CIA Director John Ratcliffe issued a public statement Wednesday addressing the current state of Iran’s nuclear program following recent military actions.
“CIA can confirm that a body of credible intelligence indicates Iran’s Nuclear Program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes. This includes new intelligence from an historically reliable and accurate source/method that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years,” he said.
Ratcliffe noted that intelligence gathering is ongoing and that relevant officials continue to be briefed. He added that the agency would also work to keep the American people informed. “CIA continues to collect additional reliably sourced information to keep appropriate decision-makers and oversight bodies fully informed. When possible, we will also provide updates and information to the American public, given the national importance of this matter and in every attempt to provide transparency,” added Ratcliffe.
In a separate announcement earlier that day, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reinforced the assessment, explaining that the recent airstrikes had inflicted long-term setbacks on Iran’s nuclear development.
“New intelligence confirms what POTUS has stated numerous times: Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed. If the Iranians chose to rebuild, they would have to rebuild all three facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Esfahan) entirely, which would likely take years to do,” Gabbard wrote in a post on X.
She went on to call out major media networks, accusing them of distorting the facts in their coverage. “The propaganda media has deployed their usual tactic: selectively release portions of illegally leaked classified intelligence assessments (intentionally leaving out the fact that the assessment was written with ‘low confidence’) to try to undermine President Trump’s decisive leadership and the brave servicemen and women who flawlessly executed a truly historic mission to keep the American people safe and secure,” she wrote.
The previous evening, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to denounce reports by CNN and the New York Times, both of which questioned the effectiveness of the strikes.
“Fake news CNN, together with the failing New York Times, have teamed up in an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history. The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed! Both the Times and CNN are getting slammed by the public!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Trump also reposted remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who strongly defended the outcome of the military action. “Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons.”
Hegseth emphasized the precision and power of the bombing operation, pushing back against any suggestion that the results were overstated. “Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target—and worked perfectly. The impact of those bombs is buried under a mountain of rubble in Iran; so anyone who says the bombs were not devastating is just trying to undermine the President and the successful mission,” added Hegseth.
{Matzav.com}
North Korea next week will open a signature tourist site on its east coast that it called a prelude to a new era in its tourism industry, though there is no word on when the country will fully reopen its borders to foreign visitors. The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone has hotels and other accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests who can swim in the sea, play sports and other recreation activities and eat at restaurants and cafeterias on site, state media said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured the site and cut the inaugural tape at a lavish ceremony Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday. He said its construction would be recorded as “one of the greatest successes this year” and called the site “the proud first step” toward realizing the government’s policy of developing tourism, according to KCNA. The Wonsan-Kalma zone will begin service for domestic tourists next Tuesday, KCNA said. But it didn’t say when it will start receiving foreign tourists. Kim has been pushing to make the country a tourism hub as part of efforts to revive the ailing economy, and the Wonsan-Kalma zone is one of his most talked-about tourism projects. KCNA reported North Korea will confirm plans to build large tourist sites in other parts of the country, too. But North Korea hasn’t fully lifted the travel curbs, including a ban on foreign tourists, that were imposed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting from February 2024, North Korea has been accepting Russian tourists amid the booming military and other partnerships between the two countries, but Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled. In February this year, a small group of international tourists visited the country for the first time in five years, but tourist agencies said in March that their tours to North Korea were paused. (AP)
North Korea next week will open a signature tourist site on its east coast that it called a prelude to a new era in its tourism industry, though there is no word on when the country will fully reopen its borders to foreign visitors. The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone has hotels and other accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests who can swim in the sea, play sports and other recreation activities and eat at restaurants and cafeterias on site, state media said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured the site and cut the inaugural tape at a lavish ceremony Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday. He said its construction would be recorded as “one of the greatest successes this year” and called the site “the proud first step” toward realizing the government’s policy of developing tourism, according to KCNA. The Wonsan-Kalma zone will begin service for domestic tourists next Tuesday, KCNA said. But it didn’t say when it will start receiving foreign tourists. Kim has been pushing to make the country a tourism hub as part of efforts to revive the ailing economy, and the Wonsan-Kalma zone is one of his most talked-about tourism projects. KCNA reported North Korea will confirm plans to build large tourist sites in other parts of the country, too. But North Korea hasn’t fully lifted the travel curbs, including a ban on foreign tourists, that were imposed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting from February 2024, North Korea has been accepting Russian tourists amid the booming military and other partnerships between the two countries, but Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled. In February this year, a small group of international tourists visited the country for the first time in five years, but tourist agencies said in March that their tours to North Korea were paused. (AP)
