Yeshiva World News

President Trump announces he will be speaking to Putin on Monday to discuss an end to the war and a trade deal.

The IDF says it demolished a 2-kilometer-long Hamas tunnel during recent operations in the northern Gaza Strip.

The IDF reports killing a Hezbollah commander in a drone strike this morning, who led forces in the Beaufort Castle area and was restoring the group’s capabilities.

Just 11 days after the Israeli Air Force bombed Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport, a first flight has landed.

A ballistic missile fired at Israel by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen was successfully intercepted by Israeli air defenses on Motzei Shabbos. No injuries or damage have been reported.

Over Shabbos, the IDF has initiated Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” a major offensive in the Gaza Strip, launching extensive attacks and mobilizing forces to seize strategic areas, aiming to expand the campaign to achieve war goals, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.

A ballistic missile fired at Israel by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen was successfully intercepted by Israeli air defenses on Motzei Shabbos. No injuries or damage have been reported. Sirens blared across central Israel, preceded by a five-minute early warning sent via push notifications to residents’ phones, alerting them to the incoming long-range missile. Since the IDF relaunched its campaign against Hamas in Gaza on March 18, the Houthis have fired 35 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones at Israel, with several missiles failing to reach their targets. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iran’s president said his country will continue talks with the United States over its rapidly advancing nuclear program but will not withdraw from its rights because of U.S. threats. “We are negotiating, and we will negotiate , we are not after war but we do not fear any threat,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a speech to navy officials broadcast by state television Saturday. “It is not like that they think if they threaten us , we will give up our human right and definite right,” Pezeshkian said. “We will not withdraw, we will not easily loose honorable military, scientific, nuclear in all fields.” The negotiations have reached the “expert” level, meaning the sides are trying to reach agreement on the details of a possible deal. But a major sticking point remains Iran’s enrichment of uranium, which Tehran insists it must be allowed to do and the Trump administration increasingly insists the Islamic Republic must give up. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Earlier on Friday, Trump said Iran received a proposal during the talks, though he did not elaborate. During his trip to region this week, Trump at nearly every event insisted Iran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear bomb, something U.S. intelligence agencies assess Tehran is not actively pursuing, though its program is on the cusp of being able to weaponize nuclear material. Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s atomic organization, stressed the peaceful nature of the program, saying it is under “continuous” monitoring by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, state TV reported Saturday. “No country is monitored by the agency like us,” Eslami said, adding that the agency inspected the country’s nuclear facilities more than 450 time in 2024. “Something about 25% of all the agency inspections” in the year. Meanwhile, Israel routinely has threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities if it feels threatened, further complicating tensions in the Mideast already spiked by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In his first reaction to Trump’s regional visit, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Trump wasn’t truthful when he made claims about creating peace through power. “Trump said that he wanted to use power for peace, he lied. He and the U.S. administration used power for massacre in Gaza, for waging wars in any place they could,” Khamenei said Saturday during a meeting with teachers broadcast on state television. The U.S. has provided Israel with 10-ton bombs to “drop on Gaza children, hospitals, houses of people in Lebanon and anywhere else when they can,” Khamenei said. Khamenei, who has the final say on all Iranian state matters, reiterated his traditional stance against Israel. “Definitely, the Zionist regime is the spot of corruption, war, rifts. The Zionist regime that is lethal, dangerous, cancerous tumor should be certainly eradicated, and it will be,” he said, adding that the U.S. has imposed a pattern on Arab nations under which they cannot endeavor without U.S. support. “Surely this model has failed. With efforts of the regional nations, the U.S. should leave the region, and it will leave,” Khamenei said. Iran has long considered the U.S. military presence in the region […]

