Singer Eliezer Botzer killed in accident while on reserve duty

 

Singer and composer Eliezer Botzer was killed in an accident while on reserve duty this morning (Friday) at the age of 43, his family announced. Botzer was married and a father of eight, and lived in Amuka.

In 2002, after completing his service in the IDF, Botzer was appointed a state security officer in the settlement of Yitzhar. He worked for security cooperation between the security forces and the settlers and even received a certificate of appreciation for his performance during the Second Intifada.

In 2013, his first album "Disruptions. Attention. Concentration" was released. In 2014, his second album, "Am Ha'aretz," was released. In 2021, he produced the song "Amaraya" with Indian singer Lucky Ali.

Just a few days ago, Botzer eulogized his friend and fellow musician Gilad Vital, saying, "I was privileged to take my first steps in recording songs with the late Gilad Vital. How much light and love you gave to everyone. It is unbelievable that you are no longer with us. A man of light, your songs and your uplifting image are engraved in our hearts forever. May your memory be blessed, dear friend."

Minister Amichai Eliyahu eulogized him: "My dear brother Eliezer Botzer returned his rich soul to the Creator tonight, as he was on his way back home from the reserves. He left me memories and talks about joy in serving God, carrying a wounded man up the steps of the Old City of Safed, meeting with navigators at the IDF commanders' course, melodies, art, hope and dreams."

He spoke about his last meeting with the singer. "On Wednesday, we met while he was in uniform and talked about the tourism potential that the heritage of the city of Safed has. I will miss my brother Eliezer. May your soul be bound in the bonds of life."

Botzer's friend, Rabbi Oded David, wrote: "With sorrow and astonishment I am forced to announce that my dear and beloved friend, singer and spiritual man Eliezer Botzer, has passed away suddenly. He was a man of great soul, who inspired faith in many."

Ballistic missile from Yemen explodes in Jaffa, 16 injured

 

Millions of Israelis evacuated early Saturday morning to bomb shelters, as sirens sounded in central Israel.

Sixteen people were lightly injured after the Houthi-launched ballistic missile exploded in Jaffa.

According to the IDF, "one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made. A fallen projectile was identified in the area."

The IDF later confirmed that the projectile had fallen in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The hit created a crater in a playground between two residential buildings.

"Several lightly injured individuals were evacuated to receive medical treatment, and Home Front Command teams are currently operating with the security forces in the scene," the IDF added.

Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that 16 people were lightly injured by broken glass and evacuated to Wolfson Medical Center in Holon and to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Another 14 people were injured while running to shelter, and seven others suffered shock. Home Front Command teams, as well as police, MDA, and firefighters, arrived at the scene.

MDA paramedic Yosef Kurdi, who lives in the area, said, "I was at home and I heard a loud explosion. I immediately went to the scene and I heard significant blast hits in buildings near the scene of the strike. Large numbers of MDA teams quickly arrived. We immediately began to search the buildings and injured people began to arrive from their homes."

MDA paramedic Noam Weisboch and EMT Noa Shimoni said, "The scene was complex because the blast hits were in apartments in nearby buildings. At the beginning a number of people lightly injured from broken glass and suffering shock arrived. We searched apartments, treated [victims], and evacuated 16 lightly injured victims from the scene, including a girl of about three, and we also treated shock victims."

"Following an IAF and IDF Home Front Command initial inquiry regarding the incident of a fallen missile fired from Yemen early this morning (Saturday), the incident is still being thoroughly examined. Some of the conclusions have already been implemented regarding interceptions and alerts," a later IDF statement read.

"No further details regarding aerial defense activities and the alert system can be given due to information security considerations. We emphasize that aerial defense is not hermetic and the public must follow the Home Front Command instructions."

Six Airlines Will Restore Service to Israel Starting next Week

 Six airlines will restore their Israel routes by next week. Most airlines canceled flights due to ongoing tensions in the region.

On Friday, Romanian low-cost airline Biz Airlines, which only started flying to Israel in August, will renew flights to Ben-Gurion International Airport after suspending them for several weeks, Israeli business site Globes reported.

Spanish carrier Air Europe and Hungarian airline Wizz Air will also restore flights (Wizz Air will start operating flights first only to Cyprus until mid-January, Globes reported).

Polish airline Lot and Air Baltic will renew Israel flights at the end of this week. Bulgaria Air will again fly to Israel at the start of next week.

Air France announced on Monday that its suspension of Israel flights will remain in effect until Jan. 9. It made its decision after Ben-Gurion Airport sirens warned of an incoming missile from Yemen.

