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A travel ordeal late Friday night left a group of Israelis stranded between borders after unexpected flight delays prevented them from entering Israel via Jordan.

The situation unfolded around 8:00 p.m., when MK Moshe Roth of United Torah Judaism received a distress call from an Israeli citizen among a group stuck at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus. The travelers, which included several families with young children, were originally scheduled to fly to Aqaba, Jordan, and then cross into Israel. However, repeated flight delays pushed their departure to 11:00 p.m.

By the time their flight landed, the Jordanian border had already closed at its usual hour of 8:00 p.m., leaving the group stranded in an unsecured and unfamiliar location during the night.

Since the border was not scheduled to reopen until late the next morning, the group faced long hours of vulnerability and discomfort. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, MK Roth quickly took action to seek a resolution.

He reached out to Deputy Minister Uri Maklev, the Foreign Ministry’s Situation Room, and senior members of Israel’s security establishment to begin coordinating an urgent response. The Israeli officials worked diplomatic channels to contact Jordanian authorities and request an exceptional reopening of the border.

After intense efforts, the Israeli team was able to contact and wake the Jordanian officer in charge of the crossing. That officer agreed to open the border for the stranded group. A senior official on the Jordanian side took possession of the Israelis’ passports, and the local police provided a secure escort from the airport to the border.

The operation was carried out under strict security protocols, given the threats in the region. At 3:00 a.m., after several hours of high-stakes coordination, the group finally crossed safely into Israeli territory.

Individuals familiar with the overnight operation highlighted the active involvement and dedication of MK Roth, who remained in touch with the group throughout the night and worked closely with different agencies to coordinate the complex logistics.

“In the end, the ones who took action, made the effort, and cared were the Knesset members from United Torah Judaism,” said one member of the rescued group. “It didn’t matter to them who was stranded — religious, secular, young people, or families. They gave us genuine help without asking questions; their only concern was to help Jews in distress.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

‘The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification’ — Vladimir Putin tells Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ‘Russia is taking steps to support the Iranian people,’ the president emphasized’

In a shocking poll just one day before New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, a new poll shows Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani pulling ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the final round of ranked-choice voting. The Emerson College poll, conducted in partnership with PIX11 and The Hill, shows a tight race in the opening round, with Cuomo leading at 35% and Mamdani trailing closely at 32%. However, in the ranked-choice simulation run by Emerson, Mamdani ultimately defeats Cuomo 52% to 48% in the eighth and final round of vote tallying. It’s the first time Mamdani has led in the final results of any Emerson polling to date — signaling a potential upset in the making. Mamdani, who has roots in Indian and Ugandan heritage, has made headlines in recent months for his inflammatory attacks on Israel. In October, he declared: “I will always be clear in my language and based in facts: Israel is committing a genocide,” and has accused Israel of “massacring babies” in Gaza—echoing some of the most grotesque and unfounded propaganda pushed by Hamas supporters. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

With tensions running high and the global community on edge over Iran’s anticipated response to the recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has harshly criticized Israel’s actions in the region.

In a statement posted to social media early this morning, Khamenei condemned Israel’s June 13 bombing campaign, calling it “a big mistake” and “a big crime.”

“The Zionist enemy… is being punished right now,” he wrote, accompanying the message with a graphic image showing missiles descending on an Israeli city, beneath a large skull.

Khamenei’s post appeared to be a reference to the most recent missile incident targeting Israel, in which a single rocket was fired but successfully intercepted by the country’s defense systems.

{Matzav.com}

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SEC: “We are confident, yes, that Iran’s nuclear sites were completely and totally obliterated … We have a high degree of confidence that where those strikes took place is where Iran’s enriched uranium was stored. “This operation was a resounding success.” WH PRESS SEC: “This strike on Saturday did make our homeland safer because it took away Iran’s ability to create a nuclear bomb. This is a regime that threatens ‘death to America.” “They no longer have the capability to build this nuclear weapon and threaten the world.”

In a heartfelt address transmitted to thousands of Bobover chassidim across Israel, including hundreds of yeshiva students, the Bobover Rebbe delivered words of encouragement and urgency amid the ongoing war, stressing the imperative to adhere meticulously to all safety directives.

The Rebbe opened his message with hoda’ah l’Hashem for the many chassodim bestowed upon the residents of Eretz HaKodesh. “Nevertheless,” he continued, “we are still in a situation that demands tefillah—hoshanah nefesh mi’behala.”

Speaking with deep personal connection, the Rebbe said, “I speak to each and every one of you individually. I do not remove you from my thoughts—day or night. I daven constantly for loyal and beloved ovdei Hashem, and I daven that we merit peace and calm, and that we should hear only besuros tovos.”

Recalling a poignant moment from the recent wedding of his granddaughter, the Rebbe shared: “Last week under the chuppah, I expressed the thought that while standing beneath the chupah in the open skies of Eretz Yisroel, our brethren were seeking shelter in bunkers. Rachmana litzlan. We find in the Gemara that Rav Shmuel bar Yitzchok danced with three myrtle branches, and we explained that he was alluding to Eretz Yisroel, which is referred to in Yirmiyahu as ‘eretz eretz eretz, hear the word of Hashem,’ which Rashi explains refers to the three regions within Eretz Yisroel.”

