The Prime Minister’s Office issued an official statement in English, confirming that the strike against Hamas leaders in Doha was an entirely Israeli operation. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation,” the statement read. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.” Israeli media reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump was aware of the planned strike and reportedly gave his blessing. Two days prior, Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas. “I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”
A 24-year-old Tennessee man admitted Tuesday to plotting a drone attack on Nashville’s power infrastructure, a case that federal officials say underscores the rising domestic threat to U.S. critical infrastructure. Skyler Philippi of Columbia, Tenn., pleaded guilty to attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility, according to the Justice Department. He faces a potential life sentence when he appears before a federal judge in January. For months, Philippi laid out a plan that prosecutors say was as elaborate as it was chilling: building or modifying a drone, strapping it with high-grade explosives like C-4 or TATP, and flying it directly into an electrical substation to trigger a chain reaction capable of shutting down power to homes, businesses, and hospitals. Philippi’s case has raised red flags in national security circles for its mix of violent extremist ideology, technical ambition, and symbolic targeting. He told undercover FBI agents he had drafted a “manifesto,” trafficked in antisemitic rhetoric, and aligned himself with neo-Nazi groups such as Atomwaffen Division and the National Alliance. Court filings detail reconnaissance trips to a substation, online research into prior grid attacks, and the purchase of explosive components. At one point, according to the DOJ, he texted an informant: “If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Philippi was arrested last November after meeting undercover operatives in a Nashville hotel for what he described as a “New Age” ritual invoking the Norse god Odin. Prosecutors say he was preparing to attach explosives to a drone when agents moved in. Senior national security officials framed the case as a stark reminder of both the vulnerabilities of America’s energy system and the persistence of accelerationist movements intent on exploiting them. “Philippi planned to attack an energy facility with a drone containing explosives, which had the potential to knock out power to thousands of American homes and to critical facilities like hospitals,” said Donald Holstead, the FBI’s counterterrorism chief. “Protecting our communities from threats to public safety is a priority for the FBI.” The attempted attack also highlights a broader trend: domestic extremists looking to move beyond firearms to weaponized drones and explosives, a shift that worries counterterrorism officials already grappling with a patchwork national power grid and an evolving threat landscape. Philippi will be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2026. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Two Arab criminals serving sentences in prisons in central Israel were designated as security prisoners after expressing joy and nationalist sentiments about the murderous Ramot terror attack in which six Israelis were murdered. In accordance with the instructions of the Prison Commissioner, the prisoners were removed from their cells, brought to a disciplinary trial, and transferred to a security prison. Thanks to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who spearheaded a transformation in prison conditions for Palestinian security prisoners, the conditions are far less pleasant in security prisons than those “enjoyed” in prisons for common criminals. The Prison Service stated that “the measure was carried out as part of a zero-tolerance policy toward any expression of support for the enemy or disruption of order within the prisons, with the aim of maintaining prison discipline.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the Israeli strikes in Qatar, calling them a “blatant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced on Tuesday that Israel’s targeted strike against senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, was direct retaliation for recent deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza. According to the joint statement, Netanyahu instructed Israel’s security services late Monday to prepare for the elimination of Hamas leadership following “murderous attacks” that killed 6 civilians in Jerusalem and 4 soldiers in Gaza. By noon Tuesday, with the backing of the entire security establishment, Netanyahu and Katz authorized the strike, executed by the IDF and Shin Bet. The statement emphasized the precision of the operation, saying it was “executed precisely and optimally.” Netanyahu and Katz underscored that the targeted Hamas leaders were the same figures who orchestrated the October 7 massacre and have continued to direct attacks against Israeli civilians. “These are the people who initiated and organized the October 7 massacre, and they have not ceased murdering our citizens since,” the statement said, noting Hamas claimed responsibility for the killings in Monday’s attack in Jerusalem. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned what he called a “blatant Israeli attack on Qatar” in a call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, calling it a criminal act and a flagrant violation, and affirmed that Saudi Arabia stands ready to support Qatar with all available means to protect its security, according to the Saudi State Press Agency.
