Last weekend, hours before Shabbat, Israeli security forces from the Menashe Brigade carried out an enforcement operation at Sha’agat Yehuda farm in northern Samaria. During the operation, conducted under the command of Menashe Brigade Commander Col. Matan Feldman—formerly chief of staff to ex-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi—structures were demolished and extensive equipment was confiscated. According to residents, forces remained on site until just before Shabbat to prevent reconstruction.
The operation at Sha’agat Yehuda joins a chain of enforcement actions carried out over the past month at the site, which the security establishment defines as an “illegal outpost.” But data obtained by C14 raises serious questions about the overall enforcement policy in the brigade’s area—especially toward Jews.
The newly revealed data shows that within a radius of just two kilometers from the farm, hundreds of Arab structures were built without permits. According to the data, more than 100 of these structures are under pending demolition orders that, according to sources in the area, are not enforced with the same determination and speed applied to Jewish construction.
Some of the Arab construction even sits on the remains of a former Israeli military base that served until the early 2000s as the advanced training base of the Paratroopers Brigade. After the base was relocated, the ‘Palestinian Authority’ worked to promote construction on its ruins to prevent the IDF from returning to the site in the future. Despite the clear nationalist motive, the IDF has refrained from enforcing against the encroachment—even as large forces pass through the area at least three times a week to carry out demolitions at the nearby farm.
Sha’agat Yehuda farm was established in memory of Yehuda Sherman Z”L, between Mount Gadir and Mount Bezek a few kilometers from the Nahal outpost evacuated under the Oslo Accords—Nahal Irit. The farm was established to establish Jewish presence deep into northern Samaria and create a connection between the Jordan Valley and the communities of Homesh and Sa-Nur.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Office did not provide a response to the article.
Two years and eight months after the October 7 massacre, Israel’s Southern Command conducted drills today (Wednesday) simulating a large-scale surprise attack on communities near the Gaza border and across the southern region.
The exercise, code-named “Coat of Many Colors,” is being held under the operational framework “Samson’s Thunder.” Forces are running through a series of extreme scenarios similar to the massacre, testing operational readiness and response times of troops in the field.
The results of the massacre in Alumim | Photo: Yossi Zamir, Flash 90
The drill comes a day after the Knesset Constitution Committee approved for a first reading a bill to establish a state-national commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. The bill’s explanatory notes emphasize that its purpose is to conduct a “full, thorough, and independent” investigation, while addressing public controversy over who will appoint the commission’s members.
Under the proposed law, the Knesset speaker would submit a proposal for the commission’s composition within 14 days of the law’s publication, after consulting as much as possible with coalition and opposition representatives. Approval of the composition would require a majority of 80 Knesset members. If no agreement is reached, the appointment authority would pass to the Knesset Committee chairman and the opposition leader, with each appointing three members to the commission.
A major gathering of U.S. state legislators reaffirmed strong support for Israel this week, as the National Association of Christian Lawmakers held its 2026 National Policy Conference at Liberty University in Virginia, with hundreds in attendance over three days. The conference devoted substantial attention to US-Israel relations, with a dedicated committee examining state-level recognition of Judea and Samaria, development in the Galilee region, and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Growing momentum in U.S. state-level movement to recognize Judea and Samaria
Arkansas, Tennessee, and Arizona have each moved to formalize the use of “Judea and Samaria” in official state government communications, part of a broader push among US state legislatures to align their language with what proponents describe as the historically and biblically accurate designation for the region incorrectly termed the ‘West Bank.’
The legislation in each state requires government agencies to use the term in official documents and communications, a shift that supporters say reflects the region’s deep roots in Jewish history and its centrality to Israel’s strategic and cultural identity. NACL spearheads developing model legislation on the issue for states to adopt, and at the conference, announced that 20 U.S. states are advancing legislation to recognize Judea and Samaria.
NACL President Jason Rapert and Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan, June 4, 2026 | Photo courtesy Samaria Council
The Committee on America–Israel Relations, chaired by Michigan Senator Lana Theis and vice-chaired by Alabama Representative Mark Gidley addressed current developments in Israel, the growing movement among states to recognize Judea and Samaria in official government communications, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Israel.
Representative Gidley, Vice Chair of the Committee on America–Israel Relations, highlighted the significance of the growing state-level movement to recognize Judea and Samaria.
“Across America, lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of historical accuracy when discussing Israel and the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland,” said Rep. Gidley. “The efforts highlighted during our conference demonstrate that support for Israel continues to be strong in state legislatures. By educating lawmakers, advancing sound public policy, and building relationships with Israeli leaders, NACL is helping strengthen one of the most important alliances in the world.”
