Israel asks Tesla to bid on tender for top officials’ cars

Jerusalem has asked Elon Musk’s Tesla, Inc. to submit a bid on a tender to provide electric cars for the Jewish state’s top officials, a senior Israeli government source revealed to JNS on Thursday. “We aren’t going to bow to woke trends,” the official said about the decision to invite Tesla to submit an offer, explaining: “A car is a car is a car. And a great car is a great car is a great car. “Teslas are great cars and we look forward to studying their bid,” the official concluded.

Since Musk took on the position on Jan. 20 of de facto head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is spearheading efforts to cut the U.S. government’s spending and workforce, there have been at least a dozen reported incidents of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations.

Critics have accused Musk of performing a gesture likened to a Nazi salute at a presidential inauguration celebration in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to the defense of the Tesla CEO, saying on Jan. 23 that Musk was “being falsely smeared. “Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7, [2023], massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” tweeted Netanyahu. (Read More)

Rubio: Hamas’s demands are ‘nuts,’ we’re dealing with ‘savages’

"The whole world should continue to say that what Hamas has done is outrageous, it’s ridiculous, it’s sick, it’s disgusting," said the U.S. secretary of state.  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday slammed as “nuts” the terms being demanded by Hamas in hostage-ceasefire negotiations, while insisting the Trump administration was committed to freeing all of the 59 captives held by the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza.

“We care about all the hostages, we want all the hostages released. … But we’re also talking about bodies. And these trades that are being made, they’re ridiculous trades—400 people for three. These are nuts,” Rubio said at a press conference during the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec. 

“On top of that, you see the condition these people are being released in. … We’re sitting around as the world, sort of accepting that it’s normal and okay for you to go into a place, kidnap babies, kidnap teenagers, kidnap people who have nothing to do with any wars, that are not soldiers … and taking them and putting them in tunnels for almost a year and a half,” he continued. (Read More)

Hamas ‘impractical,’ Witkoff says, as hostage talks reach deadlock

U.S. Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday blamed Hamas for disingenuously stalling negotiations over an extended ceasefire in Gaza, making “impractical” demands. “Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” Witkoff said in a statement in the wake of a new proposal formulated by Washington.

“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” the envoy warned. “Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”

On March 6, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to the Gaza-based terrorist organization, saying that it must release the remaining hostages or else there will be “HELL TO PAY LATER!” “President Trump has made it clear that Hamas will either release hostages immediately, or pay a severe price,” Witkoff said in his latest statement. (Read More)

Strategic new hilltop developed in Samaria

A group of Israelis has begun work to develop a hilltop homestead overlooking the historically hostile Palestinian Arab city of Huwara. Israelis have begun to develop a strategic hilltop overlooking several strategic highways in Samaria, including the Trans-Samaria Highway, the Huwara Bypass, and Tapuach Junction, which connects the roads to northern Samaria, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Jordan Valley. It also provides a commanding view of two Israeli towns, Tapuach and Evyatar.

The new hilltop will create a continuum of Israeli territory between the towns of Tapuach and Evyatar, breaking an otherwise steady line of Palestinian Authority territory along the entire north side of the Trans-Samaria Highway to Gitai Junction. The Israel Dog Unit, a nonprofit specializing in working dogs, is helping to secure the hilltop with dogs and drones.

The orgaization has also begun holding search and rescue practices on the hilltop as part of its extensive work in locating .missing persons throughout Israel. IDU director Yekutiel Ben-Yaakov commented "I was privileged to recite the blessing of 'setting a boundary for the widow,' recited when one sees the Jewish people returning after having been exiled from their land." "We welcome this development and were also asked to participate in the defense of the new and important settlement outpost." (Read More)

Katz confirms Iron Beam defense laser to be operational within several months

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday confirmed that the Rafael-produced Iron Beam anti-air defense laser will be operational within around nine months, before the end of 2025. In October 2024, Eyal Zamir, then-director-general of the Defense Ministry, said that the Iron Beam would be operational within one year - which would be in around seven months - but a confirmation of that schedule four months later is significant, given that many past Israeli predictions have been overly optimistic.