A rare composition is taking form In the ancient cobblestone paths of Tzfat’s Old City. TZFAT ESTATES, a masterpiece by ISA Group, isn’t just premium real estate — it’s a living relationship to Jewish history, bonding neshamos through modern elegance and timeless kedusha. A vista where ruchniusdige essence meets breathtaking views. Your front-row seat With sweeping open Galilee mountain views and facing Meron and Kever Rashbi, TZFAT ESTATES offers what’s increasingly precious today: authentic connection.  “Imagine experiencing Lag Baomer not as a visitor, but as someone who calls this sacred place home,” says Meir, a representative. “Picture yourself returning from the medura to continue enjoying the matzav from your expansive balcony, watching thousands journey to Meron.” Orchestrated perfection The exceptional architectural vision comes from renowned Feigin Architects — creators of Jerusalem’s iconic Waldorf Astoria and Jerusalem Estates. Interior spaces, meticulously crafted by celebrated designer Sari Gurstein, feature smart electrical systems, comprehensive climate control, and exquisite decorative elements — complete with luxurious finishing touches for turnkey living. Residents enjoy exclusive access to a stunning swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, spa facilities, and a magnificent shul in the TZFAT ESTATES community. “This isn’t simply a collection of prestigious apartments,” explains Akiva from ISA Group. “It’s a private space where one feels uplifted in Eretz HaKodesh, experiencing Tzfat’s ethereal magic with like-minded individuals, maintaining a concrete connection to the ‘libi bamizrach-yearning’ of yidden worldwide.” The final movement Construction is progressing steadily, with 92% of units already claimed by what developers describe as “the most quality-focused clientele in the world.” The final select 3 and 4-bedroom apartments with expansive porches await those who recognize this singular opportunity. Imagine welcoming Shabbos where Lecha Dodi was composed and feeling the mystical echoes of Kabbalistic masters in the mountainous air. Now’s your chance to secure your permanent link to our nation — a place where your soul sings wrapped in world-class elegance. The final chords of this extraordinary symphony await only those who choose to listen. Are you going to sing along? >>>

Join us tomorrow, Sunday, 5/18 at the Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim Dinner מחר יהיה האות הזה! Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ 5:30 PM – Reception & קבלת פנים6:30 PM – Dinner8:00 PM – Dessert & קבלת קהל with the Roshei Yeshiva, Mashgiach, and Rabbeim

Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan has stepped down on a “temporary basis” as an investigation into rape allegations against him take place, the court announced on Friday. Khan was also accused of harassing staff who supported his accuser, including demoting several people Women’s rights groups, who called for Khan to step down last year, after his aide accused him of severe abuse, welcome the announcement. “In any other professional setting, someone facing such serious allegations would have been expected to step down months ago,” Eimear Shine, a spokesperson for The Hague-based Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, said. Meanwhile, Khan’s bank accounts in his home country of the UK are frozen in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sanctions on the ICC for “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Khan issued the arrest warrants against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant in order to deflect attention from the rape charges brought against him. Additionally, a senior Western diplomat with firsthand knowledge of the ICC case told the Jerusalem Post last week that Khan issued the warrants against the Israeli leaders in order to “give countries like Germany and Canada the excuse they need to turn against the Israeli government.” (YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)

Fifteen Israeli fighter jets carried out massive airstrikes on the Al-Salif and Hodeidah ports in Yemen on Friday afternoon, dropping over 30 bombs. The attack came after Israel last week twice issued warnings for Yemenis to evacuate the ports. Following the attack, the IDF issued a statement saying that the ports that were attacked were used to transfer weapons to the Houthis to attack Israel. It was Israel’s eighth attack on the Houthis in Yemen in less than a year. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Friday threatened to assassinate Houthi leaders just like the “Sinwars” in Gaza.   (YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)

A terrorist stabbed a police officer at Chain Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on Friday night. The terrorist arrived at the area shortly after 9 p.m. and charged at the police officer, stabbing him in the back with a knife Another police officer and a nearby Border Police officer quickly opened fire, neutralizing the terrorist. His death was later pronounced at the scene. The wounded police officer was evacuated to Shaare Tzedek Hospital in moderate condition. The terrorist was later identified as an Israeli-Arab from East Jerusalem. (YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)

