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President Trump unleashed a fiery response on Wednesday following Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected win in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, slamming both his ideology and personal presentation.

“Democrats have crossed the line” by elevating “100% Communist Lunatic,” Trump railed in a Truth Social post.

He remarked that while radical figures have emerged in the party before, this instance went beyond what he viewed as acceptable boundaries. “We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,” he added.

Trump then turned his criticism toward Mamdani’s physical appearance and demeanor, pulling no punches.

“He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart, he’s got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs will likely push up inflation in the coming months, even as some Republican senators suggested the chair was biased against the duties. On the second day of his twice-yearly testimony before the House and Senate, Powell said that consumers will likely have to shoulder some of the cost of the import taxes. Most Fed officials support cutting rates this year, Powell added, but the central bank wants to take time to see how inflation changes in the months ahead. “There will be some inflation from tariffs coming,” Powell said under questioning from members of the Senate Banking Committee. “Not yet, but over the course of the coming months.” Powell noted that the duties would likely cost hundreds of billions of dollars annually, and “some of that is going to fall on the consumer. We’re just kind of waiting to see more data on that.” Some GOP senators criticized Powell, however, for characterizing tariffs as a potential driver of inflation. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska, argued that the duties could simply act as a one-time increase in prices that wouldn’t fuel inflation. And Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Ohio, echoed some of Trump’s complaints about Powell’s reluctance to cut rates and accused Powell of political bias. “You should consider whether you are looking at this through a fiscal lens or a political lens because you just don’t like tariffs,” Moreno said. Powell didn’t respond. But the Fed chair reiterated that most central bank officials do support cutting the Fed’s key rate this year. And Powell added that it is possible that tariffs won’t increase inflation by very much. Trump has sharply criticized Powell for not reducing borrowing costs, calling him a “numbskull” and a “fool.” Trump has pushed for rate cuts in order to reduce the interest costs the federal government pays on its debt. Yet some Fed officials have pushed back against that view, saying that it’s not their job to lower the government’s borrowing costs. Also Wednesday, at a post-NATO summit press conference, Trump said he had candidates in mind to replace Powell, presumably for when Powell’s term as chair ends in May 2026. Trump has previously threatened to fire Powell, but the Supreme Court has signaled that a president probably doesn’t have the legal authority to remove the Fed chair. “I know, within three or four people, who I’m going to pick,” Trump said, calling Powell a “very stupid person.” So far, inflation has steadily cooled this year despite widespread concerns among economists about the impact of tariffs. The consumer price index ticked up just 0.1% from April to May, the government said last week, a sign that price pressures are muted. Compared with a year ago, consumer prices rose 2.4% in May, up from a yearly increase of 2.3% in April. Yet most economists on Wall Street expect that Trump’s tariffs will lift inflation this year, to about 3% to 3.5% by the end of this year. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the senior Democrat on the banking committee, told reporters before the hearing that the Fed would likely be cutting rates if it wasn’t for the threat of higher prices posed by tariffs. When the Fed reduces its key rate, it […]

Mossad Director David Barnea released a highly unusual public video on Wednesday, offering a glimpse into his address to agents who took part in the dramatic series of operations against Iran beginning on June 13—operations that, by all accounts, deeply destabilized the Iranian regime.

Addressing his operatives with a pointed message to Iran, Barnea declared, “We will [continue to] be there, like we have been there.”

Barnea described the scope of Mossad’s accomplishments as “unimaginable,” alluding to their reported involvement in eliminating senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, and in demolishing facilities related to Iran’s nuclear program, drone manufacturing, and ballistic missile capabilities.

In a revelation that underscored the breadth of the operation, Barnea confirmed that at its peak, Mossad had embedded hundreds of agents inside Iran. Their success, he explained, was the result of extensive planning: “We worked for months and years to do all of the right actions to get to the right moment…We understood the fatefulness of the hour.”

Barnea expressed gratitude to other security and intelligence partners, thanking IDF Intelligence, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and the CIA for their close collaboration during the mission.

Turning to the conflict with Hamas, Barnea reaffirmed Mossad’s commitment to rescuing every one of the remaining hostages held in Gaza. He noted that 50 people are still captive, with 20 known to be alive. Until recently, the status of two of the hostages had been unclear.

On Friday, Mossad released rare footage showing its joint role with the Israeli Air Force in carrying out a preemptive attack on Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles and air defense systems. The three clips include strikes on missile infrastructure, anti-air installations, and preparations leading up to the mission—though all agents’ faces remain concealed.

