February 21, 2025

 Wall of Iron: 90 terrorists arrested, 15 weapons seized

IDF's Duvdevan Unit apprehends five terrorists near Tulkarm, confiscates weapons and explosive devices.

Retrieved February 21, 2025, from Wall of Iron: 90 terrorists arrested, 15 weapons seized | Israel National News

  

Children's bodies identified, the third body is not that of Shiri Bibas

IDF representatives inform the Bibas family that Ariel and Kfir Bibas have been identified. They were brutally murdered while in captivity in November of 2023. The additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas. IDF: A violation of utmost severity by Hamas.

Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with the Israel Police, IDF representatives informed the Bibas family on Thursday night that their loved ones, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, have been identified.

“According to the assessment of professional officials, based on the intelligence available to us and forensic findings from the identification process, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity in November 2023,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. This refutes the claim by terrorist organizations in Gaza that the Bibas family was killed in an Israeli air strike.

During the identification process, it was determined that the additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other hostage. This is an anonymous, unidentified body.

“This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages,” the IDF said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity,” said the IDF.

Officials in the IDF stated that the body of the anonymous woman was examined multiple times. She reportedly arrived wearing clothing and in a condition that clearly indicated she was not Shiri Bibas.

The IDF attempted to perform DNA matches with all the other Israeli female hostages held by Hamas, and there was no match to any of them.

Retrieved February 21, 2025, from Children's bodies identified, the third body is not that of Shiri Bibas | Israel National News

 

 American Jewish Committee: Hamas must be held fully accountable for their actions

American Jewish Committee condemns Hamas after it was revealed that Kfir and Ariel Bibas were murdered while in captivity and the body of their mother was not returned: Just another horrific example of the unimaginable cruelty that Hamas has inflicted since October 7, 2023.

Retrieved February 21, 2025, from American Jewish Committee: Hamas must be held fully accountable for their actions | Israel National News

  

Speaker Johnson at CPAC: No Appetite for More Funds to Ukraine

Retrieved February 21, 2025, from Speaker Johnson at CPAC: No Appetite for More Funds to Ukraine | Newsmax.com

 

Netanyahu Promises Revenge on Hamas for Returning Wrong Body
Retrieved February 21, 2025, from NeNetanyahu Promises Revenge on Hamas Will Pay for Returning Wrong Body | Newsmax.com

February 20, 2025

 After 503 agonizing days: Body of Oded Lifshitz positively identified

The Lifshitz family announced that they were notified of the identification of Oded's body. 'Now we can mourn the husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who has been missing from us since October 7.

Retrieved February 20, 2025, from After 503 agonizing days: Body of Oded Lifshitz positively identified | Israel National News

  

UN wakes up late: Hamas ceremony 'abhorrent, flies in face of international law'

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the manner in which the deceased hostages were transferred to the Red Cross.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday condemned the way Hamas transferred the deceased hostages to the Red Cross.

Türk called the ceremony abhorrent and said it flies in the face of international law.

"Under international law, any handover of the remains of deceased must comply with the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families", the rights chief said in a statement.

During the "ceremony," the Red Cross officials protested the manner in which the deceased were transferred and during the transfer, a long exchange of words transpired between the Hamas terrorists and the Red Cross officials.

Retrieved February 20, 2025, from UN wakes up late: Hamas ceremony 'abhorrent, flies in face of international law' | Israel National News

February 19, 2025

(Why were we giving the PA money?)

 Report: Trump administration freezes funding for PA security forces

According to the report, the freeze is part of a larger freeze in foreign assistance ordered by the President.

Retrieved February 19, 2025, from Report: Trump administration freezes funding for PA security forces | Israel National News

 

 Jewish leaders to Knesset: 'Press UN to hold Hamas accountable for sexual violence'

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations delegation addresses Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, urges Israel to press UN to hold Hamas to account for the sexual violence on 10/7 and against hostages.

Retrieved February 19, 2025, from Jewish leaders to Knesset: 'Press UN to hold Hamas accountable for sexual violence' | Israel National News

 

 Montreal synagogue defaced with swastika on Shabbat

'Such attacks are unacceptable in our metropolis, we must all unite and denounce all forms of antisemitism,' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says.