Ben Horodenker For the yeshivah students of Shtilim, the eight-day journey to Poland was a transformative experience of connection, memory, and inner awakening—designed specifically within the inclusive, nurturing framework that defines the Shtilim special education network. The group was accompanied by Rabbi Chaim Biton, a minister in the Education Ministry; Rabbi Yisrael Reisner, Shtilim’s visionary founder and chairman; Rabbi Natan Tzvi Finkel, Rosh Yeshivah of Ohalech; Rabbi Moshe Berman, Rosh Yeshivah of Shvilei HaTorah;  as well as devoted educators and rabbanim from the Shtilim network. The experienced yeshivah staff provided a forum for the boys to digest and reflect on what they had seen and experienced, offering students with complex needs not only the tools for learning but opportunities for spiritual connection, pride in their Jewish identity, and personal growth.  “Polish soil is soaked in Jewish tears,” declared Rabbi Finkel, addressing the students with trembling voice and uplifted hands. “Every step we take here cries out from the past, telling the story of our people.” That moment—quiet, intense, and deeply moving—set the tone for a journey that would leave no heart unchanged. Throughout the trip, students experienced a profound emotional and spiritual unfolding. “It felt like the souls of the martyrs were with us,” one participant shared.  “This wasn’t just a glimpse into history,” reflected Rabbi Yehoshua Bider, Mashgiach of Yeshivat Shvilei HaTorah. “It was a journey into each boy’s soul—a reflection of who he is, and who he is capable of becoming.” At the graves of Torah giants such as Rav Chaim of Brisk, the Netziv of Volozhin, Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, the Rema, the Bach, and many others, the boys were introduced to a legacy of greatness and resilience. Shabbat was a sanctuary of strength and serenity, and on Motzaei Shabbat, spirits soared as melodies of faith filled the air, led by singer Pini Einhorn, the Neshama choir, and the soulful clarinet of Chaim Kirshenbaum. It was a celebration of Jewish identity—accessible, inclusive, and alive. The next morning, the students received intensive words of preparation before heading to Majdanek, Treblinka, Auschwitz, and Birkenau. These visits weren’t only about remembering the past but also strengthening the inner core of each student and instilling pride in their Jewish identity. One of the most searing moments came at the Children’s Forest, the site of a mass grave of young children. There, each student received a personal letter written by his parents. Surrounded by memories of thousands of children who never had a chance to grow up, the boys opened their letters. Rabbi Chaim Biton addressed the students: “As we stand here and imagine the children who were murdered al kiddush Hashem, our hearts break—but our truth stands strong. You are their legacy. You are the continuation they were denied. With your bodies, your souls, your Torah, your faith—you are our answer. You are the living proof of Am Yisrael Chai.” Many of the boys responded instinctively—by writing letters of their own to their younger siblings. That sense of continuity, of belonging, is at the heart of what Shtilim works to cultivate every day: giving students with complex developmental needs the tools to build identity, meaning, and connection. As the trip concluded, the boys stood in a circle shoulder to shoulder, arms around one another, singing Ani Maamin—a song of hope and […]