The videos suggest that Mossad may have used drones launched from within Iran itself to hit selected targets.

Tehran has previously blamed Mossad for drone strikes, including a notable 2021 attack on the Karaj nuclear facility and other sensitive operations.

While the IDF’s actions in the war have received broader public coverage, these new videos offer an unprecedented window into the secretive world of Israeli intelligence—a domain where Mossad’s operations are usually hidden from view and rarely acknowledged at all.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff revealed on Wednesday that additional countries are expected to join the Abraham Accords in the near future. Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Witkoff said, “We think we have big announcements on countries coming into the Abraham Accords,” though he did not name which nations may be involved. Witkoff also addressed ongoing talks with Iranian officials regarding their nuclear program. “There’s a strong sense that Iran is ready,” he said, expressing optimism about reaching a broader peace agreement. According to Witkoff, the current negotiations are centered on establishing a civilian nuclear program in Iran—but with one major condition: “It cannot have enrichment.” He made clear that any return to uranium enrichment by Tehran would be a dealbreaker. “It is a red line if Iran tries nuclear enrichment again,” he stated. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Three Palestinians were killed and seven others wounded in what Palestinian officials are calling a violent settler assault in the West Bank village of Kafr Malik, near Ramallah, according to a statement from the Palestinian Authority’s health ministry.

The rights organization Yesh Din reported that over 100 Israeli settlers were involved in the attack, which they said occurred in the presence of Israeli soldiers.

Video footage taken from the village showed several homes and cars engulfed in flames. Eyewitnesses speaking to Palestinian news outlets said settlers also threw rocks at villagers and their property during the assault.

In a separate video, Israeli soldiers can be seen firing at Palestinians near the entrance to Kafr Malik.

“Under the auspices of government and military backing, settler violence in the West Bank continues and becomes more deadly by the day. This is what ethnic cleansing looks like,” the Yesh Din rights group says in a statement.

The IDF has not yet issued a public statement in response to inquiries about the events in Kafr Malik.

Although the IDF has remained silent so far, Israeli news outlets quoted a security official who confirmed that many settlers participated in the attack. The official said they set fire to homes and vehicles, fought with local residents, and defaced property with graffiti bearing hateful slogans.

The same security source stated that Israeli forces arrived at the scene and opened fire, though the exact circumstances of the shooting are still being examined.

The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry confirmed that three people were fatally shot during the attack.

According to the Israeli security official, the situation remains fluid and the military has not yet brought the area fully under control.

{Matzav.com}

 

The second to last stop of Keren Olam Hatorah’s monumental campaign took place in Toronto on Monday. Departing from Lakewood to Toronto at daybreak following Shacharis, the delegation included Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Dovid Cohen, Rav Malkiel Kotler, and Rav Yosef Chevroni. They were joined by senior organizers of the campaign, including R’ Reuven Wolf, R’ Shimon Glick, R’ Baruch Jeremias, and R’ Yitzchok Rokowsky—each of whom have crisscrossed North America on behalf of the Keren. Their first stop in Toronto was at the home of R’ Ariel Mashiyev, who warmly welcomed the delegation. Mr. Tzvi Belsky, the CEO of Keren Olam Hatorah, shared a remarkable detail: R’ Mashiyev had never been solicited for support. Instead, he approached the Keren on his own the previous year, giving a substantial donation unprompted. “This year, he increased his support even further,” Mr. Belsky noted, “and such generosity, the Midrash says, brings Hashem’s rachmanus upon all of Klal Yisroel.” The delegation continued to the home of R’ Shimshi Gross, where Rav Dovid Cohen spoke. Quoting Chazal, he said, “In the generation when Mashiach will come, there will be increasing opposition to talmidei chachamim and decrees upon decrees. This is chevlei Mashiach. In galus, we have no refuge but the Torah.” The gathering was further uplifted by the presence of Harav Don Segal shlit”a, who addressed the group via video. “Supporting Keren Olam HaTorah is the call of the hour,” Rav Don declared. “Those who take part in this effort will be zocheh to immense siyata d’Shmaya, in both gashmiyus and ruchniyus.” Further visits followed at the homes of R’ Ben Zion Heitner, R’ Dennis Cohen, and R’ Yaakov Kaplan. At each stop, the Gedolim engaged in conversations with their hosts, offering brachos and expressing appreciation for their communal involvement. At the Kaplan residence, Rav Moshe Hillel note that “Limud haTorah strengthens emunah, and that elevates kevod Shamayim in the world.” Rav Dovid Cohen added, “This entire journey is for kevod haTorah. And when hosts open their homes in honor of Torah, they become its partners.” At the home of R’ Barry Reichmann, Rav Moshe Hillel invoked the Midrash that “no one was zocheh Torah unless they were moser nefesh for it.” He explained, “Yissachar sacrifices to learn. Zevulun sacrifices to give beyond what seems possible. That, too, is mesirus nefesh l’kavod Shamayim.” The final private meeting was held at the home of R’ Bentzi Friedman. The campaign concluded with a community-wide asifah attended by thousands. After an electrifying address by Rav Ephraim Wachsman, speaking at the maamad, Rav Moshe Hillel delivered a stirring message: “Our goal in life is to ascend—to rise in madreigah, not remain static. A decline in Torah in Eretz Yisroel would be a tragedy not only for us, but for the Ribbono Shel Olam. Our mission now is to rise higher.” Rav Dovid Cohen added: “Chazal tell us that to be spared from chevlei Mashiach, one must engage in Torah and chessed. Torah is the light that upholds Klal Yisroel. Those who support Torah in Eretz Yisroel will merit to greet Mashiach bimheirah b’yameinu, Amen.”

