Weekly roundup of world briefs

No uranium enrichment under any Iran deal

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — U.S. President Donald Trump stated unequivocally that the nuclear deal currently being discussed with Iran will not allow any uranium enrichment, contradicting earlier media reports. 

The statement came shortly after Israeli news outlet Walla, citing two sources familiar with the deal, reported on Monday that Washington was open to permitting Iran limited, low-level uranium enrichment for an unspecified duration. 

That report conflicted with earlier reassurances from senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is leading the U.S.-Iran talks, that no uranium enrichment would be permitted.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said Iran would reject any deal that didn’t recognize the Islamic Republic’s right to enrich uranium, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo, Aragchi said Iran would soon respond to the U.S. proposal.

The proposal was submitted to Iranian authorities via Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, during a brief visit to Tehran over the weekend. Oman remains a key intermediary in the negotiations.

‘Hamas is losing control’: IDF chief orders expanded ground ops in Gaza

(JNS) — Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Sunday ordered ground troops to intensify operations in the Gaza Strip, aiming to create conditions for the return of the remaining 58 hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas.

“We are in the midst of a powerful and relentless operation—thanks to you, Hamas is losing control,” Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told troops during a field tour of southern Gaza. “We eliminated the mass murderer Mohammed Sinwar, and to all the other perpetrators of October 7, we are sending a clear message: your day will come.”

The IDF on Saturday confirmed that it had eliminated Sinwar, the head of the terrorist organization’s “military wing,” in a May 13 strike in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza.

Sinwar was the brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former leader of the terror group who was eliminated by Israeli ground forces on Oct. 16, 2024.

“The IDF continues to hold and clear wide areas of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure,” Zamir continued. “The effort is ongoing in all arenas, according to a structured plan and at an adjusted pace—until all of the operation’s objectives are achieved: the return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas’ governing capabilities and military wing.”

Katz: ‘Either Hamas releases the hostages, or it will be destroyed’

(JNS) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday directed the Israel Defense Forces to maintain intensified operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, aiming to decisively defeat the Palestinian terror organization.

“On the eve of Shavuot, the IDF is operating in Gaza with great force, crushing the enemy and clearing a path for maneuvering troops,” Katz said.

He added that he had instructed the military to press ahead with its campaign “against all targets, regardless of any negotiations,” and to use “every means necessary — air, land, and sea — to protect IDF soldiers and eliminate Hamas murderers.”

“Those who massacred and fought against us will pay the full price,” Katz continued. “As I’ve stated before: either Hamas releases the hostages, or it will be destroyed.”

The warning came after U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed on Saturday night that Hamas had effectively rejected the latest American ceasefire proposal.

“I received the Hamas response to the United States’ proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward,” said Witkoff.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Jerusalem had agreed to the U.S. framework and placed blame for the impasse squarely on Hamas.

The Palestinian terror group “persists in its refusal,” he said, adding, “Israel will continue its efforts to return our hostages and defeat Hamas.”

IDF downs Houthi terror missile from Yemen

(JNS) — The Israel Defense Forces on Monday night intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, the military confirmed.

The attack triggered air-raid sirens across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv and the Jerusalem area. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

On Monday evening, the IDF intercepted another missile launched by Houthi terrorists, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel and sending residents scrambling for shelter just hours before the start of Shavuot.

The Houthis have escalated their assaults on Israel in recent weeks, including a direct hit near Ben-Gurion International Airport on May 4.

In response, the Israeli Air Force struck Sana’a International Airport last Wednesday, destroying the last operational aircraft used by the Houthis. The strike followed a previous IDF mission on May 6 that targeted the airport.

“This is a clear message and a direct continuation of the policy we established: Whoever fires at the State of Israel will pay a heavy price,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement after the strike.

Trump officials host hostage families at White House

By Mike Wagenheim

(JNS) — Trump administration officials hosted on Tuesday at the White House family members of hostages still being held by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met with several families as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and to secure the release of hostages.

