Yair ‘Yaya’ Yaakov, who was killed by invading terrorists on October 7, 2023, outside his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and his body taken hostage, was buried at the kibbutz cemetery on Friday, after IDF forces recovered his body on June 12.

Yaakov, who had three children and lived with his partner, Meirav Tal, on Nir Oz, grew up in Ofakim and settled in Nir Oz when he married the mother of his children, Renana Gome.

On October 7, both Yaya and Meirav were taken hostage from their home. Yaya was killed, while Meirav was released in a weeklong truce that November.

His two teenage sons, Or and Yagel, were alone at their mother’s house that day and were also taken hostage and released in November. His daughter Shir, the oldest of the three siblings, was at her own home in the kibbutz and survived the onslaught.

Yaya is described as a man of the land who will be remembered for his friendship, modesty and laughter, and his love for sharing a beer and listening to music with friends.

His children, partner, siblings, and former wife all speak of Yaya’s dream to travel around the world by caravan once he turned 60. He was 59 when he was killed.

Musician Eviatar Banai sings two songs, “Abba” (Father) and “Layla KeYom Yair.”

Shir says that with her father gone, every day is Memorial Day, while her brother Or says it is hard to speak about his father in the past.

“I’m so glad we got to this moment, to these last words, to be able to say goodbye,” says Yagel, his youngest son, who marked his bar mitzvah while his father was still in captivity. “I can’t believe this happened to our family and our home.”

Yagel says through tears that he and his father fought a lot, but that their last night together, on October 6, “was the best night, really a night of goodbyes.”

He says that every time he drinks beer, plays backgammon, or hears a favorite song, it will remind him of his father.

Meirav, Yaya’s partner, says that perhaps it took a long time to return his body for burial because the world was not quite ready to make them part.

She says he was the funniest person she knew, but that he didn’t know how funny he was.

“You’re still with me all the time, in every breath and thought,” says Meirav. “Your kids are always with me, they don’t leave me for a moment — and I look at them and see you — your look, your smile.”

Yaya’s ex-wife, Renana Gome, speaks about the complicated relations they had in recent years, but she’s proud they succeeded despite the complications.

“We saw images of you on your feet on October 7 and had huge hopes that you’d return,” says Gome. “I hope you didn’t suffer. You can be sure I’ll take care of our children, and we will remember you as you were.”

Continuous updates; facts and sources are still being cross-checked.

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, that he has signed a trade deal with China. “We just signed with China yesterday,” he said at a White House event focused on the Republican spending bill. Trump did not provide further details about the deal, but he said it was going to “open up China.” The president also teased a new big deal with India. “We have one coming up maybe with India. A very big one where we’re going to open up India,” he added. What To Know Trump promised “90 deals in 90 days” before the deadline of July 9, after he paused his April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs on nearly every country in the wake of backlash.

So far, the administration has only signed one deal, with the United Kingdom – an ally but not a strong trading partner of the U.S.

Following an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, a trade outline was agreed last week. According to Trump, that has now been signed.

On Thursday, Trump slammed the media for focusing on the rapidly approaching tariffs deadline, and the administration’s apparent lack of signed agreements.

Trump said that he was “not going to make deals with everybody.” “Some we’re just going to send them a letter and say thank you very much, you’re going to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent, that’s the easy way to do it.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month, the administration would likely extend the 90-day pause. Newsweek’s live blog is closed.

08:05 PM EDT Zohran Mamdani responds to Mayor Adams attacks Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly attacked mayoral candidate Zohan Mamdani and his affordability platform, claiming New York is a “city of hands up, not handouts” and painting the race as “a choice between dirty fingernails and manicured nails.” However, on Thursday, Mamdani said that Adams’ attacks were him simply trying to “distract from his own record.” “His is a record where he raised rents… is raising the water bill to the highest its been in 13 years, of supporting Con Edison when they wanted to increase New Yorkers’ gas and electric bill by $65 a month,” Mamdani said on CNN. “I would much rather talk about me talk about his record, if I was him,” he added.

07:54 PM EDT Mamdani says he has ‘many critiques of capitalism’ Zohran Mamdani was asked on CNN Thursday if he was a fan of capitalism. “No,” he told Erin Burnett, “I have many critiques of capitalism. “And I think ultimately, the definition for me of why I call myself a democratic socialist, is the words of Dr. King, ‘Call it democracy, call it democratic socialism, there must be a better distribution of wealth for all of god’s children in this country.’ “And that’s what I’m focused on taking on income inequality,” he continued. “For too long politicians have pretended that we’re spectators to that crisis of affordability. We’re actually actors. “We have the choice to exacerbate it as Mayor Adams has done or respond to it.”

07:41 PM EDT Zohran Mamdani says he’s not worried about reports Cuomo will stay on NYC mayoral ballot Zohran Mamdani has said he is not worried about reports that Andrew Cuomo has decided to stay on the ballot for the New York City mayoral race, despite the former governor conceding in the Democratic primary. “Ultimately, Andrew’s decision or my decision matters less than the decision the voters made on Tuesday night,” Mamdani said during an appearance on CNN on Thursday. “Where we won from Bay Ridge, to Dyker Heights, to Harlem…” When asked by CNN’s Erin Burnett if he was “worried” about a potential redo, Mamdani responded, “No, not at all, I mean we did it once, and it turned out pretty well.”

