A Deep State worker in the federal government has confirmed that he can “interpret” the policies set by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krist Noem, and then decide what to do.

The video of Brandon Wright, platform services manager for the DHS, was obtained on hidden camera by O’Keefe Media Group.

Editor’s Note: Be aware of offensive language:

Wright cited the multiple layers of bureaucracy.

And he said, “By the time the actual marching orders get to me and below, we can filter it in a way that steadies the ship.”

He continued, “If we don’t agree with those priorities … there’s a lot of room for interpretation.”

He addressed directly the new leadership from Noem.

“Kristi Noem doesn’t know… She doesn’t know her a**,” he said. “The Department of Homeland Security could fall on her f****** head, and she wouldn’t recognize what it is.”

He admitted he personally doesn’t like her.

“To say that I am not excited about this would be the most epic understatement.”

OMG reported that DHS provided a statement: “Secretary Noem has not seen the video in its entirety. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. This person has been placed on leave and is under investigation … The senior official says the termination of the official is imminent.”

Wright noted, “The truth is, we don’t let them [political appointees] get in our way.”

Welcome to WorldNetDaily’s latest episode where we dive deep into the heart of the news that matters. Here’s what’s on today’s agenda:

Join us for an explosive new series where we dive deep into President Donald Trump’s aggressive policy overhaul, aimed at dismantling what he calls the “woke insanity” that has infiltrated America. In “Trump’s Reset,” we explore how the 47th President of the United States is not just reshaping domestic policy but also holding international allies accountable.

Is DEI dying? We will discuss the latest on the removal of DEI from the government and how it is saving Americans money.

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WATCH:

Dana White on Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump.

(0:00) Professional Slapping
(1:30) Dana White’s Friendship With Donald Trump
(11:28) Dana Joining the Board of Meta
(18:32) How Dana Responded to the Bryce Mitchell Controversy
(22:22) Will the Anti-Censorship Movement Last?… pic.twitter.com/RN7egSUAOB

— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 3, 2025

The state of California has been caught pushing occult religions on children, with counseling to consider “Tarot and Tidings,” your own “high priestess,” and situations “where your magic grows,” according to a report at Harbingers Daily.

It is the Department of Healthcare Services in California that pays for and promotes to children a website called Soluna.

It boasts of being free and completely anonymous.

It calls itself, “your space to destress, bounce back, and reset. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults.”

And it offers one-on-one counseling: “Connect with a trained Soluna Coach whenever you need someone in your corner. Whether you’re looking to talk right now or want to schedule ahead, our coaches are here for you. No insurance needed, no session limits, and absolutely free – just open, judgment-free support on your terms.”

But the report explains how the app “advises teens to drop Christianity and embrace the occult.”

The so-called “mental health” app actually promotes “the occult, the New Age, homosexuality, transgenderism, fornication, and more,” the report said. “The attack on biblical principles and precepts is clear.”

One “lesson” cited in the report is called “Tarot and Tidings: a holiday spread to protect your peace.”

It promotes children creating “your own reality” and tells them to get ready to cast a “spell.”

Then the series promotes a “high priestess” that students must “channel.”

“Another lesson in the mental-health app is titled ‘Coming out to immigrant parents: parent POV,’” the report said.

Also there are ubiquitous promotions for “physical intimacy,” encouraging fornication.

In that chapter it promotes doing “whatever you’re comfortable with,” as long as there’s “consent” and “protection.”

“It even encourages children to consider whether they want to be monogamous or polyamorous, having numerous sexual partners at the same time, as if this were normal,” the report explained.

Promoting ideology that directly conflicts with the Bible, it suggests slogans such as “everything is temporary,” “I am good enough,” and “I am worthy of a happy and fulfilling life.”

Brenda Lebsack, a veteran California educator, told the Newman Report, “The Mental Health Crisis Hotlines, both National and in the state of California, are being used as indoctrination tools. When I went through these lessons it is obvious there is another agenda they are trying to accomplish, which is definitely contrary to Judeo-Christian Values.”

And its anti-Christian bias is clear, Lebsack explained. “The positive self-talk meditations [in Soluna] are messages that basically place self in the position of ultimate power as the ‘end all,’ thus ignoring that a Creator even exists and ignoring that a sin nature is even possible. If sin is non-existent, then the need for a Redeemer or Savior becomes irrelevant.”

President Donald Trump’s strategy to impose tariffs is resulting in rapid results, as Mexico has agreed to send thousands of its troops to help secure its border with America in exchange for a temporary pause in tariffs on its products.

“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States.

“These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country.