“We are committed to the release of all and believe that the release of the hostages will bring significant calm to the region,” Leavitt said. “Beyond the humanitarian and moral aspect, the release of the hostages is of paramount importance to us in order to also create regional peace.”

The meeting was attended by Tal Shoham, a survivor of Hamas captivity, as well as Merav and Gal Gilboa-Dalal, the parents of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, along with his brother Ilan Dalal. 

Galia and Eli David, the mother and brother of hostage Evyatar David, were also present, together with Orna and Ronen Neutra, the parents of the slain captive Omer Neutra, a dual American-Israeli citizen.

According to a statement by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the Americans “expressed deep sympathy with the families, and emphasized the Trump administration’s full commitment to work for the release of all 58 abductees. They stated that they will continue to work resolutely until all the abductees are returned home.”

The officials also “expressed deep shock” at Sunday’s antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, at a demonstration calling to free the remaining hostages. 

Israel breaks defense export record for fourth straight year

(JNS) — Israel set its fourth consecutive yearly record for defense exports in 2024, with over $14.7 billion worth of deals, the country’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, the figure represents a 13 percent increase over the previous year. More broadly, defense exports have more than doubled over the past five years.

Notably, more than half of last year’s deals were valued at over $100 million, and 54 percent of the agreements were with European countries, compared to 35 percent in 2023.

The previous year also saw a notable increase in the export of missiles, rockets and air defense systems, which accounted for 48 percent of total deal volume, an increase from 36 percent in 2023.

The report was presented to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who attributed the achievement to the Jewish state’s recent military successes in its multi-front war.

“The world sees Israeli strength and seeks to be a partner in it. We will continue strengthening the IDF and the Israeli economy through security innovation to ensure clear superiority against any threat—anywhere and anytime,” said Katz.

Palestinians with ‘suspicious luggage’ arrested at Tel Aviv light rail station

(JNS) — The Israel Police arrested two illegal Palestinians who crossed into Tel Aviv from Samaria with IDF uniforms, following a report they were carrying “suspicious luggage” at a light rail station on Wednesday.

Security officers at the Elifelet light rail station reported the two men, according to a police statement shared with JNS. The Palestinians were seen “disembarking from the train carrying suspicious luggage,” it said.

Police forces and bomb disposal units were called to examine the bags and did not find weapons or hazardous materials, police stated, adding that officers did find “clothing items” suspected to be issued by the Israel Defense Forces, “specifically a pair of pants and a jacket.”

The two suspects, a 44-year-old resident of Nablus (Shechem) and a 59-year-old resident of Beita al-Tahta, were taken into custody for further questioning by Israel’s security agencies, according to the statement.

Following a deadly shooting by two Palestinians at a Tel Aviv-Jaffa light rail station in October, the defense establishment warned that there are some 40,000 people illegally inside the pre-1967 borders, claiming that the attack could be only the beginning unless the issue was addressed.

Utah, Ariel universites join forces in scientific, cultural cooperation

(JNS) — The University of Utah in Salt Lake City and Ariel University in Samaria have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academic, scientific and cultural cooperation, marking the first major agreement between an American university and an Israeli institution in Judea and Samaria.

Signed by Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah, and Ehud Grossman, president of Ariel University, it creates a framework for partnership in areas of mutual interest. It includes joint research initiatives, faculty- and student-exchange programs, participation in academic conferences and symposiums, and interaction with regard to teaching materials and scientific publications.

Both institutions have invested in establishing advanced medical facilities, such as the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine at Ariel University and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. They align with research in the health sciences and development in medical innovation, public health and biomedical research, as well as data science and computer science.

Per the agreement, each university will appoint a representative to promote ties between lecturers and researchers.

Israel Bachar, consul general of Israel in Los Angeles, said the initiative is “proof that the connection between peoples transcends politics and focuses on what truly matters—advancing technological knowledge and startups, student exchanges, and creating links between medical faculties and areas like artificial intelligence.”

Liberman says Israel arming ISIS-linked clans in Gaza

(JNS) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday responded to claims made earlier in the day by Yisrael Beiteinu party head Avigdor Liberman that Jerusalem is supplying weapons to ISIS-affiliated clans in the Gaza Strip.

“Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various ways on the recommendation of all heads of the security establishment,” Netanyahu’s office said.

Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet radio, Liberman said that Israel, secretly and with Netanyahu’s approval, has transferred assault rifles and small arms to crime families in the Gaza Strip.

“The weapons end up with criminals and offenders, and are turned against Israel,” he asserted, later posting on X: “Don’t give them guns.”

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) declined to comment on the matter.

Family of Gaza captive marks son’s 23rd birthday in hope

(JNS) — The Hostage Families Forum Headquarters shared a message from the family of Yonatan Samerano, on what should have been his 23rd birthday.

It has been “18 months since our Yonti was shot and kidnapped,” and since then, “his fate became shrouded in uncertainty,” the family reflected.

Despite the pain, they emphasized, “we are not giving up, and today we mark his 23rd birthday.” They chose to honor him “as Yonatan would have wanted—by spreading love, through dancing, and with shared hope.”

The message continued, “We want Yonatan, wherever he is, to know that we are with him and that he is never forgotten, not for a single moment. In these difficult times, when it seems we may have forgotten what came before the events of October 7, we ask everyone to focus on the unity of our entire people around the single overarching goal: bringing home the 58 hostages who are still in Gaza. We must bring them back. All of them. So that we can all rise up, grow stronger, and live again in security, and so that we can return to dancing and celebrating.”

Samerano was 21 on Oct. 7, 2023, when he was shot by Hamas terrorists and abducted by a United Nations Relief and Works Agency social worker. He was attending the Supernova music festival with friends when the attack began. Attempting to escape, Yonatan fled to Kibbutz Be’eri, where he was shot and subsequently kidnapped.

Later investigations revealed that his body was taken into Gaza by Faisal Ali Mussalem al-Naami, a Hamas terrorist employed as a social worker by UNRWA.

For nearly two months, Yonatan was considered a hostage, but in December 2023, his family was informed that he had been murdered on Oct. 7, and his body remained in Hamas’s hands.

Yonatan’s parents have filed a lawsuit against UNRWA with the Jerusalem District Court, accusing the agency of complicity in the attack and demanding justice.

Israel says ready as Greta Thunberg’s blockade runner nears Gaza

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — Israel is monitoring and prepared to respond to a Gaza-bound protest ship carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as it nears the Strip.

The Madleen set sail Sunday under the rubric of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition with a group of pro-Palestinian activists from Catania in Sicily, and aims to run Israel’s blockade of Gaza, hoping to make shore on Saturday.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed Wednesday that Israel is tracking the vessel. “For this case as well, we are prepared,” he told The Times of London. “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly,” he said, without specifying what measures might be taken.

Thunberg, 22, shared photos of herself on board wearing a keffiyeh and holding a PLO flag. The group describes the voyage as a nonviolent protest against “Israel’s illegal siege and escalating war crimes.” 

She and fellow activist Thiago Avila from Brazil sent a panicked video message, warning of a drone hovering overhead. They said they lost sight of it before filming, and it turned out to belong to the Hellenic Coast Guard.

Thunberg gave an emotional speech before departure, saying, “We have to keep trying, because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”

The vessel carries a small amount of aid supplies—including milk and protein bars—in what organizers admit is a symbolic effort.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) responded to Thunberg’s participation with a blunt post on social media: “Hope Greta and her friends can swim.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is composed of several NGOs, including Turkish groups involved in the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, during which nine activists died after they attacked Israeli Navy commandoes.

FBI increases number of victims in Colorado antisemitic attack to 15

(JNS) — The number of identified victims in Sunday’s antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colo., has increased to 15 people and one dog, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday.

“The victims range from 25 to 88 years old, eight female and seven male,” the FBI wrote.

The accused perpetrator is a 45-year-old Egyptian, “who had overstayed his visa in the United States and remained in the country unlawfully since 2022,” according to the Trump administration.

Kristi Noem, U.S. secretary of homeland security, announced on Wednesday that she directed federal agencies to “ramp up” crackdowns on those who overstay their visas in response.