07:33 PM EDT Kristi Noem reveals new countries now taking deported asylum seekers The United States has signed new agreements with Honduras and Guatemala that could allow migrants from other nations to seek refuge there instead of applying for asylum in the U.S., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced at the end of her trip to Central America. The deals broaden the Trump administration’s strategy of deporting migrants not just to their home countries but to third countries willing to offer them protection. Noem said the arrangements had been in development for months, with the U.S. pressuring both governments to finalize the terms. “Honduras and now Guatemala after today will be countries that will take those individuals and give them refugee status as well,” Noem said. “We’ve never believed that the United States should be the only option… The guarantee for a refugee is that they go somewhere to be safe and protected—it doesn’t necessarily have to be the United States.”

07:27 PM EDT ‘No retraction, no apology,’ says defiant NYT as Trump threatens to sue over Iran reporting President Donald Trump has threatened to sue The New York Times and CNN over their coverage of an intelligence report that contradicted his claims that Iran’s nuclear sites had been “obliterated” in the U.S. air strikes. In a letter to The Times, a lawyer for the president demanded a retraction and apology for the article, which they claimed was “defamatory” and “unpatriotic” and had damaged Trump’s reputation. In the paper’s response, their lawyer David McCraw said that no such response would be coming as he said that several Trump administration officials had subsequently confirmed the existence of the intelligence report. “No retraction is needed. No apology will be forthcoming,” he said. “We told the truth to the best of our ability. We will continue to do so.”

07:16 PM EDT Spain defends decision not to increase NATO spending despite tariffs threat Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is standing by his decision not to increase defense spending, despite President Donald Trump’s threats to impose higher tariffs on any country that didn’t meet his 5 percent minimum. At Wednesday’s summit, Sánchez secured a last-minute exemption from the 5 percent rate, saying that Spain would only spend 2.1 percent, which he called “sufficient and realistic.” Sanchez told reporters on Thursday that the European Commission, and not Spain as an individual country, sets its trade policy, but insisted Spain remains a “friend” of the U.S.

07:05 PM EDT China deal includes rare earth shipment agreement: Report The United States deal with China that President Donald Trump signed on Wednesday, followed the framework that the countries had agreed upon in London, according to multiple media reports. The deal also includes an agreement on how China “can expedite rare earths shipments to the U.S. again,” a USA Today reporter wrote. President Trump said the U.S. and China “signed” a deal this week. An official said he was referring to an additional understanding around the framework the two countries previously agreed on. Specifically, how they can expedite rare earths shipments to the U.S. again. — Francesca Chambers (@fran_chambers) June 26, 2025

06:43 PM EDT WATCH: Zohran Mamdani’s victory shows how ‘unhinged’ Democratic Party is: Leavitt

06:36 PM EDT Canadian national dies in ICE custody: What we know Canadian citizen has died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Miami, the agency announced Thursday. Johnny Noviello, 49, was found unresponsive at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Detention Center on June 23 and pronounced dead at the scene. Noviello first entered the United States on January 2, 1988, with a legal visa, ICE said. He became a lawful permanent resident, or a green card holder, in October 1991. In October 2023, the Canadian was convicted of racketeering, trafficking in oxycodone 7-14 grams, trafficking in illegal drugs 4 to 14 grams, trafficking in hydrocodone, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate the commission of a crime in Volusia County on the eastern Florida coast. He was handed a 12-month prison sentence. Read in full from Dan Gooding on Newsweek.

06:34 PM EDT Around 100 soldiers to be deployed to ‘Alligator Alcatraz Around a hundred members of the Florida National Guard are being deployed to help secure “Alligator Alcatraz.” The immigration detention center, located in the Everglades, is set to open July 1. Brittianie Funderburk, a spokesperson for the Florida National Guard, told the Miami Herald that he did not have a timeline for how long the troops would be stationed at the detention center. However, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, who have also been called in to man the gates at the facility, were told they’d be needed for at least 30 days. The National Guardsmen will help secure the facility perimeter and entry points. The center is being build to house hundreds of detained immigrants in heavy-duty tents and trailers.

06:15 PM EDT Trump vows to deport 1 million people a year President Donald Trump has vowed to deport a minimum of one million people every year going forward. Trump said he plans to “dramatically increase” deportations, during his speech at a White House event on his spending bill, Thursday. “We will dramatically increase deportations to a minimum of 1 million illegal aliens per year,” he said. “What we’re doing is really going after the criminal aliens, with which we have plenty to work with. “People say ‘Well that’s a lot.’ These countries are very smart…. They’re not sending the good people, they’re sending the bad people.” Trump: We will dramatically increase deportations to a minimum of 1 million illegal aliens per year. What we’re doing is really going after the criminal aliens, with which we have plenty to work with. People say “It’s a lot.” These countries are very smart. They’re not sending… pic.twitter.com/Q2bp3crrNu — Acyn (@Acyn) June 26, 2025

06:05 PM EDT DOJ says its planning to try Kilmar Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges The Department of Justice is planning to try Kilmar Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges, spokesperson Chad Gilmartin told The Associated Press. Abrego Garcia was among the 230 migrants who were deported to El Salvador’s notorious supervision Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, in March this year. The Trump administration later called his deportation an “administrative error.” He was returned to the United States after huge public outcry about his detention, but now faces federal crimes. “This defendant has been charged with horrific crimes, including trafficking children, and will not walk free in our country again,” Gilmartin said. The Rrump administration plans to deport Abrego Garcia to a country that is not his native El Salvador after he’s released from jail in Tennessee, Justice Department attorney Jonathan Guynn said.