A political firestorm erupted Thursday when former FBI Director James Comey posted a cryptic Instagram photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers “8647,” which many in conservative circles interpret as a coded call to assassinate President Donald Trump. The post, deleted after sparking outrage, has prompted investigations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service, with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard leading calls for Comey’s arrest. The controversy stems from the phrase “86 47,” where “86” is slang for “to get rid of” or, more recently, “to kill,” and “47” refers to Trump’s status as the 47th President of the United States. Comey, a vocal Trump detractor since his 2017 firing by the then-president, likely knew exactly what he was implying, though he now denies it. “This is the guy who’s issuing a hit on President Trump,” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime. “Any other person with the position of influence that he has… should be held accountable and put behind bars for this.” Comey’s post, captioned “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” was removed after backlash from Trump allies, including Donald Trump Jr., who wrote on X, “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote: “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.” Trump survived two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign—one in July in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman grazed his ear, killing one attendee, and another in September at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Gabbard noted this, saying, “The dangerousness of this cannot be underestimated… We’ve already seen assassination attempts.” Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 to 2017, has a contentious history with Trump. Fired amid the bureau’s probe into alleged Russian ties to Trump’s 2016 campaign, Comey later called Trump “morally unfit” for office and wrote a memoir critical of the former president. His defenders, including some left-leaning commentators, argue the “8647” post was a misunderstanding, with Comey claiming he thought it was merely a “political message” and was unaware of its violent connotations. “James Comey spent his career prosecuting mobsters,” Gabbard said, dismissing his ignorance claim. “He understood the dangerous lingo he posted on Instagram.” FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is supporting the Secret Service’s investigation, saying, “We are in communication with Director [Sean] Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The United Arab Emirates’ top diplomat told Fox News that the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas is a prerequisite for any meaningful progress toward stability in the region. “First, getting the hostages out,” said Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “We need calm in Gaza, and we need an authority that’s not Hamas that controls Gaza.” His remarks — a rare and pointed public articulation of the U.A.E.’s position on the conflict — place the Gulf nation squarely in alignment with a growing international chorus calling for Hamas to relinquish control of the besieged enclave as a condition for rebuilding and long-term peace. Since the outbreak of the war following Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel, the U.A.E. has emerged as one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to bin Zayed, 42 percent of all aid that has entered the territory since the war began has been funded by the Emirates. He credited the 2020 Abraham Accords — the U.S.-brokered normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab states, including the U.A.E. — with enabling that scale of assistance. Without it, he suggested, Abu Dhabi’s ability to funnel aid into Gaza would have been far more limited. The Abraham Accords, controversial in parts of the Arab world, opened diplomatic and commercial channels between Israel and its new regional partners, including the U.A.E. While the war in Gaza has tested those ties, Emirati officials have sought to leverage the relationship to push for de-escalation and greater humanitarian access. Still, bin Zayed’s call for a post-Hamas governing authority in Gaza underscores a growing consensus among Arab leaders — including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia — that any durable solution must involve a political transformation inside the territory. Though he did not specify what form such an alternative authority should take, bin Zayed’s comments suggest the U.A.E. envisions a Gaza Strip administered either by a reformed Palestinian Authority or a transitional body backed by Arab states and international actors. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran should make a quick decision on an American proposal for a nuclear deal or “something bad will happen.” Speaking in Abu Dhabi as he capped a Gulf tour, Trump said his administration had handed Iran a proposal for an agreement, adding that “they know they have to move quickly or something bad is going to happen.” The Trump administration presented Iran with a written proposal for a nuclear deal during the fourth round of negotiations held in Oman on Sunday, according to a U.S. official and two sources with direct knowledge of the talks cited by Axios. This marks the first time since negotiations began in early April that the U.S. has provided a formal written offer to Iran, signaling a potential turning point in the high-stakes discussions. The proposal was delivered by White House envoy Steve Witkoff to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has returned to Tehran to consult with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other top officials. The details of the U.S. proposal remain undisclosed, but sources indicate it outlines limitations for a civilian nuclear program in Iran, along with monitoring and verification requirements. The move comes amid intense diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, with President Donald Trump emphasizing the urgency of the talks. Speaking in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Trump described the proposal as “an olive branch” but warned, “This is not an offer that will last forever. The time is right now for them to choose.” The presentation of a written proposal follows months of negotiations that initially focused on establishing trust and dialogue. During the first round of talks in April, Araghchi provided Witkoff with a document containing Iranian proposals, which the U.S. deemed premature. By the third round, the U.S. accepted an Iranian proposal for review, leading to an exchange of questions and clarifications that paved the way for the U.S. to draft its own plan. Witkoff’s team has faced challenges in articulating a consistent U.S. position, particularly regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment. While Witkoff previously suggested that Iran could enrich uranium at low levels (up to 3.67%) for civilian purposes, he later clarified that any deal would require Iran to “stop and eliminate” its enrichment and weaponization programs entirely. This shift has drawn criticism from hawkish voices in Washington, including Senator Tom Cotton, who insists on “zero enrichment” and has rallied Republican support for a hardline stance. Iran has signaled openness to a deal that aligns with its interests. A senior adviser to Khamenei told NBC News on Wednesday that Iran is prepared to limit enrichment to levels suitable for civilian use, surrender its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and allow international inspectors to verify compliance—provided all U.S. sanctions are lifted. Iranian officials have stressed that uranium enrichment remains non-negotiable, though they are willing to discuss limitations on its scope and scale for confidence-building purposes. The talks are unfolding against a backdrop of regional tensions and U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, which Trump has described as a contingency plan should diplomacy fail. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have urged the U.S. to secure a deal to avoid a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which could ignite a broader regional conflict. Witkoff briefed the […]

