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El Al has announced that it will carry out special medical repatriation flights this Shabbos after receiving halachic authorization from Israel’s chief rabbis.

“In light of numerous cases of pikuach nefesh, or life and death medical life-saving cases that require immediate arrival of passengers to Israel, El Al has decided to operate special flights during this upcoming Shabbos,” the airline said in a statement. “These flights will be defined as pikuach nefesh or medical emergency flights.”

With rabbinic consent secured, El Al has scheduled three emergency flights for Shabbos, with departures from Larnaca, Cyprus, and Athens, Greece, all bound for Israel.

According to the airline, passengers include not only El Al ticket holders but also individuals from other airlines, all of whom were cleared for travel by a senior medical expert, an Israeli doctor who previously headed major medical institutions and categorized their situations as critical pikuach nefesh emergencies.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a moving encounter, Rav Gavriel Zinner, author of Nitei Gavriel, and Rav Yitzchok Yosef, author of Yalkut Yosef, met face-to-face for the first time after years of written correspondence.

The meeting took place this week in Flatbush, where Rav Yosef is currently staying due to the ongoing war that has shuttered Israeli airspace.

Though they come from different worlds—one raised in the Sefardic home of Rav Ovadia Yosef, and the other born and raised in the chassidic enclaves of Hungarian Jewry in America—the two rabbonim share a deep and lifelong commitment to halacha. Their respective works are staples of Torah scholarship: Yalkut Yosef now spans over 40 volumes, while Nitei Gavriel is widely used throughout chassidic circles across the world.

They frequently cite one another in their seforim, sometimes agreeing, sometimes respectfully disagreeing, always with reverence and depth.

On Wednesday evening, this long-standing relationship culminated in an emotional encounter. Rav Zinner visited Rav Yosef at his host in Flatbush, and those present described an instant connection.

“It felt as though they had known each other for decades,” shared one observer. “Within moments, they were immersed in halachic discussion—citing the Rashba, the Chazon Ish. Though Rav Zinner speaks primarily Yiddish, the language of halacha, Lashon Hakodesh, bridged all gaps.”

During the meeting, Rav Zinner expressed interest in acquiring the most recent volumes of Yalkut Yosef. Smiling, he remarked, “I already have the Rav’s address”—explaining that it appears in the earlier volumes of Yalkut Yosef, which he has long possessed and studied.

The two discussed various differences between Sefardic and Ashkenazic minhagim, examining the rulings of the Beis Yosef and the Rama, delving into how halachah has developed in their respective communities.

As the meeting came to a close after more than an hour of heartfelt discussion, Rav Zinner’s grandchildren stepped forward to receive a berachah from the Rishon LeTzion. Rav Yosef personally escorted his guest to the door, parting with warmth and admiration.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has ordered the IDF to escalate its military campaign against Iranian regime targets in Tehran, aiming to destabilize the government and deter further missile attacks on Israeli cities. Following a high-level assessment Friday morning with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials, Katz directed the IDF to focus on symbolic regime assets, including the Basij paramilitary force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as Iran’s internal repression apparatus. The goal, he said, is to “bring about the destabilization of the regime and increase deterrence against missile attacks on Israel’s home front,” while continuing to degrade Iran’s nuclear program. Unconfirmed reports from Iran International, citing Israeli security sources, indicate that a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on the Fordow nuclear facility—Iran’s most fortified and sensitive enrichment sites—could be imminent, possibly as early as Friday night. The Fordow site, buried 300 feet underground near Qom, is a linchpin of Iran’s nuclear program. Initial Israeli airstrikes reportedly caused little damage to the facility, and military analysts believe a bunker-busting weapon would be required to neutralize it. Signs of U.S. military readiness have added to speculation of impending action, despite reports that President Trump is wavering in his decision. In recent days, three KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers departed from Travis Air Force Base in California, and four more launched from Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma—aircraft essential for extending the range of U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers – the only aircraft capable of deploying the 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), specifically designed for deeply buried targets like Fordow. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Zutchka Rebbe convened his chassidim and talmidim this week for a special event titled “Vatelamedeim” in the Zutchka Bais Medrash, where he announced the founding of a new chaburah called “Kvi’in,” dedicated to committed and structured Torah learning.

