Security was noticeably extra tight as over 50,000 people flocked to the Kosel on Sunday morning, the third day of Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisrael, for Birchas Kohanim. Thousands of Israel Police and Border Police officers were deployed to the area to ensure visitors’ safety. Although tens of thousands of Jews participated in the tefillah, photos of the Kosel from afar show a noticeably smaller crowd than past years.

A  Palestinian attempted to commit a terror attack next to the yishuv of Ofra in Binyanim on Shabbos but b’chasdei Hashem killed only himself. According to security camera footage of the attack, the terrorist sped toward a parked police vehicle as a police officer and IDF soldier patrolled nearby. The terrorist was identified as a 27-year-old resident of Shechem. Watch the video of the attack below: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

In a stunning exchange on Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to lend credence to a protester accusing Israel of genocide during a campaign stop at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The moment unfolded when Harris was interrupted by a demonstrator wearing a keffiyeh, who loudly accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. “I know what you’re speaking of. I want a ceasefire. I want the hostage deal done. I want the war to end,” Harris began, seemingly attempting to diffuse the situation. But the protester quickly escalated, shouting, “But what about the genocide? What about the genocide though?” Instead of firmly dismissing the accusation, Harris responded, “I respect your right to speak, but I’m speaking right now,” triggering cheers from the crowd.

An adviser to the presumed current leader of Al-Qaeda has called for Hamas to release the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, according to SITE, an American organization that monitors jihadist activities. The appeal was made by Mustafa Hamid, also known as Abu Walid al-Masri, who is the father-in-law of Saif al-Adel, the individual widely believed to be the head of Al-Qaeda. Hamid’s statement claims that the focus on recovering the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks is overshadowing the plight of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. In his statement, Hamid urged Hamas to “immediately” release the hostages and their bodies, warning of the consequences if the issue remains unresolved. “This file must be closed and not opened again,” the statement reads.

The U.S. government is investigating a leak of highly classified intelligence concerning Israel’s plans for a potential military strike against Iran. A U.S. official described the leak to CNN as “deeply concerning,” adding that it involves highly sensitive information about Israel’s military movements and preparations. The leaked documents, dated October 15 and 16, began circulating online on Friday after being posted on Telegram by an account called “Middle East Spectator.” The documents, marked top secret, are intended to be seen only by the U.S. and its “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing allies — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The IDF has intensified their military operations in both the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, targeting terrorist infrastructure and combatants linked to Hezbollah and Hamas. In southern Lebanon, IDF ground forces have been actively dismantling Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure, eliminating combatants, and confiscating weapons. The Israel Air Force (IAF) has played a significant role, eliminating over 65 Hezbollah fighters and striking multiple terrorist sites, including launchers aimed at Israeli civilians and various infrastructure targets. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues operations across northern, southern, and central regions.

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman It is Motzai Shabbos after a 3 day Yom Tov and included in it is the invariable discussion of the Chol HaMo‘ed trip.

The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip has left the Palestinian militant group in search of a new chief – a job it’s hard to imagine anyone wants. According to the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, internal discussions are underway within Hamas to select a new leader. A senior Hamas official told the paper that Sinwar’s death marks a significant turning point for the group, which now faces “a new stage” of leadership and strategic challenges. Reports suggest that with Sinwar no longer in the picture, decision-making within Hamas will shift to its leaders abroad, which could open the door to renewed talks for a ceasefire and a potential hostage exchange deal.