Rumors have been swirling about the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who went into hiding after the launch of Israel’s war against the Islamic Republic, with some reports speculating that he was badly injured or even killed. The rumors were put to rest on Thursday when Khanemei delivered a live televised speech, his first public statement since the ceasefire was declared. Unsurprisingly, Khamenei spouted lies and propaganda about Iran’s “victory” and even claimed that the Islamic Republic delivered a “harsh slap to America’s face” and “crushed the Zionist state.” He added that the US felt forced to join the war out of fear that “the Zionist regime would be totally destroyed.” Khamenei also claimed that Trump exaggerated about the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear sites, saying that “the US hit them but didn’t achieve much,” and categorically rejected Trump’s demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Rumors have been swirling about the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who went into hiding after the launch of Israel’s war against the Islamic Republic, with some reports speculating that he was badly injured or even killed. The rumors were put to rest on Thursday when Khanemei delivered a live televised speech, his first public statement since the ceasefire was declared. Unsurprisingly, Khamenei spouted lies and propaganda about Iran’s “victory” and even claimed that the Islamic Republic delivered a “harsh slap to America’s face” and “crushed the Zionist state.” He added that the US felt forced to join the war out of fear that “the Zionist regime would be totally destroyed.” Khamenei also claimed that Trump exaggerated about the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear sites, saying that “the US hit them but didn’t achieve much,” and categorically rejected Trump’s demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Footage of Hamas terrorists commandeering trucks of humanitarian aid that were transferred into Gaza without being inspected was published on Wednesday, raising the ire of many Israelis. In the wake of the footage, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a tense conversation, during which Smotrich threatened to topple the government if Israel continues to provide supplies to its own enemies. Shortly later, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz published a statement saying that they had suspended the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ordered the IDF to present a plan within 48 hours to prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian aid. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted the video and stated: “The humanitarian aid currently entering Gaza is an absolute disgrace. What is needed in Gaza is not a temporary halt of the ‘humanitarian’ aid, but a complete cessation of it.” “When I warned and alerted, and sadly the only one who voted a month and a half ago against allowing the aid, which was clear to me would provide oxygen to Hamas, there were those who mocked me and claimed that ‘the aid entering the northern Strip would only be for 10 days.’ And now it is becoming clear what was known in advance: Hamas is taking control of the quantities of food and goods, which contribute to its survival.” “Stopping the aid will quickly advance us toward victory. I will demand from the Prime Minister that in the next cabinet meeting, the issue of allowing aid into the Strip be brought up for a renewed vote.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Footage of Hamas terrorists commandeering trucks of humanitarian aid that were transferred into Gaza without being inspected was published on Wednesday, raising the ire of many Israelis. In the wake of the footage, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a tense conversation, during which Smotrich threatened to topple the government if Israel continues to provide supplies to its own enemies. Shortly later, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz published a statement saying that they had suspended the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ordered the IDF to present a plan within 48 hours to prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian aid. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted the video and stated: “The humanitarian aid currently entering Gaza is an absolute disgrace. What is needed in Gaza is not a temporary halt of the ‘humanitarian’ aid, but a complete cessation of it.” “When I warned and alerted, and sadly the only one who voted a month and a half ago against allowing the aid, which was clear to me would provide oxygen to Hamas, there were those who mocked me and claimed that ‘the aid entering the northern Strip would only be for 10 days.’ And now it is becoming clear what was known in advance: Hamas is taking control of the quantities of food and goods, which contribute to its survival.” “Stopping the aid will quickly advance us toward victory. I will demand from the Prime Minister that in the next cabinet meeting, the issue of allowing aid into the Strip be brought up for a renewed vote.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
