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—

Security camera footage made public on Monday captured the devastating scene as an Iranian missile struck a residential complex in Petach Tikva in the early hours, erupting into a massive fireball upon contact.

The tragic attack claimed the lives of four people. According to an initial assessment from the Home Front Command, two of those who died had taken shelter in a reinforced room (mamad), but the missile hit the area between two such protected spaces in the structure.

WATCH:

Another casualty appears to have been in an apartment located directly above the point of impact, while a fourth individual lost their life in a neighboring building, likely due to the immense force of the explosion.

The Home Front Command emphasized that although mamad rooms are effective at shielding residents from shrapnel and secondary blast effects, they are not built to endure a direct missile strike. Despite the direct hit, other residents who were inside their mamad rooms survived.

Overnight, Iran launched approximately 40 surface-to-surface missiles at Israel, leading to the deaths of eight civilians and injuries to over 100 people. Magen David Adom and other emergency responders rushed to five separate sites hit across the country.

In Haifa, the bodies of three people who had been missing were discovered in a factory that had caught fire. In Bnei Brak, an elderly man, aged 80, was killed when a missile landed nearby. In Petach Tikva, the missile attack on the residential building took four lives.

Tel Aviv also experienced two strikes, one of which caused damage to the US Embassy grounds. Since hostilities with Iran began, 24 civilians have lost their lives.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Avraham Cohen, age 75, lost his life in Bnei Brak overnight when an Iranian missile strike struck the area. Rescue teams later recovered his body from the wreckage.

The missile barrage that took Avraham’s life also resulted in seven more civilian deaths, with casualties reported in both Petach Tikva and Haifa.

In Petach Tikva, two people were inside a mamad—a reinforced security room—when the missile hit. Despite being in what is typically a protected area, they were fatally injured. Another person in the same structure and a fourth in a neighboring building died from the force of the explosion.

In Haifa, emergency personnel searching through a heavily damaged factory located three individuals who had gone missing. All were found deceased amid the aftermath of a large blaze that had engulfed the site.

Tel Aviv also came under fire, with two missile strikes confirmed. One of the impacts hit within the vicinity of the US Embassy complex, causing structural damage.

This deadly attack brought the total number of civilian deaths since the war with Iran began to 24.

Roughly 40 surface-to-surface missiles were fired toward Israel during the night, escalating the already intense conflict.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a powerful shmuess delivered last night in the beis medrash of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, Rav Dov Landau, addressed the bochurim and avreichim with words of chizuk in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.

“Klal Yisroel is experiencing very difficult days,” Rav Landau began. “These are days of confusion, days when it becomes so clear that HaKadosh Baruch Hu is guiding every aspect of creation. So many things people rely on disappear in a moment — swept away by the will of Heaven. This strengthens our understanding that we have no one to depend on other than our Father in Heaven. Ashreinu, how fortunate we are to have been raised with this awareness — that everything is from Shamayim.”

The Rosh Yeshiva continued: “We are living in a time when din and rachamim are intertwined. We don’t have prophets to tell us exactly what Hashem demands of us, but we do know what is expected of us. We, the bnei hayeshivos, the learners of Torah, are the crown of creation. We uphold the world. Our Torah study shields Klal Yisroel in the most literal sense. Therefore, we must fulfill our mission with even greater intensity. We must learn and learn, immerse ourselves in Torah without interruption, rejoice in a kushya, and find delight in every word of Torah.

“This is our mission, this is our obligation, and it is our greatest zechus,” Rav Landau said. “Only through this can we protect Klal Yisroel from all its many enemies who cry out, ‘Let us wipe them out as a nation.’ Alongside our learning, we must increase our tefillah with deep kavanah. We must be even more careful with the halachos of tefillah. It is said in the name of the Chazon Ish zt”l that during times of trouble, reciting the chapter of Yosheiv B’Seser is especially effective.

“Of course,” the Rosh Yeshiva added, “we must strengthen our emunah and bitachon, to remember that everything that happens is from Hashem. One who lives with this knowledge is calm, happy, and places all his hope in the One Who is good and does only good. Kol ma d’avid Rachmana l’tav avid. When we strengthen our faith and trust, Hashem showers goodness upon His beloved, for Hashem is close to all who call out to Him.”

Rav Landau then addressed the importance of following safety instructions: “We also have an obligation of hishtadlus. There are laws of pikuach nefesh. One must be exceedingly careful to follow all official instructions. This is a Torah-level obligation — v’nishmartem me’od l’nafshoseichem. It is said in the name of the Brisker Rov zt”l that through fulfilling the commandment of v’nishmartem, HaKadosh Baruch Hu brings salvation.

