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A former CIA employee who admitted to leaking sensitive intelligence regarding Israel’s potential military actions against Iran has been sentenced to just over three years behind bars, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

Asif William Rahman, who began working for the CIA in 2016, confessed earlier this year to unlawfully copying, printing, and sharing classified material on multiple occasions, including several incidents in 2024.

The leaks occurred during a period of heightened hostility between Israel and Iran, when both nations were engaged in a tense back-and-forth involving covert and overt strikes.

At the time, Israel was reportedly gearing up for a retaliatory strike against Iranian targets in response to a missile assault that Tehran claimed was retribution for the killing of senior Hamas figure Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital.

Rahman had held a “Top Secret” clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), a designation reserved for highly classified operations. His access and employment were terminated after he was apprehended in late 2024.

Some of the documents Rahman leaked, which outlined Israeli military plans, were eventually shared online via a pro-Iranian Telegram channel named “Middle East Spectator.”

The 34-year-old Virginia resident, originally from Vienna, was taken into custody in Cambodia, according to details filed in court.

“Asif Rahman violated his position of trust by illegally accessing, removing, and transmitting Top Secret documents vital to the national security of the United States and its allies,” said Erik Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in a statement issued Wednesday.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations. Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief. In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary. “Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency,” Hegseth said several times. It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later. “It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?” said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio. As Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Turner added emphatically, “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.” “We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats,” Hegseth responded. Time and again, lawmakers pressed Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over. “You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead,” Rep. Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrat’s voice rising. “You should just get the hell out.” GOP lawmakers on several occasions apologized to Hegseth for the Democrats’ sharp remarks, saying he should not be subject to such “flagrant disrespect.” Hegseth said he was “happy to take the arrows” to make tough calls and do what’s best. Questions emerge on Signal chats and if details Hegseth shared were classified Hegseth’s use of two Signal chats to discuss plans for U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen with other U.S. leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with lawmakers. He was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did. Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers. That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted — on strike times and munitions dropped in March — was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity. “You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified,” Moulton said. “What’s not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission,” Hegseth responded. A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon. Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app. Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves “at the pleasure of the president.” Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg raises Democratic concerns about politics in the military Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, […]

The U.S. State Department has just posted a security alert for U.S. citizens in the Middle East and North Africa, advising them to exercise increased caution.

DHS Sec. Kristi Noem announces the Trump administration has put the IRS on the task of hunting down who’s funding the LA riots.

WATCH: California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla just crashed DHS Secretary Noem’s press conference in LA and was forcibly removed.

TRUMP: 15k people have joined the TRUMP CARD waiting list. That’s $75B to help balance the budget.

The U.S. Senate has just confirmed Billy Long to be the next IRS Commissioner, 53-44.

The crash of a Boeing 787 passenger jet in India minutes after takeoff on Thursday is putting the spotlight back on a beleaguered manufacturer though it was not immediately clear why the plane crashed. The Air India 787 went down in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad with more than 240 people aboard shortly after takeoff, authorities said. It was the first fatal crash since the plane, also known as the Dreamliner, went into service in 2009, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. Boeing shares fell more than 5% in pre-market trading. The 787 was the first airliner to make extensive use of lithium ion batteries, which are lighter, recharge faster and can hold more energy than other types of batteries. In 2013 the 787 fleet was temporarily grounded because of overheating of its lithium-ion batteries, which in some cases sparked fires. 737 Max The Max version of Boeing’s best-selling 737 airplane has been the source of persistent troubles for Boeing after two of the jets crashed. The crashes, one in Indonesia in 2018 and another in Ethiopia in 2019, killed 346. The problem stemmed from a sensor providing faulty readings that pushed the nose down, leaving pilots unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned the system. Last month, the Justice Department reached a deal to allow Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the Max before the two crashes. Worries about the plane flared up again after a door plug blew off a Max operated by Alaska Airlines, leading regulators to cap Boeing’s production at 38 jets per month. Financial woes Boeing posted a loss of $11.8 billion in 2024, bringing its total losses since 2019 to more than $35 billion. The company’s financial problems were compounded by a strike by machinists who assemble the airplanes plane at its factories in Renton and Everett, Washington, which halted production at those facilities and hampered Boeing’s delivery capability. Orders and deliveries The stepped-up government scrutiny and the workers’ strike resulted in Boeing’s aircraft deliveries sliding last year. Boeing said it supplied 348 jetliners in 2024, which was a third fewer than the 528 that it reported for the previous year. The company delivered less than half the number of commercial aircraft to customers than its main rival Airbus, which reported delivering 766 commercial jets in 2023. Still, Boeing’s troubles haven’t turned off airline customers from buying its jets. Last month the company secured big orders from two Middle Eastern customers. The deals included a $96 billion order for 787 and 777X jets from Qatar, which it said was the biggest order for 787s and wide body jets in the company’s. (AP)