A fugitive drug trafficker wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the United States was recaptured more than a year after he escaped from prison in the Andean nation, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced Wednesday. José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” who led a gang called “Los Choneros” in Ecuador and has been indicted in New York City on charges he imported thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States, was captured in the Ecuadorian city of Manta, his hometown, officials in Ecuador said. Interpol had issued an arrest warrant for Macias after hi s mysterious prison escape in early 2024 from the Guayaquil Regional Prison, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking. Ecuadorian authorities have yet to explain how he escaped. They only learned of his escape when a military contingent arrived to transfer him to another maximum-security prison but didn’t find him in his cell. The Ecuadorian army confirmed Macias’ recapture in what appeared to be the basement of a house. A video provided by the army showed the moment of the arrest, with a uniformed officer aiming a gun at the head of the drug trafficker, who gave his full name. The officers had found him hiding in a small hole beneath what appeared to be a kitchen counter. Wednesday’s announcement of his arrest comes in the same week that Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” the leader of another gang called Las Aguilas, was confirmed to have escaped from an Ecuadorian prison. Last year, U.S. Attorney John Durham said in a news release that Macias led Los Choneros and its “network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers” since at least 2020. With an extensive criminal record including charges of murder and organized crime, Macías has cultivated a cult status among fellow gang members and the public in his home country. While behind bars in 2023, he released a video addressed to “the Ecuadorian people” while flanked by armed men. He also threw parties in prison, where he had access to everything from liquor to roosters for cockfighting matches. The seven-count indictment unsealed in Brooklyn charges Macías and an unidentified co-defendant with international cocaine distribution, conspiracy and weapons counts, including smuggling firearms from the United States. Los Choneros employed people to buy firearms, components and ammunition in the United States and smuggle them into Ecuador, according to the indictment. Cocaine would flow into the United States with the help of Mexican cartels. “Los Choneros operated a vast network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere,” the indictment says. Last year, the U.S. classified Los Choneros as one of the most violent gangs and affirmed its connection to powerful Mexican drug cartels who threaten Ecuador and the surrounding region. Authorities in Ecuador have classified the gang as a terrorist organization. Earlier this month, the Ecuadorian government announced the reward for the capture of Macías would be increased to $1 million. (AP)
A fugitive drug trafficker wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the United States was recaptured more than a year after he escaped from prison in the Andean nation, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced Wednesday. José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” who led a gang called “Los Choneros” in Ecuador and has been indicted in New York City on charges he imported thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States, was captured in the Ecuadorian city of Manta, his hometown, officials in Ecuador said. Interpol had issued an arrest warrant for Macias after hi s mysterious prison escape in early 2024 from the Guayaquil Regional Prison, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking. Ecuadorian authorities have yet to explain how he escaped. They only learned of his escape when a military contingent arrived to transfer him to another maximum-security prison but didn’t find him in his cell. The Ecuadorian army confirmed Macias’ recapture in what appeared to be the basement of a house. A video provided by the army showed the moment of the arrest, with a uniformed officer aiming a gun at the head of the drug trafficker, who gave his full name. The officers had found him hiding in a small hole beneath what appeared to be a kitchen counter. Wednesday’s announcement of his arrest comes in the same week that Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” the leader of another gang called Las Aguilas, was confirmed to have escaped from an Ecuadorian prison. Last year, U.S. Attorney John Durham said in a news release that Macias led Los Choneros and its “network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers” since at least 2020. With an extensive criminal record including charges of murder and organized crime, Macías has cultivated a cult status among fellow gang members and the public in his home country. While behind bars in 2023, he released a video addressed to “the Ecuadorian people” while flanked by armed men. He also threw parties in prison, where he had access to everything from liquor to roosters for cockfighting matches. The seven-count indictment unsealed in Brooklyn charges Macías and an unidentified co-defendant with international cocaine distribution, conspiracy and weapons counts, including smuggling firearms from the United States. Los Choneros employed people to buy firearms, components and ammunition in the United States and smuggle them into Ecuador, according to the indictment. Cocaine would flow into the United States with the help of Mexican cartels. “Los Choneros operated a vast network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere,” the indictment says. Last year, the U.S. classified Los Choneros as one of the most violent gangs and affirmed its connection to powerful Mexican drug cartels who threaten Ecuador and the surrounding region. Authorities in Ecuador have classified the gang as a terrorist organization. Earlier this month, the Ecuadorian government announced the reward for the capture of Macías would be increased to $1 million. (AP)