“We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico.

“I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two Countries.”

It’s not just Mexico that has been targeted for tariffs by Trump. America’s northern neighbor of Canada is also in U.S. crosshairs.

Trump said Monday morning: “Canada doesn’t even allow U.S. Banks to open or do business there. What’s that all about?”

“Many such things, but it’s also a DRUG WAR, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the U.S. from drugs pouring through the Borders of Mexico and Canada.

“Just spoke to Justin Trudeau. Will be speaking to him again at 3:00 P.M.”

Fox News analyst Steve Hilton noted: “It’s absolutely astonishing to see this new president in action.”

Is the news we hear every day actually broadcasting messages from God? The answer is an absolute yes! Find out how!

Follow Joe on Twitter @JoeKovacsNews

Elon Musk, President Donald Trump’s hand-picked chief of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, has closed down an entire government agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development, after calling it a criminal organization that was beyond repair.

A report in the Daily Mail explained, “The billionaire ‘first buddy’ led a civilian review of the federal government with Trump’s go-ahead and decided this week to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its Washington, D.C. offices.”

Staff woke up Monday to emails instructing them to stay away from the D.C. headquarters, the report said.

Musk said, “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm it in. What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair. ‘We’re shutting it down.”

He explained he spoke with the president and they agreed “we should shut it down.’

There were, the report said, more than 10,000 employees on staff as of 2016.

It managed more than $40 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, giving out cash to some 130 nations.

“USAID is a criminal organization,” Musk wrote on social media.

#DeepState demons. Tear it all down. #USAID first! Give us #MAHA! Readthis post below, https://t.co/FzdPPjitzm pic.twitter.com/zn8vXFMu61

— Elizabeth Farah (@ElizabethFarah) February 2, 2025

The agency’s web presence also was suspended, the report said.

The action followed a decision over the weekend for two top security chiefs at USAID to be put on leave when they refused to turn over classified material to the government teams working with Musk.

The two, John Voorhees and Brian McGill, said they didn’t believe the DOGE officials had a high enough security clearance to access the information.

“USAID is a criminal organization,” Musk previewed on social media. He continued, “Did you know that USAID, using YOUR tax dollars, funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, that killed millions of people?”

Trump earlier also discussed the issue, with his charge the agency has been “run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out… and then we’ll make a decision (on its future).”

There already was chaos in the agency as Trump had ordered a freeze on most U.S. foreign aid for three months, insisting that the spending needed to be reviewed for inappropriate recipients and projects. He then issued waivers for food and other humanitarian help.

There has been discussion about how Trump may want to roll the USAID’s functions into the State Department.

DOGE is part of the executive office of the president.

JERUSALEM – Middle East/Israel Morning Brief

70 released Hamas prisoners stranded in Cairo hotel as ‘no country wants them’

70 Palestinian prisoners stranded in Egypt hotel: ‘No country wants them’ – i24NEWS https://t.co/vWCvegsd0k

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) February 2, 2025

Seventy members of Hamas released from Israeli prisons as part of the hostage agreement are currently stranded in a hotel in Cairo, with the countries that had committed to hosting them not yet formally agreeing to do so.

“To date, no Arab country has agreed to receive even a single released and expelled Palestinian prisoner,” a source from the Palestinian Prisoner Authority said.

According to the Algemeiner, the ex-prisoners, who are not allowed to leave their hotel, describe their situation as moving “from an Israeli prison to an Egyptian prison.” The source reports they had to stay for a long time with their prison clothes and sandals, adding “the Egyptians do not treat them warmly.”
In addition to those stuck in Egypt, 23 other prisoners who were supposed to be deported abroad are trapped in the Gaza Strip. Among the countries mentioned as potential destinations are Algeria, Turkey, Tunisia, and Qatar.

In a joint statement, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced they would agree to host a portion of the released prisoners, without specifying their number. Al-Thani emphasized hosting the Palestinian prisoners “must be based on their own decision,” while Fidan simply stated: “We have agreed to accommodate a certain number of Palestinian prisoners expelled abroad.”

Hamas terrorists forced U.S.-Israeli hostage to write thank you letter to captors

Sick. Before allowing him to go free, Hamas forced Keith Segal to write a “thank you note” to his captors.

They held him hostage, starved, and tortured him for 484 days and then made him say thank you. pic.twitter.com/lwWfiwwS3X

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) February 2, 2025

In a letter distributed online by Hamas, Keith Siegel – who was released Saturday from captivity in Gaza – allegedly thanked the terrorists who held him for 484 days. “I was treated well by them,” he allegedly wrote.

