Released hostage Omer Shem Tov says he experienced a miracle in Hamas captivity; he was able to make kiddush for 5 months from a small container of grape juice that never ran out.



Omer, 22, drew close to Hashem while in captivity, and began wearing Tefillin when he was released. At an event organized by the Jewish Connection, Omer says he drew strength drom the prayers of the Jewish people, saying their unwavering support gave him hope and courage during his horrific ordeal.



Omer began his message by saying: &#8220;Creator of the world, thank you for being with me at every moment.&#8221;



&#8220;During my captivity I felt every prayer that you prayed for me; I felt the light that you sent me. A small story: for a period of 5 months in captivity, I had a small bottle of grape juice which I used to make Kiddush. During those 5 months the bottle would not empty and the juice would not turn sour; this really reminded me of the miracle of the cruse of oil of Hannukah. This is just one story of many that occurred to me, that shows how good G-d is, how much G-d was with me there.&#8221;

MIRACLE IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY! Released Hostage Shares Modern Day Chanukah Miracle

In a rare expression of raw emotion, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu blew up at judges during his corruption trial Wednesday, the Jerusalem Post reported.



The judges had urged the defense to hasten the review of every item of the indictment, in which Netanyahu is accused of taking bribes from Israeli companies.



&#8220;I&#8217;m usually in control, but I can&#8217;t accept what is being said here,&#8221; Netanyahu yelled, pounding on the stand with his fists. &#8220;They took our lives and made them miserable.&#8221;



Netanyahu launched into a tirade, saying that his life had been upturned by lies, which force him to come to court twice a week.



While the judges told Netanyahu to watch his tone, they also struck an empathetic affect, as they explained how certain legal issues were being explored to a point of redundancy, and they wanted to review other matters as well.

Netanyahu Explodes at Trial

We regret to inform you of the tragic petirah of Rav Shmuel Eliyahu Aharon Landa, zt&#8221;l, Av Beit Din of Kahal Drohobitz in Yerushalayim. He is a grandson of the Modzhitzer Rebbe zt&#8221;l.



Rav Shmuel was 38, and had been ill for some time.



Rav Shmuel published the works of his grandfather in a sefer called Nachlas Dan, and assumed the position of Rav after his father, Rav Yisroel, was niftar four years ago.



The name &#8220;Alter&#8221; was added at the behest of Rabbonim.

BDE: 4 Years After His Father, Rav Shmuel Eliyahu Aharon Landa, zt”l, Tragically Passes Away

Tal Shoham, held by Hamas terrorists until his return to Israel on February 22, publicly shared details of his 505 days in captivity for the first time, in an interview with Fox News.



Tal was taken hostage from Kibbutz Be’eri; he was with his family, who were visiting his in-laws in the kibbutz when the terrorists attacked



His wife, Adi, was also taken hostage, along with their two children Yahel, then 3, and Naveh, 8. The three were released during the short November 2023 ceasefire.



Tal says for the first 50 days he didn’t know if his wife and children were still alive; he had stepped outside alone to surrender to the terrorists, in hopes that the act would spare the lives of his loved ones.



He recalls being driven into Gaza, taken out of the truck he was carried in; he was told to kneel. At this point he thought he would be killed by the terrorists.



“I said ‘I can’t control whether you kill me or not,’ and I raised by hands — but I refused to kneel’,” he tells Fox, adding that he told his captors: “If you want to kill me, kill me, but you will not execute me like ISIS.”



During the 50 days of uncertainty, he says: “Never in my life have I experienced suffering like this,” he says of that uncertainty. To survive, Shoham says he had to “accept that my family was dead.” “I sat on the floor and imagined myself at their funeral. I stood in front of a grave — one large for my wife, and two small for my children — and I eulogized each of them,” he recalls. “I sobbed but didn’t let my captors see me cry. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, burying my family in my mind.”



Tal says he received a letter from his wife after 50 days telling him that she and the two children were alive.



Knowing that his family was safe was the “most important thing,” Shoham says. “I didn’t need to be a father and husband protecting them anymore. Now, I could focus on my war, the one I knew how to fight, the one for survival.”

Released Hostage Tal Shoham Says in 1st Interview He Refused to Kneel to Terrorists

It is with sadness that we report the tragic petirah of Harav Yosef Ze&#8217;ev Feinstein zt&#8221;l, Rosh Yeshiva of the Chassidish Yeshiva Amalah Shel Torah in Beitar. He was 54.



The Rosh Yeshiva had been sick for several months, and the name Alter was added so that he should have a refuah.



The Rosh Yeshiva was born in Bnei Brak in 1971, to parents Rabbi Aryeh Feinstein, z&#8221;l, a prominent Kretschnifer chassid, and yblch&#8221;t Mrs. Shifra.



Rabbi Aryeh was one of the largest donors in his time to Kretschnif, and his name appears on the Talmud Torah&#8217;s building.



He received a bracha from the Kretchnifer Rebbe that he would be blessed with children who were Talmidei Chachamim, and the bracha was entirely fulfilled.



Rav Yosef Ze&#8217;ev was known as a Talmid Chacham from an early age, having been tested on Shas b&#8217;iyun when he was still a bachur.



After being a mashpia in the Kretchnifer Yeshiva, Rav Yosef Ze&#8217;ev opened Amalah Shel Torah 25 years ago in Yerushalayim. The Yeshiva moved to Beitar last year. He used part of his own home to create a dormitory.



Yehu zichro baruch.

BDE: Harav Yosef Ze’ev Feinstein, zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Amalah Shel Torah

Israel was referred to as &#8220;Palestinian territory&#8221; on the in-flight map screen of an Air Canada plane, Israel&#8217;s N12 reported Tuesday.



Images of the screen went viral on social media, with one user writing, according to the Jerusalem Post:



&#8220;A passenger snapped this photo on an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Toronto today, showing that the airline&#8217;s map no longer includes Israel,&#8221; a pro-Israel account posted on X. &#8220;@aircanada Care To Explain?&#8221;



The airline responded that the system was managed by a 3rd party entity.



&#8220;Air Canada has been made aware of a display issue with the interactive map on the IFE systems of its B737 aircraft,&#8221; the airline&#8217;s X/Twitter account responded.



&#8220;The issue has affected other carriers using the same system, and we are working with the third-party provider on a remedy.&#8221;

Air Canada Flight Screen Labels Israel ‘Palestinian Territory ‘

Dana White, the President and CEO of UFC and a board member of META, warmly greeted Jew-haters Andrew and Tristan Tate Saturday night, after the two fled Romania, where they are accused of horrific crimes.



Andrew, in particular, has been open about his anti-Semitism and has shown strong for Hamas since the evil October 7th attack. He is a convert to Islam and became popular on social media for preaching to men that they need to become rich entrepreneurs and be what he calls &#8220;alpha&#8221; males.



The encounter raised eyebrows, given White&#8217;s close friendship with US President Donald Trump and Jewish businessmen.



“Welcome to the States, boys”, White said.

UFC Head Dana White Greets Antisemitic Tate Brothers

Family members of hostage Avinatan Or said Wednesday that they received, for the first time since the Oct. 7 massacre, a sign that he is alive, b&#8217;chasdei Hashem.



The family did not elaborate on details of the sign or where they got it from.



 Avinatan, 32, is being held in central Gaza in difficult conditions, Ynet reported.



He grew up in the town of Shilo, but lived in Tel Aviv and worked as an electrical engineer for Nvidia.

HOPEFULL NEWS: Family Receives Sign That Hostage Avinatan Or is Alive

President Donald Trump issued a statement Sunday night annuling pardons issued by his predecessor of relatives and political associates.



It did not appear as of yet that Trump had signed an executive order to that effect, and it remains to be seen what weight his post will have in practice.



Tha nature of the pardons themselves &#8211; none of those pardoned had been convicted of a crime &#8211; were novel, and the subject of a heated debate as to their legitimacy.



Trump added that the pardons were nullified because President Joe Biden did not sign them himself.



&#8220;The &#8220;Pardons&#8221; that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen,&#8221; Trump wrote.



&#8220;In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime. Therefore, those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level. The fact is, they were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden!&#8221;

Trump Says Biden Preemptive Pardons are Null and Void

To mark the 3rd Yahrtzeit of the Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky Zatzal, large crowds of people are expected to attend his kever in Bnei Brak starting tonight m, Motzi Shabbos, and a tefilah event will be held there on Monday.



Rav Chaim, as he was known the world over, led Klal Yisroel for decades as not only a massive Gadol BaTorah, who wrote seforim on topics that were not often discussed, but as a tzadik with immense kedushah who shouldered the burden of the community and the individual.



He was 94 years old when he returned his pure and holy neshama to Hashem on Shushan Purim, 5782.



Rav Chaim was the oldest son of the Steipler Gaon, Harav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky zt&#8221;l, who married the sister of the Chazon Ish zt&#8221;l.



Rav Chaim&#8217;s Rebbetzin, an address for Jewish women of all stripes, was the daughter of Hagaon Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt&#8221;l.



Known for his indefatigable hasmada, Rav Chaim would learn a daily amount of what he called &#8220;chovos,&#8221; &#8220;obligations,&#8221; and would make a siyum on kol hatorah kulah every year. His encyclopedic knowledge of all parts of Torah was legendary, and stories abound of his ability to use his immense Daas Torah to apply ths dvar Hashem to everyday issues.



Once, women in a certain office began having leg pains. They asked Rav Chaim, and his immediate reply was to ask if they work on Chol Hamoed. Perplexed, they responded that they did, and Rav Chaim said this is why they are having leg problems, because Yom Tov is called &#8220;regel&#8221; in the Torah, which also means &#8220;leg.&#8221; They undertook to stop working on Chol Hamoed and were healed.



On leap years, Rav Chaim had a little extra time to fill his chovos, which he spent writing his seforim. Among his holy writings are Derech Emunah on the Rambam, Shoneh Halachos, and Orchos Yosher on mussar.



His tefilah, power to bestow brachos and ruach hakodesh when dealing with people were famous. One year after Pesach, the mikvaos in Bnei Brak were running low and the city&#8217;s Mayor asked Rav Chaim if the people could daven for rain; he replied that if was forbidden, because rain after Pesach is a bad siman, but he said everything will be alright &#8211; and indeed the rain fell soon after, an extremely unusual occurrence in Eretz Yisroel.



Tents with refreshments will be set up near Rav Chaim&#8217;s kever, located in the Ponevezh beis chaim, with preparations beginning motzi Shabbos.



A 24-hour kollel will be set up near the kever as well, during the entire Yahrtzeit, and a hachnasas sefer Torah will be held in his memory.



On Monday at 1:30 PM, an atzeres Tefilah will be held with the participation of Hagaon Harav Shimon Galai shlita. Attendees will only he able to access the cemetery from Chazon Ish Street.

