Israel’s 12-day military campaign against Iran extended far beyond the Islamic Republic’s known nuclear sites, according to a new report by The Washington Post, citing Israeli and American intelligence sources. The strikes also targeted secret programs aimed at developing an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon and a hydrogen bomb, potentially delaying Tehran’s advanced weapons development by up to two years. The campaign began with a devastating first wave that eliminated nearly all of Iran’s top nuclear and weapons physicists. Follow-up strikes focused on senior scientists, laboratories, headquarters, archives, and testing facilities — efforts that Israeli officials claim effectively erased critical institutional knowledge from Iran’s advanced weapons programs. “The loss of key personnel and infrastructure has set Iran back significantly,” one Israeli official told the Post. “It will take them years — if ever — to recover. The EMP and fusion programs were already underway, and they are now stopped.” The Israeli assault included direct hits on the Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, as well as missile launchers, air defense systems, and strategic military installations tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s Defense Ministry. Israeli intelligence estimates that up to 50% of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and 80% of its launchers were destroyed during the operation. Officials now believe Iran no longer qualifies as a “threshold nuclear state” — a country believed to be on the brink of nuclear weapons capability. While Israel initially aimed to topple the Iranian regime, that objective was abandoned when President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire on June 24, effectively halting the campaign. The report also highlighted an unexpected challenge for Israeli and U.S. planners: Iran’s robust arsenal of solid-fuel missiles, which are quicker to launch and harder to intercept. Several of these missiles penetrated Israeli defenses during the war, causing significant casualties and damage. The full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and weapons programs remains classified, but one source described the operation as “the most comprehensive and successful preemptive campaign ever carried out against a clandestine nuclear weapons effort.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The United States and the European Union agreed on Sunday to a trade framework setting a 15% tariff on most goods, staving off — at least for now — far higher imports on both sides that might have sent shock waves through economies around the globe. The sweeping announcement came after President Donald Trump and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met briefly at Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland. Their private sit-down culminated months of bargaining, with the White House deadline Friday nearing for imposing punishing tariffs on the EU’s 27 member countries. “It was a very interesting negotiation. I think it’s going to be great for both parties,” Trump said. The agreement, he said, was “a good deal for everybody” and “a giant deal with lots of countries.” Von der Leyen said the deal “will bring stability, it will bring predictability, that’s very important for our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.” Many facets will require more work As with other, recent tariff agreements that Trump announced with countries including Japan and the United Kingdom, some major details remain pending in this one. Trump said the EU had agreed to buy some $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest $600 billion more than it already is in America — as well as make a major military equipment purchase. He said tariffs “for automobiles and everything else will be a straight across tariff of 15%” and meant that U.S. exporters ”have the opening up of all of the European countries.” Von der Leyen said the 15% tariffs were “across the board, all inclusive” and that “indeed, basically the European market is open.” At a later news conference away from Turnberry, she said the $750 billion in additional U.S. energy purchases was actually over the next three years — and would help ease the dependence on natural gas from Russia among the bloc’s countries. “When the European Union and the United States work together as partners, the benefits are tangible,” Von der Leyen said, noting that the agreement “stabilized on a single, 15% tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports” including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. “15% is a clear ceiling,” she said. But von der Leyen also clarified that such a rate wouldn’t apply to everything, saying that both sides agreed on “zero for zero tariffs on a number of strategic products,” like all aircraft and component parts, certain chemicals, certain generic drugs, semiconductor equipment, some agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials. It is unclear if alcohol will be included in that list. “And we will keep working to add more products to this list,” she said, while also stressing that the “framework means the figures we have just explained to the public, but, of course, details have to be sorted out. And that will happen over the next weeks.” Further EU approval needed In the meantime, there will be work to do on other fronts. Von der Leyen had a mandate to negotiate because the European Commission handles trade for member countries. But the Commission must now present the deal to member states and EU lawmakers, who will ultimately decide whether or not to approve it. Before their meeting began, Trump pledged to change what he characterized as “a very one-sided transaction, very unfair to the United States.” “I think both […]