Israel and Iran seemed to honor the fragile ceasefire between them for a second day Wednesday and U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that American and Iranian officials will talk next week, giving rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace. Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire that took hold Tuesday on the 12th day of the war, told reporters at a NATO summit that he was not particularly interested in restarting negotiations with Iran, insisting that U.S. strikes had destroyed its nuclear program. Earlier in the day, an Iranian official questioned whether the United States could be trusted after its weekend attack. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” Trump said. “The way I look at it, they fought, the war is done.” Iran has not acknowledged any talks taking place next week, though U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has said there has been direct and indirect communication between the countries. A sixth round of U.S.-Iran negotiations was scheduled for earlier this month in Oman but was canceled after Israel attacked Iran. Iran has insisted that it will not give up its nuclear program. In a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, its parliament agreed to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog that has monitored the program for years. Ahead of the vote, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for refusing “to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities” that the U.S. carried out Sunday. “For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,” Qalibaf told lawmakers. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he wrote to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities. Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the U.S. strikes, and Grossi said his inspectors need to reassess the country’s stockpiles. “We need to return,” he said. “We need to engage.” International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that Iran must quickly resume cooperation with international inspectors, telling French broadcaster France 2 that the IAEA had lost visibility over sensitive nuclear materials since the onset of hostilities. Grossi said Iran is legally obligated to cooperate with the IAEA under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. “During a war, inspections are not possible. But now that hostilities have ceased, and given the sensitivity of this material, I believe it is in everyone’s interest that we resume our activities as soon as possible,” he said. The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said its assessment was that the U.S. and Israeli strikes have “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.” It did not give evidence to back up its claim. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage. “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, refusing to go into detail. He seemed to suggest Iran might not shut out IAEA inspectors for good, noting that the bill before parliament only talks of suspending work with the agency, not ending it. He also insisted […]
Israel and Iran seemed to honor the fragile ceasefire between them for a second day Wednesday and U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that American and Iranian officials will talk next week, giving rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace. Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire that took hold Tuesday on the 12th day of the war, told reporters at a NATO summit that he was not particularly interested in restarting negotiations with Iran, insisting that U.S. strikes had destroyed its nuclear program. Earlier in the day, an Iranian official questioned whether the United States could be trusted after its weekend attack. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” Trump said. “The way I look at it, they fought, the war is done.” Iran has not acknowledged any talks taking place next week, though U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has said there has been direct and indirect communication between the countries. A sixth round of U.S.-Iran negotiations was scheduled for earlier this month in Oman but was canceled after Israel attacked Iran. Iran has insisted that it will not give up its nuclear program. In a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, its parliament agreed to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog that has monitored the program for years. Ahead of the vote, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for refusing “to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities” that the U.S. carried out Sunday. “For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,” Qalibaf told lawmakers. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he wrote to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities. Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the U.S. strikes, and Grossi said his inspectors need to reassess the country’s stockpiles. “We need to return,” he said. “We need to engage.” International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that Iran must quickly resume cooperation with international inspectors, telling French broadcaster France 2 that the IAEA had lost visibility over sensitive nuclear materials since the onset of hostilities. Grossi said Iran is legally obligated to cooperate with the IAEA under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. “During a war, inspections are not possible. But now that hostilities have ceased, and given the sensitivity of this material, I believe it is in everyone’s interest that we resume our activities as soon as possible,” he said. The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said its assessment was that the U.S. and Israeli strikes have “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.” It did not give evidence to back up its claim. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage. “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, refusing to go into detail. He seemed to suggest Iran might not shut out IAEA inspectors for good, noting that the bill before parliament only talks of suspending work with the agency, not ending it. He also insisted […]