A large explosion causes a commercial warehouse to collapse in Upper Deerfield, New Jersey due to a possible ammonia leak. No word on casualties yet.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced on Wednesday that the damage inflicted by American B2 bombers on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was so extensive that any attempt to rebuild the sites would take years.

“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 posted on X.

She also denounced media coverage from outlets like CNN and The New York Times, accusing them of misrepresenting classified intelligence through unauthorized leaks in order to minimize the accomplishments of the U.S.-Israeli operation.

“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.

On Tuesday night, President Trump dismissed the reports from CNN and The New York Times, which cited anonymous sources suggesting the recent airstrikes had limited effect.

“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 on Truth Social.

Trump also highlighted remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who disputed the negative reporting and stood by the outcome of the strike campaign.

“Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons,” said Hegseth.

He continued, “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.”

Earlier in the day, the White House released a series of confirmations from various sources, attesting to the destruction of the three targeted nuclear sites. Among them was the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, which issued a firm statement: “The devastating US strike on Fordo destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. We assess that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran’s military nuclear program, has set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF revealed Wednesday that elite Israeli commandos operated inside Iran during the recent military campaign — executing classified missions that helped cripple Tehran’s missile capabilities and secure Israeli dominance over Iranian skies. Speaking in a video address, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir detailed the unprecedented scope of Israel’s shadow war with Iran — and, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that the IDF deployed ground and air commando units deep within enemy territory. “These forces operated covertly in the heart of Iran,” Zamir said. “Their actions were instrumental in creating operational freedom of action for the IDF — both in the skies and on the ground — at any time and place of our choosing.” The revelation reveals a major expansion of what was previously understood to be primarily a bombing campaign. While Israel’s initial strikes focused on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, Zamir’s statement suggests the operation also included boots-on-the-ground sabotage, deception, and direct intelligence gathering — the hallmarks of elite reconnaissance missions carried out under total secrecy. It remains unclear whether Zamir was referencing operations carried out by Mossad, which reportedly helped disable Iranian air defenses using drone strikes launched from within Iran early in the campaign, or whether the statement points to previously undisclosed IDF special forces actions. What is clear is that the mission, codenamed “Im K’Lavi” (“Like a Lion”), involved extensive planning, intelligence deception, and real-time coordination between air and ground forces. Zamir emphasized that it was “thanks to full coordination and deception by air and ground commando forces” that Israel was able to achieve air superiority and destroy hundreds of Iranian missile launchers. “This wasn’t a precision strike — it was a full-spectrum disruption,” he said. “We didn’t just hit a facility. We shattered their system.” Evidence of the mission’s intensity has begun to surface in small, censored fragments. One Israeli woman revealed on X that her family had been asked to pray for a relative — a member of the Israeli Air Force’s commando unit — who was reportedly on the ground in Iran when the operation launched. The post, drafted on June 13, was held back by military censors and only released today following Zamir’s remarks. “With the heart of a lion,” she wrote, attaching an Israeli flag emoji. “We were told to pray for him. He was there.” Zamir described the operation as a turning point not just in this war — but in the balance of regional power. “We caused significant damage to Iran’s missile forces,” he said. “Hundreds of launchers were eliminated. Their force build-up has been delayed by years.” He further claimed that Israeli intelligence now possesses technological and aerial superiority over Iran — an extraordinary statement given the country’s vast terrain and hardened military installations. The IDF’s assessment, he said, is that Israel’s campaign dealt a systemic blow to Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure — not just a tactical one. “This was not a pinpoint strike,” he said. “This was strategic. And it succeeded.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir disclosed Wednesday night that the IDF’s involvement in Iran extended beyond air operations and intelligence. Special ground units, not only the Mossad, were active on Iranian soil during the war.