In February 2022, then-prime minister Naftali Bennett said that the Iron Beam would be operational within one year. Bennett's predictions came after the laser passed multiple field tests. Next, in January 2023, former IDF chief of staff Aviv Kohavi told the Jerusalem Post that he would be more cautious than Bennett and predicted the laser would be deployed to defend against Gaza's aerial threats by January 2025.

Then, in August 2023, Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz said that the laser would be ready within one year - by August 2024. All three of these deadlines have passed, Bennett's by more than two years. (Read More)

Welcome to Skynet: Google Unveils AI Models to Power Physical Robots

Google DeepMind has introduced two new AI models designed to bring artificial intelligence into the physical world by powering robots. Google is not the only company pursuing this goal at top speed — OpenAI and Tesla are also designing robots controlled entirely by AI as well.

CNBC reports that Google’s DeepMind has unveiled two new AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER (extended reasoning), which are set to revolutionize the way robots interact with the physical world. These models, running on Google’s Gemini 2.0, are designed to adapt to different situations, understand and respond quickly to instructions, and manipulate objects with dexterity. The company’s goal is to have autonomous robots taking orders from AI without human control. Google has announced a partnership with Apptronik, a Texas-based robotics developer, to build the next generation of humanoid robots powered by Gemini 2.0. Apptronik, known for its work with Nvidia and NASA, recently received funding from Google in a $350 million round.

Demonstration videos released by Google showcase Apptronik robots equipped with the new AI models performing various tasks, such as plugging items into power strips, filling lunchboxes, moving plastic vegetables, and zipping up bags, all in response to spoken commands. While no timeline has been provided for the technology’s market release, the videos offer a glimpse into the potential applications of these AI-powered robots. (Read More)

Witkoff warns: Hamas is making a very poor gamble, time is not on its side

Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, said on Friday evening that Hamas is making "unrealistic" demands behind the scenes, despite publicly expressing willingness to release hostage Edan Alexander and the remains of four dual-citizen hostages. 

"Hamas is making a very poor gamble by believing that time is on its side. That is not the case. Hamas is well aware of the deadline and must understand that we will respond accordingly if it passes," Witkoff warned. The envoy also revealed that last Wednesday, he presented a mediation proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan and Passover to provide more time for negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. 

"According to the mediation proposal, Hamas will release live hostages in exchange for prisoners based on previous formulas. The first stage of the ceasefire will be extended to allow for the resumption of significant humanitarian aid, and the US will work to achieve a stable solution to the ongoing conflict during the extended ceasefire period," said Witkoff. He emphasized that through Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, the US made it clear to Hamas that the mediation must proceed without delay and that Alexander must be released immediately. "Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly declaring flexibility while secretly presenting demands that are completely impossible without a permanent ceasefire," he stated.  (Read More)

Hamas can’t rule Gaza, unanimous US Senate says

 

A unanimous U.S. Senate declared on Thursday that Hamas should no longer be allowed to exercise political or military control of the Gaza Strip. Senators backed a bipartisan resolution led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) that was introduced last month.

The resolution also calls upon the president to “use all economic and diplomatic tools possible to halt all sources of funding for Hamas from the Islamic Republic of Iran and all other sources of revenue.”

It also supports Israel “as it continues to defend its sovereignty against attacks from Hamas, the Islamic Republic of Iran and all other Iranian proxies.” “I am very pleased the entire U.S. Senate spoke with moral clarity when it comes to the barbaric terrorist organization called Hamas,” Graham stated. “With one voice, the Senate said Hamas cannot be in charge of Gaza militarily or politically ever again. That is the right and only answer. I am very proud of my Senate colleagues.”   (Read More)

AP Exclusive: US and Israel look to Africa for moving Palestinians uprooted from Gaza

 

JERUSALEM (AP) — The U.S. and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations for moving Palestinians uprooted from the Gaza Strip under President Donald Trump’s proposed postwar plan, American and Israeli officials told The Associated Press.

The contacts with Sudan, Somalia and the breakaway region of Somalia known as Somaliland reflect the determination by the U.S. and Israel to press ahead with a plan that has been widely condemned and raised serious legal and moral issues. Because all three places are poor, and in some cases wracked by violence, the proposal also casts doubt on Trump’s stated goal of resettling Gaza’s Palestinians in a “beautiful area.”

Officials from Sudan said they have rejected overtures from the U.S., while officials from Somalia and Somaliland told The Associated Press that they were not aware of any contacts. Under Trump’s plan, Gaza’s more than 2 million people would be permanently sent elsewhere. He has proposed the U.S. would take ownership of the territory, oversee a lengthy cleanup process and develop it as a real estate project. Ed note: Aren't those states included in Ezekiel 38:5 as Ethiopia?) (Read More)

Russia Stalls on Ceasefire, Claims It Sent Trump ‘Additional Signals’

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that President Vladimir Putin sent some “additional signals” to President Donald Trump concerning Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Putin said on Thursday he is ready to accept the proposal in principle, but he demanded some modifications that Ukraine is unlikely to accept. Peskov said Putin’s messages were passed along to Trump by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Moscow on Thursday for a meeting with Putin. Among Witkoff’s objectives is setting up a phone call between Trump and Putin, something Peskov said could happen after Witkoff brings Putin’s messages back to Washington.

“Additional information was provided to the Russian side. Through Witkoff, Putin also passed information and additional signals to Trump,” Peskov said at a press conference on Friday, shortly after Witkoff left Moscow. Peskov said “there are reasons to feel this cautious optimism” about the Trump proposal, although “a great deal” of work needs to be done. He said “both sides understand” that a direct conversation between Trump and Putin is necessary. The last known direct conversation between the two leaders was almost exactly one month ago. (Read More)

Mark Carney sworn in as Canada's prime minister, says he can work with Trump

OTTAWA (Reuters) -Ex-central banker Mark Carney was sworn in as prime minister of Canada on Friday and immediately said he could work with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is promising tariffs that could devastate the Canadian economy.

Carney succeeds Justin Trudeau, who had a combative and often cold relationship with Trump. Carney, 59, made clear his approach would be different. We respect President Trump - President Trump has put some very important issues at the top of his agenda. We understand his agenda," he told reporters after being sworn in, noting he had worked with Trump at international meetings.

"In many respects, part of my experience overlaps with that of the President - we're both looking out for our countries. But he knows, and I know from long experience, that we can find mutual solutions that win for both," he said. Carney, who said he had no immediate plans to talk to the president, also made clear that Trump administration talk of annexing Canada was "crazy" (Read More)

Defense Minister: IDF will remain at security points in Lebanon indefinitely

During a situational assessment held yesterday (Thursday) with the participation of the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other senior IDF officials, Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified that the IDF will continue to hold five security points in southern Lebanon indefinitely, in order to protect the residents of the north and regardless of future negotiations on the disputed points on the border.

Katz instructed the IDF to strengthen and fortify its positions on those points and to prepare for a prolonged stay. He also instructed the military to continue the uncompromising enforcement policy against Hezbollah's violations of the ceasefire agreement and to prevent any attempt by the organization to expand its presence and establish terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

According to him, the IDF will continue to uphold the international demand for Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw north of the Litani River, in accordance with UN resolutions and Israel's longstanding demands. As part of the security policy established following the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, it was emphasized that the sole responsibility for protecting the northern communities lies with the IDF alone, and the IDF's presence on the border will remain as long as necessary to ensure full security for Israel's citizens. (Read More)

Israel delivers 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to Syrian Druze

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Israel has delivered 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to the Druze community in Syria. The aid, including essential food supplies like oil, salt, flour, sugar and rice, was coordinated with local Druze leaders, the Israel Defense Forces and the Druze Religious Council.

The majority of the packages were sent to the Jabal al-Druze region in As-Suwayda, with others delivered to nearby Druze communities along the border.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized Israel’s strong alliance with the Druze, whom he called “our brothers,” stating, “It is both necessary and the right thing to do to assist other minorities in a region where we will always be a minority ourselves.” (Read More)

Arab foreign ministers meet with Witkoff on Cairo’s Gaza plan

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt met with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday to discuss Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan. The discussions also covered the establishment of an administrative committee to manage the Strip.

According to reports from Saudi outlets Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee, also attended the meeting. A picture purportedly of the meeting, including al-Sheikh, was circulating on social media and posted to X by Kan News Arab affairs correspondent Roi Kas.

