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Israel Recovers Bodies of Two Hostages from Gaza

Matzav -

The bodies of two Israeli hostages have been recovered from the Gaza Strip in a special operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday.

Judy Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, were named as the two deceased captives. The married couple—who were dual Israeli and American citizens—were murdered during the Hamas-led invasion on Oct. 7, 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed their deaths in December.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache over this most terrible loss. May their memory be a blessing,” the premier said in a statement.

“I wish to thank and express my appreciation to the soldiers and commanders for their determined and successful operation. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we bring all our hostages home—both the living and the fallen,” Netanyahu continued.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the recovery of their bodies “a moment of deep pain, but also one of solace and the resolution of uncertainty.” He pledged to continue “to do everything in our power to bring our sisters and brothers back from hell— the living, for healing and rehabilitation, and the fallen, to be laid to rest in dignity. Every last one of them!”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum extended condolences to the Haggai family and thanked the security forces who participated in the recovery operation.

“Our hearts are with the entire Nir Oz community, and we pray that all the hostages will soon return home, together with the fallen, who will be brought to a proper burial,” the statement read.

The bodies were retrieved from the Khan Yunis area on Wednesday night in a joint operation with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the IDF said.

They were murdered and their corpses were taken by the Mujahideen Brigades (“Kataeb al-Mujahideen”) terrorist organization, according to the military.

The Mujahideen Brigades collaborates closely with Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades (“Saraya Al-Quds”).

“The couple, Judy and Gad, are parents of four, Judy was 70 years old at the time of her death and Gad was 72 years old at the time of his death,” the IDF statement added.

The number of hostages—both living and deceased—held in Gaza now stands at 56. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

No Deal in Sight: Trump, Xi Talk as Trade War Lingers

Yeshiva World News -

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke on Thursday at a time when stalled tariff negotiations between their two countries have roiled global trade. The conversation was reported by Xinhua, a Chinese state media outlet. The White House did not immediately comment. Trump had declared one day earlier that it was difficult to reach a deal with Xi. “I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!,” Trump posted Wednesday on his social media site. Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge. (AP)

24-hours a Day Non-stop Learning in Yerushalayim ?

Yeshiva World News -

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna. They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin. Torah-24 A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l. Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun).  Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests. Endorsements & Letters Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman. Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss. For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

BREAKING: Wall Collapse at T Fusion Kosher Steakhouse in Flatbush Leaves One in Critical Condition

Yeshiva World News -

A person was critically injured Thursday morning when a wall collapsed at the shuttered T Fusion Kosher Steakhouse, located at the corner of East 33rd Street and Quentin Road in Flatbush. FDNY firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, with EMS transporting the victim to a nearby hospital while performing CPR. The individual was reportedly in traumatic arrest at the time of transport. Sources tell YWN that the steakhouse has been closed for several months. The building was apparently in the process of being sold, and possible construction work may have been underway when the collapse occurred. The NYC Department of Buildings is investigating the incident alongside emergency crews. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

New York City Democratic Mayoral Rivals Clash In First TV Debate

Matzav -


Two figures became the focal point of criticism during the heated two-hour Democratic mayoral debate in New York City: Andrew Cuomo, the dominant frontrunner, and Donald Trump.

Cuomo’s rivals on the debate stage—eight candidates eager to break his lead in the polls—hammered him over controversies that shadowed his resignation four years ago. The accusations ranged from sexual harassment claims to his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under federal scrutiny.

One of the harshest criticisms came from Michael Blake, a former state Assemblymember polling near the bottom of the field. “The people who don’t feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo — that’s the greatest threat to public safety.”

With just 10 days left until early voting begins, the televised debate was a make-or-break opportunity for Cuomo’s opponents to land punches. They used the evening to aggressively go after the former governor, hoping to chip away at his commanding lead.

The lineup included Cuomo, Blake, City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and businessman Whitney Tilson. The debate was hosted by POLITICO and WNBC.

The event was often chaotic, with candidates talking over each other as they competed to challenge Cuomo, who is seeking a political comeback after stepping down amid scandal.

