The IDF declared on Thursday that it plans to dismiss several hundred reservists from the Air Force who had signed a public letter urging a halt to the ongoing military campaign.
This marks a shift in approach from former military leaders like ex-IDF chief Herzi Halevi and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, who, despite disapproving of such actions, were willing to tolerate reservists’ protests as long as they reported for duty. In contrast, current IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is adopting a stricter stance, aligning with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s views on the judicial reform issue.

A helicopter went down in the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, officials have confirmed.
The New York City Fire Department reported that the aircraft crashed into the water close to Pier 40, near the intersection of West Houston Street and West Street, at approximately 3:15 p.m. Emergency crews rushed to the site and launched rescue efforts.
People who saw the crash and shared their experiences online mentioned hearing a “loud thumping noise” at the moment of impact, and said the helicopter seemed to have a damaged propeller.
According to officials, FDNY’s Land and Marine units quickly arrived and began conducting rescue operations at the location.
At this time, authorities have not released information regarding any injuries or fatalities.

A helicopter has crashed into the Hudson River near Pier 40. Reports the aircraft is upside down in the water. One individual has been confirmed dead on a nearby boat, with reports that up to four others may still be trapped. YWN will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Though the IDF continues to make strides in its battle against Hamas across multiple areas, military officials admitted to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that fully dismantling the terror group could take a year—or possibly several.
The conversation began with mention of the IDF’s recent achievement in eliminating 300 Hamas operatives, and a cumulative total of between 18,000 and 20,000 killed before the January 19 ceasefire. However, those numbers must be considered alongside estimates that Hamas still has over 25,000 fighters, and that the IDF’s current main effort is centered on clearing out the group’s remaining forces in Rafah.

NEW YORK – Sean Duffy, the U.S. transportation secretary, criticized New York state’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday for allowing antisemitic protesters to shut down Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan the previous evening. “Disgusting.

The Prada Group announced a deal Thursday to buy Italy’s Versace from the U.S. luxury group Capri Holdings under terms that value the fashion house at 1.25 billion euros ($1.4 billion). Prada said the addition of Versace’s “highly recognizable aesthetic … constitutes a strongly complementary addition” to its portfolio, which includes the Prada and Miu Miu fashion brands. It said Milan-based Versace offered “significant untapped growth potential.’’ The final value of the deal will be adjusted at closing, expected in the second half of the year. It will be funded by 1.5 billion euros in new debt and has been approved by the Prada and Capri Holdings board of directors.

New Jersey’s Democrat governor has instructed law enforcement across the state to cease cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The directive was issued jointly by Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin and aligns with the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive, Shore News Network reported.
Murphy’s decision came shortly after the Trump administration added 27,000 “Outstanding Administrative Warrants for Removal from the United States” to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), in line with the former president’s immigration enforcement agenda.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Washington on Wednesday.
According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, they discussed diplomatic efforts in Gaza aimed at releasing hostages and establishing a durable ceasefire, emphasizing the necessity for Hamas to be completely disarmed and disempowered. ​

The Israel Defense Forces is finalizing plans to evacuate Rafah city and establish a strategic buffer zone along Gaza’s southern border, in what Israeli officials describe as a critical step in the dismantling of Hamas’s military presence in the area.
The plan centers on the construction of the Morag Corridor—a new security strip extending from the Mediterranean coast in the west through the former settlement of Morag, and connecting to the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border, according to Hebrew media reports. The corridor is expected to stretch up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) into Gaza, effectively encircling Rafah.

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