According to Israel Hayom, United Airlines has canceled flights to Israel until further notice, and British Airways and Delta Airlines won’t fly to Israel until the end of March.

American Airlines has canceled flights until March. It has also taken down from its site all flights to and from Israel until the end of the summer of 2025.

Fontainebleau Hotel Had Enough of Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Turns the Table on Him and Sues Him for Alleged Extortion

 

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach has filed a lawsuit against celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, accusing him of defamation and extortion. The hotel claims Boteach used AI-generated videos and inflammatory social media posts to falsely accuse it of antisemitism, comparing staff to Nazi collaborators.

The dispute began with a lobby altercation two years ago, after which Boteach allegedly demanded compensation and lifetime hotel perks to avoid launching a public smear campaign. More recently, he claimed the hotel obstructed a police investigation into antisemitic remarks directed at him.

The lawsuit alleges Boteach demanded $1 million for his charity, World Values Network, in exchange for ending his public attacks. Boteach denies wrongdoing, calling it a “David and Goliath battle.”

Zera Shimshon Parshas Va"yeishav

 

Bidens Turn on Former Allies as White House Departure Nears

An exclusive report from the Daily Mail reveals growing tensions within the Democratic Party as the Bidens prepare to leave the White House.

 Leading the charge is First Lady Jill Biden, who reportedly harbors deep resentment toward several prominent figures, including the Obamas, White House staffers, and the national media. However, the most significant target appears to be former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

According to insiders, Jill Biden is said to be encouraging President Joe Biden to retaliate against those she perceives as having undermined them. “Jill views Capitol Hill Democrats, the wider party, and even the Obamas with such resentment that it seems she’s urging Joe to burn bridges, despite his better judgment,” a source told the Daily Mail.

The rift with Pelosi reportedly stems from her role in pressuring Biden to step aside in the 2024 presidential race. The Bidens have not spoken to Pelosi in months, effectively ending a decades-long friendship. At the recent Kennedy Center Honors, Pelosi and her husband, once frequent guests of the presidential box, were notably seated far from the Bidens.

The animosity extends beyond Pelosi. Vice President Kamala Harris was also reportedly snubbed at the event, further highlighting tensions within the administration. Democratic donor and attorney John Morgan suggested Biden’s decision to elevate Harris may have been an act of defiance against internal critics, including Pelosi and Barack Obama.

“Biden faced a palace coup from multiple directions,” Morgan told the Daily Mail. “Pelosi wanted a nomination process, and Obama delayed endorsing Harris for days. It’s clear Biden pushed back against them in his own way.”

As the Bidens’ departure approaches, speculation grows about whether they will air grievances and expose internal party divisions. Critics suggest this could destabilize the Democratic Party, adding fuel to an already tumultuous political landscape

Syrian President Assad’s Alleged Escape Deal with Israel

 

The dramatic fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, ousted by rebel forces on December 8, has taken a startling turn with allegations that Assad handed over classified military intelligence to Israel before fleeing the country. 

According to a report published by the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet and echoed by global outlets, including Britain’s Daily Mail, Assad shared sensitive information about Syria’s military assets in exchange for a safe escape route, according to a report on Ynet News.

Per Hurriyet, the information provided by Assad included detailed maps of weapons stockpiles, missile launchers, and military hangars across Syria. The Ynet News report emphasized that the precision of Israel’s subsequent airstrikes on Syrian military infrastructure strongly suggests the data was both comprehensive and accurate. The Hurriyet report claimed that Israel guaranteed Assad a secure passage in return for this intelligence, a deal that underscores the fraught and complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war and its regional players.

Ynet News noted Turkish commentator Abdulkadir Selvi’s account, which added crucial context to the unfolding story. Selvi reported that Assad fled Damascus on the morning of December 8, escaping to Moscow via the Russian-operated Khmeimim Air Base. The evacuation was reportedly coordinated by Russia, after attempts to secure asylum in Iran and the UAE failed. According to Ynet News, Selvi claimed Assad had initially sought refuge in Tehran, but Iran refused him, and subsequent negotiations with the UAE also proved fruitless, leaving Russia as Assad’s last resort.

On December 7, as rebel forces closed in on Damascus, a critical summit was convened in Doha, according to Ynet News’ coverage of Selvi’s account. The meeting involved Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Selvi quoted Fidan as saying, “We met with the Russians and the Iranians in Doha and discussed a few topics. I prefer not to say more.” The Ynet News report highlighted this cryptic remark as indicative of the sensitive negotiations surrounding Assad’s fate.

