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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was speeding and at fault for a Sunday morning auto accident in western Maryland, where he rear-ended another driver, a 62-year old woman who was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, according to a Maryland State Police report.

Fetterman was also treated for a shoulder injury, and he and his wife were taken to the hospital by ambulance, according to the police report and information from his office. Fetterman brushed off the wreck afterward, brandishing a bag of frozen peas and Tylenol in a video Monday with his wife and thanking people for their well wishes.

The accident was the latest example of unsafe driving by Fetterman, according to public records and people with knowledge of the situation. He has received two speeding tickets for violations of at least 24 miles per hour above the speed limit, one in 2016 and one in March, according to Pennsylvania state records. After the ticket this year, when he was driving 34 miles per hour over the limit, he was required by the state to complete a driver’s improvement course, according to a person familiar with the outcome who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the episode. Neither record said exactly where he was driving or how fast he was going.

At other times, aides have said Fetterman has texted and FaceTimed while driving, prompting concern among his staff and fears about riding with him, according to three people with knowledge of staff discussions who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations.

Fetterman’s aides have refrained from messaging him while he was behind the wheel, afraid he would answer them, according to the three people. One aide asked to no longer be required to ride in the car with him after witnessing Fetterman driving unsafely, they said. The concerns sparked an informal practice recently instituted in the office that aides should not be in the car when Fetterman is driving, according to one person familiar with the practice.

“It’s not safe,” one person familiar with Fetterman’s driving said.

In response to questions from The Washington Post about the accounts of his driving, a spokesman for Fetterman called them “gossip and inaccurate,” but declined to address any specifics.

In a statement, Fetterman said he would drive more slowly in the future.

“This was an unfortunate accident on Sunday and I’m relieved and grateful that there were no serious injuries,” he said. “I’ve been driving for almost 40 years, and I’ve gotten a small handful of tickets. When I sped, I was held accountable. I need to do better and do it slower – and I will.”

His Chevy Traverse had significant front-end damage after Sunday’s accident, according to a person with knowledge of the wreck. Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to “disabling damage,” according to the police report. A local news station published photos of Fetterman’s car taken at the lot that showed the devastating damage it sustained.

His office did not respond to a question about why the accident occurred or whether Fetterman was distracted by his phone when it happened. The police report stated the person who was hit was “not distracted,” while filling in “unknown” next to the “distracted by” category for Fetterman.

Fetterman, a 6-foot-8 freshman senator who survived a stroke on the campaign trail and then checked himself into a medical facility for depression treatment shortly after coming to Washington, has cut an outsize figure on Capitol Hill. He wears his signature hoodies at formal events and in the Capitol, sparking a debate about the Senate’s dress code. He’s made waves by heckling Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), urging him to retire as he faces federal corruption charges, and in confrontations with activists on the left who disagree with him on his staunch support for Israel’s invasion of Gaza following Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack.

While serving as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania for two years, Fetterman had a security detail that drove him around the state. But as a senator, he often drives himself, especially around the Keystone State, according to people familiar with his travel. He often drives himself much of the way to and from his hometown of Braddock, Pa., and Washington.

This week’s crash occurred on Interstate 70 near Hagerstown on Sunday morning, according to the Maryland State Police. Fetterman, 54, rear-ended a Chevy Impala while driving west “well over the posted speed limit,” the police report said, citing a witness.

“A passenger in the Traverse and the operator of the Impala were transported by ambulance to War Memorial Hospital in West Virginia for treatment of their injuries,” the accident report said. No citations were given at the scene. Both Fettermans were wearing seat belts, as was the other driver, the report said.

In March, Fetterman pleaded guilty to driving 34 mph over the speed limit in Westmoreland County, near Pittsburgh, according to a record of the traffic docket. A speeding violation of over 31 mph automatically triggers the driver to attend Driver Improvement School, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

A speeding violation that severe also requires the violator to either take a special driver’s examination or have their driving privileges suspended for 15 days. The driver’s school and exam tests for knowledge of “safe driving practices” and safety issues.

Fetterman also pleaded guilty in 2016 to exceeding the speed limit by 24 mph in Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania.