Third Yahrtzeit of Sar Hatorah Harav Chaim Kanievsky Zatzal

Yisrael Beiteinu head Avigdor Liberman announced Sunday that his party will run alone, in a bid to become Prime Minister, amid speculation that he would run together with National Union&#8217;s Gadi Eisenkot.



Eisenkot is reportedly trying to form a united front of several parties.



Liberman tole Radio 103FM that he would not run with Eisenkot, rather he would “run to be head of government.”



“I plan to run to be head of government. I really respect Eisenkot, but that’s not my worldview, we are totally different,” he says. “We are different on policy, security and socially, even more so from [Yesh Atid leader Yair] Lapid and Gantz.

Avigdor Liberman Rules Out Joint Run, Wants to Be Prime Minister

Hamas terrorists on Saturday, reportedly agreed to extend the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan in exchange for the release of live Israeli hostages, Arab media reported.



If true, the agreement would at least on the surface resemble a package Israel presented the terrorists last week which it says was drafted by U.S. officials.



Neither Israel, mediators or the terrorists have confirmed or denied the report.



Israel will send a negotiating team to Qatar on Monday to continue efforts to extend the ceasefire-hostage deal,the Prime Minister’s Office announced.



“Israel agreed to the invitation of the mediators backed by the US, and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an attempt to make progress in the negotiations,” according to the PMO.



Arab media reports circulated Saturday that Hamas agreed to a temporary extension of the first phase, and the terrorists said that there were “positive indicators” that discussions could begin on the second stage of the ceasefire-hostage deal in Gaza.



“We affirm our readiness to engage in the second phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people,” a Hamas spokesman said. “And we call for intensified efforts to aid the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade on our suffering people.”



An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that he was unaware of any progress in talks toward a second phase.

Report: Hamas Agrees to 1st Phase Ceasefire Extension

A left wing French member of the European Union Parliament called on France to take back the Statue of Liberty after it was given nearly 140 years ago.



MEP Raphaël Glucksmann suggested that Americans “despise it.” His remarks came during a political rally in Paris, where he also criticized the Trump administration and the rise of the far right worldwide, which includes his native France, where Marine Le Penn&#8217;s National Rally party grew substantially in the last election.



“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demonstrating scientific freedom, ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty. We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,&#8217;” Glucksmann told supporters.



“The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is ‘if you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them,&#8217;” he added.

French EU Parliament Members Calls for France to Retake Statue of Liberty

The IDF condemned motzi Shabbos a video circulating social media depicting Israeli soldiers firing aimlessly into Gaza from their station as a commander read the name &#8220;Haman&#8221; from a copy of megillas Esther that was on his smartphone.



The soldiers were from the 7015 battalion, and their commander was wearing a clown hat during the incident. He was reading from a later section of the Megilah, after Haman&#8217;s death; it is not clear how many times the soldiers fired into Gaza before the recording was made, or afterwards.



The soldiers involved were removed from Gaza and will face disciplinary action Sunday, Kan reported.



The IDF Spokesperson&#8217;s Office stated: &#8220;As soon as the commanders learned of the incident, the platoon commander and his soldiers were removed from Gaza and will be dealt with disciplinary action accordingly. The behavior of the soldiers in the video is contrary to IDF values and operational procedures.&#8221;



IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who took office last week, instructed the army to treat the incident seriously.



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VIDEO: IDF Condemns Soldiers’ Firing Aimlessly Into Gaza at Mention of ‘Haman’ on Purim

Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa rejected criticism from Israel in an interview with Reuters Monday.



Sharaa has been confronted with video evidence of his men, Islamic revolutionaries, attacking Allowite minority civilians in manners akin to terrorists.



Last weekz Defense Minister Yisrael Katz called Sharaa “a jihadist terrorist of the al-Qaeda school who is committing horrifying acts against a civilian population” and on Monday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar says the regime is “pure evil.”



“They were jihadists and remain jihadists, even if some of their leaders have donned suits,” says Sa’ar at a Knesset meeting of his New Hope faction, referring to the new Syrian government led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.



Alao on Monday, Sa&#8217;ar called on the international community to act against Sharaa.



“The international community must come to its senses… it must raise its voice against the barbaric murder of civilians, against the pure evil of jihadists,” continues the foreign minister, according to his office.



Israel has taken military positions in southern Syria in preparation for targeting Sharaa&#8217;s army if they move towards Israel.



Sharaa called the military positions and Israeli messaging &#8220;nonsense.&#8221;

Sa’ar, Katz Slam Syria’s Sharaa for Targeting Civilians

Brigadier General Effie Defrin has been appointed as the next IDF Spokesman by new IDF Chief Eyal Zamir.



Defense Minister Israel Katz has given his approval for the appointment.

IDF Names New Spokesman: Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin

A 2-month-old infant was injured when a Palestinian terrorist threw rocks at the child’s family car in the Huwara area Monday, local authorities said. The baby b’Chasdei Hashem is in good condition.



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The baby girl was injured after multiple stones hit the windshield of the car, while she was traveling with her family.



Yehudah and Shomron&#8217;s Rescue Service said in a statement: &#8220;Terrorists threw stones at vehicles on the Hawwara bypass. A stone shattered the windshield, and shrapnel flew at a two-month-old baby sitting in a baby seat in front. The mother continued to the entrance to the Shomron Emergency Medical Service, and after treatment by rescue vehicles, she did not need to be evacuated.&#8221;



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The IDF stated, &#8220;A short while ago, a terrorist hurled rocks at an Israeli vehicle traveling on a civilian road near Udala, injuring an Israeli baby. The baby was treated by medical staff at the scene. Upon receiving the report, IDF soldiers were dispatched to the scene and began searching for the terrorist.&#8221;



Authorities have yet to find the terrorist.



Huwara has been a terrorism hotspot over the past couple of years, with several instances of rock throwing and deadly shootings, including the 2023 killings of brothers Hallel and Yagel Yaniv Hy&#8221;d.

2-Month-Old Injured in Stone Throwing Terror Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an emergency security meeting in response to a recent incident suggesting the Hamas terror organization is planning a potential raid, i24News reported. This security development comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, following the evil October 7 Hamas on Israel.



Details of the incident that prompted the emergency meeting have yet to be disclosed, but it is clear that Israel is not taking any chances when it comes to the security of its citizens. The meeting was likely to discuss possible responses to the perceived threat, including military action and intelligence gathering.



The Israeli government has been on high alert since the October attack, which led to a significant escalation of violence in the region.

BREAKING: Netanyahu Convened Emergency Security Meeting Amidst Hamas Raid Fears

Hamas terrorists offered Saturday to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, in exchange for a litany of demands from Israel, according to the Associated Press.



Edan, 21, is the last living American hostage in Hamas captivity.



A senior Hamas official told the Associated Press that Israel would need to permit aid &#8211; most of which is confiscated by terrorists &#8211; into Gaza, withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza border, and start long-delayed talks over the ceasefire’s second phase, which cannot exceed 50 days.



On Friday, the terrorists had agreed to release Edan with four murdered hostages following a deal offered by mediators.



The office of Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, and the National Security Council said in a joint statement that &#8220;President Trump has made it clear that Hamas will either release hostages immediately, or pay a severe price.&#8221;

Hamas Offer to Release Last Living American Hostage With List of Demands

The IDF eliminated six terrorists in airstrikes, including 2 posing as journalists and another who was released back into Gaza during the ceasefire after being jailed in Israel, the army said Motzi Shabbos. One of the terrorists participated in the Oct. 7 massacre.



The IDF says that a first strike targeted two operatives using a drone to advance attacks on troops in Gaza.



&#8220;Based on intelligence information regarding the terror activity in the area, it was determined that the drone was in constant use by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organisation, including during its use [on Saturday],” the IDF says.



A second strike was carried out against terrorisrs whi came to collect the drone equipment.



The IDF says the strikes killed “several terrorists, including terrorists who were operating under the guise of journalists.”



The terrorists killed were, according to the Times of Israel, citing army data: Mustafa Mohammed Shaaban Hamed, a Hamas terrorist who invaded Israel on Oct. 7, Mahmoud Yahya Rashdi as-Saraj, a member of Hamas’s engineering forces; Bilal Mahmood Fuad Abu Matar, a Hamas operative operating under the guise of a photographer; Mahmoud Imad Hassan Isleem, a member of Hamas’s Zeitoun Battalion, operating under the guise of a journalist; Suheib Bassem Khaled Najar, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative who was released in the recent hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas; and Mohammed Alaa Suhbi al-Jafir, a Hamas terrorist.

IDF Eliminates 6 Terrorists: 1 Recently Released in Ceasefire, 2 Posing as Journalists

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says that the head of the Shin Bet head is conducting a &#8220;campaign of blackmail against him,&#8221; after the previous chief Nadav Argaman said in an interview that he has information that could harm the Prime Minister.



. Argaman told N12, “If I come to the conclusion that the prime minister has decided to act against the law, there will be no choice—I will say everything I know and have withheld until now.”



&#8220;It is absolutely clear that I have a great deal of knowledge, I could use it, but I choose not to—for the reasons I mentioned.&#8221;



Netanyahu responded, saying, &#8220;tonight, another dangerous red line for Israeli democracy was crossed.&#8221;



&#8220;Never, in the entire history of Israel and in the entire history of democracies, has the former head of the secret organization carried out live blackmail threats against a sitting prime minister. This crime joins a whole campaign of blackmail with threats through media briefings in recent days, conducted by the current head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.&#8221;



&#8220;Let it be clear,&#8221; he warned. &#8220;Mafia-style criminal threats will not deter me. I will do what is necessary to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel.&#8221;



Argaman, for his part, said he had not made a threat, and that heads of Shin Bet &#8220;know a lot&#8221; but are not &#8220;walking around with the intention to threaten.&#8221; However he also added that &#8220;if we think that there are things that we know about, and they endanger the national security of the State of Israel, we will use them according to the law.&#8221;

Netanyahu Says Shin Bet Using Mafia-Style Threats Against Him

By DAVID J. GLENN



The two dozen hostages still held by Hamas might be released &#8220;within a few weeks,&#8221; U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler said Monday, following an interview the previous day which sparked outage in Israel.



Boehler said the direct sit-down he had with Hamas last week was a &#8220;helpful meeting,&#8221; and that he was confident that &#8220;what Hamas wants and would accept, and what Israel wants and would accept&#8221; could very well &#8220;come together&#8221; soon.



He added in the interview with CNN that such a a deal would include the delivery of the bodies of 35 hostages who were murdered by Hamas.



