Beyond this, the bodies agreed to relocate the recruitment office currently known to Jerusalemites on Rashi Street to an "alternative location" to conduct a "facelift" and adapt it to current and future needs. In practice, sources familiar with the matter indicate the Jerusalem office will be moved to Givat HaTahmoshet, where recruits board buses to the induction chain at Tel Hashomer Base on their recruitment day.

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Ayayu Belete, a City of David worker who discovered the pendant, described the moment of finding it. "One day while I was digging inside an ancient structure, I suddenly saw something different, gray, among the stones," Belete recounted, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority. "I picked up the object out and saw that it was a pendant with a menorah on it. I immediately showed the find to Esther Rakow-Mellet, the area director, and she said it was an especially rare find. I was deeply moved and excited!"

Historical records indicate Jews faced prohibitions against entering Jerusalem during Byzantine rule, complicating the interpretation of menorah-decorated artifacts found in the city. Researchers question whether such finds represent random occurrences or belonged to Jews who came to Jerusalem for commerce, administrative purposes, or clandestine pilgrimages under unofficial circumstances, according to the report.

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Palestinian sources had already reported in late May that a new armed force was taking control of food trucks in Rafah in southern Gaza. The militia was led by Abu Shabab, who previously served time in a Hamas prison. According to Hamas-linked circles, he was able to break out following an Israeli airstrike during the war and subsequently took command of a group estimated at 100 to 300 armed men.

The Abu Shabab clan belongs to the large Tarabin tribe, one of the most powerful in the Gaza Strip. Members of the tribe cooperated with Islamic State during the past decade as part of the smuggling trade between Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula, in which Hamas also played a major role. The clan itself does not hold ideological affiliation with Islamic State.

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According to the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu interviewed several candidates before selecting Gofman for the position. "Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman is a highly accomplished officer," the statement said. His appointment as the prime minister's military secretary during what the government calls the Rebirth War demonstrated "exceptional professional capabilities," from his rapid entry into the job to his immediate and significant involvement across all seven fronts of the war.

The Prime Minister's Office added that Gofman maintained constant coordination with Israel's intelligence community, particularly the Mossad. It highlighted his "creativity, initiative, ingenuity, profound understanding of the enemy, complete discretion and absolute confidentiality." His leadership and courage were also emphasized, recalling that at the outbreak of the Rebirth War he "rushed from his home and fought Hamas terrorists in the Gaza border communities, where he was seriously wounded."

Gofman will replace current Mossad director David Barnea, whose five-year term ends in June 2026. Netanyahu's request to appoint Gofman is being submitted Thursday to the Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments.

Maj. Gen. Gofman has held a long list of operational and command positions in the IDF. He served as a combat soldier and commander in the Armored Corps, commanded Battalion 75 of the 7th Brigade, served as operations officer for the Gaash formation (Division 36), commanded the Etzion Brigade and later the 7th Brigade, led the Bashan Division (210), commanded the National Ground Training Center, served as Chief of Staff of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and currently serves as the prime minister's military secretary.

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According to the military, the operation centers on the "five villages" cluster. Forces are arresting wanted suspects based on intelligence identifying a reorganization of terror groups in the sector. Troops also conducted weapons searches in the town of Tubas.

The IDF stated the operation will span several days and concentrates on five key villages – Tubas, Tamun, Far'a, Tayasir and Aqaba. Forces will arrest wanted individuals based on precise intelligence following the identification of renewed terrorist organizations operating in the area.

In Tubas, reports confirmed a military curfew, road blockades and the deployment of army checkpoints throughout the village. Government institutions, schools and kindergartens have been ordered closed for the duration of the operation.

The operation follows activity on Monday, when an Israel Police elite counterterrorism force in Nablus eliminated terrorist Abd al-Rauf Ashtiyeh. Ashtiyeh was responsible for the ramming attack in May of last year that killed Kfir Brigade fighters Staff Sgt. Eliya Hilel (20) from Tel Zion and Staff Sgt. Diego Gabriel Harsaj (20) from Tel Aviv near the community of Itamar in Samaria.

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In the letter, which arrived at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, Trump wrote that Netanyahu had stood firm for Israel in the face of powerful adversaries and difficult circumstances, and his attention should not be needlessly diverted. Herzog's office is now considering how to respond, while Netanyahu's office denied any involvement in or prior knowledge of the letter.