Beyond Cuomo, the candidates also took aim at Trump’s influence in the city, condemning his immigration policies and his threats toward Columbia University, where he accused the administration of failing to protect Jewish students.

Brad Lander attempted to tie Cuomo to Trump by blasting both figures. “With all the corruption that’s in Washington, we can’t have corruption back here in New York City as well,” he said, referencing Cuomo’s lucrative $5 million book deal from the pandemic.

The attacks on Cuomo were relentless. Although he’s avoided most press and candidate events, Wednesday night marked a rare moment where he stood directly in the crosshairs, especially from Blake, who repeatedly landed pointed jabs.

Mamdani revived a controversial 2008 remark in which Cuomo used the phrase “shuck and jive” to describe then-candidate Barack Obama, accusing him of dodging responsibility. “Allergic to accountability,” Mamdani said, echoing the sentiment of many onstage.

Adrienne Adams was visibly stunned when Cuomo failed to identify a single political regret. She pressed him, saying, “No regrets when it comes to cutting Medicaid or health care? No regrets when it comes to cutting child care? No regrets when it comes to slow walking PPE and vaccinations in the season of Covid in Black and brown communities?”

Scott Stringer criticized Cuomo’s role in advancing a controversial bail reform law, while Cuomo pushed back, accusing his opponents of wanting to defund the police. He targeted Mamdani specifically, dismissing the assemblymember’s qualifications. “Mr. Trump would go through Mr. Mamdani like a hot knife through butter,” Cuomo said. “He would be Trump’s delight.”

Cuomo also turned his fire on Lander, accusing the comptroller of authorizing contracts tied to his wife’s connections. “Mr. Lander knows corruption,” Cuomo said. Lander swiftly responded, calling the allegation “a lie.”

Trump’s shadow loomed large over the debate. Though deeply unpopular in New York, his actions have continued to shape the race. Stringer once branded him “a schmuck,” while Cuomo labeled him “a bully.”

Current Mayor Eric Adams has opted to skip the Democratic primary altogether, announcing in April that he will pursue reelection as an independent. His perceived friendliness with Trump after the DOJ dropped a corruption case against him made remaining in the Democratic field politically risky.

Adams, who ran on a tough-on-crime message during the COVID era, was scarcely mentioned. However, Adrienne Adams expressed regret over having backed him in 2021.

Cuomo, meanwhile, hasn’t escaped the Trump-related fallout. A federal investigation into his handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic was triggered by a House Republican referral accusing him of lying to Congress.

On stage, Cuomo denied the accusation. But when pressed about whether he had personally reviewed or edited the nursing home report, he sidestepped. “I was very aware of the report,” Cuomo said, drawing audible groans. “I stand by the report.”

The controversy over his decision to require nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients has persisted. Cuomo has argued the policy followed federal guidelines, but the state attorney general and comptroller later reported his administration had undercounted thousands of nursing home fatalities.

Cuomo’s campaign has attempted to use the investigation to its advantage, portraying it as politically motivated. Last month, he released an ad pointing out that others under investigation by Trump’s Department of Justice include fellow Democrats, such as Attorney General Letitia James.

He stepped down in 2021 after a bombshell report from James’ office concluded he had harassed 11 women. Though he initially apologized, he later denied the allegations entirely. “I said at the time it was political and it was false.”

Despite lingering unpopularity and criticism of his past governance—particularly his record on homelessness and the subway—Cuomo remains a top-tier contender thanks to name recognition, union endorsements, and favorable polling. Some of the polling was conducted by a firm providing free services to his campaign.

Cuomo is benefiting from an expensive advertising blitz by a super PAC called Fix the City, which has spent more than $8 million on TV ads. The PAC has drawn financial support from Trump-aligned donors like William Ackman and from companies like DoorDash. The support has raised eyebrows from campaign finance watchdogs, who suspect illegal coordination.

“I work for the people of the state of New York, the people of the city of New York. I don’t care who gave me what,” Cuomo said. “I do what is right.”

