP)
The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administration’s demands for changes to several of its policies. Cuts to contracts could take away millions more from Harvard’s budget. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. The administration is planning to send a version of the letter Tuesday, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. (AP)
Three Jewish boys were subjected to a violent antisemitic assault at Hampstead Underground Station in North West London. According to Shomrim North West London, the teens were attacked by a group of six to seven males. One of the victims required hospitalization for observation following the assault. Shomrim has issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, urging them to contact 0300 999 1234 and reference case number NW209 – 26 May 2025. The organization is collaborating closely with the British Transport Police to support the ongoing investigation.
In recent weeks, the Israeli Navy has deployed for the first time unmanned vessels, also known as drone boats, in Israel’s territorial waters, the military reveals. “The vessels have the capability to construct a broad maritime picture and are engaged in monitoring and characterizing the movement of vessels within the economic waters,” the IDF says.
The IDF announces that two of four recently established aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip began operations today, delivering food packages to thousands of Palestinian families. The aid sites are being operated by a private American security company, while the IDF secures the surrounding area. Three of the distribution sites are located in the Tel Sultan area of southern Gaza’s Rafah, while the fourth is in the Netzarim Corridor area, south of Gaza City. The two sites that began operations today are in Rafah.
Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on ending the Russia/Ukraine war: “The only guy that can do this is President Trump… He’s the one who can bring peace to the region.”
The Hamas-run Government Media Office in Gaza denies any aid has been distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, claiming photos of Gazans carrying aid boxes in Rafah “are fake and were published by the occupation, which continues to spread lies about the entry of aid.”
A massive explosion occurred at Shandong Youdao Chemical’s plant in eastern China, the world’s leading producer of the pesticide chlorpyrifos, with an annual output of about 11,000 tons.
QUESTION: May I perform melacha during Bein Hashemashos (twilight) after the first day of Yom Tov, for the purpose of deriving benefit from the melacha during the same time frame of Bein Hashemashos? ANSWER: It is uncertain whether Bein Hashemashos, the period from sunset until nightfall, is considered day or night. Moreover, that uncertainty extends to every instant of Bein Hashemashos; perhaps a particular moment is day (part of the preceding day) but at the very next moment nightfall has commenced, and the new day has already begun. Hence, even if a person performed a melacha and benefited from it immediately, there is the possibility that the melacha was performed on the first day of Yom Tov and the benefit from it was derived on the second day of Yom Tov, and it would accordingly be forbidden. However, R’ Akiva Eiger (Ginzei R’ Akiva Eiger 21) suggests that there is a double uncertainty (a sefeik sefeika) regarding melacha during Bein Hashemashos: Perhaps the melacha was performed on the previous day and the benefit was derived then as well; and even if it was already night when the benefit was derived, perhaps the melacha was also performed at night. R’ Akiva Eiger concludes that for Biblical melachos, such as cooking and carrying in a public domain, this double uncertainty should not be relied upon (for various reasons). However, with regard to Rabbinic ordinances, one may rely on this sefeik sefeika, provided that the benefit is immediate. Accordingly, one may carry a siddur to shul, during Bein Hashemashos, if two caveats are met: First, the place through which he walked is an area where it is prohibited to carry on a Rabbinic level (i.e., it is a karmelis and not a Reshus Harabbim), and secondly, he arrives in shul and uses the siddur while it is still Bein Hashemashos. The consensus of contemporary poskim is to follow R’ Akiva Eiger’s approach (Yom Tov Sheini K’hilchaso Chapter 1, footnote 21). Rav Schachter, Shlita, said that those who have the custom to make early Yom Tov on the second day of Shavuos should accept Yom Tov as early as possible (i.e. immediately after plag haMincha). In this way they can avoid the concern of preparing from one day to the next since the food will be cooked and served before Bein Hashemashos.
Eight hundred transport planes and 140 ships have delivered more than 90,000 tons of armaments and military equipment from the United States to Israel since the start of the war, the Defense Ministry says. This morning, the 800th plane landed.
