"After the Simchat Torah massacre, the government and the security establishment were obligated to draw lessons and prepare appropriately for defense in all arenas," Englman stated regarding his decision to conduct an audit on the Jerusalem area's readiness for terror incidents and various security risks. "The deficiencies in the report are disturbing and must keep the political and security leadership awake at night," he added.

In practice, the comptroller's office conducted the audit between 2024-2025, covering many diverse components. For example, the areas of responsibility of the relevant bodies were examined, led by the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit; reference threats and scenarios in the sector were detailed; the effectiveness of operational responses in the area was examined; and breaches in the barrier along the border were identified. Operational concepts with deficiencies were also examined, including the lack of synchronization among the numerous bodies operating in the sector and the misalignment of crossing infrastructure with population growth.

However, the report noted that the audit was completed before the murderous terror attack at Ramot Junction in September, in which six people were killed.

Command and control

One of the fundamental issues examined in the comptroller's report on this matter is the command and control of the various bodies located in the sector and operating at the crossings. According to the audit, for 20 years, the Israel Police has managed the various crossings without formulating a relevant operational concept that establishes the rules, principles, and methods of operation at the crossings.

It also emerged that there is a lack of clarity regarding the subordination of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit to the Judea and Samaria District of the police, and that the fact that the body operates, de facto, under four different arms (Central Command, Jerusalem District in the police, Judea and Samaria District in the police, and Border Police commander) has not been examined for 22 years and creates confusion and difficulty in operating forces in the sector. In general, it emerged that the multitude of forces in the sector (including Border Police, the IDF, the police, and civilian security guards) leads to operational gaps in the activities of the bodies.

Another aspect regarding command and control relates to the police's lack of governance "in a certain area" in the Jerusalem periphery. The report does not specify which area, but it can be assumed that it refers to Kfar Aqab in northern Jerusalem, where the police simply cannot enforce the law. According to the report, "the failure to implement the police's responsibility leads to a lack of governance and lack of municipal services, when the lack of governance damages the police's ability to enforce and act when its intervention is required."

It was also written that when there is activity in the place, it is often accompanied by disturbances and shooting at the forces securing the police, and that there is "the ability of Palestinians to pass from the territories into the area. Some of them hold blue identity cards that allow free movement in the territory of the State of Israel, which they exploited to carry out terror attacks in the state's territory, and the lack of a basic response constitutes a security risk to citizens of the State of Israel."

It should be noted that Kfar Aqab is under the municipal responsibility of the Jerusalem municipality, which invests almost no resources in the area, while security responsibility is in the hands of the IDF. In practice, only in recent weeks did Kfar Aqab's local leadership approach the Jerusalem municipality to discuss solutions to various municipal problems within its jurisdiction, but it is unknown whether the meeting will help in the complex reality at the site.

Additional deficiencies were recorded in the training of Border Police soldiers that is not suitable for activity at the crossings, in the frequent turnover of crossing commanders which creates "difficulty in continuity of functioning and instructions," in the shortage of weapons among police forces in the sector, as well as in the fact that there is no central body in Israel whose purpose is to handle all land crossings that are not international.

The operational response

The conclusions raised in this part of the audit should keep decision-makers awake at night, no less.

According to some of them, until the October 7 massacre, the Jerusalem District police did not formulate relevant reference scenarios for the sector regarding mass infiltration, which, in practice, damaged the district's readiness and the readiness of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit for escalating terror incidents.

Only in August 2024, almost a year after the Simchat Torah massacre, did the preparation of the said order by the Jerusalem District police and the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit finish. Even then, the order did not include operational instructions defining how to prepare for a scenario of infiltration from multiple points along the seam line, although the Shin Bet assessed that the Palestinians feel they have the ability to cross at the crossings easily and without real risk.

It also emerged that on the Palestinian side of the points where the barrier exists (which extends for 61% of the border), there are buildings built above the wall as well as piles of earth waste, which allow easy stone throwing and throwing of firebombs.

Another unusual conclusion that emerged in this chapter is that, during 30% of the audit time, the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit's order of battle was allocated to tasks "not directly related" to routine security along the barrier.