“We achieved full control over the skies of Iran and in every place we chose to operate. This was made possible, in part, due to the integration and tactics performed by air forces and ground commandos,” Zamir said during a special statement.

He explained that the impact on Iran’s nuclear capabilities was far from limited. “According to the assessments of senior officials in the IDF Intelligence Directorate, the damage to the nuclear program was not a pinpoint attack but a systemic blow—the accumulated success allows us to state that the Iranian nuclear project has suffered a severe, broad, and deep setback, and has been pushed back years. We will not allow Iran to produce weapons of mass destruction,” Zamir added.

Reflecting on the overall purpose of the mission, he stated, “We launched Operation Rising Lion with a clear mission in mind—to remove the existential threat to the State of Israel. After 12 days of unprecedented fighting, I can say that the IDF performed at its best and fully achieved the objectives of the operation.”

Zamir elaborated on the nature of the Iranian threat, calling it a comprehensive plan for Israel’s destruction. “First, the nuclear program, which had reached critical stages, with a rapid ability to break through to nuclear weapons. Second, the long-range missile program, involving the production of thousands of missiles aimed at paralyzing Israel and spreading destruction and death among the population. The third, ‘the plan to destroy Israel.’ In the months leading up to the war, Iran advanced a plan based on massive fire from the enemy alongside a multi-theater ground invasion. All these plans had one common goal: the destruction of the State of Israel. They were not merely theoretical ideas, but an existential threat to our lives in the country. The threat became real. We are fighting for our existence with strength, and we are transferring the fire to enemy territory. We act and initiate according to the moral directive ‘If someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill him first.’”

He described the precision and planning that led to the campaign’s success. “After years of preparation and months of meticulous and accelerated readiness in the IDF, our opening strike was surprising and decisive. The opening strike threw the enemy off balance and was a central component of the overall success of the campaign. We hit all the targets we planned, and even more. We deepened the achievement beyond the plans we set out with.”

Zamir reiterated the scale of the blow dealt to Iran’s nuclear program. “According to assessments from senior IDF Intelligence and our nuclear experts, the strike on the nuclear program was not just a pinpoint attack, but a systemic blow. We hit the main facilities, factories, industries, and knowledge centers. The accumulated success allows us to say that the Iranian nuclear project suffered a severe, broad, and deep blow and was set back years. We proved our determination—we will not allow Iran to produce weapons of mass destruction.”

Addressing Iran’s missile arsenal, he said: “We dealt a severe blow to the missile capability, eliminating hundreds of launchers and missiles, significantly delaying their force-building program. In addition, we managed to create intelligence, technological, and air superiority. We achieved full control over the skies of Iran and wherever we chose to operate. These successes were made possible, in part, through the integration and tactics employed by air and ground commando forces. The forces operated covertly deep in enemy territory, providing us with operational freedom.”

Zamir credited part of the mission’s success to Israel’s strategic partnership with the United States. “Our achievements were enhanced thanks to the actions of the U.S. military. The actions of the U.S. forces were precise, powerful, and impressive. Throughout all stages of the operation, I maintained close contact with my counterparts in the U.S. military. The coordination between the armies is a strategic asset for the State of Israel.”

He also directed a heartfelt message to Israeli citizens. “The resilience and responsibility you have shown are worthy of admiration. They will continue to serve as a strong foundation for our ability to face any challenge together. Our hearts are with the families of the fallen, and I wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded.”

Turning to the ongoing conflict in the south, Zamir emphasized that operations in Gaza were still underway. “In Gaza, the fighting continues. Our fighters—infantry, armor, combat engineers, artillery, and commando forces—continue to operate with courage in close combat in a complex environment to protect our communities. We must continue to act to achieve the goals of the war—the return of the 50 hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ rule.”