His campaign message centers on restoring order to what he portrays as a city plagued by crime and homelessness—challenges he claims only he is capable of resolving.

Cuomo’s base overlaps with that of Eric Adams, drawing from blue-collar communities of color and Jewish neighborhoods, both crucial demographics in a citywide race.

Zohran Mamdani has emerged as Cuomo’s most serious challenger, consistently ranking second in the polls. An Emerson College survey found him trailing Cuomo by single digits in a final ranked-choice round.

Mamdani has grown his profile through polished online videos and bold policy ideas, including government-operated supermarkets, universal child care, and fare-free buses. However, those proposals face steep financial hurdles and would require state approval.

He’s also pushing for a rent freeze and criticized Cuomo during the debate for failing to fully support taxing the wealthy during his time as governor.

Mamdani’s political positions, particularly his support for the BDS movement and criticism of Israel, have become a liability with Jewish voters. Cuomo has leaned into this divide, slamming Mamdani, Lander, and Adrienne Adams for what he calls weak support for Israel.

Outside NBC’s headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, a raucous crowd gathered ahead of the debate. Supporters of various candidates lined the sidewalks, chanting and waving signs.

Mamdani made a flashy entrance, arriving with a brass band called “Horns for Zohran,” playing “This Land is Your Land.”

Cuomo drew the biggest crowd, filled with union members from Laborers Local 79, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, and the carpenters union. But he kept them waiting.

“You sure he’s coming? We’re waiting for him,” one HTC member asked, scanning the crowd.

While other candidates were told to arrive before 5:30 p.m., Cuomo pulled up nearly an hour late in a Dodge Charger, stepping out to greet his cheering supporters.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchok Yosef to Attias: “Defend Bnei Torah by All Means, with Anyone Willing to Help — This Is Not About Right or Left”

Matzav -

In a sharply worded message on Wednesday evening, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, former chief rabbi of Israel, made it clear that the latest developments surrounding the chareidi draft bill and the position taken by MK Yoel “Yuli” Edelstein could spell the end of the current government’s term.

During a meeting at his home, Rav Yosef received former minister and Shas negotiator Ariel Attias for a detailed update on the discussions within the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding the draft legislation and the mounting political crisis threatening to dissolve the Knesset.

Attias informed Rav Yosef that although recent days had seen significant progress and broad agreement on a unified version of the draft law, committee chairman Edelstein suddenly reversed his position. He withdrew support for several key clauses, effectively gutting the agreement reached with chareidi parties and introducing a framework that would subject yeshiva and kollel students to a series of harsh sanctions.

In response, Rav Yosef instructed that a clear message be delivered to Prime Minister Netanyahu at their meeting today: Edelstein’s demands are tantamount to the collapse of the government.

Simultaneously, Rav Yosef emphasized the need to maintain open channels with all factions in the Knesset in preparation for possible future cooperation after elections, with the goal of ensuring legal protections for bnei hayeshivos.

“The primary mission in the Knesset is to strengthen and protect those who learn Torah — without them we have no right to exist,” Rav Yosef said during the meeting. “Therefore, it is imperative to act in every possible way, with anyone willing to help in this matter — this has nothing to do with being right-wing or aligning with any specific camp.”

It was also agreed that following today’s meeting with the prime minister, the matter would be reassessed and final decisions would be made accordingly — including the possibility of convening the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas at the beginning of next week to formally determine the community’s next steps.

In a related development, a list of sanctions proposed against yeshiva and kollel students under the age of 29 who do not enlist and fail to meet government-imposed draft quotas has been revealed:

  • Loss of municipal property tax discounts (arnona)

  • Revocation of income tax credits for their wives

  • Ineligibility for discounted housing programs

  • Taxation on first-home purchases

  • Loss of academic tuition subsidies

  • Inability to obtain a driver’s license

  • Restrictions on travel abroad

  • Disqualification from daycare subsidies

  • Constant threat of arrest

  • Removal of public transportation discounts

{Matzav.com Israel}

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise To 8-Month High, But Are Still Historically Low