05:58 PM EDT GOP lawmaker calls for Zohran Mamdani to be deported Republican Rep. Andy Ogles has called for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to be deported. “Zohran “little muhammad” Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York,” Ogles said in a post on X. “He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings. Attached is my letter to@AGPamBondi.” Zohran “little muhammad” Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings.

Attached is my letter to @AGPamBondi. pic.twitter.com/RWCZm67VOr — Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) June 26, 2025

05:37 PM EDT Trump’s immigration approval rating hits new low: Poll President Donald Trump’s approval rating on immigration has dipped to its lowest mark amid his second term in the White House, a new poll from Quinnipiac University finds. In the new poll released on Thursday, the president has a 41 percent approval rating on immigration, with a 57 percent disapproval mark. The survey shows that 56 percent of voters also disapprove of the tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), compared to 39 percent who approve. The poll was conducted from June 22 to June 24 among 979 “self-identified registered voters” across the country. The poll’s margin of error is 3.1 percent. Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.

05:26 PM EDT Trump’s border czar says making country safer will be ‘hard road’ with spending bill Trump’s border czar Tom Homan appeared frustrated as he took to the podium at the White House event on the spending bill, telling the crowd he couldn’t understand the delay. “I get irritated. I get p*ssed off, because I’m sick of meeting angel moms and dads,” Homan said, referring to the parents of children killed by illegal migrants. “You want to talk about family separation. They bury their children.” Homan said the bill was a “no-brainer” for national security and public safety because it had funding for more agents, beds and deportation flights to deport migrants. Without it, he said making the country safer will be a “hard road.”

05:20 PM EDT Trump jokes border czar Tom Homan ‘too angry’ to acknowledge him President Trump joked during a White House event Thursday that border czar Tom Homan “got so angry” during his speech about immigration, that “he didn’t even shake my hand or look at me.” Homan, who had been speaking about United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and mass deportations, then sheepishly returned to the podium to shake a grinning Trump’s hand.

05:07 PM EDT Trump says no taxes on tips campaign was inspired by Vegas waitress President Trump said that his no taxes on tips campaign was inspired by his conversation with a Las Vegas waitress. Trump said she came over when he was at a dinner at his hotel in the city. He asked how she was doing, and she told him the government was “killing me on tips.” “She said, ‘sir, there should be no tax on tips,'” Trump said. Trump said he said, “that’s the coolest thing I’ve ever heard.” He said he later walked outside to hundreds of waiting journalists and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please announce tonight, there will be no tax on tips. And a legend was made.”

04:50 PM EDT Trump says he signed a trade deal with China President Trump has announced he signed a trade deal with China on Wednesday. “Everybody wants to make a deal,” he said. “We just signed with China yesterday. “We’re not going to make deals with everybody. Some we’re just going to send them a letter and say thank you very much.” Trump also teased a new big deal with India.

04:36 PM EDT Trump references his favorite fictional cannibal Hannibal Lecter President Trump referred to his favorite fictional serial killer, Hannibal Lecter, during his White House event to discuss his spending bill. Trump has a habit of bringing up the notorious cannibal during his speeches, as he claims that migrants crossing the border into the U.S. are coming from foreign “insane asylums.”

04:26 PM EDT President Trump is holding a White House press briefing on Big, Beautiful Bill President Trump is holding a White House press briefing on his spending bill. He was joined by several key Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers in a final push to pass the bill, ahead of the July 4 deadline.

04:21 PM EDT WATCH: White House asked if Trump will approve ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Medicaid cuts

04:06 PM EDT Trump says Democrats behind Iran leaks, calls for them to be prosecuted President Donald Trump has claimed that the Democrats were behind the intelligence report leak on the Iran strikes – as he called for them to be prosecuted. “The Democrats are the ones who leaked the information on the PERFECT FLIGHT to the Nuclear Sites in Iran. They should be prosecuted!” he posted on Truth Social.

04:00 PM EDT Trump hosts GOP at White House to rally support for tax bill House Speaker Mike Johnson and a group of Republican lawmakers are heading to the White House on Thursday as Trump hosts a high-profile event to press Congress to pass his sweeping tax cuts and spending bill. The gathering comes as GOP leaders scramble to secure enough votes amid internal divisions over the bill’s deep Medicaid cuts, rising deficit projections, and controversial provisions.

03:58 PM EDT Lindsey Graham says ‘problem’ in Iran is not over, Sen Lindsey Graham has warned that the “problem” in Iran is not over. The Republican senator told reporters that he was not disagreeing with President Donald Trump’s assessment than Iran’s nuclear sites had been destroyed, but he said that didn’t mean that Iran wouldn’t keep trying to build a nuclear weapon. “I don’t want people to think that the site wasn’t severely damaged or obliterated, it was,” he said in the Capitol, Thursday. “But, having said that, I don’t want people to think the problem is over, because it’s not. They’re going to keep trying this…” Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC: “I don’t want people to think that the site wasn’t severely damaged or obliterated, it was. But, having said that, I don’t want people to think the problem is over, because it’s not. They’re going to keep trying this…” pic.twitter.com/jdDXee3XXf — CSPAN (@cspan) June 26, 2025

03:48 PM EDT U.S. and Israel demand Iran surrender enriched uranium, Katz says Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that the United States and Israel have jointly demanded that Iran hand over its enriched uranium stockpiles, following recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In an interview with Channel 13, Katz acknowledged that the strikes were designed to cripple infrastructure, not destroy the nuclear material itself. “It was clear from the beginning that the strike would neutralize the surrounding infrastructure,” he said. Katz claimed that Iran now lacks the ability to produce a nuclear weapon, citing the destruction of a conversion facility essential for processing uranium. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over whether Iran moved key materials before the strikes. While U.S. and Israeli officials insist the program has been severely damaged, some intelligence reports suggest enriched uranium may remain unaccounted for.