Retrieved February 19, 2025, from Montreal synagogue defaced with swastika on Shabbat | Israel National News

 

Musk Shows Interest in DOGE Rebate Checks to Taxpayers

Retrieved February 19, 2025, from Musk Shows Interest in DOGE Rebate Checks to Taxpayers | Newsmax.com

 

Pope Able to Sleep Peacefully Amid Double Pneumonia

Retrieved February 19, 2025, from The Pope Slept Peacefully, Had Breakfast after Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Both Lungs, Vatican Says | Newsmax.com

February 18, 2025

Hamas to release six living and four deceased hostages by Saturday

Khalil al-Haya confirmed that the group has decided to release four bodies on Thursday and to release six hostages on Saturday, in return for the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

Retrieved February 18, 2025, from Hamas to release six living and four deceased hostages by Saturday | Israel National News

  

'Greatest appreciation' | The Chief Rabbi of Israel's letter to President Trump

Rabbi Kalman Ber sent a letter to President Donald Trump in which he thanked him for his work for Israel and the Jewish people.

Retrieved February 18, 2025, from 'Greatest appreciation' | The Chief Rabbi of Israel's letter to President Trump | Israel National News

 

 Egypt's alternative plan for the Gaza Strip

Egypt's proposal to counter President Trump's plan would see Gazans temporarily relocated to 'secure areas' in Gaza and the creation of a 'Palestinian administration,' unaligned with Hamas or the PA.

Retrieved February 18, 2025, from Egypt's alternative plan for the Gaza Strip | Israel National News

 

Pope Out for Weekend Holy Year Events Due to 'Complex' Infection
Retrieved February 18, 2025, from Pope Out for Weekend Holy Year Events Due to 'Complex' Infection | Newsmax.com

 

WH: Musk Not DOGE Employee, Has No Authority to Make Decisions

Retrieved February 18, 2025, from WH: Musk Not DOGE Employee, Has No Authority to Make Decisions | Newsmax.com

February 17, 2025

 Report: Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week

The bodies of 5 hostages who were killed in captivity could be returned as early as this Thursday, according to a new report. 3 more hostages are also scheduled for release on Saturday.

Retrieved February 17, 2025, from Report: Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week | Israel National News

  

Suspicion: Foreign agent used teen to spray-paint hostile messages

Teen, 17.5, arrested on suspicion of spray-painting hostile messages in Gush Etzion, at the direction of a foreign agent who reached out through Telegram.

Retrieved February 17, 2025, from Suspicion: Foreign agent used teen to spray-paint hostile messages | Israel National News

 

 Report: Saudi Arabia seeks to broker new nuclear deal between Trump and Iran

CNN report: Saudi Arabia has expressed openness to mediating between the Trump administration and Iran in the efforts to negotiate a new agreement aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program.

Retrieved February 17, 2025, from Report: Saudi Arabia seeks to broker new nuclear deal between Trump and Iran | Israel National News

  

Layoffs Begin at FAA Weeks After Deadly D.C. Crash

Layoffs began at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just weeks after the deadly collision between a commercial passenger jet and a military Blackhawk helicopter outside of Washington, D.C.

Probationary workers were notified they had been terminated in a late-night email on Friday, The Associated Press reported, citing a statement from David Spero, the president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union.

The emails reportedly began showing up in employees' inboxes around 7 p.m. EST and Spero indicated more notifications could be sent out over the weekend.

According to the AP, Spero said the employees were let go "without cause nor based on performance or conduct," and he noted that some people might be denied access to FAA buildings on Tuesday after returning from the Presidents Day holiday weekend.

Impacted FAA personnel reportedly include radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance workers.

The layoffs come in the aftermath of the midair collision between an American Airlines flight that was coming in for a landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport and a military Blackhawk on a training mission.

Sixty-seven people were killed in the crash, and the FAA came under heavy scrutiny following the worst air disaster in the United States in 20 years.

The terminations also come shortly after Trump Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to trim agency spending levels while also addressing "antiquated" FAA systems and hiring more air traffic controllers.

"We are working with the FAA to [learn], how do we surge the best and the brightest to get into the academy, to get trained up, to make sure we don't have the staffing issues," Duffy said earlier this month. "Our air traffic controllers are stressed out, tapped, overworked. That's no excuse. It's just the reality of what we have in the system."

Duffy pointed to how long it takes to train air traffic controllers, saying it takes years to prepare someone for the job.

Retrieved February 17, 2025, from Layoffs Begin at FAA Weeks After Deadly D.C. Crash | Newsmax.com

 

February 15, 2025

 After nearly 500 days: Yair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Retrieved February 15, 2025, from After nearly 500 days: Yair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel | Israel National News

 

 Cost of the Deal: 369 terrorists released from Israeli custody

With the implementation of the sixth round of the deal, 369 security prisoners were released and transferred to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip.

