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Tantzers, an organization that brings joy and hope to children and families fighting terminal illness, has partnered with Ishay Ribo’s upcoming concert on Chanukah’s 6th night, December 30th to support their work. Booking a coveted front-row ticket at this Chanukah’s most prominent show now supports Tantzers’ ability to fill families’ emotional needs during life’s hardest moments—whether by bringing song and gifts to a hospital bedside, bringing extra joy to family celebrations, or helping children process their pain in a safe and supportive environment. Just four months after Ishay Ribo’s second historic, sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, the chart-topping music sensation returns to New York at the United Palace Theater on Chanukah’s 6th night, December 30th. His second Chanukah concert in New York this year, the evening will feature separate seating for men and women as he hosts Israeli rock-star Amir Dadon. Ribo’s Chanukah tour includes a family seating New York performance on Chanukah’s 5th night and culminates with performances at Miami’s Fillmore on the 8th night and Punta del Este, Uruguay on January 5th. To buy VIP tickets and support Tantzers, visit thetantzers.org/ribo

In a dramatic move, the IDF on Sunday afternoon re-captured the Syrian side of Har Chermon, expanding the buffer zone along the Syrian border and several other important defensive posts. It marks the first time Israel has controlled the Syrian Ramat Hagolan in decades. Sources told Ynet that Israeli Air Force commandos from the elite Shaldag unit captured the highest peak of the Chermon on the Syrian side. The operation was carried out without any resistance. The Chermon mountain range is considered a strategic defensive area as it overlooks the entire area. The post enables IDF forces to foresee possible invading forces and offers a firing range over other peaks, making it a critical observation and defense asset. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

South Korean prosecutors on Sunday detained a former defense minister who allegedly recommended last week’s brief but stunning martial law imposition to President Yoon Suk Yeol, making him the first figure detained over the case. The development came a day after Yoon avoided an opposition-led bid to impeach him in parliament, with most ruling party lawmakers boycotting a floor vote to prevent the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The main opposition Democratic Party said it will prepare a new impeachment motion against Yoon. On Sunday, ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun was taken into custody at a Seoul detention facility after undergoing an investigation by prosecutors, a law enforcement official said, requesting anonymity in line with privacy rules. The official gave no further details. But South Korean media reported that Kim voluntarily appeared at a Seoul prosecutors’ office, where he had his mobile phone confiscated and was detained. The reports said police searched Kim’s former office and residence on Sunday. Repeated calls to Seoul prosecutors’ offices and police agency were unanswered. Senior prosecutor Park Se-hyun said in a televised statement Sunday that authorities launched a 62-member special investigation team on the martial law case. Park, who will head the team, said the probe would “leave no suspicions.” Yoon accepted Kim’s resignation offer on Thursday after opposition parties submitted a separate impeachment motion against him. Kim is a central figure in Yoon’s martial law enforcement, which led to special forces troops encircling the National Assembly building and army helicopters hovering over it. The military withdrew after the parliament unanimously voted to overturn Yoon’s decree, forcing his Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. In Kim’s impeachment motion document, the Democratic Party and other opposition parties accused him of proposing martial law to Yoon. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho told parliament that Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. The Democratic Party called Yoon’s martial law imposition “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup.” It has filed complaints with police against at least nine people, including Yoon and Kim, over the alleged rebellion. In a statement Wednesday, Kim said that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.” Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung told reporters on Thursday the prosecution plans to investigate the rebellion charges against Yoon following complaints. While the president mostly has immunity from prosecution while in office, that does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. The Defense Ministry said it has suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement in the martial law imposition. They were among those facing the opposition-raised rebellion allegations. On Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration. He said he would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to […]

BREAKING: Massive fires broke out following IDF airstrikes on a Syrian security compound housing intelligence and customs buildings in Damascus.

Explosions were heard in Damascus as a large fire broke out at the Immigration Department building, eyewitnesses reported. Moments earlier, Israel conducted multiple airstrikes in the city. It is unclear if the fire is linked to the strikes.

China sent 14 warships, seven military aircraft and four balloons near Taiwan between Saturday and Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island it claims as its own. China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organize military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies, including U.S. stops in Hawaii and Guam. China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, as its own territory, and bristles at other countries’ formal exchanges with Taiwan. The United States, like most countries, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but is its main unofficial backer and sells it arms. The Chinese government has pledged to annex Taiwan, through military force if necessary, and sends ships and military planes near the island almost daily. The 14 warships, seven military planes and four balloons were reported over 24 hours between 6 a.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The ministry said six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial demarcation zone between Taiwan and China. One of the balloons brushed over the island’s northern tip, according to the ministry. Lai on Friday called on China to refrain from threats and said Beijing’s military exercises “will not be able to win the respect” of neighboring countries. Lai’s first overseas trip since taking office in May included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The rest of the world, including the U.S., has official ties with China. Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam — from where he had phone calls with U.S. Congress leaders — angered China, which opposes U.S. arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan. There was widespread speculation China might organize war games around Taiwan in response to the visit, though it was unclear when they might start. In October, China held drills around Taiwan involving a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in response to a Lai speech in which he rejected Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to speak to him. (AP)

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The Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag Unit has captured the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. The operation was carried out without any resistance. Earlier today, the IDF announced it was deploying forces to the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, which includes the Mount Hermon region.

Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked targets across Syria on Sunday for the first time since the fall of Assad’s regime in the country, according to foreign reports. The strikes were reportedly aimed at airports in the capital city of Damascus and rural areas in southern Syria, where the IDF is likely targeting weapons and arms manufacturing plants that could threaten Israel. The IDF has reinforced its forces in Ramat HaGolan, including bolstering the 210th Bashan Division Division [the division in the IDF’s Northern Command responsible for the Syrian front] with armored units, infantry, and artillery. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said earlier during a situational assessment of the region that “every event here sets a standard and signifies changes ahead. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the situation with all our resources to better understand what is happening.” The IDF emphasized that they must be in “forward defensive positions” and declared that they would attack any entity threatening Israel. The IDF’s main focus is the anticipation of the exit of Iranian militias and the activities of local entities that occupy the territory. Additionally, the IDF stressed that it would not allow the transfer of weapons from Syria to Lebanon, both by the Syrian army and by Hezbollah. Additionally, defense units and emergency response teams in the communities near the border have been reactivated to ensure security and calm in light of the instability on the Syrian side. The IDF has not called up reserves but is preparing for the continued reinforcement of forces in Ramat HaGolan. On Sunday morning, the IDF declared certain areas near the Syrian border in Ramat HaGolan as closed military zones. Earlier, IDF forces entered the demilitarized area in the buffer zone along the Syrian border. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic day for the Middle East” during a visit to Mt. Bental on the Golan Heights, near the Syrian border, following the collapse of the Assad regime. He was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Golan Heights Regional Council Chairman Uri Kellner. During the visit, Netanyahu received a briefing from Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin, Head of IDF Northern Command, and Brig.-Gen. Yair Peli, Commander of the 210th Division. The discussion centered on developments in Syria, the IDF’s increased presence along the border, and preparations for future security operations. Netanyahu attributed the fall of Assad’s regime to Israel’s actions against Hezbollah and Iran, stating: “The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers. This collapse is the direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters. It set off a chain reaction of all those who want to free themselves from this tyranny and its oppression.” He also highlighted the potential threats posed by the collapse of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria: “Last night, it collapsed. The Syrian army abandoned its positions. We gave the Israeli army the order to take over these positions to ensure that no hostile force embeds itself right next to the border of Israel. This is a temporary defensive position until a suitable arrangement is found.” Netanyahu extended a gesture of peace to various communities in Syria, including the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims, while emphasizing Israel’s readiness to defend itself: “If we can establish neighborly relations and peaceful relations with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our desire. But if we do not, we will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the border of Israel.” The IDF has taken control of key positions previously held by the Syrian military to prevent hostile forces from gaining a foothold near the border. Netanyahu described the move as temporary but necessary for Israel’s security. The Prime Minister was accompanied by senior officials, including his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman; Foreign Policy Adviser, Dr. Ophir Falk; and Spokesperson, Dr. Omer Dostri. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers. We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria: to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the Christians, and to the Muslims who want to live in peace with Israel.

Watch how fast Syria State TV flips from denying reports of the regime collapsing to celebrating its collapse.

South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon’s impeachment or resignation. The party’s floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. “We’ll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We’ll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year’s end.” Many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 ½ years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks “further public outrage and national confusion if they don’t find a formula fast for Yoon’s departure,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoon’s “orderly” early exit but didn’t say when he can resign. Protests against Yoon are swelling On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. The president apologizes for turmoil Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in […]

The IDF on Sunday morning declared certain areas near the Syrian border in Ramat HaGolan as closed military zones as part of the bolstering of its forces in the area following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. The decision was made following a situational assessment by the IDF’s Northern Command. The military zones encompass agricultural areas near Buq’ata, Merom Golan, Ein Zivan, and Khirbat Ein Hura. Access for farmers will be limited to periods of several hours in accordance with military needs and in full coordination with the 474th battalion. The IDF emphasizes that entry into these areas is absolutely prohibited. Additionally, the IDF’s Home Front Command canceled classroom studies in four Druze municipalities in northern Ramat HaGolan: Buq’ata, Ein Qiniyya, Mas’ada, and Majdal Shams, with studies being held online instead. Kindergartens will operate as usual. Earlier this morning, it was reported that the IDF entered the buffer zone in the Golan following the fall of Assad’s regime and concerns about a rebel attempt to attack yishuvim in the area. Large infantry forces and tanks were positioned inside the demilitarized zone to prevent the entry of rebels. Simultaneously, the IDF issued warnings to the rebels not to cross the demilitarized line. The IDF deployed forces in the buffer zone due to concerns about “the possibility of armed infiltration into the buffer zone.” The IDF emphasized that military activities in the buffer zone are temporary, stating, “We will not interfere in what happens in Syria, except to protect our citizens. Our actions are temporary until the situation stabilizes.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Two Syrian sources told Reuters that there is a very high probability that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may have been killed in a plane crash. In the wake of the rebel takeover of Damascus in the early hours of Sunday morning, Assad boarded a plane for an unknown destination after 24 years in power. His whereabouts – and those of his wife and two children – are now unknown. According to data from the Flightradar website, a Syrian Air Plane took off from the Damascus airport early Sunday morning and initially flew to Syria’s coastal area, a stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect. But the plane then made a sudden U-turn and briefly flew for a few minutes before disappearing off the map. “It disappeared off the radar, possibly the transponder was switched off, but I believe the bigger probability is that the aircraft was taken down…,” said one Syrian source without elaborating. It is not yet clear who was aboard. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

The IDF announced it has bolstered its presence in the buffer zone along the Syrian border following recent developments, including the entry of armed personnel into the demilitarized area. The deployment, which includes forces in strategic locations, aims to safeguard the Golan Heights communities and Israeli civilians. “This move is in accordance with the situational assessment and is necessary to ensure the safety of the region,” the IDF stated. Despite the increased military activity, the IDF emphasized it is not intervening in Syria’s internal affairs. “The IDF will continue to operate as long as necessary to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel and its citizens,” the statement added. The buffer zone, established under the 1974 disengagement agreement, serves as a critical area for preventing hostilities between Israel and Syria. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A banner featuring the late IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was torn down last night by Syrian residents at the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus.