In a chilling backchannel warning just days before last night’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran reportedly threatened President Donald Trump with domestic terror attacks if the United States launched any offensive action, NBC reports. The threat, delivered through an intermediary at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada last week, warned of sleeper-cell operatives embedded within the U.S. who could be activated in retaliation. Trump abruptly departed the summit on June 16 to deliberate on military options amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Sources include two senior U.S. officials and an individual with direct knowledge of the classified threat, who confirmed that the communique made clear Tehran’s intent to target the U.S. homeland if provoked. In a statement posted to social media following the overnight strikes, Trump delivered a stern message: “Any Iranian retaliation against the United States WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT.” Federal agencies remain on high alert. The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin today warning that the Iran conflict “is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.” The alert raised the possibility of terrorist attacks on American soil, especially in the event that Iranian clerical leadership issues a religious edict—or fatwa—authorizing such violence. The bulletin also outlined concerns over potential Iranian cyberattacks and assassination attempts targeting U.S. officials connected to the 2020 killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. Despite struggling previously to carry out major plots on American soil, Iran has long sought to build networks capable of acting when ordered. DHS officials say these threats must be taken seriously amid a volatile geopolitical moment. Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the administration is “looking very closely” at the possibility of an Iranian-backed attack within the U.S. homeland. Vance pointed to national security vulnerabilities tied to the southern border, stating, “We know that some of those people who crossed during the Biden administration were on terrorism watch lists.” He added that there is not yet a “full accounting” of all individuals who may have entered without proper vetting. A senior European diplomat familiar with Iran’s capabilities warned that Tehran’s reach extends well beyond the Middle East. “The U.S. and its allies believe Iran retains the operational ability to strike American and European nationals abroad—far outside traditional conflict zones,” the diplomat said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the press that one of the reasons why Russia is not aiding Iranians in the war is that “Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country,” Ynet reported. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Putin said that the Kremlin “traditionally enjoys good and friendly relations with the Arab world. It has been said here that we must show a certain solidarity—and that is true. But in any case, every conflict is rather unique. I want to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million Russian-speaking people live in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today.” “Who said that we were supposed to do more?” Putin continued. “What else? Start combat operations?” “We defend Iran’s right to nuclear energy in the name of peace. We built a nuclear reactor in Iran and signed contracts for two more. We continue that work; we haven’t evacuated our people from there. Isn’t that support for Iran?” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi presented a rare review on Sunday to members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, including political and operational details behind the scenes of the ongoing war with Iran. “On the ninth night of the war, something dramatic happened in Iran—in both senses of the word,” Hanegbi began [a reference to the Hebrew expression נפל דבר, which literally means “something fell,” but also means “something momentous occurred”]. Hanegbi revealed that US President Donald Trump recently asked Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu if he would support a “good” nuclear agreement with Tehran. According to him, Netanyahu replied, “A good agreement is the best—but it won’t happen, because the Iranians will not give up any nuclear aspirations.” Hanegbi said that when a senior Biden administration official was presented with the possibility that Iran would obtain nuclear power, he dismissed it, saying, “I’ll sit with a cocktail on the beach.” Hanegbi added that Israel aspires to include the issue of ballistic missiles in a future agreement with Iran—an issue that the Iranians insist on presenting as a defense capability and not an offensive weapon. “They can quickly restore their missile capabilities, but the nuclear issue will take them longer,” he emphasized. Regarding the international arena, Hanegbi noted that “the Russians were businesslike—they condemned us only declaratively, but beyond that they didn’t act against us.” Hanegbi referred to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a “dead man” but clarified that “currently he is not defined as a target for execution. And ‘currently’ is 60 seconds,” hinting at the possibility of a targeted strike at any time. Hanegbi concluded with a reference to Israel’s southern front: “Hamas is not currently responding to proposals for a hostage deal—not even to the Qataris. They are standing aside and want to see which way the wind is blowing.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
An anti-Semitic attack shook the Crown Heights kehilla on Shabbos afternoon, as a yeshiva bochur was viciously attacked in a brazen, hate-driven assault. The incident occurred around 1:00 PM near Eastern Parkway and Brooklyn Avenue. Witnesses say the perpetrator was running through the neighborhood screaming anti-Semitic threats, including references to Gaza, while chasing visibly Jewish men. He ultimately singled out an innocent bochur walking along the street and unleashed a violent barrage of punches and kicks, leaving the victim unconscious on the sidewalk. The attacker had already fled the scene by the time emergency responders arrived. The suspect was later connected to two earlier incidents in the neighborhood — an unprovoked shoving attack on Thursday evening near Eastern Parkway and Albany Avenue, and deliberate traffic obstruction on Friday morning at Crown Street and New York Avenue. Despite prior complaints, the individual had not been taken into custody. There have also been additional reports of attempted assaults on other Jewish residents earlier in the day, heightening community concern and prompting a renewed search. Following a coordinated search effort, the suspect was located and arrested by the NYPD later that same day. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force has been notified and is expected to take over the investigation. Community members are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
PHOTOS: Former NY Governor and current NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo attended the Boro Park Shomrim annual bike registration event taking place today.
Iranian TV host Amir-Hossein Tahmasebi told Israelis to “hurry up” and learn how to swim before Iran wipes out their entire infrastructure. He added, “Crawl back to the European stables and sties you came from.”