“There is something else I must say,” Rav Landau stated emphatically. “It is absolutely forbidden to go out and look at ‘interesting sights’ related to the war. The Gemara in Berachos teaches that placing oneself in danger causes one’s sins to be scrutinized. But beyond that, what is this? Entertainment? A spectacle? A ben Torah should be learning and davening that no tragedy occur! How can someone walk outside just to satisfy irresponsible and inconsiderate curiosity? That is not the behavior of a ben yeshiva!”

In conclusion, Rav Landau offered one final piece of advice: “It is very important to remain calm and composed. And there is a way to do that: stop obsessing over every bit of news. It is enough to know the basics — don’t chase after more and more information. It’s unnecessary and only leads to fear and anxiety. Eleh varechev v’eleh basusim va’anachnu b’shem Hashem Elokeinu nazkir. Heimah kar’u v’nafalu va’anachnu kamnu vanis’odad. Hashem hoshia HaMelech ya’aneinu b’yom koreinu. May Hashem save us and answer us swiftly in our time of need.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Veteran military correspondent Yoav Zitun of Ynet, in what appears to reflect the thinking of top IDF officials, posted a message on X laying out the current reality of Israel’s confrontation with Iran and the strategic considerations that must guide its next steps. Zitun made clear: “Last night, after deliberation, it was permitted to publish – Israel does not have the capability to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

According to Zitun, Israel’s political leadership launched the current campaign with realistic expectations, but the public must understand the broader vision: “The political echelon knew this and set out with a reasonable conception, but one that the public must be aware of: a ‘package’ that includes striking nuclear facilities, dismantling Iranian air defenses in a way that allows Israeli fighter jets to circle over Tehran as if they were over Jabaliya, reducing the ballistic missile threat, eliminating Iran’s security leadership and a credible threat to also behead the regime leaders and ayatollahs alongside possible strikes on national infrastructure like oil reserves – might be sufficient.”

The goal of this extensive military pressure, according to Zitun, is not total victory but to create leverage. “Sufficient for what? To return Iran to negotiations from a position of weakness that will force it to sign an agreement without expiration dates and with teeth – and if not, then at least to delay the nuclear project by several years.”

Achieving complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Zitun noted, is only feasible under two difficult conditions. “Destroying Iran’s nuclear program is indeed militarily possible, under two conditions: American participation in the attack with the massive bunker-buster bombs that only the US has and only it can use, which obviously depends on Trump’s decision – or a long ‘peeling’ operation by air force aircraft of the nuclear facilities’ defenses.”

The second option would mean entering a drawn-out battle with Iran, something Israeli defense officials are already preparing for. “The second option could lead to a scenario that the IDF leadership began discussing and preparing for yesterday: a long war of attrition with Iran, lasting months, perhaps beyond that; dripping missiles and drones, intermittent siege on Ben Gurion Airport, disruption (between interference and paralysis) of the economy and education system, and more.”

Zitun emphasized that despite the IDF’s strong performance in the initial strike, strategic planning must include a clear political goal. “Therefore, alongside the euphoria from the powerful opening blow and the justification for the move that senior IDF officials share – a closure mechanism must be demanded, the political deed or at least demand striving toward it. Iran has always excelled in multi-generational patience – lowering the flames and years of attrition with time-stretching are a victory for it.”

He added that Iran’s full arsenal has not yet been brought to bear, with even deadlier weaponry still on the table. “Iran has many hundreds more missiles of the type that created destruction sites here in recent days with warheads of 200–500 kg explosives, but according to various sources, including experts in the field – Iran has not yet used the Khamenei which carries between one to two tons of explosive material in its warhead and with 20% more blast effect than the missiles fired so far; Iran’s cruise missiles, which are difficult to detect in good time, have also not yet been launched 8.”

Even with a high-functioning air force and strong intelligence services, there are still hard limitations. “This multi-stage move, successful as it may be, also has force limitations, even for the large and strong air force and for military intelligence and the Mossad. In the end, the number of aircraft is an existing given against 5000–10000 relevant targets spread across Iran. And the prices will be several times heavier than war with Hamas. Therefore, the political ending is a necessity that there is no choice but to demand and expect, before the next casualties, and within the foreseeable future.”

