The pressure campaign against Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot has now reached his doorstep, with left-wing protesters demonstrating outside his home and demanding that he form a government with Arab parties. The protesters, carrying signs declaring “Only Partnership Will Bring Security,” are seeking to pressure Eisenkot into forming a Jewish-Arab coalition, highlighting the growing pressure on political leaders to fall in line with the left’s demands following the elections.

Hagaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, attending the wedding of the daughter of HaRav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, at Keter Harimon Hall.

The U.S. has launched a major military airlift to Israel and the Middle East just hours after Israel’s elections, following warnings to Gulf countries to prepare for renewed military operations against Iran. At least 10 U.S. military transport aircraft landed at Israel’s Ovda and Nevatim airbases over the past 24 hours, some arriving from Fort Bliss in Texas, a major U.S. air defense hub. The flights suggest efforts to replenish Israel’s interceptor stockpiles and potentially deploy additional air defense systems, including Patriot batteries. The activity resembles U.S. military movements ahead of Operation Roaring Lion.

Channel 14 reports that the Shin Bet is preparing to present its main findings in the suspected election bribery investigation to President Isaac Herzog and Justice Noam Sohlberg by early next week. According to the report, investigators have uncovered evidence that at least thousands of shekels were paid to incentivize hundreds of voters. The investigation points to one individual working with several accomplices, with authorities now examining whether foreign countries or terrorist organizations were involved in directing the operation.

Likud MK Amit Halevi, commenting on the alleged Ra’am election bribery scandal, said residents of Rahat personally told him they were offered money in exchange for their votes. “This is not a battle between the left and the right. This is an enormous violation of election integrity.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply criticized Police Commissioner Danny Levy following the violent police crackdown on Charedi protesters at the Geha Interchange, accusing him of attempting to win favor with the political left and Yair Golan ahead of a possible change in government. Ben-Gvir claimed Levy, who previously followed his directives, is now acting unlawfully against Charedim and turning them into his “punching bag.”

ISRAEL ELECTION UPDATE: With approximately 100% of the votes counted, Likud remains the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Yashar with 21 and Beyachad with 12. The right-wing bloc stands at 53 seats, the opposition bloc at 48, the Joint List at 11 and Ra’am at 8. Neither major bloc has secured the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority.

Multiple stretchers are being brought to the scene to evacuate injured protesters amid reports of severe police violence at the ongoing Chareidi hafgana on Highway 4 near the Geha Interchange in Bnei Brak.

MDA and Ichud Hatzalah teams are treating multiple people injured amid reports of severe police violence at the ongoing Chareidi hafgana on Highway 4 near the Geha Interchange in Bnei Brak. Police reportedly threw multiple stun grenades directly at protesters while attempting to disperse the crowd, raising serious concerns over the use of force and potential violations of police regulations.

🚨 ⚠️ Reports of severe police violence are emerging from the ongoing Chareidi hafgana on Highway 4 near the Geha Interchange in Bnei Brak, with injuries being reported. Police are using stun grenades and other crowd-control measures to disperse protesters demonstrating against the arrest of a yeshiva bochur for failing to report for IDF military service.

Israel’s Shin Bet says its investigation into suspected foreign election interference remains ongoing, clarifying that the intelligence was gathered independently, not from political parties, and that only Election Committee Chairman Justice Sohlberg was informed before the vote ended. Shin Bet chief David Zini has since briefed Netanyahu, Eisenkot, and Lapid. Lapid says the election results are not at risk and the new Knesset can be sworn in, while security officials told Army Radio the allegations are not expected to warrant new elections. The Shin Bet stressed that the investigation targets specific individuals, not an entire community, and that its findings will be presented to the Election Committee.

BREAKING: Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald announced charges against five defendants in Operation Ghostbusters, a DOJ probe into a large-scale federal student loan fraud scheme. Authorities also seized more than $750,000 in cryptocurrency allegedly tied to the scheme and laundered through a network associated with Kenyan nationals.

