In a historic and potentially transformative moment for global Jewry, the preliminary results of the 2025 World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections reveal a seismic shift in Jewish representation and priorities: For the first time in history, Orthodox-affiliated slates have collectively achieved a majority in the WZO. Leading this groundswell is Eretz HaKodesh, which has surged to a commanding position with 29,159 votes.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to revise COVID-19 vaccine guidance without first consulting the CDC’s established advisory board has caused widespread confusion among doctors, insurers, and health experts, multiple sources told Reuters.
In a video shared on social media last week, Kennedy — known for his long-standing skepticism about vaccines — declared that the government would no longer recommend COVID vaccinations for healthy children or pregnant women.

Elon Musk posed a provocative question to users on X, the platform he owns, suggesting the possibility of starting a fresh political movement as tensions with President Donald Trump grow and disagreements over the House GOP’s budget package continue to mount.
“Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?” Musk posted, attaching a poll for users to weigh in. By 4:20 p.m. EDT on Thursday, more than 1.4 million people had voted, with 82.3% responding “yes” and only 17.7% choosing “no.” Musk currently has 220.3 million followers on the platform.

The IDF is preparing to issue more than 50,000 conscription notices to chareidim in the upcoming 2025–2026 draft cycle, set to begin on July 1. This move was outlined in a briefing following an oversight session chaired by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara on Thursday.
The session was part of a continuing series of monthly meetings monitoring the state’s adherence to the High Court’s June 2024 decision, which eliminated the legal exemption previously granted to chareidi men from military service.

Israel has reportedly assured the White House that it will refrain from striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure unless President Trump determines that diplomatic efforts have definitively collapsed, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the matter who spoke to Axios.
Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has grown increasingly wary that Israel might act unilaterally, even as diplomatic talks with Tehran continue. President Trump stated that he had personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking action prematurely while negotiations remain in progress.
However, Trump also acknowledged that his position isn’t fixed, noting, “could change with a phone call” if he concludes the negotiations with Iran are going nowhere.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday responded sharply to comments made by Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who disclosed that Israel had coordinated with local groups in Gaza that oppose Hamas. These remarks, Netanyahu asserted, were a blatant breach of security used for political purposes.
Netanyahu did not hold back in his criticism, accusing Lieberman of endangering national interests for personal gain. “It is very severe because what did Lieberman leak? That, per the recommendation of defense officials, we worked with tribes that oppose Hamas. What’s wrong with that? That’s good, it saves the lives of soldiers,” he declared.

President Donald Trump issued a clear warning to Russia, making it known that harsh sanctions would be imposed if Moscow undermines ongoing peace negotiations. He also made it clear that Ukraine could face consequences as well, should he determine that Kyiv isn’t doing its part to support the talks.
President Trump met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday. Ahead of the meeting, German media had indicated Merz hoped to persuade Trump to increase American backing for Ukraine. In response to a reporter’s question regarding possible new sanctions on Russia, Trump said he wouldn’t hesitate to penalize any nation obstructing diplomatic progress.

The Israeli military launched airstrikes Thursday night against Hezbollah’s aerial division, targeting assets located in the Dahieh neighborhood, a stronghold of the group in southern Beirut.

A monumental milestone has been reached with the completion of the largest Aron Kodesh ever constructed, now standing in grandeur at the Yeshiva Ateret Shlomo campus in Rishon LetZion.
This extraordinary endeavor, fully crafted by hand, is being hailed as an unprecedented  feat.
The awe-inspiring Aron Kodesh, which took over three years to complete, spans 120 square meters, extending 20 meters in length and rising to a height of 6.5 meters. It is fashioned from more than two tons of pure silver, with sections adorned in magnificent 24-karat gold.

In a dramatic gathering, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisrael convened Thursday evening at the vacation home of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Moshav Ora, where he has been staying since returning from medical treatment abroad.
The emergency session came amid a deepening political crisis and calls for new elections, with the Chassidic leadership debating how to respond to what they described as ongoing persecution of the Torah-observant community.
This was the first such meeting of the Chassidishe Moetzes since 5783, and its very occurrence signaled the urgency of the moment.