In their X video on Monday, the Fettermans said this Sunday’s accident had put a damper on their wedding anniversary. Gisele Fetterman said the crash made for “the worst anniversary ever.” “But we’re great,” John Fetterman said.

– – –

Razzan Nakhlawi and Dan Morse contributed to this report.

(c) Washington Post

A public opinion poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Survey Research reveals that a significant majority of Palestinians support the October 7 attack against Israel and believe Hamas will return to power in the Gaza Strip after the war. According to the poll, 66% of respondents expressed support for the October 7 attack, while 73% believe Hamas made the right decision in launching the attack. A staggering 79% of respondents believe Hamas will win the war, the highest rate since the beginning of the conflict. Furthermore, 96% of respondents denied the massacre in the Gaza envelope, claiming that Hamas terrorists did not commit atrocities against Israeli civilians on October 7. The poll also indicated that if elections for the Palestinian Authority were held, Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who is currently imprisoned for the murder of Jews, would win the majority. In a hypothetical election between Barghouti and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Haniyeh would win around 60% of the votes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Boeing announced Thursday it will conduct additional inspections of some of its 787 wide-body jets after disclosing that fasteners on the fuselages of the planes may have been incorrectly installed, the latest in a string of quality issues that have plagued the aerospace giant.

The issue affects jets that have yet to be delivered, the company said in a statement. It said 787 Dreamliners currently in service are safe to operate, though it plans to determine whether airlines with planes in operation need to take any action.

The company made its disclosure as Michael Whitaker, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, was preparing for a Friday visit to the South Carolina factory where the 787 is built, part of the agency’s stepped-up oversight of Boeing.

While a door panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year brought scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing practices, it also renewed long-standing questions about the FAA’s oversight of the company.

Whitaker has been praised for his quick decision to ground 737 Max 9 aircraft in the wake of the Jan. 5 blowout until inspections could be completed. But on Thursday, in an appearance before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, he was grilled about the FAA’s response to the crisis.

“We are counting on you to be that agent of change. We know that this begins by taking a hard look at the agency itself,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the committee, noting that the Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Whitaker to lead the FAA in October.

Added Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), the committee’s ranking Republican: “The FAA must guarantee that not only are they certifying an aircraft is safely designed but that the manufacturer is building them to that safe design. Clearly, that was not happening at Boeing.”

Whitaker told members of the panel that the door panel blowout made it clear that the agency’s oversight of Boeing had been “too hands-off” and that a more aggressive approach was needed. The agency has put more inspectors on Boeing factory floors where they can interact with front-line employees, he said.

Thursday’s hearing took place just weeks after Boeing submitted a plan to the FAA to address shortcomings identified by the agency. Boeing chief executive David Calhoun is expected to testify next week before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

In a statement Thursday, Boeing said the latest issue involving its 787 jets, first reported by Reuters, was identified as part of the company’s quality management system. The company found that some fasteners were torqued incorrectly, and they are being studied to determine whether they will require repairs.

“We are taking the time necessary to ensure all airplanes meet our delivery standards before delivery,” Boeing said. “We are working closely with our customers and the FAA and keeping them updated.”

This is only the latest issue to affect production of the 787 jetliner. Last month, the FAA said it had launched an investigation into whether Boeing employees skipped key inspection of certain 787 aircraft and falsified reports to say the work was completed.

(c) Washington Post

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that she is considering implementing a ban on face masks in the New York City subway system due to concerns about individuals using them to conceal their identities while committing antisemitic acts.

Hochul, a Democrat, mentioned that while the specifics of the policy are yet to be defined, it would include “common-sense exemptions” for health, cultural, or religious reasons. Many people still wear masks on the subway due to concerns about COVID-19 and air pollution.

The governor stated she is in discussions with lawmakers about possibly drafting a bill to address this issue.

During a news conference in Albany, Hochul explained her motivation to act was prompted by an incident where “a group donning masks took over a subway car, scaring riders and chanting things about Hitler and wiping out Jews” on Monday night. The details of this incident were not entirely clear, but it seemed to be a mix-up of various events linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations that occurred that day in Union Square Park.