Despite Shas suffering a sharp decline in support in Israel’s election, party chairman Aryeh Deri has no intention of stepping down from his position at this time, according to a report by Channel 14.

During the hafgana at the Geha Interchange near Bnei Brak, protesters blocking the roadway immediately stood up and moved aside to allow an ambulance to pass, before sitting back down on the road and resuming the protest.

A Hafgana is currently taking place at the Geha Interchange near Bnei Brak, where protesters have blocked traffic following the arrest of yeshiva bochur Alon Smadja, a student at Yeshivas Tiferes Shraga, for failing to report for IDF service. Smadja was arrested last week outside his home in Yerushalayim after military police officers allegedly posed as delivery workers and lured him outside to collect a package.

Despite President Trump’s strong support for Netanyahu, some officials in Washington had hoped Israel’s election would remove him from power, POLITICO reports. Figures in the administration and both parties in Congress were reportedly disappointed by the inconclusive results. “There is Netanyahu fatigue here,” a former Trump administration official said.

ISRAEL ELECTION UPDATE: With 97.3% of the votes counted, Likud has risen to 27 seats, while Shas has dropped to 6. Ra’am has climbed to 8 seats, with the Joint List standing at 11. The overall bloc picture remains unchanged, with Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc holding 53 seats, the opposition bloc at 48, and the Arab parties holding a combined 19 seats. Neither major bloc has the 61 seats needed for a majority as the final votes continue to be counted.

HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef issued a letter of encouragement to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and party activists following Tuesday’s election setback, praising Deri for “devoting himself to the success of the movement and the Torah world.” HaRav Yosef noted that nearly 300,000 voters supported Shas, declaring that they “chose the Torah and magnified the name of HaKadosh Baruch Hu.” Addressing the persecution of Torah scholars, he urged supporters to remain strong, expressing hope that Torah learning would soon continue without interference.

President Isaac Herzog is demanding a thorough investigation into suspicions of foreign funding and vote-buying in Tuesday’s Israeli elections, following intelligence suggesting possible Qatari interference aimed at boosting Arab voter turnout. Herzog stressed the importance of protecting election integrity and public confidence in the democratic process. The Shin Bet has been ordered to investigate the allegations, which remain unproven.

🚨Senior United Torah Judaism figures are reportedly considering supporting a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, signaling a possible break from their longstanding alliance with Netanyahu following Tuesday’s elections. According to the report, some UTJ officials believe their political partnership with Netanyahu has run its course and are exploring alternative coalitions, with the future of yeshiva bochurim and the draft law remaining central to any agreement. No formal decision has been announced.

🤡Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman says he will neither join a government led by Netanyahu nor support a coalition dependent on Arab parties, further complicating efforts to form a government following Tuesday’s elections. Lieberman’s position adds to the political deadlock, with neither bloc having a clear path to a 61-seat majority and coalition negotiations expected to be difficult.

Israeli political leaders are demanding urgent action following explosive suspicions of Qatari interference in Tuesday’s elections. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the arrest of Arab party leaders suspected of involvement, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded their interrogation. Likud declared, “They stole the elections in Israel!” after Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the Shin Bet to investigate suspicions that foreign money was used to illegally boost Arab voter turnout. The Shin Bet has one week to report its findings. No wrongdoing has been established.

Arab MK Ahmed Tibi visited Qatar just two days before Israel’s elections, where he recorded an interview with Al Jazeera, raising questions amid a Shin Bet investigation into suspected Qatari election interference. Investigators are examining suspicions that Qatari money was used to illegally boost Arab voter turnout. Meanwhile, Qatar’s former prime minister celebrated the Arab parties winning 19 Knesset seats and personally congratulated Tibi. No evidence currently links Tibi’s visit to the suspected interference.