Retrieved February 15, 2025, from Cost of the Deal: 369 terrorists released from Israeli custody | Israel National News

 

 Rubio: Arab states must present Gaza plan if they reject Trump’s proposal

Secretary of State says the United States is open to hearing new proposals from Arab nations regarding Gaza: All these countries say how much they care about the Palestinians, but none of them want to take any Palestinians.

Retrieved February 15, 2025, from Rubio: Arab states must present Gaza plan if they reject Trump’s proposal | Israel National News

February 13, 2025

 Vatican leader: 'No deportations, Palestinians must remain on their land'

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin criticizes Trump proposal to relocate residents of Gaza, says Vatican will only support the 2 state solution,

Retrieved February 13, 2025, from Vatican leader: 'No deportations, Palestinians must remain on their land' | Israel National News

The Pope has no standing to say anything on this topic. Leviticus 25:38 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

 

Hamas confirms: Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

Retrieved February 13, 2025, from Hamas confirms: Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal | Israel National News

February 12, 2025

 Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum

'We're committed to the ceasefire deal, so long as Israel is,' Hamas terror group claims.

The Hamas terror organization on Tuesday night issued an official response to Israel's ultimatum, under which Hamas will either release hostages on Saturday, as per the deal, or the fighting will restart.

In its announcement, Hamas claimed that it is committed to the ceasefire deal, but that its commitment is dependent on Israel - "as long as the occupation is committed to it."

The terror group also claimed that Israel is not meeting its obligations, and blamed Israel for "delays and complications" in the deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a Cabinet meeting following Hamas' violation of the agreement and the terror group's declaration that additional hostages will not be released on Saturday.

Retrieved February 12, 2025, from Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum | Israel National News

 

 IDF calls in reserves, sends reinforcements to south: 'Preparation for various scenarios'

Per the decision to raise the level of readiness in the Southern Command, the IDF decided to increase reinforcements with additional troops, including reservists.

Retrieved February 12, 2025, from IDF calls in reserves, sends reinforcements to south: 'Preparation for various scenarios' | Israel National News

 

 Russia releases US citizen imprisoned on drug charges following Witkoff visit

Moscow releases Marc Fogel, an American imprisoned since 2021 on drug charges, as part of an "exchange," the White House announces. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from Russia releases US citizen imprisoned on drug charges following Witkoff visit | Israel National News

February 11, 2025

 Netanyahu's ultimatum to Hamas: IDF will return to fighting

Following Hamas' violation of ceasefire deal, political source says there will be no progress on talks for second stage without hostages' release.

Retrieved February 11, 2025, from Netanyahu's ultimatum to Hamas: IDF will return to fighting | Israel National News

  

'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy'

Arab affairs analyst says Hamas is 'flexing its muscles' and does not intend to give up leadership of Gaza easily.

Retrieved February 11, 2025, from 'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy' | Israel National News

 

 Trump threatens Hamas: Release all the hostages by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday

US President warns Hamas that if all hostages in Gaza are not released by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, the ceasefire should be cancelled, but leaves the decision to Israel.

Retrieved February 11, 2025, from Trump threatens Hamas: Release all the hostages by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday | Israel National News

  

Homan Blasts Pope: 'Fix' the Church; Leave Border to Us

Retrieved February 11, 2025, from Homan Blasts Pope: 'Fix' the Church; Leave Border to Us | Newsmax.com

 

Kremlin: 'Significant Part of Ukraine Wants to Be Russia'
Retrieved February 11, 2025, from Kremlin: 'Significant Part of Ukraine Wants to Be Russia' | Newsmax.com

February 10, 2025

 PM Netanyahu: 'Trump's plan presents opportunities we haven’t even dreamed of'

Upon his return from the US, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted the successes of the trip which according to him 'constitutes a historic turning point for the State of Israel.' Retrieved February 10, 2025, from PM Netanyahu: 'Trump's plan presents opportunities we haven’t even dreamed of' | Israel National News

 

 IDF strikes underground tunnel crossing from Syria into Lebanon

The terror tunnel was used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons in the Beqqa area and has been struck in the past.

Retrieved February 10, 2025, from IDF strikes underground tunnel crossing from Syria into Lebanon | Israel National News

February 8, 2025

 Israeli government vs CNN: No comparison between hostages and terrorists

Government Press Office responds to CNN headline equating convicted terrorists with Israeli civilians kidnapped by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. 'Narrative comparing hostages and prisoners runs contrary to every ethical standard of journalism.'