Yeshiva World News -

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose to their highest level in eight months last week but remain historically low despite growing uncertainty about how tariffs could impact the broader economy. New applications for jobless benefits rose by 8,000 to 247,000 for the week ending May 31, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s the most since early October. Analysts had forecast 237,000 new applications. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs and have mostly bounced around a historically healthy range between 200,000 and 250,000 since COVID-19 throttled the economy five years ago, wiping out millions of jobs. The four-week average of jobless claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week gyrations during more volatile stretches, rose by 4,500 to 235,000, the most since late October. The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of May 24 inched down by 3,000 to 1.9 million. (AP)

Trump Orders Investigation Into ‘Increasingly Apparent’ Cover Up of Biden’s Mental Decline and Aides Use of Autopen

Matzav -

President Trump issued a directive on Wednesday tasking his administration with launching an investigation into whether aides to Joe Biden “conspired to deceive the public” about his cognitive state and used an autopen to approve documents without his direct involvement.

“In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that former President Biden’s aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline and assert Article II authority,” Trump stated in a formal memorandum addressed to his legal counsel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Labeling the situation as a major breach of trust, Trump wrote, “This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history,” adding, “The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden’s signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts.”

Trump raised questions about Biden’s actual involvement in executive actions over his term, asserting that “there are serious doubts as to the decision making process and even the degree of Biden’s awareness” related to presidential directives he allegedly signed. These included controversial pardons for members of his own family and commutations for individuals convicted of murder.

In the memo, Trump instructed, “The Counsel to the President, in consultation with the Attorney General and the head of any other relevant executive department or agency (agency), shall investigate, to the extent permitted by law, whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Biden’s mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President.”

The investigation will also examine efforts to “purposefully shield the public from information regarding Biden’s mental and physical health,” as well as the authenticity of executive actions allegedly approved during his final years in office—particularly those bearing autopen signatures.

“Given clear indications that President Biden lacked the capacity to exercise his Presidential authority, if his advisors secretly used the mechanical signature pen to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden’s name,” Trump wrote in the document.

The inquiry will also aim to uncover any internal agreements among Biden’s team “to cooperatively and falsely deem recorded videos of the President’s cognitive inability as fake” and to pressure individuals into issuing “false, public statements elevating the President’s capabilities.”

In response, Biden issued a statement to multiple press outlets pushing back on the accusations. “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false,” he stated.

He went on to say, “This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”

Trump’s memo follows a recent email from Department of Justice pardon attorney Ed Martin, who instructed his team to investigate whether Biden was of sound mind when certain decisions were made, including if autopen use obscured involvement from others.

The probe will specifically review pardons issued to five of Biden’s relatives—his son Hunter, siblings James, Frank, and Valerie, along with their spouses—as well as the 2024 commutations for 37 federal death row inmates.

Martin had previously stated that while the president’s power to grant clemency is broad, the use of an autopen in such circumstances justifies deeper evaluation.

On Capitol Hill, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is spearheading a separate inquiry into Biden’s mental fitness and autopen use. Meanwhile, Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) are organizing a Senate hearing next month to examine Biden’s cognitive state more closely.

