Israel is facing one of the most critical security decisions in its modern history: whether to act alone in striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as the United States edges closer to a renewed nuclear agreement with Tehran. As American diplomats continue what they describe as “positive” negotiations, Israeli defense officials warn the clock may be running out. The dilemma has escalated behind closed doors, as the Biden-era failure to secure a long-term agreement gave way to the Trump administration’s hardened stance. Still, Israeli officials fear the forthcoming deal may fail to fully dismantle Iran’s military nuclear capabilities—leaving Israel exposed and increasingly isolated. “We are watching the Americans go down the same path again,” said one senior Israeli official.

Eighteen months after the October 7 massacre, the Southern District Attorney’s Office has prepared indictments against 22 Nukhba terrorists who participated in the massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, Yediot Achronot reported on Sunday. According to the report, the indictments were hastily filed after the US indicated it was ready to file its own indictments against the Nukhba terrorists who murdered and abducted US citizens. Israel quickly conveyed a message to the Trump administration to delay filing US indictments in order “not to embarrass Israel.” The indictments were made possible thanks to new materials obtained by Military Intelligence (AMAN) and the Shin Bet in recent months from the Gaza Strip.

Former prime Minister Naftali Bennett was evacuated to the hospital overnight Motzei Shabbos after feeling unwell during a workout. A statement from Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba on Sunday morning said: “Former prime minister Naftali Bennett underwent catheterization and is in good condition. He will remain at the medical center for further monitoring and treatment.” While most politicians from the left to the right quickly sent their wishes for a refuah sheleimah, Likud MK Osher Shekalim responded by referring to Bennett’s recent moves to re-enter the political arena by registering a new political party earlier this month called “Bennett 2026.” Sheklaim wrote: “Wishing robust health to the former head of the ‘mandate’ government.

An IDF tracker from the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade was killed and five soldiers were wounded, three seriously, in the northern Gaza Strip on Shabbos. Warrant Officer G’haleb Sliman Alnasasra, 35, from the Bedouin-Israeli city of Rahat, was killed in a Hamas attack, the first fatality in the Strip since the ceasefire in January. In addition, five soldiers, including three female soldiers, were injured. Army Radio reported that an initial investigation revealed that IDF soldiers were working on clearing an area in northern Gaza as part of an operation to expand Israel’s buffer zone near the border.

Released hostage Keith Siegel shared new details about the conditions of his captivity in a conversation with Channel 12 on Thursday evening. Siegel, who was held together with IDF soldier Matan Angrest, who is still in captivity, said, among things, that their captors tried to convince the hostages to convert to Islam. “There were attempts to convert us to Islam,” he said. “According to them, whoever is not Muslim goes to hell and only Muslims go to heaven.” He added: “Matan spoke a lot about his longing to spend more time with his family when he returns from captivity and less with his PlayStation. I think they tried to extract information from Matan about his role [in the army]. Matan did everything he could not to reveal classified things.

The Gadol HaDor, Hagaon HaRav Dov Landau shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka,  emerged onto the balcony of his home on Rechov HaRav Sher during Chol Hamoed to address the throngs of Yidden waiting patiently for his Bracha—and to ask for mechila. After more than an hour of tirelessly receiving Yidden from all walks of life—each one seeking a moment, a smile, a Bracha for the Yom Tov—Rav Dov, already well into his upper nineties, stepped outside to speak directly to those still waiting. In his characteristic warmth and sincerity, the Rosh Yeshiva addressed the assembled crowd: “Yidden yekarim! I apologize to you. I am tired and must stop. I give you my heartfelt Bracha—for menuchas hanefesh, simcha, and kol tuv.” The moment was brief, but powerful.

The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday the elimination of Yahya Fathi Abd al-Qader Abu Shaar, the head of Hamas’s smuggling network, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza. Abu Shaar, who had been a key figure in the terror group’s logistics and weapons procurement efforts, was responsible for funneling arms and military equipment into Gaza over the last several years — including the stockpiles used in Hamas’s brutal October 7 massacre. Israeli officials say Abu Shaar’s role was central to sustaining Hamas’s war machine, helping the organization circumvent international restrictions and continue its terror operations against Israeli civilians. The IDF released aerial footage of the airstrike, showing the precise moment the vehicle carrying Abu Shaar was struck in Khan Younis.

An 89-year-old man is in critical condition after his car crashed through a fence and plunged into the water in Brooklyn’s Mill Basin near 2337 56th Drive on Wednesday afternoon. NYPD and FDNY divers pulled the driver from the water just after noon. He was treated and transported to the hospital by Canarsie and Flatbush Hatzolah volunteers with life-threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved. Sources tell YWN that the victim suffered a medical episode, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Politicians, celebrities, and even the Pentagon took to social media to share their well-intentioned Pesach greetings, and the confusion between Pesach, Chanukah, Tu B’Shvat – and possibly Thanksgiving – was on full display. Leading the parade was Jewish actor William Shatner who wished his followers a “Happy Passover” with a picture of what seemed to be either two slices of sponge cake or inch-thick matzos sitting in front of a 10-branched menorah. Not seven. Not eight. Ten. Shatner may have explored strange new worlds in his sci-fi acting role, but clearly not the one where Pesach and Chanukah aren’t interchangeable. Rep.

Hundreds of Orthodox Jews crowded into Linden, NJ’s City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, during Chol Hamoed Pesach, to protest a series of proposed ordinances that community members say unfairly target and restrict the growth of the Orthodox Jewish population in the city. Men and boys, many dressed in Yom Tov clothing, arrived in packed buses and cars, filling the municipal building beyond capacity. The meeting room quickly became overcrowded, with many people turned away at the door. The meeting, which included second readings on several proposed zoning changes, concluded without a vote—adjourned in the face of the overwhelming turnout from the community.