Asked how, as a Jewish-American, he felt about talking with a group comprised of &#8220;definitionally anti-Semitic murderers,&#8221; Boehler said It was &#8220;a little odd knowing what they really are,&#8221; but that his job as special envoy was to deal with anyone, good or bad, when necessary.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed Boehler&#8217;s meeting with Hamas Monday, saying that it was a &#8220;one off&#8221; and didn&#8217;t &#8220;bear any fruit.&#8221;

Boehler: Hostages Might be Released Within Weeks

Rabbi Yehudah Gerami read Megilas Esther in Tehran, Iran on Purim, in the very same region that the Purin story occurred in. Video of the leining was shared exclusively with Belaaz.



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The Jewish community in Iran has been allowed to function, despite the regime&#8217;s ruthless hatred of Israel and support for terrorist groups. 



Belaaz video shows the megila reading in Tehran, Iran, led by Rabbi Yehuda Gerami.

Bayamim Haheim: Rabbi Yehudah Gerami Reads Megilah for Iranian Jews

Elon Musk, the world&#8217;s richest person, plans to give $100 million to further President Donald Trump&#8217;s political goals, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources.



If true, Musk&#8217;s donation would be highly unusual, both due to its sum and the fact that he is a government employee, tasked with leading the unofficial DOGE organization.



During the 2024 campaign, Musk donated over $250 million to a political action committee that supportee Trump, making him Trump&#8217;s biggest financial supporter.



Musk has attracted scrutiny as of late, after data surfaced indicating that his Tesla company was granted government contracts.

Report: Musk to Donate $100 Million to Trump Political Team

After Iran rejected President Donald Trump&#8217;s call to negotiate a nuclear agreement, the White House reiterated a stern warning to Tehran, saying that its only options are negotiations or military conflict.



&#8220;We hope the Iran Regime puts its people and best interests ahead of terror,&#8221; White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement, after Iran&#8217;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Tehran will not be &#8220;bullied&#8221; into negotiations.



The news comes as Trump reinstated the US&#8217; &#8220;maximum pressure&#8221; approach to Iran sanctions, which crippled Tehran&#8217;s economy. The Biden Administration lifted some of these sanctions.



Last week, it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to be a mediator between the terror-sponsoring Islamic state and the US.

Washington Issues Another Warning to Iran After Tehran Rejects Talks

New footage shows a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber in action, flying alongside Israeli Air Force fighter jets during a joint exercise over the Mediterranean Sea.



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American B-52 Bomber Joins Israeli Jets in Mediterranean Exercise

A federal judge on Saturday blocked the Trump Administration&#8217;s deportations of foreign gang members, saying that the law used by Trump was not applicable.



Trump employed the rarely-used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport members of 8 drug and gang groups deemed in February to be terrorist entities who present threats to American national security.



Alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were scheduled to be deported, as Trump said that the US faces an &#8220;invasion&#8221; from the crime group, known for kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and targeted killings.



Judge James Boasberg issued a stay on ghe order for the next 2 weeks. Boasberg said the act &#8220;does not provide a basis for the president&#8217;s proclamation given that the terms invasion, predatory incursion really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by any nation and commensurate to war.&#8221;



Trump said members of the gang were &#8220;conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States&#8221; with the goal of destabilizing the US.

Judge Blocks Trump Deportation of Venezuelan Gang Members

National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard on Monday removed security clearances from dozens of former officials and others who were adversarial to President Donald Trump.



Gabbard says in a social media post that she was instructed to remove the clearances for former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, as well as Lisa Monaco, Mark Zaid, Norman Eisen, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Andrew Weissman, along with the 51 signers of the Hunter Biden &#8216;disinformation&#8217; letter,&#8221; referring to people who dismissed reports of the former president&#8217;s son as a Russian ploy.



Also included on the list was Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, who presided over Trump&#8217;s New York trial.



&#8220;The President&#8217;s Daily Brief is no longer being provided to former President Biden,&#8221; Gabbard wrote.

Security Clearances Revoked From Blinken, DA Bragg, Other Officials and Trump Opponents

Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes north of Daraa in Syria moments ago.



The jets targeted former Assad regime outposts and undestroyed tanks that Julani’s forces are attempting to seize.

BREAKING: Israeli Fighter Jets Conduct Airstrikes in Syria

President Donald Trump will speak with his Russian counterpart Tuesday, the US President said late Sunday night.



Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he will be speaking with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday:



“We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants..”



Trumo has, since entering politics almost a decade ago, boasted of his ability to get along with Putin and has opposed those who say he is unable to be reasoned with diplomatically.

Trump Announces Putin Phone Call

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) just released a video after it carried out airstrikes earlier today on weapon sites belonging to the former Assad regime in the area of Sasa in southern Syria.



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The strikes targeted armored vehicles stocked with weapons, aiming to eliminate potential threats to Israeli security.



In a statement, the IDF affirmed its commitment to securing Israel&#8217;s borders: &#8220;The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to the State of Israel.&#8221;

WhatsApp Image 2025-02-18 at 4.09.10 PM

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IDF Airstrikes Target Former Assad Regime Weapon Sites in Southern Syria

A 22-year-old man was killed Motzoei Shabbos when a Metropolitan bus overturned into a ditch on Highway 40 near Kiryat Gat. 



Three other people were moderately injured and 14 were lightly injured.



&#8220;The bus was upside down on its left side and a man was trapped underneath it, unconscious, with no signs of life, with very serious injuries to his body,&#8221; the MDA team that was called to the scene told Kan News. &#8220;We performed medical examinations, but unfortunately his injuries were significant and we had to declare him dead on the spot. At the same time, the other forces that arrived at the scene provided medical treatment to about 12 injured people, including three who were moderately injured and nine who were lightly injured.&#8221;

1 Dead, 17 Injured, in Kiryat Gat Bus Rollover

The Hamas terror organization has reportedly agreed to a two-month extension of the ceasefire and will release additional living hostages, according to Saudi channel Al-Hadath.



After receiving an invitation of U.S.-backed mediators, Israeli Prime Minister’s office said in a statement tonight that it is sending a delegation to Qatar on Monday in yet another effort to advance the negotiations for the continuation of the hostage releases.

Hamas Agrees to 2-Month Ceasefire Extension, Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Hostage Talks

Belaaz regrets to inform you of the Petirah of Hagaon HaRav Nosson Nota Schiller Zatzal, Rosh Yeshivah of Ohr Sameach in Yerushalayim.



 He passed away at age 88 after being hospitalized with an illness over the last month.



Rav Schiller grew up in Brooklyn and attended yeshivos Chaim Berlin and Ner Yisroel. He was a major driving force of the Teshuva movement to bring unaffiliated Jews back to Torah, having educated thousands of baalei Teshuva from all walks of life.



In 1974, he and Rav Mendel Weinbach zatzal opened Ohr Somayach with the goal of doing kiruv through in-depth Torah study, differing from other kiruv organizations. Eventually, branches of Ohr Somayach were opened in other places, including Monsey.



While mostly catering to Jews with little to no background in Judaism, the Yeshiva has a &#8220;Renewal&#8221; track for frum people who are looking for greater inspiration or who are at risk for faltering.



The Levaya took place at 10:30 PM tonight at the Ohr Sameach Yeshivah in the Maalot Dayana neighborhood of Yerushalayim, followed by Kevura on Har Hamenuchos.

BARUCH DAYAN HAEMES: Rav Nota Schiller Zatzal, Rosh Yeshivah of Ohr Sameach in Yerushalayim

Former Vice President and Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris will make a decision on her possible run for governor of California, a source familiar with the situation told CBS and Political Friday.



Current Gov. Gavin Newsom cannot run for reelection due to term limits. 



Harris&#8217; reported time frame is self-imposed, as candidates have until early March 2026 to file paperwork ahead of the June 2 primary.

Harris, Mulling California Gov. Run, Will Make Decision by Summer

Hamas terrorists released a propaganda video Friday showing captured IDF soldier Matan Angrest, taken into Gaza during the Oct. 7 massacre.



His family gave permission to publish the video, about which they said in a statement:



“We are shaken by the video we just saw, the family said. “Beyond the severe psychological state evident in the footage, his right hand is non-functional, his eyes and mouth are asymmetrical, and his nose is broken—according to testimonies from those who have returned, all due to interrogations and torture in captivity.



“We ask of you, President Trump, to continue fighting for our Matan and all 58 other hostages with the same unwavering commitment and relentless determination.”



The family themselves earlier this week released pictures from a video they received from the terrorists months ago, showing that Matan was alive, but injured.



Matan&#8217;s father told Kan at the time that if the family feels like it is necessary, it will also publish the full video of Matan, which he contended will “shock the country.”



“Matan’s face is completely broken, the boy is completely broken and this is just the face,” he said. “We know he treated his own body.”

Hamas Terrorists Release Video of Hostage Matan Agrest

Amid pro terrorism protests in an increasingly hostile environment, the Trump Administration announced Friday that it is cutting over $400 million in funding to Columbia University, accusing the school of not doing enough to rein in antisemitism.



Columbia receives over $5 billion in grants from the government.



Earlier this week, several government agencies announced the starter of a &#8220;comprehensive review&#8221; of more than $5 billion in federal grant money that goes to Columbia, &#8220;in light of ongoing investigations for potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act&#8221; related to antisemitism on campus.



Meanwhile, the State Department began making good on another Trump initiative; deporting pro Hamas immigrants.



“Yesterday evening, we revoked the first visa of an alien who was previously cited for criminal behavior in connection with Hamas-supporting disruptions,” a State Department spokesperson said. “This individual was a university student. ICE will proceed with removing this person from the country.”



Details about the individual and the arrest were not yet available.

Trump Cuts $400 Million in Funding to Columbia Over Antisemitic Riots

The World Bank has projected that Lebanon will require approximately $11 billion to cover recovery and reconstruction expenses following the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which concluded with a ceasefire in November.



The World Bank said in the report according to the Times of Israel. “Reconstruction and recovery needs following the that affected Lebanon are estimated at $11 billion”. 



 Hezbollah began the war by launching missile attacks on Israel from October 8 to December 20, 2024.

Lebanon’s Post-War Recovery Costs Estimated at $11 Billion

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said Thursday that people who try to reach Gaza on flotillas will be deported to the Strip, and their cessels will be used to relocate willing Palestinians.



Anti-Israel protestors reached Gaza by boat and delivered aid there with the approval of Israeli authorities numerous times last year, though there have been no reports of such attempts as of late.



 “The defense minister instructed the IDF to allow the protest flotillas to reach the Gaza coast, disembark the protesters in Gaza, and seize the ships and transfer them to the port of Ashdod so that they can be used to evacuate Gaza residents who are interested in leaving Gaza,” reads a statement issued by Katz’s office.