Among these tasks are the forces' handling of disturbance incidents in the Judea and Samaria territories, escorting detainees, and reinforcing police forces in the Jerusalem District. According to the comptroller, "This fact, alongside the 11.5% gap in the police roster compared to the standard, raises concern regarding the ability of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit to meet the tasks assigned to it within the framework of its responsibility for the Jerusalem periphery area. Continued failure to meet routine security tasks endangers the residents of Jerusalem and allows threats to enter Israeli territory."

The report presents a clear example of this, revealing that during five months, the recording of alerts by IDF female observation soldiers' operations rooms about infiltration incidents in the Jerusalem periphery sector stood at hundreds and was significantly higher than the recording of Border Police alerts, which stood at only dozens and raises concern regarding the method of intelligence collection and creation by the Border Police.

Incidentally, regarding IDF female field-observers, it was written that "despite the threat from the Judea and Samaria sector, there has been no change in the concept of locating IDF collection operations rooms in the Jerusalem periphery sector, and they remain near the seam line. This reality, even after October 7, when female field-observation soldiers who stayed at an outpost near the Gaza border were killed and kidnapped, may put the female observation soldiers in the Jerusalem periphery sector at risk."

When the comptroller's office addressed the barrier structure itself, it emerged that there is no barrier at all for tens of miles. "Palestinians can enter Israeli territory without any control or inspection, risking Israeli residents," it was written, alongside presenting grim data indicating the entry of thousands of illegal residents each year through the breaches.

"There is a danger of terror incidents because threats can infiltrate through the openings into Israeli territory and Jerusalem. The barrier does not manage to provide the required defensive response, and the lack of agreement between the Defense Ministry and the National Security Ministry regarding the party bearing budgetary responsibility for upgrading the barrier perpetuates the problem and endangers Israeli residents."

Inspection, security, and infrastructure alignment

The audit's findings on inspection, security, and infrastructure alignment also raised quite unusual conclusions. Among other things, it was found that the reduction of the military police soldiers' order of battle in June 2023 led to a situation where the "Erez" battalion of the corps could perform, in practice, about 69% of its tasks – a fact that significantly damaged the battalion's operational activity.

In fact, from that month onward, there was an additional reduction in the battalion's order of battle, widening the mismatch between the tasks the battalion was required to perform and what it could actually accomplish. The manpower shortage led to lane closures and a "bottleneck" at the crossing entrance. Similarly, incidentally, in the blue police activity. According to the comptroller, "in light of the lack of appropriate infrastructure and shortage of manpower, the police struggles to inspect vehicles at the crossings at the required level," while waiting times and congestion pose a safety risk to inspectors and those waiting to cross.

It also emerged that the defense minister and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) agreed on granting entry permits to Palestinians during the Ramadan period without taking into account the police's ability to enforce these numbers. "According to the police, it was a partner in the discussions, but its recommendations are not taken into account in decision-making," according to the comptroller. The inspection during Ramadan revealed that the infrastructure at the Rachel, Qalandiya, and Zeitim crossings does not allow the entry of all worshippers within the defined six-hour timeframe, and that the congestion poses a real danger to life. According to the comptroller, beyond the danger to life, this is "a reputational damage to the State of Israel as allegedly not allowing freedom of worship within its borders."

Interestingly, the comptroller also noted to the Transportation Ministry, which decided to widen the road adjacent to the Tunnels Checkpoint without examining the impact of the move, that this contributed to the creation of "bottlenecks" at the crossing.

Implementation of government decisions

The comptroller noted that government decisions made over the years regarding the barrier were not brought for discussion at the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, "although two decades have passed since their approval." Among other things, successive governments did not discuss the decision to civilianize several crossings, did not implement the decision to transfer authorities from the IDF to the police in several areas, and did not ensure that the Shin Bet would be the body responsible for professional guidance regarding passenger and luggage inspection at all crossings, except those for which the IDF is responsible.

"The responsibility for correcting the deficiencies detailed in this report lies primarily with the prime minister, defense minister, national security minister, chief of staff, police commissioner, Central Command commander, Jerusalem District commander, and Border Police commander – each party at its level," the comptroller concluded.

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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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