But a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum clarified “the Hamas terrorists who held Keith forced him to write them a detailed letter of thanks. This is one example of many of the cruel and cynical conduct of the Hamas terrorist organization and the urgency of returning all the hostages to Israel,” Ynet reported.

According to the letter Siegel was ordered to write: “My guards during this period took care of all my needs, food and drink, medicine, vitamins, eye drops, a blood pressure measuring device and more. They also made sure I got a doctor’s checkup when I felt unwell for a long time. The guards considered my needs and responded to my requests regarding nutrition, eating habits and more. They made sure I had food that suited my health needs.”

Freed hostage Danielle Gilboa: ‘Only thing that saved me was faith’

A new message from Daniella Gilboa:

“Hi, my loved ones, what a crazy year it’s been for me, and I don’t even know where to begin…

I think, first and foremost, I want to thank everyone

To those who supported my family for a year and three months, who never left, never gave… pic.twitter.com/A4KTg4KNga

— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) February 2, 2025

Daniella Gilboa, who was released last week from Hamas captivity, published her first post on social media after her release in which she thanked the people of Israel and shared details about her time in captivity.

“What a crazy year I had and I don’t know where to start. I think that first of all, I’ll say thank you to everyone,” Gilboa opened.

She thanked “the people who for a year and three months supported my family, who didn’t leave or give up or lose hope for a moment. Thank you for waiting for me, thank you for not believing the terrible rumors, thank you for continuing to pray for me for this entire time. It was my last request before I was abducted. I didn’t want to give up or say goodbye, so instead I prayed and believed with my whole heart that my end was not there, in that shelter.”

She recounted the moments of the abduction: “I prayed for all the girls who were with me for a half hour since I felt I couldn’t do anything better other than that at the time. I couldn’t hold onto the protection that the army may provide and maybe come to protect me. I couldn’t hold onto the protection that the shelter may have provided, since it wasn’t rockets. At that moment, couldn’t hold onto the few girls who were armed either.

“I knew the only thing that could save us was faith,” Daniella wrote. “Yesterday morning, Karina, Naama, Liri, Agam, and I recited the ‘Hagomel’ (thanksgiving) blessing at the synagogue.

“I waited for this moment from the day I survived Oct. 7, to thank G-d who against all odds saved us from the worst thing of all.”

IDF Rabbinate unveils tactical Holy Ark

The IDF’s Rabbinical Corps has developed, in the course of the past months, in light of the fighting on a number of fronts, a number of revolutionary patents designed to assist the combatants in maintaining their faith, while in combat.

One of the significant developments… pic.twitter.com/EpCooozdl8

— Netanel Worthy – נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) February 2, 2025

The IDF’s Rabbinical Corps has developed, in the course of the past months, in light of the fighting on a number of fronts, a number of revolutionary patents designed to assist the combatants in maintaining their faith, while in combat.

One of the significant developments created by the IDF Rabbinate is a Holy Ark for the Torah scroll, which, at the touch of a button, becomes a table for the scroll, according to Israel National News.

“As far as transporting a Torah scroll is concerned, an Ark is required because of the humidity that damages Torah scrolls”, relates the Chief of Staff of the IDF Rabbinate, Col. Rabbi Shoham Orkabi.

“The ark that is used now is not comfortable to carry and is not waterproof, so the IDF’s Rabbinical Corps developed a Torah carrier with straps on both sides. This carrier is very comfortable to carry, and can be taken on the back to any location.”

71% of Israelis against Palestinian state, even if it nixes Saudi normalization

How many Israelis support creation of a Palestinian state? New poll has answer

Seventy-one percent of Israelis oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, according to a poll conducted on Jan. 29.

The survey comes on the background of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure on Sunday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.

“The findings are public just in time for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit with President Trump. Bibi can now go to the president of the United States with a clear statement that this is the will of the people of Israel,” Avi Abelow, CEO of Pulse of Israel, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which co-sponsored the poll, told Jewish News Syndicate.

The future of Judea and Samaria, commonly known as the West Bank, is likely to be discussed between the two leaders as diplomatic relations with Arab countries is expected to be a key topic.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has signaled a Palestinian state is a condition for normalization of relations with Jerusalem. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said during a Jan. 22 speech in the Knesset plenum that Israel has made “no such promise.”

The survey asked respondents whether they would support a Palestinian state as part of an Israeli-Saudi peace deal. More than half said they would not even do so when attached to Saudi normalization.