Zitun ended with a blunt reflection on the strategic dilemma: “Why Iran would agree to any deal if it has so many cards to play and is at such a strategic advantage will remain forever a great mystery.”

In a dramatic and carefully coordinated extraction, the Stoliner Rebbe has returned to Israel following a whirlwind trip to Ukraine, marking him as the first admor successfully evacuated amid the current international travel crisis.

The rebbe had departed Israel early Thursday morning on a private jet to visit the kever of the Beis Aharon of Karlin, located in the town of Malyniv, Ukraine. After arriving in Poland and crossing the border into Ukraine, the rebbe visited the kever and held a tish there in honor of the occasion.

On Thursday night, the rebbe set out on his return journey, traveling first to Warsaw and then flying to Larnaca, Cyprus, where he spent Shabbos together with his seven children. They were hosted at the villa of philanthropist Lev Leviev. A few well-resourced chassidim, who were also stranded in Larnaca, arranged all Shabbos provisions and meals for the rebbe and his family.

On Sunday, the rebbe boarded a private jet from Larnaca to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Upon landing, he was provided with Egyptian security detail and escorted to the Taba border crossing near Eilat. From there, he entered Israel and began the journey to his residence in Givat Ze’ev.

Sources indicate that the operation to bring the rebbe home spanned multiple countries and involved extensive logistical planning. The rebbe , determined to return to Eretz Yisroel, has now safely arrived.

Meanwhile, many Stoliner chassidim remain stranded in Larnaca, as well as in Italy and other locations. Some are reportedly en route to Israel aboard a luxury yacht.

The Stoliner Rebbe is the first gadol to successfully return to Israel since the escalation of the regional conflict disrupted global travel. Others remain abroad, including:

• Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, currently in the U.S.
• Rav Dovid Cohne, currently in the U.S.
• Rav Don Segal, in Switzerland, heading to the U.S.

• The Gerrer Rebbe, currently in the U.S.

• Rav Yitzchak Yosef, who traveled from Rome to the U.S.

• Rav Ezriel Auerbach, now in London

• Rav Meir Isamar Rosenbaum, mashpia from Derech Emunah, who remained in Kerestir for Shabbos and will return to the U.S.

• The Admor of Stropkov, still in Italy

• The Admor of Ozherov

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a televised interview aired on Iranian state media, Mohsen Rezaei, a high-ranking general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a member of Iran’s National Security Council, claimed that “Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses nuclear missiles, we will also attack it with nuclear weapons.”

Pakistan has expressed strong solidarity with Iran following Israeli airstrikes, voicing a firm call for Muslim unity. However, despite its vocal backing, Islamabad has issued no public endorsement of nuclear retaliation as described by Rezaei. He further stated that Iran possesses undisclosed methods and strategic assets that have yet to be revealed to the world.

In a separate statement to Pakistan’s National Assembly on June 14, Defense Minister Khwaja Asif urged Muslim nations to join together in opposition to Israel. “Israel has targeted Iran, Yemen, and Palestine. If Muslim nations don’t unite now, each will face the same fate,” he declared.

Asif pushed for Muslim-majority states that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel to sever those ties and called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to assemble urgently and craft a coordinated response.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s alliance with Iran, Asif made clear that Islamabad remains firmly in Tehran’s corner. “We stand behind Iran and will support them at every international forum to protect their interest,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

The resignation of Israeli Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf officially took effect this morning, 48 hours after he submitted his letter of resignation, in accordance with Israeli law (excluding Shabbos from the count). Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced that Minister Chaim Katz will temporarily assume the role, despite Katz currently being stranded in the United States and unable to return to Israel due to the war with Iran.

Goldknopf, head of the United Torah Judaism party, resigned on Thursday morning following dramatic political developments the previous night. His resignation came under the directive of the Gerrer Rebbe, who objected to the recent understandings reached between other chareidi parties and MK Yuli Edelstein regarding the stalled draft law.

Though there was speculation that Deputy Minister Uri Maklev or MK Yisrael Eichler might be tapped to replace Goldknopf, Netanyahu ultimately chose Minister of Tourism Chaim Katz to serve as interim housing minister, likely due to wartime urgency. Katz has previously filled in for other ministers who resigned and later returned to office.

Katz is currently in New York and, like thousands of Israelis stuck abroad since the outbreak of Operation KeLavi, is unable to return.