Following a rally, hundreds of people poured into a subway station, some carrying flags and beating drums as they boarded trains heading downtown. On one train, a man without a mask led a chant of “Raise your hands if you’re a Zionist” to other passengers, followed by, “This is your chance to get out.”

In addition, a video circulating on social media showed an earlier confrontation in Union Square, where a man — also not wearing a mask — was recorded shouting, “I wish Hitler was still here. He would’ve wiped all you out.” It was unclear if this man was involved in the protest or who he was shouting at. At that time, a group of people waving Israeli flags was also present in the park.

“We will not tolerate individuals using masks to evade responsibility for criminal or threatening behavior,” Hochul declared. “My team is working on a solution, but on a subway, people should not be able to hide behind a mask to commit crimes.”

New York introduced a law banning face masks in public in the 1800s in response to rent protests. This law was suspended in 2020 by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo as part of a public health campaign during the pandemic, and masks were mandated for subway riders until September 2022.

The mask ban had previously faced criticism from civil rights groups who argued it was selectively enforced to break up protests where participants wanted to conceal their identities to avoid legal or professional repercussions.

“The Governor’s concerns about masks disguising criminal activity won’t be quelled by banning anonymous peaceful protest. Mask bans were originally developed to quash political protests and, like other laws that criminalize people, they will be selectively enforced — used to arrest, doxx, surveil, and silence people of color and protestors the police disagree with,” Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. “A mask ban would be easily violated by bad actors and, if someone engages in unlawful actions, the judgment should be made based on the criminal behavior, not their attire.”

Hochul acknowledged the complexity of reinstating a mask ban. “We understand how complex this issue is, and we’re just listening to people and addressing their needs and taking them very seriously,” she said.

Since the conflict between Hamas and Israel began in October, there have been numerous pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations in the city, most of which were peaceful. However, some included speech viewed as antisemitic or threatening to Jews, such as calls for an intifada, referring to the violent uprisings by Palestinians in the late 1980s and early 2000s. There have also been reports of assaults on Jews or Israel supporters outside the rallies.

On Monday, anti-Israel demonstrators gathered outside a Manhattan exhibit dedicated to the Nova outdoor rave massacre, where more than 360 people were killed. Mask-wearing participants displayed a banner calling for repeat attacks and waved flags of terror groups, including Hamas, which conducted the devastating October 7 attack on southern Israel. Participants claimed mask-wearing is common due to fears of police surveillance.

Mayor Eric Adams has also suggested reviving some form of past mask bans, proposing that shopkeepers request people to remove masks to enter.

Although the use of face coverings in public has declined since COVID-19 deaths decreased, many still wear them. “There are people that are at high risk for severe disease from a respiratory infection who may be using masks in a crowded congregated setting such as the subway to decrease their chance of acquiring an infection,” Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, stated via email.

{Matzav.com}

Texas Senator Ted Cruz stopped by Hannity to absolutely torch the Biden Administration in the wake of reports that eight terrorists with ties to ISIS were caught at the southern border and ultimately released into the country.

 

“We are today at a greater risk for a major terrorist attack than since any time since September 11th,” Cruz said. “And we have seen for three and a half years a wide-open border — an invitation from Joe Biden and the democrats.”

“You look at these eight Tajik terrorists … they have ties to ISIS-K, the radical terrorist group, they were apprehended. Joe Biden had them. The Democrats had them. All they had to do was put the terrorists on the plane and send them home. But they didn’t. They ‘vetted’ them, which means he patted them on the back of the head and said I guess we need more terrorists — and he let them go.”

Watch the clip above.

{Matzav.com}

According to a report from The Daily Wire, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden racked up quite a bill flying back and forth between Hunter Biden’s gun trial in Delaware and Normandy, France where husband Joe was marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

According to reports, Jill’s bill is $345,000.

 

From The Daily Wire:

The solution [to be in both places] involved several flights between Joint Base Andrews and Wilmington, and then Wilmington and Paris — so that she could attend Hunter’s trial, but also be on hand for official ceremonies and state visits with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

On Tuesday, that meant a flight from Joint Base Andrews to Wilmington — and later that night, a government plane to Paris for the D-Day ceremonies. After a full day in Normandy, another government plane waited to return her to Wilmington for Friday’s courtroom proceedings — after which she returned to Paris for an official state visit. She then returned home from France with the president aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

…

Security concerns prevent the first lady from flying commercial — and they always travel with a full Secret Service detail — but when flying alone, they often fly in something smaller than Air Force One, like a Boeing C-32. According to the Air Force, the reimbursable rate for the C-32 is $13,816 per hour — and Jill Biden racked up three consecutive eight-hour flights.