03:28 PM EDT House GOP subpoenas Jill Biden aide in probe of Biden’s mental fitness House Republicans escalated their investigation into former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness by issuing a subpoena Thursday to Anthony Bernal, a longtime aide to former First Lady Jill Biden. The subpoena, signed by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, compels Bernal to testify on July 16 after weeks of failed negotiations over a voluntary interview. Comer cited Bernal’s close ties to the Bidens and questioned whether he played a role in concealing the president’s cognitive state. Bernal is the second former Biden staffer subpoenaed in the probe, which also includes former White House physician Kevin O’Connor, who is scheduled to testify on July 9. The investigation, backed by President Donald Trump, has expanded to include eight former Biden officials following Trump’s decision to waive executive privilege for their testimony. Democrats have dismissed the inquiry as politically motivated. Rep. Wesley Bell called it a “waste of time” that yielded “no new evidence” after the committee interviewed Neera Tanden, another former Biden adviser. Republicans argue that Biden’s use of the autopen to sign official documents raises constitutional concerns if he was not fully aware of his actions. Trump and his allies have claimed, without evidence, that Biden’s aides concealed his condition and made decisions on his behalf.

03:14 PM EDT White House asked if Trump will approve “big, beautiful bill” Medicaid cuts President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the… President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. More Evan Vucci/AP White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked on Thursday if President Donald Trump would sign the “big, beautiful bill” currently working its way through Congress, if the final version includes cuts to Medicaid. Republicans in Congress have drawn sharp scrutiny over the Trump-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aims to deliver on the president’s biggest priorities. However, it has sparked widespread blowback over Republicans’ proposed cuts to key programs, such as Medicaid, which would be used to pay for tax cuts that disproportionately benefit wealthy Americans, as well as additional funding for border security and immigration enforcement. A reporter asked Leavitt about the possible Medicaid cuts on Thursday, saying: “There’s conversations on the Hill right now about the Medicaid cuts. I’m curious, if the final bill that the president’s been talking about comes to him and it has Medicaid cuts in it, will he sign it would he rather Congress just do away with those cuts?” Leavitt did not directly answer the question, saying instead, “I think our friends in both the Senate and the House know exactly where the president stands on Medicaid.” “He wants to get rid of the waste, fraud and abuse and they are working to do that in the Senate right now,” the press secretary added. Read the full story by Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

03:00 PM EDT Rubio unveils visa restrictions targeting fentanyl-linked associates Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy Thursday aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. Rubio said the move is part of a broader strategy to deter and dismantle trafficking networks, citing fentanyl as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44. “These restrictions will prevent traffickers and their enablers from entering the U.S. and send a clear message that we will use every tool available to protect our communities,” he said. I am announcing a new visa restriction policy for family members and close personal and business associates of individuals sanctioned under Executive Order 14059. We will use all necessary tools to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs from entering our… — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) June 26, 2025

02:47 PM EDT White House defends limits on intel sharing after Iran strike leak The White House declined Thursday to detail how it will restrict classified information shared with Congress, following the leak of an early intelligence assessment on U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is focused on ensuring that top-secret material doesn’t fall into “irresponsible hands,” citing the leak of a Defense Intelligence Agency report that suggested the strikes only set Iran’s nuclear program back by months. Leavitt emphasized that only a few officials had access to the report and called the leak “irresponsible.” A senior official confirmed the administration plans to limit postings on CAPNET, the classified system used to share intelligence with lawmakers. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue it undermines congressional oversight and transparency. The FBI is investigating the source of the leak.

02:34 PM EDT EU pledges diplomacy to ease Iran tensions, backs ceasefire European Union leaders have vowed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing that a lasting solution can only come through negotiations. In a joint statement, the EU welcomed the recently brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, calling it a critical step toward regional stability. The bloc urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could reignite conflict. “The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions,” the statement read, reaffirming the long-standing position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

02:21 PM EDT Sheinbaum blasts U.S. sanctions on Mexican banks, demands proof Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is shown during a press conference on June 6, 2025. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is shown during a press conference on June 6, 2025. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sharply criticized Thursday’s U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions on three Mexican financial institutions, accusing Washington of failing to provide evidence for its money laundering allegations. The sanctions target CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa, which U.S. officials claim facilitated millions in transfers for drug cartels and Chinese firms linked to fentanyl production. Sheinbaum said the Trump administration had not presented “a single piece of evidence” and insisted that Mexican regulators found only minor administrative infractions during their own review. The accused institutions also denied wrongdoing. Vector called the claims baseless, while CIBanco said it was blindsided by the announcement and welcomed a formal investigation. Sheinbaum defended the banks’ ties to Chinese clients as part of a legitimate trade relationship and warned the U.S. against treating Mexico as a subordinate. “We’re no one’s piñata,” she said. The dispute adds new strain to U.S.-Mexico relations amid broader tensions over drug trafficking, trade, and sovereignty.