Israeli authorities announced Friday that they have arrested a 16-year-old boy accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence operatives in a covert campaign targeting Israel’s national security. The teenager, a resident of the Judean foothills region, allegedly carried out a series of tasks for Iranian handlers in exchange for money, according to a joint statement issued by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet. The activities included photographing sensitive locations, hiding cash, distributing incendiary political flyers, and burning papers bearing condemnations of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Officials say the teen was instructed to purchase a new mobile phone and install an encrypted messaging application through which he could receive assignments. Despite informing Israeli authorities that he had been contacted by Iranian agents, the teenager allegedly continued to cooperate with them, the statement said. At one point, while traveling abroad, the suspect was reportedly offered a face-to-face meeting with his Iranian contacts, though officials did not confirm whether such a meeting occurred. The arrest marks the latest in a growing number of alleged Iranian-backed operations targeting Israeli citizens for recruitment. Over the past year, Iranian intelligence has been linked to a range of subversive activities within Israel, including the dissemination of propaganda, acts of arson, and what officials have described as foiled attempts to assassinate senior Israeli figures. Security officials have long warned of Iran’s use of cyber channels and social media to reach out to disaffected or vulnerable individuals within Israel. While past cases have typically involved adults, the involvement of a minor adds a troubling dimension to the evolving threat. Neither the suspect’s name nor the specific locations he targeted have been released due to legal and security considerations. The teenager remains in custody as the investigation continues. Charges have not yet been formally announced. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Syria’s new government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa is reportedly considering the return of the remains of legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen — a potential diplomatic gesture that could mark a striking departure from decades of hostile silence between the two countries. According to Arab diplomats cited by Al-Akhbar, a pro-Hezbollah Lebanese newspaper known for its deep connections in the region, Syrian officials have not ruled out the possibility of transferring Cohen’s remains to Israel, nearly 60 years after he was hanged in a Damascus public square in 1965. The report, authored by Al-Akhbar editor-in-chief Ibrahim al-Amin, claims that covert security talks between Israel and Syria have intensified in recent weeks, with a particular focus on confidence-building measures. Among those measures, according to the report, is Syria’s potential disclosure of burial sites of Israeli soldiers who went missing during the 1982 Lebanon War — a topic long considered off-limits by successive Syrian regimes. More notably, the article suggests that these contacts are not occurring in isolation. Recent meetings reportedly held in Abu Dhabi brought together senior representatives of the al-Sharaa regime, U.S. officials, and Israeli intermediaries. The agenda, according to the report, centered around a tentative understanding: Syria would take concrete steps to de-escalate tensions along its border with Israel, in exchange for American economic and humanitarian aid. The reported overtures come at a critical moment for Syria’s new leadership. President al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader turned internationally recognized head of state, has spent the first months of his presidency attempting to rehabilitate Syria’s global standing after years of civil war and diplomatic isolation. Israeli and American officials have not publicly confirmed the Abu Dhabi talks or the details of any proposals made. Still, the potential return of Eli Cohen’s remains — long regarded as a national cause in Israel — would carry enormous symbolic weight. Cohen, who infiltrated the highest echelons of Syrian government under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet, was credited with passing critical intelligence to Israel in the lead-up to the 1967 Six-Day War. Captured and executed in 1965, his body has never been returned, despite repeated requests by the Israeli government and multiple diplomatic efforts through third parties. His widow, Nadia Cohen, has continued to advocate for the return of his remains. “This would be a historic act of reconciliation,” she said in a statement last year, when similar rumors surfaced. While Al-Akhbar is not a neutral observer — its editorial line often mirrors that of Hezbollah and Iranian-linked factions — its reporting is considered credible within diplomatic circles when it comes to intra-Arab or regional negotiations. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)