Over the past two weeks, the home of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe was filled with joyous celebration, as the Rebbe merited to partake in multiple family simchos, including the weddings of his grandchildren in full shturm un drang.

As is customary in many chasidishe courts during periods of rejoicing, the Rebbe remained dressed in his regal Shabbos attire throughout the two weeks of celebration, maintaining a spirit of elevation and honor befitting the occasion.

One highlight of the festive days was a heartfelt reunion between the Rebbe of Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok and his brother, the Rebbe of Toldos Aharon. The two brothers spent meaningful time together in an atmosphere of joy and brotherly affection.

The first chasunah celebrated was that of the Rebbe’s grandson, the son of his son, Rav Yoel Kahn, who serves as the Av Beis Din of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok kehillah in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled. The chosson is a grandson of Rav Shmuel Brandsdorfer.

In honor of the simchah, the Beit Shemesh community hosted a central Sheva Brachos event, attended by the Rebbe himself.

Later in the week, the Rebbe hosted the final Sheva Brachos at his home in honor of the wedding of another grandson, the son of his eldest son, Rav Aharon Kohn, Rosh Yeshivas Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok.  At this event, the Toldos Aharon Rebbe again joined his older brother.

During the simchah, the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe also extended heartfelt blessings to his great-nephew and the grandson of his brother, the Toldos Aharon Rebbe who is soon to be married as well.

Throughout all these joyous days, the Rebbe remained cloaked in his Shabbos garments. The celebrations lasted a full two weeks.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump issued a stark assessment on Thursday regarding Israel’s stance toward Iran, stating that a strike on Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure “could very well happen,” as international concern continues to mount over Iran’s atomic ambitions.

Speaking to reporters during a White House appearance, Trump commented, “Well, I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen.”

Trump made clear that his preference is to steer clear of hostilities. “I’d love to avoid the conflict,” he said. “Iran’s going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher, meaning they’re going to have to give us something they’re not willing to give us right now.”

According to a report by CBS News, Israeli military forces are on standby for potential action targeting Iran’s nuclear program, and preparations for a possible mission are said to be finalized.

American intelligence and defense officials have been updated on these developments and are now making contingency plans in the event of Iranian reprisals against U.S. assets, particularly in Iraq, CBS also reported.

In a separate update, NBC News indicated that Israel may be planning to move forward with an offensive against Iran independently, without waiting for support or coordination with the United States.

Given these developments, the U.S. State Department has instructed its embassies in areas that might be exposed to Iranian threats to activate emergency action committees. Additionally, all non-essential American personnel have been ordered to leave Iraq, and the Pentagon has offered military families stationed throughout the region the option to depart voluntarily.

Despite the rising tensions, Steve Witkoff, who serves as President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, is still preparing for another round of backchannel discussions with Iranian officials, which would mark the sixth such session on the nuclear issue.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas has reportedly appointed a longtime operative, nicknamed the “Ghost of al-Qassam,” to take command of its Gaza operations, following the targeted killings of the group’s last two leaders by Israel.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing several informed sources, Ezzedin al-Haddad—who played a role in orchestrating the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks—was recently selected to head Hamas’s activities in Gaza.