YWN regrets to share the petirah of Dr. Brian Jude, one of the founding pillars of Hatzolah South Africa, who through thankless work and unwavering dedication helped build an organization that has saved countless lives. He was niftar this past Wednesday night at the age of 77. Before Hatzolah South Africa had its fleet, its command center, or even a name that was known outside the inner circle, it was just an idea—a dream held by a few. But it was Dr. Brian Jude who gave it its first real heartbeat. From training the very first responders in his own home, to personally overseeing operations in the early days, Dr. Jude wasn’t just part of the story—he was its foundation. He took what was a noble aspiration and made it operational, sustainable, and professional. Under his guidance, Hatzolah grew from a grassroots initiative into one of the most respected and advanced emergency response systems in the region. And yet, throughout it all, he would have shrugged off any suggestion that he did something remarkable. Dr. Jude’s leadership was marked by precision, resolve, and heart. He asked the hard questions when others shied away. He made sure things worked—not just in theory, but in practice, where it mattered. And at every stage, he kept one goal in sight: to save lives and serve the kehilla with excellence and compassion. He was the kind of leader who led from within. He didn’t need to raise his voice. His quiet confidence, his clarity of thought, and his deep sense of responsibility inspired others to rise to their best. His presence in a room brought stability. His advice brought wisdom. His belief in the mission brought conviction. Dr. Jude’s accomplishments in medicine and community service would be impressive on their own. But what made his journey extraordinary was the unyielding strength with which he faced his personal medical challenges. More than a decade ago, Dr. Jude underwent a heart transplant. In the years that followed, he faced one setback after another: a stroke, the loss of hearing, diminished eyesight, blocked arteries, and ultimately cardiac failure. Yet, through it all, he never once allowed hardship to define him. If you asked how he was doing, he would smile and say, “Yesh li hakol”—“I have everything.” He meant it. Because Dr. Jude didn’t measure his life by what he had lost. He measured it by what mattered: his family, his emunah, and his opportunity to help others. Even in his final years, Dr. Jude remained deeply involved in the organization he helped build. He met with Hatzolah leadership regularly—sharing ideas, listening intently, and guiding gently. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Democrats are facing a historic crisis of confidence among American voters, with a new Wall Street Journal poll showing their approval rating has plunged to its lowest level in 35 years. Just 33% of registered voters have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, while 63% view it unfavorably, the worst numbers since the poll began tracking in 1990. The poll, conducted jointly by Democratic pollster John Anzalone and Republican counterpart Tony Fabrizio, paints a bleak picture for Democrats as they continue to reel from their 2024 electoral defeat and struggle to regain voter trust ahead of the 2026 midterms. Even with President Trump’s approval rating underwater — 46% approve vs. 52% disapprove — the Republican Party still holds the upper hand on nearly all top issues voters care about. On the economy, immigration, and inflation, Republicans lead Democrats by double-digit margins. Voters disapprove of Trump’s tariffs by 17 points, yet Republicans still outperform Democrats by 7 points on the issue — a sign, experts say, of how weak the Democratic brand has become. “The Democratic brand is so bad that they don’t have the credibility to be a critic of Trump or the Republican Party,” said Anzalone, a longtime Democratic strategist. “Until they reconnect with real voters and working people on who they’re for and what their economic message is, they’re going to have problems.” Republicans are not without their own challenges. Their overall net favorability was still negative by seven points, and a majority (51%) of voters said Trump’s return to office has brought “dysfunction and chaos,” while 45% said his administration is “making positive adjustments.” Despite that, the GOP continues to edge out Democrats in party identification — a dramatic reversal from 2017, when Democrats led by six points at this stage. That advantage helped Democrats flip 40 House seats in the 2018 midterms. Today, Republicans hold a 1-point edge in party identification. On the generic congressional ballot, voters are still nearly split: 46% said they’d vote Democrat if the election were held today, versus 43% Republican. But the underlying numbers suggest deeper trouble for Democrats, who are seen as out of touch on core issues and lacking a coherent agenda. The poll did show one area of strength for Democrats: vaccine policy and healthcare, where they narrowly outperformed Republicans. But that may offer little comfort as the party’s broader appeal continues to erode. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, many observers had expected Democrats — now out of power — to rebound, as is typical in U.S. politics. Instead, the party is confronting a crisis of identity, messaging, and trust. And unless Democratic leaders can reverse the trend and reconnect with the working-class voters who once formed the party’s backbone, that crisis may only deepen. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