Following the unprecedented remarks of US President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday evening called for the corruption cases against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to be dropped, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar published a scathing post on Thursday morning in which he attacked the judicial system and deemed the cases against Netanyahu as a perversion of justice against him and the entire country. Sa’ar wrote that “during long months in which the Prime Minister stood at the forefront of managing a historic campaign against Iran, he was forced to appear again and again in court—for a trial that has lost all real value, a trial on events from a decade ago that has been going on for five years regarding an offense that should have been removed from the books.” “The judges already suggested two years ago that the prosecution reconsider the indictment on the bribery charge. Since then, almost nothing remains—and yet the state continues to conduct a long and exhausting trial for breach of trust while recruiting three state witnesses. This is a farce that is stagnating, not advancing justice, and it is a perversion of justice not just for Netanyahu but for the entire country.” Sa’ar noted that even when he was in the opposition, he called for ending the trial with a plea bargain, but according to him, “the prosecution refused any attempt at mediation and entrenched itself in its path.” Now, he says, with the military campaign against Iran in full swing and the Prime Minister “managing it around the clock,” the prosecution is expected to put an end to the legal saga: “The prosecution has the authority to stay the proceedings—it should have been exercised a long time ago. No wonder the call for a pardon is rising, and Trump simply said what everyone thinks.” Culture Minister Miki Zohar posted an image of Netanyahu and Trump in front of an image of a lion and stated, “President Trump is right—it’s time to call off the trial! The president of the world’s greatest superpower and a true friend of the Jewish people, Donald Trump, voices what many Israeli citizens feel in their hearts—especially and particularly in the midst of historic days in the nation’s history. The legacy of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will be etched in the annals of history as one who saved the Jewish state from a proven existential threat and a real danger of annihilation and as one of the greatest leaders in its history.” “Especially in these days, when we all need to focus on the return of the hostages and the defeat of our enemies, it is time to put an end to the inconceivable injustice and personal persecution against him and to cancel the baseless trial immediately. The cases are collapsing anyway, and therefore it is not too late to recalculate.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated, “Israel is indeed an independent and sovereign country, but President Trump is absolutely right—it is time to cancel the absurd trial that the deep state fabricated in an attempt to carry out a coup against democracy. An urgent reform in the judicial system is a must!” Likud MK Tally Gotliv went even further than her colleagues, calling on Trump to impose personal sanctions against top judicial officials. She wrote, “Dear President Trump, you […]
Following the unprecedented remarks of US President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday evening called for the corruption cases against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to be dropped, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar published a scathing post on Thursday morning in which he attacked the judicial system and deemed the cases against Netanyahu as a perversion of justice against him and the entire country. Sa’ar wrote that “during long months in which the Prime Minister stood at the forefront of managing a historic campaign against Iran, he was forced to appear again and again in court—for a trial that has lost all real value, a trial on events from a decade ago that has been going on for five years regarding an offense that should have been removed from the books.” “The judges already suggested two years ago that the prosecution reconsider the indictment on the bribery charge. Since then, almost nothing remains—and yet the state continues to conduct a long and exhausting trial for breach of trust while recruiting three state witnesses. This is a farce that is stagnating, not advancing justice, and it is a perversion of justice not just for Netanyahu but for the entire country.” Sa’ar noted that even when he was in the opposition, he called for ending the trial with a plea bargain, but according to him, “the prosecution refused any attempt at mediation and entrenched itself in its path.” Now, he says, with the military campaign against Iran in full swing and the Prime Minister “managing it around the clock,” the prosecution is expected to put an end to the legal saga: “The prosecution has the authority to stay the proceedings—it should have been exercised a long time ago. No wonder the call for a pardon is rising, and Trump simply said what everyone thinks.” Culture Minister Miki Zohar posted an image of Netanyahu and Trump in front of an image of a lion and stated, “President Trump is right—it’s time to call off the trial! The president of the world’s greatest superpower and a true friend of the Jewish people, Donald Trump, voices what many Israeli citizens feel in their hearts—especially and particularly in the midst of historic days in the nation’s history. The legacy of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will be etched in the annals of history as one who saved the Jewish state from a proven existential threat and a real danger of annihilation and as one of the greatest leaders in its history.” “Especially in these days, when we all need to focus on the return of the hostages and the defeat of our enemies, it is time to put an end to the inconceivable injustice and personal persecution against him and to cancel the baseless trial immediately. The cases are collapsing anyway, and therefore it is not too late to recalculate.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated, “Israel is indeed an independent and sovereign country, but President Trump is absolutely right—it is time to cancel the absurd trial that the deep state fabricated in an attempt to carry out a coup against democracy. An urgent reform in the judicial system is a must!” Likud MK Tally Gotliv went even further than her colleagues, calling on Trump to impose personal sanctions against top judicial officials. She wrote, “Dear President Trump, you […]