"It is my honor to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years," Trump wrote. "As the great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish people move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years, I hearby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive war time prime minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world changing Abraham Accords."

Herzog's office confirmed receipt of the letter and said that the president "has great respect for President Trump, continues to express appreciation for his unwavering support of Israel, and recognizes his immense contribution to bringing home the hostages, reshaping the Middle East and Gaza, and safeguarding Israel's security. Without detracting from this appreciation, as the president has made clear many times, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a request in accordance with the established rules."

Under Israeli law, a pardon request must be submitted by the individual concerned or an immediate family member, and can only be considered after all legal proceedings have concluded. The sole exception was in the 1984 "Bus 300 affair," when a pardon was granted before the end of legal proceedings.

Officials in Herzog's office are weighing whether to reply formally to Trump's letter, clarifying the legal procedure for pardon requests, or to forgo a response, viewing the letter as a declarative and symbolic gesture.

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During a special conversation, Dr. Adelson shared personal stories about her and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, and their donations to Taglit. "In his time, we saw there was a waiting list for young Jews who wanted to come to Israel. It pinched Sheldon's heart – it pained him that there would be young Jews who wanted to come to Israel and couldn't, because his father had wanted his entire life to come to Israel, and it wasn't possible for him because his family was without means. So we sat with the person in charge, asked him how much he wanted, and he answered, '5 million.' So, when we left, Sheldon told me, 'I planned to give him 50 million.'"

"In the first year, there was a waiting list of zero young people, and it worked. Masses stayed and started studying in Israeli institutions, and it was a pleasure to see them walking around with the branded shirts in Tel Aviv."

"How do we choose who to donate to? Sometimes we choose who to donate to, and sometimes people come to us and tell us about their activity. We donate to United Hatzalah and to Shomrim HaChadash, which establishes settlements throughout the country. At first, we donated in a relatively small way; however, after we saw that our donations helped realize the vision, we started donating more. I think we are everywhere."

At the conference's opening, a conversation was held with Dr. Miriam Adelson, Taglit's leading donor, and her son, Matan Adelson, a businessman and Taglit Excel graduate from the 2019 cohort. The two discussed Israel's current situation, Jewish philanthropy, the responsibility of the younger generation, and the ongoing connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

"We don't have money like Qatar, but Israelis have a sharp mind, and we can use it to reduce the propaganda against Israel. I'm optimistic because of the people in Israel; I know we'll never surrender, for so many years we survived, suffered, and I'm sure we'll continue. I'm not worried about that, but rather about the consequences of what happened on October 7, for example, it reminds me sometimes of the stories about the periods before the Holocaust. Everything started like this. I call October 7 'another Holocaust.' It was evil to kill, rape, loot, and burn people alive in one place. In the Holocaust, they found one solution – at one time, they could kill many. Here – it's terrible too, to rape women and then shoot them."

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By midday, authorities have released the names of the victims. These are their stories:

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Pash

Pash has worked as a maintenance man at Kol Torah yeshiva, where a mourning notice was issued describing him as "a devoted employee of the yeshiva, well known throughout the neighborhood, a man of great kindness who gave generously of his own money, and a constant Torah scholar." His funeral procession will depart from the yeshiva later in the day; the exact time will be announced.

Yaakov Pinto

Another victim was identified as Yaakov Pinto, 25, a Jerusalem resident who immigrated to Israel from Spain and married only recently. "Yaakov, a new immigrant from Spain, had just wed, and his future was cruelly cut short. Our hearts are with his young wife, his family, and his community in this painful moment," read a statement. Funeral details will be released separately.

Rabbi Yisrael Metsner

Also among the murdered was Rabbi Yisrael Metsner, 28, a resident of Ramot Bet in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Yosef David

The fourth victim named was Rabbi Yosef David, 43, also from Ramot. He was standing at a bus stop, holding his religious books, on his way to his Torah studies, when he was gunned down.

Rabbi Mordechai Steintzag

The fifth victim was Rabbi Mordechai Steintzag, known as Dr. Mark. A longtime resident of Ramot Bet, Steintzag founded the well-known bakery "Dr. Mark's Pastry" in Beit Shemesh. Originally from the US, he immigrated to Israel decades ago. Trained as a cardiologist, he devoted his life to promoting healthy living in Israel, recognizing that the concept was lacking in the country at the time.

Sarah Mendelson

The sixth victim was Sarita (Sarah) Mendelson. She was murdered on her way to work in the Nayot neighborhood of Jerusalem.