Three American state legislators received the inaugural NACL America-Israel Leadership Award alongside Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan, of Israel. Arkansas Representative Mindy McAlindon was honored for sponsoring legislation requiring state agencies to use the term “Judea and Samaria” in official communications. Tennessee Representative Chris Todd was recognized for leading similar efforts in his state and for his advocacy following the October 7 terror attacks. Arizona Representative David Livingston received the award for sponsoring legislation affirming Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and promoting historically accurate terminology in state government communications.
NACL adopts resolution to combat antisemitism
The conference also adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism in all its forms and reaffirming NACL’s support for Israel and the Jewish people. The resolution strongly condemns antisemitism in all its forms, calls upon leaders across society to reject and confront antisemitic rhetoric and conduct, and reaffirms NACL’s commitment to standing with Israel and the Jewish people.
“NACL’s support for Israel is not rooted in politics. It is rooted in our Biblical convictions, our shared commitment to freedom, and our recognition that Israel remains one of America’s strongest allies in a dangerous world,” said NACL Founder and President Jason Rapert.
Rapert continued, “At a time when antisemitism is rising around the globe and some public figures are willing to excuse or even embrace anti-Jewish rhetoric, Christian lawmakers must speak clearly and stand courageously with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Senator Theis, Chair of the NACL Committee on America–Israel Relations and co-sponsor of the antisemitism resolution, emphasized the importance of moral clarity in confronting hatred. “Antisemitism is not merely a political issue; it is a moral issue,” said Sen. Theis. “History teaches us that hatred flourishes when good people remain silent. NACL’s lawmakers are committed to standing against antisemitism wherever it appears and strengthening the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel. Our committee’s work reflects both our Biblical convictions and our commitment to truth, freedom, and human dignity.”
The association, described as the first formal national organization of Christian lawmakers in US history, brings together federal, state, and local legislators committed to advancing biblical principles in public policy.
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman released a special audit chapter today (Tuesday) exposing serious security and regulatory failures in how the President’s Office protects digital information and privacy on its central communications network. The report reveals persistent gaps in managing the institution’s digital assets, which are exposed to heightened cyber risks due to the use of outdated operating systems no longer supported by manufacturers.
A Knesset subcommittee on state audit classified some of the technical data for national security reasons, but allowed full publication of the administrative and legal failures.
The President’s Office computer systems store highly sensitive information, including details on nearly 100,000 pardon applicants over the years, alongside sensitive data on hundreds of current and former employees. The audit found that the President’s Office transmitted pardon requests containing personal, family, and medical circumstances to the Justice Ministry and the Military Advocate General via regular email, without encryption as required by regulations.
The information was also stored in the legal bureau’s email inbox indefinitely without regular purging, allowing anyone with network permissions full access to personal details without a legitimate operational need. On the security and technology front, the audit uncovered significant flaws in the computing infrastructure.
Some of the President’s Office computer systems have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported by manufacturers, and some workstations ran expired versions of operating systems, exposing the network to potential cyber intrusions. The President’s Office network architecture was found not to comply with guidelines from the Government Cyber Directorate and security-control requirements, and the institution failed to meet all guidelines for preventing data leaks and restricting physical and digital network access.
Additionally, the institution did not allocate official email accounts to all employees who needed them, leading employees to use personal email accounts for work purposes, without organizational oversight or control. The comptroller found fundamental failures in the regulatory management of databases as well. The President’s Office did not appoint a database security officer, did not draft a database definition document or physical security procedure, and did not operate an automated logging mechanism enabling control over employee identities accessing systems.
Moreover, since 2019, the office contracted with an external vendor for support and maintenance of the pardon database without conducting a preliminary risk assessment, and without specifying in the contract the purposes for which the vendor may process the information, the mechanism for returning information at contract end, or the obligation to report security incidents. Since 2022, the external vendor has provided service without a signed and valid contract.
Regarding emergencies, the President’s Office has no business continuity plan and no disaster recovery plan (DRP) based on risk assessment. The institution also conducted no practical test or drill to examine its data recovery and restoration infrastructure.
Until September 2024, the President’s Office operated without government guidance on cyber defense, and its information systems were not subject to rules binding government ministries—unlike in finance and human resources, where the institution adopted civil service procedures. Only in September 2024 did the institution adopt Government Cyber Directorate guidelines.
During the audit, in June 2025, a ministerial steering committee on cyber issues was established for the first time, chaired by the director general, which convened for the first time in July 2025 and began conducting an infrastructure risk survey and partial penetration test. The comptroller noted positively the President’s Office’s engagement with the Government Cyber Directorate for professional guidance, its willingness to correct the deficiencies, and its allocation of financial resources from the institution’s general information technology budget.
In 2023, the office allocated about 15% of its technology budget to cyber; in 2024, the share dropped to 5.8%, and in 2025, the figure rose to about 11%. However, the institution did not maintain a separate budget record and dedicated tracking of these funds as required by guidelines. The comptroller recommended that the President’s Office director general ensure the steering committee approves an organizational risk map, establish an approved cyber defense policy, allocate official email accounts to all employees, and develop a systematic mechanism for tracking the lifecycle of software and hardware assets to prevent use of unsupported systems.