 “Whoever comes to demonstrate on the shores of Gaza, we will send them into Gaza and use the ships to evacuate Gaza residents who are interested in leaving voluntarily,” Katz says in remarks provided by his office.

Katz Says Gaza Protestors Arriving on Boats Will be Deported to Strip

President Donald Trump on Thursday suspended tariffs on products covered by a trade deal he signed in his first term, accounting for about half of all imports from Mexico and 62% of those from Canada, according to a White House official who spoke with the BBC.



The exemptions will expire on April 2, coinciding with Trump&#8217;s plan to institute reciprocal tariffs on all US trade partners. .



Thursday&#8217;s suspension was the second walk-back this week; on Wednesday, he paused tariffs on steel and aluminum, in an effort to support the automotive industry. These tariffs will come back into force on March 12. 



Canada and Mexico are both top exporters of the metals to U.S. markets.



All products covered by North America&#8217;s free trade agreement, the US-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) , which Trump signed during his first term, will be exempt from tariffs for the time being.

Trump Walks Back Canadian, Mexican Tariffs

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Sinai region, with tremors also felt in Eilat and surrounding areas.



There are no reports of any injuries.



The earthquake&#8217;s impact was also felt in neighboring countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

BREAKING: 4.3-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Sinai Region, Felt in Israel

According to Reuters, citing Egyptian sources, a significant meeting took place last night between Trump&#8217;s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Hamas terror leaders, also joined by mediators from Egypt and Qatar.



According to the report, the discussions, focused on advancing to phase two, concluded on a positive note.



Notably, Israel was not part of the talks was Israel but the White Hkuse said yesterday that Israel is being updated on the discussions.



Though, an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post that Israel is currently unaware of any advancements regarding a phase two of the hostage deal.



According to reports, the talks discussed governance of Gaza after the end of the war, including the optional names of those who would run Gaza in the future.

Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas Hold Talks in Egypt, Excluding Israel

President Donald Trump issued the strongest warning to Hamas and Gaza since taking office Wednesday, saying that the terrorists and all other Gazans holding hostages would die if the hostages are not released.



His remarks were made after meeting with 7 released hostages who recounted their horrific torture at the hands of Hamas terrorists in Gaza.



&#8220;&#8216;Shalom Hamas&#8217; means Hello and Goodbye &#8211; You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,&#8221; Trump began.



 &#8220;Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don&#8217;t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed.



 &#8220;This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. 



&#8220;Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="526" height="351" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3983.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9309" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3983.jpeg 526w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3983-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Trump meeting with released hostages tonight </figcaption></figure>

Trump Issues Strongest Warning Yet: Return Hostages or All Gazans Holding Captives Will Die

As negotiations for a new hostage deal stall, the White House and the Trump administration have reportedly initiated direct talks with Hamas in an effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza.



According to Israeli White House correspondent Barak Ravid, sources indicate that the Trump administration is conducting direct negotiations with Hamas regarding the release of American hostages and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war.



The negotiations are being led by President Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, in what is being described as an unprecedented move. The United States has never before engaged in direct contact with Hamas, which it officially designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.



Meanwhile, White House envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has once again canceled his scheduled visit to the region. This time, he was expected to travel to Qatar for discussions on a potential hostage deal.

REPORT: White House Engaging in Direct Talks with Hamas for Hostage Release

China issued perhaps its strongest rhetoric Tuesday after US President Donald Trump placed an additional 10% tarrif on Chinese imports, threatening economic and &#8220;any other&#8221; warfare with the US.



Fears of an international trade war grew Tuesday as the tarrifs on China, Mexico and Canada went into place; Trump justified the move due to border security and what he says is the countries&#8217; role in the flow of illegal substances into the US.



&#8220;If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we&#8217;re ready to fight till the end,&#8221; China&#8217;s embassy said on X, reposting a line from a government statement on Tuesday.



US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in response on Wednesday: &#8220;We are prepared for war. We are rebuilding our military. We are re-establishing deterrence. We live in a dangerous world. If we want to deter war with the Chinese, or others, we have to be strong. My job, as the Secretary of Defense, is to make sure we&#8217;re ready [for war]&#8221;



&#8220;President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest,&#8221; the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.

China Warns of Readiness for ‘Any Type’ of War With US

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meditate between Russian ally Iran and the US, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.



The agreement was made during a phone call between Trump and Putin last month, according to the report.



The report also said that at a summit in Saudi Arabia last month, Trump administration officials discussed communicating with Iran in a meeting with their Russian counterparts.



The negotiations will center on Iranian nuclear matters and Tehran&#8217;s support for Islamic terror groups, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

Report: Putin to Meditate Between US and Iran

President Donald Trump&#8217;s special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Buehler is in direct talks with the Hamas terror group, Walla reported Wednesday, marking the first time the US has done so since labeling Hamas a terror group 28 years ago.



The administration is discussing a hostage release and ceasefire deal with the terrorists, with hopes of ending the war.



Israel has signaled that it will resume military activities in Gaza in coming days if a deal is not reached, and has been given permission by the US to do so.

Report: In 1st, Trump Administration in Direct Talks With Hamas

Eyal Zamir officially began his position as IDF Chief of Staff on Wednesday, replacing Herzi Halevi, who resigned over the army&#8217;s failures related to the Oct. 7 massacre.



Zamir, 59, assumed office in a ceremony held at 11AM with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and other officials. Zamir&#8217;s uniform received new insignia marking his new rank of lieutenant general, the military’s highest position. 



The new Chief says if Israel returns to Gaza, it will be with fiercer operations than his predecessor.

Zamir Takes Office as IDF Chief of Staff

LIVE: President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress

In a targeted operation, IDF troops killed Isser Sa&#8217;adi, the head of the Hamas terrorist organization in Jenin, on Monday night. The mission was carried out under the direction of the Shin Bet, Israel&#8217;s internal security agency.



During the operation, Border Police and IDF soldiers from the Menashe Brigade also eliminated two additional terrorists and arrested three wanted individuals. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="526" height="934" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3925.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9277" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3925.jpeg 526w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3925-169x300.jpeg 169w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" /></figure>



The troops initially entered a neighborhood in Jenin using Eitan armored vehicles and searched a building where Sa&#8217;adi was hiding, based on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet. A firefight ensued, resulting in the elimination of the terrorists and the arrest of the wanted men.



A subsequent search of the area yielded an M-16 rifle, a pistol, and other weapons inside the building.



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IDF Troops Eliminate Hamas Leader in Jenin Operation

President Donald Trump wrote Tuesday that colleges which allow illegal protests will lose federal funding, and that agitators will be sent to jail or deported if they are immigrants.



&#8220;All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter,&#8221; Trump wrote.



On Monday, the Trump Administration threatened to revoke more than $50 million in government contracts that it has with Columbia University over its mishandling of antisemitism on campus.

Trump: Universities That Allow Illegal Protests to Lose Funding

U.S. President Donald Trump suspended all military aid to Ukraine Monday, after a contentious meeting between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.



Trump was reportedly fuming earlier in the day over Zelensky&#8217;s comments that the war with Russia would take a &#8220;very long time,&#8221; as Trump sought a diplomatic solution with Russian President Vladimir Putin.



 Trump has stated that Zelensky is not ready for peace, and that he is disrespectful and ungrateful to the US.



The pause will continue until Trump determines that Zelensky demonstrate a good-faith commitment to peace, according to Bloomberg and Fox News reports.



 &#8220;This is not permanent termination of aid, it&#8217;s a pause,&#8221; Fox News quoted a Trump administration official as saying.

Breaking: US Suspends Aid to Ukraine

A Druze man suspected of terrorism stabbed several people, killing one and injuring four at a major Haifa transit hub Monday.



The attack at the northern city’s Lev Hamifratz bus station appeared to be the latest in a series of terror attacks targeting public transportation in Israel, following a ramming attack at a bus stop on Thursday and a wave of failed bus bombings near Tel Aviv a week before that.



The murdered man was 70 year old Hassan Karim Dahamsheh, of Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in the Galilee. The four injured included a 15 year old boy.



The suspect, Jethro Shahin, a man in his 20s, is a member of the Druze community, a population known for IDF service and support of Israel. His family says that he was not a terrorist and that he suffered from mental illness.Unconfirmed reports stated that he held German citizenship. However an eyewitness says he heard Shanin shout Alla-hu Akbar before beginning his rampage. Shahin was neutralized by an armed security guard at the scene.

1 Killed in Stabbing Terror Attack, Suspect Druze, Family Says Mentally Ill

Relatives of hostage soldier Matan Angrest published the first photo of him from captivity Monday, taken from a video received from Hamas terrorists 6 months ago.



In a Hamas propaganda recording which matches the video, Matan, 21, begged Prime Minister Binyamin to secure his release, in comments dictated to him by his captors.



Matan was taken from a tank at Nahal Oz on Oct. 7.

Family Releases Image of Hostage Matan Angrest

President Donald Trump says his patience with Ukraine is running low after its President, Volodymyr Zelensky said that the end of the war with Russia is &#8220;very far away.&#8221;



Trump aims at ending the war soon, hoping to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 



But thosw plans hit a major snag last week, when Zelensky was asked to leave a White House meeting after a heated argument in which Trump called the Ukrainian leader disrespectful and ungrateful, and said he is not ready for peace.



Zelensky was embraced by European allies who expressed more willingness to shoulder responsibility for Ukraine &#8211; a long time goal of Trump.



Britain says several proposals have been made for a truce, after France suggested a plan for a one-month pause leading to peace talks, but Zelensky is insisting on US military guarantees and does not see a diplomatic solution to the war, in stark contrast to Trump.



Trump fumed after hearing Zelensky as saying the end of the war is “very, very far away.”



“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump writes on Truth Social.



“It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelensky, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the US.”

Trump’s Patience Running Low on Ukraine

Following Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and the halt of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined the next steps, declaring on Monday night: “If Hamas does not release the hostages soon, the gates of Gaza will be locked, and the gates of hell will open.”



“We will resume fighting, and they will face the IDF with unprecedented force and tactics—until a decisive victory is achieved,” Katz stated, emphasizing, “We will never allow Hamas to rule Gaza again.”



Defense Minister Katz concluded with a firm commitment: “This war will end with two clear achievements—securing the release of all our hostages and crushing Hamas’ rule in Gaza.”



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Israeli Defense Minister Warns: ‘Without Hostage Release, the Gates of Hell Will Open on Gaza’

In a statement moments ago, the IDF says that a short while ago it struck a military site where weapons belonging to the previous Syrian regime were stored in the area of Al Qardahah in Syria.



“Due to recent developments in the area, it was decided to strike military infrastructure at the site”, the IDF said.



“The IDF continues to monitor developments in the area and will act as necessary in order to defend the citizens of the State of Israel”.