The Rebbe emphasized that in times of war, Klal Yisroel has a sacred tradition from our avos and gedolei hadoros how to behave: “To claim there is nothing to fear or to ignore the events unfolding around us is not our way. The Rambam states it is a mitzvas asei min haTorah to cry out and sound the alarm when tragedy strikes. That is what removes calamity.”

He continued, “It is critical to view the reality soberly. U’shemartem me’od lenafshoseichem—we must take great care of our lives. Even in a situation of safek sefeika, a distant doubt, we must strictly follow all instructions. As the pasuk says, ‘Chavi me’at rega ad ya’avor za’am’—hide for a brief moment until the wrath passes. The Ramban explains that the Torah records how Yaakov Avinu was saved to teach us that Hashem redeems His servants, even from mighty forces. Just as it happened to Yaakov, so will it be for us. Yaakov prepared for battle—with gifts, tefillah, and by fleeing to save himself. Likewise, each of us must be scrupulous not to disregard the rescue protocols.”

The Rebbe also urged his followers to engage in introspection and repentance: “We must strengthen ourselves in teshuvah and cheshbon hanefesh. V’haya machanecha kadosh—our camp must be holy. We must ensure that we are not, chas v’shalom, pushing away the Shechinah. We must safeguard all our spiritual vessels, so that middah k’neged middah, protection is granted to us from Above. Strengthen your tefillah… Our emunah must remain strong: ‘If Hashem does not guard the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.’ Only through faith can we persevere.”

At the same time, the Rebbe warned against falling into despair: “We must not be overtaken by despondency. As my grandfather, the Kedushas Tzion, wrote in a holy letter, ‘Who permitted you to worry or grieve?’ Rather, we must strengthen ourselves, and every individual should uplift their family, despite all the stress and distractions.”

He offered particular encouragement to the yeshiva bochurim and kollel yungeleit who continue to persevere in their Torah learning: “They are fulfilling the verse, ‘Mah ahavti Sorasecha kol hayom hi sichasi.’ In their merit, we will be saved from exile and distress.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran asserts that it successfully moved nearly all of its highly enriched uranium before the U.S. launched strikes on its nuclear facilities. Officials are concerned that 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium stored at Fordow may have already been transferred elsewhere prior to the attack — known as Operation Midnight Hammer. Satellite images from recent days seem to support Iran’s claim, showing convoys leaving multiple sites, including a line of 16 trucks near Fordow on June 19. Visuals from Maxar Technologies, a U.S. defense contractor, depict trucks, bulldozers, and security convoys surrounding Fordow, leading analysts from TS2 Space to suggest there was a “frantic effort” to move centrifuges or shielding materials amid the attacks. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israel Airports Authority announced Sunday evening that it will be significantly broadening the scope of Operation “Safe Return” beginning Monday.

As part of the expanded effort, Ben Gurion Airport will now handle up to 24 incoming flights per day from various international destinations. Outbound flights will also resume, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transportation, and national security officials, and under the guidance of Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

According to the updated plan, each departing flight will be capped at 50 passengers. This restriction is intended to alleviate airport crowding and limit passengers’ time spent in the terminal, in line with enhanced safety and security procedures.

All outbound passengers will be required to comply with new protocols. Flights will depart exclusively from Terminal 3, and only ticketed travelers will be permitted entry. Exceptions will be granted only to necessary escorts of minors or passengers needing assistance. Entry into the terminal will be through Gate 02 on the ground floor (Floor G), as the terminal’s upper levels will be closed to the public.

Security screening and check-in will be conducted on Floor G. Afterward, passengers will proceed to Floor 3, where carry-on baggage inspection, border control, and boarding will take place. To ensure a smooth process, the Airports Authority advises travelers not to arrive more than two hours before their scheduled departure and strongly recommends using public transportation.

For passenger convenience, cafés will be open in the departure areas and concourses. However, duty-free shops will remain closed to discourage unnecessary delays inside the terminal.

Inbound flights under Operation “Safe Return” will proceed as scheduled, with plans to gradually increase both the number of flights and passenger intake. Travelers who made advance purchases through the “Shop and Store” duty-free service will be able to collect their items upon arrival. Only passengers arriving directly at Ben Gurion Airport will be allowed to pick up purchases, and duty-free operators will contact those ineligible for pickup to arrange alternate delivery.

In addition, individuals who parked their vehicles at Ben Gurion Airport prior to the launch of Operation Swords of Iron will now be able to retrieve their cars. Parking charges will apply only for the period between the car’s entry date and June 13.

{Matzav.com Israel}

An IDF drone was shot down by Iran on Monday. The IDF confirmed the incident.

The US bombing likely caused “very significant damage” to the underground parts of Iran’s Fordow nuclear site buried deep in a mountain, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. “Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred,” Rafael Grossi told the IAEA’s board of governors on Monday. However, he cautioned that no group, including the IAEA, is currently able to fully assess the underground damage at Fordow. The US struck the site early Sunday morning, using six B-2 bombers to drop 12 “bunker-buster” bombs on Fordow, each weighing around 30,000 pounds.

