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Israeli military and intelligence forces carried out a targeted operation in central Gaza that resulted in the death of senior Hamas figure Ibrahim Abu Shumala, according to an announcement released Friday by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

The statement noted that the strike occurred on June 17, 2025.

Abu Shumala held the position of chief financial officer for Hamas’s military division and had also served as the right-hand man to Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of the group’s armed forces, until Issa was killed in March 2024.

In his capacity, Abu Shumala managed the entirety of Hamas’s military budget within Gaza. He was directly involved in organizing and executing the group’s financial strategies during wartime, including coordinating the transfer and smuggling of millions of dollars in funding earmarked for terrorist activities.

These financial operations enabled Hamas to replenish its weapons stockpiles and allowed the terror group to continue issuing payments to its fighters, playing a key role in sustaining their operations during the ongoing conflict.

“The IDF will continue to operate against all terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip,” the IDF stated.

{Matzav.com}

Despite Iran’s rapidly growing stockpile of enriched uranium, which intelligence experts say cannot plausibly be used for civilian purposes, American intelligence agencies continue to diverge from Israel’s more urgent assessment that Tehran is actively working toward building a nuclear weapon, according to a report published Thursday.

As detailed by The New York Times, the Mossad estimates that Iran could put together a nuclear weapon in just 15 days. U.S. intelligence, however, maintains a more cautious timeline, suggesting that Iran would require several months to a year to build a bomb—and that, as of now, it has not taken definitive steps to begin that process.

Quoting U.S. intelligence sources and government officials, the report explained that the American position has not shifted since the matter was last formally reviewed in March. This comes despite the fact that Israel has initiated a widespread bombing campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile capabilities, research facilities, and military networks.

The report notes that top American intelligence officials warn Iran could make the strategic decision to pursue nuclear weaponization if its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were assassinated by Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz has not dismissed that possibility. Speaking at the site of an Iranian missile impact, Katz said Thursday that Khamenei “cannot continue to exist,” signaling that a targeted assassination remains on the table.

Another scenario that could prompt Iran to rush toward nuclear armament, according to the report, would be a direct U.S. military strike on the uranium enrichment plant at Fordo.

Fordo is located north of Qom and is heavily fortified beneath a mountain, making it virtually impervious to most conventional weapons. Military analysts believe that only U.S.-owned bunker-buster bombs could penetrate the site. Yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in an interview Thursday that Israel has the capability to take out Fordo without American help.

Meanwhile, the White House announced Thursday that President Donald Trump would determine within two weeks whether the U.S. will actively participate in Israel’s military campaign against Iran.

This development followed a high-level intelligence briefing during which CIA Director John Ratcliffe informed the administration that Iran was dangerously close to building a nuclear bomb. His statements were reported to align closely with the Mossad’s current assessment.

While Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials indicated that new intelligence has emerged since March, sources clarified that Vance was actually referencing updated interpretations of already existing data—not newly discovered evidence.

On June 13, Israel launched a large-scale aerial offensive on Iranian territory, aiming to dismantle its nuclear and missile infrastructure. Israeli officials have described the threat from Iran as both immediate and existential. In retaliation, Iran has launched deadly salvos of ballistic missiles at Israeli military installations and civilian areas.

Although Iran continues to assert that it has no intention of producing nuclear arms, its enrichment levels now far exceed what is necessary for any civilian nuclear program. Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency has stated that Iran has blocked access to inspectors trying to monitor its nuclear activities.

{Matzav.com}

Israel kicked off Operation “Rising Lion” last Friday, launching a sweeping military assault that dealt a major blow to Iran’s leadership and nuclear infrastructure. The first wave of attacks successfully targeted high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and key players in Tehran’s atomic program.

In a surprising detail, the Jerusalem Post reports, the component of the mission aimed at Iran’s nuclear scientists was codenamed “Narnia” by Israeli forces—a reference to the fantasy realm, underscoring how bold and unlikely such a strike might have seemed before it was executed.

As part of the mission’s intelligence strategy, Israeli officials created a priority system to classify Iranian nuclear scientists, ranking them by the level of threat they posed and how difficult they would be to replace. The highest-priority targets were those with the most critical military knowledge. This detailed categorization led to the formation of a kill list, prepared in advance for immediate action.