Goldknopf submitted a formal letter to Netanyahu stating that the government’s repeated failure to fulfill its promise to pass a new draft law left him no choice but to resign. In his letter, he wrote: “Since entering office, I’ve done everything in my power to promote quality and dignified housing for all citizens of Israel, especially for the chareidi community. Unfortunately, in light of the agreements reached and the promises made regarding the draft law—and the fact that the law has not progressed—I cannot continue to bear responsibility and remain in this position.”

He referred to the coalition understandings signed on December 28, 2022, in which the government pledged to pass a consensus draft bill by the end of the Knesset’s summer session in 2023, or at the latest, by the approval of the 2024 budget. Goldknopf noted that these promises were broken multiple times, even after a draft law had been prepared in coordination with the Defense Ministry.

He also accused the government of deliberately stalling efforts to move forward on the issue despite persistent appeals from nearly all chareidi factions and direct conversations with the prime minister, defense minister, and other officials.

“This behavior undermines the foundation of the coalition agreements and erodes the trust of the chareidi public,” he wrote.

While Goldknopf has stepped down from the cabinet, he has not resigned from the Knesset. Under the Norwegian Law, he now returns as a full member of the Knesset, forcing MK Eliyahu Baruchi of Degel HaTorah to vacate his seat.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Just before 4:00 a.m. on Monday, a wave of missile fire from Iran hit central Israel, resulting in the deaths of three people.

Magen David Adom medics responded to multiple scenes across central Israel, transporting 67 people to various hospitals. Among the injured were a 30-year-old woman in critical condition, six individuals in moderate condition, and dozens more suffering from either minor wounds or emotional trauma.

In the north, around Haifa, two people sustained minor injuries at separate impact locations. Rescue crews are working to access three individuals believed to be trapped beneath debris.

According to a statement from Israel Fire and Rescue Services, two tall residential buildings in the greater Tel Aviv area were directly hit by Iranian missiles. Eight emergency units were dispatched to these scenes to assist those trapped under the wreckage.

Efforts to locate additional victims are ongoing at all known strike zones. Concurrently, Israeli defense systems intercepted drones near Eilat and Rosh Hanikra, preventing further damage.

The Home Front Command has now updated its safety instructions, allowing residents in some regions to leave their shelters. Emergency teams continue to operate at various locations where missiles landed.

“You are urged to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command and all official updates issued to you.”

The Israel Defense Forces reminded citizens not to share videos or photos of impact sites. “The enemy monitors this footage to improve its impact capabilities. Be responsible – Do not share locations online!”

Earlier, the IDF confirmed that it had launched attacks on Iranian missile-launching infrastructure inside central Iran.

On Sunday night, a separate missile landed in Haifa between two buildings, leaving one woman moderately hurt and six others with minor injuries. Additionally, two people were lightly injured in a strike on a moshav in the Lachish area.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump pushed back against recent remarks by Tucker Carlson, who accused him of betraying the America First doctrine by siding with Israel during its military actions targeting Iran.

Carlson, typically a staunch Trump supporter, criticized Israel’s offensive, suggesting that the United States had a role in it. He wrote that the country was “complicit in the act of war” and added, “politicians purporting to be America First can’t now credibly turn around and say they had nothing to do with it.”

Trump responded by emphasizing that he was the originator of the America First platform and therefore determines what the phrase truly means.

“Well, considering that I’m the one that developed ‘America First,’ and considering that the term wasn’t used until I came along, I think I’m the one that decides that,” Trump told The Atlantic when asked for his reaction.

He also addressed the broader debate around diplomacy and security, saying: “For those people who say they want peace—you can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon. So for all of those wonderful people who don’t want to do anything about Iran having a nuclear weapon—that’s not peace.”

Earlier on, Trump had indicated his reluctance about Israel launching any military operation against Iran. Before the assault took place, he told reporters that “I don’t want them going in because I think it [an attack] would blow” the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran.

After Israel executed a series of attacks that targeted Iranian nuclear sites, eliminated key scientists, and killed top commanders, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear in a public statement that, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran.”

Following the strikes, Trump posted on Truth Social to remind Iran of the 60-day deadline he had set for reaching a new nuclear agreement and encouraged the regime to reengage in talks.

Carlson, who has long spoken out against interventionist foreign policy, reaffirmed his opposition to any involvement with Iran and blamed the U.S. for enabling Israel’s strike through military aid.

“While the American military may not have physically perpetrated the assault, years of funding and sending weapons to Israel, which Donald Trump just bragged about on Truth Social, undeniably place the U.S. at the center of last night’s events,” Carlson said in a newsletter he released afterward.

