VFI News IDF Soldiers Wounded in Hezbollah Drone Strike; PA Confirmed Funding Terror

Twelve IDF soldiers were wounded on Thursday, April 30, after an explosive drone struck an armored military vehicle near the northern community of Shomera, as drone incursion sirens blared across northern communities throughout the morning. Two soldiers were moderately wounded, and ten others sustained light injuries when the Hezbollah drone hit the vehicle, igniting a fire and triggering secondary ammunition explosions inside. Earlier on Thursday, the IDF launched an interceptor toward a suspicious aerial target in southern Lebanon.

The strike followed a string of Hezbollah attacks, including explosive drones launched at IDF troops south of the Forward Defense Line on Wednesday. Although the drones struck near Israeli forces, no injuries were reported in those incidents. In response, troops from the 146th Division, working with the Israel Air Force, killed five Hezbollah terrorists operating near Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. The IDF also began striking Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon on Thursday, while forces from the Alpinist Unit under the 810th Brigade dismantled missile launch sites and staging positions in the Mount Dov area alongside the Yahalom combat engineering unit.

Israeli officials described the incidents as further violations of ceasefire understandings by Hezbollah, warning that the current situation allows the group to regroup and continue threatening soldiers and communities along the northern border. The IDF said it will continue operating to remove threats to Israeli civilians and troops, in line with directives from the political echelon. The escalation comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged US President Donald Trump to limit ongoing negotiations with Lebanon to a two- to three-week window, amid concerns that continued attacks are undermining deterrence and prospects for a diplomatic resolution.

(JPost/VFI News)

Heavenly Father, we lift up the wounded IDF soldiers and ask for swift, complete healing of body, mind, and spirit, thanking You for sparing their lives during this attack. We pray in Yeshua’s Name that You shield our defenders along the northern border, granting them sharpened senses, sound judgment, and supernatural protection against every weapon formed against them. Strengthen the families of these soldiers as they wait for news, and surround them with the comfort that comes from knowing You are near. Bring forth peace within Israel’s borders, frustrate the plans of those who seek harm, and let Your mighty hand be revealed as a shield over Your people.

The Palestinian Authority is still making payments to terrorists and their families despite promises to end its “pay for slay” programs, the US State Department reported on Wednesday, April 29. The Department had informed Congress of its findings the previous month. A total of $156 million was paid out, with $126 million going to Palestinian terrorists, including those released from Israeli custody, and $30 million distributed to the families of Palestinian terrorists who died committing acts of terrorism. The PA had originally promised to give the families a total of $214 million.

The State Department concluded that the PA continues to provide a system of compensation in support of terrorism through new mechanisms and under a different name. The findings drew on information provided by the Israeli government, open-source material, and NGOs. Payments continued despite PA President Mahmoud Abbas legislating changes to the welfare system in Judea and Samaria last year, shifting payments to a needs-based model rather than stipends scaled to the length of a terrorist’s sentence. Even after the mechanisms were changed, the PA carried on with payments and benefits to Palestinian terrorists and their families.

Under the Taylor Force Act of 2018, Washington is unable to offer economic aid to Ramallah until it ends pay-for-slay payments and its public statements supporting terrorism. The PA’s payments to terrorists, including those who have killed American citizens, have continued despite a rapidly deteriorating economic crisis in Judea and Samaria. About NIS 590 million has been deducted from the PA to cover both debts to the Israel Electric Corporation and water and environmental corporations, as well as funds the PA had transferred to terrorists, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said this week.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” – Proverbs 17:13

Switzerland’s National Council voted 116–66 against recognizing Palestine as a state on Tuesday, April 28,  with 11 abstentions. The proposal had been put forward by the Geneva Canton, which requested that Switzerland recognize the state of Palestine and make every possible effort to establish a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, notably inspired by the Geneva Initiative. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council, which examined the proposal, said that while it condemns the massacres taking place in the Middle East, a majority concluded that conditions are not yet in place to recognize a Palestinian state.

The committee cited international law, which requires three main conditions to be met before recognizing a state: a permanent population, a defined territory, and an independent and functioning government. The third condition was found to be lacking, since no functioning organization governs Palestine. Erich Vontobel of the Swiss People’s Party in Zurich argued that recognition under the current situation would send a problematic signal. He noted that Gaza remains under Hamas control, that Hamas opposes peace and openly seeks Israel’s destruction, and that Switzerland classifies the group as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority does not exercise unified and effective state authority over the entire territory.

