Hezbollah has launched over 150 rockets at northern Israel today in three major salvos, according to the IDF. The first wave of 60 rockets targeted areas including Tzefas and other Galilee communities, followed by a second barrage of 70 rockets, and a final salvo of 20 rockets aimed at the Mount Meron area. Several of the rockets were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, and there have been no reported injuries. The IDF has issued a warning to civilians in multiple northern regions, including the Merom HaGalil, Upper Galilee, and Golan Heights, urging them to stay close to bomb shelters, limit outdoor movement, and avoid large gatherings until further notice.

The IDF announced today that a recent operation in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, Gaza, has dealt a significant blow to terrorist forces. Over the past month, troops from the 401st Brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, conducted a series of raids and operations in the area, resulting in the elimination of over 300 terrorists. The majority of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion’s chain of command was also neutralized. During the operation, IDF forces discovered and destroyed a long-range rocket cache in an enemy warehouse, as well as several weapons storage facilities containing sniper rifles, ammunition, anti-tank missiles, and grenades. Tragically, the operation came at a cost.

Harav Shaul Alter, the Gerrer Rosh Yeshiva of Pnei Menachem in Eretz Yisroel, visited the grieving family of Ori Danino, hy”d, who was recently murdered by Hamas while held hostage in a southern Gaza terror tunnel. Rav Shaul, renowned for his deep compassion and sensitivity, offered divrei chizzuk to Ori’s father and brothers as they sat shiva for their son and brother. Ori Danino’s story is one of remarkable heroism. A participant at Nova music festival on Oct. 7, Ori initially escaped the violence but courageously returned to the scene to help rescue others. His selflessness led to his capture by Hamas, and he was held in captivity in Gaza for nearly a year. Tragically, Ori was murdered just as IDF troops were closing in on a rescue attempt.

Israeli fighter jets struck more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon over the past several hours, according to a statement from the IDF. The launchers were reportedly primed for immediate attacks on Israel. The IDF revealed that the total number of launchers targeted included around 1,000 launch barrels. The strikes began in the afternoon and were conducted in several waves, aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s terror capabilities and military infrastructure. “The IDF continues to damage and degrade the terror capabilities and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terror organization,” the IDF said in its statement.

IDF forces thwarted an attempted terror attack on the northern border earlier this week. Golani soldiers stationed on the border spotted the terrorists while they were trying to plant explosive devices near an IDF post. The soldiers directed an aircraft and artillery which fired and eliminated the terrorists. The IDF released headcam footage from a camera found on one of the terrorist’s bodies. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

At a rally for Donald Trump on Wednesday, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani shouted emphatically, vowing to go after those who are targeting the former president. This came just days after an individual was arrested for carrying a firearm at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course in Florida on Sunday. The Secret Service confirmed that Trump was not within the man’s line of sight. The event followed an earlier incident two months ago, where a gunman shot Trump in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one death and two injuries. Republicans have pointed to Democrats’ rhetoric, particularly calling Trump “a threat to democracy” after his attempt to contest the 2020 election, as a potential cause for these incidents.

The Lebanese Health Ministry announced on Thursday afternoon that the death toll from the two days of “exploding devices” has risen to 37 and 2,931 wounded. According to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad, 25 people were killed on Wednesday and 12 on Tuesday. However, Israeli officials estimate that Hezbollah is hiding the true death toll from the explosions and it’s likely that dozens more were killed. Additionally, Ynet reported that officials believe that the elite Radwan Force suffered severe losses, including senior command members. According to the report, the terrorists who were killed ranged in age from 16 to 54 and were from many regions of the country but mostly from the south.

The IDF announced a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah launchers and terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Acting on intelligence from the IDF, fighter jets struck around 30 Hezbollah launch sites containing approximately 150 launcher barrels that were prepared to fire projectiles at Israeli territory. In addition to the launchers, the strikes hit Hezbollah infrastructure and a weapons storage facility in several areas. IDF artillery also targeted the Naqoura region. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli fighter jets were seen flying over Beirut while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was delivering a speech, according to reports. Lebanese state media indicated that the jets were causing sonic booms over the city. Footage shared on social media captured the Israeli aircraft flying at low altitudes and releasing flares. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Jewish Harvard alumnus and lifelong Democrat, made headlines recently when he filed a lawsuit against Harvard University for what he described as rising antisemitism on campus, particularly following the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. In a surprising political turn, Kestenbaum delivered a passionate speech at a Trump rally held at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, where he addressed a packed crowd. Kestenbaum’s appearance at the rally caught the attention of many, given his traditionally Democratic alignment. However, his involvement is a reflection of his growing concern over antisemitism and other issues affecting American Jews, which he feels are not being adequately addressed by current leaders in his party.