He continued his critique by saying, “Washington knew these attacks would happen. They aided Israel in carrying them out. Politicians purporting to be America First can’t now credibly turn around and say they had nothing to do with it.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. has assisted Israel in defending itself from Iranian retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the strikes were “just the beginning.”

Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded with a stark warning of his own: “Life will be dark for them.”

“They started it. They started a war.”

Israel’s offensive came at a moment when Iran was already weakened. Its regional allies and proxies had suffered extensive losses: the Assad regime collapsed in Syria, a major Israeli cyberattack took out senior Hezbollah figures, and much of Hamas’s command was eliminated in the recent Gaza war.

Talks that were planned between the U.S. and Iran regarding the nuclear issue—originally scheduled to take place in Oman—were scrapped after the Israeli strikes.

Trump has reiterated that America played no direct role in the attack on Iran, but at the same time, he warned Tehran of the consequences should they target the United States.

“The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight,” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after midnight on Sunday.

“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”

A select group of seven senior officials from Israel’s National Security Cabinet met regularly over the past year to plan the military operation against Iran that was launched on Friday, according to a source who requested anonymity, the Jerusalem Post reports.

This inner circle included Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Shas leader MK Arye Deri.

These seven officials were the only members of the government who were briefed in advance about the pending assault prior to the full cabinet convening late Thursday. Internally referred to as the “small ministers’ forum,” the group functioned similarly to the limited war cabinet that was established during the early stages of the current conflict, the source explained.

In addition to these cabinet members, a few other figures in Israel’s political leadership were informed about the strike shortly before it was carried out. These included MK Yuli Edelstein, who chairs the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and opposition leader MK Yair Lapid.

Due to the extreme sensitivity surrounding the timing of the operation, several reports indicated that ministers were told to remain in place for several hours after granting final approval to the attack late Thursday night, waiting until the operation officially commenced. During the meeting, cabinet members were required to sign confidentiality agreements.

Netanyahu had initially authorized the operation as far back as November, and it was originally slated to be executed in late April. However, it was postponed due to “a number of reasons,” Netanyahu later said.

Speaking to Channel 12 on Sunday night, National Security Council chief Tzachi Hanegbi added that many commercial flights left Israel ahead of the operation’s launch to minimize the risk of civilian airliners being affected by potential Iranian counterstrikes.

Vance Luther Boelter, the man suspected of executing a politically motivated double murder and attempted assassination of a sitting Minnesota state senator, was taken into custody Sunday night following a high-intensity manhunt across the state.

Boelter, 57, had previously been appointed to a government position by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Authorities had been searching for him since he allegedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, and fatally gunned down former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.

According to sources who spoke with Fox 9, Boelter was apprehended in an open field in Sibley County late Sunday.

Investigators say Boelter was dressed as a law enforcement officer, complete with a full uniform, bulletproof vest, and a disturbing Halloween mask, when he began his violent rampage in a suburb in northern Minnesota.

The incident began early Shabbos morning around 2 a.m., when Boelter arrived at Senator Hoffman’s residence in Champlin.

Boelter allegedly opened fire inside the home, hitting both Hoffman, 60, and his wife multiple times and leaving them with critical injuries.

In a dramatic act of protection, Yvette reportedly threw herself over their daughter, Hope, to shield her from the bullets, according to a statement made by the couple’s nephew.

Both John and Yvette Hoffman were rushed to surgery and are now reported to be in stable condition.

After fleeing the first crime scene, Boelter — still dressed in his fake police outfit — drove to the home of Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, in Brooklyn Park.

Once there, he is accused of shooting both Hortman and her husband Mark several times, killing them.

Hortman, 55, was declared dead at the scene. Her husband succumbed to his wounds shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Police officers, who had gone to check on Hortman’s well-being after receiving word about the earlier shooting at the Hoffmans’ home, encountered the suspect as he exited her property in disguise.

During the confrontation, officers fired at Boelter and temporarily had him trapped inside the home. However, the suspect managed to flee the scene before being captured later that evening.

After carrying out the attacks, Boelter allegedly sent a chilling text message to two close friends, confessing to the crimes and indicating he may not survive.

“David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices, and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way,” Boelter told David Carlson, according to KARE.

On Shabbos morning, law enforcement stopped Boelter’s wife, Jenny Boelter, who was traveling by car with family members. She was detained and questioned in connection to the attacks. Authorities discovered a firearm and several passports inside the vehicle.