The operation’s success relied heavily on the Intelligence Directorate’s ability to gather exacting data. Those killed in the strike were veterans of Iran’s nuclear program and considered irreplaceable assets. Many were viewed as intellectual heirs to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, widely seen as the architect of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Prominent nuclear scientists eliminated during the campaign included:

• Fereydoun Abbasi, specialist in nuclear engineering

• Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, physics authority

• Akbar Matlali Zadeh, expert in chemical engineering

• Saeed Beraji, a materials engineering professional

• Amir Hassan Faqahi, expert in physics

• Abd al-Hamid Minushahr, authority on reactor physics

• Mansour Asgari, a physicist

• Ahmad Reza Davalparki Daryani, a nuclear engineer

• Ali Bakhayi Kathehremi, mechanical expert

An Israeli military official revealed how the complex operation came together. “120 individuals from Military Intelligence and the Air Force were brought into a facility in Unit 8200 to plan the operation. By January, the pressure was mounting as no solutions had been found. The consensus was clear – we needed to develop solutions targeting air defense systems.”

The official continued, “In the past year, we began constructing a target bank, and the breakthrough came when we discovered an intelligence base and an air force base. However, the target bank did not yet contain enough targets. Each team had its own mission: killing nuclear scientists, eliminating command centers, and radar systems. That’s when Operation ‘Rising Lion’ began.”

In a surprising departure from its usual military doctrine, Israel has turned to psychological tactics, a move more commonly seen in the playbooks of its adversaries. On Wednesday, the IDF posted a message in Persian on its official X/Twitter account, encouraging Iranian citizens to reach out directly to the Mossad. The post hinted that internal elements within the Iranian government were already seeking to prevent the country from facing the kind of devastation seen in Gaza or Lebanon. The statement read: “We understand that you are in a difficult situation under the conditions imposed by the regime. In recent days, we have received messages from our loved ones who fear the uncertain future.”

It went on: “Even members of the regime’s security institutions are expressing fear, despair, and anger at what is happening in Iran and are asking us to contact the Israeli authorities – to avoid the same fate as Gaza and Lebanon. However, we must clarify that we are not the address for such requests, and we direct you to contact the Mossad. Perhaps you will find a way to improve your situation.” The message included a secure Mossad contact link and advised users to employ encrypted connections (VPN) for safety.

In response, the Mossad followed up with a post of its own: “Iran claims to have attacked a Mossad building with missile strikes. Fortunately, no one was there… everyone is in Iran.”

{Matzav.com}

Michelle Obama recently shared a candid moment during an episode of her podcast “IMO,” revealing that she was relieved not to have had a son—because, in her words, he would have been just like her husband, Barack Obama.

The 61-year-old former first lady made the comment on Wednesday’s show, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson. During a lighthearted conversation with radio host Angie Martinez of Hot 97, Martinez jokingly suggested that Michelle “should have thrown a boy in the mix.”

“I’m so glad I didn’t have a boy,” Michelle responded plainly.

“Because he would have been a Barack Obama. Ooh,” she added, glancing downward and shaking her head for added effect.

Martinez reacted enthusiastically, saying, “Baby Barack! It would have been amazing.”

“No, I woulda felt for him,” Michelle replied.

The discussion revolved heavily around raising sons, given that Martinez has a son and Robinson is the father of three boys.

Michelle’s remarks also appeared to reflect elements of her long marriage to Barack Obama, now in its 32nd year—a relationship that has recently been the subject of speculation in the media.

“Teach [your son] about how to deal with the traffic stop, but also teach him how to communicate in a marriage and to be a listening father,” she said, before again expressing hesitation about raising a “baby Barack.”

Still, Michelle had words of admiration for her husband’s parenting during a recent sit-down with musician and Democrat icon Bruce Springsteen.

“I think Barack is just like you as a tremendous father, doing it in a lot of grandeur, right,” she said to Springsteen on the June 11 edition of the podcast.

Despite ongoing chatter about potential marital trouble, the Obamas were spotted enjoying a high-profile night out at the Lowell Hotel’s upscale restaurant in Midtown Manhattan last month. They were also seen sharing another intimate dinner in Washington, D.C. this past April.

