Israel's Defense Minister Warns Iran of Severe Retaliation for Any Attack

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman issued a stark warning to Iran on Tuesday, stating that any attack on Israel, regardless of its origin or reason, would be met with a powerful response that would inflict unprecedented damage on Iran, including its vital energy infrastructure. This statement comes amid assessments by US President Donald Trump's advisors that economic and military pressure on Iran could continue until the end of Trump's term.

In other news, the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and representative of Chabad, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, affirmed that synagogues in the Ukrainian capital will remain open despite ongoing missile threats and the risk of gathering. He noted that due to the conflict with Russia, many pilgrims traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah had to arrive from neighboring countries. A special prayer service, "Tikun HaKlali," is scheduled to be broadcast globally from Uman on Wednesday at noon.

The Ministry of Health reported that an individual who returned from Congo has been hospitalized in isolation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem due to suspected Ebola virus infection. No other cases have been detected in Israel thus far, and test results are expected soon. The ministry emphasized that the patient is currently isolated and there is no risk of contagion.

Additionally, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi and President of the Rabbinical High Court, Rabbi David Yosef, conducted a visit to correctional facilities. He met with senior officials, delivered words of Torah and encouragement, and uplifted the spirits of inmates in closed wings ahead of the High Holy Days. The Rebbe of Sanz-Klausenburg concluded his visit to Israel and returned to his residence in the United States, where he will prepare for the High Holy Days. A highlight of his visit was a lengthy prayer service at the Western Wall that lasted until sunrise.

The news outlet "Kikar HaShabat" also released its list of the top thirty most viewed articles of the past Hebrew year, "Tashf" (5776). The weather forecast indicates pleasant conditions for the upcoming weekend, with a rise in temperatures and potential heat stress expected on Sunday, the second day of Rosh Hashanah.