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עוד גיבור היום! נהג מונית שבזמן הטבח בתוך האש כשכדורים שורקים מעליו לא מפקיר את הנוסעת המבוגרת שברכב שלו, ודואג לסייע לה לצאת מהרכב ולברוח תוך סיכון חייו!
מעשה ראוי מתוך גבורה! pic.twitter.com/KA27jhuAA9

— יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) September 8, 2025

The two terrorists were neutralized after they shot at a bus and a hitchhiking station at the junction.

Police raised the alert level throughout Jerusalem with emphasis on the crossings to Judea and Samaria. Many Border Police forces were deployed throughout the city and at checkpoints in Judea and Samaria. The fighters were instructed to increase inspections at the crossings. Undercover Border Police Jerusalem units were also rushed to the scene to close off the attack scene and locate suspects. Meanwhile, Highway 1 from the Arazim Tunnel eastward was blocked to traffic.

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Upon entering office, the president appointed an advisory committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, to recommend worthy candidates for the medal on a regular basis. Since then, the president has awarded the medal to prominent figures in Israel and worldwide in various fields, including heads of state, key social figures from different sectors, and Jewish leaders in Israel and around the world.

The "Presidential Medal" will be awarded by the president in an official ceremony expected to take place at the President's House after the High Holy Days.

The medal recipients announced by the president are: Dr. Miriam Adelson, Professor Avi Uri, retired Judge George Karra, Galila Ron-Feder Amit, Professor Dina Porat, Dr. Yossi Vardi,  Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Moti Malka, and Mathias Dopfner.

President Herzog personally notified each winner of their selection, and in each conversation he held, the president said that "in each and every one of you I see a figure providing personal example. Your unique contribution is an example of activity worthy of special recognition. The State of Israel owes you deep gratitude for your work, for the uncompromising commitment to values of excellence, solidarity, and innovation, and for your outstanding contribution to strengthening Israeli society and defending and advancing Israel's reputation in the world." The president mentioned and emphasized that "even at these moments the hostages remain in all our hearts – we do not forget them, and continue to act and pray for their swift return."

In the committee's reasoning for selecting the award's recipients, it was written that Dr. Miriam Adelson is "a pioneering scientist, physician and addiction treatment specialist, devoted her life to saving souls, groundbreaking research in the field of drug rehabilitation and fighting stigmas surrounding addiction."

"Together with her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, she made enormous contributions to significant projects for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, in the fields of Jewish identity and Zionism, academia, education, research, medicine, and culture. As a Jewish and Israeli leader with global influence, she uses her power to influence American public opinion and media in favor of advancing Israel's national and security interests, and in the past year used this position to lead a significant contribution to the struggle for the release of the hostages – a contribution that placed her at the forefront of the public and international struggle and reflected her personal commitment to values of solidarity and constant concern for human life."

It was further written that Adelson's years-long contribution "combines medical, educational and philanthropic activity on the national and international level, and establishes her status as one of the central figures working for the Israeli people and the State of Israel throughout the world."

Presidential Medal winners alongside Dr. Adelson:

Professor Avi Uri, one of the world's leading rehabilitation physicians and experts in treating war-wounded individuals. A former captive of the Yom Kippur War, he led rehabilitation medicine in Israel and rehabilitated thousands of patients.

Dr. Mathias Dopfner, CEO of the German "Axel Springer" group, is a brave voice against antisemitism and a staunch supporter of Israel. Demonstrated unprecedented solidarity with Israel in the current war.

Retired Judge George Karra was the first Arab Christian Supreme Court justice of his kind, known for courageous and fair rulings. A symbol of equality before the law and integration in Israeli society.

Galila Ron Peder Amit is a leading children's and youth author who has written hundreds of books that have shaped entire generations. Her works instilled values of curiosity, tolerance, and love of homeland.

Professor Dina Porat, Israel's leading Holocaust researcher, wrote foundational books in the field and leads the fight against antisemitism. Serves as academic advisor at Yad Vashem.

Dr. Yossi Vardi is instrumental in building Israel's high-tech industry and founder of Mirabilis (ICQ). Invested in and established dozens of high-tech companies and serves as a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.

Sheikh Muafaq Tarif is the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, leads a path of moderation and unity. A symbol of the covenant of life between the Druze community and the State of Israel.

Moti Malka is the founder of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra and led the multicultural revolution in music. He made Andalusian music part of the Israeli cultural map.

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