President Biden and his national-security team watched with mounting alarm on April 13 as monitors in the White House Situation Room showed 30, then 60, then over 100 Iranian ballistic missiles streaking toward Israel. 
Iranian cruise missiles and a swarm of drones were already in the air, timed to arrive at the same time as the missiles—a massive barrage that Biden and his aides feared could overwhelm the strengthened defenses they and Israel had spent more than a week preparing.
The scale of Tehran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel matched U.S. spy agencies’ worst-case scenarios, U.S. officials said later. It threatened not only a close U.S. ally, but Biden’s hopes of preventing a six-month Middle East crisis from widening into an all-out regional war.
Assembling in the Situation Room at 5:15 p.m. that Saturday, Biden and his aides couldn’t be sure that Israel’s antimissile systems, reinforced by the U.S. military’s antimissile and counterdrone deployments in the previous 10 days, would block nearly 99% of Iran’s salvo.

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/white-house-scramble-avert-middle-east-war-fc012c43?mod=hp_lead_pos1

WSJ

Exclusive | Inside the White House’s Frenetic Scramble to Avert a Full-Blown Middle East War

Over the course of 19 days, U.S. officials raced to contain escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

"Are We Here Again? Examining the Echoes of History in the Idolization of Extremism, Particularly for Jews in New York"

As we witness the idolization of extremist groups like Hamas among today's youth, it's crucial to reflect on the parallels with past chapters of history, particularly the idolization of nationalism in the lead-up to World War II. Just as economic hardship and social unrest fueled the appeal of nationalist ideologies in the 1930s, Today's disappointment and grievances provide fertile ground for the rise of extremist movements.

For many young people, extremist terror groups like Hamas offer a sense of belonging and purpose in a world marked by uncertainty and injustice. Propaganda campaigns and social media outreach draw in impressionable minds, glorifying violence and promoting radical ideologies under the guise of resistance and liberation.

The consequences of this idolization are profound and far-reaching. Just as the idolization of nationalism among American youth in the 1930s contributed to discrimination and violence, the idolization of extremist groups today perpetuates a cycle of conflict and suffering. The rhetoric of hatred and division that pervades extremist propaganda serves to deepen divisions and fuel animosity, leading to further violence and instability.

Moreover, the idolization of extremist leaders and movements legitimizes their oppressive tactics and undermines efforts for peace and reconciliation. By championing extremism at the expense of human rights and democratic values, young people unwittingly contribute to the perpetuation of injustice and conflict.

For Jews in New York and around the world, it's particularly frightening to watch the idolization of groups like Hamas. The rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence fueled by extremist ideologies creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, reminiscent of darker chapters in history. As synagogues are targeted and Jewish communities face threats and intimidation, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked extremism.

As we confront the challenges of our time, it's imperative that we learn from the lessons of history and remain vigilant against the dangers of extremism. By promoting education, dialogue, and tolerance, we can empower young people to reject extremism and focus on the relevant things facing our world today.

(AP on X)

Reuters report: at least five rockets were launched from northern Iraq towards the base of American forces Harb al-Jir in eastern Syria. The vehicle from which the rockets were launched exploded, but it is not clear whether it was due to a technical failure or an American attack. According to Arab reports, there may be casualties among the Americans.
After the attack, for the first time since February, the Iraqi Hezbollah brigades announced the renewal of attacks against the American forces in Iraq and Syria, claiming the lack of progress on the issue of their withdrawal from Iraq during the Iraqi Prime Minister's visit to Washington.

Make no mistake - Iran is behind it!

US Central Command:

An American grain tanker flying the Greek flag was hit by two anti-ship missiles in the Gulf of Aden.

An American cargo tanker hoisting the Marshall Islands flag was attacked by a suicide drone in the Gulf of Aden.

We located and destroyed the missile launcher in areas controlled by the Houthis.

PRAYER REQUEST
I would appreciate your prayers for my 76-year-old mom as she undergoes a cancer removal surgery tomorrow.

**The IDF withdrew its last reserve brigade from Gaza as the military nears the end of its offensive in Khan Younis.

The standing army remains to continue the fighting Hamas. Reservists have been sent home to help bounce back Israel’s economy and give them a break before they are likely called up again, as the situation with Hezbollah escalates in the north.**

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby:

“We never said that they [the Israelis] can’t go into Rafah to remove Hamas.

Hamas remains a viable threat to the Israeli people. And the Israelis and the IDF, absolutely, are going to continue operations against their leadership and their infrastructure, as they should. We don’t want to see another October 7th.”

Rafah- Were coming!

Amidst recent reports that Saudi Arabia has decided to soften its position and advance relations with Israel even without seeing actual steps on the ground, the Saudi Foreign Minister repeats and emphasizes the permanent and well-known position of the Kingdom: "We will not agree to normalization with Israel without recognizing a Palestinian state and without ending" the aggression "in Gaza"