In a monumental decision for terror victims and their families, the United States Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (PSJVTA), clearing the way for civil lawsuits in American courts against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA). The ruling came in the case of Miriam Fuld v. Palestine Liberation Organization, a case brought by the family of Ari Fuld HY”D, a beloved American-Israeli activist and father of four who was murdered in a 2018 terrorist stabbing near the Gush Etzion Junction in Israel. The Court’s decision overturns a lower court ruling that had dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds. The 6-3 ruling affirms that the PSJVTA, passed by Congress in 2019, does not violate the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. The law deems entities like the PLO and PA to have consented to U.S. jurisdiction if they make “pay-for-slay” terror payments to families of terrorists or conduct certain activities on U.S. soil. The Supreme Court found these jurisdictional triggers to be valid under the Constitution, citing America’s compelling interest in combating terrorism and ensuring justice for U.S. victims. Writing for the majority, the Court emphasized that foreign entities engaging in activities that affect U.S. citizens — including financially incentivizing acts of terrorism — can be held accountable in American courts. The justices noted the PLO and PA’s global presence, dismissing concerns that litigating in the U.S. posed an undue burden. Justice Clarence Thomas, in a concurring opinion, went further, arguing that as nonsovereign actors, the PLO and PA may not even be entitled to due process protections under the Constitution. The case now returns to the lower courts for further proceedings. Sam Silverman, the Monsey-based attorney representing the Fuld family, was praised for his role in securing the victory. “This decision is a turning point for terror victims seeking justice,” Silverman said. “It sends a message to the world that the United States will not be a safe haven for entities that finance or reward terrorism.” The Fulds, who attended oral arguments earlier this year, expressed gratitude for the ruling, which they described as “a victory not only for Ari’s memory, but for every American family shattered by terror.” Congressman Mike Lawler, who recently reintroduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, also welcomed the decision. “This ruling affirms what we’ve been saying all along — that terrorism will not be tolerated, and those who sponsor it must be held accountable,” he said. The decision may have far-reaching implications, paving the way for dozens of other lawsuits filed by American victims of terrorism against the PLO, PA, and potentially other foreign entities accused of similar acts. The Fulds’ case now proceeds toward trial — and potentially, a moment of long-awaited accountability. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
**Axios Reports: Israel Cleared Path for U.S. Bombers in Iran at Trump’s Request** According to Axios, at Trump’s behest, Israel’s Air Force targeted multiple Iranian air defense systems in the 48 hours before the U.S. struck Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. Three U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed Israel’s role in degrading defenses to facilitate the U.S. operation. Trump’s request was made directly to Netanyahu last week, after the president decided he would move forward with a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities unless a surprise diplomatic opportunity emerged. “How can we help?” Netanyahu asked, according to Israeli officials. Trump told Netanyahu he wanted the Israeli Air Force to eliminate as many Iranian air defense systems as possible in southern Iran — to clear a path for incoming U.S. B-2 stealth bombers. The U.S. then provided Israel with a list of air defense systems it wanted eliminated ahead of the strike, an Israeli official told Axios. Trump praised Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying, “We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before,” as Israeli strikes focused on southern Iran to ensure safety for the B-2 bombers hitting Fordow. After the attack, Trump briefed Netanyahu and expressed his desire for peace with Iran, stating, “He’s ready to do it if the Iranians retaliate…but he wants peace.” An Israeli official said, “We still don’t know how the Iranians will respond — and that could change everything.” The U.S. made it clear they want to end the current escalation, with one official noting, “They don’t mind if we continue our strikes, but when it comes to them, they’re done.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Israeli Air Force is currently striking military infrastructure sites in Tehran and western Iran, the IDF says. The video is of strikes on IRGC sites in Tabriz.
MONSEY: A child was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Saddle River Road and Second Street. Hatzoloh EMS and Ramapo Police responded to the scene. The child sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
As Iran Escalates, United Hatzalah Responds — Under Fire With America’s strike on Iran and Tehran lashing out in desperation, Israeli civilians are again in the crosshairs. Cities across the north and center have endured waves of rocket fire. Families are running for shelter. Children are frightened. And before the smoke even clears, United Hatzalah volunteers are already there. PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY This past week alone, medics have pulled a baby from a collapsed apartment in Haifa, revived a grandfather hit by shrapnel in Petach Tikvah, and treated entire families suffering trauma after direct rocket strikes. These aren’t salaried professionals — they’re trained volunteers, leaving their own children in shelters to save strangers and their children. PLEASE DONATE TODAY United Hatzalah has answered over 6,500 emergency calls in the past few days, including dozens of CPRs, mass casualty incidents, and countless cases of psychological distress. They operate with zero government funding. In a war where every second counts, they’re often the first on scene. But to keep going, they need our support now. Your donation could literally be the difference between life and death. Support the heroes saving lives under fire DONATE NOW
It was reported on Sunday that 10,630 Israelis are currently homeless after they were forced to leave their homes that were destroyed or damaged in Iranian missile attacks. Most of them are now living in hotels arranged by their local municipalities. Over 30,000 claims have been filed to the Property Tax Compensation Fund since the start of the war for damages to buildings and vehicles or contents and equipment. The fund stated that “citizens whose homes or property have been damaged by missile fire can contact and report the damage to the Tax Authority hotline at *4954 or file an online claim on the Tax Authority website.” Meanwhile, Magen David Adom has released the following numbers regarding those who were R”L killed or injured: 1,213 total casualties treated, 24 fatalities 16 in serious condition 27 moderately injured 682 lightly injured 207 suffered from shock 257 treated at the scene without transport (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
WATCH: The B-2 bombers used in the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were spotted flying over New Jersey today as they returned to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
The Rabbinical Beis Din was badly damaged in the Iranian missile attack on the northern city of Haifa on Friday. For now, Beis Din operations have been transferred to another city. A video of the scene shows that amid the destruction, a photo of HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef and bookshelves lined with sifrei kodesh remained untouched. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