The participants agreed to continue consultations and coordination with the United States regarding the Egyptian initiative, which was formally adopted during the Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4.  (Read More)

Israel’s Claim to the West Bank: A Biblical Imperative for Action

The West Bank, biblically known as Judea and Samaria, is not just a piece of land; it is central to Israel’s identity and its biblical covenant. The call for Israel to assert its sovereignty over this land is not merely a geopolitical or security issue — it is a biblical imperative that resonates deeply within the Jewish faith and historical consciousness. 

 This sacred territory has long been integral to Israel’s past, and its significance continues to guide the nation’s future. As Israel faces growing external challenges, the imperative to act upon its biblical right to the West Bank has never been clearer. From the biblical narrative, the land of Judea and Samaria represents the heart of Israel’s ancient heritage. The promises God made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob affirm the divine right of the Jewish people to inhabit and govern this land. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the centrality of Judea and Samaria to the Jewish people, with many key biblical events taking place in this very region. From the patriarchs’ sojourn in Hebron to the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel under King David, the land is intrinsically woven into the Jewish story.  

The historic and religious connection to Judea and Samaria is not merely symbolic. It forms the spiritual foundation of Israel’s claim to this land. As such, the right to the West Bank is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is not contingent upon current political realities or international negotiations. Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is a fulfillment of the biblical promise, an act of returning to the land that God gave the Jewish people. For many in Israel, this is a matter of religious duty, not just national policy. (Ed Note: a great read)  (Read More)

Netanyahu at megillah reading: We turned the tables, and we're breaking the Persian axis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara on Thursday evening attended a Purim megillah reading at the National College for Police Officers in Beit Shemesh. Alongside the Netanyahus were Deputy National Security Minister Haim Katz (Likud), Police Commissioner Dani Levi, Police Chief Rabbi Rami Berachyahu, senior commanders, and Israel Police officers. "To read this megillah is an experience in itself every time, but this time it is a special experience," he said. "Because the Scroll of Esther is the book of the Jewish People's redemption from enemies which rise up against us to eliminate us - in every generation."

"In Persia, 2,500 ears ago, an enemy rose up against us, wanting to destroy, eliminate, and wipe the Jewish People off the face of the earth. Now, 2,500 years later, an enemy of the Jewish people has arisen in that same land. And he also wants to destroy and eliminate the Jewish People from the face of the earth. And then heroes such as yourselves - the heroes of our nation - stood up for us. And with planning, bravery, and courage you have turned the tables upside down, and we are breaking the Iranian axis. That is what is happening in these days.

"If history repeats itself, at least the nation is the same nation. This is the new Purim miracle. This miracle is in your merit: In the merit of our heroic soldiers, our brave fighters, policemen and policewomen, who stopped the tragedy with endless bravery and fought back powerfully. We have merited a country, but we merited you. I trust you and am sure that each and every one of you will do what is asked of you in making a new Purim miracle in our days. Happy Purim to you all."   (Read More)

U.S. budget deficit surged in February, passing $1 trillion for year-to-date record

The U.S. debt and deficit problem worsened during President Donald Trump’s first month in office, as the budget shortfall for February passed the $1 trillion mark even though the fiscal year is not yet at the halfway point.

Government spending eased slightly on a monthly basis though it still far outpaced revenue, according to a Treasury Department statement Wednesday. The deficit totaled just over $307 billion for the month, nearly 2½ times what it was in January and 3.7% higher than February 2024. Receipts and expenditures set records for the month, a Treasury spokesman said. For the year, the deficit totaled $1.15 trillion through the first five months of fiscal 2025. The total is about $318 billion more than the same span in 2024, or roughly 38% higher, and set a record for the period.

Net costs to finance the $36.2 trillion national debt edged lower to $74 billion for the month. However, the total net interest payments year to date rose to $396 billion, just behind national defense and health. Social Security and Medicare are the largest costs in the U.S. budget. The deficit swelled in the final three years of former President Joe Biden’s term, growing from $1.38 trillion to $1.83 trillion. Trump has made getting the government’s fiscal house in order a priority since taking office. Since taking over, he created the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.  Ed note: Trump may not be able to dig the Gov't out, if not, all will be blamed on him)   (Read More)

Watch: Largest weapons cache in years uncovered near Jerusalem

In a joint operation, police and soldiers from the IDF's Binyamin Brigade raided a house in the Palestinian village of Al-Ram, near Jerusalem, this morning (Wednesday). During the search, a large cache of weapons was located, one of the largest found in recent years. The cache included numerous weapons, ammunition, explosives and a large amount of silver and gold, along with significant amounts of money in Israeli coins and dollars.