02:16 PM EDT White House Says president’s team is ‘strong’ despite ‘effort’ to divide them White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during her Thursday briefing that she believes there is an concerted effort to try and undermine President Donald Trump, and divide his security team through the series of recent leaks. Leavitt said that she believes the leaked intelligence report on the American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which suggested that the attack had only delayed the nuclear program by a matter of months, was “done to undermine the president.” The press secretary was also asked about other leaks including about Vice President JD Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “I do believe there’s an effort on the outside this building to try and divide the president’s team on the inside,” Leavitt said. “Sometimes you have to look at these headlines and laugh because I’ve been in meetings where I know these things are absolutely not true. And we do out best to try and push back and correct the record with all of you. “But I can assure you the president’s team is strong especially the national security team.”

02:05 PM EDT Israel says no chance to target Khamenei during Iran conflict Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said there was no opportunity to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the recent 12-day conflict between the two nations. “If [Khamenei] had been in our sights, we would have taken him out,” Katz told Channel 13, underscoring the seriousness of Israel’s intent during Operation Rising Lion. This sweeping military campaign targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. While Israel successfully eliminated several top Iranian commanders during the operation, including Ali Shadmani, a close aide to Khamenei2, the supreme leader himself was reportedly moved to a secure underground location in Tehran shortly after the strikes began. Katz’s remarks reflect Israel’s increasingly aggressive posture toward Iran’s leadership, with officials previously stating that Khamenei’s elimination is now considered a strategic objective

01:49 PM EDT White House claims CNN reporters was ‘used’ by Trump critics in government White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt launched into a lengthy attack on CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand during her Thursday press briefing. Leavitt’s criticisms come after Donald Trump said the journalist should be “thrown out like a dog” over her coverage of an intelligence report that stated that the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear targets had not “obliterated” as the president had claimed. Leavitt told he gathered media Thursday, that the report had been a “low confidence preliminary intelligence assessment and the entirety of that assessment was not leaked to the media. Only tidbits of that assessment were leaked to CNN. “And we have seen this playbook run before, where you have people in the intelligence community or perhaps on Capitol Hill – we don’t know, but I believe the FBI are investigating to find that leaker because it’s illegal and they should be held held accountable for that – leaked bits and pieces of an intel assessment to push a false narrative. “I will add Natasha Bertrand of CNN who has done this in the past… This is a reporter who has been unfortunately used by people who dislike Donald Trump in this government to push fake and false narratives. She should be ashamed of herself.”

01:30 PM EDT July 4 deadline for big, beautiful bill stands despite delays, says White House President Donald Trump is still adamant he wants the big, beautiful bill on his desk to sign by July 4, despite the setbacks in Congress, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. Leavitt was asked if there was “still enough time to work through” the bill before next week’s deadline, as the Senate struggles to find middle ground over Medicaid cuts. “We expect that bill to the on the president’s desk for signature by July 4,” Leavitt said, adding that “The president is adamant about seeing the bill on his desk here at the White House by Independence Day.” When asked if Trump was prepared to sign the bill with Medicaid cuts, something that the president has previously said he would not do, Leavitt appeared to skirt the question, replying that he wanted to “get rid of waste, fraud and abuse.”

01:21 PM EDT White House says no indication enriched uranium moved before Iran strikes White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that there was “no indication” that any enriched uranium had been removed from Iran’s nuclear facilities before the U.S. strikes last weekend. Leavitt told the briefing that, as part of “one of the most secretive and successful” operations in U.S. history, the military had been closely observing the locations for weekends and there had been “no indication that any of uranium has been moved.”

01:13 PM EDT White House compares Biden, Obama Iran strategies to Trump’s White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden sent Iran “pallets of cash” to end its nuclear program, while she said President Donald Trump had sent “a fleet of American war planes.” Leavitt added that the strikes had “destroyed” Iran’s capabilities to create a nuclear weapon.

01:09 PM EDT Netanyahu reacts to Trump’s demands to Israel Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he was “deeply moved” by Donald Trump’s support after the president demanded that Israel drop its ongoing legal case against its prime minister. “I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. “I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace.” On Wednesday evening, Trump said on Truth Social he was “shocked” to hear that Israel was continuing its trial of Netanyahu, which he branded “politically motivated” and a “Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime The Israeli leader faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases. Netanyahu, who has denied all allegations, is due to return to court on Monday. Read in full from Hannah Parry on Newsweek.

12:59 PM EDT Trump’s call to cancel Netanyahu trial sparks backlash in Israel Trump’s demand that Israel cancel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has stirred political tensions in Jerusalem, just days after Israeli leaders praised Trump’s military strikes on Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the trial a “ridiculous Witch Hunt” and urged Israel to either cancel the proceedings or issue a pardon, declaring that the U.S. would “save” Netanyahu as it had “saved” Israel. The comments drew swift criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who said Trump had no place interfering in the legal affairs of a sovereign nation. Still, some of Netanyahu’s allies welcomed the support, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar suggesting Trump’s view was valid. Netanyahu, who faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, responded by thanking Trump for his “heartfelt support.” His trial, which began in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed amid ongoing conflict with Hamas and political unrest. While Trump remains popular among many Israelis for his past support of Israel, including the Abraham Accords and recent strikes on Iran, his intervention in Netanyahu’s legal troubles has unsettled even some of his staunchest admirers.