Iran warns of ‘all-out regional war’ if Israel, U.S. strike nuclear sites

Iranian FM Warns: Israeli or U.S. Strike on Nuclear Sites Means ‘All-Out War’ pic.twitter.com/vJsqgs3gQi

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 1, 2025

Iran will respond immediately and decisively if its nuclear sites are attacked which would lead to an “all-out war in the region,” Tehran’s foreign minister told Al Jazeera TV in a recently-aired interview, according to the Times of Israel.

Israel and the U.S. launching a military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities would be “one of the biggest historical mistakes the U.S. could make,” Abbas Araghchi said through a translator.

Concerns have grown among Iran’s top decision-makers that U.S. President Donald Trump might in his second term empower Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike Iran’s nuclear sites while further tightening U.S. sanctions on its oil industry.

Israel launches criminal investigation into Sara Netanyahu over witness tampering allegations

Sara Netanyahu has been in the US for several weeks, but it is unclear if she will be summoned for questioning https://t.co/YF7iikY8i5

— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) February 2, 2025

The State Attorney’s Office revealed Sunday it had launched a criminal investigation in a case linked to Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although it stopped short of saying whether she was a suspect.

The probe was recently launched following allegations raised in an investigative report broadcast on the television program “Uvda” regarding supposed efforts to harass a witness in her husband’s ongoing corruption trial currently underway, Israel Hayom reported.

Sara Netanyahu has been in the U.S. for several weeks, although she is expected to return. It is unclear if she will be summoned for questioning. Her husband began an official visit to Washington on Sunday, where he is expected to become the first leader to meet President Donald Trump since his inauguration on Jan. 20.

The investigation, which commenced on Dec. 26, 2024, is being conducted by the Israel Police in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office Cyber Division. The prosecutor’s office emphasized the announcement of the investigation does not represent any stance on her innocence or guilt.

Khamenei says Iranians have courage to say ‘Death to America’

“The Iranian nation has the courage to say, ‘Death to America,'” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Sunday, praising the nation’s boldness in standing up to what he called global arrogance. https://t.co/XmRL7fAwhF

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 2, 2025

Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei praised the nation’s boldness in standing up to what he called global arrogance, a term mainly referring to the United States.

“The Iranian nation has the courage to say, ‘Death to America,'” Khamenei told an audience gathered at his headquarters on Sunday, Iran International reported.

Noting Iran is not alone in the global struggle against oppressive powers, he said, “The difference between the Iranian nation and others is that it has the courage to say this reality that America is aggressive, a liar, a deceiver, and a colonialist and is not committed to any of the principles of humanity; therefore, it says ‘Death to America,’ but others do not have the courage to express these truths and stand against America and fulfill their share in the fight against arrogance.”

Since its establishment 46 years ago, Iran’s Islamic government has promoted the slogan “Death to America.”

However, many Iranians on social media and commentators within the country advocate for improved relations and criticize such rhetoric.

Trump invites Jordan’s King Abdullah for White House talks

King Abdullah II of Jordan will meet President Trump at the White House on February 11, royal court says

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) February 2, 2025

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has received an invitation to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 11. The announcement of the invitation coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure for Washington aboard the government-owned Wing of Zion plane for his official visit. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump on Tuesday.

In recent days, President Trump has reiterated his proposal for neighboring countries of Israel, specifically Egypt and Jordan, to absorb residents of the Gaza Strip as part of his “relocation” plan for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, according to Ynet. Both Cairo and Amman have rejected the idea, but Trump remains adamant: “They will do it. We do a lot for them – they will do this.”

Trump first raised the proposal last week following the second round of hostage releases of the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he described Gaza as a “massive demolition site” and argued rebuilding it would require relocating its residents to Jordan or Egypt. He suggested this could serve as a long-term solution rather than just a temporary measure. “This involves moving 1.5 million people and simply clearing out the entire place,” Trump said.

Katz warns Hezbollah to stop sending drones against Israeli territory, or face consequences

JUST IN

Defense Minister Katz Warns Hezbollah: “No Drones or No Hezbollah”

Visiting Lebanon today, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning:

“Israel will not tolerate drone attacks from Lebanon. Either the drones stop, or Hezbollah ceases to exist. Nasrallah’s… pic.twitter.com/fQZjBqEXKN

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 2, 2025

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning to Lebanon: stop the drones or there will be no Hezbollah.

The warning followed two incidents in which the Hezbollah terrorist army launched military drones at Israeli territory, according to the Jewish Press.

On Thursday, a Hezbollah surveillance drone flew toward Israeli territory from Lebanon, but was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force.