The Daily Mail says each leg of the first lady’s trip could have cost upwards of $110,500 — and the total cost from start to finish was in the neighborhood of $345,000.

“In accordance with relevant regulations utilized across administrations, the government is reimbursed the value of a first-class fare for these flights to Wilmington and back to Paris,” Jill Biden’s office told the Daily Mail.

It’s also being reported that the DNC will reimburse a portion of the costs, as well.

More over at The Daily Mail:

 

{Matzav.com}

The Palestinians’ satisfaction with Hamas’s performance in the war against Israel has reached its highest point since the terror group’s Oct. 7 massacre, while support for the Palestinian Authority and its ruling Fatah faction has plummeted, according to a new poll published by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.

When asked to rate the performance of various Palestinian actors during the war, Hamas took the lead among the respondents with 75% satisfaction, up by five percentage points since March.

The opinion poll recorded a slight drop in support for the Hamas-led Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 people in Israel. Two-thirds said the terror group was “correct” in launching the murderous attack, down by four percentage points compared to three months ago.

However, Palestinians’ belief that Hamas’s terror assault “revived international attention” to their cause and could “lead to increased recognition of Palestinian statehood” rose by six percent to 82%.

Fifty-one percent believe that Hamas terrorists are “the most deserving” of leading the Palestinian people, up from 49% three months ago. Meanwhile, 16% believe the P.A.’s Fatah faction is the most deserving.

According to the survey, 60% of Palestinians are in favor of disbanding the P.A. Only 9% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the performance of Mohammad Mustafa, who was appointed the governing body’s prime minister by Mahmoud Abbas in March.

Almost three-quarters of Palestinian Arabs believe that the government headed by Mustafa will fail to carry out reforms demanded by the Biden administration and Arab nations, according to the poll.

In a hypothetical election between Abbas and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, the latter terrorist would receive 43% of the vote, while only 11% would choose the current P.A. leader. Haniyeh received the highest support since before the war, when 24% preferred him.

Almost 60% of Palestinians said they saw the “return of Hamas” in Gaza as the preferred outcome for the conflict, followed by 25% that preferred a “new P.A. under an elected president, parliament and government.”

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research polled 1,570 Palestinian adults throughout Gaza, Judea and Samaria between May 26 and June 1. (The margin of error was +/- three percentage points, the NGO said.)

The Biden administration wants the P.A. to assume control of Gaza after the completion of Israel’s military operation against Hamas. Jerusalem vehemently rejects that due to Ramallah’s support for terrorism.

The U.S. State Department in December refused to rule out the possibility of Hamas terrorists retaining power or joining a Palestinian Authority-led governing body for the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria.

“Palestinians’ voices and aspirations must be at the center of post-crisis governance in Gaza, unified with the West Bank under the P.A.,” a U.S. government spokesperson told JNS, adding, “Ultimately, the future of Palestinian leadership is a question for the Palestinian people.” JNS

Sigrid Kaag, the U.N.’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for the Gaza Strip, plans to move her residence and offices to the war-torn coastal enclave later this month, the diplomat told the Netherlands’ NOS public broadcaster in an interview from Jordan.

“I believe you should always work from the field. You can’t just come up with good ideas from New York or the region,” Kaag, who previously served as the Dutch deputy prime minister, said.

According to the U.N. official, Gaza has become “the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers” amid the war against Hamas.

It was not immediately clear in what part of the enclave Kaag intends to rent an apartment, though the move is slated for mid-June, NOS said.

According to a poll published by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research on Wednesday, only 12% of Palestinians are satisfied with the U.N.’s role in the conflict. Meanwhile, some two-thirds of the Palestinian public continues to support Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre.

While the U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and the release of the 120 hostages held by Hamas has the potential to provide a “new perspective” for aid delivery, the current situation in Gaza can be described as “hell on earth,” she said, adding that “people cannot wait.