12:46 PM EDT House panel subpoenas Biden aide in probe of mental fitness, autopen use First lady Jill Biden’s senior advisor Anthony Bernal arrives to welcome the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree at the White House on November 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. First lady Jill Biden’s senior advisor Anthony Bernal arrives to welcome the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree at the White House on November 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena to Anthony Bernal, a former senior advisor to First Lady Jill Biden, as part of its investigation into President Joe Biden’s mental acuity and the use of the autopen. This device allows staff to sign documents on the president’s behalf. Bernal had been scheduled to testify Thursday morning but informed the committee a day earlier that he would not appear. The move prompted Chairman James Comer to compel his testimony, citing the White House’s decision to waive executive privilege. Republicans allege that Bernal played a role in concealing Biden’s cognitive decline and question who authorized the use of the autopen for major executive actions. Democrats have dismissed the probe as a partisan effort aimed at deflecting attention from Trump-era controversies, calling the investigation politically motivated and lacking substance. The committee has also interviewed other former Biden aides, including Neera Tanden, who testified that she had minimal direct contact with the president despite overseeing autopen operations.

12:33 PM EDT Himes says focus on Iran strike damage misses real nuclear threat Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, pushed back Thursday on claims that U.S. airstrikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that the real concern is whether Tehran still possesses the materials needed to build a bomb. In a social media post, Himes said the public debate over physical destruction misses the point. “The only question that matters is whether the Iranian regime has the stuff necessary to build a bomb, and if so, how fast,” he wrote. He warned that if uranium, centrifuges, or other key equipment were moved before the strikes, the program may have suffered only a minor setback. “Obliteration means nothing” if the core components were relocated, he added. “If the answer to these questions is yes,” Himes said, “the Iranians will be thrilled to abide by Trump’s ‘ceasefire.’ The Israelis probably less so.” His comments reflect growing skepticism among lawmakers about the long-term impact of the strikes and the intelligence used to justify them.

12:20 PM EDT Senate parliamentarian rejects key Medicaid cuts in Trump tax bill A central piece of Trump’s tax and spending package suffered a major setback Thursday after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that a proposed overhaul of the Medicaid provider tax violates chamber rules. The decision threatens Republican efforts to finalize the bill before Trump’s Fourth of July deadline. The rejected provision was expected to generate billions in savings to help offset trillions in tax cuts. Still, it now faces removal or a 60-vote hurdle, unlikely in a narrowly divided Senate. Republican leaders, already struggling to unify their caucus, were counting on deep Medicaid cuts to fund the bill. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that over 10.9 million Americans could lose coverage under the House version. Democrats hailed the ruling, warning the proposed cuts would devastate care for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Some Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley, voiced concern over the impact on rural hospitals, which rely heavily on provider tax revenue. The parliamentarian also struck down GOP provisions targeting immigrant access to health care, food stamps, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, further complicating the bill’s path forward.

12:07 PM EDT Senators to receive classified briefing on Iran strikes amid oversight push Senators are set to receive a classified briefing Thursday from top national security officials on the recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, as bipartisan concerns mount over the legality and effectiveness of the operation. The session—delayed from its original Tuesday schedule—comes ahead of a Senate vote on a resolution that would require congressional approval for any future military action against Iran. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are expected to lead the briefing. Lawmakers are seeking clarity on the intelligence used to justify the strikes, especially after early assessments suggested Iran’s nuclear program may have only been temporarily disrupted. Several Democrats and some Republicans have criticized the White House for bypassing Congress, arguing that the administration overstepped its authority by not consulting lawmakers before launching the attacks.

11:54 AM EDT Trump embraces ‘Daddy’ label with new campaign merch President Donald Trump is embracing the viral “Daddy” nickname with a new line of $35 orange T-shirts featuring his image and the word emblazoned across the front. The merchandise is part of a broader fundraising push benefiting Trump’s and Vice President JD Vance’s leadership PACs and the Republican National Committee. The nickname took off after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte quipped during a press conference that “daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” referring to Trump’s blunt remarks about the Israel-Iran conflict. The White House quickly leaned into the moment, posting a highlight reel from the NATO summit set to Usher’s “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” on social media. The shirts mark the latest example of Trump’s team turning viral moments into campaign branding—and cash. 🎶 Daddy’s home… Hey, hey, hey, Daddy.

President Donald J. Trump attended the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/asJb5FD2Ii — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2025

11:38 AM EDT US trade deficit surges despite Donald Trump’s tariffs Shipping containers are stacked on container ships at the Port of Los Angeles on June 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Shipping containers are stacked on container ships at the Port of Los Angeles on June 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Mario Tama/Getty Images On Thursday, the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau reported that the international trade in goods increased by about 11 percent in May as exports decreased while imports remained relatively unchanged. Newsweek reached out to the White House by email on Thursday morning for comment. The bureau reported a gap of around $96.6 billion, up 11.1 percent compared to the $87 billion reported in April. May exports dropped to $179.2 billion, dropping about five percent (or $9.7 billion) from April, while imports were about $0.1 billion less at around $275.8 billion. This was accompanied by offsetting changes in wholesale and retail inventories, which saw the former decrease by .3 percent while the latter increased at the same rate. In real dollars, that translates to end-of-month Advanced Wholesale Inventories of $905.4 billion and Advanced Retail inventories of around $806.6 billion. Both were up compared to the same month one year earlier. One theory is that imports increased as businesses tried to buy more goods before the tariffs took effect. Read the full story by Peter Aitken on Newsweek.

