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Although Israeli leaders have repeatedly declared that rescuing the hostages is the IDF’s top priority in its campaign against Hamas, an internal military document outlining the goals of an upcoming ground operation in Gaza reportedly puts that objective at the bottom of the list, according to Haaretz.

The operational blueprint, which was shared with military leadership yesterday, breaks down the army’s planned objectives for the offensive, placing the recovery of the hostages in sixth and final place.

As reported by Haaretz, the document itemizes six primary goals for the operation: first, eliminating Hamas; second, establishing full military control over the region; third, removing the area’s military capabilities; fourth, targeting Hamas’s governmental infrastructure; fifth, concentrating and relocating the civilian population; and sixth, retrieving the captives.

The phrasing in the document refers to those held in Gaza as “captives” rather than “hostages,” a distinction that some may view as significant.

Earlier this week, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin publicly stated, “Returning the hostages is the most important goal, and defeating Hamas is second.” A high-ranking military source also gave similar statements to the media last week, reaffirming that the captives are a central concern.

The IDF has not yet issued a response to the Haaretz report.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding developments in Gaza, hinting that more concrete updates are expected soon. “There’s a lot of talk going on about Gaza right now, so you’ll be knowing probably in the next 24 hours,” he told reporters from the Oval Office.

Trump made these remarks in response to a journalist’s question that seemed only partially audible, which referenced whether he intends to propose a new plan related to the hostages ahead of his upcoming trip to the region next week.

Meanwhile, the State Department announced yesterday that an official statement is anticipated before the end of the week regarding the potential restart of humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza.

When questioned on whether the United States supports allowing Iran to maintain a limited nuclear enrichment capability, Trump replied, “We haven’t made that decision yet. We will.”

Earlier in the week, Trump reaffirmed that the goal of his administration’s negotiations with Iran is to bring about the “total dismantlement” of the country’s nuclear capabilities. However, he clarified that the U.S. remains open to allowing Iran to engage in nuclear energy development for civilian use.

{Matzav.com Israel}

[COMMUNICATED]

רצועות – STRAPS OF TEFILIN ARE תשמישי קדושה זהירות שלא לגרור רצועות התפילין על הארץ ובפרט בשעת הנחתן וסילוקן

THEY HAVE SANCTITY – AND MAY NOT BE LEFT TO TOUCH OR BE DRAGGED ON THE FLOOR !! THEY ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN A CHUMASH OR SIDDUR.

הנהגות מהחזו״א זצוק״ל ע״י הגר״ח קניבסקי זצוק״ל ״הי׳ מדקדק בשעת כריכת התפילין שלא תגרר הרצועה על הארץ״

(footnote from Rav Chaim Kanevsky zt”l) ״וע׳ משנ״ב סי׳ כ״א סקי״ח גבי ציצית דהוי ביזוי מצוה, וכ״ש כאן שהן תשמישי קדושה״ The Chazon Ish was extremely careful when donning Tefilin that the straps should not drag on the floor”

ובדינים והנהגות מבואר (או״ח פ״ג אות י״א), שאף לאחרים הזהיר להימנע מכך״, וכן הורה רבנו (דעת נוטה ח״ג תשובה י״ד) והעידו (אורחות רבנו ח״א עמ׳ מד) ״שהי׳ פעם שהתפלל בישיבת בית יוסף והי׳ בחור אחד בקצה ביהמ״ד שנגעו רצועות התפילין שלו בארץ, ורץ אליו החזו״א ממקומו בקצה השני של ביהמ״ד להעיר לו על כך״.

“The Chazon Ish was mindful to call people’s attention to this. On occasion he once davened in a Yeshiva and noticed a student at the far end of the Bais Hamedrash whose Tefilin straps were touching the floor. He ran from where he was standing to that student to call his attention to this impropriety.”

At a Tel Aviv University event, former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon issued a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s coalition, comparing its members to Nazis and warning that drastic action would be necessary to preserve the nation. “There will be no choice but to shut down the country in order to save it,” he declared.

Ya’alon described the current state of Israel as one of the most critical periods in its history, potentially even more severe than any crisis since the inception of the Zionist movement. “The State of Israel is currently experiencing the most severe crisis since its founding — perhaps since the dawn of Zionism. Understanding this crisis is the key to emerging from it. We are at a crossroads: either we return to being a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state, or we continue down a path that is messianic, racist, fascist, homophobic, misogynistic, corrupt and cursed,” Ya’alon stated.