The majority of the committee also believes recognition now would run counter to Swiss neutrality and jeopardize Switzerland’s role as a mediator in the search for peace. The committee concluded that it is currently too early for Switzerland to recognize Palestine, but added that this does not call into question support for a two-state framework over the longer term. The decision matches the upper house’s stance and follows a public initiative in October 2025, as 148 UN members already recognize Palestine, while Switzerland backs a two-state solution only if it includes viable statehood.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34

Most Americans support Israel over Hamas, a Harvard CAPS Harris poll released on Tuesday, April 28, showed, but almost half of younger respondents back the Palestinian terrorist organization over the Jewish state. The April 23–26 online survey of 2,745 registered American voters found that 74% of respondents supported Israel over Hamas, with 86% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats, and 68% of independents in agreement. Younger voters were more likely to back Hamas, with only 54% of participants aged 18 to 24 and 60% of those aged 25 to 34 supporting Israel. Support for Israel rose to 89% among Americans aged 65 and older.

The favorability ratings of countries and institutions placed Israel well ahead of the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and Iran. Forty-one percent of voters viewed Israel favorably, while only 9%, 12%, and 16% had favorable views of Hamas, Iran, and the PA. Israel’s prime minister also fared better than several detractors. Benjamin Netanyahu held a 27% net favorability among Americans and a 34% unfavorability rating, making the Israeli leader more popular than New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and political commentators Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.

On the character and motives of Hamas, 76% of respondents agreed that terrorist groups like Hamas operate on Israel’s borders, a view shared by 70% of Democrats, 83% of Republicans, and 75% of independents. The age gap continued, with 60% of Americans aged 18 to 24 identifying Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist groups on Israel’s borders, rising to 90% among those 65 and up. Regarding Hezbollah specifically, 81% of respondents said they supported a long-term peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, and 76% believed Hezbollah should be disarmed as a condition of such an agreement.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

In the darkest hours since October 7, 2023, Israel has walked through unimaginable grief — families torn apart, hostages held in captivity, rockets falling from Iran, and a nation mourning loved ones lost. Yet through the tears, a song of hope rises. This worship song is a cry from the heart of Israel: You are the one we run to when we're afraid and lost — the one who holds us when everything falls apart.

Filmed against the backdrop of the Nova Festival site, a nation enduring war, the return of hostages to the arms of their families, and communities refusing to let despair have the final word, this worship song points straight to the place of safety, peace, and unshakeable strength found in the God of Israel. Whether you're walking through fear, shame, loss, or uncertainty — alongside the people of Israel or in your own valley — this is a declaration that Jesus (Yeshua) is the rock, the shelter, and the refuge we can run to.

This isn't just a song — it's a prayer set to music, born out of a land that knows suffering and yet still chooses to worship. Every lyric anchors the heart in the truth that no matter what we face, He is the one we can turn to.

Reps. Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer are introducing a new bipartisan House resolution to condemn leftist streamer Hasan Piker and far-right podcaster Candace Owens for spreading antisemitism. The measure, brought by Lawler, a New York Republican, and Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, condemns antisemitic hate-filled rhetoric and content disseminated by prominent online personalities and urges social media platforms and public leaders to denounce and address such conduct. Early draft language was published by Jewish Insider on Thursday, April 30.

The resolution states that Piker has often used antisemitic rhetoric, including expressing support for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and lists several other inflammatory comments the streamer has made. Piker has made inroads with prominent Democrats even as his rhetoric, including the claim that “Hamas is 1,000 times better” than Israel, has alarmed many Jews. He recently said he believes he is fighting, not spreading, antisemitism, and argued that he is giving a voice to Jews on the political left who agree with his perspective.

Owens, the resolution states, has employed rhetoric that has included conspiracy theories accusing Israel of controlling the United States Government, promoting false claims that Jews are taught by ancient religious texts to hate non-Jews, and casting doubt on the truth of stories told by Holocaust survivors. The leading anti-Israel figure on the right has also pushed theories that Israel was behind the assassination of Charlie Kirk and has promoted broader negative commentary about Judaism and Jewish figures. Statements from both personalities, the resolution warns, are dangerous and contribute to a climate of hatred and intolerance, as the United States reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and dignity of Jewish individuals and communities both online and offline.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” – Isaiah 5:20

Joel Ystebo, a Member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Christian Democratic Party, said he is seriously worried about the situation for Jews in Norway, especially in Oslo, in an interview on Wednesday, April 29. Ystebo described a rising acceptance of antisemitic behavior, rhetoric, and hatred against various groups as a deeply concerning trend. The conversation came just days after anti-Israel protesters yelled “child killers” through speaker phones at participants of an Israeli Independence Day celebration in Oslo on Sunday, April 26 — an event Ystebo himself attended.

