California-based chipmaker Nvidia has officially become the most valuable company in the world, beating Silicon Valley rivals Microsoft, Apple, and Google to become the first company valued at over $4 trillion. The tech giant is the first company to ever achieve this market value, beating Apple’s previous record-setting market cap in December, reported the Associated Press.

Knesset member Ofer Cassif of the Hadash-Ta’al party was suspended from parliamentary activity for two months by the Knesset Ethics Committee on Wednesday. The decision came after a wave of complaints were submitted regarding Cassif’s statements criticizing Israeli military actions in Gaza. His suspension covers attendance at both plenum sessions and committee meetings from October 19 to December 19, and his salary will be reduced for two weeks. One major source of contention was his public call for the International Criminal Court to investigate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.

Israel has reportedly been informed by Qatari intermediaries that Hamas is actively gearing up for a possible truce. According to Channel 12, these preparations include not only strategic military adjustments but also steps toward freeing the hostages, as part of a broader push for an agreement currently underway in Doha.
Qatar believes that an accord is within reach, with only one remaining obstacle to be resolved — namely, the location and extent of Israel Defense Forces redeployments, Channel 12 further notes.
Despite these developments, Hamas is publicly disputing the notion that meaningful progress is being made. The group claims that it is Israel, not Hamas, that is impeding the negotiations.

Although there has been some movement in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, insiders familiar with the discussions say major obstacles still remain that could prevent an agreement.
Roughly 80% of the points under negotiation have been settled in principle, according to those involved. However, the remaining disputes involve the most sensitive and potentially deal-breaking issues. Chief among them are disagreements over how humanitarian aid will be distributed during the ceasefire, and where the IDF will be positioned throughout the planned 60-day halt in combat.

While in Washington, DC, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed the press corps traveling with him and emphasized that he and President Donald Trump are closely aligned in their objectives regarding the situation in Gaza. “The release of the hostages and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza,” he stated, are mutual priorities.
Netanyahu elaborated on the nature of their collaboration, saying, “We have a shared strategy and shared tactics for this. This includes full coordination. President Trump wants a deal, and I want a deal, but not at any cost.”
For his part, President Trump expressed cautious optimism during his remarks. “There is a chance we will announce a deal in Gaza either this week or next week, but nothing is certain,” he said.
{Matzav.com}

(AP) — Alan G.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the United States is placing sanctions on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, citing her attempts to bring charges against American and Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court.
“Today, I am imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt the International Criminal Court action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives,” Rubio declared.

President Trump voiced strong support for the newly launched Justice Department inquiries into James Comey and John Brennan, describing the two men as “crooked as h—.”

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of R’ Chaim Tzvi Hershy Treitel z”l of Flatbush. He was 70 years old.
R’ Chaim Tzvi was born in Eretz Yisroel on the 16th of Elul in 1954 to his father, R’ Mordechai Yitzchok Treitel, and his mother, Rebbetzin Chana.
He married the daughter of R’ Yisroel Shimon Kirshenbaum and was a grandson of the mekubal and Breslover mashpia R’ Binyomin Zev (Velvel) Cheshen.

[Video below.] Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu appeared on Fox Business Wednesday, where he addressed a range of pressing regional issues and highlighted the strength of his partnership with President Donald Trump.
During the interview, Netanyahu said that negotiations for the release of hostages were progressing and expressed confidence that every individual held captive would ultimately be brought home. He also made a stark comparison, warning that allowing Hamas to continue ruling Gaza would be akin to permitting the Nazi SS to remain in control of Germany following World War II.