He becomes the third commander in a span of just seven months, following the deaths of Yahya Sinwar, the architect behind the Oct. 7 massacre, and his brother Mohammed Sinwar, who briefly led the group after Yahya’s elimination.

At 55 years old, Haddad has previously been in charge of handling Israeli hostages and recruiting new members to Hamas’s military ranks.

His moniker as the “ghost” comes from his elusive behavior and ability to stay out of the public eye, according to the same sources.

Those sources also noted that Haddad has managed to escape several Israeli attempts on his life since the conflict reignited.

His rise to power comes on the heels of Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s confirmation of Mohammed Sinwar’s death in a recent airstrike.

The Israeli military revealed that Mohammed’s remains were discovered in a tunnel beneath a hospital in southern Gaza just earlier this week.

“Mohammad Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of countless civilians,” the IDF wrote on X.

“He died the way he lived — underground.”

Mohammed had effectively assumed leadership of Hamas following the death of his older brother, who was the central figure behind the October 7 atrocities and was killed during a standard IDF operation late last year.

Now, Ezzedin al-Haddad finds himself in Israel’s crosshairs, with a $750,000 reward on his head, according to statements by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz.

{Matzav.com}

Japan this week confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers have operated together for the first time in the Pacific, fueling Tokyo’s concern about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders. Aircraft carriers are critical to projecting power at a distance. China routinely sends coast guard vessels, warships and warplanes to areas around the disputed East China Sea islands, but now it is going as far as what’s called the second-island chain that includes Guam — a U.S. territory. A single Chinese carrier has ventured into the Pacific in the past, but never east of that chain until now. On Thursday, Japan renewed its concern, saying that a Chinese fighter jet flew within an “abnormally close distance” from a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft after taking off from one of the carriers over the weekend. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory to be conquered by force if necessary, said the carriers’ dual operations showed China’s “expansionist nature.” Here’s what to know about the latest moves by China, which has the world’s largest navy numerically. How the carriers operated Japan’s Defense Ministry said the two carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, were seen separately but almost simultaneously operating near southern islands in the Pacific for the first time. Both operated in waters off Iwo Jima, about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Tokyo, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Monday. The Liaoning also sailed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone of Minamitorishima, the country’s easternmost island. There was no violation of Japanese territorial waters. Still, Nakatani said Japan has expressed “concern” to the Chinese embassy. Both carriers had warplanes take off and land. Late Wednesday, Japan’s Defense Ministry said a Chinese J-15 fighter jet that took off from the Shandong on Saturday chased a Japanese P-3C aircraft on reconnaissance duty in the area and came within an “abnormally close distance” of 45 meters (50 yards). A Chinese jet also crossed 900 meters (980 yards) in front of a Japanese P-3C on Sunday, the ministry said, adding it has conveyed to China “serious concern” and a “solemn request” for preventive measures over such an “abnormal approach” that could cause accidental collisions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday said Japan will keep communicating with China while ensuring surveillance around Japan to defend its territory. Why Japan is worried China’s military buildup and expanding area of activity have raised tensions in the region. The Chinese carriers sailed past the first-island chain, the Pacific archipelago off the Asian mainland that includes Japan, Taiwan and part of the Philippines. The Liaoning reached farther to the second-island chain, a strategic line extending to Guam, showing China also can challenge Japan’s ally, the United States. “China apparently aims to elevate its capability of the two aircraft carriers, and to advance its operational capability of the distant sea and airspace,” Nakatani said. The defense minister vowed to further strengthen Japan’s air defense on remote islands. Japan has been accelerating its military buildup, especially since 2022, including counter-strike capability, with long-range cruise missiles as deterrence to China. China’s navy is growing China’s navy on Tuesday confirmed the deployments, calling it part of routine training in the western Pacific “to test their capabilities in far seas protection and joint operations.” It said the deployment was in compliance with international laws and not targeted at any country. […]

POTUS: “I don’t wanna say imminent, but looks like it (an israeli attack on Iran) could very well happen.”