Ynet News also detailed Selvi’s assertion that Assad’s decision to provide Israel with classified military intelligence was driven by a pressing need to secure his own safety. Selvi stated that Assad handed over these documents with precise coordinates of Syrian military assets, ensuring that Israeli strikes would avoid targeting his escape route. “Judging by the precision of Israel’s strikes on Syrian military assets following Assad’s fall, it seems Israel received highly accurate information,” Selvi wrote, as reported by Ynet News.

The implications of these developments are profound. If true, Assad’s alleged deal with Israel marks a stark reversal of his long-standing adversarial stance against the country. The Ynet News report placed an emphasis on how this episode could reshape perceptions of Assad’s legacy, illustrating the lengths to which embattled leaders may go to ensure their survival.

The fallout from these revelations could ripple across the region, affecting not only Syria’s future but also the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

50 Ministers & MKs To Herzog: Grant Pardon To Feldstein & Reservist

Fifty Knesset members and ministers signed a letter to President Isaac Herzog asking him to grant pardon to Eli Feldstein and the reservist, Sgt. A., the defendants in the case of the leaked classified documents from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The letter states: “The current reality in Israeli society necessitates extra caution. The intensive and exceptional investigation that the defendants underwent, alongside the ongoing legal proceedings against them poses a real threat to social cohesion at this critical time for the State of Israel. Moreover, the continuation of the proceedings could undermine public trust in the Shin Bet as a state body above all political disputes.”

Earlier, additional Knesset members, including the chairman of the UTJ party chairman, Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf, Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, and other Knesset members, sent a request to Herzog to respond to the pardon request submitted by A.

Goldknopf wrote: “As a minister in the Israeli government and as one entrusted with the welfare of the citizens of the State of Israel, I request your intervention on this matter. The sergeant, a dedicated officer to the state and the IDF, served his people loyally. Even if he erred in his conduct, he acted out of a genuine desire to do good and certainly did not intend to harm state security. It is known to the President that the sergeant’s mental and physical condition is deteriorating day by day.”

“I ask you to advance his release by granting a pardon while maintaining the necessary balances between security needs and IDF values against humanitarian principles. I sincerely hope that my request to visit the sergeant in detention will become unnecessary as I trust the President will act to secure his immediate release.”

Chikli and MKs Moshe Saada and Dan Illouz are collecting signatures from ministers and Knesset members on a letter of support for the president, stating, “A. has never acted with the intention of harming state security but rather the opposite. The conduct of the State Prosecution and law enforcement system raises feelings of severe injustice, damaging public trust in the law enforcement system.”

Earlier, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri spoke with Herzog and requested a response to Sergeant A.’s request for a pardon. Deri said: “This is a normal soldier who made a mistake and acknowledges it. He poses no danger to the public in any way, and we must put an end to his suffering and prolonged detention.”

The President’s Office stated: “The pardon request of Sgt. A. has been received at the President’s Residence, and an investigation into the matter has begun. It should be emphasized and clarified – the President of the State has full trust in the judicial system – and the request will be examined and evaluated like all requests submitted to the President’s Office.”

(DIN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

 

Rabbi Eli Stefansky from Beit Shemesh Starts Mesechta Sanhedrin in Boro-Park

 

Renowned Daf Yomi Maggid Shiur Rabbi Eli Stefansky held a massive event in Boro Park on Wednesday night, where he started Mesechta Sanhedrin.

Reb Eli’s “Mercaz Daf Yomi” organization has a staggering 19,000 people doing the Daf with his Shiur each day.

Coup to Topple Netanyahu actually happening right now, right under our noses – and we, sadly, are not doing enough to stop it in time.

 

The following article was written by Attorney Avichai Yehosef, who was involved in preparing the defense cases for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of his work at the law firm of Amit Hadad, in cases 1,000 and 2,000. It is a telling indictment of the attempts to make a coup in Israel even during the current war. 

None of us wants to imagine that a coup could ever happen in Israel. We are so unprepared to believe it that when such a coup actually takes place – we refuse to see it.

According to my legal and civic understanding, over the past year, a coup has been occurring in Israel – backed by the military, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the prosecution, the Supreme Court, the legal advisor to the government, and parts of the media. Anyone who does not notice this brutal coup unfolding before their eyes is either uninformed about the news or does not understand the matter in depth.

In my opinion, attempts at a coup began years ago in the halls of the prosecution and the legal advisor’s office, with the framing of criminal charges against Netanyahu aimed at ousting him.

Hundreds of millions, if not billions, of shekels from taxpayer money were invested in this effort. Massive investigative teams were formed, special means were employed that had never been used against citizens who are not members of criminal or terrorist organizations, and selective enforcement and gross violations of almost all fundamental laws in Israel were carried out.