He accused the government of intentionally extending the war, even at the expense of hostages’ lives, alleging that their ideology views those captives as expendable. “They are willing to prolong the war indefinitely — even at the cost of sacrificing the hostages. This is a chaotic situation. Abandoning the hostages is part of their worldview. They follow the teachings of Rabbi Dov Lior — an ideology of Jewish supremacy, a kind of Mein Kampf. I get goosebumps just saying that,” he said.

Rabbi Dov Lior, once the chief rabbi of Kiryat Arba, is widely regarded as a key figure within Israel’s extreme nationalist religious circles.

Ya’alon then pointed to the widespread anti-government demonstrations that took place before October 7 as a sign of national opposition to the current direction. “What gives us hope is that before October 7, the streets were full — 600,000 protesters who represented countless others. Every poll shows that the majority wants a Jewish and democratic state, the release of the hostages and elections. But after October 7, the protest weakened,” Ya’alon continued.

He proposed mass, nonviolent resistance to force political change, saying it would be the only way forward under the current circumstances. “In this reality, there will be no choice but to shut down the country in order to save it. For me, that means nonviolent civil disobedience — sitting around the Prime Minister’s Office, his home, the Knesset. Teachers, doctors, unions — everyone is crying out. We’ll need to paralyze the country.”

Also speaking at the Tel Aviv University conference, Histadrut labor federation chairman Arnon Bar-David dismissed the idea of launching a nationwide strike. He also voiced his opposition to the recent strike by educators. “Some students can’t go to school, while others can. There’s a court ruling and an agreement with the union — they must go back to work. I don’t support the strike,” he said, citing the ongoing instability in the education system and labeling the current environment as one of “anarchy.”

Bar-David insisted that disrupting the country during wartime would be irresponsible and said he would not contribute to national chaos. “It’s easy to demand that I declare a strike — but I have made a strategic decision not to sink the country in a time of war,” he said. “I could cause insane anarchy — but that’s not my way. There is a war going on, with soldiers killed and wounded – and at the same time we also have to manage the economy.”

{Matzav.com}

As Israel moves closer to launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz made it clear that the Israeli military will maintain control over any territory it seizes in order to ensure that terrorist threats don’t reemerge in those areas.

During a high-level briefing with the 162nd Division, Katz met with Southern Command leader Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Division Commander Brig. Gen. Shagiv Dahan, Military Secretary Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, and other top-ranking officers. He used the opportunity to lay out the central goals of the mission: eliminating Hamas’s ability to function both militarily and administratively, achieving the release of hostages, and pushing civilians into the southern section of Gaza for their own safety.

“We will act with great force to dismantle all of Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, applying strong pressure to secure the release of all hostages,” Katz stated.

He added that the continued presence of IDF forces in areas taken during the operation will be vital to stopping terrorists from regrouping and to helping the military distinguish between Hamas members and the broader civilian population.

Katz also said the current arrangement of forces might offer a chance to reach a deal on a prisoner release, citing the “Witkoff model,” which he hopes can be advanced before President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region concludes.

He made it clear that even in the case of a future agreement, Israel will not abandon the security zone it has carved out in Gaza, which serves to shield nearby Israeli towns and communities from attack.

Finally, Katz commended the dedication and bravery of both active-duty and reserve troops since the start of the “Iron Swords” campaign. He announced plans for a new initiative aimed at further assisting reservists and their families as the conflict continues.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Masked anti-Israel demonstrators stormed into Columbia University’s Butler Library on Wednesday, disrupting the quiet environment as students tried to study for final exams.

Footage shared online captured the moment the protesters barged through the library’s front doors, pushing past a security guard who attempted to block their entry but was swiftly overwhelmed.

After gaining access, the group unfurled banners inside the library, including one declaring the space a “liberated zone” and another honoring Palestinian activist Bassel al-Araj—though his name was incorrectly spelled as “Basel.” Al-Araj was killed during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank in 2017.

Inside the library, the protesters wore keffiyehs and banged on drums while clapping and chanting “free, free Palestine.”

Columbia has remained on edge amid speculation that activists were planning to rebuild the tent encampments that dominated the campus for much of the previous spring semester.

{Matzav.com}

During a visit to the Gaza Division on Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir held a strategic discussion with division and brigade commanders ahead of a broadened military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

In his address, Zamir urged commanders to maintain unwavering resolve in their mission, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, precise military discipline, aggressive engagement with enemy forces, and achieving the overarching war goals: rescuing the hostages and dismantling Hamas.

