Tabataba'i, who rose through the ranks of Hezbollah's special forces, was more than just a senior commander in the Radwan unit. He was dispatched on key assignments during the civil wars in Yemen and Syria throughout the last decade. Through this work, he provided extensive support to other elements of the Iranian axis, enabling them to establish themselves against their rivals from the Sunni and Islamist axis.

During those years, Hezbollah was operating at the peak of its strength, sending delegations of military advisors to distant corners of the Middle East. These missions were instrumental in aiding the Houthis in their fight against the Yemeni government and its allies, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They also served as a major source of support for the Assad regime in Syria and offered counsel to militias in Iraq. Furthermore, the previous Secretary-General was not content with merely sending an advisory team, but also, according to reports in foreign publications, personally provided telephone consultations to the Houthi leader.

The defeat on the northern front and the continuous elimination of top leadership have since catapulted Tabataba'i to the helm of the terror organization's "military wing." He collaborated closely with Mohammed Haidar, a senior advisor on the "Jihad Council" who himself survived an assassination attempt. Over the past year, both men, like the few other surviving senior officials, have been focused predominantly on attempts to reconstruct terror infrastructure within Lebanon, not on engagement in Sanaa or Damascus. Consequently, the Iranian axis has suffered severe setbacks, or even outright collapse, on both of those distant fronts.

Tabataba'i's death will exacerbate Hezbollah's debate over how to respond to Israel's strikes in Lebanon – a conversation the deceased official himself was engaged in. Recently, Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem ramped up his rhetoric, declaring that "the current situation cannot continue." Qassem seems to have channeled the discontent brewing within the organization's ranks following the hundreds of targeted killings in the past year.

Yesterday, two senior Hezbollah figures addressed the attack. While Member of Parliament Ali Ammar spoke about finding "the appropriate time" for a response, Mohammed Qamati stressed that "all options are open." These remarks are highly indicative of the profound disagreement within Hezbollah that will dominate the leadership's upcoming consultations.

Video: The attack in Beirut on November 23, 2025

On one side, Hezbollah finds itself in a position of historic weakness and is disadvantaged against Israel, despite its efforts to recover. Launching a single rocket or a full salvo could provide Israel with the perfect pretext for additional strikes, eliminating the few remaining senior commanders. Qassem may lack strength and charisma, but the organization has no superior alternative. The head of Hezbollah's political council, Ibrahim Amin al-Sayyed, is an equally uninspiring figure. On the other side, the organization faces growing turmoil among the Shiite public due to delays in reconstruction and compensation payments, fueling a strong desire for revenge.

Despite these immediate pressures, Hezbollah's calculus is rooted in the long term. Their reasoning dictates that as long as the Shiite Muslim population continues to expand at the expense of Christians and maintains its support for the terror group, they can afford to wait and concentrate solely on infrastructural repair. With the passage of time, Lebanon will become progressively more Shiite and pro-Iranian. Under this view, the current Lebanese government, including figures like President Michel Aoun, represents the final stand of the country's "pro-Western" elements.

This dynamic shifts the central dilemma to Israel. Can Jerusalem accept a diminished Hezbollah, fully aware that it might fully rebound in ten years, or should it exploit the current opportunity to push the terror group into an even deeper abyss – a crisis point where its rivals within the Land of the Cedars will finally have the courage to step in and permanently dismantle the organization's arsenal.

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At the center of attention stands the meeting President Donald Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held over the weekend. The meeting, which became a publicized and jarring political event, marked the beginning of a new era in the city – an accelerated governmental transition process, a tense security and social agenda, and especially a sense of uncertainty regarding the Jewish community's status in a reality where antisemitism is raising its head across nearly all of America.

Alongside personal interviews, extensive discussions will also take place on the intensification of antisemitism, the future of American Jewry, the cost of war, the hostage struggle, Israel's standing in the international arena, and the day after the Iron Swords war.