{Matzav.com}

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday wrapped up participation in the annual NATO summit facing an alliance that had largely bent to his will. Far from the tense meetings of Trump’s first term, much of the annual summit in The Hague seemed catered to the impulses and worldviews of the Republican president whose “America First” foreign policy ethos downplays the importance and influence of multilateral coalitions. After less than 24 hours on the ground in the Netherlands, Trump headed back to Washington having secured a major policy change he’s pushed for since 2017: a significant boost in defense spending by other NATO countries whom the president has for years accused of freeloading off the United States. The focus on Ukraine was scaled back dramatically, with its invasion by Russia earning only a passing mention in the summit’s official statement, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s profile at the gathering diminished. Trump also sent NATO scattering for reassurances that the United States would remain committed to the alliance’s mutual defense pledge, affirming on Wednesday that he would abide by Article 5 of the NATO treaty just a day after he rattled the 32-nation alliance by being equivocal about the pact. “I stand with it. That’s why I’m here,” Trump said when asked to clarify his stance on Article 5. “If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.” Trump shifts his tone on NATO At a news conference later Wednesday, Trump sounded reflective as he described feeling inspired by other NATO countries that were motivated to provide for their own defense by bolstering their own spending. “They want to protect their country, and they need the United States, and without the United States, it’s not going to be the same,” Trump said, later adding: “I left here differently. I — I left here saying, ‘These people really love their countries. It’s not a rip-off.’ And we are here to help them protect their country.” He had mused just a day earlier that whether he abides by the treaty “depends on your definition” of Article 5. The mutual praise in The Hague on Wednesday stands in stark contrast to Trump’s previous harsh words for the alliance, whose value he had long questioned. It also reflects the efforts made by other world leaders during the early months of Trump’s second term to approach the mercurial president using his own language of superlatives and flattery. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed up to the Oval Office in February to hand-deliver an invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit, which Starmer called “unprecedented.” Italy’s Giorgia Meloni has promised to “make the West great again,” echoing Trump’s campaign slogan. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte wrote in a message to “Mr. President, dear Donald” that his push for increased alliance defense spending would help “achieve something NO American president in decades could get done.” Trump gets a win on spending increase The 32 leaders endorsed a final summit statement saying: “Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defense requirements as well as defense- and security-related spending by 2035 to ensure our individual and collective obligations.” “I’ve been asking them to go up to 5% for a number of years,” Trump said earlier in the day as he met with Rutte, whose private message of praise the U.S. president posted on his Truth Social account. Spain had already officially announced […]

An American Airlines flight returned to Las Vegas airport on Wednesday after its engine emitted flames and smoke mid-flight. The plane landed safely, with no injuries reported.

WH Press Secretary responds to CNN’s story about the successful strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities: “This story has now been debunked — widely — by not just the United States, but also Iran and Israel as well.”

Bill Clinton congratulates Zohran Mamdani on his primary election win last night.

At the opening of Wednesday’s cabinet session, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a somber and unwavering address to the nation, mourning the lives lost and reaffirming the government’s mission.

“We have a difficult day today. We lost seven of our heroic soldiers, who fell in the campaign to defeat Hamas and for the release of our hostages. Our hearts are with the families. We take them to our hearts in their unbearably difficult hour.”

Turning to his colleagues in government, Netanyahu praised their efforts in managing the ongoing war. “I would like to again commend the ministers of the Government. It is not self-evident that the State of Israel would succeed in maintaining functional stability in the face of barrages of lethal missiles. It was done by dedicated, expedited, and successful work by the Government ministries.”

He then shifted focus to the country’s rebuilding efforts, describing the approach his administration has mandated. “We are currently immersed in the task of rebuilding, of course. The directive that I have given, and I know that it will be carried out, is to render generous assistance quickly.”

Expanding on the specifics of that directive, Netanyahu said: “Generous – this means that the resources of the state will be directed, like we did during the Corona crisis. It helped and we got Israel out of that crisis first in the world.”

He continued: “Quickly – this means cutting through bureaucracy, which always makes these things difficult. It is a mission, and I know that you are dedicated to it.”

The Prime Minister went on to express his gratitude to one key figure in particular. “I would like to specially thank Defense Minister Israel Katz, who worked with me shoulder-to-shoulder in managing the campaign. This combination and the action that the Government ministries took to give us space to work, what we did together, Israel, greatly assisted, and was a critical component, in achieving the result. Thank you, Israel.”