In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s stunning first-place finish in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing and deeply personal tirade against the 33-year-old socialist lawmaker — warning that his rise marks a dangerous new chapter for the Democratic Party and the country at large. “Democrats have crossed the line by elevating a 100% Communist Lunatic,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Wednesday morning, reacting to Mamdani’s upset victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who conceded the race late Tuesday after trailing by roughly 70,000 votes. Trump, never one to hold back, turned his fire not just on Mamdani’s politics but his appearance, intelligence, and supporters. “He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3 — Dummies ALL — backing him,” Trump wrote. “Even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!” The “AOC+3” label is Trump’s long-used nickname for the progressive congressional bloc led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, joined by Reps. Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib — all of whom have expressed support for Mamdani’s candidacy. Trump’s broadside follows a night of political whiplash in New York, where Mamdani — a self-described democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman — toppled one of the state’s most recognizable political figures in Cuomo. The upset has sparked elation among progressives and concern across much of the Democratic establishment. In a follow-up post dripping with sarcasm, Trump said the party should go all-in: “The Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, [Congresswoman] Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President and three High Level Members of the Cabinet. Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!” Trump’s comments were not without political resonance. In Mamdani, Republicans believe they’ve found a symbol of Democratic extremism heading into 2026 — one they hope to use to fuel their messaging nationwide. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s stunning first-place finish in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing and deeply personal tirade against the 33-year-old socialist lawmaker — warning that his rise marks a dangerous new chapter for the Democratic Party and the country at large. “Democrats have crossed the line by elevating a 100% Communist Lunatic,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Wednesday morning, reacting to Mamdani’s upset victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who conceded the race late Tuesday after trailing by roughly 70,000 votes. Trump, never one to hold back, turned his fire not just on Mamdani’s politics but his appearance, intelligence, and supporters. “He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3 — Dummies ALL — backing him,” Trump wrote. “Even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!” The “AOC+3” label is Trump’s long-used nickname for the progressive congressional bloc led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, joined by Reps. Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib — all of whom have expressed support for Mamdani’s candidacy. Trump’s broadside follows a night of political whiplash in New York, where Mamdani — a self-described democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman — toppled one of the state’s most recognizable political figures in Cuomo. The upset has sparked elation among progressives and concern across much of the Democratic establishment. In a follow-up post dripping with sarcasm, Trump said the party should go all-in: “The Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, [Congresswoman] Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President and three High Level Members of the Cabinet. Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!” Trump’s comments were not without political resonance. In Mamdani, Republicans believe they’ve found a symbol of Democratic extremism heading into 2026 — one they hope to use to fuel their messaging nationwide. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
In a candid interview in Hebrew with Kikar HaShabbat, Shas chairman and War Cabinet member Aryeh Deri offered his firsthand reflections on Israel’s unprecedented military campaign against Iran. Deri described the behind-the-scenes deliberations that preceded the operation, the unexpected successes, and the dramatic moments in the command bunker when the order was given to launch the offensive.
“We paid a heavy price in this war,” Deri acknowledged, referencing the loss of 28 people. “But that number is less than 8% of the minimum estimate we were given before the operation—and not even 3% of the maximum projection. We must recognize the miracles.”
Deri emphasized that the decision to act militarily came only after months of preparation and growing evidence that Iran was fast approaching a nuclear breakout point. “The Iranians advanced their nuclear program significantly,” he said. “It was a matter of weeks until they’d reach the point of no return. We also saw they had created entire industrial lines for missile production. Once we identified the severity of the threat, we knew this was our mission. It was existential.”
He described the tense atmosphere in the bunker on the night the mission—Operation Am K’Lavi—was greenlit. “At first, it looked like we had started on the wrong foot. There were signs that someone—though not from within—had tipped off the Iranians. They spotted planes and evacuated their homes. But what seemed like a disadvantage turned into an advantage. We ended up achieving more than we originally planned. It was one of the few times I’ve seen that happen.”
On the question of whether the operation dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Deri was measured. “I can tell you that the immediate existential threat—the nuclear program and missiles—has been removed. What will happen in a few years? We must remain vigilant and not become complacent.”
Pressed further on whether the uranium was present in the targeted sites, Deri smiled and simply said, “L’chaim.”
Deri also addressed reports that ground commandos operated covertly inside Iran during the war. While confirming such activity in general terms, he stressed the importance of American support in pulling off the strike, particularly against the Fordow nuclear facility. “There were moments we weren’t sure we’d get U.S. cooperation. We hoped America would stand with us, but we weren’t certain. We understood that everything hinged on one man. And when you’re dealing with America, it all depends on who that one man is.”
Asked what he really thinks of President Trump, Deri didn’t comment directly, but made clear that the U.S.-Israel coordination wasn’t guaranteed. “There were ups and downs. Today it’s easy to paint everything as staged or deceptive. But there were real concerns.”