Retrieved February 8, 2025, from Israeli government vs CNN: No comparison between hostages and terrorists | Israel National News

 

 The Awakening of the Lion: The Egyptian military threat on our border

Israel needs to fully prepare for an Egyptian military threat on our border. Op-ed.

Retrieved February 8, 2025, from The Awakening of the Lion: The Egyptian military threat on our border | Israel National News

 

Coming soon: US vs Hamas' 'Nukhba' terrorists

US Attorney General Pam Bondi creates task force to counter ongoing threat from Hamas, bring justice for victims of the October 7 massacre, Yediot Aharonot reports.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday night ordered the creation of a "joint task force" which would bring "justice for the victims of the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, deal with the ongoing threat from Hamas and its proxies, and act against antisemitic acts of terror and violations of civil rights in US issues," Yediot Aharonot reported.

The task force, to be known as JTF 10-7, will operate under the Deputy Attorney General's Office and in coordination with the Department of Defense and the Treasury Department. It will also have involvement from the US Attorneys' Offices, the FBI, and the National Security Division.

Retrieved February 8, 2025, from Coming soon: US vs Hamas' 'Nukhba' terrorists | Israel National News

February 7, 2025

 Netanyahu: The meeting with Trump - a historic turning point for Israel

Prime Minister summarizes his visit to Washington and talks about Trump's plan for Gaza: It's worth listening carefully to Trump's idea.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday published a video in which he summarized his visit to Washington, DC, thus far.

"As you know, the day before yesterday, I had an historic meeting with President Trump, which was a great turning point for the future of Israel,” said Netanyahu.

“At this meeting, he also brought up his idea about Gaza, for the day after Hamas, and I think it is worth listening very well to this idea, which is the first original idea to be raised in years.”

“I also spoke with top administration officials, with the Vice President, the National Security Advisor, with Secretary of Defense Hegseth at the Pentagon, all of them great friends of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu continued.

“From there I went to Congress where I met with the heads of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Republicans and Democrats alike, and they all agreed with me on two things: One, that Iran must not have nuclear weapons and two, that Hamas must be eliminated. It cannot be there in Gaza.”

“I must also tell you, they all expressed great appreciation for Israel's major achievements. I said that we are changing the face of the Middle East, and they simply saluted this.”

Retrieved February 7, 2025, from Netanyahu: The meeting with Trump - a historic turning point for Israel | Israel National News

  

Khameini: 'Negotiations with the USA will be neither clever nor respectful'

Ali Khamenei declared that his country was not interested in negotiations with America despite Trump's sanctions.

Retrieved February 7, 2025, from Khameini: 'Negotiations with the USA will be neither clever nor respectful' | Israel National News

 

 Ted Cruz: USAID 'Poured Hundreds of Millions' to Hamas

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, accused the Biden administration of financially supporting the Hamas militants.

Cruz took to social media Thursday to share a Daily Caller story that said more than $1.3 billion in taxpayer funds under former President Joe Biden aided groups that sponsored or committed terrorism.

"USAID secretly poured uncountable hundreds of millions of dollars toward Hamas, including tens of millions of cash they could never account for. Throughout the Biden admin, they knew the money they were pouring into Gaza would benefit Hamas. They did it anyway," Cruz posted on X.

Retrieved February 7, 2025, from Ted Cruz: USAID 'Poured Hundreds of Millions' to Hamas | Newsmax.com

  

Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Over Israel

Retrieved February 7, 2025, from Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Over Israel | Newsmax.com

 

February 6, 2025

 The golden pager that Netanyahu gifted Trump: 'Symbolizes the war's turning point'

The Prime Minister's Office published a photo of the golden pager that the Prime Minister presented to the American President who replied: 'That was a brilliant operation.'

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from The golden pager that Netanyahu gifted Trump: 'Symbolizes the war's turning point'

  

Netanyahu: Trump's plan for Gaza is the first good idea that I've heard

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks to Fox News about Trump's plan for Gaza: It's a remarkable idea. And I think it should be really pursued and done, because I think it will create a different future for everyone.

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from Netanyahu: Trump's plan for Gaza is the first good idea that I've heard

 

 Soldier charged with abusing terrorists at Sde Teiman

Military court sentences reservist who allegedly abused security prisoners to seven months, demotes him to 'private.'