{Matzav.com}

A heavy missile assault launched by Iran early Monday morning left 25 individuals wounded. Two people suffered moderate injuries, while the remainder were lightly hurt in the attack that began just before 4:00 a.m. and involved dozens of projectiles fired at Israel.

The missiles hit at least four separate locations across northern and central parts of the country. One of the rockets directly struck a structure in central Israel, according to reports.

Medical teams from Magen David Adom responded to the scene in the central region, treating approximately 20 victims who sustained moderate or minor wounds. Several others were attended to for symptoms of emotional trauma.

Emergency personnel are actively conducting searches at the affected sites to determine whether additional people may be trapped or injured. Separately, reports confirmed that a drone was intercepted near Eilat.

The Home Front Command has updated its instructions, allowing residents in specific areas to exit their shelters. First responders and military units remain deployed at numerous scenes across the country where impacts were recorded.

“You are urged to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command and all official updates issued to you.”

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces urged the public not to disseminate images or videos of impact locations. “The enemy monitors this footage to improve its impact capabilities. Be responsible – Do not share locations online!”

Earlier on Monday, the IDF confirmed it had initiated airstrikes against missile launch platforms in central Iran that had been used to target Israel.

The previous evening, a missile landed between two residential buildings in Haifa, leaving a woman moderately injured and lightly wounding six others. In a separate incident in the Lachish area, two more people sustained light injuries.

During this latest offensive, Iran fired a total of 30 missiles at Israeli territory.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Early Monday morning, ZAKA reported that two more bodies had been located and recovered from the debris left by an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam.

With this discovery, the total number of fatalities in Bat Yam resulting from the recent missile attacks has increased to nine, according to ZAKA’s latest update.

KAN reported that one individual is still unaccounted for in the city in connection with the strikes.

Nationwide, the death toll since the start of Operation Rising Lion has climbed to 16.

A senior official from the IDF’s Home Front Command stated the previous day that Bat Yam experienced the most devastating civilian attack thus far in the conflict with Iran. The official added, “they know who they are looking for and which apartments they were in when the Iranian strike hit.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

On Sunday, remnants from Iran’s latest wave of ballistic missile attacks landed in two different areas of the West Bank, with one piece of debris igniting a fire near the home of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and another injuring three young children near Sa’ir, according to The Jerusalem Post, citing local sources and eyewitnesses.

The first incident occurred in al-Bireh, adjacent to Ramallah, around 11:20 a.m. Residents described hearing “a huge boom.” Video circulated by media outlets in Ramallah showed metal shrapnel lodged in a rooftop water tank, which security officials later identified as part of an Iranian Shahab-class missile. Firefighters from the Civil Defence unit responded quickly and extinguished the flames.

There were no injuries reported in that location, though the site of the impact was dangerously close to Abbas’s residence. One user on X, writing in Arabic, claimed the missile fragments had fallen “right behind Abu Mazen’s house,” adding, “intensify your prayers so that next time it lands exactly [on target].”

Roughly an hour and a half later, another set of missile fragments believed to be from an Iranian projectile intercepted over central Israel fell near the Palestinian village of Sa’ir, located northeast of Hebron. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that three children—ages six, seven, and twelve—sustained injuries from broken glass when the missile impact shattered nearby windows. All three were taken to Hebron’s al-Ahli Hospital, where they were listed in light-to-moderate condition.

Both sites were cordoned off by police, and bomb squads were deployed to recover and examine the wreckage. Initial assessments suggest the debris came from a Shahab-3 missile that was destroyed mid-air by Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense system as part of Operation Rising Lion (Am Kelavi). That campaign began after Iran launched a massive retaliation against Israel’s earlier strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure.

The IDF has yet to release an official statement about Sunday’s events. However, defense experts have acknowledged that missile fragments falling to the ground are a natural consequence of the ongoing interception efforts, which have now extended into a third day. Iran’s retaliatory attacks have so far resulted in 13 Israeli fatalities and nearly 400 wounded. Missile debris has also been reported in Jordan, the Negev, and now the West Bank—highlighting the growing reach of this conflict.

Civil Defense agencies in the West Bank issued public warnings, urging residents to avoid contact with any unknown or suspicious metal fragments and to report them to emergency services. Meanwhile, rocket sirens continued to wail across multiple regions of Israel late into the night.

{Matzav.com Israel}

After years of watching Iran’s terror proxies export violence to democracies worldwide, Israel has now turned those tactics back on Tehran. According to The Wall Street Journal, Mossad agents covertly smuggled drone components into Iran, which were later used to strike at the regime’s covert nuclear weapons program and the scientists behind it.