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"Brother Tawfiq Abu Naim was a great fighter in the prisons of (Israel) for a lengthy period," Nazal responded to the host's query, "following his release and return to the Gaza Strip, he was appointed to formal positions (in Hamas) and demonstrated substantial capabilities in them. I believe that this report is an intelligence report intended to try and test the waters, and to attempt to glean any information about Brother Tawfiq Abu Naim. This is because since October 7, 2023, brother Tawfiq Abu Naim has not appeared publicly at all and (Israel) possesses no information about him, save for contradictory intelligence. They therefore wish, sometimes through specific news items, to test the waters."

Video: Hamas speaking on Israel Hayom / Social media

The senior Hamas official operating abroad, speaking from his location in Turkey, asserted that the article's objective was apparently to gather reactions to the report: "Personally, I do not know where Brother Tawfiq Abu Naim is, where he is currently, or what his status and condition is. This is because from the start of the war until now, I have received no information concerning him. The final point I wish to make is that the Hamas movement, when selecting its leadership – it chooses them through an election process, even within the Gaza Strip."

He added, "The posts are filled according to internal mechanisms, and during the war all posts were filled. Mohammed Sinwar died and was succeeded by Brother Ez A-Din Al-Hadad as commander of the Ez A-Din Al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing; S.K.). The posts are filled via mechanisms that are recognized internally. Consequently, if the Hamas movement seeks to fill specific posts or elect a particular leader, then it will elect him through the election mechanisms. This is my comment concerning the report on Tawfiq Abu Naim."

The article examined the background of Abu Naim – a confidant of Yahya Sinwar who was imprisoned with him for two decades. After two years of war and the elimination of many of his partners, Abu Naim is well-positioned to become the new leader of the terrorist organization in Gaza. With his experience in senior roles within the Hamas government and his connections to Egyptian intelligence, he may, apparently, integrate into the post-war agenda. The man who was previously the head of the internal security mechanisms in Gaza, responsible for neutralizing any intelligence breach, is one of the last senior officials who has survived.

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Regarding the first challenge, Netanyahu is eager to pass the conscription law. The Shas party would also greatly welcome the bill's passage. The faction emphasizes that it has never withdrawn from the coalition and that it supports Netanyahu's Government – yet, it currently seems difficult to formulate a version that will satisfy the needs of both the IDF and the ultra-Orthodox, and one that can also withstand judicial scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

On Friday, in a rarity for the Sukkot holiday, a meeting took place in the Knesset involving Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth, the committee's legal counsel, and Shas representatives – former Minister Ariel Attias and MK Yinon Azoulay. A source present at the meeting informed Israel Hayom: "I am not a bearer of good tidings." The other participants in the meeting responded similarly. As for  Netanyahu, those in his inner circle say he wishes to pass the bill as quickly as possible, both to remove this major issue from Israeli society and because it is obvious that without this law, the government has no real chance of survival.

With regards to the state budget, the Knesset will be dissolved if the government fails to finalize a law that passes the Knesset by March. Netanyahu, according to those around him, is determined to pass a budget and has the capability to do so, but it appears that there are currently too many opposing elements that need to be satisfied. The ultra-Orthodox will undoubtedly want a budget that meets their needs, and the defense budget will also require exceptional focus, especially following a war.

Nevertheless, the prime minister's associates have been communicating very clear signals that Netanyahu will not head to elections before he completes his objectives, which are as follows: the return of the hostages; guaranteeing that Hamas does not return to rule; and placing Gaza on a path to demilitarization. His orbit has also been mentioning cementing the achievements against Lebanon, Syria, and Iran – and even the signing of several peace agreements.

And then there is the Netanyahu trial, where he is at the start of the cross-examination in Case 1000, the gifts case. As a reminder, Netanyahu had sought to postpone the testimony scheduled on Wednesday. Israel Hayom's legal correspondent, Elinor Shirkani Kofman, reported that the prosecution consented to the delay on the condition that Netanyahu would testify on Thursday. Ultimately, the testimony proceeded on Wednesday as scheduled. The trial and Netanyahu's testimony will also affect the political process – as the trial progresses or faces delays, the prime minister will possess more leverage.

The post After Gaza, what's next for Netanyahu? appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The term Invasion, on such a sensitive date, which directly recalls the infiltration of Hamas terrorists into the southern communities and the mass killings of Israelis and Americans, raises questions about who in the organization is responsible for this preposterous decision.

