The IDF conducted airstrikes on Hamas terror sites in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night in response to the launching of a rocket into southern Israel early on Tuesday evening as well as the continuous launching of incendiary and explosive balloons from Gaza for the past two weeks. The launching of the rocket caused rocket alert sirens to blare in Ashkelon and Zikim, sending thousands of residents into bomb shelters. The rocket fell into an open area and fortunately, there were no reports of serious injuries or damage. Two young girls were slightly injured when running toward protective rooms and were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. A rocket & explosive balloons were launched from Gaza into Israel today.

Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Chezy Levy said on Monday that Israel is working on a plan to allow tourists into Israel beginning in September. Levy said at a meeting of the Knesset State Control Committee that the Health Ministry will present a plan to reopen Israel’s skies to tourists by the end of August. The plan will allow tourists from “green countries” to enter Israel in “controlled groups” as well as enable Israelis to travel for business even to “red countries.” On Sunday, the Health Ministry signed an order retroactively exempting Israelis returning from 20 countries from the requirement to quarantine upon arrival back in Israel.

Israel and Ukraine issued a joint statement on Tuesday discouraging visitors from coming to Uman for Rosh Hashanah due to fears of sparking a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. “The epidemiological situation in Ukraine and Israel, as well as throughout the world, unfortunately, does not allow us to mark [Rosh Hashanah] per the usual customs,” the joint statement said.

Following the historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and amid reports that other Gulf State countries such as Oman and Bahrain will soon follow in the UAE’s footsteps, Kuwait firmly announced that it will not be normalizing relations with the Jewish state, Yisrael Hayom reported. “Our position toward Israel hasn’t changed as a result of the agreement to normalize ties with the UAE,” senior Kuwaiti officials stated in an official announcement on Sunday, according to the Al-Qabas newspaper. “We will be the last to normalize ties.” According to what Dr. Michael Barak, a Middle East researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC), told Yisrael Hayom, Kuwait’s stance is at least partially due to the Muslim Brotherhood’s foothold in Kuwait.

A young Jewish girl was abducted in Bensonhurst while waiting for her day camp bus on Tuesday morning, and after a frantic search, was found inside the home of her abductor. Highly credible sources tell YWN that the 11-year-old child left her home as she did every day all summer, and walked a half a block to her corner to wait for her bus to day camp. While waiting at the corner, a Jewish man approached her, grabbed her arm and then forcibly took her into his apartment. The mother soon learned that the child was not in day camp, and immediately contacted the Boro Park Shomrim Emergency Hotline, who called the NYPD and a search was launched in minutes. Dozens of Shomrim volunteers began searching every street in the area.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi spoke to Omani Foreign Minister Yosef bin Alawi bin Abdullah on Monday and agreed to work on strengthening the relationship between Israel and Oman. “Earlier today I spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Yosef bin Alawi bin Abdullah,” Ashkenazi stated.

Israel and Sudan on Tuesday said they are close to reaching a peace agreement – setting the stage for a second dramatic diplomatic breakthrough for Israel with its Arab neighbors in a matter of days. A Sudanese Foreign Ministry official announced that his government is “looking forward to concluding a peace agreement with Israel,” drawing a promise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “do all that’s needed” to wrap up a deal. The announcements came days after Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced an agreement to establish formal diplomatic ties. While Sudan does not have the resources and influence of the UAE, it has a far more hostile history toward Israel.

Police say an Inwood man has been arrested and accused of making a terroristic threat toward a Yeshiva children’s camp. According to detectives, police were responding for a complaint regarding a violation of social distancing at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island children’s camp. Police say the call was made by Nicola Pelle, 58, of, Inwood. While police were en route to the call, they say Pelle called again and threatened to get a gun and shoot the individuals at the location if the police didn’t get there. During the investigation, police say that Pelle identified himself as the caller, and was then placed under arrest without incident. In his home, police found five handguns, rifles and shotguns, two of which were assault weapons, police said. All of the guns were seized as evidence.

The Argentine government made a decision last month to allow religious institutions to re-open but gatherings are limited to ten people. Argentine rabbanim are currently worried about how Jewish Argentines, especially those who only have tenuous ties to the community, will maintain their connections during the upcoming chagim. In an interview with Kikar H’Shabbos, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Argentina, HaRav Yitzchak Skeh expressed his fear of how the Jewish community will be able to hold tefillos for the Yamim Noraim. “Judaism in Argentina has hit a low point during the coronavirus era,” lamented Rav Skeh.

Outbreaks of coronavirus in three different Chabad Bungalow colonies in the Catskills have led to a lockdown for at least one of them this week. According to COLlive, cases have been confirmed at Evergreen Estates, Inner Circle, Mei Menuchos, and Mountain Lodge. After being advised by the Gedalia society and Dr. Eli Rosen, the Board at Mountain Lodge have established “modified” guidelines in recognition of our community’s experience. “Anyone who previously tested positive for Covid or tested positive for antibodies does not need to quarantine. However, you should be vigilant and monitor your health. If you feel sick, get tested and isolate. Pay special attention to social distancing,” they advised. Anyone who has not had the virus must quarantine for two weeks.