Among the items seized in the operation were three M16 rifles, a Glock pistol, a 7.62 mm sniper rifle, a piece of a Kilshon tank, seven IDF M6 detonators, a grenade launcher, a remote control transmitter, and four remote control system receivers.

In addition, 32 M16 rifle magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition of various types, dozens of weapon cartridges, and other weapon accessories were found. Two Arab suspects were arrested and are currently being interrogated by security forces. (Ed note: QUESTION: is this type of cache, the same type of 'spoil' found in Ezekiel 38:12-13?)  (Read More) 

Hamas warns: Israel planting surveillance devices around Gaza using drones

Hamas's Internal Security Force known as al-Haris (the watchmen) which is charged with foiling Israeli espionage attempts in the Gaza Strip, published a warning to Gazans regarding "the increased enemy intelligence efforts in the Gaza Strip." According to the organization, Israel is trying to obtain information about the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

The statement that was published on Wednesday claims that Hamas security experts found camouflaged surveillance devices in several locations in the Gaza Strip. The terrorists estimate that the devices were left in locations where the Hamas militant wing operates, including locations of the ceremonies held during the release of hostages.

The organization also stated that the devices were probably dropped using small drones in the middle of the night, while the residents were breaking their fast, and eating before the fast began during Ramadan. The Hamas Internal Security Force called on Gazans to be on high alert, to constantly inspect the roofs of houses and tents, and to refrain from discussing matters of military and security in locations that are not safe.  (Read More)

State reveals: Over 20,000 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza during ceasefire

The State of Israel on Wednesday evening submitted its response to a petition being heard in the Supreme Court concerning the continued provision of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing fighting and international pressure to reduce harm to the civilian population. In the document it submitted, the State demanded that the Supreme Court dismiss the petition, arguing that this is a security matter not subject to judicial intervention. 

In its response, the State also revealed that during the 42 days of the ceasefire, as part of the hostage release deal, 25,200 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip. The State also noted in its response that it is not violating international law by halting the transfer of humanitarian aid.  “The directive of the political echelon not to allow the entry of supplies into the Gaza Strip through the State of Israel at the current time is a directive based on clear political-security considerations,” it said. 

The State added that “the efforts taken in terms of increasing humanitarian aid far exceed the scope required by the rules of international law. Therefore, under the current circumstances, and certainly in light of the significant quantities of supplies and goods that have been brought into the Strip in recent weeks, far beyond what is required under international law, which Israel continues to uphold, there is no basis for judicial intervention in a decision rooted at the heart of Israel’s security-diplomatic policy.”   (Source)

Patriarchs, Abbas praise Jordan's role in preventing 'Judaization' of Jerusalem's holy sites

The attendees reportedly highlighted Jordan’s "guardianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem." The Jordanian-Palestinian brotherhood is important for confronting the Judaization of Christian and Islamic holy sites, representatives of the Wakf, church councils, Jerusalem residents, and PA President Mahmoud Abbas told Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

They highlighted Jordan’s vital role in supporting Palestinians and the importance of “Hashemite guardianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem,” according to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court after the meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman on Tuesday.

Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs official Sheikh Muhammad Azzam Al-Khatib Al-Tamimi, praised the king for his rejection of the displacement and resettlement of Palestinians in any form. Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III spoke about the importance of Jordan’s custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, saying this ensures the fabric of the Holy Land is protected and its unique character preserved. (Read More)

Iran’s Khamenei spurns Trump letter, delivered by UAE, offering nuclear talks

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected holding negotiations with the United States over a nuclear deal, as a letter was delivered from US President Donald Trump calling for such talks.

Last week, Trump said he had sent the letter to Khamenei proposing nuclear talks, but also warned that “there are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal.” The letter was handed over to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday by Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates. While Araghchi and Gargash were meeting, Khamenei told a group of university students that Trump’s offer for talks was “a deception,” state media reported.