Before Israeli fighter jets launched their aerial assault this week, the groundwork had already been laid by Israel’s intelligence community. Drones were used to disable critical Iranian air defense systems and missile platforms in advance of the main strikes, the Journal reported.

The long-planned operation, involving preparations stretching back months—and in some cases years—enabled Israeli forces to go deeper into Iranian territory than ever before. According to IDF spokesman Effie Defrin, these missions specifically targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and defense systems. “This is the deepest distance that we have operated so far in Iran,” Defrin stated. “We created aerial freedom of action.”

The Israeli campaign bore similarities to Ukraine’s bold drone attacks on Russian air bases deep inside Russia, showing how distant targets can still be vulnerable when modern warfare tactics are deployed.

Sources told the Journal that Mossad operatives were active inside Iran throughout the operation, orchestrating the groundwork for Israel’s military to carry out its objectives.

Amid growing alarm, Iran’s intelligence services have reportedly issued warnings to civilians and media outlets, urging vigilance over pickup trucks and cargo vehicles believed to be used in drone launches aimed at military sites, according to the Journal.

This week’s attack wasn’t the first signal of Mossad’s reach inside Iranian territory. Last summer, Israel eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh at a facility belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Over several years, Israeli intelligence has built a detailed understanding of both Hamas and Iranian leadership, insiders told the Journal.

“No one in Iran in the high echelons can be sure he isn’t known to Israeli intelligence and won’t be the target,” said Sima Shine, a former senior Mossad official and now researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. “It’s not just the damage caused but the nervousness it brings.”

Mayor Eric Adams is under fire after welcoming controversial internet personality Sneako — who has publicly made antisemitic remarks — to Gracie Mansion for a relaxed interview, the NY Post reports.

Sneako, whose legal name is Nicolas “Nico” Kenn De Balinthazy, 26, was previously removed from Twitch for what the platform labeled “extreme hateful conduct.”

During the meeting at the mayor’s Upper East Side residence, Sneako and Adams shared cigars alongside fellow social media figure Amber Rose.

The backlash was swift, with Bronx Congressman Richie Torres taking to social media to voice his outrage.

“The Mayor is smoking cigars at Gracie Mansion with Sneako—yet another antisemite, who once declared: ‘Down with the Jews,’” Torres wrote on X.

“Who’s next on the guest list — David Duke?”

Sneako later posted a video boasting about his cigar session with Adams before heading off to a high-profile dinner with celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Tobey Maguire.

Criticism of Sneako has mounted due to his public praise of Andrew and Tristan Tate — influencers facing serious criminal allegations in Europe — as well as his frequent antisemitic rhetoric.

Among the most egregious of his past comments are: “Down with the Jews! Free Palestine,” and “Every ‘conspiracy theory’ from the last century is just Israel,” both of which he said during a livestream last year, according to watchdog group Stop Antisemitism.

Just before meeting Adams, Sneako wrote on X, “Israel is not compatible with Western civilization.”

Beyond his antisemitism, Sneako has been accused of spreading misogynistic content and associating with figures such as white nationalist Nick Fuentes and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, both of whom have expressed admiration for Hitler. Sneako has even spoken at one of Fuentes’ rallies.

In the past, he has also made disturbing comments about Nazi symbolism, stating “the Nazis had drip,” and referring to the swastika as “aesthetically pleasing.”

Despite the outrage, Adams’ office stood by his decision to appear with Sneako. “Mayor Adams has always stood strongly with the Jewish community and will continue to do so without compromise. He has a long and proud record of fighting antisemitism, supporting Jewish causes, and building lasting relationships with Jewish leaders across the city and state,” a spokesperson told The Post.

“The Mayor is frequently interviewed by a wide range of streamers, podcasters, and media figures from many backgrounds. While he does not share the views of all who interview him, his values remain unwavering.

“Antisemitism has no place in New York City, and no one can question Mayor Adams’ deep and ongoing commitment to combating hate in all its forms.”

This controversy comes on the heels of Adams signing an executive order formalizing the city’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

That decision has itself sparked criticism from anti-Israel organizations, who argue the IHRA’s language is meant to shield Israel from legitimate scrutiny by equating criticism of the state with antisemitic hate.

{Matzav.com}

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cautioned over the weekend that Andrew Cuomo’s potential return to political office could serve as a springboard to a national campaign.

