In a bold economic initiative aimed at crippling Hamas’ financial infrastructure in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has formally urged Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron to take unprecedented action: remove the legal tender designation from specific 200 Shekel banknotes.
This dramatic proposal is part of a wider strategy to disrupt Hamas’ access to liquid funds, which Sa’ar said forms the core of its operational strength in the region. He noted that billions of shekels in physical cash fuel Hamas’ activities in Gaza.

President Trump and Scott Bessent provide an update on potential trade deals with nations around the world.

Dozens attend the levaya of Barack Tzach z”l, who was killed in a shark attack off the Israeli coast earlier this week.

An IDF soldier injured in Gaza was airlifted to Hadassah Ein Kerem’s trauma unit this afternoon with a hand injury. His condition is mild to moderate.

Egypt is reportedly preparing to unveil a fresh outline for a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to a report published Thursday by Asharq News, a Saudi-owned outlet. The report, citing sources familiar with the talks, stated the new plan is expected to be formally submitted to both sides before the end of the week.
The sources indicated that this updated framework attempts to accommodate key conditions set forth by both parties. Described as a “balanced” approach, the proposal aims to lay the groundwork for a multi-year cessation of hostilities, possibly extending for a period of five to seven years.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed in March, a lackluster start to the spring homebuying season as elevated mortgage rates and rising prices discouraged home shoppers. Existing home sales fell 5.9% last month from February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. The March sales decline is the largest monthly drop since November 2022, when sales fell 6.7% from the previous month. Sales also fell 2.4% compared with March last year. The latest home sales fell short of the 4.12 million pace economists were expecting, according to FactSet. The average cost of a U.S.

A fast-spreading wildfire in New Jersey has sent plumes of smoke across the greater New York City region, disrupting air quality and triggering health advisories on Thursday. The fire’s suspected origin has led to the arrest of a young man accused of starting the blaze.
Authorities in Ocean County announced that 19-year-old Joseph Kling, a resident of Waretown, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated arson. Prosecutors allege that Kling ignited the fire in the vicinity of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township, with officials pointing to a “bonfire that was not properly put out” as the cause.

In a powerful reiteration of his support for Torah-oriented engagement with the World Zionist Organization (WZO), HaGaon Rav Avrohom Gurwicz, Rosh Yeshivas Gateshead, has released an updated endorsement, urging all shomrei Torah umitzvos to register and vote for the Eretz HaKodesh party in the current WZO elections.
The new statement, dated today, 26 Nissan 5785, follows and builds upon a foundational letter issued by Rav Gurwicz earlier, in which he echoed the directive of Gedolei Yisroel—Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l and Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlit”a—emphasizing the critical importance of Torah Jewry having a voice in decisions affecting Eretz Yisroel through the WZO.

Hod Hasharon Mayor and Yesh Atid member Amir Kochavi spoke at a Yom HaShoah event and compared the IDF’s actions in Gaza to Naza atrocities. “We must not remain silent in the face of atrocities against people of other nationalities in the world – even if they are carried out in our name,” he said. “Jewish morality dictates – never again, not only to us, but to all nations as an ethical and moral commandment of a just and healthy society.” “There are 59 people in Gaza; their ‘never again’ is still going on.