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from Soldier charged with abusing terrorists at Sde Teiman

 

 The Blood of the Shepherds Cries Out from the Earth

Help Us Fight Against Agricultural Terror

In the pastures of the Land of Israel, our shepherds stand at the forefront of danger. Every day they are violently attacked by Arab rioters, anarchists from radical left-wing organizations, and terrorists. In the last month alone, there have been more than 20 violent attacks resulting in the injury of shepherds. Our farmers have become a living target, and the time has come for us to stand by their side and protect them with our bodies.

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from The Blood of the Shepherds Cries Out from the Earth

 

Shellenberger: USAID Paid for Trump Impeachment Effort

The United States Agency for International Development and the CIA funded the 2019 impeachment effort against President Donald Trump, according to investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger.

Shellenberger took to social media Wednesday night to explain his findings.

"USAID's defenders say it's about charity and development in poor nations. It's not. It's a $40 billion driver of regime change abroad. And now the evidence suggests that it, along with the CIA, were behind the 2019 impeachment of Trump — an illegal regime change effort at home," Shellenberger posted on X with an image of his Substack "Public" story.

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from Shellenberger: USAID Paid for Trump Impeachment Effort | Newsmax.com

 

Trump Calls for Air Traffic Control Reforms at National Prayer Breakfast

Retrieved February 6, 2025, from Trump Calls for Air Traffic Control Reforms at National Prayer Breakfast | Newsmax.com

February 5, 2025

 'Ethnic cleansing' | Democratic lawmaker seeks to impeach Trump over Gaza plan

Rep. Al Green says he would bring articles of impeachment against President Trump for 'dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done.'

Retrieved February 5, 2025, from 'Ethnic cleansing' | Democratic lawmaker seeks to impeach Trump over Gaza plan

 

 Trump: The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first international leader to meet President Trump since he assumed office. Trump in response to Arutz Sheva: Saudis are not expecting a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization with Israel.

Retrieved February 5, 2025, from Trump: The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently

 

Israeli source: 'Trump does not want Hamas in Gaza'

Ahead of meeting between US President and PM Netanyahu Israeli source reports that Israel is willing to consider extending first phase of hostage deal.

Retrieved February 5, 2025, from Israeli source: 'Trump does not want Hamas in Gaza'

  

Report: Pentagon preparing plan to withdraw US forces from Syria

Responding to claims that US troops are planning to withdraw from Syria, President Donald Trump says, 'Syria is its own mess; with enough messes over there, they don’t need us involved in everyone.'

Retrieved February 5, 2025, from Report: Pentagon preparing plan to withdraw US forces from Syria

February 4, 2025

 No time to negotiate with Iran

Negotiating with dictatorships guarantees failure. Why? Because Democratic governments are transitional and short-term oriented because of the pressure of upcoming elections. Oped.

Retrieved February 4, 2025, from No time to negotiate with Iran | Israel National News - Arutz Sheva

 

 Jordan Valley shooting attack leaves two IDF reservists dead

A terrorist wearing a bulletproof vest entered an IDF position and opened fire at the troops. The terrorist was eliminated after a gun battle.

Retrieved February 4, 2025, from Jordan Valley shooting attack leaves two IDF reservists dead | Israel National News - Arutz Sheva

  

Hamas official: We're holding two senior IDF officers hostage

Negotiations for second stage of deal to focus on IDF's full withdrawal from Gaza, permanent ceasefire, and preventing resumption of fighting, Hamas tells mediators. Retrieved February 4, 2025, from Hamas official: We're holding two senior IDF officers hostage | Israel National News - Arutz Sheva

February 3, 2025

 King Abdullah of Jordan to meet Trump next week

Jordan's King Abdullah II agrees to visit the White House on February 11 for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, the royal palace announces.

Retrieved February 3, 2025, from King Abdullah of Jordan to meet Trump next week | Israel National News - Arutz Sheva

 

 Trump Pauses Tariffs on Mexico

President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum put their planned tariffs on hold Monday for a month to give time for further negotiations, and Mexico said it planned to deploy 10,000 members of its national guard to address drug trafficking.

Trump's tariffs against Canada and China were still slated to go into effect Tuesday, but uncertainty remained about the durability of any deals and whether the tariffs were a harbinger of a broader trade war, as Trump has promised more import taxes to come.

The U.S. and Mexican leaders announced the pause after what Trump described on social media as a "very friendly conversation," and he said he looked forward to the upcoming talks.

Retrieved February 3, 2025, from Trump Pauses Tariffs on Mexico | Newsmax.com