Opening the event was Rav Chaim Yaakov Safrin of Yerushalayim, who warmly welcomed the participants and shared his personal experiences learning within this unique and focused framework.

The Rebbe then entered and opened the gathering with divrei chizuk. Despite the tension of the times, he noted that while logic might suggest every person should stay home and calm their families, the current moment calls for something greater. “Even the tyrant from Iran,” the Rebbe declared, “has come to recognize that his real adversaries are the Torah learners in Bnei Brak.” Therefore, the Rebbe asserted, this is precisely the time to strengthen ourselves and form a powerful chaburah for Torah study.

The Rebbe elaborated on the immense value of not just learning Torah but acquiring and retaining it—to the point where one’s entire being is immersed in Torah. He lamented how painful it is when Torah is learned and then forgotten, likening such forgotten knowledge to the shattered luchos.

Following the Rebbe’s remarks, Rav Menachem Greenbaum delivered an impassioned presentation, laying out the practical aspects of the program in a clear and inspiring manner. He emphasized the importance of learning in a way that ensures long-term retention and internalization of Torah knowledge.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a Thursday interview with Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said that any potential regime change in Iran must come from within, though he implied that Israel is working to weaken the regime’s grip.

The Times of Israel reports that Netanyahu declined to confirm whether eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was under consideration. He reiterated that “regime change lies with the Iranian people alone,” but acknowledged, “We’re also striking government targets, symbols of the regime. You’ve seen it — the broadcast station and others. And there’s more to come.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military efforts are ongoing and expanding. “We are doing everything necessary — and there will still be much more,” he said, noting that Israel has been hitting the Basij, the internal security arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps known for quelling protests.

“We’re also striking the Basij… this kind of internal police force of a million people. We’ve inflicted heavy damage, and we will continue to strike their targets,” Netanyahu stated.

In the United States, some critics of the conflict have voiced concern over the possibility of American involvement turning into a prolonged military entanglement, similar to what happened in Iraq or Afghanistan. They warn against launching a so-called “regime change” war.

Although Netanyahu has urged Iranians to rise in defense of their liberty, he has not advocated for, nor requested, that the Trump administration take direct action to topple the Islamic Republic’s leadership.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Early Friday morning, around 5:50 a.m., the IDF identified several missiles that had been launched from Iran in the direction of Israel.

In response, warning sirens echoed across parts of southern Israel, including Be’er Sheva and areas in Judea. Reports later indicated that a total of three missiles had been launched during this attack.

One of the projectiles struck Be’er Sheva, resulting in multiple vehicles being set ablaze. A nearby residential apartment also sustained extensive structural damage due to the explosion.

According to Magen David Adom, the incident left one individual with light injuries, while about 30 others were treated for anxiety stemming from the attack.

By 6:05 a.m., the Home Front Command announced that the immediate threat had passed and instructed residents that it was safe to leave their secure rooms.

Earlier in the night, air raid sirens went off several times near the Dead Sea region amid concerns of an unmanned aerial vehicle breaching Israeli airspace. The IDF later confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had successfully intercepted three UAVs launched from Iran.

This latest attack followed a heavy missile barrage on Thursday morning, when Iran fired roughly 30 rockets toward Israeli territory. The assault triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, the coastal region, and the south.

The widespread missile attack inflicted damage on Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, as well as on structures located in Tel Aviv, Holon, and Ramat Gan. Over 200 people were injured in that assault, including four listed in serious condition and 16 with moderate injuries.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Damage inside an apartment in Beersheva following an impact by an Iranian ballistic missile.

Footage from the missile impact in Beersheva. MDA is on the scene and says as of now there are no reported injures.

UPDATE: Following the rocket sirens heard in southern Israel moments ago, there is a fire burning multiple vehicles following a missile impact in Beersheva. There have been no reports of injuries at this time. MDA is on the scene.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced on Thursday that both the Air Force and the Navy have successfully brought down a large number of drones that had been directed at Israel.