“It is very tough. Ultimately, I am a visitor. I have the right to leave. But the people who live there, the children, the widows, those who are surviving with the minimum, they have no chance of leaving,” she said.

Regarding talks with the Israeli War Cabinet, Kaag stated: “We discuss the difficult issues and also look at where progress has been made.”

In April, Kaag told the Security Council that her team has had “very constructive cooperation” in dialogue with the Israeli government.

Kaag, who previously served as the Netherlands’ minister for foreign affairs, admitted to parliament in 2020 that her ministry had paid part of the salaries of two terrorists involved in the murder of an Israeli teenager.

Before joining the Dutch government in 2017, she served in multiple senior United Nations roles, including at the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). She is married to Anis al-Qaq, a former senior Palestinian Authority official. JNS

A senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, claims that no one knows how many of the 116 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza are still alive. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Hamdan denied having any information about the hostages’ status, saying, “No one has any idea about this.” Hamas has refused to provide a list of living hostages and has only sporadically released signs of life for some captives, mainly for propaganda purposes. Hamdan also rejected that the four hostages rescued by Israeli forces last weekend had been abused during their captivity. When pressed about the testimony of a doctor who treated the rescued Israelis and reported that they were beaten “almost every day” and suffered from malnutrition, Hamdan blamed Israel for any mental health issues the hostages may have. The status of the remaining hostages is a critical issue in negotiations for a potential deal between Israel and Hamas. Israeli negotiators have demanded that living hostages be released before dead bodies, while Hamas negotiators have sought deals that would allow them to release an indeterminate number of bodies in place of living captives. Hamdan called the proposed deal to release Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners a “positive step,” but refused to endorse it. He insisted that Israel must accept a complete withdrawal from Gaza and allow Palestinians to determine their future. Hamdan also denied a report that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has insisted that civilian bloodshed in Gaza is a “necessary sacrifice” that will lead to the liberation of Palestine. He called the report “fake messages” intended to incite opposition to Sinwar. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A growing migrant crisis has transformed Boston’s Logan International Airport into an impromptu shelter, with over 100 migrants sleeping on the floors due to a lack of space and resources at nearby facilities. Despite efforts to address the issue, the number of migrants seeking refuge at the airport has surged in recent weeks, with many facing harsh conditions. According to police, the migrants are using the airport as a temporary shelter, with some arriving at all hours and staying for extended periods. A MassPort representative acknowledged the situation, citing a shortage of staff and resources at surrounding facilities, which has led to migrants being bussed to state welcome centers during the day and returned to the airport at night. The migrants are enduring poor conditions, sleeping on hard and cold floors, facing constant light and noise from airport announcements, and waiting on a list for shelter space to become available. The situation has become increasingly dire since state shelters reached maximum capacity in November, with many forced to wait for a spot to open up. While Massachusetts does not have sanctuary state laws, local cities like Boston have implemented some form of sanctuary policies. Governor Maura Healey has attempted to address the issue by converting a former prison into a shelter for homeless families, including migrants. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a rare and significant meeting, Israel’s top general, Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with his counterparts from several Arab militaries in Bahrain earlier this week to discuss regional security cooperation. The low-profile meeting, facilitated by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), aimed to promote military dialogue and cooperation between Israel and Arab countries despite the latter’s public criticism and condemnation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Senior generals from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt attended the meeting alongside U.S. Gen. Michel “Erik” Kurilla and Gen. Halevi. The meeting signals a continued commitment to regional security cooperation, building on recent successes in air and missile defense. The meeting’s significance lies in the participation of senior military officials from countries that have historically had tense relations with Israel. The U.S. views the defeat of Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel on April 13 as a major achievement, made possible through regional cooperation and intelligence sharing. Jordan and Saudi Arabia played an active role in intercepting missiles and drones that passed through their airspace, highlighting the effectiveness of regional security cooperation. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on the meeting, and CENTCOM has yet to respond to questions. However, the meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security ties, even in the face of political sensitivities and public criticism. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

They’re having a ruff time.