The next day, the IDF once again intercepted a drone launched from southern Lebanon by the Hezbollah terrorist army. The drone was launched toward the northern Israeli community of Zar’it, but was intercepted before reaching its destination.

The drones “represent a breach of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the IDF pointed out on Friday. “The IDF continues to remain committed to the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and will not permit any terrorist activity of this kind. The IDF remains deployed in southern Lebanon and will operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel and IDF troops.”

Katz reinforced the message on Sunday during a tour of IDF posts in southern Lebanon together with the commander of the 146th Division, Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin.

IDF continues ‘Iron Wall’ operation in Samaria, blows up Jenin terrorist bases

Israel

IDF Expands ‘Operation Iron Wall’—Terrorists Eliminated, Weapons Seized

The IDF is intensifying its counter-terror offensive in Judea and Samaria, now in its 12th day, targeting terrorist strongholds in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tamun.

50+ terrorists eliminated—35 in… pic.twitter.com/phshbjoyCH

— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) February 2, 2025

The IDF eliminated at least 50 terrorists and arrested over 100 wanted individuals in Tammun, as part of Operation Iron Wall, according to a statement on Sunday afternoon, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The military did not clarify within what time period the terrorist eliminations and arrests in Tammun occurred.

This included preliminary airstrikes, which killed “over 15 terrorists,” followed by operations that killed an additional “over 35 terrorists and arrested more than 100 wanted individuals,” the military stated.

During the operation, the IDF located and confiscated dozens of weapons, destroyed hundreds of explosive devices, and dozens of additional charges laid by the roadside which were planted to harm IDF operatives, the military continued.

Israel’s U.N. ambassador raises alarm over Egyptian military buildup adjacent to border

– The Egyptian Army has deployed an Armored Unit of at least 20 “M60 Patton” Tanks 3km’s away from Rafah’s Border in Sinai, despite the 1979’s Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty which does not permit armored vehicles in zones adjacent to Israel, or Gaza. pic.twitter.com/Jw0Hv9KQAK

— Military Observer (@MilitaryObs2222) February 2, 2025

Egypt signed a peace agreement with Israel in 1979 and has been a leading mediating actor between the Jewish state and the terrorist militia Hamas in Gaza. Yet, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon recently raised concerns about Egypt’s military buildup in an interview with the journalist Mendi Rizel on Kol Barama radio’s News of the Week, according to All Israel News.

“They spend hundreds of millions of dollars on modern military equipment every year, yet they have no threats on their borders,” Danon assessed. “Why do they need all these submarines and tanks? After Oct. 7, alarm bells should be raised. We have learned our lesson. We must monitor Egypt closely and prepare for every scenario,” the Israeli U.N. envoy warned.

Unlike the Iranian and Syrian militaries that largely rely on outdated Russian military systems, Egypt has after its peace agreement with Israel acquired a large quantity of advanced American and Western military equipment. Egypt has emerged as one of the strongest military powers in the volatile Middle East region.

“We need to ask the United States why Egypt requires all this equipment,” Danon said. The Israeli U.N. envoy’s remarks reflect the growing level of distrust between Jerusalem and Cairo.

Nasrallah to be buried Feb. 23, five months after death in IDF airstrike

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kasam in his speech today: The funerals of Nasrallah and Hashem Safi al-Din will be held on February 23. After the ceremony, the two will be buried at different sites.

We did not win a complete victory, but by points thanks to our… pic.twitter.com/vse5iPI7wi

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) February 2, 2025

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem announced on Sunday the funerals of Hassan Nasrallah, and Hashem Safiedinne – his immediate predecessor – who briefly succeeded Nasrallah, will be held on Feb. 23, nearly five months after their elimination by Israel.

In a detailed statement, Qassem confirmed Safieddine was killed as he was due to take up the post of secretary general, less than a week after Nasrallah was killed, i24News reported.

The two leaders will be honored at a joint ceremony, but buried in separate locations: Nasrallah will be buried in the airport area of Dahiya, while Safieddine will be buried in his native village of Deir Qanoun an-Naher.

On Sept. 27, Israel launched a massive operation in Lebanon and eliminated Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for nearly three decades, as well as Ali Karki, commander of the southern front. A week later, on Oct.3, a strike in the Dahiya district – a Hezbollah stronghold – targeting a clandestine headquarters led to the death of Safieddine and more than 25 senior leaders in the organization, including several key intelligence officials.

