Prime Minister’s Office rejects claims in NYT article, affirming Netanyahu's decisive leadership in Israel's military successes and emphasizing role in hostage deals and critical actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

<p><i>Israel National News</i> is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, where they are being written now.</p><p>Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:28 Jerusalem time.</p><p>Shabbat Shalom!</p>

On the ultimate meaning of Jewish existence.

<p>Doha talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release remain stalled, with no progress on key issues like IDF withdrawal and release terms. <i>Al Jazeera</i> claims Israel aims to keep forces in Rafah and 40% of Gaza.<p><i>(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

<p>Polish lawmaker Grzegorz Braun is under criminal investigation after claiming Auschwitz gas chambers were "fake." The Auschwitz Museum director will also file a complaint, calling denial a crime and antisemitism.</p><p><i>(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

<p>European Union criticizes the US for sanctioning Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, known for her anti-Israel stance.<p><p><i>(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

<p>IDF: The IDF is conducting strikes against the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of Beit Hanoun</p><p>A short while ago, dozens of IAF fighter jets struck over 35 Hamas terror targets in the area of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.</p><p>Among the targets struck was underground Hamas terrorist infrastructure in the area.</p>

<p>IDF: Contrary to the reports, a review found no known injured individuals from IDF fire adjacent to the aid distribution site in Rafah.</p><p>The IDF continues to operate in order to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and to enable passage to the distribution sites via designated and secure routes.</p><p>The IDF urges caution regarding unverified reports.</p><p>The reports continue to be reviewed.</p>