During his remarks, Netanyahu shared a piece of writing he received from a member of the public, Naama Kadosh. “The name of the poem is ‘A People as a Lion’: ‘Sometimes we stand without words in the face of the greatness of the hour. The heart contracts and expands in the same breath. As we see everyone, lion and lioness, how the Eternal People, the Chosen People, has risen again before our eyes.'”

Concluding his address, Netanyahu pointed to the deeper meaning of recent events. “I think she says the primary thing, and we really do have a great achievement. We have a great victory in the campaign against an enemy who came to destroy us. By this victory we have removed two immediate existential threats in order to ensure the eternity of Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump addressed the recent hostilities between Israel and Iran and commented on the U.S. military response during his appearance at the NATO summit in the Netherlands.

“Last weekend, the United States successfully carried out a massive precision strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities,” Trump stated. “This incredible exercise of American strength has paved the way for peace, with a historic ceasefire agreement.”

When asked what gave him confidence that the fighting between the two nations had ended, Trump replied: “I dealt with both and they’re both tiered and exhausted. They fought very hard and viciously. They were both satisfied to go home and get out.”

He acknowledged the possibility that tensions could flare up again, but explained: “I think a big telltale sign is that Iran somewhat, but not much, violated the ceasefire, and Israel had the planes going out that morning, they had a lot of them. 52 of them. I said ‘You gotta get them back,’ and they got them back, they didn’t do anything.”

A journalist inquired whether Iran had the opportunity to relocate any sensitive materials before the U.S. launched its bombing campaign. Trump firmly denied that possibility, saying: “No, just the opposite. We think we hit them so hard and so fast, it didn’t get to move… it’s very hard and very dangerous to move.”

He added further detail, noting: “We’ve collected additional intelligence and we’ve also spoken to people who have seen the site — and the site is obliterated.”

To reinforce his remarks, Trump read aloud from a letter he received from the Atomic Energy Commission of Israel. The letter stated that “the devastating US strike on Fordow destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility totally inoperable.”

{Matzav.com}

New information has emerged from the ongoing investigation into the deadly incident in Khan Yunis, where one officer and six soldiers from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion, part of the 188th Brigade, lost their lives. Military correspondent Doron Kadosh reported Wednesday evening on preliminary findings, which indicate that the blast was caused not by an explosive affixed to the Puma armored personnel carrier (APC), but by one hurled into it by a terrorist.

The tragic event unfolded during an assault carried out by the 188th Brigade in Khan Yunis. A fighter jet was dispatched to strike a target situated in close proximity to the unit. Just before the airstrike, another group from the same battalion had come under attack from an explosive device and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire, resulting in two injuries—one soldier in serious condition and another with light wounds.

Military safety regulations dictate that when an airstrike is about to occur near ground forces, the soldiers must seek shelter in armored vehicles to protect themselves from flying debris and shrapnel caused by the bombing. In line with this protocol, seven soldiers entered the Puma APC briefly to shield themselves ahead of the planned airstrike.

The inquiry found that during the time the soldiers were inside the APC, a terrorist rapidly closed in, managed to climb onto the vehicle in mere seconds, and tossed an explosive directly into the carrier from above. The report states that the soldiers were struck within moments of the blast, with the explosion inflicting immediate and devastating damage.