Newly released agency records have shed new light on the Secret Service’s dire morale following a series of biting incidents by Commander Biden, the German Shepherd belonging to President Joe Biden. Commander’s biting spree is believed to have become a mounting problem for members of Biden’s protective force before he was re-homed in 2023. Those incidents rose in the latest report, from at least 24 separate biting incidents to now up to three dozen, according to conservative nonprofit group Judicial Watch, which obtained 116 pages of U.S. Secret Service records from the Department of Homeland Security under the Freedom of Information Act.

Biden was allegedly witness to at least 3 of the biting incidents, including one in Sept. 2023 where during a walk with the president in the Kennedy Garden along the South Lawn of the White House, Commander bit the arm of a Secret Service member, tearing holes in their suit, then biting them again moments later.

“Can we please find a way to get this dog muzzled,” an official in the agency’s Safety, Health & Environmental Division wrote in September 2023. Both The White House and the Secret Service did not respond to a request for comment from the New York Post. Read more at Judicial Watch.

IDF Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi approved an operational plan for the establishment of a Chareidi brigade in the IDF that will include 3,000 soldiers. According to an Army Radio report on Thursday morning, the brigade will include three battalions, two of which will be regular infantry units that include full service and one that will be a reserve battalion. The training period for the Chareidi reserve soldiers will last three months. Afterward, they will be released and called up according to need. The plan was led by the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, other IDF officials, and Chareidi Rabbanim, led by Rabbi Dovid Label. It was agreed that the brigade would not include women at all and will have a special admissions committee that will verify that applicants are indeed Chareidi. All the commanders will be religious. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A video of IDF reserve soldiers operating a trebuchet [a type of catapult] that circulated online on Thursday aroused the curiosity of viewers who wondered why one of the world’s most technologically advanced armies was using ancient warfare reminiscent of the Roman era. The answer is that IDF reserve soldiers on the northern border have been operating trebuchets to shoot incendiary material to the Lebanese side of the border to burn the dense brush that Hezbollah uses to camouflage and obscure their positions. Hezbollah terrorists take advantage of the dense vegetation to hide mortars, short-range rocket launchers and themselves, and the thicket makes it difficult for IDF soldiers to locate the Hezbollah cells hiding in the area. At the beginning of the war, the reserve soldiers used Molotov cocktails to try to burn the vegetation and expose the area. According to Lebanese reports, they also used phosphorus bombs that caused fires as well as incendiary drones. In order to find a permanent solution to the problem without using valuable artillery, reserve soldiers decided to assemble a trebuchet, the tool used for hurling stones and burning objects for hundreds of meters that was used in Europe until the 15th century. According to reports, the IDF commanders were not pleased by the medieval solution and instructed the soldiers to use explosive drones. The IDF responded to the report by stating, “This is a local initiative and not a tool that is widely used.” “The area on the Lebanese border is characterized by boulders, thickets, and dense thorn vegetation, which poses a challenge to the IDF troops deployed to defend the area.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A new CBS News/YouGov poll finds that former President Donald Trump holds a one-point lead over President Joe Biden nationally, with 49% of likely voters supporting Trump compared to 48% for Biden. The poll also indicates that Trump supporters are more enthusiastic, with 78% having “very strong” support for the former president, compared to 69% of Biden backers. Additionally, 54% of Biden supporters say their vote would be in opposition to Trump, while 52% of Trump backers say they would vote for him because they “like” him. The poll’s findings are consistent with other national polls, such as Emerson College and Morning Consult, which also show Trump holding a slim lead over Biden. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has “lung disease” that may have been caused by his time in lower Manhattan immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, his lawyers said in a court filing earlier this week, according to the New York Post.

Giuliani is seeking to retain control of his finances amid bankruptcy proceedings, with his lawyers claiming that the 80-year-old has a “limited” earning potential as a result of his deteriorating health. “[Giuliani] is suffering from possible 9/11 lung disease and his future earning capacity is limited both by his age and future health,” the filing, submitted Monday, reads.

The onetime personal lawyer for Donald Trump owes a steep $148 million in damages incurred after he was found liable for defamation against a pair of Georgia election workers he falsely claimed were part of a conspiracy to commit voter fraud and throw the state’s 2020 election. Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in December 2023. Read more. 

