Israeli President Yitzchak Herzog called the 2005 disengagement from Gaza a “mistake” during a speech on Monday, marking the 20th anniversary of the controversial withdrawal. Speaking at an event hosted by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), Herzog reflected on the decision to evacuate all Israeli settlements and military forces from the Gaza Strip, a move that has shaped Israel’s security landscape for two decades. The disengagement saw Israel unilaterally withdraw from Gaza, dismantling 21 settlements and evacuating approximately 8,500 residents, many forcibly removed by Israeli security forces. The move aimed to reduce friction with Palestinians and advance peace prospects, but Herzog argued it failed to achieve those goals.

Seattle-based aerospace startup Gravitics has secured a $60 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop a revolutionary satellite deployment system designed to rapidly launch satellites into orbit in times of crisis, acting as a sort of space-based aircraft carrier. The system, dubbed the Orbital Carrier, is being heralded as a potential game-changer in orbital security. Acting as a “prepositioned launch pad in space,” the Orbital Carrier will house multiple maneuverable satellites, ready to be deployed on demand in the event existing assets are disabled, threatened, or interfered with — particularly amid growing concerns about space aggression from countries like China and Russia. “The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, in a statement.

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil, a warning that came after planned talks over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed. Trump wrote on social media, “All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” He said any country or person who buys those products from Iran will not be able to do business with the United States “in any way, shape, or form.” It was unclear how Trump would implement such a ban as he threatened to levy secondary sanctions on nations that import Iranian oil. But his statement risked further escalating tensions with China — Iran’s leading customer — at a time when the relationship is severely strained over the U.S. president’s tariffs.

Sergeant Shimon Tubol Z”L, a dedicated soldier in the Chareidi Hashmonaim Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday night, while on leave from the army. The accident occurred under civilian circumstances on Route 457 near Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region, marking the first casualty of the Hashmonaim Brigade since its establishment six months ago as part of an initiative to integrate Chareidi soldiers into significant combat roles. Sgt. Tubol previously served in the Chareidi Netzach Yehuda battalion before joining the Hashmonaim Brigade as a fighter, contributing to the brigade’s mission of bridging Chareidi values with military service. The accident also left four others injured, who were evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital.

Washington, DC – Rabbi Levi Shemtov, a prominent Chabad representative known for his unique ability to engage with both Democratic and Republican administrations, delivered a heartfelt prayer at the White House National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, Rabbi Shemtov said, “We pray for the president, as he works so hard, & we ask that you please help him succeed for the benefit of all our nation and the world,” emphasizing unity and support for the nation’s leadership. WATCH THE PRAYER: (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

During a National Day of Prayer event at the White House today, President  Trump disclosed a grim update on the Gaza hostage situation, stating that fewer than 24 of the 59 hostages are believed to be alive. “Out of 59, you had 24 that were living, and now I understand that it’s not even that number,” Trump remarked, highlighting a significant reduction in the previously reported figure. Israel has long maintained that 24 of the 59 hostages held in Gaza were alive, but this week, Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly corrected her husband during an event, noting the number was lower than the official count. The prime minister had stated there were “up to 24” living hostages, reflecting uncertainty in the figures amid ongoing tensions.

After about 30 hours, Chief Fire  Eyal Caspi announced at 6:30 p.m. that control had been achieved over the massive fire in the Jerusalem hills. “The Fire Chief has instructed to gradually reduce forces,” a statement said. “The firefighters will continue to work at low intensity but with a strong presence on the ground to prevent the fire from rekindling. The Fire Chief thanks all the forces and parties that assisted in the national effort to extinguish the fire.” The main hotspots on Thursday were Latrun, Burma Road, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Ta’oz, Canada Park, Sha’ar HaGai, Kedoshim Forest, and Shoresh. According to the Fire and Rescue Authority, a special investigative team has launched a probe into the circumstances of the fire, and an in-depth investigation is underway.

Trump administration National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and other staffers are out at the National Security Council, all major media outlets are confirming. Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were purged Thursday. Waltz, who previously served as a Florida congressman and as a decorated combat Green Beret, has come under fire from Democrats and critics since March, when the Atlantic magazine’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg published a firsthand account of getting added to a Signal group chat with top national security leaders, including Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, while they discussed strikes against Yemen terrorists.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a condemnation of President Donald Trump’s administration Wednesday night, criticizing what she called an agenda that threatens democratic institutions and economic stability — though her remarks drew mixed reactions from both allies and critics. Speaking at the Emerge America gala, Harris accused the Trump White House of orchestrating the “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history,” taking particular aim at the administration’s aggressive tariff policies. “This is not chaos by accident,” Harris said.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that 18 people suspected of arson in the massive fires that spread throughout Israel on Wednesday have been arrested. Speaking at the annual Tanach Quiz held on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Netanyahu said: “There are natural disasters, there are also man-made disasters. We’re currently holding 18 people suspected of arson, one of whom was caught in the act.” “Our neighbors who claim they love this land are inciting to burn it. We are the ones who truly love it,” he emphasized. “We love the land. We protect the country. I’m confident we’ll be able to cope with this challenge as well.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)