IDF Strikes Assad Regime’s Weapons Depot in Syria

Following the completion of the first phase of the hostage deal, Israel is taking tougher measures against the Hamas terror group and is considering resuming military operations in Gaza as early as next week.



At the beginning of this week, Israel proposed a deal to Hamas, offering to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the remaining hostages on the first day and the rest on the final day of Ramadan.



Hamas rejected the proposal, prompting Israel to announce the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza until further notice. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to take steps against Hamas.



Now, Israeli officials estimate that the government is likely to instruct the IDF to resume operations in Gaza next week, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas for the release of the remaining hostages.



According to a report, Israel has also begun cutting electricity to the Gaza strip.

Israel Expected to Resume Fighting in Gaza Next Week

Released Hostage Eli Sharabi gave an emotional interview last week to Israel’s Channel 12, where he shared his harrowing experience of over 580 days in Hamas captivity. Among those who watched the interview and were deeply moved was non other than US President Donald Trump.



Following the interview, Sharabi and several other released hostages received a special invitation to the White House to meet with President Trump. Among them are Omer Shem Tov and the couple Keith and Aviva Siegel, who have been invited to join a special flight on the plane owned by Miriam Adelson, departing from Israel to Washington on Monday for the highly anticipated meeting.



The released hostages will be flying on the private jet of businesswoman Miriam Adelson, a close ally of President Trump who has been actively involved in efforts to secure hostage releases. Israeli officials believe that this meeting at the White House could have a significant impact on ongoing negotiations for the release of remaining hostages.

President Trump Invites Former Hostages to a Special Visit at the White House

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered a halt on all aid and supplies entering the Gaza Strip.



This decision comes after the first phase of the ceasefire has ended, and due to Hamas&#8217;s rejection of US Envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework, which Israel had agreed to.



Meanwhile, Israeli media is reporting that Israel approved the calling up of up to 400,000 IDF reservists ahead of a possible renewed Gaza operation.

GAZA AID HALTED: Netanyahu Orders Block to Gaza Aid After Hamas Rejects US-Backed Ceasefire Plan

The families of two hostages &#8211; Eitan Horn and Nimrod Cohen &#8211; said Motzoei Shabbos that they&#8217;ve seen signs that their loved ones are still alive in Hamas captivity.



Eitan is seen in a Hamas propaganda video; his family authorized its publication.



&#8220;It breaks our heart to see Eitan in this difficult situation, saying goodbye to his brother, Iair, who is being freed while Eitan remains held in Hamas hell for 512 days now. You can see the despair and fear in Eitan&#8217;s eyes.



&#8220;Since Iair returned to us, he hasn&#8217;t stopped thinking about and working for Eitan and all the other hostages he met in captivity who are still there.



&#8220;We demand from the decision-makers: Look Eitan in the eyes. Don&#8217;t stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages back to us. They are running out of time! Bring everyone home, now, in one phase.&#8221;



Nimrod&#8217;s father Yehuda identified him as one of the hostages whose face Hamas blurred out in the propaganda video, because of a design on his arm he got several days before October 7.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3823.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9227" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3823.jpeg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3823-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3823-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



 “I’m disappointed that we don&#8217;t see Nimrod&#8217;s face, I haven&#8217;t seen him in a year and a half,&#8221; Yehudah said.

Hostages Eitan Horn, Nimrod Cohen Show Signs of Life

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday enshrining English as the official language of the United States, a first in American history 



The order will reverse a mandate issued by former president Bill Clinton which requires government agencies to offer services to clients in different languages. Under Trump&#8217;s new law, agencies can choose to keep that policy, or only use English.



&#8220;A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language,&#8221; Trump wrote in the order.

Trump Signs Order Declaring English as National Language

Disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the NYC mayoral election, marking a highly anticipated entry into the Democratic primary.



 This move poses a significant threat to incumbent Eric Adams, whose first term has been marred by investigations.



Cuomo has recently tried to reach out to the Jewish community, attempting to patch up his bad relationship after targeting the community during Covid.



Cuomo&#8217;s candidacy has been widely expected, and he&#8217;s already considered the front-runner after conducting a shadow campaign for months. During this time, he avoided making an official announcement.



In his 17-minute announcement video posted on social media, Cuomo expressed concerns about the city&#8217;s safety, saying, &#8220;The city just feels threatening, out of control.&#8221;



“We know that today our New York City is in trouble,” Cuomo says in the statement as images of homeless people are played. “You see it in the empty storefronts, the graffiti, the grime, the migrant influx, the random violence. The city just feels threatening, out of control and in crisis.”



Cuomo is running to replace Mayor Eric Adams, mired in controversy over alleged bribery, and cow towing to the Trump administration, which directed the Department of Justice to drop all charges.







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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🇺🇸 — POLITICS: Disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo Officially Enters NYC Mayoral Race. Cuomo has recently tried to reach out to the Jewish community, attempting to patch up his bad relationship after targeting the community during Covid. <a href="https://t.co/EQhgZjEhvZ">pic.twitter.com/EQhgZjEhvZ</a>&mdash; Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBelaaz/status/1896008132641607725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo Officially Enters NYC Mayoral Race

Israeli Prime Minister&#8217;s office said this evening that Israel agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the hostage deal and ceasefire, but claims Hamas refused to the new proposal.



The U.S. has proposed a 42-day extension of the ceasefire in Gaza. Under this plan:



Initial Release: Half of the living hostages (around 10) and half of the murdered hostages held by Hamas will be released on the first day.



Negotiations: During the 42-day extension, negotiations will focus on a permanent ceasefire.



Final Release: If a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon, the remaining living and dead hostages will be released.



Currently, 59 hostages are still held by Hamas, with 22 believed to be alive, including one American, and 37 presumed dead.

Israel Accepts New US Proposal to Extend Hostage Deal and Ceasefire, Hamas Refuses

President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked over one another and traded insults at a White House meeting Friday.



Zelensky left the White House with no Minerals Deal signed. 



Trump said during the meeting that he is not on Ukraine&#8217;s aide



After Zelensky laid out a case against Russia, he asked Trump if he was on Ukraine&#8217;s side, or in the middle between it and Russia.



I&#8217;m in the middle. I want to solve this thing. I&#8217;m for both. I want to get it solved&#8230;If we can&#8217;t solve it, they&#8217;re going to have to fight it out, and who knows what&#8217;s going to happen. But I want to see it get solved.&#8221;



Vance advocated for a diplomatic resolution, but Zelensky was not very receptive; Vance then accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and disrespectful to America.



“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country,” Vance responded. “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems, you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to his conflict.”



Zelensky implied that the US isn&#8217;t bothered by the war because it is geographically removed from it, but warned that it will &#8220;feel it in the future,&#8221; which angered Trump.



&#8220;You don&#8217;t know that. Don&#8217;t tell us what we&#8217;re going to feel. We&#8217;re trying to solve a problem,&#8221; Trump said.



Then he, Zelenskyy and Vance started talking over each other.



Trump said &#8220;We&#8217;re going to feel very good and very strong. You&#8217;re right now not in a very good position. You&#8217;ve allowed to be in a very bad position.&#8221;



Trump then accused Zelensky of &#8220;gambling with the lives of millions of people. You&#8217;re gambling with World War Three.



 &#8220;What you&#8217;re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that&#8217;s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should.&#8221;



Vance interjected: &#8220;Have you said thank you once in this entire meeting?&#8221; Zelenskyy: &#8220;A lot of times.&#8221; 



After the argument, Trump wrote on social media that &#8220;It&#8217;s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.



&#8220;I don&#8217;t want advantage, I want PEACE.



&#8220;He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.&#8221;

Zelensky Leaves White House After Fiery Exchange

The IDF targeted and killed a Hezbollah terrorist responsible for arms transfers to the Islamic terror group, the military said Friday.



Mohammed Mahdi Ali Shaheen, described as a key member of Hezbollah’s Geographical Unit, was struck Thursday in his operating zone; Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.



Shaheen played a critical role in facilitating weapons transfers from Syria into Lebanon, the IDF said. He was also responsible for making purchase deals for Hezbollah and mediating the arrival of shipments for distribution to various units, contributing to the terror group’s military buildup,” the IDF said in a statement. The military said in addition that he worked closely with weapons dealers and smugglers along the border.

IDF Eliminates Key Hezbollah Terrorist

Military intelligence received five warning signs in the hours leading up to the Oct. 7 massacre, but ignored them, the comprehensive report issued Thursday on the massacre and the security establishment&#8217;s response indicated.



The warning signs, including dozens of SIM cards from cell that were activated at the same time in Gaza, suspicious movements in Hamas’ rocket deployment, and others were given individual explanations, Ynet reported. Intelligence officals argued that similar incidents had happened in previous weeks, months and years.



The findings were part of a scathing IDF investigation into the massacre and Israel&#8217;s failures to prevent and adequately respond to the terrorist incursions.



However, no personal condemnations were made in the report; Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who remorsely resigned earlier this year over IDF failings related to Oct. 7, has left his successor, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, to deal with disciplinary measures.

Oct. 7 Report: 5 Warning Signs Ignored by IDF

Almost 30 convicted Mexican drug cartel members were brought to the US Thursday night to serve time in jail, as Washington says that Mexico wasn&#8217;t doing enough to stop their activities.



&#8220;Last night, 29 Mexican Cartel Members were extradited to the United States,&#8221; after President Trump directed the Department of Justice to pursue the measure, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday. 



&#8220;The group of cartel members, who will soon arrive on American soil, includes one of the most evil cartel bosses in the world, Rafael Caro Quintero, who tortured and murdered DEA Agent Kiki Camerena in 1985,&#8221; Leavitt continued. &#8220;The previous Administration allowed these criminals to run free and commit crimes all over the world. The Trump Administration is declaring these thugs as terrorists, because that is what they are, and demanding justice for the American people.&#8221;

Mexican Cartel Criminals Extradited to US

Israel has removed its diplomatic bans on far-right European parties in Europe, after a thorough review on their stances towards Jews, Holocaust denial and Israel.



France&#8217;s National Rally, Sweden&#8217;s Sweden Democrats, and Spain&#8217;s VOX were unbanned, despite their troubling roots, Ynet reported. The parties have seen greater popularity in recent election cycles, as Europeans are increasingly wary of an influx of mostly Muslim immigrants seeking refuge in prosperous Western countries. Israel determined that the parties have sufficiently changed their stances on Jewish issues.



However, bans remain in place on Austria&#8217;s Freedom Party and Germany&#8217;s Alternative for Germany (AfD), both of which garnered strong support in recent elections.