🚨 BREAKING IN QUEENS: FDNY and Queens Hatzalah are on the scene of a working house fire in the Hillcrest neighborhood, near 73rd Avenue and 170th Street. At least one person is being transported to the hospital by Hatzalah in unknown condition. Emergency crews are actively battling the blaze.

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman has cut off contact with Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, refusing to answer calls from opposition bloc leaders following the elections, according to Channel 12. Lieberman has ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led government or supporting a government dependent on Arab parties. However, he reportedly prefers that if an opposition leader joins Netanyahu in a unity government, it should be Eisenkot rather than himself.

SHAKEUP IN NETANYAHU’S OFFICE: Acting Chief of Staff Ido Norden is reportedly on his way out, with sources close to Netanyahu saying the prime minister and his inner circle are dissatisfied with his performance. Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office say Norden has been sidelined and excluded from several meetings and consultations.

DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR GOVERNMENT WITH ARAB PARTIES: According to i24NEWS Israel’s Democrats party is planning to pressure opposition partners who refuse to join a government supported by Arab parties. Measures under consideration include mass demonstrations and protests outside the homes of politicians opposing such an arrangement. A source within the Democrats also said the party would not oppose a rotation agreement between Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman for the premiership if it would enable the formation of a government.

Gadi Eisenkot is currently expected to receive the first mandate to form Israel’s next government, as Arab parties are also likely to recommend him to President Herzog. Meanwhile, according to reporter Amiel Yarchi, sources close to Netanyahu say the prime minister has little interest in being the first to attempt forming a government. They fear that if he fails, some of his current coalition partners could feel free to abandon him and pursue other political arrangements.

WATCH: HaRav Chaim Schabes Confirms He Endorsed Joe Rand and Has Not Rescinded His Endorsement, Urges Community to Follow Mosdos and Gedolim HaRav Chaim Schabes, Rav of Kehillas Knesses Yisroel in New Hempstead, has publicly clarified that he endorsed Democratic State Senate candidate Joe Rand and has not rescinded his endorsement, pushing back against misleading claims circulating in the community suggesting otherwise. The Rav expressed sadness over the misleading claims being circulated, emphasizing that people should take the time to understand what was actually said rather than rely on misinformation or interpretations being spread by others. He explained that while he does not necessarily agree with every action taken by every candidate he supports, that does not mean he has withdrawn his endorsement of Joe Rand. HaRav Schabes also stressed the importance of following the guidance of the community's Mosdos and Gedolim ahead of the November 3 elections. Concluding his remarks, the Rav explicitly called on residents to vote for Congressman Mike Lawler, Joe Rand for State Senate, and Assemblyman Aron Wieder, wishing all three Bracha and Hatzlacha.

BREAKING: The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75% to 4%, six days before the midterm elections, as inflation continues to weigh on the U.S. economy. Policymakers voted 10-2 to hold rates steady, following a 25-basis-point increase in September—the Fed’s first rate hike since July 2023.

Shas has lost at least 100,000 votes compared to the previous election, marking its worst electoral performance in 35 years. The party suffered significant declines in traditional strongholds, including Dimona (48.5%), Netivot (46.3%), Ofakim (45%), Sderot (42.1%), and Yerushalayim (15.3%). The losses affected both Chareidi and traditional Jewish voters. Following the disappointing results, Shas canceled its planned post-election gathering in Yerushalayim on Tuesday night.

President Isaac Herzog's office has strongly denied a report claiming he would push for a rotation agreement that would allow Netanyahu to serve another two years as prime minister in exchange for retiring from politics and receiving a pardon. The President's Office called the report “completely fake,” saying no such proposal exists. It added that official election results will only be submitted to Herzog next Wednesday, after which he will consult with the political parties before deciding whom to task with forming a government.

President Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he initially received “horror reports” about Netanyahu’s election prospects, but said the Israeli prime minister is now “in pretty good shape.” “I heard my endorsement made a big difference for Bibi,” Trump added. Asked whether he would get involved in efforts to form a Netanyahu-led unity government, Trump said he had not considered it but added, “I will take a look.”