President Joe Biden appeared to wander off at the G7 summit in Italy, with officials needing to pull him back to focus.

As world leaders applauded a parachuting presentation, Biden could be seen trailing off and stepping away from the group, appearing to talk to an officer packing a bag.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who hosted the meeting of world leaders, then pulled back the US president to get his attention so he can rejoin his fellow world leaders.

WATCH:

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman The day after Yom Tov, beginning tonight, is called Isru Chag, which literally means “bind or connect the festival.” What is it all about? Where does Isru Chag come from? A brief introduction: The Jewish nation was woefully assimilated after the destruction of the first Bais HaMikdash. A remarkable re-dedication of the Jewish nation took place under Ezra and Nechemya during the time of Sukkos. Ezra (See Nechemia chapter 8) carefully instructed Klal Yisroel all about the halachos of Sukkos and they celebrated it. On the 24th of the month, (Nechemya 9:1) they all fasted. There is, however, a question. Why didn’t they fast on the 23rd? Why did they wait until the 24th? The Mishna L’Melech (Hilchos Kli HaMikdash) explains that it was because it was Isru Chag. Tosfos in Rosh haShana (19a “Bimei Ezra”) disagrees with this suggestion (it was suggested by Rav Yuden in the Yerushalmi AZ 1:1) saying that they did not yet observe the custom of Isru Chag and instead suggests that the month of Elul was an Ibbur month at the time. But others accept the Yerushalmi’s explanation. It is possible, however, that the Baalei Tosfos did not have our Yerushalmi as the Birchei Yoseph (494) actually states. THE SOURCE IN THE BAVLI Regardless of the above dispute, the Gemorah (Sukkah 45b) tells us in the name of Rabbi Yochanan in the name Rabbi Yochanan HaMekusi: “Whomever does a binding to the Chag with eating and drinking, the Pasuk considers it as if he had built a Mizbeach and offered korbanos upon it.” The Gemorah is actually making a drasha on the verse in Tehillim (118:27), where it states, “Tie the festival offering to the corners of the Mizbeach with strings.” There are two explanations of the term “binding to the Chag” found in Rashi. The first explanation refers to the holiday itself. The second explanation refers to the day after the holiday. This second explanation in the Rashi is referenced in the Ramah (OC 429:2). According to Rashi’s second explanation, Chazal darshen that this means to continue the joy of the Yom Tov onward to the next day. In this statement it is clear that the sages wish us to continue the Yom Tov, and to do so in a festive spirit, including food and drink. Some even have the custom to limit activities (See Torah Lishma Siman 140). THE ARIZAL The Arizal explains that there are still sparks of kedusha from the Yom Tov that are left over. These sparks should be channeled properly. Therefore, on isru Chag there is additional celebration in food and drink. We also do not fast or eulogize on Isru Chag (See Mogain Avrohom 425:8). The Bais Yoseph (OC 494) writes that the Yerushalmi in Avodah Zarah 1:1 calls Isru Chag with the term “Bna d’Moada” which means offspring of the Moed – of the holiday. THE SDEI CHEMED’S EXPLANATION We see from the Sdei Chemed (Aleph #154) an additional theme in the notion of Isru Chag. He writes that the practice originated in Eretz Yisroel because the Bnei Torah of Eretz Yisroel were concerned that the gentiles were feeling that the Jews were not united. Those outside of Eretz Yisroel observed two days of Yom Tov. Those within Eretz Yisroel observed one […]

A report detailed in The Jewish Chronicle revealed new details about the intelligence efforts leading up to Israel’s daring rescue of four hostages recently.

According to the report, Israel was made aware of the general location of the four hostages inside the Nuseirat camp in Gaza on May 12th, through intelligence. This promoted Israel to begin an all hands on deck intelligence effort to find the exact location of the hostages, and other crucial details necessary for any rescue mission. These efforts included teams of ‘Mista’arvim’ units – undercover agents dressed as local Arabs, who blend into the population to gather intelligence. The units spoke with local Gazans on the ground to try and gather information.

Intelligence gathered by the ‘Mista’arvim’ units along with arial surveillance and other technological means gave Israel an accurate picture of the hostage’s location and other important details, after 19 days. In early June, the information was presented to the War cabinet along with the heads of the IDF and Shin Bet, to come up with a rescue plan.