After this covert coup failed or was delayed too long, (Netanyahu, unlike his predecessors, simply refused to resign after the indictments against him, and was even re-elected as prime minister in general elections), the overt coup began.

In the year leading up to the October 7 disaster, four additional forces began to act against Netanyahu, besides the prosecution and the legal advisor’s office.

The Biggest Scandal in America is the Cover-Up of Biden’s Condition

 

Scott Jennings has argued that the most significant scandal in America today is the four-year concealment of President Biden’s health condition. He claims that the White House has consistently lied to the American public, covering up Biden’s alleged inability to fulfill his presidential duties. Jennings suggests that this deliberate deceit has led to grave questions about who has truly been running the country.

Moreover, Jennings contends that the public should question not only President Biden’s capacity but also those behind him pulling the strings. He argues that if Americans are concerned about the advisers surrounding Donald Trump, they should be equally worried about the shadow figures guiding Biden’s administration, making this an unprecedented political scandal.

Four Gerer Chassidim Arrested for Entering Lebanon ..Seems Like Ger Want to Expand North!

 

This is not the first time Ger tried infiltrating Lebanon. Two weeks ago 5 Gerer Chassidim from Arad were caught trying to cross the border,  it seems like the Gerrer Rebbe wants to make sure that Rav Shaul Alter doesn't get there first! 

Rumor has it that Chabad had an eye on Lebanon, and the Gerer Rebbe sent his 

sheluchim" to sabotage Chabad! 

Four Israeli civilians who crossed into Lebanon illegally have been detained, according to police.

The IDF reported their detention inside Lebanese territory, prompting police intervention. The individuals, from Ashdod, Beit Shemesh, and Hatzor Haglilit, were transferred to police custody for questioning.

Police state that the suspects are being interrogated, and the investigation’s findings will determine the next steps in their legal process.

Crossing the border illegally carries a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison, authorities note.

חצה את הגבול ללבנון ▪︎ חסיד גור מבית שמש נעצר יחד עם חבריו לחסידות* 

*חדשות העיר:* ארבעה חסידי גור מבית שמש, אשדוד וחצור, נתפסו בתוך שטח מדינת לבנון לאחר שחצו את הגבול באזור הצפון.

החשודים נחקרים בשעה זו ובהתאם לממצאי החקירה יוחלט על המשך התהליך המשפטי בעניינם. עפ"י חוק, העונש בגין כך הינו מאסר עד 4 שנות מאסר.

נזכיר שלפני כשבועיים נעצרו 5 חסידי גור תושבי ערד, כשחצו את הגבול ללבנון.

IDF Slowly picking off Houthi Infrastructure

 

The Houthis now realize, Israel will start picking off all their infrastructure, 

Their power plant this morning after IDF jets visited.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for the first time on Thursday about the airstrike overnight on Houthi targets in Yemen.

According to Netanyahu, "We did this in response to the Houthis' repetitive attacks on civilian targets in Israel. Last night, they attacked a school in Ramat Gan.

"They don't attack just us, they attack the entire world. They attack the international shipping and trade routes. So when Israel operates against the Houthis, it works for the entire international community. The Americans understand this well, and so do many others."

He further stated: "After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the only arm that the Iranian axis of evil has left. They are learning and they will learn that those who hurt Israel - pay a very heavy price."

The main objective of the IDF airstrikes was to shut down all three ports controlled by the Houthis.

The Air Force attacked targets in the port of Hodeidah and the capital Sana'a, approximately 2,000 km from Israel. The Houthis have launched about 200 ballistic missiles and 170 drones towards Israel since the war began. Most were intercepted, but some managed to penetrate Israeli airspace. In July, a drone from Yemen caused the death of Evgeny Freder in Tel Aviv.

The first wave of the attack began at 3:15 AM in the coastal area of Yemen, with the second following at 4:30 AM in Sana'a. Fourteen fighter jets, covering more than 1,700 km, participated, targeting the ports of Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and the Al-Salif port. In total, eight tugboats were attacked. In Sana'a, fuel tanks, oil, and a power station were targeted.

Appeals court disqualifies Fani Willis from Trump Georgia case

A Georgia appellate court Thursday disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and removed her from prosecuting Donald Trump and co-defendants in a case she brought in relation to the efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The decision is likely to cripple the case and bring a halt to the efforts to try Trump and his allies for their efforts to overturn his loss. Federal prosecutors have already dropped other criminal cases related to the 2020 election in the wake of Trump winning the 2024 election.

"After carefully considering the trial court’s findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office," the court said, referring to an earlier ruling that allowed Willis to remain on the case. Willis had been under scrutiny over her relationship with a special prosecutor on the case, Nathan Wade.