According to the military, more than 95% of the aerial threats that came close to breaching Israeli airspace were eliminated before they could cause harm.

Personnel from the Air Force and Navy have been working in close coordination with Israel’s aerial defense systems, fighter jets, missile-equipped ships, and other defense teams to ensure the protection of the country’s skies at all times.

While simultaneously carrying out strikes meant to weaken the Iranian regime’s offensive capabilities, Israeli forces have been actively intercepting the recent waves of surface-to-surface missiles and drones, many of which were launched with the clear intent of striking residential areas and endangering civilian lives.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump is holding off on authorizing U.S. airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear sites, amid growing concerns that toppling Iran’s leadership could plunge the region into chaos and repeat the mistakes of Libya, the NY Post reports. According to multiple sources close to the administration, Trump has repeatedly invoked the NATO-led intervention in Libya during internal deliberations, citing it as a cautionary tale of regime change gone wrong. In 2011, the U.S. joined a coalition to remove Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, only to watch the country descend into civil war and lawlessness — a scenario Trump is determined to avoid with Iran. “He doesn’t want it to turn into Libya,” said one insider familiar with the president’s thinking. “The concern is: if Khamenei falls, what comes next?” That apprehension has played a major role in Trump’s decision to delay a final call on whether to assist Israel in striking Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that the president would likely make his decision within the next two weeks, citing the potential for renewed diplomatic talks. “There is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future,” Leavitt said during a briefing. “The president is weighing that very seriously.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet with European diplomats in Geneva on Friday. While Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will not attend, he continues to engage in backchannel talks, Leavitt said. While the Israeli government has made clear its desire for regime change — with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz calling Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “the modern Hitler” — Trump’s calculus is different. “He’s not interested in who runs Iran,” said one source close to the White House. “That’s a message his base appreciates — it’s about preventing a nuclear weapon, not remaking Iran.” According to one source briefed on the internal discussions, Trump has expressed a preference for a narrowly tailored operation using U.S. bunker-buster bombs — 30,000-pound munitions capable of penetrating the underground Fordow site, something Israeli warplanes can’t currently achieve on their own. “This would not be Libya. This would not be Iraq,” the source said. “The goal is simple: knock out Iran’s nuclear capability and leave.” Still, even a limited strike carries risks. Officials have warned that any U.S. military action could provoke Iranian retaliation, including terror attacks, regional proxy warfare, or attempts to block shipping in the Persian Gulf. There are also fears of radioactive contamination from destroyed enrichment sites. “He’d rather have a deal,” said one adviser, echoing Trump’s longstanding reluctance to launch new military interventions. “But he also doesn’t want to let the window close.” CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly compared Iran’s current nuclear position to a football team sitting on the one-yard line — “You don’t get that close unless you’re planning to score,” he told officials, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Ratcliffe and others have noted Iran’s uranium stockpile is enriched to 60% — a short technical leap from the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade fuel. The International Atomic Energy Agency and U.S. Central Command have each warned that Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a bomb in as little as one week. General Michael Kurilla testified this […]

NYC Mayor Eric Adams, a longtime friend of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community, visited Williamsburg today as he presses to reform bike lanes in the city, which has caused countless crashes and injuries – reform which Councilman Lincoln Restler is attempting to block.

On Thursday, Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot shared a deeply emotional update: the tefillin belonging to Michael (Miki) Nachum had been discovered by Home Front Command teams amid the ruins of the residential building struck by an Iranian missile earlier this week.

Brot personally contacted Nachum’s daughters to let them know the tefillin had been recovered. “The bag is partially torn,” he wrote, “but the tefillin itself is intact, and it will serve to strengthen the daughters during this incredibly difficult time.”

He offered heartfelt thanks to the Home Front Command personnel working tirelessly at the site. “Thank you to the men and women of the Home Front Command’s National Rescue Unit, who are doing everything possible to recover what they can from the rubble and to honor the memory of those killed.”