BNEI BRAK — This past Thursday, more than 4,000 bochurim from across Eretz Yisrael gathered at the Armonot Chen halls in Bnei Brak for the highly anticipated “Seder Hachanah” event, now entering its third decade. The initiative, organized annually by Dirshu, aims to prepare and guide yeshivah bochurim for one of the most pivotal stages of their lives: the transition from yeshivos ketanos to yeshivos gedolos. The program featured powerful guidance and inspiration from leading roshei yeshivah and gedolei Torah, addressing both spiritual growth and practical challenges facing today’s bnei yeshivah. In a stirring drasha, Maran HaGaon HaRav M.H. Hirsch, shlit”a, delivered words of dchizuk, advice and warning, addressing the current climate surrounding the issue of army conscription for bnei yeshivah. “There are people who try to entice bochurim: ‘Leave the yeshivah and go elsewhere,’” he warned. “In yeshivah ketanah you may not have faced such challenges, but in yeshivah gedolah, these nisyonos may arise.” Rav Hirsch stressed emphatically, “A bochur must not even entertain the thought of leaving yeshivah. Torah is what brings all the yeshuos to Klal Yisrael. It is Torah that draws the Shechinah closer to us, and that closeness is the source of our siyata d’Shmaya. Only through Torah can we succeed. And through your diligent learning on the highest level, you will bring about kavod Shamayim and, ultimately, the complete geulah bimheirah b’yameinu, amen.” Maran HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, delivered a deep and illuminating shiur on the mission and inner world of a ben Torah in our generation. HaGaon HaRav Masoud Ben Shimon, shlit”a, Rav of Bnei Brak, offered stirring divrei chizuk, emphasizing the lofty spiritual stature of those ascending to the level of yeshivos gedolos. Opening remarks were delivered by HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Sternshuss, shlit”a, mashgiach of Yeshivas Shaarei Shmuos, followed by inspiring words from the Nasi of Dirshu, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Hofstedter, shlit”a, who highlighted the importance of proper preparation for the spiritual future of each ben Torah. Additionally, the event featured a fascinating and uplifting panel discussion with prominent Roshei Yeshivah: HaGaon HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Yad Aharon, HaGaon HaRav Bunim Shreiber, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv HaDaas, and HaGaon HaRav Chaim Peretz Berman, shlit”a Rosh Yeshivas Ponovezh. The panel was moderated by HaRav Binyamin Birenzweig, Ram in Yeshivas Imrei Moshe. The discussion focused on real-life issues and daily challenges faced by bochurim in yeshivos, offering meaningful guidance and practical strategies to help them thrive and build their identity as elevated bnei Torah. Throughout the evening, the bochurim listened with deep attentiveness, absorbing the heartfelt words of chizuk and hadrachah designed to help them rise successfully into the next stage of their avodas Hashem.
Muslims in Brooklyn blocked the Belt Parkway earlier Sunday, exited their vehicles, and began chanting, “globalize the intifada.” Brace yourself for when Mamdani becomes the mayor. (Audio muted due to foul language)
CIA DIRECTOR: “They conspired against President Trump. They conspired against the American people … The people behind this are STILL furthering the conspiracy.”
POTUS: “The U.S. is going to do more aid for Gaza, but we’d like to have other countries participate … It’s not a U.S. problem, it’s an international problem.”
POTUS: “Iran was beaten up very badly … but they still talk about enrichment. I mean, who would do that? You just come out of something that’s so bad and they talk about, ‘We want to continue enrichment.’ Who would say that? How stupid can you be to say that?”
Trump on Gaza: “We gave $60 million two weeks ago — and nobody even acknowledged it … When I do that, a lot of people aren’t happy about that because they say, ‘Well why are we doing it and nobody else?’ But I think we had a humanitarian reason for doing it.”
An IDF soldier was seriously injured earlier today at a military base in central Israel and has been hospitalized for treatment. His family has been notified, and the IDF has launched a Military Police investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the Military Prosecutor’s Office.
U.S. Speaker Johnson stated that since the war began, Israel has allowed 94,000 truckloads of food into Gaza—enough to feed 2 million people for two years—while Hamas has profited $500 million from stolen aid.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Ramon Air Force Base today, thanking the troops for their outstanding efforts in Operation “With Lion’s Strength.”
