The U.S. State Department issued a strong condemnation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following the publication of photos showing him visiting the kever of Rabbi Meir Kahane HY’D, a figure regarded as an extremist by the US. Kahane’s ideology and actions have been associated with terrorism, and his Kach party was outlawed in Israel and designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. In a statement, a State Department spokesperson said, “As we’ve said on previous and similar occasions, celebrating the legacy of a terrorist and a terrorist organization is abhorrent. We strongly condemn any attempt to whitewash acts of terrorism.” The statement underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S.

Two months ago, the Chotam and Bochrim B’Mishpacha organizations submitted a petition to the Jerusalem District Court against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Mirara and the Justice Ministry, demanding to reveal the number of times a government entity was forced to request alternative legal representation. The goal of the petition is to reveal how often Baharav-Miara, who was hired to represent the government, presented a stance contrary to that of the government – forcing ministers to request private legal counsel. The petition was filed after the organizations requested the data several times under the Freedom of Information Law but did not receive a response.

Sephardi Chief Rabbi David Yosef sharply criticized Pope Francis for suggesting that Israel’s actions in Gaza may constitute genocide, accusing the pontiff of siding with perpetrators of violence instead of victims. The remarks were made by the Pope in a forthcoming book. “It’s very interesting that the Pope doesn’t call for an investigation of the terrible slaughter of Jews last year on October 7,” Rabbi Yosef said in a video statement. “It’s interesting that he doesn’t call for an investigation of the incitement against Jews across Europe, overt antisemitic incitement.” In his book, the pope writes, “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.

Amnesty International revealed last week that at the same time that  French President Emmanuel Macron is calling for an arms embargo on Israel due to “harm to innocent people” in Gaza, France is supplying weapon systems to rebels in Sudan who have committed unspeakable war crimes and massacres amid a civil war in the African country. Amnesty obtained evidence of French-manufactured military systems installed on armored vehicles supplied to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan’s most notorious paramilitary group.

A severe and unprecedented incident occurred on Wednesday when an Israeli civilian was killed by enemy fire in Lebanon. The civilian was identified as Ze’ev Chanoch Erlich HY’D. What was the 71-year-old civilian, a well-known historian and tour guide, doing in a battle zone? His friend, a Golani commander, brought him to Lebanon without permission. Details of the incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Wednesday reveal that Erlich donned a uniform – without being called up for reserves, and the IDF is investigating whether he entered the area of an ancient fortress in Lebanon. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi ordered an investigation into the incident, and the Head of the IDF’s Personnel Directorate recognized Erlich as a fallen IDF soldier.

El Al has reported record earnings in the third quarter of 2024, benefiting from a near-monopoly on flights to and from Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza and regional security tensions. The airline posted $1 billion in revenue from July to September, a 43% increase from $696 million during the same period last year. Profits soared to $187 million, up nearly 260% from $52 million in 2023. El Al’s strong financial performance comes as many major international airlines have suspended routes to Tel Aviv due to security concerns. U.S. carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines have halted flights indefinitely, leaving El Al as the sole operator of direct routes between Tel Aviv and North America.

The illegal immigrant convicted in the killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jose Ibarra was charged with murder and other crimes in Riley’s February death, and the guilty verdict was reached on Wednesday by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard. Ibarra, 26, had waived his right to a jury trial, meaning Haggard alone heard and decided the case. Haggard found Ibarra guilty of all 10 counts against him: one count of malice murder; three counts of felony murder; and one count each of kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing an emergency call, evidence tampering and being a peeping Tom.

The IDF has announced the death of a reservist who was killed in combat in southern Lebanon earlier today. The soldier has been identified as 22-year-old Sgt. First Class (res.) Eitan Ben Ami, of the Maglan commando unit from Jerusalem. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Indictments against two suspects in the “leaks case” at the Prime Minister’s Office are expected to be filed on Thursday by the State Prosecutor’s Office, with Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara responsible for the final decision on what charges will be filed. The suspects are former spokesperson Eli Feldstein and a former aide who has not been identified. Journalist Caroline Glick wrote about the case: “Eli Feldstein, a spokesman at the Prime Minister’s Office is being railroaded by Israel’s corrupt deep state.

Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday that Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch will be the next Commissioner of the NYPD, effective Monday. Tisch will become the second female to serve in the role in the department’s 179-year history. The first, Keechant Sewell, was also appointed by Adams. Tisch is a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and the current commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. She was previously the NYPD’s technology czar.