He commended the officers for their direction and dedication throughout the conflict, noting the critical role they’ve played in guiding their soldiers.

“I have not forgotten, and you have not forgotten, the horrors of October 7th — we will not forget nor forgive. We are in a long, multi-front campaign, during which we are witnessing many acts of heroism across the IDF. The campaign is not over; we will continue to act until our mission is complete,” the Chief of Staff told the commanders.

Zamir made clear that bolstering the ranks through reserve enlistment is essential and urgent. “The need to draft reservists is real and immediate. We are in a time of trial, and the reservists will come. They will come because we call them, because they are needed, because there is no other choice. They will come with an understanding of the gravity of the moment. In a national call-up, when we summon people—they must report for duty.”

He stressed that the military cannot afford to respond defensively or lose momentum. “We must be proactive. We must take the initiative. We must be the ones to act first—before the enemy does. We do not have the right to be passive. We do not have the privilege to stop or retreat. That is a privilege we simply do not have—and it will not happen. Not under my command, and not under yours, because we are all here together to complete the mission,” Zamir said.

Reflecting on the progress of the campaign so far, Zamir explained that the military has now concluded the first stage of its plan. “Until now, it was phase 1 of the plan for the decisive defeat [of Hamas]. During this phase, we sought to maximize the potential for a hostage deal—but Hamas remained defiant in its position. Hamas is responsible for the suffering, the killing, and the destruction,” he said. “Now is the time to move to phase 2 of the plan. We will expand and intensify our operations. This is the call of the hour and the gravity of the moment.”

Zamir reaffirmed the IDF’s objectives with a clear message: “We are operating—and will continue to operate—with steadfast determination, focused on the return of the hostages, the defeat and dismantling of Hamas, and the destruction of its capabilities. This is a battle of spirit, endurance, and resolve.”

He acknowledged the toll the ongoing war has taken on reservists and their families. “I am aware of the challenges. For the past year and a half, reservists have been under immense pressure, called up for unprecedented periods. This is without precedent in the history of the State of Israel.”

Despite the strain, Zamir expressed full confidence in his officers. “I believe in your leadership. The IDF’s commanders are strong, and you must continue to carry the spirit of battle and determination. It relies on you—the commanders.”

He declared. “Everyone enlists, everyone serves, everyone sacrifices, everyone!”

Zamir emphasized the importance of national unity in service, stating that the army must reflect all parts of Israeli society. “We will continue to enlist everyone into the IDF. Serving in the IDF is both a duty and a privilege. We must do everything to integrate all sectors while preserving the unique identity of each community. We move forward with a national responsibility on our shoulders. Before my eyes, and the eyes of all IDF commanders, stands the security and defense of Israel,” the Chief of Staff concluded.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump took aim at the media on Wednesday, criticizing the Emmy nomination given to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ controversial 60 Minutes interview. Trump used the announcement as further evidence, he said, of the media’s dishonesty and political bias.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the nomination demonstrates why the press must be held accountable. “The Election Interfering 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, which aired on CBS just before Election Day and deep into Early Voting, turned out to be much worse than expected, with her answers being unlawfully fixed, manipulated, and doctored throughout by CBS, in order to try and make Kamala appear at least somewhat coherent,” he wrote.

Trump added that the public wasn’t given full access to what really occurred until long after the election. “The full transcript, which 60 Minutes, CBS, and Paramount tried to hide from the American People, and refused to release until after I was already Inaugurated, and they were ordered to do so by the Federal Communications Commission, shows that the ‘interview’ was nothing but fake, corrupt, anti-Trump propaganda.”

He went on to call out the Emmy nomination itself as an insult to journalism and truth. “On top of that, in a total slap in the face to anyone who believes in TRUTH and Honest Journalism, this Fake News Puff Piece has now been nominated for an award by the totally discredited Emmys,” Trump wrote.

He questioned how such an interview could be in contention for recognition, and suggested collusion among media groups. “Did 60 Minutes and its Corporate Parents apply to get an Emmy for an illegally falsified interview, or did other Fake Outlets nominate them for this dubious ‘honor’? These antics are why the American People have no trust in the Press, and demand that the Media, very much including 60 Minutes, CBS, and its owners, be held responsible for their corruption and lies, which is exactly what we are doing in Court!”

Trump has already launched legal action over the issue. In October, he filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS, accusing the network of deliberately manipulating the Harris interview to sway the 2024 election in favor of the Democrats.