Shock reverberated through Israel’s police force on Tuesday morning when the Police Internal Investigations Department of the State Attorney’s Office arrested five suspects, including senior police officials and a civilian—on suspicion of passing sensitive information to the Musli crime family, one of Israel’s largest and most-feared “Mafia” organizations. Among the suspects are two active police officers, one of them a senior officer, and two former police officers—including an investigator who was part of the prosecution team in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s “1000–4000 cases” and other prominent cases, including those of Avigdor Lieberman, whose case was “mysteriously closed,” and Ehud Olmert. In addition, the head of the crime organization, Eli Musli, and two of the organization’s financial operatives were also arrested. According to a report on i24NEWS, all of the detained officers had worked in the Investigations Division: the officer who investigated Netanyahu, another officer with the rank of chief superintendent, a recently retired chief superintendent, and a police officer. The recently retired officer is suspected of committing the offenses while still serving in Lahav 433, the police’s elite anti-corruption and organized crime unit. The officers are suspected of crimes including bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and violations of the Privacy Protection Law. In return, they allegedly received perks such as trips abroad and hotel accommodations. According to police, the affair involves, among other crimes, illegal gambling and the provision of credit lines to gamblers. The head of Lahav 433, Commander Meni Benjamin, stated, “We constantly act and gather evidence against organizations that the police define as crime organizations. We will act against anyone who is involved in serious, organized criminal activity—even if they are active or former police officers who acted illegally and against the law. We will work to bring them to justice. Thanks to the work of Lahav 433, the key suspects who form part of an illegal financial pipeline have been exposed, including police officers who left the organization but still maintained contact with criminal elements. The nature of their ties to these criminal figures will be examined, and we will work together with the Internal Investigations Department in every way required to uncover the full truth.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
BREAKING: Qatar announces that it will no longer serve as a mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas. Is there anyone even left at Hamas to mediate with?
Al Jazeera, citing a senior Hamas official, reported that the Hamas leadership gathered in Qatar, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, survived the Israeli strike. The official did not specify whether any members were injured or killed. However, earlier reports from Saudi-based Al-Hadath claimed that several senior Hamas figures— including Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Mashaal, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Awadallah— were killed in the attack. Meanwhile, two Hamas sources told Reuters that members of Hamas’s ceasefire negotiation team had survived the attack. Israeli officials confirmed that the strike targeted top Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled Gaza chief and a key figure in ongoing negotiations. A Hamas official in Gaza told AFP that the targeted leaders were in Doha to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal. “In a new Zionist crime, the Hamas negotiating delegation was targeted during its meeting in Doha, while discussing (US) President (Donald) Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, as he was not authorized to comment publicly.
The UAE, an Abraham Accords member state, expresses (feigned?) outrage over Israel’s airstrike in Qatar: “Blatant and cowardly, we express full solidarity with Qatar.”
Wild video shows Nepal’s finance minister stripped of his clothing and chased into a river, after millenial-led protests toppled the Communist country’s government earlier today
As the new year begins, the Boca Raton Kollel reflects on the tremendous Torah learning, personal growth, and community impact it has been privileged to experience this past year — together with its cherished community. Over the past year, the Kollel’s yungeleit immersed themselves in the depths of halacha, diligently studying the complexities of Hilchos Basar B’cholov, Ta’aruvos, Niddah, Choshen Mishpat, and additional simanim in Yoreh Deah. Their tireless hasmadah and mesiras nefesh, alongside the steadfast support of their wives, culminated in a remarkable milestone: receiving semicha — Yoreh Yoreh, Yodin Yodin. A heartfelt mazal tov is extended to the new musmachim and their families. This achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a true kiddush Hashem and a source of pride for the entire Boca Raton community. Spreading Torah Beyond Our Walls The Kollel’s continued impact is demonstrated by the fact that its five graduating yungeleit are stepping into new roles across the Greater South Florida Jewish community: Rabbi Yosef Schottenfeld and Rabbi Shmuel Baldinger are joining Mizrahi Family Torah Academy as Rabbeim Rabbi Meir Palgon is becoming a Rebbi at Torah Academy of Boca Raton Rabbi Aaron Deutsch is serving as Executive Director of the new East Boca Kollel Rabbi Yaakov Rimmer is taking on the role of Director of Community Outreach at the Boca Raton Kollel The community wishes them continued bracha in their new positions and expresses gratitude that they remain connected to the Kollel family. Welcoming New Faces The Kollel is thrilled to welcome four new yungeleit: Rabbi & Mrs. Yehoshua Lehmann Rabbi & Mrs. Yosaif Slotkin Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin King Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Goldberg With their arrival — alongside the dedicated returning yungeleit — the kol Torah, harbotzas Torah, and warmth that define the Kollel will continue to flourish. Together, the Kollel and its community have built a beautiful and welcoming makom Torah, a beacon of inspiration for the entire Boca Raton community. The Kollel recognizes that your partnership, friendship, and support make all of this possible. Looking ahead, the Boca Raton Kollel eagerly anticipates another year of Torah, growth, and connection – together visit brkollel.com
The NYPD says that it is deploying additional resources “out of an abundance of caution” following Israel’s airstrike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar.