11:23 AM EDT States can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court rules The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 on Thursday that states have the authority to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid programs. This decision could reshape access to reproductive health care for low-income Americans. The case stemmed from South Carolina’s effort to block Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services like cancer screenings, contraception, and pregnancy testing. The court’s conservative majority held that Medicaid patients cannot sue to enforce their right to choose a qualified provider, effectively allowing states to cut funding without legal challenge. The ruling aligns with a broader Republican-led push to defund the nation’s largest abortion provider. Although Medicaid funds cannot be used for abortions, critics argue that any public funding indirectly supports abortion services. Planned Parenthood warned the decision could lead to the closure of up to 200 clinics, particularly in states where abortion remains legal and demand for services is high. The ruling is expected to embolden other GOP-led states to pursue similar restrictions.

11:08 AM EDT Netanyahu to visit Washington in July for talks with Trump: Report According to officials familiar with the planning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington in the second week of July for a brief but high-stakes meeting with Trump. 🚨 מסתמן: ראש הממשלה נתניהו ימריא לביקור בזק בוושינגטון לפגישה עם הנשיא טראמפ כבר בשבוע השני של חודש יולי. השר דרמר מוביל את המגעים מאחורי הקלעים. @i24NEWS_HE — Guy Azriel (@GuyAz) June 26, 2025

10:54 AM EDT Trump clashes with intel community over Iran strike fallout Trump is once again at odds with the U.S. intelligence community, this time over the impact of recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program. An early intelligence assessment concluded the strikes set Iran back by only a few months, contradicting Trump’s claim that the program was “completely and fully obliterated.” The president has dismissed the report and accused the media of amplifying what he calls a “preliminary” and misleading analysis. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s stance at a Pentagon briefing, criticizing the press for “breathlessly” reporting on the leaked assessment. The White House is now limiting access to classified details as it prepares to brief lawmakers, signaling that the dispute over the operation’s effectiveness is far from over.

10:38 AM EDT Trump praises Pentagon briefing, slams media over Iran strike coverage Trump expressed strong approval of Thursday’s Pentagon news conference on the recent U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, calling it “one of the greatest, most professional, and most ‘confirming'” briefings he had ever seen. In a post on Truth Social, Trump renewed his criticism of media outlets that reported on early intelligence assessments suggesting limited damage from the strikes. He urged those organizations to “fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt” and apologize to U.S. military personnel. Trump also reiterated his belief that Iran did not remove any nuclear material before the attacks, writing that doing so would have been “too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move.” The comments follow a coordinated push by the administration to counter skepticism about the operation’s effectiveness and defend the military’s execution of the mission.

10:11 AM EDT Trump says Iran couldn’t remove uranium before U.S. strikes Trump insisted Thursday that Iran did not remove any enriched uranium from its nuclear facilities before last weekend’s U.S. airstrikes, pushing back on speculation that Tehran may have relocated key materials ahead of the attack.

09:52 AM EDT Gen Caine says he was never pressured to alter Iran intel Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday he has never been pressured by President Donald Trump or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to alter intelligence assessments related to the recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “No, no, I have not. And no, I would not,” Caine said when asked directly about political influence on his reporting. He emphasized that his role is to present a full range of military options and associated risks to the National Command Authority, and to execute orders based on those discussions. “I’ve never been pressured by the president or the secretary to do anything other than tell him exactly what I’m thinking,” Caine added.

09:38 AM EDT China to Hegseth: US on path to ‘fire and suffering’ The decommissioned destroyer Jinan 105 is moored at a jetty in front of the Chinese Military Museum on June, 25, 2025, in China’s eastern Qingdao seaport. The decommissioned destroyer Jinan 105 is moored at a jetty in front of the Chinese Military Museum on June, 25, 2025, in China’s eastern Qingdao seaport. Johannes Neudecker/picture-alliance/dpa/AP A senior Chinese defense official on Thursday accused the U.S. of betraying Beijing’s trust by continuing to sell arms to self-ruled Taiwan. The remarks at the Chinese Defense Ministry’s month-end press conference were a direct response to recent testimony given by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had described China as America’s “pacing threat.” China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, although the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled there. Taipei is a key U.S. security partner in the center of the so-called first island chain in the Western Pacific. The U.S. is Taiwan’s biggest arms supplier, allowing the island push back against Beijing’s sovereignty claims for decades. However, Taipei may soon find itself overwhelmed by China’s growing hard power across the Taiwan Strait. At a Pentagon budget hearing earlier in June, Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee that recent Chinese military exercises around Taiwan point to Beijing’s preparations to attack before the end of the decade. Read the full story by John Feng on Newsweek.

09:19 AM EDT U.S. economy contracts 0.5% in first quarter amid tariff-driven import surge According to revised data from the Commerce Department, the U.S. economy shrank at a 0.5% annual rate from January through March, marking its first contraction in three years. A 37.9% import surge largely drove the downturn, as businesses rushed to stockpile goods ahead of anticipated tariffs tied to President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The updated figure is a downgrade from the department’s earlier estimate of a 0.2% decline. The import spike shaved nearly 4.7 percentage points off gross domestic product (GDP), which reversed a 2.4% gain in the final quarter of 2024. Consumer spending slowed sharply to just 0.5%, while federal government spending dropped 4.6%, the steepest decline since 2022. A core measure of economic strength—excluding exports, inventories, and government spending—rose at a modest 1.9% pace, down from 2.9% in the previous quarter. Economists expect the downturn to be temporary. Second-quarter growth is projected at 3%, buoyed by a likely normalization of import activity. The first estimate for April–June GDP is due July 30.