Morgan Ortagus named as Hochstein’s successor to oversee Hezbollah disarmament

Thank you Morgan Ortagus @MorganOrtagus for your work in Lebanon, ensuring Hezbollah facilities and ammunition are completely gone. The people of both Israel and Lebanon are grateful. pic.twitter.com/3EZjs3kb2U

— Avi Kaner ابراهيم אבי (@AviKaner) February 1, 2025

Morgan Ortagus, who replaced Amos Hochstein as the U.S. envoy brokering the ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, began her visit in Lebanon on Thursday, with the aim of ensuring inspection of suspected Hezbollah sites.

According to the pro-Hezbollah outlet Al-Akhbar, Ortagus together with the ceasefire committee was “launching an intensive work program with the Lebanese Army to search around 30 sites suspected of being resistance (Hezbollah) facilities north of the Litani River, especially in al-Zahrani and the Bekaa,” JFeed reported.

The committee reportedly had information on “buildings, depots, valleys and forests in which Hezbollah is hiding ammunition and weapons, based on claims submitted by the Israeli enemy,” meaning the IDF and Israeli security and intelligence services.

To prevent a recurrence of senior and junior Lebanese Army officers providing the terrorist group with vital intelligence information, al-Akhbar reported the Americans “want officer appointments in the army and security forces which suit their interpretation of the ceasefire agreement and who would have no ties to Hezbollah.”

Saudi news outlet says Hamas ‘Shadow Unit’ holds Israeli hostages

I have noticed an uptick in news reports about Hamas’ Shadow Unit that is tasked to guard hostages. I wrote about them shortly after October 7, 2023. They are not new. They’ve been around for more than a decade but have largely remained a secretive unit.https://t.co/T7dd2qvjL3

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) February 2, 2025

The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat published an extensive report on Sunday about the “Shadow Unit” of Hamas’ military wing, which is responsible for holding hostages in the Gaza Strip, according to Israel Hayom.

Hamas sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat stated that the “Shadow Unit” was created in 2006, following the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The abduction was carried out by Hamas terrorists along with other terrorist organizations in Gaza. The existence of the unit was only revealed in 2016 – five years after the deal for Shalit’s release – when footage from his captivity in Gaza was published.

Terrorist sources said the unit was formed about three months after Shalit’s abduction, following a series of attacks on locations where he had been hidden. Initially, the unit was composed of highly experienced terrorists, but over time, others were recruited, including members of Hamas’ intelligence apparatus, the elite Nukhba unit, and other divisions. According to the report, these operatives received intelligence and technological training.

Hamas sources also stated that two senior leaders, Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar – both now eliminated – were behind the decision to establish the “Shadow Unit.” They added most of the unit’s original operatives were from the Khan Younis area.

University of Michigan suspends anti-Israel group for two years

@UMich suspended its SJP chapter for 2 yrs for violating university protocols. The pro-violence group is known as Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, ironically known as SAFE.

WATCH their protest during a visit by then-VP Kamal Harris. pic.twitter.com/Xc1JoCeI06

— Canary Mission (@canarymission) February 2, 2025

The University of Michigan has suspended an anti-Zionist group responsible for several infractions of school rules for a maximum period of two years, ending on its own terms a dispute with the group which started after Hamas’ massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones decided to suspend and revoke recognition of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality following an investigation of the group’s conduct that lasted several months, according to The Michigan Daily, the campus newspaper. The university’s intention to discipline the group was first announced in November, with reports an internal office had filed a complaint against it which, according to SAFE, alleged that a Nov. 17 sit-in violated school policies on peaceful assembly, the Algemeiner reported.

“Protests are welcome at U-M, so long as those protests do not infringe on the rights of others, significantly disrupt university events or operations, violate policies, or threaten the safety of the community,” the university told The Daily in a statement which explained its decision. “The university has been clear that we will enforce our policies related to protests and expressive activity, and that we will hold individuals and student organizations accountable for their actions in order to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

Jordan mulls extraditing Sbarro bombing mastermind for U.S. trial

BREAKING
The Trump effect does it again!
Jordan has reportedly demanded that Ahlam Al Tamimi leave Jordan tonight!

Tamimi is a celebrity terrorist involved in the Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing that killed 16 people including 7 children in 2001

Link to pic.twitter.com/nDKCdJtkaz

— Hamas Atrocities (@HamasAtrocities) February 2, 2025

Jordan has reportedly informed the Hamas terrorist group it plans to deport a woman convicted of planning a 2001 suicide bombing, which killed 16 people at a Jerusalem pizza parlor – including two Americans – in a move that could bring a long-delayed measure of justice to families of victims.

