Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Wednesday that if Hamas fails to release over 100 hostages held for 454 days and continues rocket attacks, Israel will strike Gaza with “a force not seen in a long time.” Speaking in Netivot, Katz declared, “The IDF will intensify its activities against terrorist nests in Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is eliminated.” The warning follows Hamas firing two rockets at Netivot to mark the New Year, with no reported damage or injuries. Hamas released footage of the rocket attacks on Thursday. Katz urged Gaza’s residents to “rise up against Hamas” and pressure the group to release the hostages to avoid further suffering.

The IDF has released dramatic bodycam footage from a September 8th special forces raid on an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) arms facility in northwestern Syria, used by Hezbollah to manufacture missiles. “Tonight, we reveal a special operation that took place in the heart of Syria in early September, during which dozens of fighters raided an underground site for the production of Iranian precision missiles,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. The IRGC had constructed the facility to enable Hezbollah to produce hundreds of rockets and missiles annually. According to Hagari, the site was set to become a key location for missile engine production along Israel’s northern front. “We prevented this,” he said.

Three people sustained minor injuries Thursday afternoon in Tel Aviv when a man driving a tractor struck them, according to Israel Police. Police stated the incident happened during a brawl, and the tractor driver has been detained for questioning.

Farmers regularly visit the home of the Gaon Av Beis Din of the Chareidi moshav of Komemmiyut, HaTzaddik HaRav Yisrael Yitzchak Mendelson, to consult with him on מצוות התלויות בארץ. HaRav Mendelson, who serves as the Nasi of the Keren HaShaviis, is the son of the famed Rav of Komemmiyut, HaTzaddik HaGaon Binyamin Mendelson, z’tl. Last week, a group of farmers traveled from the northern town of Beit She’an to visit HaRav Mendelson at his home of Yerushalayim. The group, led by farmers Michoel and Oded Korkin, told the Rav that if the winter continues with no rain, as has been the situation so far, the seeds in the field will wither and die and the farmers will suffer tremendous financial losses. They asked HaRav Mendelson for a bracha.

Chaverim of Rockland, has broken its own record by responding to an astonishing 64,135 calls throughout the year 2024. Chaverim of Rockland, an essential lifeline for residents in the area, boasts an impressive team of 180 dedicated volunteers who tirelessly respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the organization’s operations are made possible by an additional 30 skilled dispatchers who ensure that assistance is just a call away, covering shifts around the clock. In comparison to the previous year, 2023, when Chaverim of Rockland responded to a still-impressive 53.003 calls, this year’s total of 64,135 marks a substantial increase of 11,132 calls.

A fiery explosion outside Trump Las Vegas on Wednesday has ignited a sweeping investigation by authorities, who are treating the incident as a possible act of terror. The explosion, involving a Tesla Cybertruck, rocked the entrance of the iconic hotel, sending shockwaves through the city and raising immediate concerns about safety and security. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department cordoned off the area, urging the public to stay clear of the site as investigators combed through the charred remains of the vehicle. While the flames were extinguished, the unsettling questions surrounding the explosion have only intensified. According to officials, the driver of the Cybertruck pulled into the valet area before the vehicle suddenly erupted into flames.

For two nights in a row, Ishay Ribo performed to two sold-out shows in NYC. The second show was a separate seating event. On the 8th night of Chanukah, Ribo will be performing at Miami’s Fillmore. If you want to buy tickets, YOU CAN’T! That show is ALSO totally sold out! You can go to Punta del Este, Uruguay, on January 5th for his next show if you want to see him live. [Watch his first show on YWN here] (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway as another flight was taking off Friday at Los Angeles International Airport. The plane operated by Key Lime Air was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta aircraft took off. No one was injured. “Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. “When the Embraer E135 jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop.

In a sweeping annual report, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency revealed it thwarted 1,040 major terror attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem in 2024, dismantled 20 Arab Israeli terror cells, and uncovered 13 Iranian espionage plots. The agency disclosed unprecedented details of its operations, including the first release of audio from the daring October 30, 2023, rescue of Cpl. Ori Megidish, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. In the recording, an agent reassures Megidish during the operation, telling her, “Ori, you’re in good hands. The team rescued you and is bringing you home.” In Gaza, Shin Bet agents aided in the detention of 1,350 Palestinians at military checkpoints, including 40 senior commanders and 165 individuals linked to high-ranking Hamas officials.