“This is not just about New York City, but this is about the United States,” she told a cheering crowd during a rally in support of Zohran Mamdani, her fellow progressive and candidate for mayor, at Manhattan’s Terminal 5.

“I mean that literally, because Andrew Cuomo has made clear that if he wins this race, he wants to run for president of the United States of America,” AOC said.

Ocasio-Cortez, 35, a longtime ally of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, 83, also took a swipe at Cuomo’s age. Despite having backed 82-year-old Joe Biden for reelection last year, she criticized Cuomo, now 67, for representing an older political era she believes should step aside for younger leadership.

“In a world and a nation that is crying to end the gerontocracy of our leadership that wants a new day, that wants to see a new generation ascend, it is unconscionable to send Andrew Cuomo to Gracie Mansion once again,” the congresswoman said.

It’s worth noting that Cuomo has never actually lived in Gracie Mansion, having never served as mayor of New York City. His political experience stems from his time as New York’s governor between 2011 and 2021.

Responding to her remarks, Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi dismissed the accusation. “I have no idea where the far left got this silly new talking point, but the governor has said that — death aside — he’ll be finishing his own term,” Azzopardi told The NY Post.

Ocasio-Cortez insisted the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary is a pivotal moment for progressives, not just in the city, but nationwide.

“If we can change the page in the biggest and best city in the United States, then we can change the page in the country,” she proclaimed.

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, has gained traction recently with a campaign anchored in unapologetically progressive policies.

Among his proposals: city-operated grocery stores, a 2% millionaire tax increase, raising the corporate tax rate by 4.5%, universal childcare, free public bus service, and shifting law enforcement duties toward social services and mental health care.

Despite Mamdani’s rise in popularity among some circles, Cuomo remains the dominant figure in the race, as many in the Democratic establishment fear a Mamdani victory could alienate moderate voters.

Ocasio-Cortez blasted the support Cuomo has received, calling it a betrayal by party elites. She highlighted the inconsistency of those who once called for his resignation after allegations of misconduct — which he has denied — but are now endorsing his candidacy.

“I cannot tell you how shocked I have been,” she said of those backing Cuomo again. “As a survivor of … assault, I will never unsee that.

“The [message the] political establishment sends to so many people is that it does not matter your positions, your content, your ideas, how experienced you are,” she complained. “It doesn’t matter how much you work with them. They will still choose their old friends and an old generation every single time.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran has claimed that it managed to bring down an Israeli warplane amid ongoing hostilities that began three days ago. Since early June 13, Israeli forces have been carrying out airstrikes across Tehran, targeting military installations, nuclear infrastructure, and petroleum assets.

Shortly after the conflict escalated, Iranian officials claimed they had downed an Israeli aircraft and taken a pilot into custody. Israel promptly dismissed the report, categorizing it as fabricated. Later, Iranian sources doubled down, releasing a follow-up statement alleging that a jet had indeed been shot down—and that video evidence existed. A clip began circulating online, purporting to show a fighter jet being struck by anti-aircraft fire.

However, serious inconsistencies quickly emerged. Experts pointed out that the footage was not authentic. In fact, the video clip originated from the video game Arma 3, which is known for its highly realistic graphics and has been misused before to present fictional military incidents as real. Analysts further noted that the aircraft depicted wasn’t even an Israeli model—it appeared to resemble a Russian fighter.

Cybersecurity researchers traced the origin of the claim to Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The false report was then spread widely via a network of Telegram channels known for echoing pro-Iran narratives.

Within just 40 minutes, the story—stripped of all source attribution—had been picked up by platforms like X, Facebook, and even two satellite TV stations based in Lebanon. The rapid spread of misinformation prompted a rare official rebuttal from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. “No Israeli aircraft have been downed. The footage is fake,” the statement clarified, assuring that every pilot who participated in the airstrikes on Friday “landed safely at base.”

Investigative teams from open-source intelligence groups Bellingcat and GeoConfirmed quickly confirmed the footage’s true origin. Their analysis proved the clip was taken, frame by frame, from a December 2022 custom mission in Arma 3, a military simulation game. The game’s developer, Bohemia Interactive, has long warned that its lifelike visuals are “routinely weaponized” in global conflicts, from Ukraine to Gaza. The company has even published guidelines to help viewers identify fake videos, pointing to characteristics such as pixelation, shaky off-screen recording, and aircraft models inconsistent with the nation allegedly involved.

{Matzav.com Israel}