&#8220;We are examining how these parties behave today,&#8221; Israeli Minister Eli Cohen said in a Thursday meeting with Jewish community leaders and pro-Israel organizations in Belgium. &#8220;We do not want to isolate ourselves from potential allies in Europe, but we also do not want to legitimize neo-Nazi movements.&#8221;

Israel Lifts Ban on 3 Far Right European Parties

Rabbi Moshe Margeretten, the founder and president of the Tzedek Association, met with leadership staff from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C. today (Thursday) to discuss the HOPE Act, a bill designed to expand access to IVF treatments.



During the meeting, Rabbi Margerten and the HHS staff also discussed President Trump&#8217;s recent executive order and explored how HHS can contribute to advancing the cause.



&#8220;It was an extremely successful meeting,&#8221; Rabbi Margerten said following the meeting. &#8220;The HHS team was very excited and supportive about the issue.&#8221;



He added, &#8220;They told us this was actually their very first external meeting at the HHS. We hope to have good news to share soon.&#8221;

Rabbi Margerten Meets with HHS Leadership to Discuss HOPE Act and IVF Access Expansion

By DAVID J. GLENN



Rose Girone, who suffered in a Nazi concentration camp, has passed away peacefully this week from natural causes at age 113.



 She reportedly was the oldest known living Holocaust survivor.



Her daughter, Reha Bennicasa&#8212; also a survivor of the Holocaust&#8212;- confirmed the death at a nursing home in Bellmore, N.Y.



She was born Rose Raubvogel in 1912 in southeastern Poland, then part of Russia.



When she was nine months pregnant, her husband, Julius Mannheim, was deported to the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in central Germany. The Nazis waited until she gave birth, then deported both the mother and baby.



&#8220;I could not name her what I wanted – Hitler had a list of names prepared for Jewish children and this was the only one I liked,so I named her that,&#8221; Girone said in an interview.

Oldest Known Holocaust Survivor Passed Away At Age 113

According to new report by Israel&#8217;s Channel 14, a senior official from the Trump administration urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to target key Hezbollah leaders during the funeral of Nasrallah this past Sunday.



 While it remains unclear whether the suggestion was made with President Trump&#8217;s explicit approval, it is reported to have come from a high-ranking and influential figure within the Trump administration according to Channel 14&#8217;s Tamir Morag.



 Despite this pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu ultimately refused to take action. After careful consideration, Israel decided against escalating tensions, opting instead for a show of force through sonic booms over the stadium and funeral procession in Beirut. 



The report claims that the decision was made to avoid opening a second front while Israel was preparing for another military operation in Gaza.

REPORT: Senior Trump Official Urged Netanyahu to Target Hezbollah Leaders, but He Refused

Yeshivos across Eretz Yisrael and the Jewish world at large are davening for the refuah shlaima of one of the leaders of the Torah world and Slabodka Rosh Yeshivah, Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita, who was hospitalized Thursday with pneumonia.



The Rosh Yeshiva was taken to Ichilov Medical Center after not feeling well during his time spent receiving visitors Thursday afternoon.



At the hospital, he started having difficulty breathing. Doctors determined that the Rosh Yeshiva has pneumonia.



Rav Hirsch has remained conscious during the entire time he has been hospitalized.



Hagaon Harav Meir Tzvi Bergman shlita cut short his reception of visitors to daven for Rav Hirsch.



The tzibur is asked to daven for (Harav) Moshe Hillel ben Mindel, for a refuah shlaima b&#8217;soch sha&#8217;ar cholei Yisrael.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="688" height="216" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/130_tehilim-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9172" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/130_tehilim-1.png 688w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/130_tehilim-1-300x94.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: hevratpinto.org</figcaption></figure>

TEHILIM: Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Hospitalized With Pneumonia

Attorney General Pam Bondi tossed lawsuits this week aimed at lowering standards for hiring police and firefighters to meet Diversity, Equity and Inclusion quotas.



A statement from the White House on Thursday said President Donald Trump was making good on his campaign promise to &#8220;prioritize merit, not divisive race-based obsessions, in hiring.&#8221;



Bondi announced the Department of Justice dismissed several Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments who used race-neutral mechanisms — such as standard aptitude tests, physical exams, and credit checks — in their hiring processes, the result of which lowered standards and endangered public safety.



One dismissed case was the United States v. City of Durham (North Carolina), in which the Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because entry-level firefighter applicants were required to pass a written exam. The city was required to provide compensation and preferential hiring to applicants who were not hired.



Another case that was tossed was the United States v. Maryland State Police, in which the previous administration alleged discrimination because applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam. The agency was required to provide compensation and retroactive seniority to applicants who were not hired.

AG Bondi Tackles DEI Lowering Standards for Police, Firefighters

A Tajik Muslim man living in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, was charged with funding ISIS and illegally possessing guns, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.



Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, an illegal alien, was charged with &#8220;conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States and immigration fraud,&#8221; according to a statement issued by the DOJ.



Manuchekhri was arrested Wednesday and ordered detained by United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.



Manuchekhri is accused of funneling over $70,000 in payments to ISIS affiliates in Turkey and Syria.



In addition, Manuchekhri has praised ISIS attacks in the US and collected jihadist propaganda videos. He also posted pictures of himself to social media at gun ranges, though he was not allowed to operate a firearm due to his being in the country illegally.

Brooklyn Man Charged With Funding ISIS

Twelve Israelis were injured Thursday by an Arab terrorist who rammed his car into a group of people near the Karkur junction in Pardes Chana.



One of the injured, a 17-year-old girl, is in critical condition and two others are in serious condition. A 60-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman are in serious condition.



The terrorist, killed after the attack, was identified by authorities as Palestinian Jamil Zayoud, 53, from Jenin.

Terrorist Car Ramming in Israel: 12 Injured, 2 Critical, 1 Serious Condition

The families of four Jewish hostages were notified Wednesday night that their loved ones were murdered by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, the Prime Minister&#8217;s Office said Thursday.



Ohad Yahalomi Hy&#8221;d, 50, Tzahi Idan Hy&#8221;d, 49, Shlomo Mantzur Hy&#8221;d, 85, and 68-year-old Itzik Elgarat, Hy&#8221;d, were identified by the Health Ministry&#8217;s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, together with police.



Itzik, Ohad and Tzahi were murdered while hostages in Gaza, says the PMO, and Shlomo was killed during the Oct. 7 massacre; his body was kept in Gaza.



President Yitzchak Herzog said Thursday that the hearts of Israelis ache “upon receiving the bitter news of the identification of Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur.”



He writes on social media that there is “some solace” knowing they will be buried with dignity in Israel.



The return of the slain hostages “underscores our moral obligation to do everything in our power to bring back all the hostages,&#8221; he wrote.

4 Hostages Hy”d Identified by Israel

Agudas Yisrael&#8217;s long-time Washington director Rabbi Abba Cohen is retiring, the organization annonced Wednesday.



In addition to his 36-year-long tenure as director the Washington Office, Cohen served as the Vice President for Government Affairs.



In a statement announcing his retirement, Agudah said that Conen is a &#8220;universally respected in the nation’s capital as a skilled spokesman and tireless advocate for the Orthodox Jewish community, as a model of honor and impeccable integrity, as a paradigm of keen intelligence and consummate professionalism.&#8221;



Cohen&#8217;s work focused on raising awareness across the political spectrum and &#8220;throughout the federal government about the unique nature, needs and concerns of Orthodox Jewry, and in the process have helped shatter many negative stereotypes,&#8221; the statement continued.

Agudah’s Washington Director Rabbi Abba Cohen to Retire

By DAVID GLENN:



More sticker shock on eggs.



As high as it is already, the price of eggs could climb more than 40 percent this year, the Department of Agriculture predicted on Wednesday.



Prices have reached an average of about $5 for a dozen eggs &#8212; often higher in metropolitan areas like New York.



The statement from the USDA came as the Trump administration on Wednesday offered several new details about its plans to combat the bird flu infecting chickens in the Midwest, a key factor in the price of eggs.



Planned measures include infusing another $1 billion into the fight, following the $2 billion already spent.



Millions of hens with the virus already have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of the virus.



Farmers have been trying to protect their birds by sanitizing trucks bringing chickens in or out of barns, requiring workers to shower and change clothes before handling chickens, and other precautions.



A big problem, though, is that wild birds walking or flying low near farms can spread the virus

USDA Predicts Egg Prices Could Rise by 40% Amid Ongoing Bird Flu Crisis

People across the world, from the US to Switzerland, France and Hungary, released orange balloons on Wednesday, a color used worldwide to commemorate the plight of the ginger-haired Bibas children, murdered by Hamas terrorists.



At the UN in NYC:



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017431.mp4"></video></figure>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017421-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9126" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017421-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017421-225x300.jpg 225w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017421.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>







The Bibas children, 4 year old Ariel and 9 month old Kefir, along with their Mother Shiri &#8211; HY&#8221;D, were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 and were killed by the ruthless Palestinian group.



Their funeral was held Wednesday.



In France:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="744" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017445-744x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9128" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017445-744x1024.jpg 744w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017445-218x300.jpg 218w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017445-768x1056.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017445.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="454" height="680" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GkvAazcXcAAUeoj.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9143" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GkvAazcXcAAUeoj.jpeg 454w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GkvAazcXcAAUeoj-200x300.jpeg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" /></figure>







In Budapest, Hungary



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="888" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017440.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9127" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017440.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017440-300x296.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017440-768x758.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>







The skies of Switzerland:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="592" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443-592x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9130" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443-592x1024.jpg 592w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443-173x300.jpg 173w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443-768x1329.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443-887x1536.jpg 887w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017443.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px" /></figure>







At Beverly Hills, California:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="688" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017439-688x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9131" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017439-688x1024.jpg 688w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017439-202x300.jpg 202w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017439-768x1143.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000017439.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px" /></figure>







<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="615" height="572" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktrY5jXIAAwt-C.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9145" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktrY5jXIAAwt-C.jpeg 615w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktrY5jXIAAwt-C-300x279.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px" /></figure>

Orange Balloons Released Worldwide in Honor of Bibas Family

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially dropped the arrest warrant against Muhammad Deif, the Hamas terror organization&#8217;s former military chief, due to his death in an Israeli airstrike last year. This decision came after prosecutors confirmed they had reliable information about Deif&#8217;s death in Gaza last July.



 Presiding ICC Judge Nicolas Guillou said in the decision, the court has terminated proceedings against Deif and rendered the arrest warrant ineffective.

ICC Drops Arrest Warrant Against Hamas Terrorist Military Chief Muhammad Deif Following Confirmation of His Death in Israeli Airstrike

President Donald Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon after Trump&#8217;s first Cabinet meeting, with Musk sporting a t-shirt emblazoned with the words &#8220;tech support&#8221; and calling himself such.