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says that the headquarters belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was just struck. The defense establishment estimates that hundreds of Revolutionary Guard soldiers were eliminated.

The IDF used drones to attack six airports in Iran overnight Sunday, destroying 15 aircraft as well as damaging runways, underground hangars, and a refueling plane. “The IDF attacked six airports in Iran,” the IDF stated. “Remotely piloted aircraft destroyed 15 Iranian regime warplanes and helicopters.” “As part of the effort to deepen air superiority in the skies of Iran, the IDF attacked six Iranian regime airfields in western, eastern, and central Iran.” “The attacks damaged runways, underground hangars, a refueling plane, and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The IDF carried out numerous strikes in Iran on Monday, targeting the headquarters and symbols of the oppressive Iranian regime in the capital city of Tehran. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said that “the IDF is currently attacking regime targets and governmental suppression bodies in the heart of Tehran with unprecedented force.” Katz added that targets include the Basij headquarters, the internal security headquarters of the IRGC, and the doomsday “Destruction of Israel” clock in Palestine Square. The IDF later stated that it estimates that dozens or even hundreds of IRGC soldiers were killed in the attack. The video below shows the attack on the IRGC headquarters:   The IDF stated: “A short time ago, Air Force fighter jets attacked, with precise guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, headquarters and assets of the Internal Security Forces and the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, Iran.” “These forces consist of various brigades and commands, and are responsible on behalf of the Iranian regime’s military forces for defending the regime, suppressing threats, and preserving the regime’s stability. As part of the attack, the Basij headquarters was attacked, which is one of the Revolutionary Guards’ power bases and is responsible, among other things, for enforcing the Islamic code and reporting to the authorities about citizens who violate it. “In addition, the “Albarez” Brigade, which is responsible for protecting several cities in the Tehran province from various threats and maintaining the stability of the regime, and the Intelligence and General Security Police of the Internal Security Forces, which are also part of the Iranian regime’s military forces, were attacked. “These headquarters are significant from both a military and a governmental perspective, and attacking them harms the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.” Earlier on Monday, Iranian reports said that Israel attacked the Fordo nuclear site at midday. The crisis management headquarters in Qom, where the Fordo nuclear facility is located, stated: “Moments ago, the enemy attacked the nuclear site in Fordo again. As announced by senior officials of the Atomic Energy Organization, there is no danger or threat to citizens.” Following the report, an Israeli security official told Army Radio that the IDF carried out an airstrike on the access road to Fordo but not the nuclear site itself. Fordo was one of the nuclear sites targeted in the US attack on Iran. Also on Monday, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said that the IDF is attacking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters. Iran International reported on Monday that the IDF targeted administrative, security, and courtroom sections of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. The attack, described by the Israeli military as “symbolic,” reportedly struck the main entrance and office facilities, while detention blocks housing prisoners remained intact so as not to inflict casualties. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Russian President Putin meets Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi in Moscow. Putin tells Araghchi: Please convey my best wishes to the President and the Supreme Leader of Iran.

An incredible amount of IAF airstrikes are currently pounding Tehran and other locations in Iran. The airstikes began around the same time that Israel Defense Minister Yisrael Katz released the following short statement: “The IDF is now attacking with unprecedented force regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran – for every shot at the Israeli home front, the Iranian dictator will be punished and the attacks will continue with full force.”

The Israeli Air Force bombed the gates of Iran’s Evin Prison in Tehran, which holds Iranians opposed to the Islamic regime. No word if any prisoners escaped.

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Sirens blared throughout Israel during the prolonged Iranian missile attack on Israel on Monday morning. In some parts of Israel, only faint sirens could be heard, leaving residents wondering whether they needed to head to protected spaces or not. One Israeli driving on a highway in southern Israel was unsure if a siren was wailing or not but continued driving…and was miraculously saved from harm as a missile fell next to the highway only meters in front of his car. A truck driving in the opposite direction was also only meters away when the missile hit. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Sirens sounded across Israel on Monday morning beginning shortly before 10:30 a.m. as Iran launched multiple barrages at the Jewish state one after the other, toward the north, the central area and the south—in the Lachish area, in the Gaza border area, and in the western Negev. Sirens continued to sound in various parts of the country for about 40 minutes, the longest stretch since the beginning of the war. There were impacts in Ashdod, Yavne, and Tel Arad, and in the north, including an open area in Tzfas. B’chasdei Hashem, there were no reports of injuries but therre were several reports of fires breaking out in open areas. Also, the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) announced that a power plant in southern Israel was hit, causing power outages in several nearby communities, and warned the public not to go near downed power lines. About two hours later, the IEC announced that the downed lines have been repaired and power has been restored to all areas. Rescue flights bringing Israelis back home from abroad were forced to turn their planes around due to the attack. The IDF said that about six or seven missiles were launched in four barrages. Shortly after the attack was over, Iran fired one missile at northern Israel. Baruch Hashem, the missile was intercepted and there were no reports of injuries. Overnight Sunday, Iran launched a single missile at central Israel. The missile was successfully intercepted by an American air defense system. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)