“When we know they won’t honor it, what’s the point of negotiating? Therefore, the invitation to negotiate…is a deception of public opinion,” Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media. Khamenei said he had not yet seen the letter. (Read More)

Iran’s President to Trump: No negotiations, do whatever the hell you want

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday declared that his country will not negotiate with the United States under pressure, delivering a blunt message to US President Donald Trump, according to Reuters, which cited Iranian state media. "It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want," Pezeshkian stated.

The remarks come days after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed the idea of talks with the US, arguing that Washington’s goal is to impose limits on Iran’s missile capabilities and its influence in the region. Khamenei’s comments followed an acknowledgment by Trump that he had sent a letter to Khamenei in an effort to secure a new deal to curb Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

In response to Khamenei, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes reiterated almost word for word the choice of negotiations or military action that Trump presented to Iran. "We hope the Iran Regime puts its people and best interests ahead of terror," he said. Although Trump has expressed willingness to negotiate a deal with Tehran, he has also reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign that characterized his first presidency, aiming to cripple Iran’s economy by driving its oil exports toward zero. (Read More)

Iran nuclear advances spark urgent UN Security Council meeting

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, diplomats confirmed to Reuters on Monday. Six member states requested the session—France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Britain and the United States—amid rising concerns over Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Western diplomats say they will also press Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by providing necessary information about undeclared nuclear materials detected at multiple sites. Tehran has not yet commented on the planned meeting.

The IAEA has warned that Iran is rapidly enriching uranium to 60% purity—just short of the 90% needed for nuclear weapons. Western nations argue that such high enrichment levels have no civilian justification and are unprecedented among non-nuclear states. The Islamic Republic has upped its stockpile of near-weapons grade uranium, currently possessing enough to build six nuclear bombs, according to an IAEA report seen by Reuters last week. (Read More)

Marco Rubio Meets Saudi Crown Prince Prior to Ukraine Peace Summit

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the country, on Monday in anticipation of a summit on Tuesday to discuss an end to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry published video of the two statesmen meeting but offered few details on the discussion. The State Department said in a readout that Rubio and the crown prince “discussed Yemen and threats to navigation from Houthi terrorists that threaten global commerce, American interests, and Saudi citizens and infrastructure,” as well as other Middle Eastern issues. While Rubio reportedly thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting talks on Ukraine, the State Department did not explicitly say that the two discussed the issue in depth.

The visit is Rubio’s second since becoming America’s top diplomat and addresses the same issue as the prior one, in which he met with Russian officials in Riyadh to get a sense for what conditions Russia would be open to accepting in exchange for ending the bloody, three-year invasion. Rubio is expected to meet with top Ukrainian officials, including the country’s foreign and defense ministers, to discuss the war. In addition, Rubio told reporters on Monday that he expects to potentially discuss an agreement between Washington and Kyiv to jointly pursue rare-earth mineral mining in Ukraine. (Read More)

Israeli FM Sa’ar: Hamas not ready to disarm

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday dismissed the idea that the Hamas terrorist organization is prepared to lay down its arms. “I don’t see any indication that Hamas is ready to disarm,” Sa’ar said in an interview with ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman.

Sa’ar emphasized that if Hamas were to disarm, it would significantly alter the current conflict. “That would be a huge development—one that could change the entire equation. But up until now, they have been very clear and decisive that they will not disarm,” he said.

Instead, Sa’ar said Hamas appears to be considering an alternative approach modeled after Hezbollah in Lebanon. “They are looking at a different approach, something similar to the Hezbollah model—allowing someone else to handle the ruins they left behind in the Gaza Strip while they remain the most powerful military force there. Their goal is to continue the war against Israel,” he said.  (Read More)

Cryptic Trump post hints at use of special forces against Hamas

US president shares on his Truth Social platform an interview with general claiming Hamas' failure to meet ultimatum on hostages could lead to American military intervention. President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social an article written by a former US general claiming his ultimatum to Hamas demanding the release of all remaining hostages could result with intervention by American special forces.

He's very serious with his ultimatum for Hamas to release all of the remaining hostages, and if that doesn't happen, they might get to meet certain members of our very special forces," retired US Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt told Newsmax's Sunday Report. According to Holt, Trump "is not putting up bluffs or anything like that in the background."