Michelle has previously shared that she’s attending therapy and working through a personal transformation, saying she’s “transitioning” into a new chapter of her life.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Jim Hanson discusses how President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on Iran over the next two weeks on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’

WATCH:

A missile launched by Iran struck the downtown area of Haifa on Friday, sending shockwaves that damaged the historic Al Jarina Grand Mosque and nearby infrastructure. The blast shattered the mosque’s stained glass windows and caused structural damage to the 18th-century building. The Al Jarina Mosque, originally built in 1775 and expanded in 1901, typically draws around 200 worshippers on Fridays. However, only 15 people attended prayers due to a Home Front Command directive prohibiting large gatherings amid ongoing hostilities, according to Wakf representative Khaled Dagash. Dagash reported that the missile hit after services had concluded and the building was empty. One person, whose identity is unknown, was lightly injured outside the mosque. He also expressed concern that government compensation might not suffice to restore the damage, especially as the mosque was already undergoing renovation at the time of the strike. Shockwaves from the blast also blew out windows at the Masjid Al-Saghir, another historic mosque dating back to 1761. No additional damage was reported at that site. President Yitzchak Herzog strongly condemned the attack, stating that “Iran is trying to kill Israelis of all faiths — Muslims included.” He emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting all its citizens, saying, “We will defend all Israelis. All faiths included.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned on Friday that Israel must brace for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran, declaring that the military will not allow an existential threat to mature unchecked. In a rare and forceful video statement, Zamir said that Iran has been methodically working toward Israel’s destruction for years, with recent developments pushing its capabilities to a dangerous new level. “The plan reached the point of no return,” he said. “The capabilities reached operational readiness.” According to Zamir, at the time Israel launched its preemptive campaign, Iran had amassed around 2,500 ground-to-ground missiles, with production on track to exceed 8,000 within two years. Iran’s growing missile arsenal, coupled with its nuclear ambitions and network of regional proxies, “compelled us to strike,” he said. “We have prepared for this operation for years,” Zamir added. “It was launched at the moment when operational and strategic conditions converged. Had we waited, we would have faced a campaign from a position of disadvantage—and history would not have forgiven that failure.” Zamir described the opening wave of Israeli strikes as a “surprise” offensive that delivered “extraordinary results.” These included the elimination of senior Iranian command figures, severe damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the opening of an aerial corridor toward Tehran, and the destruction of roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers—some just minutes before launch. While the strikes have set Iran back, Zamir emphasized that the campaign is far from over. “We have embarked on the most complex campaign in our nation’s history,” he said. “It demands our full readiness and unity. Challenging days lie ahead.” Addressing Israeli citizens directly, Zamir acknowledged the toll the war has taken on the home front, as Iran and its proxies continue to target civilian areas. “This is a different kind of challenge,” he said. “But our enemies fail to understand that the Israeli home front is not a weakness—it is the source of the IDF’s strength.” Zamir concluded with a message of determination: “The IDF is prepared. Our freedom of action is growing, and the enemy’s is shrinking. The campaign is not over, but I am confident that we will finish it with Israel’s hand on top.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett discusses freed hostage Edan Alexander’s return home to New Jersey and Israeli’s conflict with Iran on ‘The Story.’

WATCH:

Fox News host Sean Hannity breaks down the latest on the Israel-Iran conflict and what to take away from the ‘Trump doctrine’ on ‘Hannity.’

WATCH:

Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck several Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon a short while ago, the IDF says. According to the military, the sites included rocket launchers and caches of weapons.

China’s state-run Global Times published a commentary on Thursday placing full blame on the United States for the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, insisting that Iran should not be held accountable for its advanced enrichment program, which violates international agreements.

Over the past week, China’s Foreign Ministry has strongly defended Iran’s regime, particularly in light of Israel’s military operation known as “Operation Rising Lion,” which targeted senior Iranian military figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the strikes were necessitated by Iran’s accumulation of enough nuclear material to produce multiple bombs. Iranian officials have consistently threatened Israel’s existence and vowed to annihilate the country.

Just prior to Israel’s launch of “Operation Rising Lion,” the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a nuclear watchdog under the United Nations, adopted a resolution criticizing Iran’s covert nuclear work. It was the first such resolution in nearly twenty years. China, notably, chose not to support the measure.

The Global Times editorial, which denounced the U.S. for allegedly sparking the conflict despite no known American military involvement in the operation at the time, followed multiple remarks by China’s Foreign Minister urging Beijing’s participation in mediating between Iran and Israel. While China has been pushing to expand its diplomatic clout in the Middle East—especially since the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel—its attempts have thus far been ignored by both Iran and Israel.