In a heated panel discussion on the Ofira and Levinson show that aired on Channel 12 this week, a surprising clash occurred between commentators and spokespersons regarding the issue of Chareidi conscription. Nimrod Sabah, the spokesperson for Likud MK Dudi Amsalem, and attorney Pnina Yanai, surprised viewers when they sided with Chareidi commentator Yisrael Cohen and strongly defended bnei yeshivos. “There are more draft dodgers in Tel Aviv than all the Chareidim,” Sabah attacked. “The media hypocritically attacks only the Chareidim—and this is solely to bring down Bibi. Bnei yeshivos are not draft dodgers, but lomdei Torah who protect Am Yisrael.” Attorney Yanai supported Sabah’s words and accused the public of blatant discrimination. Cohen turned to Haaretz journalist Chaim Levinson and said, “You’re growing horns from the fact that right-wing spokespersons like Nimrod Sabah are defending lomdei Torah. This is exactly why the Chareidim are with the right—because it has kavod for Torah.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

President Trump officially signs into law three resolutions passed by Congress, officially ending California’s electric vehicle mandate and emission standards.

President Trump’s message to automakers: “They’re going to do better than ever before. They’re going to sell cars in America at levels that they’ve never even thought of before and they’re going to make more money than they’ve ever made before.”

A group of leading Gedolei Eretz Yisroel will be visiting the United States in the coming days as part of the historic Keren Olam HaTorah campaign, launched in response to devastating budget cuts to yeshivos and kollelim in Eretz Yisroel. Among the Gedolim participating in this year’s fundraising effort are Harav Dov Landau shlit”a, Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, the Rachmastrivker Rebbe shlit”a, Harav Avrohom Salim shlit”a, Harav Yaakov Hillel shlit”a, the Sanzer Rebbe shlit”a, Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, and Harav Shimon Galei shlit”a. Below are the public events planned for each city on the gedolim’s visit: Baltimore – Sunday, June 15 HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a, will address the Baltimore kehilla at Kehillas Derech Chaim (6603 Pimlico Rd) at 1:00 PM. He will then deliver a shiur in Yeshivas Ner Yisrael at 2:45 PM, b’ezras Hashem. Los Angeles – Sunday, June 15 The flagship event on the West Coast will take place the same evening at 8:15 PM, at Yeshiva Ohr Eliyahu, 241 S. Detroit St, and will mark the first visit to Los Angeles by Keren Olam Hatorah. The asifa is open to the entire community, including women. Due to expected large turnout and limited parking, attendees are strongly encouraged to walk or use rideshare services. The asifah will give participants the zechus to hear divrei chizuk directly from the Gedolim and to stand in solidarity with acheinu bnei Eretz Yisroel whose limud hatorah is being jeopardized by severe funding shortfalls. Chicago  – Monday, June 16 The Chicago kehillah will have the opportunity to attend a community-wide asifa on Monday, June 16, in the ACHDS gym, 7787 Gross Point Road in Skokie. Gedolim participating in this asifa will include Rav Dov Landau, Rav Dovid Cohen, and Rav Avraham Salim. Lakewood – Wednesday, June 18 The Lakewood kehilla will gather for its own monumental asifa on Wednesday, June 18, in the BMG parking lot on Clifton Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets. A similar asifa last year drew more than 20,000 attendees. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

UPDATE: No injuries are being reported folllowing the JetBlue flight 312 that veered off the runway. Emergency crews are on the scene, and passengers are deplaning and are being brought to the terminal safely.

Motorcade of Prime Minister Netanyahu is seen leaving the Kosel moments ago. He was reportedly there with the President of Argentina.