Speaking of the Department of Government Efficiency, Trump said: “Whether it’s this year or next year I think we’ll be very close to balancing budgets”



“We have a mandate to do this. And this part of the reason I got elected.”



Musk revealed the T-shirt while saying:



“I call myself humble tech support here.&#8221;



“The overall goal here with the DOGE team is to help address the enormous deficits.”



“If we don’t do this America will go bankrupt. That’s why it has to be done.”



“We can actually find a trillion dollars in savings… obviously that can only be done with the support of everyone in this room.”



“We will make mistakes. We won’t be perfect. But where we do make mistakes we’ll fix them very quickly.”



Turning to questions about cutting Medicare and Social Security, Trump told reporters: “I have said it so many times you shouldn’t ask me that question… we’re not going to touch. We’re going to look for fraud.”

Musk Wears Shirt, Calls Himself ‘Tech Support’ During Cabinet Meeting

Israel&#8217;s Prime Minister&#8217;s office has announced that, in response to Israel’s demands, an agreement has been reached with mediators for the return of four deceased hostages: Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mansour &#8211; HY&#8221;D, who were brutally muredered in Hamas captivity.



The caskets will first be transferred to the Red Cross by Hamas. As per protocol, the bodies will first be taken to a forensic institute for identification before an official announcement regarding their identities is made. This precaution follows last week’s incident in which the body of Shiri Bibas was mistakenly exchanged.



The bodies of the murdered hostages HY&#8221;D will be returned tonight at 6:00 PM local time, as part of the first stage agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that they have received assurances that, unlike the previous exchange, there will be no formal Hamas ceremony during the release, which previously sparked widespread public outrage.



The families of the hostages listed in the agreement with the mediators have been personally updated on the matter. An official announcement, including the names, will be issued after the full identification of our fallen hostages. 



Following today’s transfer, 59 hostages will remain in Gaza, including 36 who are presumed dead. It remains unclear whether the deal will continue.

Israel Reaches Agreement with Mediators for Return of Four Deceased Hostages

More than 10,000 people accompanied the Bibas family—Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir &#8211; HY&#8221;D to their final resting place today. The three were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists while being held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/50e41c49-0d59-4fa9-b795-05dfaab231ce.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9115" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/50e41c49-0d59-4fa9-b795-05dfaab231ce.jpeg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/50e41c49-0d59-4fa9-b795-05dfaab231ce-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/50e41c49-0d59-4fa9-b795-05dfaab231ce-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



At the family’s request, the funeral itself was closed to the public. However, from the moment their bodies were retrieved in Rishon Lezion until their burial in southern Israel, over 10,000 people lined the roads, accompanying the funeral procession.



Thousands of Israelis stood on roadsides holding Israeli flags and orange symbols—representing the family’s signature red hair—while reciting Tehilim and Kadish, and shouting, “We’re sorry.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="270" height="360" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktFYA5W4AAIfGE.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9114" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktFYA5W4AAIfGE.jpeg 270w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GktFYA5W4AAIfGE-225x300.jpeg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px" /></figure>



In an emotional eulogy, released hostage and father Yarden said to his murdered wife: “Who will help me make decisions now? How am I supposed to make decisions without you? Do you remember our last decision in the shelter? I asked you, ‘Do we fight or surrender?’ You said, ‘We fight.’ So I fought. Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. If I had known what would happen, I wouldn’t have fired. I think of everything we’ve been through together, and there are so many good memories. Please stay close to me—don’t go too far.”



Yarden also eulogized his young children: “Ariel, I hope you’re not angry at me for not being able to protect you properly, for not being there for you. I hope you know I thought about you every day, every minute. I hope you’re enjoying heaven, and I’m sure you’re making all the angels laugh.”



To his youngest son, Kfir, he said: “I never thought our family could be more perfect, and then you came along and made it even more so. I remember during your birth, the midwife suddenly stopped, and we panicked, afraid something was wrong—but she only stopped to tell us, ‘You have another redhead!’ Your mother and I laughed with joy.”

In a Heartbreaking Funeral, the Bibas Family Laid to Rest After Being Murdered by Hamas Terrorists

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) announced his plan to draft legislation directing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a new $250 bill featuring former President Donald J. Trump. The move, Wilson says, is in response to the economic struggles faced by American families under the previous Biden administration.



&#8220;I am grateful to announce that I am drafting legislation to direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump&#8230; Wilson said. &#8220;Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash.&#8221;



Wilson emphasized that the new bill would serve as a tribute to the former president’s leadership, claiming it would become &#8220;the most valuable bill for the most valuable President.&#8221;

Rep. Joe Wilson Proposes $250 Bill Featuring Donald Trump, Calls It “Most Valuable Bill for Most Valuable President”

Following the endorsement of President Trump, Rep Byron Donalds announces on Fox News&#8217; Sean Hannity show &#8211; &#8220;Im here to announce my candidacy for governor of Florida&#8230;&#8221;



The next Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.



&#8220;We have a great governor &#8211; Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state. Now, the job is to keep the best state in the country&#8221;, Donalds said. &#8220;I joined the Tea Party movement, was in the conservative movement, 4 years in the state legislature, 4 years in Congress &#8211; now is the time to take the mantle and lead our state into the future.&#8221;



 President <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>Trump endorsed Donalds and recently wrote he &#8220;would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.&#8221;



&#8220;I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,&#8221; Trump said in a social media post.

Republican Rep. Byron Donalds Announces Florida Gubernatorial Candidacy

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is reportedly reaching out to New York City’s Yeshiva and Chassidish community leaders in a bid to regain their support for his anticipated NYC Mayoral run, according to multiple insiders who spoke with Belaaz Tuesday.



Cuomo once enjoyed a warm relationship with the Frum world, frequently called out antisemitism and signed laws banning the BDS movement from being supported by public funds.



Even after resigning ofice in 2021 amid allegations of harassment, Cuomo continued to make statements against antisemitism and in support of Israel, especially after the Oct. 7 massacre. This week, when murdered hostages Shiri, Ariel and Kefir Bibas Hy&#8221;d were returned from Hamas captivity, Cuomo wrote on social media: &#8220;United in profound sorrow our hearts break with the unspeakable pain of the murders of Shiri Bibas and her two precious and innocent children. United in anger we say to the world &#8211; no more.&#8221;



But memories of Cuomo’s treatment of the community during the pandemic are still fresh in the minds of the Orthodox Jewish community. Cuomo skewed data to make it seem as though a disproportionate amount of spread, in what he called “red zones,” was rampant in Boro Park, Williamsburg, Monroe and other heavily Jewish areas.



In addition, when Cuomo was deciding regulations on houses of prayer early on in the pandemic, he told Jewish community leaders on a conference call that they would be allowed to operate at 50% capacity – only to switch the limit to 10% the same day when giving a public address.



He also used harsher language when talking about the Charedi community than with other demographics.



After Agudath Israel successfully sued the state over its treatment of the Jewish community during the Pandemic, Cuomo was reportedly furious, according to community sources.



However, askanim are currently faced with a dilemma: Cuomo is ahead in early polling data as the favorite to replace beleaguered Mayor Eric Adams, charged with bribery and accused by his political foes of currying favor to the Trump Administration, and it would be disadvantageous to not have supported Cuomo during his run if he wins. Cuomo is also the most conservative candidate besides Adams, who will likely not run for reelection if he doesn’t first resign. The former Governor is far more pro-Israel than the likes of Brad Lander, who has associated with Pro-Hamas groups. On the other hand, even if Cuomo is the best option politically, it will be very difficult for the askanim to convince their constituency to support him after the way he treated them.



Cuomo and his team are well aware of this conundrum, the sources said.



The sources added that an easy way to remedy the situation would be for Cuomo to flatly apologize for his actions against the community, but the community insiders say that there’s almost no chance of that happening, knowing his personality.

Cuomo Seeks Frum Support for NYC Mayor After Misleading and Discriminating Against Jews During COVID

Former hostage Noa Argamani, rescued by the IDF last June after 8 months in Hamas captivity, spoke Tuesday at a meeting of the UN Security Council, marking the first time a former hostage has done so. She was joined by Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.



Below are her remarks.



We were taken by force into Gaza, where I was held in total fear, living a nightmare.



After 8 months in captivity I was rescued by Israeli soldiers.



Being here with you today is a miracle. But I am here today to tell you: we have no more time!



As I speak, there are still 63 hostages living this nightmare, including my partner Avinatan Or.



In fact, we believe that 24 of them are alive, with many of them sending signs of life through released hostages.



Our lives cannot go on without them, and that is why I want to make sure that the world knows that:



The deal must go on in full, completely, in all of its stages.



Avinatan Or, and the many other hostages are only supposed to be released in the second stage of this deal.



We’re talking about innocent people taken from their beds&#8230;from their simple lives, taken into pure hell.



You don’t need me to tell you about 9 month old Kfir and 4 year old Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri.



Just a mother and her babies, were brutally murdered in captivity.



The crimes are unthinkable, we cannot imagine it, But it happened.



And that’s why we CANNOT leave anyone there.



I know what it feels like to be left behind, watching other hostages being released to their families.



Every moment there feels like the last moment of their lives.



Every second counts.



While I was in Gaza, I was held with two little girls. Hila Rotem and Emily Hand.



At that time, Emily was 8 years old and Hila was 12.



I had to be brave.



Not only for myself, but also for the girls.



I had to act like everything is going to be ok.



And that&#8217;s what I kept telling them.



As long as we are all here together, alive, inside this room, nothing else matters.



I told them to ignore all the bombing, the sounds of shooting, and everything that was around us.



Hila and Emily were both released in the first hostage deal after 50 days.



I watched them and two other women who were with me in captivity- go back to their families, as I, stayed behind.



At that time I wasn’t part of any category that could be released.



I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of being left behind. but I can tell, that this is exactly how the hostages feel today. Abandoned by the world.



After 54 days in captivity, it was just me, Itay Swirsky, and Yosi Sharabi.



Both of them were kidnapped from their homes in Kibbutz Be’eri.



We were in a war zone 24/7.



It was terrifying for every second of every day.



One evening, the house we were held in was blown up, and we found ourselves in the destruction.



Itay was able to stand up, but Yosi and I were stuck under the rubbles.



I couldn&#8217;t move, I couldn’t breathe &#8211; I thought to myself that these are the last seconds of my life.



I screamed so loud so, someone would hear me, and I heard Yossi’s screaming too.



After a few seconds, I stopped hearing Yosi’s screaming.



I was pulled out of the rubbles &#8211; and tried to help Yosi.



But when we got to him, it was already too late.



Yossi&#8230;was a pure and kind soul, and he will always be in my heart.



Itay and I had to find somewhere else to hide, so one of our captors took us to another house.



But two days later, Itay was murdered by the same captor.



May their memories be a blessing.