ELECTION FRAUD CLAIMS: Likud is alleging widespread election fraud at polling stations in Arab communities, citing bribery, threats, violence, ballot fraud, and the use of illegal software to mobilize voters. The party says it will submit hundreds of testimonies and pieces of evidence to police, the Shin Bet, and the Central Elections Committee, including envelopes containing cash alongside Ra’am ballot slips, threats against election workers, double voting, and discrepancies between voter counts and ballot envelopes. Likud is demanding an immediate investigation by police and the Shin Bet, calling the alleged violations a serious threat to the integrity of Israel’s elections.

YWN EXCLUSIVE: White House Holds Conference Call With Rababonim And Askanim As Trump Steps Up Support For Bruce Blakeman Highly credible sources have told YWN that the White House held a conference call Tuesday with approximately 15 Rabbonim and askanim representing Chassidic communities across New York, emphasizing President Donald Trump’s strong support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman ahead of next week’s election. According to the sources who spoke with YWN, the call was conducted by the White House Office of Political Affairs and included its director, Matt Brasseaux. Participants represented kehillos in Kings County, Nassau County, Orange County, and Rockland County, reflecting a cross-section of New York’s Chassidic communities. The discussion focused primarily on President Trump’s commitment to Blakeman’s campaign and the administration’s assessment of the race against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Sources told YWN that White House representatives stressed that President Trump stands behind Blakeman “100%” and remains personally invested in his effort to become New York’s next governor. During the call, White House officials reportedly highlighted Trump’s repeated visits to New York, telling participants that the president has traveled to the state more frequently than any other state in connection with his efforts to help elect Blakeman. The officials also pointed to Trump’s public endorsements of the Republican candidate, saying the president has endorsed Blakeman on more than 10 occasions. Another major focus of the conversation was the White House’s assessment of the race. According to the sources, White House representatives cited internal national polling that they said gives Trump confidence that Blakeman has an extremely strong chance of defeating Hochul. The officials conveyed that Trump believes Blakeman could pull off a victory that would return the New York governor’s office to Republican control. The claims about internal polling were relayed to YWN by highly credible sources familiar with the discussion. The underlying polling figures were not provided. The outreach comes during the final week of a gubernatorial contest in which New York’s Orthodox Jewish communities have attracted attention from both political parties. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC) READ FULL STORY ON YWN: theyeshivaworld.com/news/gen…

A wildfire is raging through the Ben Shemen Forest in central Israel, with flames spreading rapidly toward Highways 1, 6, and 444. Twelve firefighting crews are battling the blaze, with approximately 50 additional crews responding and four firefighting aircraft operating overhead. Authorities are urging motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

President Isaac Herzog, commenting on the Knesset election results, called on political leaders to do everything possible to avoid another election. “We must understand one thing, and I said this even before the elections: We must do everything, especially after yesterday, to avoid going to another election. I expect everyone who comes here to arrive with an open mind,” Herzog said.

Israel Election Update: 85.6% Of Votes Counted, Likud Drops To 26 Seats, Shas Holds 7 With approximately 85.6% of the votes counted in Israel's Knesset election, the latest results show Likud dropping to 26 seats, Yashar at 21, and the Joint Arab List rising to 12. Updated Seat Count: •⁠ ⁠Likud: 26 (down 1) •⁠ ⁠Yashar: 21 (down 1) •⁠ ⁠Joint Arab List: 12 (up 1) •⁠ ⁠Beyachad: 12 •⁠ ⁠Democrats: 8 •⁠ ⁠Yisrael Beiteinu: 7 •⁠ ⁠Ra'am: 7 (up 1) •⁠ ⁠United Torah Judaism: 7 •⁠ ⁠Otzma Yehudit: 7 •⁠ ⁠Shas: 7 •⁠ ⁠Religious Zionism and Zehut: 6 Two parties remain below the electoral threshold: The Reservists and Economic Party at 2.63%, and Amcha Yisrael at 1.61%. Bloc Breakdown: The current coalition parties hold 53 seats, the change bloc has 48, the Joint Arab List holds 12, and Ra'am has 7.