The United States is working to strengthen its military relationship with Israel, Holt said . "The United States is repairing and reintegrating its relationship and its alliance with the IDF and they're ready to go. They've had time to recuperate and develop intelligence, which is very important," he said.  (Read More)

Ukraine Hits Moscow With Biggest Drone Strike of The War on Eve of Saudi Peace Talks

Ukraine hit Moscow with what it called the largest drone strike ever in the early hours of Tuesday morning, a clear message to both Russia and the U.S. on the dawn of the latest round of Ukraine War peace talks in Saudi Arabia.

Three people were killed and 18 injured, including three children, in a drone strike hitting the outer suburbs of Moscow in the early hours of Tuesday morning, emergency service said. Local rail travel was disrupted and six airports in and near the city closed due to airspace disruptions. Both Russia and Ukraine have said independently of each other that the attack was record-breaking in scale. The Russian Ministry of Defence says it shot down 337 Ukrainian drones, 91 of which were shot down over Moscow, and that it was the largest drone attack on the city of the war. 

Ukraine, for their part, said it was the “largest drone attack in history” and that it was launched as a message to Moscow. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s National Security Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation was cited by The Guardian as having said: “This is an additional signal to Putin that he should also be interested in a ceasefire in the air.” That refers to a plan being put to the United States today in Saudi Arabia that a Ukraine ceasefire may begin with a cessation of hostilities in the air domain and at sea first. The United Kingdom and France are said to back the idea.  (Read More)

Israel ramps up deterrence on Syrian border

Israel has sent fighter planes to Syria several times recently in order to protect the Druze population in southern Syria, Channel 12 News reported Wednesday morning. According to the report, the planes flew low in order to send a clear message to the new Syrian regime that Israel will protect the Druze, as well as to distance representatives of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who had attempted to reach the area where the Druze population is concentrated.

Israel has close ties with the leaders of the Syrian Druze community, and has promised to help them as much as necessary and protect them from attempted attacks. In the past two weeks, the Syrian Druze community has become concerned that they may face a massacre similar to the recent massacre of the Alawite community.

Israel is holding close talks with the Druze leaders in Syria, and Defense Minister Israel Katz has promised to allow Syrian Druze into Israel for purposes of employment. The pilot program is expected to begin next week. (Read More)

Houthi terrorists vow to resume attacks on Israeli ships after Gaza aid deadline ended

Yemen's Houthis said on Tuesday they will attack any Israeli ship that violates the group's ban on Israeli vessels passing through the Red and Arabian seas, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, effective immediately. The "ban on the passage of all Israeli ships" will continue "until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid, food, and medicine are allowed in," said the Houthi terror group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, on behalf of the Houthi leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. 

This announcement follows al-Houthi's Friday statement that the terror group would resume its naval operations against Israel if Israel did not lift a blockage of aid into Gaza within four days. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, also said in February that they would take military action if the US and Israel tried to displace Palestinians from Gaza forcibly. 

The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, also said in February that they would take military action if the US and Israel tried to displace Palestinians from Gaza forcibly. Iran's state news agency, IRNA, noted on Friday that al-Houthi warned "that Yemen cannot tolerate the escalation of tension, the prevention of aid entry into Gaza, or the return of famine to this region of Palestine. The Zionist enemy has significantly reduced its obligations, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and the number of patients moving outside of Gaza has decreased drastically.”  (Read More)

Qatar Demands IAEA Control of Israel’s Nuclear Facilities

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying it was requesting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under the inspection and regulation of the global nuclear authority.

During a session of the UN atomic agency on Saturday, Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations in Vienna, Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi, called on Israel to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He added that all Middle Eastern countries, except for Israel, are parties to the NPT and have effective safeguard agreements with the IAEA.

NPT is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technology, promoting cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and advancing the goal of nuclear disarmament and overall disarmament. The treaty was negotiated between 1965 and 1968 by the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament, a UN-sponsored organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.   (Read More)

Hamas calls on mediators to pressure Israel to withdraw from Philadelphi Corridor

The Hamas terrorist organization claimed on Monday that Israel is violating the ceasefire agreement, as the IDF did not implement a gradual reduction in the scope of its forces along the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase and did not begin withdrawing from the corridor on the 42nd day after the start of the agreement's implementation.

In a statement, Hamas claimed that Israel’s actions constitute a blatant violation of the agreement and an overt attempt to undermine and empty it of content. According to Hamas, the continued violations of the agreement demonstrate the approach of the "occupation," which is to disregard agreements and evade its international commitments.

