Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat and his party’s top leader on the Judiciary Committee, announced Wednesday that he won’t seek a sixth term in 2026. “I know in my heart it’s time to pass the torch,” the veteran senator said in a social media post Wednesday.

Sec. Scott Bessent: “I wish to be clear: America first does not mean America alone. To the contrary, it is a call for deeper collaboration and mutual respect among trade partners.”

PSYCHOLOGICAL TERROR: Hamas released a video of hostage Omri Miran (47) on Wednesday, who was kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7. The most recent sign of life of Miran was received through an Israeli who was returned from captivity in February.

BDE: Israel Police announced Wednesday afternoon that the remains found in the sea on Tuesday off the coast of Hadera belonged to Barak Tzach, z’l, who was killed by sharks on Monday. Tzach, z’l, a resident of Petach Tikva, is survived by his wife and four children.

Roughly 150 Gaza’s have left gaza today with most of those heading for France.

Police are evacuating Eshtaol and Mesilat Zion, moshavim near Beit Shemesh, as quick-spreading brush fires continue to blaze on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Law enforcement has closed Route 38 to traffic from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem

U.S. troops have withdrawn from al-Shaddadi Base in western Syria, relocating to Iraq with a convoy of around 300 trucks.

At least five members of Iraq’s PMF were injured today in Anbar while attempting to neutralize an unidentified explosive-laden drone.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

The IDF says it is taking part in firefighting efforts as the major blaze spreads in the Judean foothills and Jerusalem area. Fire engines belonging to the Israeli Air Force and Technological and Logistics Directorate will be operating alongside the Fire and Rescue Service and Israel Police. The IAF is also assisting with building an “aerial picture” of the fire.