Describing Washington’s role as destabilizing, the Global Times, an extension of the Communist Party, wrote that “the mere fact that the U.S. is contemplating involvement is itself a very dangerous signal.” The piece omitted any reference to Iran’s years-long enrichment of uranium to levels suitable for weaponization or its repeated public calls to destroy the State of Israel.

“The U.S. bears responsibility for the Iranian nuclear issue,” the editorial declared. “If Washington had not unilaterally withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and if the agreement had been smoothly and effectively implemented, the issue very likely would not have deteriorated to its current state.”

Absent from the editorial was the context that President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the JCPOA in 2018 after Iran was repeatedly found in violation of the deal’s terms.

The Global Times went on to argue that “Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should not be violated, and the Iranian people and their property should be protected,” and insisted that “any reckless use of force against Iran is unacceptable and constitutes a blatant violation of international law.”

The commentary concluded by calling on the United States to “adopt an objective and impartial stance” and “stop fueling the war machine.”

President Trump, in contrast to China’s accusations, has continuously expressed his desire to see peace between Israel and Iran. Most recently, on Tuesday, he stated that reaching a peaceful resolution with Tehran was “achievable” and urged Iran to engage in discussions with both the United States and Israel. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, however, issued a defiant response, stating that no peace would be tolerated if it came from outside pressure.

“The Iranian nation will firmly stand against an imposed war, just as it will resolutely resist an imposed peace,” Khamenei said. “This is a nation that will never surrender to any form of imposition.”

China’s official Foreign Ministry response to the rising conflict struck a slightly more reserved tone on Wednesday, even as it continued to stress opposition to any American role in the matter.

“We oppose any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and infringe upon the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of other countries,” said ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. “Further escalation of tensions in the Middle East does not serve the interests of any party.”

Guo added that “countries with special influence on Israel” should “play a positive and constructive role in de-escalating the situation and preventing the conflict from expanding,” pointedly avoiding any mention of the United States by name.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Iran, Beijing had already positioned itself as a staunch backer of Iran, raising questions about its neutrality in the crisis.

“The Chinese side supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national dignity, steadily advancing its own economic and social development,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping stated at last October’s BRICS summit, where he publicly aligned himself with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran’s inclusion into BRICS was secured in early 2024 with China’s backing.

During that meeting, Xi pledged that China would “firmly support each other, uphold the basic norms governing international relations such as non-interference in internal affairs, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries.”

In the wake of Israel’s bombing campaign in Tehran, China once again revived its calls to be involved in brokering peace. Reports indicated that Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke separately with Iranian and Israeli officials shortly after the strikes, although neither side appeared to show any interest in Beijing’s mediation.

“China will continue playing a constructive role in solving the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict,” Guo reiterated on Monday. However, no concrete actions or successful initiatives by China have been publicly acknowledged by the parties involved.

{Matzav.com}

ELIMINATED: The IDF confirms it has eliminated the chief of finance for Hamas’ military wing, and aide to eliminated deputy military commander Marwan Issa, Ibrahim Abu Shumala, in an airstrike in the central Gaza Strip earlier this week.

Dramatic video captures two Israeli interceptor missiles colliding head-on with an Iranian ballistic missile above Tel Aviv.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says Israelis must prepare for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran, in order to “eliminate a threat of this magnitude.” In a video statement, Zamir says that Iran has been “building for years a clear plan to destroy the State of Israel” and that in recent months, “the plan reached the point of no return, where the capabilities reached operational capability.”

Four individuals plead guilty in connection with a $550 million USAID fraud scheme.

LAKEWOOD: Today, Reb Itche Rosenbaum gathered the team at “Madison Title” to deliver a powerful and emotional announcement: the hopeful return of glory to the company. With the humility and strength of a true Ben Torah, Reb Itche delivered the news not as a corporate executive, but as someone whose life is rooted in emunah and dedication to the klal. Through his Adopt-a-Kollel initiative and unwavering support for Toraso B’Umnaso, Reb Itche has championed limud haTorah and chesed for decades. Even as Madison Title faced significant challenges over the past two years, he never wavered in his commitment to what truly matters.

The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes against Iranian air defense batteries in southwest Iran a short while ago, the IDF says.

The IDF Home Front Command, after a recent assessment, has maintained its guidelines, allowing gatherings of up to 30 people in most areas if a shelter is accessible, and up to 50 outdoors and 100 indoors near Israel’s borders. Workplaces nationwide can operate under these conditions, but schools remain closed, with the guidelines in effect until Saturday night when a new assessment will be conducted.