The Knesset plenum approved today (Monday) in second and third reading the Israeli Sign Language Recognition Bill, 5775, initiated by MK Avichai Boaron (Likud) and MK Chili Tropper (National Unity). The bill passed with the support of 6 MKs, with no opponents or abstentions, thus constituting an important milestone for the deaf community in Israel.
According to the approved proposal, Israeli Sign Language will be officially recognized by the state. The Academy of the Hebrew Language will be authorized to preserve, develop and promote the language, and the Minister of Culture and Sports will be in charge of implementing the law. According to the proposal, this move is expected to strengthen the status of sign language and accessibility for thousands of citizens.
Knesset member Hili Tropper commented on the bill’s approval, saying: “We reached this moment thanks to the ability of the opposition and coalition to work together. These are difficult days for the people of Israel, but there are moments of grace, and this is one of them.” The bill’s explanatory notes state that Israeli Sign Language serves as the primary language and means of communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and forms an integral part of their identity, culture, and pride.
Former MK Shirley Pinto wrote: “A historic day for the State of Israel! Official recognition of the sign language law is a victory for justice, equality and accessibility. I am proud to have completed this important step and thank my partners, MKs Hili Tropper and Avichai Boaron, as well as Boaz Ahad Ha’am, for leading the necessary change. The time has come for every citizen to feel a sense of belonging and accessibility in Israeli society!”
Months after a shocking disclosure revealed that over 55% of agricultural produce and food entering Israel from ‘Palestinian Authority’ territories contained toxic and dangerous substances, newly released official Health Ministry data shows a dramatic turnaround on the ground. The reckless negligence that allowed Israeli citizens to consume contaminated agricultural goods before lab results were even received has come to an end.
The long-awaited change came after a series of urgent and heated hearings led by former Health Committee chair MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), together with the Lavi organization. The parliamentary and public pressure bent the system: the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Major General Yoram Halevi, implemented an emergency protocol under which all agricultural shipments are held in special detention warehouses and not released to markets until receiving 100% lab clearance.
Grower List Slashed; Poisoned Vegetables Sent for Destruction
The official Health Ministry report submitted to the Health Committee reveals the immediate results of the oversight revolution:
• Detention in holding warehouses: Between late April and late May, 63 requests were submitted to bring in cucumber shipments from the ‘Palestinian Authority’ intended for industry. All were detained and tested.
• Seizure of contaminated shipments: The tight oversight proved its necessity when two shipments were caught with severe violations of dangerous pesticide residues, and two additional shipments were found infected with the dangerous intestinal bacteria E. Coli. The contaminated goods were blocked, placed under immediate quarantine, and designated for controlled destruction without endangering public health.
• Cleaning house on the supplier list: While in the past dozens of ‘Palestinian’ Arab growers and distributors enjoyed free access to the Israeli market, tightening of criteria led to mass removal of unsupervised entities. Today, only a very limited number of distributors are authorized to meet Israel’s stringent health requirements.
Gaps That Still Remain in the Field
Alongside the considerable success, Health Ministry documents show that the battle for public health is not yet fully complete. It turns out that under mechanisms of “risk management” and “self-monitoring,” some shipments still receive certain exemptions from full testing. Additionally, a bureaucratic documentation failure was exposed at one of the crossings, which prevented full criminal enforcement and penalty proceedings against a ‘Palestinian’ distributor whose goods were found to have violations. The Lavi organization and the political establishment emphasize they will not allow any gap to endanger the state’s citizens and will demand implementation of 100% testing without compromise.
“We’ll Protect Public Health Until Import Is Completely Stopped”
MK Limor Son Har-Melech responded: “I view with severity the very fact that we are importing food from a terror authority that seeks to destroy us, but until we succeed in stopping this import entirely—we demanded and achieved maximum oversight. When we held those alarming hearings, there were those who tried to downplay the severity of the findings. Today everyone understands that the data we exposed was the absolute truth. The change in COGAT’s protocol proves our struggle is just and that it’s possible to protect public health.”
MK Son Har-Melech added with optimism and determination: “Changing the protocol was a first and important step, but the real test is full implementation in the field and not just declarations. We won’t make peace with ‘risk management’ exemptions or documentation failures at crossings. I will continue to monitor closely and work tirelessly so that the health of Israel’s heroic citizens will be the first and only consideration—until the complete cessation of bringing enemy produce into our state.”