Ahlam Tamimi was convicted in an Israeli court of orchestrating the grisly Aug. 9, 2001 attack on a crowded Sbarro’s eatery in central Jerusalem, but released in the 2011 deal for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and has found safe harbor in Jordan since, the Times of Israel reported.

In 2017, the U.S. Justice Department announced it was seeking her extradition, a step the family of Israeli-American victim Malki Roth had urged, but which Amman rebuffed.

According to Qatari news outlet Al-Araby al-Jadeed, Jordanian intelligence authorities informed Hamas on Sunday Tamimi would be extradited to the United States unless a third country willing to take her in could be found.

There was no confirmation of the report from any official source.

Marion Wiesel, Nobel Laureate Elie’s widow, dies aged 94

Marion Wiesel, Elie Wiesel’s wife, has passed away.

She was 94.

Wiesel, a Jewish refugee from Austria, is survived by her daughter Jennifer and son Elisha.

Marion Wiesel married Elie Wiesel in 1969, before they met she was a dedicated civil rights activist in her own right.… pic.twitter.com/LveCTODKta

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) February 2, 2025

Marion Wiesel, wife of Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor and renowned author Elie Wiesel, died on Sunday at her home in Greenwich, Conn., at age 94.
“It is with profound grief that we share that Marion Wiesel – activist, wife, mother and grandmother – passed away this morning, Feb. 2nd, 2025,” according to the Eli Wiesel Foundation for Humanity website, founded with money from his 1986 Nobel Prize.

Marion translated 14 of her husband’s books from French to English. She was most proud of her 2006 translation of his classic work, “Night,” which came out in 1960 before they were married and was originally translated by Stella Rodway.

Marion also wrote and narrated the documentary film “Children of the Night,” about children murdered during the Holocaust, the Jewish News Syndicate reported.

She produced many television programs, including “A Passover Haggadah,” “The World of Elie Wiesel” and “The Oslo Concert: A Tribute to Peace.”

Thai officials pray at Western Wall to give thanks for hostages’ return

As part of their visit to Israel following the release of the Thai hostages, and ahead of continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages, a delegation of senior Thai government officials arrived Sunday evening at the Western Wall.

Five Thai hostages were… pic.twitter.com/GBXDl3leqT

— Netanel Worthy – נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) February 3, 2025

As part of their visit to Israel following the release of five Thai hostages, and ahead of continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives, a delegation of senior Thai government officials arrived Sunday evening at the Western Wall, Israel National News reported.

Five Thai hostages were released from Hamas captivity on Thursday. One additional living Thai hostage is still held in Gaza.

The delegation included Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, Thai army chief of staff, General Songwit Nunphakdi, deputy foreign minister Russ Jalichandra, and Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya.

At the end of the visit, they offered a silent prayer beside the stones of the Wall – giving thanks for those who have returned and praying for the swift release of all remaining hostages, including three Thai citizens still held captive by Hamas.

Netanyahu appoints Caroline Glick to advisory role

I’m very excited to be starting my new position as International Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister @netanyahu.
It is an honor and a privilege to be joining the Prime Minister as he leads us heroically through this critical time in the history of our nation and our state. pic.twitter.com/YX7DPaWYnT

— Caroline Glick (@CarolineGlick) February 2, 2025

Prominent Israeli-American columnist and JNS senior contributing editor Caroline Glick is returning to the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem to serve as International Affairs Adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported the Jewish News Syndicate.

Glick, who worked with Netanyahu over a quarter century ago before becoming a widely-read columnist, took up her new position on Sunday, almost three years after the first episode of her record-breaking “The Caroline Glick Show” premiered on JNS TV in 2022.

“Life takes you in different directions, and I am going back to the office where I worked nearly three decades ago as the prime minister leads Israel through the most difficult period in the history of the Jewish state,” Glick told JNS on Wednesday. “I take it as a profound compliment that at this critical juncture in our history, Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked me to join him as he continues his historic fight to secure the future of the Jewish state and people.”

Glick, who has been a critic of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, said the war has been especially hard because of the difficulty in getting the hostages seized by the terrorist group out of Gaza alive via a military operation.

JERUSALEM – A newly released poll shows the level of support for the declaration of Jewish sovereignty in Judea and Samaria continuing to climb following the current pause in the fighting of the Swords of Iron war.

The data, which the Sovereignty Movement and Pulse of Israel presented, examined the Israeli public’s views regarding sovereignty versus a Palestinian state, sovereignty versus the prospect of normalization with Saudi Arabia, and more.

Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria isn’t just a policy – it’s survival. Normalization with Saudi Arabia may be strategic, but nothing outweighs Israel’s need for security and control. No Palestinian Authority, no Hamas. Judea and Samaria must remain ours – forever. #Israel… pic.twitter.com/QmXUnFIn3O

— Avi Abelow (@aviabelow) January 22, 2025

The headline result was the 71% of respondents – an overwhelming majority – oppose the creation of a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria in the wake of the Oct. 7 massacre, which left some 1,200 people dead and kidnapped 251 people to Gaza, 79 of whom remain in captivity, with 35 of them assessed to no longer be alive.

According to the poll, the 71% is made up of 59% of respondents who were always opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state and remain so today, while another 12% previously supported the idea, but have changed their minds as a result of the Hamas onslaught and the resultant war. Meanwhile, 25% previously supported the idea of a Palestinian state and still do so today, and curiously 4% support the idea while they previously opposed its creation.

In light of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington, D.C. visit for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, at which much will be up for discussion, including the possibility of the normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia – potentially in return for the establishment of a Palestinian state – the results were clear, if less emphatic.

More than half of the respondents, some 53%, said they would oppose a peace agreement with the Saudis if it was conditional on the recognition and establishment of a Palestinian state. Over a third, at 39%, said they would support such an agreement, while 8% said they had no opinion.

In response to President Trump’s floating of the idea of voluntary migration for Gaza’s population, 80% reacted with favor, while the remainder was split between opposing the idea and those with no opinion on the matter.

Of the 68% of respondents that agree to sovereignty in some form:

• 25% support sovereignty over the entire area and promoting Arab migration,
• 20% support applying sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, and areas that are Jewish communities today together with their surrounding areas.
• 10% support sovereignty over the entire area while leaving Arab settlement blocs,
  and
• 10% support applying sovereignty only over Area C.

The survey also examined the ranking of the benefits of sovereignty in the eyes of the Israeli public. The factor which resonated most with respondents is security and regional stability (42%), second is Jewish identity and historical connection (16%), and the third-most important reason with 9% is strengthening Israel’s diplomatic and political arguments.

Nadia Matar and Yehudit Katsover, co-chairs of the Sovereignty Movement added “The Sovereignty Movement is very pleased with the results of the poll, which reflect the health of the nation and the awakening from the illusion of peace through a Palestinian state. The Israeli public now understands that only sovereignty is the plan that will bring security and regional stability.

Avi Abelow, the CEO of Pulse of Israel, said: “It is quite clear that the Israeli people are looking for our leaders to stand up and work with President Trump and his administration to apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria because Israelis have realized Arab self-rule in Judea and Samaria is an existential danger to all of our lives, as it was in Gaza.”

“Sovereignty is also the best application of President Trump’s ‘peace through strength’ doctrine against an enemy that educates its children to kill Jews and destroy the Jewish state of Israel. The goal of the Palestinian Authority is the same as Hamas; it is time Israel acts in our interests based on this understanding.”

Feb. 3, 2025 7:28 a.m.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy: ‘We need a FEMA that looks like somebody designed it on purpose’

Among the massive flood zone strategy of changes, Republican lawmakers are eager to see an overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), especially lawmakers that have had recent disasters.

“We need a FEMA that looks like somebody designed it on purpose, and that’s not what we have right now,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) told The Hill.  “It’s a mess, and it’s very inefficient.”

Louisiana’s most recent disaster was in 2024, when  Hurricane Francine (category 2) first made landfall about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, according to weather.gov.

“I welcome the president’s interest in trying to improve the process of delivering disaster aid, which is taxpayer money, to people who need it,” Kennedy added.

Trump has said in the recent past that he intends to sign an executive order to overhaul or perhaps even get rid of FEMA. He wants disaster relief to take place at the state level, where he believes it can be done more effectively and efficiently.

Feb 3, 2025 6:43 am

Republicans in quandary over what to do with Tulsi Gabbard

How do you solve a problem like Ms. Gabbard? This might be the unverbalized song of of many in the Republican party right now after many found themselves unimpressed with responses Tulsi Gabbard gave, or questions they feel she side-stepped during the hearings. However, none of them are specifically saying they won’t confirm her nomination for director of national intelligence, which is leaving the Trump administration feeling hopeful.

“There’s no need for a plan B because plan A is going to work,” a Senate leadership aide told The Hill. “No senators said they’re no or announced they’re opposing her. And those who have expressed further questions are getting answers.”

The aide went on to note that, “The threat remains that there will be a price to pay for opposing any of these guys. It’s clear that there’s going to be pushback from them if they go the wrong way…”