{Matzav.com}

Aleph’s Compass Workshop Reaches Over 2,500 Yeshiva Students Nationwide

Yeshiva World News -

The Aleph Institute’s Project 432 has surpassed a significant milestone: its Compass Workshop has now reached more than 2,500 students at over 60 high schools and yeshivas across North America and Israel. This initiative educates and informs talmidim on the importance of yashrus and ehrlichkeit in business and financial decision-making. Over the past two weeks, the Compass Workshop was delivered to more than 150 students at five yeshiva high schools in the tri-state and Mid-Atlantic regions. Presented by Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, Senior Lecturer for Project 432, the workshop is part a broader mission of inspiring emerging generations to navigate financial decisions with clarity, achieve the highest Torah and legal standards, and build lives of integrity and peace of mind. The one-hour multimedia workshop integrates halacha, hashkafa, and practical examples to guide students in developing clarity, accountability, and a strong internal moral compass. Rabbi Sam Rudansky, General Studies Menahel of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov in Lawrence, NY, remarked: “We were privileged to host Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein for a powerful and engaging seminar on business ethics in the frum world. His presentation was clear, insightful, and deeply relevant, emphasizing the importance of acting with integrity and staying within the bounds of halacha and the law. Our senior students were attentive throughout and walked away with practical guidance and a stronger sense of responsibility as future members of the workforce.” At the Yeshiva of Staten Island, one student correctly identified the inspiration behind the name “Project 432” as the 432nd mitzvah in the Torah: to fear and revere Hashem. This insight encapsulates the core message of the workshop and Aleph’s mission. Feedback from students and educators has underscored the benefits of this education. “Your presentation is a matana for our generation,” said Rav Pinchos Weinberger, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah. “It is so on target and resonates with all. The balance of halacha, hashkafa, legal, and common sense was incredible—all in a very short time frame.” Rabbi Azriel Hauptman, Menahel of Mechinas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, Maryland, added: “Thank you for the outstanding presentation you delivered to our 12th grade bochurim on the topic of honesty in financial affairs. Your masterful blend of facts, anecdotes, and ethical teachings from our rich mesorah captivated the students and truly left a lasting impression.” In a letter to parents of 12th grade students, Rabbi Moshe Dovid Robinson, General Studies Menahel of Mesivta Kesser Torah of Baltimore, wrote: “Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein delivered a powerful and thought-provoking lecture on honesty in business. He addressed not only the halachic aspects, but also the far-reaching consequences that dishonest behavior can have on an individual, their family, their standing in the community, and most importantly, their yiras shamayim. The presentation was sincere, impactful, and deeply grounded in Torah values. The bochurim responded with great enthusiasm—it was truly inspiring.” Aleph’s work in preventative education stems from a clear understanding of the importance of guiding young people to make better choices early on. “Aleph understands the ripple effects that incarceration has – not just for those in prison, but for their families as well,” said Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, Aleph’s CEO. “It’s painful to see how much of that could have been avoided with better decisions. That’s why we developed the Compass Workshop: to give students the skills and perspective they need to make […]

Shas Signals Support for Dissolving Knesset Amid Coalition Turmoil, Private Meeting Held Between Gantz and Rav Reuven Elbaz

Matzav -

As tensions escalate between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the chareidi parties over the draft law crisis, new developments reveal mounting political instability. A private, one-on-one meeting took place on Wednesday between MK Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, and Rav Reuven Elbaz, a senior member of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. The meeting was held at Rav Elbaz’s residence.

Simultaneously, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri convened an emergency session with his party’s ministers and Knesset members. During the meeting, Deri announced that Shas would support a motion to dissolve the Knesset next week if Netanyahu fails to persuade Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman MK Yuli Edelstein to soften his demands regarding the draft legislation.

Speaking at the meeting, Deri emphasized that Shas is not seeking new elections but is facing a reality in which there is “no choice.” He made clear that Shas cannot remain part of a government that fails to secure protections for bnei hayeshivos and lomdei Torah.

Meanwhile, the Shas Council of Roshei Yeshiva, led by Rav Shmuel Betzalel, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef, also convened to deliberate whether to back the move to disband the Knesset over the Edelstein draft bill impasse.

Former Minister Ariel Attias presented the proposed sanctions and legal demands made by MK Edelstein to the rabbanim during the session. The council expressed its support for dissolving the Knesset should no agreement be reached on a mutually acceptable version of the draft law.

Sources in Shas indicate that the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah is expected to formally meet in the coming days to ratify this stance, potentially bringing the coalition to the brink of collapse if a resolution is not found.