NY GOVERNOR RACE: Two new polls released Wednesday show Gov. Kathy Hochul holding a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, just days before Election Day. A Marist Poll has Hochul ahead 53% to 42%, while a Siena Poll shows her leading 54% to 40%. Blakeman disputes the numbers, arguing Republicans are being undersampled and insisting the race is closer than the polls suggest. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Opposition figures in Israel have expressed disappointment as actual election results show Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc performing significantly better than predicted by exit polls, raising concerns that Netanyahu could still reach the 61 seats needed to form a government. Democrats chairman Yair Golan is calling on opposition leaders to form a government with the Arab parties, declaring, “We have a majority. We have a responsibility. And we have an opportunity to establish a government of change in partnership with Israel’s Arab citizens.” No agreement has been reached, and vote counting remains underway.

The UAE has honored the flydubai crew for their bravery during the attempted hijacking of Flight 1073 on September 30.

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman claims that figures within Likud have already approached him following Israel’s elections. Lieberman called on Likud lawmakers to remove Prime Minister Netanyahu, accusing him of putting his personal political interests ahead of the country. Lieberman warned that the final election results could change significantly due to double-envelope ballots and said his party would wait until next week before deciding its next political steps.

🚨 ISRAEL ELECTION UPDATE: 78% OF VOTES COUNTED — Israel’s political landscape continues to shift as Yashar gains two seats, rising to 22, while the Arab Joint List drops from 13 to 11 seats. According to Channel 14, Likud remains the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Yashar with 22 and Beyachad with 12. United Torah Judaism and Shas each hold 7 seats. The Netanyahu-led right-wing bloc remains at 54 seats, seven short of the 61 needed for a majority. Arab parties now hold a combined 17 seats, down from 19. The vote count continues, and results remain preliminary.

WATCH IN FULL: Prime Minister Netanyahu Addresses Likud Supporters Following Israel’s Elections Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed Likud supporters following the conclusion of voting in Israel’s elections, declaring that Likud is the largest party in Israel and that the right-wing holds a clear majority among Jewish voters. Netanyahu blasted left-wing media outlets, accusing them of attempting to suppress voter turnout by falsely portraying Likud as a party with just 18 seats. He called for the formation of a stable, national right-wing government that does not rely on parties he described as supporters of terrorism. Netanyahu also warned that the war against Iran is not over, saying the Iranian regime will continue seeking Israel’s destruction as long as it remains in power. He concluded by thanking HaKadosh Baruch Hu for giving him the strength to continue serving the people of Israel, declaring: “Am Yisrael Chai! Netzach Yisrael Lo Yeshaker!”

🔥 Netanyahu thanks the Ribono Shel Olam.

United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher told Channel 12 News following Tuesday’s election exit polls: “It feels like a resurrection. You had already eulogized us. What the public said today, through their votes, is that the Chareidi community is alive, breathing, and large. No matter how much they tried to divide us and chip away at our strength, we are still here. “We will wait for the official results. Until then, we will not address any issues or topics, and there will be no political statements.”

🚨 Kan News has also updated its exit poll, with Likud rising to 27 seats and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party at 21 seats. The updated projection shows the two main blocs tied at 51 seats each, with another 18 seats outside the two blocs.

🚨 VIOLENCE IN BNEI BRAK: Israeli police punch chareidi man in the face in Bnei Brak as dozens of flash grenades are thrown at Hafganah after Yeshiva Bochur arrested.

🚨 CHANNEL 13 EXIT POLL UPDATE: Netanyahu’s Likud gains 2 seats, rising to 27, while Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party drops by one seat. The two political blocs are now tied at 51 seats each, according to the updated projection.