Saudi Foreign Minister: “We are steadfastly dedicated to a fair resolution that involves creating an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
A New York City school bus driver has been suspended following an incident in which he allegedly stopped the bus to deliver an antisemitic rant to the children on board, leaving at least one Jewish student in tears. According to reports, the driver pulled over during the morning route and made offensive remarks, including blaming Jewish people for the death of Yeshu and asserting that only belief in Yeshu can “deliver” rather than religion. He also instructed the children to recite a prayer. The incident was reportedly recorded by passengers and has sparked outrage among parents and community members. The bus driver, who is employed by Jofaz Transportation, a company contracted by the New York City Department of Education (DOE), has been barred from transporting students pending an investigation by the bus company. The driver was operating a route for Brooklyn Prospect International Elementary School, a privately run but publicly funded charter school, when the incident prompting the investigation occurred. DOE officials confirmed that Jofaz Transportation holds a contract with the city to provide transportation services for students. However, the driver in question will not be permitted to transport New York City students until the investigation is complete, according to department officials. Further (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan has made many outragous statements in his political career, including comparing Israel to Nazis, calling Religous Zionists “subhuman” and of course, accusing Chareidim of being money-hungry and backwards. He also has repeatedly and openly called for a civil rebellion against the government, including doing “illegal things.” But his most recent irresponsible and libelous statements, including that “IDF soldiers kill babies as a hobby,” were a step too far, igniting such ire among Israelis that Golan has been unable to carry out routine political activities. Last week, he traveled to Kiryat Shmona to speak at a conference and was met with calls of derision by residents, which angered Golan so much that he pushed an elderly man. On Tuesday, he traveled to Be’er Sheva to speak at the Sderot conference but was unable to deliver his address as the audience members screamed “Traitor, traitor, traitor!!” and “Bushah, bushah! bushah!” Golan yelled back at them: “Shame on you, shame on you, shame on you. Nothing but hate, you don’t know anything but hate. That’s what you’re doing, dismantling the State of Israel, continuing to divide.” Watch the video below to see just one example of the damage Golan’s libelous statements caused to Israel: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
A minivan that crashed into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating the city team’s Premier League soccer championship is the latest in a series of car-ramming tragedies across the globe. British police say Monday’s incident is not being treated as terrorism. Authorities say 27 people were taken to the hospital and another 20 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Other vehicle ramming incidents have claimed lives. This year, 11 people were killed in Vancouver, British Columbia, when an SUV sped down a closed street, hitting people attending a festival. Fifteen people died in an attack along Bourbon Street that took place just before New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl. Here are some major vehicle ramming incidents: LONDON, May 26, 2025 — A 53-year-old British man plowed his minivan into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans who had been celebrating the city team’s Premier League soccer championship, as shouts of joy turned into shrieks of terror, injuring more than 45 people. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 26, 2025 — A suspect was charged with multiple counts of murder after an Audi SUV sped down a closed, food-truck-lined street and hit people attending a festival, killing 11. Officials say 32 people were hurt. Authorities say the suspect, a 30-year-old man, had a history of mental health issues. NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 1, 2025 — At least 15 people are killed and dozens are injured after a U.S. citizen from Texas rams a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter district at 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The FBI identifies the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. He is killed in a firefight with police. MAGDEBURG, Germany, Dec. 20, 2024 — At least five people are killed and more than 200 are injured when a car slams into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Police arrest a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who supports Germany’s far-right AfD party. ZHUHAI, China, Nov. 11, 2024 — A 62-year-old driver rams his car into people exercising at a sports complex in southern China, killing 35. Authorities say the suspect is upset about his divorce. He pleads guilty to endangering public safety by dangerous means and is sentenced to death. WAUKESHA, Wisconsin, Nov. 21, 2021 — Six people are killed and dozens injured when a man drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee. Darrell Brooks Jr., who drove into the crowd after getting into a fight with his ex-girlfriend, was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release. LONDON, Ontario, June 6, 2021 — Four members of a Muslim family are killed when an attacker hits them with a pickup truck. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls it “a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred.” White nationalist Nathaniel Veltman is sentenced to life in prison. TORONTO, April 23, 2018 — Alek Minassian, 25, drives a rental van into mostly female pedestrians on Yonge Street, the main thoroughfare in Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring 16. Minassian tells police he belongs to an online “incel” community of sexually frustrated men. He is sentenced to life in prison. NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2017 — Sayfullo Saipov, an Islamic extremist from Uzbekistan, drives a pickup truck onto a popular New York City bike path, killing eight people. He is […]
Air France has announced the resumption of its daily non-stop flights between Paris and Tel Aviv, starting Tuesday. The airline will operate Boeing 777-300 aircraft on the route, reinstating regular service after a period of suspension due to regional tensions. “We are happy and excited to resume regular Air France flight services on the route to Israel, ” said Alon Netah, Air France’s manager in Israel. He highlighted that the resumption would enable Israeli passengers to connect via Charles de Gaulle Airport to various global destinations in time for Shavuos. In contrast, several other major international airlines have extended their suspensions of flights to and from Israel. The Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings—has extended its suspension until June 15, following a Houthi missile strike earlier in May. Similarly, Italy’s ITA Airways has extended its suspension until June 15, and Spain’s Iberia Express until June 7. British Airways announced last Friday that it would suspend all flights to Israel until at least August 1, citing ongoing security concerns. Ryanair has indicated that it will not resume flights before June 4, with CEO Michael O’Leary expressing frustration over the security situation, suggesting that continued disruptions could lead the airline to focus its operations elsewhere in Europe. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