The investigation further confirmed that there were no additional explosives or demolition materials from the engineering unit stored inside the APC—only the standard ammunition carried by the soldiers themselves.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist from Queens, has surged to the top of New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, leading the field after the first round of ranked-choice voting and leaving former Governor Andrew Cuomo trailing in second place. The upset has sent immediate shockwaves through the city’s political and financial sectors, with many business leaders describing the result as both unexpected and deeply unsettling. Mamdani has not officially secured the Democratic nomination. New York City uses ranked-choice voting, in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. Because no candidate received more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the city will now begin eliminating the lowest-polling candidates and redistributing their votes based on second- and third-choice rankings. Still, Mamdani’s commanding first-round performance makes him the frontrunner in a race many had expected Cuomo to dominate. For the city’s business community, Mamdani’s rise is cause for concern. “This is what we’ve been afraid of,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, earlier this week. “People are terrified.” Investors and executives worry that a Mamdani administration could usher in sweeping changes to tax policy, business regulation, and public spending. His platform includes proposals to expand social programs, raise taxes on the wealthy, and roll back police funding — all positions that have drawn sharp criticism from Wall Street. Bradley Tusk, a tech investor and former campaign manager for Michael Bloomberg, warned of broader implications. “When a major financial center elects a high-profile socialist mayor, it doesn’t stay local,” he told Axios. “It affects investor confidence everywhere.” Mamdani’s performance comes amid a wave of left-leaning political victories in major U.S. cities. Chicago elected progressive Brandon Johnson last year, and Boston’s Michelle Wu continues to implement ambitious policy goals. But the results have been mixed: Johnson is currently facing historically low approval ratings, while Wu has retained support heading into her re-election campaign. Tusk cautioned that New York could face a similar fate. “Detroit and Baltimore were once economic powerhouses too,” he said. “And when the business base leaves, it’s hard to bring it back.” The result has also reignited discussion about the “Wall Street South” trend — the migration of finance firms from New York to Florida. Ken Griffin’s decision to move Citadel’s headquarters to Miami in 2022 symbolized the shift. Some warn Mamdani’s potential election could accelerate the exodus. This isn’t the first time New York’s business leaders have feared a progressive takeover. During the 2013 mayoral race, Bill de Blasio’s populist campaign raised concerns about a looming tax hike on top earners. But de Blasio ultimately built relationships with corporate leaders, including Goldman Sachs’ Lloyd Blankfein and media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Whether Mamdani will pursue a similar approach — or break from past precedent — remains to be seen. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Trump announced on Wednesday that American representatives are preparing to hold discussions with Iranian officials in the coming days, following the recent US bombing campaign which he claimed buried Iran’s enriched uranium deep beneath layers of rubble.

“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement. I don’t know,” Trump stated during a press conference held after the NATO summit concluded in The Hague.

He did not disclose the location of the meeting or identify who would represent the United States in the talks. The announcement came on the heels of Trump brokering a cease-fire earlier in the week between Iran and Israel, putting an end to what he termed the “12-Day War.”

“I could get a statement that they’re not going to go nuclear. We’re probably going to ask for that, but they’re not going to be doing it anyway.”

Trump reiterated his stance: “We may sign an agreement, [but] I don’t care if I have an agreement or not.”

He went on to explain that he believes a significant amount of Iran’s enriched uranium — close to 900 pounds — is now buried beneath what he described as 300 feet of destruction at the Fordow nuclear facility, which had been targeted by a barrage of twelve massive “bunker buster” bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds.

“We think everything nuclear is down there, they didn’t take it out,” he said.

“We think we hit them so hard and so fast, they didn’t get to move. And if you knew about that material, it’s very hard and very dangerous to move,” the president said.

“They call it dust, but it’s very heavy, it’s very, very hard to move. And they were way down. You know, they were 30 stories down. They’re literally 30-35 stories down underground. We think it’s covered with granite, concrete and steel.”

On Tuesday, Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told Fox News that the UN agency was unaware of the uranium’s current location.

“We do not have information of the whereabouts of this material,” Grossi said, adding that the uranium had been enriched to 60% purity — still short of the 90-93% needed to manufacture nuclear arms.

Speaking to reporters before heading home from Europe, Trump, 79, lashed out at the media, accusing some journalists of downplaying the effects of the US strikes and likening the operation to America’s atomic bombings of Japan at the close of World War II.

“It was so bad that they ended the war,” he said of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Addressing a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report that suggested the Iranian nuclear effort might be restored within months, Trump dismissed the claim as mere speculation, saying, “they didn’t see it.”

On Wednesday, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission released its own evaluation, strongly supporting the impact of the strike on the Fordow site. The commission asserted that the bombs “destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable.”

“We assess that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran’s military nuclear program, has set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.”

One remaining question is how the US intends to handle sanctions enforcement against Iranian oil exports — an issue that Trump has toughened in recent months.

In a post on social media Tuesday, Trump remarked that “China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran,” though he did not elaborate on the comment during Wednesday’s remarks, beyond noting: “they’re going to need money to put that country back in shape. We want to see that happen.”

{Matzav.com}

This evening in Israel, Magen David Adom teams transferred dozens of patients from Rambam back to Carmel Hospital in Haifa using MICU buses & ambulances. These patients were evacuated at the start of Operation Am K’Lavi – Rising Lion for protection in Rambam’s underground facility.