He later amended the complaint in February, doubling the damages sought to $20 billion. According to The New York Times, mediation between the parties was scheduled to begin last week.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to implement major upgrades to both its technological systems and staffing capacity for the air traffic control operations that direct planes flying into Newark Liberty International Airport. The decision comes in the wake of a serious equipment failure that caused over a week of widespread delays and cancellations.

According to a statement released by the FAA on Wednesday, the agency will install three new high-capacity data lines to strengthen the communication link between control centers in New York and Philadelphia. These systems jointly manage air traffic in and out of Newark. The goal is to create a more dependable and redundant infrastructure to prevent future outages.

As part of these enhancements, the FAA and the Department of Transportation are transitioning from outdated copper wire systems to modern fiber optic networks. Additionally, they intend to implement a secondary, backup communication system at the Philadelphia facility to ensure continuity of operations in case of technical disruptions.

The trigger for these changes was a brief but significant breakdown at the Philadelphia control center last week, during which radar and radio contact with aircraft was lost for approximately 90 seconds. Since then, Newark Airport has faced persistent flight delays and cancellations, a situation worsened by ongoing staffing limitations in Philadelphia and runway construction work at Newark.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to unveil a comprehensive proposal on Thursday to modernize the national air traffic control infrastructure. His plan, which aims to upgrade facilities and replace outdated equipment, has gained additional traction following a fatal midair crash near Washington earlier this year. The recent Newark complications have added further pressure to move quickly on reforms.

The FAA also announced a commitment to bolster its workforce at the Philadelphia site. The facility currently has 22 fully certified air traffic controllers, along with 21 other personnel—both supervisors and trainees. Of those in training, 10 are actively engaged in hands-on instruction at present, the agency said.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Duffy said he may convene representatives from all airlines operating at Newark to coordinate a better approach to handling flights at the airport.

In response to the ongoing air traffic control difficulties, United Airlines Holdings Inc. has eliminated 35 round-trip flights per day from its Newark schedule. The airport is United’s largest hub for international departures and a vital link in its domestic network. Delta Air Lines Inc. has also reduced its flights due to the same operational issues.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump stated that he believes the Houthis will stick to the ceasefire agreement reached the previous day. The arrangement entails that the Houthis will stop targeting American naval forces, while the United States, in turn, will pause its military operations against the Iranian-supported group in Yemen.

“We take their word for it… We hit them very hard. They had a great capacity to withstand punishment,” he says. “You could say there’s a lot of bravery there.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu announced in a video message shared on his X account that Israel has verified that 21 hostages held by Hamas are still alive.

“There are another three who, unfortunately, there is doubt if they are alive,” he stated.

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering determination to recover all hostages. “Israel is not giving up on any of them,” he pledged.

The statement followed remarks by President Donald Trump the previous night, during which Trump said that 21 hostages remain alive, a figure that has since stirred public attention.

Netanyahu also addressed the recent development between the United States and the Houthis, following Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire agreement. Emphasizing Israel’s military independence, Netanyahu asserted, “Israel will defend itself by itself. We are doing this in Yemen, we are doing this in other places, at great distances. Israel has a very long arm, and we will know how to employ it.”

He added that while American support is appreciated, Israel is prepared to act alone if necessary. “If others join in, our American friends, even better,” he said. “If they don’t, we will defend ourselves by ourselves.”

Turning to broader regional threats, Netanyahu labeled Iran as “a great challenge” and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its own security, repeating, “We will defend ourselves by ourselves.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

An Israeli government official reaffirmed on Wednesday that 24 hostages held in Gaza are still alive, countering a statement made by President Donald Trump that put the number at 21—an assertion that left many families of the captives feeling alarmed.

Gal Hirsch, Israel’s special envoy for hostage affairs, posted an update on X maintaining that Hamas continues to hold 59 individuals—24 alive and 35 deceased—a breakdown that has not changed since before President Trump’s remarks. “All families of the kidnapped are always updated with the information we have about their loved ones,” he said.

At a White House gathering on Tuesday, Trump commented that a week earlier, 24 hostages had been alive, but that this number had since dropped. “I say 21, because, as of today, it’s 21. Three have died,” he said. Trump did not disclose where this information came from or offer any supporting details.

In response to Trump’s remarks, the organization representing the families of the hostages called on Israeli leaders to immediately clarify and share any new intelligence. “The headquarters again calls on the prime minister to stop the war until the return of the last abductee. This is the most urgent and important national task,” a spokesperson said.

{Matzav.com}