In the wake of the bruising 12-day war between Israel and Iran, an unusual campaign of warfare appears to be emerging—this time, not on the battlefield but online. A Farsi-language social media account claiming to be affiliated with Israel’s Mossad has published a series of provocative posts targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of drug use and disengagement from governance. “How can a leader lead when they sleep half the day and spend the other half high on substances?” read one post on X, published by the newly launched premium account that describes itself as Mossad’s official Farsi-language spokesperson. In another post, the account said: “Using drugs and speaking to spirits are not appropriate traits for someone leading a nation.” While Mossad has not officially confirmed its involvement with the account, intelligence analysts in Israel say it may indeed be authentic. Experts note that Israel has long operated differently in Iran than in other regions, where public influence and psychological messaging are increasingly used as tools to destabilize the regime’s grip. Rumors surrounding Khamenei’s health and day-to-day activities are not new. In a 2022 television interview on a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated station in Turkey, Iranian academic Nour Mohamed Omara alleged that the Supreme Leader personally uses drugs manufactured in a secret village in Balochistan—an area he claimed was controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and closed off to outsiders. “Many viewers do not know this, but Khamenei himself uses drugs,” Omara said during the interview. The irony is not lost on critics. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s leadership—under Khamenei and his predecessor Ayatollah Khomeini—has declared drug use, particularly opium, as strictly forbidden under Islamic law. The regime is notorious for imposing harsh penalties on drug offenders, including the death penalty. Still, in the weeks since the ceasefire with Israel, Khamenei has remained largely absent from public view. His limited appearances have fueled speculation about his physical condition and ability to lead amid mounting domestic unrest and severe infrastructure damage caused by Israeli strikes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
When Akiva Zuravin set out to develop Jerusalem Estates, he wasn’t simply building luxury apartments—he was making a statement. Tucked into the historic Schneller compound in the heart of the frum neighborhoods and within walking distance of prominent Chassidic centers, Jerusalem Estates became more than just a sought-after address. It became a symbol of what’s possible when vision, values, and execution align. “We weren’t just creating buildings,” Zuravin reflects. “We were shaping something that felt deeply connected to its surroundings—authentic, beautiful, and thoughtfully done.” It was that mindset that set Jerusalem Estates apart—and that continues to define Zuravin’s approach today. With Ir Olam, his most ambitious development yet, the goal is even broader: not just to build homes, but to shape the rhythm of modern life in Jerusalem. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION Located adjacent to Givat Shaul, Kiryat Moshe, and Beit Hakerem, and minutes away from Har Nof, Ir Olam rises from the grounds of the old flour mill—once an industrial area and now envisioned as one of Jerusalem’s most forward-looking quarters for living, working, and gathering. Where Jerusalem Estates was a residential landmark, Ir Olam is a full-scale quarter, featuring three luxury residential towers, two LEED Platinum-certified office buildings, a boutique shopping boulevard, green rooftops, shuls, co-working areas, a school, and a central piazza designed to foster everyday connection. But beyond design and functionality lies a deeper intention: community. At Jerusalem Estates, Zuravin prioritized buyers who shared common values—people who could not only live alongside one another but thrive together. That same care is being applied at Ir Olam. “When people share the same rhythm of life,” Zuravin explains, “the entire experience becomes more meaningful. The gym, the shul, the party room—they’re not just amenities. They’re points of connection.” In Ir Olam, where residents will share workspaces, rooftops, lounges, and lifestyle services, community isn’t just a feature—it’s part of the architecture. The goal is a natural, respectful cohesion that allows for privacy and belonging to coexist. The project was conceived by Yashar Architects, whose signature blends functionality with elegance, and is being built to international standards of environmental sustainability and urban planning. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, with user experience at the core. Crafted for those who know. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
A Wall Street Journal report says that Iran is accelerating its efforts to rearm Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen. According to the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Iran has discovered a way to continue to transfer weapons to the Hezbollah terror group through Iraq and Syria. Instead of its past tactics of openly transferring truckfuls of weapons and missiles to Lebanon through Syria, it has recently begun using small vehicles for the same purpose and has succeeded in transferring Kornet anti-tank missiles and advanced weaponry into Lebanon. However, not all transfer attempts were successful. According to the WSJ report, the new Syrian government has intercepted several arms shipments from Tehran to Hezbollah, including Grads rockets and other weaponry. Additionally, Lebanese armed forces have also intercepted weapons shipments, including Russian-made anti-tank missiles, through Syria. “Iran is rebuilding its presence in the Levant by sending missiles to Hezbollah and weapons from Iraq to Syria,” said Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Washington Institute for Near East Policy with expertise in Iran’s militia allies. Iran has also attempted to transfer advanced weapons to the Houthis in Yemen. Only weeks after a ceasefire was announced between Iran and Israel, forces from Yemen’s internationally recognized government intercepted a massive shipment of advanced military equipment—750 tons of missiles, drone parts, and warheads sent by Tehran to the Houthis. The shipment, which was concealed aboard a ship called a dhow under crates of air conditioners, was intercepted by the National Resistance Force, a military coalition aligned with the Yemeni government. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that it was the National Resistance Force’s largest seizure of advanced Iranian conventional weapons and included Iranian-developed Qader antiship missiles and components for the Saqr air-defense system, which the Houthis have used to bring down U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones. “The timing and scale of this shipment strongly suggest Iran is moving quickly to replenish Houthi stockpiles depleted by U.S. airstrikes,” said Mohammed al-Basha, founder of U.S.-based Middle East security advisory Basha Report. It shows Tehran wants to “sustain their high operational tempo targeting Israel and commercial maritime traffic,” he said. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
