U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Saturday that Israel appears to have targeted only military sites in its retaliatory attack against Iran the previous night. “It looks like they didn’t hit anything other than military targets,” he told reporters. This statement marked another attempt by Washington to subtly express its approval of Israel’s strikes. A senior Biden administration official had informed reporters hours earlier that the attacks were “targeted and proportional with low risk of civilian harm.” Biden added, “My hope is this is the end,” as the U.S. aims to balance its support for Israel’s right to defend itself following Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile strike, while also calling for de-escalation in the region. Pres.

Israel pounded Iran with a series of airstrikes early Saturday, saying it was targeting military sites in retaliation for the barrage of ballistic missiles the Islamic Republic fired upon Israel earlier in the month. Explosions could be heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran, though the Islamic Republic insisted they caused only “limited damage.” Saturday marked the first time Israel’s military has openly attacked Iran, which hasn’t faced a sustained barrage of fire from a foreign enemy since its 1980s war with Iraq.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed Washington’s call for de-escalation following Israel’s recent retaliatory strike against Iran. “We are also very adamant that we must see de-escalation in the region going forward, and that will be our focus,” she told reporters, noting she had just discussed the matter with President Joe Biden and their national security aides. “Of course, we maintain the importance of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.” The Democratic presidential nominee cited U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region this week as part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

The IDF reported that a total of 13 soldiers were killed during combat operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon over the second days of Sukkos. The soldiers, serving in various brigades, lost their lives during confrontations with terror operatives, while numerous others were wounded. Below is the list of the fallen soldiers: Southern Lebanon: – Sgt. First Class Gai Ben-Haroosh, 23, from Pardes Hanna-Karkur, commander in the Oketz canine unit. – Warrant Officer (res.) Mordechai Haim Amoyal, 42, from Lod, Carmeli Brigade’s 222nd Battalion. – Sgt. Maj. (res.) Shmuel Harari, 35, from Safed, Carmeli Brigade’s 222nd Battalion. – Master Sgt. (res.) Shlomo Aviad Nayman, 31, from Mitzpe Yeriho, Carmeli Brigade’s 222nd Battalion. – Sgt.

According to Channel 13, Israel originally intended to target Iran’s oil and natural gas facilities but revised its plan to focus solely on Iranian military sites due to ongoing pressure from the United States. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has denied the report, calling it “totally false.” “Israel chose the targets ahead of time, based on its national interests,” says the Prime Minister’s Office, “and not based on American directives.” “That’s how it was, and that’s how it will be.”

Iran’s mission to the UN reports that Israeli warplanes launched attacks on Iran from Iraqi airspace, accusing the United States of “complicity” in the action. “Iraqi airspace is under the occupation, command and control of the US military. Conclusion: The US complicity in this crime is certain,” Iran’s UN mission wrote on X. 1. The Zionist regime’s warplanes attacked several Iranian military and radar sites from Iraqi airspace, approximately 70 miles from Iran’s border. 2. Iraqi airspace is under the occupation, command and control of the U.S. military. Conclusion: The U.S. complicity in this crime… — I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) October 26, 2024

A worldwide initiative has been launched for this Simchas Torah to garner zechusim for the neshamos killed in last year’s Simchas Torah attack by Hamas, as well as for those still being held hostage, and for soldiers battling against both Hamas and Hezbollah. Endorsed by Rav Yitzchok Berkowitz, the initiative encourages men in America to gather in shuls and learn Torah for 45 minutes, from 11 PM to 11:45 PM on Leil Shemini Atzeres. In Israel, the learning starts 45 minutes before Shacharis. Participants in this initiative can enter a raffle for $1,000 by emailing their details (see flyer below).

The IDF has released intelligence documents uncovering that six journalists from the Al Jazeera network in Gaza are affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations. The named individuals are Anas Jamal Mahmoud Al-Sharif, Alaa Abdul Aziz Muhammad Salama, Hossam Basel Abdul Karim Shabat, Ashraf Sami Ashour Saraj, Ismail Farid Muhammad Abu Omar, and Talal Mahmoud Abdul Rahman Aruki. The documents, found in Gaza, include personnel records, terrorist training lists, contact directories, and salary information, providing evidence that these journalists also serve as military operatives. One of the journalists, Ismail Farid Muhammad Abu Omar, was injured in Gaza months ago.

A man in his 50s suffered a head injury from shrapnel during a Hezbollah rocket barrage targeting the Nahariya area. Initially described as moderately wounded, his condition has now deteriorated to serious. The Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance service transported the victim to a hospital, where he remains unconscious. The IDF reported that approximately 25 rockets were launched in the attack, with the majority intercepted. It remains unclear whether the shrapnel was from a direct hit or debris from an interception. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hezbollah officially claimed responsibility for the drone attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea, and warned of future strikes. Speaking at a press conference in Beirut on Tuesday, Hezbollah media chief Mohammed Afif took “full, complete, and exclusive responsibility” for the attack, stating that it was only the beginning. “If we did not reach you this time, we will reach you the next time,” Afif warned, emphasizing that no ceasefire negotiations would take place while fighting persisted. The attempted assassination involved three drones, with one reportedly hitting the residence, though Netanyahu and his wife were not home at the time. Netanyahu quickly responded, blaming Iran, Hezbollah’s chief backer, for the attack.