The Lavi organization, which led the exposure of the data, also welcomed the dramatic improvement in the field but clarified: “The path to ensuring hermetic oversight is still ongoing. We will continue to stand guard and demand that any entity endangering public health bear full responsibility and the full severity of the law.” With the proper setting of boundaries and the national determination of elected officials, the sovereignty and health of Israeli citizens are returning to the top of the priority list.
The Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, visited the “Fire Series” exercise on Tuesday, along with the Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, the Commander of the Land Training Center, Brig. Gen. Eliad Moati, the Commander of the 38th Division and Operations Command, Brig. Gen. Sharon Altit, and other commanders. The “Fire Series” exercises are currently being held under the leadership of the National Land Training Center, as part of the training of battalion and company commanders. As part of the series, battalion exercises are being conducted with the aim of preparing future commanders for combat.
Chief of Staff Zamir said: “The IDF has maintained, and continues to maintain, full readiness to return to combat in Iran. All of our defense and attack systems were alert and ready. We intercepted the threats directed at us and attacked Iran quickly and forcefully. The attack we carried out in Iran was preparation for a more significant strike to come. We are ready to return and deliver another hard and deep blow to Iran.”
Zamir added that “the Iranian attempt to establish equations and change the reality on the ground will fail. We will continue to act and deepen the damage to the terrorist organization Hezbollah and protect the northern communities. The IDF is on alert and will act forcefully wherever we identify a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel. IDF forces continue to fight and operate on the frontline in southern Lebanon. The forces are currently operating in several areas and destroying terrorist infrastructure, including significant underground infrastructure in the Beaufort area, which Hezbollah used as a fire base and as a command center for conducting the fighting.”
Zamir said that “during a prolonged multi-front war, command courses serve as a central anchor in strengthening the foundations of the IDF and allow us to maintain the IDF as a professional army with high standards, values, and discipline. You have experienced unprecedented combat in IDF history and you constitute the significant command backbone of the IDF. The leadership and professionalism you demonstrate will determine the IDF’s ability to carry out its complex missions with excellence. Before you lies the most important mission—to lead fighters and defeat our enemies in battle, while adhering to operational standards and IDF values.”
IDF spotters identified several suspects crossing the barrier near Route 443 yesterday. Police quickly located five suspects in Modi’in Forest, near the breach point, and arrested them for questioning.
Later that night, police spotted a suspicious shuttle van near Mitzpe Modi’in. A search of the vehicle turned up 17 illegal Arab workers. All suspects were arrested, and the shuttle driver is being questioned on suspicion of transporting illegal workers.
Photo: Police Spokesperson
Since the start of the year, hundreds of illegal Arab workers have been caught, and dozens of businesses operating in violation of the law have been shut down. Israeli police stress that employing, transporting, or housing illegal workers are not just criminal offenses—they pose a real threat to public security.
Earlier today, authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle eight illegal workers. The workers were hidden in a double compartment in a commercial vehicle at a checkpoint. The driver tried to flee and was arrested after a short chase. All suspects were taken in for questioning.
Eight illegal Arabs were caught today (Tuesday) at a checkpoint near Jerusalem during an attempt to smuggle them out of Judea and Samaria, after they were concealed inside a double wall of a commercial vehicle.
When the commercial vehicle was stopped, the suspect—the driver—tried to flee from the forces, but after a brief chase he was arrested by soldiers. In a search of the vehicle, soldiers found a double wall installed in the rear section of the vehicle, and inside it the eight Arabs were found hiding in cramped conditions.
An initial investigation revealed that all the suspects who tried to infiltrate in violation of the law are residents of Tulkarm, Nablus, and Jenin. The driver, a resident of Anata in his 30s, was also arrested on suspicion of transporting and smuggling people living illegally in Israel. All the suspects were transferred for further investigation.
The Knesset approved legislation today (Monday) requiring Israel to deduct money from tax transfers to the ‘Palestinian’ Authority based on compensation paid to terror victims and war damages.
The bill, sponsored by Knesset Member Avichai Boaron, passed its second and third readings with 29 lawmakers in favor and five opposed. Under the new law, Israel will annually withhold an amount determined by the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs.
The deduction will be based on a report submitted by the finance minister detailing payments made the previous year to victims of hostile actions through the National Insurance Institute, as well as compensation paid from the Property Tax Compensation Fund for war damages.
The report will also include compensation awarded to terror victims by the courts, including under the Exemplary Damages Law, as well as outstanding compensation debts to terror victims. The withheld funds will first go toward covering debts and compensation to terror victims in cases where existing seizure mechanisms don’t provide the required amounts. Only after meeting these obligations will any remaining funds transfer to the state treasury.
Boaron said after the vote: “This is the simplest and most just law. The ‘Palestinian’ Authority, which bears vicarious liability for damages, hasn’t faced legal action and no one holds it accountable for the harm it caused. This law tells the Authority—you cause damage and we will charge you for that money. Israeli blood and Israeli property are not ownerless.”