Regarding the war in Gaza, Deri acknowledged the latest losses, including seven soldiers killed in Khan Yunis. “We heard the news yesterday afternoon, during a discussion about a ceasefire. We had just begun to breathe after two difficult weeks and the tragedy in Be’er Sheva. To receive this kind of news—seven neshamos kedoshos who gave their lives for Am Yisrael—it’s a terrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families.”
Deri responded to criticism from United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni, who questioned the continuation of fighting in Gaza amid growing casualties. “We now know clearly that Hamas had a detailed plan to destroy Am Yisrael. We had been naive, believing they were focused on economic development. The truth is, they were preparing to annihilate us. Sinwar was the first to act, but they were all part of it. Why are we still fighting? Because their desire to destroy us remains. Hamas hasn’t repented—they’re still a terrorist organization ruling over Gaza. We must eliminate the threat entirely.”
He linked the Iran operation to Gaza’s isolation. “With siyata diShmaya, we cut off Gaza’s oxygen. They have no Hezbollah, no Iran—just isolation and no money. They’ll soon face a choice: surrender, return the hostages, change leadership, or face exile. If not, I hope we move forward with the Gaza emigration plan—with U.S. support.”
“There’s a major opportunity now regarding the hostages,” he added. “I can’t share details, but conditions have never been more favorable to end the war in Gaza.”
Deri reflected on how the October 7 Hamas massacre forced Israel to open its eyes. “That Simchas Torah was the worst disaster in our nation’s history. Humiliation and pain. But it opened our eyes. We had been living in a fool’s paradise. The tragedy was horrific, but it forced us to wake up. That’s the greatness of Am Yisrael—we rise from our darkest moments. That’s siyata diShmaya.”
Turning to domestic politics, Deri revealed that just before the launch of the Iran operation, he had worked until dawn to avert the dissolution of the Knesset over the draft law. “We were minutes from a preliminary vote to dissolve the Knesset. Had that passed, and the next night we launched a war, what would the world say? That we’re going to elections in the middle of a war? What would the Americans think? What would Trump say? But I couldn’t tell anyone. It was all on my shoulders.”
On the issue of the draft law, Deri said a compromise text acceptable to all chareidi parties had been reached. “It’s progressing. I’m not dealing with it right now—it’ll be delayed because of the war—but I believe the disputes are behind us.”
As for when Israel might head to elections, Deri believes the government will serve out its full term. “In my opinion, elections will take place on schedule. There’s no reason to call them early. The government and the prime minister still have many tasks ahead.”
In one of the more striking moments of the interview, Deri spoke of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s own spiritual transformation during the war. “I’ve known him for decades. He didn’t grow up in a home of emunah, unfortunately. But to hear him now speak of siyata diShmaya—after all we’ve been through—there’s no other explanation. We didn’t just deal with Hamas. We faced Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria. You can’t explain that with anything but hashgachah pratis.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Kan News Arab affairs commentator Roi Kais wrote on X on Wednesday that shortly before the outbreak of the war with Iran, a young Chassidish man from New York visited Jewish kehillos in Iran. Kais wrote, “He documented the visit and left the country before the war broke out.” “The young American, who in the meantime does not want to reveal his identity due to the tensions between the two countries, visited markets in Tehran and other cities while traveling with a local ‘guide’ assigned to him by the regime.” “He videoed himself traveling by train with the ‘guide’ while the songs ‘Mi Shebeirach’ for IDF soldiers and HaTikvah were playing in the background.” The Chassid has visited almost 50 countries throughout the world and documents his adventures on Instagram, Arutz Sheva reported. He visited Iran only two weeks before the war as part of his dream to visit every country in the world. He owns his own communications company and works remotely while traveling around the world with his wife of two years. “I had to go everywhere with a guide who followed me to make sure I wasn’t spying” he said. “The regime is cruel and restricts the movements of tourists.” However, he said he received a warm welcome from Iranians on the street, even after identifying himself as an American Jew. They were excited to meet him and offered him free fruits and vegetables. He added that Iranians were not afraid to denounce the regime to him, telling him that it was “cruel” and they hoped it would be replaced. He wrote on his account, “I left Iran a few days before the war started. I can say the people in Iran were truly welcoming and nice to me. Everyone gave me a smile and invited me to their country.” “YES, the regime/government are terrorists. Even the locals hate them. But Iranians are really nice and normal people. I pray for the civilians in Iran.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
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