Hamas demanded that the mediating countries exert pressure on Israel to comply with the terms of the agreement, withdraw the IDF from the Philadelphi Corridor, and immediately resume negotiations on the second phase of the agreement. The statement emphasized that commitment to the agreement and the completion of negotiations are the only way to secure the return of the hostages, and any delay means endangering their lives and harming their families. (Read More)

'Palestine will live forever': Anti-Israel activists disrupt Aliyah fair, Jews respond

Anti-Israel activists on Monday protested outside the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah fair taking place in New Jersey. The activists, who were holding Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) flags, were chanting “From the River to the Sea, Palestine is a almost free” and “Palestine will live forever”.

A group of Jewish people held a counter-protest, waving Israeli and American flags and speaking out against hatred. “ We can no longer remain silent. Things have to be done to change the landscape so that we’re able to come to have a peaceful event and not have to deal with that nonsense that’s going on,” said Jon Mantell, a New Jersey resident and Betar volunteer who took part in the counter-protest.

“Never again is now. Those are the chants that we’re singing. Listen to the vitriol and hatred that they’re saying. It’s simply unbelievable,” he added.    (Source)

Witkoff: ‘No alternative’ for Hamas but to exit Gaza

Hamas must leave the Gaza Strip, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, told the “America’s Newsroom” program on Fox News on Monday shortly before flying to Qatar for continued talks on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff said of the terrorist group that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007 that it must demilitarize, disarm and depart.  

 “There’s no logical or rational choice for them other than to leave. If they leave, then I think all things are on the table for a negotiated peace deal, and that’s what they’re going to need to do,” Witkoff said.

Of the hostages, he said the conditions in which they’re being kept are unacceptable. “We’ve interviewed all the hostages who have been released. The conditions are deplorable. … They’re sick. They haven’t eaten. They haven’t been given medical care. It’s it’s a terrible proposition for them,” he said. The Trump administration is pushing for a deal that would secure the release of all remaining hostages, extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, and potentially lead to a long-term truce.  (Read More)

Israel conducts largest airstrike in Syria in months, targeting new regime’s military sites

In the most extensive Israeli airstrike in Syria in over two months, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out dozens of attacks from Monday night into early Tuesday, striking military sites affiliated with Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s regime. According to the IDF, the strikes in southern Syria targeted radar installations, aerial detection systems, and military headquarters, as well as weapons depots and other military infrastructure used by the new regime. 

The IDF stated that "the presence of these systems in southern Syria poses a threat to Israel and to IDF operations. These targets were struck to eliminate future threats." The wave of strikes marks the most significant Israeli military action in Syria in recent months, as Israel seeks to counter the growing military presence of the new regime. 

Syrian reports indicated that the strikes targeted military outposts in the Damascus countryside, including the towns of Sa’sa and Qatana, as well as former military positions in the Daraa region and the Syrian army’s 90th Brigade in the Quneitra countryside. Additional attacks were reported near Homs and along the Lebanese border. In total, at least 41 airstrikes were reported in the Damascus countryside alone. (Read More)

Smotrich: Israel will not allow Iran to become a nuclear power

Israel sees “eye to eye” with the Trump administration on the Iranian threat, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday. “I only say that we are committed to Iran not being a nuclear power,” Smotrich said in response to a question from JNS at a meeting of his Religious Zionism Party’s Knesset faction. “The American president will decide how to do this,” he added, declining to expand further on the issue.

The Islamic Republic has upped its stockpile of near-weapons grade uranium, enough to build six nuclear bombs, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency report seen by Reuters last week.

Israeli opposition head Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid Party) told JNS on Monday, “It is Israel’s goal to make sure that we prevent—in any possible way—Iran from becoming a nuclear power and maintaining and getting a nuclear bomb. … I mean both diplomatically and military efforts. “We will work with the Americans on this,” he said. “We are following, of course, the letter President Trump has sent to the supreme leader of Iran, [Ali] Khamenei, and we’ll keep on following it. But Israel is reserving the right to act on its own as well, in order to make sure that Iran does not become a nuclear power… because this will throw the Middle East into a new nuclear race and nobody wins.  (Read More)