In 2001, a highly publicized rivalry occurred between the WWE and the rival organization WCW. At that time, a pay per view event took place that carried the name Invasion, in which the WWE took over the WCW in what was considered a landmark moment in the wrestling world. Now, more than two decades later, the WWE is reusing this brand to designate the scheduled conflict between NXT and TNA – two organizations currently operating under its umbrella, but the obtuseness and extreme insensitivity to the date and the selection of the name prompts reflection.

INVASION.

NXT vs. TNA.

October 7th on @TheCW! pic.twitter.com/n6vezTtwFp

— WWE (@WWE) September 28, 2025

The event itself features "Survivor Series Style Matches", in addition to a tag team championship match between the Hardy Boyz and DarkState. Yet, from the viewpoint of Israeli fans, the mere staging of the event specifically on this highly charged day and with a name that assumes a chilling significance is the main concern.

In recent months, the Israel Hayom editorial staff approached WWE management following previous controversies. For instance, the wrestler Sami Zayn provoked outrage after his social media remarks included curses against Israel and Jews, and at another event, he and CM Punk appeared wearing attire featuring the colors of PLO flags. Only after widespread public outcry were Sami Zayn's posts removed, but the management has chosen repeatedly to disregard the criticism from the Israeli audience.

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The legal officials clarified that since Israel has declared a naval blockade, it must be consistently enforced without exceptions, and therefore the flotilla must not be allowed to pass. Security officials noted that the ships might contain ammunition that would aid Hamas, making it mandatory to inspect the contents before they are permitted to pass. For these reasons, it was decided that the new flotilla will be handled in a manner very similar to how the previous flotilla was managed.

Accordingly, once the flotilla reaches the maritime border of Gaza, IDF forces, led by the Israeli Navy, will operate according to international regulations and will warn the boats not to advance further. If they cooperate, they will be redirected to one of Israel's ports. If they refuse, the IDF will forcibly seize control of the boats and tow them to Israeli shores. Following their arrival in the country, the participants will undergo a legal procedure similar to what took place the last time. However, urgent discussions are being held in Israel on the question of whether to release them, especially regarding participants for whom this will be their second attempt to breach the blockade, such as Greta Thunberg.

It should be noted that based on intelligence information gathered in Israel, the flotilla is not only designed to assist Hamas propaganda but was also funded and organized by the organization, meaning the flotilla was intended to be a media gimmick from start to finish. Against this backdrop, alongside the operational preparation, there is an extensive and coordinated public relations effort by the Foreign Ministry, the IDF, the Israel Police, and the other agencies that are monitoring the flotilla and preparing to address it. This is intended to provide a real-time media response to any expected provocation from the participants. It should be noted that already, Israel's messages regarding the flotilla have garnered millions of views on social networks, whereas the participants' publications are receiving comparatively little and small attention.

Israel and Italy have offered the flotilla participants the option to unload the contents of the boats at legitimate ports in the Middle East, so that the contents could undergo a security inspection and then be transferred to the Gaza Strip through the conventional routes. Nonetheless, all the offers were rejected by them. Foreign Ministry Director General Eitan Bar Tal stated on Thursday in a response during a press conference for the foreign media, "The flotilla's refusals prove once again that its real purpose is not the transfer of humanitarian aid, but rather provocation and service to the terrorist organization Hamas. Israel reiterates: the entry of vessels into an active combat zone will not be permitted and the violation of the lawful naval siege will not be allowed."

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Unlike the usual route that passes over many countries in central and northern Europe, the plane adhered to the most southern course possible.

According to flight tracking data, so far the plane passed solely through the airspace of Greece and Italy, then continued westward toward the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar – without crossing any other foreign territory. This constituted an unusual step that pointed to the delicate political and legal situation of the prime minister.

The plane did not pass through countries that have not explicitly rejected the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Netanyahu, possibly over concern that certain European states might take action against Netanyahu following recent calls to enforce those international warrants.