{Matzav.com Israel}

REVEALED: This Is How Israel Is Aiding An Armed Clan In Gaza To Fight Hamas

Yeshiva World News -

In a highly irresponsible move, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman revealed classified information in a radio interview on Thursday morning, stating that Israel is aiding a Gazan militia in the southern Gaza Strip to protect themselves against Hamas. In the wake of the leak, the military censor approved the publication for the first time: in recent months, Israel has armed a local Palestinian militia in the Gaza Strip as part of an effort to create a counterforce to Hamas. This is an armed force operating under the leadership of Yasser Abu Shabab — a prominent local figure identified with the opposition to Hamas. According to security sources, Israel is assisting the Yasser Abu Shabab clan in the Rafah area, an area that was captured in recent weeks by IDF forces. Some of the weapons Israel provided to the clan, including Kalashnikov rifles, were seized from Hamas during IDF operations in the Strip. The tasks of the militia members include protecting the humanitarian aid convoys that arrive in the Strip, as well as assisting in the fight against Hamas terrorists who remain in the area. The move, formulated in cooperation with security officials, was approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu and did not require formal security cabinet approval. As of now, the Abu Shabab militia is the only Gazan body with which Israel cooperates directly. There is no similar cooperation with other clans or factions in the Strip. This revelation illustrates the dramatic changes taking place in the Gaza sector and Israel’s willingness to act in unconventional ways in the ongoing struggle against Hamas rule. The move, which Netanyahu’s office did not deny, drew angry reactions from the opposition, including from Lieberman himself, who wrote, “Don’t give them rifles,” alluding to the old song that became a slogan against the Oslo Accords. Netanyahu responded earlier to the report and said in a press release, “Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various and diverse ways on the recommendation of all the heads of the security establishment.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

NATO Eyes Billions in New Arms Purchases to Counter Russian Threat

Yeshiva World News -

NATO defense ministers are set Thursday to approve purchasing targets for stocking up on weapons and military equipment to better defend Europe, the Arctic and the North Atlantic, as part of a U.S. push to ramp up security spending. The “capability targets” lay out goals for each of the 32 nations to purchase priority equipment like air defense systems, long-range missiles, artillery, ammunition, drones and “strategic enablers” such as air-to-air refueling, heavy air transport and logistics. Each nation’s plan is classified, so details are scarce. “Today we decide on the capability targets. From there, we will assess the gaps we have, not only to be able to defend ourselves today, but also three, five, seven years from now,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said. “All these investments have to be financed,” he told reporters before chairing the meeting at NATO’s Brussels headquarters. U.S. President Donald Trump and his NATO counterparts will meet on June 24-25 to agree to new defense investment goals. Spurred on by their own security concerns, European allies and Canada have already been ramping up military spending, including arms and ammunition purchases, since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the same time, some allies balk at U.S. demands to invest 5% of their gross domestic product in defense — 3.5% on core military spending and 1.5% on the roads, bridges, airfields and sea ports needed to deploy armies more quickly — when they have already struggled to grow their budgets to 2% of GDP. Still, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that many appear on track to agree. “The commitment is there. 5% on defense spending,” he told reporters after stepping out of the meeting. “When you consider the threats that we face, the urgency in the world, it’s critical. We don’t need more flags. We need more fighting formations. We don’t need more conferences. We need more capabilities. Hard power.” The new targets are assigned by NATO based on a blueprint agreed upon in 2023 — the military organization’s biggest planning shakeup since the Cold War — to defend its territory from an attack by Russia or another major adversary. Under those plans, NATO would aim to have up to 300,000 troops ready to move to its eastern flank within 30 days, although experts suggest the allies would struggle to muster those kinds of numbers. The member countries are assigned roles in defending NATO territory across three major zones — the high north and Atlantic area, a zone north of the Alps, and another in southern Europe. NATO planners believe that the targets must be met within 5-10 years, given the speed at which Russia is building its armed forces now, and which would accelerate were any peace agreement reached to end its war on Ukraine. Some fear Russia might be ready to strike at a NATO country even sooner, especially if Western sanctions are eased and Europe has not prepared. “Are we going to gather here again and say ‘okay, we failed a bit,’ and then maybe we start learning Russian?” Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson also warned that while Russia is bogged down in Ukraine right now, things could quickly change. “We also know after an armistice or a peace agreement, of course, Russia is […]

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