Miki, 61 years old, was a father of four and a beloved longtime resident of Bat Yam. He was among the nine city residents who tragically lost their lives in the deadly missile strike.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel assassinated nine of Iran’s ten most senior nuclear scientists in their sleep during its initial assault on Iran last week, dealing an unprecedented blow to the heart of Tehran’s nuclear program. The operation — code-named Operation Narnia — unfolded in the dead of night between Thursday and Friday and was followed hours later by the killing of the tenth scientist, according to Israel’s Channel 12, which broke the story on Thursday. The assassinations were part of a broader, multi-pronged Israeli strike that also targeted Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, key nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz, and senior figures in the Islamic Republic’s military command. Channel 12 reported that the assassinations were carried out using a classified weapon, the nature of which remains under censorship and has not been disclosed publicly. The nuclear scientists were all killed while sleeping in their homes, with Israeli intelligence deliberately orchestrating simultaneous hits to avoid any chance of a warning or escape, according to the report. In previous incidents, Iranian nuclear scientists had often been targeted while commuting. “These scientists believed their homes were safe zones,” a senior Israeli official told Channel 12. “They never imagined they would be reached in their bedrooms.” According to the report, Israeli intelligence had been surveilling these ten individuals for years and marked them for assassination in November of last year, after determining they were irreplaceable assets in Iran’s nuclear development chain. While Iran has long relied on its military-industrial complex and sprawling ballistic missile program to project power, Israeli officials viewed the scientific elite behind the uranium enrichment efforts as far more irreplaceable than missile hardware or battlefield generals. “It’s easier to replace a general than a nuclear physicist with 20 years of expertise,” one Israeli official was quoted as saying. “We struck the brain trust.” Operation Narnia marked a dramatic shift in Israel’s approach to Iran. While targeted killings of Iranian scientists have occurred sporadically over the past two decades — including the 2020 assassination of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh — this latest action represents the first time Israel has reportedly wiped out nearly an entire echelon of nuclear leadership in one night. Channel 12 said the decision to strike all ten at once was aimed at eliminating any possibility that surviving members could alert others or go into hiding. Iran has not publicly confirmed the deaths of the scientists, but local media in Tehran have reported “unexplained fatalities” among scientific personnel and have blamed “foreign agents” for sabotage and attacks on military sites. The regime has so far not commented directly on the reported deaths. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met earlier today with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. Rubio and Lammy agreed that “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, made clear on Thursday that the group will not be dictated to, vowing that Hezbollah will “act as we see fit,” in a strong show of alignment with Iran, the AFP reports.

His comments were a direct retort to remarks made by Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, who had issued a warning urging Hezbollah not to get involved in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

In a defiant message, Qassem declared, “Tyrannical America and criminal Israel will not be able to subjugate the Iranian people and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.” He went on to reaffirm Hezbollah’s loyalty to Tehran, saying the group remains bound by “the responsibility to stand by Iran and provide it with all forms of support that contribute to putting an end to this tyranny and oppression.”

Barrack, who also serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey, visited Beirut for the first time in his current role on Thursday. During the trip, he met with leading Lebanese officials, including Nabih Berri, the Parliament Speaker and a political ally of Hezbollah.

After his discussion with Berri, Barrack relayed a pointed warning from the Trump administration. Responding to questions about Hezbollah possibly entering the fray, he remarked, “I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump… that would be a very, very, very bad decision.”

Last year, Hezbollah suffered notable casualties during its confrontation with Israel, which ended in a ceasefire in November. After Israel carried out an airstrike in Iran last week, Lebanon’s foreign ministry said it was “continuing its contacts” to ensure Lebanon does not become entangled in the broader regional war.

Earlier in the week, leaders from Hezbollah and the Shiite movement Amal met to assess the unfolding regional crisis, focusing on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and its potential impact on Lebanon.

According to Al Akhbar, both groups issued a joint denunciation of Israeli actions in Lebanon, characterizing them as “desperate attempts to attack the Axis of Resistance and harm the will of free states.”

In a statement released after their meeting, the two organizations asserted that Iran remains the central pillar in confronting what they described as a strategy of domination and colonialism.

On the domestic front, the groups highlighted the urgency of reconstructing Lebanese regions damaged by “Israeli aggression,” and labeled this effort as a matter of national significance.

{Matzav.com Israel}