President Trump welcomes the parents of Eden Alexander, the last living American being held hostage by Hamas: “As we defend religious freedom in America, we are also standing up against religious persecution around the world.”

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.

POTUS: “These will be the biggest tax cuts in American history… It’s 100% expensing for companies investing in America and increasing take home pay for the typical family by thousands of dollars per year… There will be no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax for the great seniors in Social Security.”

POTUS: “Had the election not been rigged, I would have been out of here. I would have been gone… The radical left would have said, ‘we got rid of him finally!’ But no, now they have me for another four years!”

Elon Musk, preparing to step back from his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency, had a request of the reporters gathered at the White House to interview him: Before he would answer any questions, he wanted someone to tell him a joke. The tech billionaire’s request in the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday underscored the surreal and idiosyncratic presence of the world’s richest man at the highest echelons of American power. Over the past few months, his work of downsizing the workforce has sent shocks through the federal government and drawn intense pushback, including protests of his electric vehicle company, Tesla. Musing about his and DOGE’s incongruous role in the U.S.

Israel President Isaac Herzog honored 120 outstanding IDF officers and soldiers for their pursuit of excellence, demonstrated dedication, professionalism, responsibility, and significant contributions that serve as a model and example for the entire IDF.

Kamala Harris made a rare public appearance Wednesday night, using her platform to sharply criticize President Trump — before unexpectedly pivoting to a story about elephants reacting to an earthquake.
Speaking at the Emerge 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco, the former vice president began by addressing the uncertain political climate. “A lot of folks are wondering what’s going to guide us through this moment. How are we all going to figure out how to chart the course,” Harris said. Then she added, “Please allow me, friends, to digress for a moment.”

Up close video of an airplane dropping fire retardant on the fires near Beit Shemesh.