To gather and verify more information for a rescue mission, another team of undercover agents was sent into Nuseirat, including several women. The team arrived in town pretending to be displaced Gazans from Rafah, and asked to rent the exact house that Noa Aragamni was being held hostage. In exchange for a large sum, locals helped the undercover team rent a large house down the block.

The undercover team proceeded to gather intelligence while blending into the community – they went shopping in the market, took walks down the street, and sent the intelligence they gathered back.

Meanwhile, 28 Yamam fighters began training on two replicas of the two buildings where the hostages were held. After three days, IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi was informed that Yamam was ready to proceed. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu was informed and gave his approval for the operation.

Most of the undercover team left the area, leaving just 4 operatives behind to ensure the hostages were not moved to another location.

On the morning of the operation, the 28 Yamam fighters made their way in two trucks to the two locations of the hostages, arriving outside before 11am. After further surveillance, the teams were given the go-ahead, and simultaneously began the operation.

At the location where Argamani was held, the Yamam fighters eliminated the terrorists holding her hostage, and took her safely out of the apartment in under six minutes. She was brought to a helicopter and flown back to Israel.

However at the second apartment, a heavy firefight broke out. Unbeknown ahead of time, some 30 terrorists were inside the apartment, and opened up large volumes of gunfire and RPG fire at the Yamam team. It is now assumed the additional terrorists arrived either the night before or the morning of the operation. Meanwhile, a few members of the team had used a ladder to climb up to a third floor room where the hostages had been held. At one point the Yamam fighters hid the hostages in a bathroom while the other fighters continued the firefight in another part of the house.

In a long battle at short range inside the apartment, the operatives managed to eliminate all the terrorists inside the apartment. However during the firefight, Arnon Zamora was severely injured. At one point he lay on the floor bleeding, while three medics and a doctor attempted to save his life, as the battle ensued.

Upon hearing the gunfire, large numbers of terrorists emerged from tunnels nearby. The team evacuated the hostages and Zamora on a stretcher from the building, while under fire. However their escape vehicle was hit by two RPG missiles.

At this point, plan B was activated. With cover from the Israeli Air Force, Israeli Navy and tanks, soldiers from the Paratroopers, Golani and Givati infantry brigades charged into the area on foot. With the reinforcements and the air power, the battle space was isolated and an escape path was opened for the hostages, who were brought to helicopters and flown back to Israel.

Hamas has claimed that the battle killed 274 Palestinians, including women and children. However Israel believes that 104 Gazans were killed or injured – and all of whom were terrorists or armed civilians who worked with Hamas.

After the battle the Israeli Air Force bombed and destroyed the two buildings where the hostages were held. Tragically, Arnon Zamora was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

{Matzav.com}

An indictment was filed on Thursday against a Yerushalayim man who vandalized a shaitel shop in the city, causing damage worth hundreds of thousands of shekels due to ideological reasons.

A few weeks ago, the shop owner reported the incident to the police. Following the report, the Lev Habira station in the Yerushalayim District initiated an investigation to identify and locate the suspect, who was captured on surveillance cameras at the scene.

According to the investigation and the indictment, the suspect broke into the business in the early morning hours of May 24th.

Once inside, the suspect damaged dozens of wigs by spraying them with paint and cutting them before fleeing the scene. The owner estimated the damages to be over half a million shekels.

Detectives arrested the suspect, who was then taken in for questioning at the Lev Habira station in Jerusalem. The court extended his detention to allow for the completion of necessary actions in his case.

Chief Superintendent Lior Ben-Shalom, the investigations and intelligence officer at the Lev Habira station, commented on the case: “This suspect acted out of ideological motives, which he believes prohibit the use of wigs by chareidi women, and committed criminal acts by breaking into a business and causing substantial damage. Our investigation efforts, which began immediately after receiving the report about the incident, bore fruit after we carried out various investigatory actions to locate and arrest him. The detectives from the Lev Habira station arrested the suspect, and the station investigators managed to gather an evidential basis which led to the indictment against him.”

{Matzav.com Israel}