As missiles continue to rain down on Eretz Yisroel our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected.

In addition to the teffilos added after davening as per the call of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America in their Kol Korei released last Friday we must do our hishtadlus and advocacy. Agudath Israel’s office of government affairs has been in direct communication with the White House and members of Congress, thanking them for standing with Israel despite the pressure from voices on the right and left. Please join us in expressing our appreciation.

Call 202-456-1111 Monday – Thursday between the hours of 10-3 to leave a message at the White House comment line or use the online form here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

Personalize the following message template:

Dear President Trump,

As an Orthodox Jewish American I want to thank you for standing with Israel in its time of need. Israel currently faces an existential threat from a genocidal Iran. Our brothers and sisters in Israel, including hundreds of thousands of American citizens, keep heading to bomb shelters as Iran rains downs ballistic missiles on civilian neighborhoods. We appreciate the critical assistance of the United States in protecting innocent lives and your public support of Israel’s right to defend itself.

Thank you for everything you have done and are doing to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb that would threaten Israel and the free world.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump appeared to ease tensions with Tucker Carlson this week, revealing that the media personality had reached out to make amends following critical comments about Trump’s role in the escalating situation between Israel and Iran. According to Trump, Carlson called to apologize for remarks he admitted “were a little bit too strong.”

“Tucker is a nice guy,” Trump told reporters during remarks at the White House. “He called and apologized the other day because he thought he said things that were a little bit too strong, and I appreciated that.”

Trump went on to say that when it comes to Iran, his base stands with him. “My supporters are America first,” he said. “They make America great again. My supporters don’t want to see Iran have a nuclear weapon.”

The discussion followed a reporter’s question referencing the fiery exchange between Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz on Carlson’s program. During the segment, Carlson pressed Cruz over his support for regime change in Iran.

“Ted Cruz is a nice guy,” Trump said. “I mean, he’s been with me for a long time, I’d say once the race was over.”

Still, Trump made it clear that anyone who believes Iran should be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons is fundamentally opposed to his position. “But nobody thinks it’s OK,” he added. “I don’t want to fight either. I’m not looking to fight. But if it’s a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to. You have to do what you have to do.”

Trump also expressed skepticism that Cruz would truly endorse Iran having such capabilities, and said he doesn’t believe Carlson would support that either.

“The problem is then they get themselves into a thing,” Trump said. “They don’t want them to have nuclear. But then they say, well, we don’t want to fight. Well, they’re going to have to make a choice, because it’s possible that you’re going to have to fight for them not to have nuclear.”

Trump shared more details from his conversation with Carlson, including his direct question to the host about whether he was “OK with nuclear weapons being in the hands of Iran.”

“He sort of didn’t like that,” Trump said. “He didn’t want to, but he sort of didn’t like that. And I said, ‘well, if it’s OK with you, then you and I do have a difference,’ but it’s really not OK with him.”

Trump emphasized that the stakes are too high to ignore. “You may have to fight and maybe it will end and maybe it will end very quickly… you [can’t] allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon because the entire world will blow up. I’m not going to let that happen.”

Carlson, for his part, had ignited debate over U.S. intervention in the region with a social media post on June 13. In it, he drew a sharp distinction between those “who casually encourage violence, and those who seek to prevent it — between warmongers and peacemakers.”

He also argued that the advocates for military action included “anyone who’s calling Donald Trump today to demand air strikes and other direct U.S. military involvement in a war with Iran.”

Carlson reiterated his concerns during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast earlier in the week. He warned that American engagement in another Middle East conflict could mark “the end of the American empire,” and went so far as to claim it would “effectively end” Trump’s presidency. He compared the scenario to the fallout of George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq.

Meanwhile, public opinion appears to be on Trump’s side. A poll published this week and cited by the New York Post found that Trump’s stance on Iran enjoys broad support among Republicans — especially those aligned with the MAGA movement.

According to a J.L. Partners survey, 65% of self-identified “MAGA Republicans” said they would support American strikes on Iran, compared to just 19% who opposed them.

Among Republicans who identify as “traditional,” 51% backed military action, while 28% were against it. Overall, Republican voters supported strikes by a margin of 58% to 25%, with 17% undecided or neutral.

“This poll makes clear: the Republican base is not isolationist,” said James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners. “They back forceful U.S. and Israeli action to stop Iran, and see Israel’s fight as America’s fight.”

{Matzav.com}