<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 Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir addressed the ongoing conflict against Israel's enemies, emphasizing the severity of the threat and the need for long-term preparedness.</p><p>'In order to eliminate a threat of this magnitude, against such an enemy, we must be ready for a prolonged campaign,' said Zamir, 'the IDF is prepared. Day by day, our freedom of action expands, and the enemy's freedom of action narrows.'</p>

<p><i>Israel National News' </i>Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Shabbat. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 19:08 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 20:13 EDT candle lighting time in New York.</p><p>The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:30 in Jerusalem.</p><p>Shabbat Shalom!</p><p> </p><p> </p>

<p>In a joint operation on June 17, the IDF and Shin Bet eliminated Ibrahim Abu Shumala, Hamas's top finance director in Gaza. He was responsible for managing and smuggling millions in terror funds.</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>Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein condemns Iran after an Iranian missile hit a mosque in Haifa, emphasizing Iran's deliberate targeting of civilian areas and its disregard for the lives of people of all faiths. </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> A short while ago, a UAV launched from Iran toward Israeli territory was intercepted by the IAF in northern Israel.</p><p>No sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.</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>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, near the site where an Iranian missile struck earlier this week, causing significant damage.</p><p>"This is the world-renowned Weizmann Institute, where the most advanced research in human biology is conducted—medical research, genetic research," Netanyahu said.</p><p>"This research was shattered by a missile from the evil regime. They seek to destroy human progress. That is the essence of this regime. They have enslaved and oppressed their people for nearly 50 years—half a century. Iran is the leading terrorist regime in the world. It must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. This is Israel’s mission: to save itself from the Iranian threat of annihilation. In doing so, we are saving many, many others."</p>

While often appalled by your relentless extremist animus for our Israeli leadership and our loyal Zionist community here, I  chose not to respond…until today. Letter.