09:05 AM EDT Gen Caine highlights prep behind Iran strike, praises troops At a Pentagon briefing, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, focused on the strategic planning behind the U.S. strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, rather than the contested damage assessments. Caine revealed that U.S. intelligence had studied Fordo for years, leading to the development of specialized weapons capable of penetrating the deeply buried site. He presented a graphic showing ventilation shafts targeted by six precision-guided bombs designed to breach the underground complex. He also recounted the tense hours before Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where just 44 U.S. soldiers remained to defend the installation. Caine said the response marked the largest Patriot missile engagement in U.S. history and credited both American and Qatari forces for their swift action.

08:51 AM EDT Gen Caine details Iran strike, praises U.S. and Qatari defense U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine (R), arrive for a news conference at the Pentagon on June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia…. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine (R), arrive for a news conference at the Pentagon on June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. More Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed new details Thursday about the U.S. strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility and Iran’s retaliatory attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Caine said the U.S. had been monitoring the Fordo site, buried deep in Iran’s mountains, for years. A Defense Threat Reduction Agency officer had studied the facility for over a decade, leading to the development of a “bunker-buster” bomb used in the June 22 strike. Turning to Iran’s missile attack on Al Udeid, Caine said it began at 7:30 a.m. local time and triggered what he called the largest Patriot missile engagement in U.S. military history. Only 44 American soldiers remained on base at the time, supported by Qatari forces, who helped intercept the incoming missiles. Caine praised the rapid response of both U.S. and Qatari troops, calling their actions a testament to the strength of joint air defense capabilities.

08:33 AM EDT Trump demands CNN, NYT fire reporters over Iran strike coverage Trump has said that reporters of CNN and New York Times will be fired for making “up the FAKE stories on the Iran Nuclear sites.”

08:24 AM EDT Zelensky backs new tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, speaks during a press conference before a meeting during the NATO summit on June 24, 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands. Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, speaks during a press conference before a meeting during the NATO summit on June 24, 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands. Omar Havana/Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally approved the creation of a special international tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression tied to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The court will be established through an agreement with the Council of Europe, marking Zelensky’s first visit to the Strasbourg-based human rights body. The tribunal is designed to fill a legal gap left by the International Criminal Court, which lacks jurisdiction to try Russian nationals for initiating the war. Kyiv has long advocated for a tribunal that goes beyond war crimes to hold top Russian leaders accountable for launching the invasion. The court’s location is still undecided, though The Hague is under consideration. Legal hurdles remain, including Russia’s refusal to extradite citizens and the immunity of sitting officials like President Vladimir Putin, which would only lapse if they leave office. The tribunal will be funded by a coalition of backers known as the Core Group, including Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The U.S. supported the initiative under President Biden, but not under President Trump.

08:11 AM EDT Hegseth opens Pentagon briefing with sharp media criticism Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth began Thursday’s Pentagon news conference by accusing the media of prioritizing scandal over substance. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, criticized reporters for ignoring “historic moments,” including improved military recruitment and increased European defense spending by U.S. allies. He also condemned coverage of a leaked preliminary intelligence assessment suggesting that recent U.S. strikes on Iran may have caused only limited damage. Hegseth dismissed the report as “low confidence” and accused the press of undermining the military’s success. The briefing was part of a broader push by the Trump administration to defend the strikes and counter skepticism about their effectiveness.

08:06 AM EDT Hegseth defends Iran strikes at Pentagon news conference Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a high-profile news conference at the Pentagon Thursday morning to defend the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites carried out over the weekend. The briefing, announced by Trump on social media, was framed as a response to media reports questioning the effectiveness of the strikes. Trump said the event would “fight for the dignity of our great American pilots” and called it “irrefutable.” Hegseth, joined by top military officials, reiterated the administration’s claim that the strikes caused “extremely severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, despite early intelligence assessments suggesting only a limited setback. The news conference comes amid growing scrutiny over the operation’s impact and the administration’s handling of post-strike intelligence.

08:05 AM EDT Khamenei says Trump revealed U.S. goal is Iran’s surrender Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States of seeking the Islamic Republic’s total defeat, citing a recent social media post by Trump demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” In remarks aired on Iranian state media, Khamenei said Trump’s blunt language exposed what he called Washington’s long-standing but veiled hostility toward Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “Trump showed the truth,” Khamenei said. “Americans will only be satisfied with the surrender and defeat of Iran and nothing else.” He criticized past U.S. administrations for masking their intentions behind human rights and nuclear concerns, but said Trump had “shown his hand.” Khamenei called the demand for surrender “unacceptable and illogical,” and warned that Iran would not yield to pressure.

07:51 AM EDT U.S. halts funding to Gavi, citing loss of trust and scientific concerns Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the U.S. will suspend contributions to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, accusing the organization of ignoring scientific evidence and eroding public trust. In a video message played at Gavi’s pledging summit in Brussels, Kennedy criticized the group’s pandemic-era partnerships with social media platforms and questioned its vaccine recommendations, particularly for pregnant women and children in low-income countries. Gavi, a coalition that includes WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the World Bank, has helped vaccinate over 1 billion children, saving an estimated 18 million lives. The U.S. had previously pledged $1 billion through 2030. In response, Gavi defended its practices, saying all vaccine decisions are based on WHO expert guidance and rigorous scientific review. The UK pledged $1.7 billion to Gavi through 2030, reaffirming international support for the alliance.