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code> </code></pre>



Hamas published a video of me describing what happened to Itay and Yossi, and that I was injured and needed medical help.



But of course J got nothing.



No doctors, no Red Cross, nothing.



From that moment, I was on my own with five terrorists holding me in the same house.



You must understand: every second in captivity is very dangerous &#8211; I didn&#8217;t think that I could make it out alive.



This is why it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that we put an end to this horrible tragedy.



Without immediate action, many more innocent people will be killed.



Today, I come before you to say: do not let the darkness take over.



Work forward and get everyone home now.



Work forward the light, and against the darkness.



I came here today to the UN to speak before the security council [this forum] because I believe that you all, the international community, must understand that our hostages are in hell.



They deserve to be back home &#8211; NOW.



What kept me alive in captivity and until this very moment was something my mother used to tell me: always be kind.



So, in this forum, let me end with that: be kind to each other.



And bring them, all of them, home now.



Thank you.

In First, Former Hostage Noa Argamani Speaks at UN Security Council

The first shipment of rigged beepers was sent to Hezbollah a few weeks before the Oct. 7 massacee, Mossad Chief David Barnea said Tuesday.



Barnea says 500 beepers were in the shipment.



He also says that there was a heated debate as to when and how to carry out the operation, which crippled both scores of terrorists and their communications array.



Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Barnea says, ultimately sided against the majority of the security and military establishment in ordering the operation to commence when it did.

Mossad Chief Barnea: First Beepers Sent to Hezbollah Weeks Before Oct. 7

Belaaz can exclusively reveal that Israeli ministers received an update from the Prime Minister’s office over a year ago, back in December 2023, indicating that intelligence suggested the Bibas family had been brutally and tragically murdered by Hamas terrorists while in captivity in Gaza. A source told Belaaz on that day, that ministers were informed that a public announcement of the devastating news would be made that evening, but the announcement was abruptly canceled at the last minute for unknown reasons.



The Bibas family’s tragic fate has only recently been confirmed, with Hamas releasing their bodies as part of a ceasefire agreement. The bodies of Shiri and her children, Ariel and Kfir HY&#8221;D, were returned last week. Forensic tests have shown that they were brutally murdered by the terrorists&#8217; own evil hands, and not as a result of IDF airstrikes, as Hamas had previously claimed.



Their Levaya is scheduled for Wednesday. The family will hold a private funeral for close relatives and friends. The coffins will be driven along a planned route, allowing the public to pay their final respects.

EXCLUSIVE: Israel Planned to Announce Bibas Family’s Murder Over a Year Ago, But Held Back

Fox News quoted a report on new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, discovered in China which has raised concerns about another potential pandemic.



This virus is similar to SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 cause, as it targets the same human receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2).



According to a research suggests HKU5-CoV-2 could lead to human-to-human or cross-species transmission.



The study, led by Zheng-Li Shi, who worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, highlighted the virus&#8217;s potential zoonotic risk due to its efficient use of human ACE2.

New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China Sparks Pandemic Concerns

Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced today that the country will not engage in direct nuclear talks with the United States as long as President Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8220;maximum pressure&#8221; policy remains in place.



The &#8220;maximum pressure&#8221; policy, imposed by the Trump administration, has led to severe economic sanctions on Iran, significantly impacting the country&#8217;s economy.

Iran Refuses Direct Nuclear Talks with US Amid “Maximum Pressure” Policy

About 30 people gathered with Ukrainian and Israeli flags at the Western Wall today (Monday). They honored fallen Ukrainian defenders, including Jewish soldiers, and remembered Israeli terror victims and hostages, particularly the Bibas family, brutally murdered by Hamas.



Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, Eugen Korniychuk, prayed for peace in both nations, expressing confidence that God would hear their prayers. Kaddish was recited for Jewish soldiers in the Ukrainian and Israeli armies, according to a statement.



Attendees concluded the ceremony by unfurling a large Ukrainian flag, standing in solidarity against terror.



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On the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian Embassy held a special prayer at the Kotel and mourning the victims of terrorism.

As Prime Minister Netanyahu&#8217;s trial continues, the Prime Minister recently requested to shorten the number of days he is required to testify in his ongoing bribery trial due to sensitive security matters. However, the court denied his request.



Earlier today (Monday), Netanyahu asked the court to allow Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to provide reasons for the request to cancel the hearings, but the judges also declined this request.



Ultimately, the Head of Military Intelligence arrived at the court with an urgent note for the Prime Minister. After Netanyahu received the note, the session was conducted privately with the judges. The judges signed a confidentiality agreement before the session was finally canceled. The message Netanyahu received was reportedly regarding Iran.



Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will appear tomorrow before a secret Knesset committee on foreign affairs and security to discuss an issue that has not been made public.

Will Israel Strike Iran? The Secret Discussion in Court During Netanyahu’s Trial

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Ohad Ben Ami, recently freed from Hamas captivity, shares his emunah in Hashem in a message to Klal Yisrael, published Monday by Shai Graucher, who has exerted Herculean efforts in helping hostages, their families, and the bereaved families of fallen soldiers.



While wearing Tefillin after singing with friends and family, Ohad says:



&#8220;My message to klal Yisrael is that our nation is very Strong, despite the fact that we appear to come from different places, different countries, nevertheless we are very strong, and what unites us is our faith in Hashem.&#8221;



&#8220;I feel I was saved by Hashem,&#8221; Ohad says.



&#8220;It (emunah) gives us strength in times that we are brought down or in danger, it lets us overcome all of our challenges and emerge even stronger.&#8221;



Ohad says after returning from captivity, he thanks Hashem and that he understands now that being in captivity helped him &#8220;fix many things&#8230;but this only strengthens me.&#8221;



Ohad has previously spoken publicly about the horrors and torture he and other hostages faced at the hands of the cruel Hamas terrorists.

Freed Hostage Ohad Ben Ami: Emunah Unites Am Yisrael

A senior Hamas terrorist politburo member said Monday that had he known the destruction Israel would rain on Hamas in Gaza, he wouldn&#8217;t have supported the murderous onslaught of Oct. 7.



Mousa Abu Marzouk, of Hamas&#8217; Politburo, told the NY Times:



“If it was expected that what happened would happen, there wouldn’t have been October 7.&#8221;



Marzouk, who lives in Qatar with his fellow suit-clad terrorist politicians, says Hamas’s survival was a “kind of victory” but ultimately, Hamas cannot claim to have defeated Israel.



He also says that Hamas is ready to consider proposals for disarmament: “We are ready to speak about every issue. Any issue that is put on the table, we need to speak about

Senior Hamas Official Says He Wouldn’t Have Supported Oct. 7 if He Knew the Consequences

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Dozens of international ambassadors attended a ceremony Monday at the UN headquarters in New York to commemorate the loss of the Bibas children, Kefir Hy&#8221;d and Ariel Hy&#8221;d, their mother Shiri Hy&#8221;d and Oded Lifshitz Hy&#8221;d.



Israeli Ambassador Danon and the Ambassador of Argentina to the UN spoke at the ceremony. Attendees stood for a minute of silence in memory of the victims and were invited to sign a condolence book.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8042261a-e65b-4ac5-9092-24e7ef03a9a7-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9037" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8042261a-e65b-4ac5-9092-24e7ef03a9a7-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8042261a-e65b-4ac5-9092-24e7ef03a9a7-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8042261a-e65b-4ac5-9092-24e7ef03a9a7.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



Danon said: &#8220;When Hamas kidnapped a mother and her two children, when Hamas took Israeli babies as prizes, when Hamas violated the agreement in the most brutal way &#8211; the UN did not condemn or speak about Hamas and continues to remain silent to this very day.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="811" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/564f1b73-8693-4982-903a-ef48b4458258-811x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-9038" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/564f1b73-8693-4982-903a-ef48b4458258-811x1024.jpeg 811w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/564f1b73-8693-4982-903a-ef48b4458258-237x300.jpeg 237w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/564f1b73-8693-4982-903a-ef48b4458258-768x970.jpeg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/564f1b73-8693-4982-903a-ef48b4458258.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></figure>



&#8220;The UN passed countless resolutions on Israel and held countless emergency session. But when a baby, a toddler and their mother were taken from their home, when these terrorists massacred babies, entire families, the international community had nothing to say. But Israel will not be silent. We will continue to say their names &#8211; Kfir, Ariel, Shiri and Oded. We will ensure that their memory will be remembered forever. We will make Hamas pay. We won&#8217;t stop until everyone comes home.&#8221;



Argentina’s Ambassador to the U.N., who spoke at the event, said: “We cannot forget what happened. What happened on Oct 7 was not just another attack in this long conflict. It was the manifestation of silence. In the face of such horror, we cannot afford silence and complicity. Israel has the right to defend itself.



“When I visited these communities in Israel, on the one hand, I saw the purest form of life. On the other, the most brutal form of brutality.”



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="811" height="1024" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000015873-811x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9030" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000015873-811x1024.jpg 811w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000015873-237x300.jpg 237w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000015873-768x970.jpg 768w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1000015873.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></figure>

Ceremony in Memory of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz Held at UN

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that his state will have its own Department of Government Efficiency task force, using the same name as Elon Musk&#8217;s unofficial federal oversight agency.



The task force will help streamline the government and “eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy” to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently, DeSantis told reporters.



“A state DOGE task force that will implement a multi-pronged approach to eliminating bureaucratic bloat and modernizing our state government to best serve the people of Florida in the years ahead,” DeSantis said.



DeSantis said he wants to eliminate 740 state government positions and up to 70 state boards, but will add positions in other state agencies in need of more staff, like the Department of Corrections and Florida Highway Patrol.



Florida’s task force will be in place for a “limited amount of time” and its members will serve for one year, DeSantis said.



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Gov. DeSantis Unveils Florida DOGE Initiative

After Israel halted the release of terrorist prisoners on Saturday and demanded the immediate return of additional hostage bodies, Hamas initially refused to accept the condition. However, they are now partially agreeing to the terms.



In recent hours, Hamas has reportedly agreed to transfer two hostage bodies to Israel within the next few hours, although Israel is still evaluating the possibility of this actually happening.



Discussions in Israel continue regarding the next phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal, as U.S. President Trump&#8217;s envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in Israel tomorrow to discuss the next steps.

Hamas Concedes: Offers to Release 2 Kidnapped Bodies Today

President Donald Trump has just tapped Dan Bongino, a well-known conservative radio host and commentator, as the new Deputy Director of the FBI.



This move doesn&#8217;t require Senate confirmation. 



Bongino, a former NYPD officer and 12-year veteran of the US Secret Service, joins Kash Patel, the recently confirmed FBI Director, in leading the agency.

IDF Airstrikes Target Former Assad Regime Weapon Sites in Southern Syria

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