Aviation experts noted that such a course is particularly unusual since it extends the flight by about 600 kilometers (373 miles) and creates operational constraints, but in this case the security and legal considerations appear to outweigh other concerns.

As it entered the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar, Wing of Zion was expected to continue directly west toward the east coast of the United States, where Netanyahu will land ahead of his scheduled speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.

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The even, during Channel 12's "Morning News" transformed a standard report about Israeli travelers' compensation into a delightful family showcase that conquered social media.

Fisher, intimately familiar with Israeli families' summer vacation strategies, learned he operates his own exclusive day camp – except his version unfolds inside a television studio. His little son, Sean, determined that the moment had arrived to explore dad's professional environment firsthand, making his studio debut during live broadcasting.

"He has completely taken over the segment already," host Niv Raskin chuckled, immediately offering viewers context by explaining, "These reporters visiting us also work as full-time parents. We have an informal day camp operating outside, where sometimes children prefer not to participate, choosing instead to stay close to their fathers."

Video: The incident at the studio / Credit: Channel 12 News

The most charming moment emerged when Sean, demonstrably unfazed by cameras and studio atmosphere, declared with obvious pride while continuing his snacking, "Dad, can people see me on television."

Fisher, attempting professional composure while barely containing his amusement, addressed the host directly, "Raskin, can you handle something like this" - expressing the universal sentiment of any parent compelled to bring children to work during extended school breaks.

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"Our goal is not to occupy Gaza but to liberate it from Hamas," Netanyahu said. He outlined the creation of a new civilian authority independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. "We will work to establish a civilian authority that is not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority," he said.

To support this, he proposed establishing a buffer zone and designated areas for food distribution in Gaza. "A buffer zone will be established in the Gaza Strip and areas for food distribution will be created," he said. Netanyahu also highlighted Hamas's interference with aid, stating, "Hamas is seizing aid in Gaza," he said.

He explained the conference purpose was to combat distortions about their efforts in the area. "Our goal from this conference is to put an end to the lies and misinformation regarding what we are doing in the sector," Netanyahu said. "In light of Hamas' refusal to lay down its weapons, Israel has no choice but to complete the mission and defeat it," he said.

The revised offensive approaches in Gaza focus on addressing the final pair of Hamas bastions. "The new attack plans on Gaza aim to deal with the two remaining strongholds of Hamas," Netanyahu said. He pointed out that Hamas is not passing on vast quantities of permitted food supplies in Gaza. "Hamas refuses to distribute thousands of tons of food that we allow to enter the Gaza Strip," he said. The approach encompasses relocating non-combatants. "The plan will include the evacuation of civilians," Netanyahu said. He viewed the selected approach as the superior means to terminate the fighting.

"The plan we adopted is the best way to end the war," he said. Netanyahu spoke of creating secure routes for providing relief supplies. "We will establish safe corridors for the distribution of humanitarian aid," he said. Deliveries via aircraft will also be enabled. "We will also allow the delivery of aid by air," he said. In the Gaza Strip, a protective area will be implemented with sites for allocating provisions.

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Enhanced concentration and emotional balance

Matcha's L-theanine – a unique amino acid – fosters a sense of calm and sharp focus. It tempers caffeine's effects, providing sustained energy without the restlessness coffee can cause.

Fighting inflammation with antioxidants

Rich in catechins – especially EGCG – matcha shields cells from oxidative stress and curbs inflammation linked to cardiovascular and chronic conditions.

Boosting cardiovascular wellness

Research highlights matcha's ability to improve blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.

Gentle caffeine lift

Delivering roughly 70mg of caffeine per cup – comparable to coffee – matcha pairs it with L-theanine for a smooth, alert state without tension or crashes.

Guidelines for enjoying matcha

• measured intake: one to three cups a day maximize benefits while keeping caffeine in check.
• time it right: consume between meals to avoid hindering iron absorption.
• dietary synergy: pair with vitamin C to optimize iron uptake from plant sources.

Ultimately, matcha transcends its trendy aesthetic – it's a powerhouse of antioxidants, promoting mental clarity and heart health. Like any superfood, it's best enjoyed in moderation.

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