The court said that the previous ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAffee, who allowed Willis to remain on the case as long as Wade left it, did not prevent the "appearance of impropriety."

"The remedy crafted by the trial court to prevent an ongoing appearance of impropriety did nothing to address the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring," the court said. "While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

Ugly UPenn Professor Ege Umasak "Explains" how the Pro-Hamas Protests Brings "Her so much joy"

 

Just In: UPenn professor Ege Umusak explains how the “resistance” brings her so much joy.

Resistance is what Hezbollah and Hamas refer to themselves as. UPenn employs extremists who indoctrinate students. The university continues to prove it should lose all federal funding. pic.twitter.com/EkbZoGjvOi

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 16, 2024

Biden publicly ordered 11 federal agencies to 'look' into Elon Musk. All 11 opened investigations

 

🤨 https://t.co/Z1SxsIiCpr

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2024

All 11 funneled a total of $300M to Reuters who then won a Pulitzer Prize for their relentless attack pieces against the billionaire.

17 Haredi Soldiers Graduate from Cyber Network Management Course

Seventeen soldiers from the Haredi sector completed a groundbreaking pilot course in network management, aiming to strengthen the IDF's cyber defense capabilities. 

These graduates will play key roles in the Technological and Cyber Defense Division, contributing significantly to the military's technological infrastructure.

Indian Police Had Enough with Muslims "Davining" on the Streets "There are Mosques "

 

Police in India remind Muslims that there are mosques to pray to Allah. pic.twitter.com/Mc3Sv70w98

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) December 17, 2024

Israel’s hard-won tech can solve New Jersey drones mystery — and protect US skies

 

The Issue: The government’s opaque response to mysterious drones appearing across the country.

There has been a ton of media coverage of the drones across the country, yet it doesn’t seem like we are getting any answers or insight into what is going on (“Trump has a drone to pick,” Dec. 17).

I’m just wondering what’s happening behind this media coverage.

With the current administration doing everything possible to disrupt the smooth transition of power to the incoming Trump administration, I’m worried they are going to try something extremely detrimental to our country and our incoming president.

Apparently, there is no problem with drones the size of cars flying over the home of President-elect Donald Trump and military bases in New Jersey, but there would be an emergency response if a kid tried flying a kite on Pennsylvania Avenue.

President Biden’s response is to send Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas out there to reassure American citizens. Well, it’s not working.

Mayorkas says that aircraft are commonly mistaken for drones, and not to worry.

Phew!

I am so relieved about his input regarding invaders in air space, especially considering his outstanding record regarding other invaders.

Mayorkas is gaslighting us again.

Drones the size of small automobiles hover over our cities, yet he asserts nothing is unusual about these airspace incursions.

“Everything is fine”: That’s the same gaslighting he espoused about the Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States for over a week in February earlier this year.

He also told the American people that the border was secure, and how did that turn out?

Mayorkas’ gaslighting tactics never stop.

South Florida sees dozens of luxury high-rise buildings start to sink

Miami’s barrier islands are home to many tall luxury buildings, and, according to a study recently published in Earth and Space Science, about three dozen are sinking.

Thirty-five luxury condos and hotels across Florida’s Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Miami Beach and Bal Harbour have faced subsidence in the past handful of years, the study found.

It was authored by researchers from the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, University of Houston, University of Hanover in Germany, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and California Institute of Technology. 

It involved reviewing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data. 

The sinking of the high-rises amounted to 2-8 centimeters over a multiyear span running 2016 through 2023, according to the researchers.

High-rises expect to see “up to several tens of centimeters” of settlement “during and immediately after construction,” the University of Miami Rosenstiel School said in a Friday post on its website.

Builders constructed a “majority” of the affected condos and hotels after 2014, according to the study.

“We found that subsidence in most high-rises slows down over time, but in some cases, it continues at a steady rate. This suggests that subsidence could persist for an extended period,” senior author Falk Amelung was quoted as saying. 

The study authors had some theories about what was behind the subsidence, based on their research. 

The sinking “is primarily due to the gradual reconfiguration of the sand grains into a denser packing within sandy layers interbedded in the limestone” in the area, the study said. 

The researchers hypothesized a link between construction-related vibrations or groundwater flow and the sinking, according to the study. Other things like daily tidal flow and stormwater injection could also have factored into the phenomenon. 

“The discovery of the extent of subsidence hotspots along the South Florida coastline was unexpected. The study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term implications for these structures,” lead author Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani said. 

The broader Miami-Dade County had a population of nearly 2.7 million people as of July 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

More than 27.2 million people visited the area last year, per the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.