Videos from the celebration showed scores of pro-Palestine activists waving banners with slogans such as “Death to the IDF” and “Zionists are terrorists,” while shouting “intifada revolution,” “No Zionists in our streets,” and “child killers” at the several hundred pro-Israel celebrants. The chanting was also directed at many dissident Iranian attendees who had joined the gathering. Norwegian Jewish podcaster Henrick Beckheim said a guard rushed over and instructed him to stop filming because it might provoke the protesters. The pro-Palestine demonstrators, however, were allowed to continue yelling unhindered, with their megaphone almost drowning out the speeches.

Ystebo said it is the different standards applied to pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protesters that concern him most. He wrote to the justice minister shortly after the incident to ask what would be done to ensure that police intervene against threats and hateful speech in the public sphere. He also pressed Justice and Public Security Minister Astri Aas-Hansen to clarify what the government accepts when it comes to antisemitism. The Norwegian government has set out funding to protect the Jewish community and fight antisemitism under its Action Plan Against Antisemitism, but Ystebo believes it is not doing enough, citing what he called an unbalanced and biased administration that demonizes Israel.

(JPost/VFI News)

Lord God, we lift up the Jewish community of Norway, especially those in Oslo who are now living under fear, harassment, and hostility. We pray in Yeshua’s Name that You raise up bold and faithful voices like that of Joel Ystebo, men and women in positions of influence who refuse to remain silent in the face of antisemitism. Touch the hearts of Norwegian leaders, judges, and law enforcement officers, and move them to act with justice, fairness, and courage. Comfort our Jewish brothers and sisters who feel alone, surround them with friends and protectors, and let Your peace fill their homes and synagogues as they cling to You for strength.

Two London Jews were wounded in a knife attack in the heavily Jewish-populated Golders Green neighborhood on Wednesday, April 29, North West London Shomrim and the Community Security Trust said. A man was arrested after he raced along Golders Green Road attempting to stab Jewish residents. Shomrim neighborhood watch volunteers reportedly detained the suspect, and when officers arrived, they used a taser to subdue him. The victims were treated by Hatzola, and residents said the incident occurred near the Netzach Yisroel synagogue.

British author Jonathan Harounoff said he was having breakfast in Golders Green when he saw a dozen rescue vehicles racing toward the scene. He described the situation as devastating, noting that the place where he was born, raised, and bar mitzvahed had become a target of Jew hatred and violent extremism. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament on Wednesday that the attack was deeply concerning and that the UK must be absolutely clear in its determination to deal with offences of the kind seen too often recently. World Zionist Organization chairman Yaakov Hagoel, who was in London at the time, called on Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan to act decisively against antisemitism in the UK.

The incident comes a few days after a Monday arson against a memorial wall for Iranian protesters killed by the Islamic Regime in the Golders Green neighborhood. The arson was the latest in a spate of attacks on Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian dissident sites that began in the same area. On March 23, four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green were set ablaze. On April 15, arsonists attempted to attack the Finchley Reform Synagogue by placing bottles with accelerants next to the building and throwing a brick at the alleged firebomb. Israeli Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer said that as the security situation for British Jews continues to deteriorate, the State of Israel is working on projects to encourage Jewish immigration.

(JPost/VFI News)

Father in Heaven, we cry out for the Jewish community of London, especially the families and victims of this terrible knife attack in Golders Green. We pray in Yeshua’s Name for the full physical, emotional, and spiritual healing of the two who were wounded, and we thank You for the swift response of Shomrim, Hatzola, and the Metropolitan Police. Comfort residents who now walk their own streets in fear, and bless the volunteers and ambulance workers who stand watch over their neighbors with such courage. Stir the British government to act decisively against antisemitic incitement and violence, and let no weapon formed against Your people prosper in the days ahead.

Israeli celebrities painted Tel Aviv red on Tuesday night, April 28, at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Lev Cinema. The date came a few days ahead of the US release, which goes to theaters on Friday, May 1. Israel’s top movie executives said that with the Iran-Israel war ending just weeks earlier, it felt like the stars had aligned for the red-carpet event. The film held its world premiere on April 20 at Lincoln Center in New York City, with the first official screening shown in front of the cast, filmmakers, and global press.

Ilana Nozik, general manager for Forum Film, expressed her excitement at hosting the Israeli premiere, saying that bigger films are now being released in Israel and the United States simultaneously and that this was not a film they would hold off from their audience. The premiere featured themed cocktails and multiple floors of step-and-repeats so that Israeli singers, actresses, TikTokers, and producers could snap photos on their way to the theater. Four hundred guests attended in glamorous fashion. Famed actress Hana Laszlo, socialite and luxury event producer Irit Rahamim, and fashion influencer Emily Kuper were among the faces photographers tried to capture.

Israeli folk singer and actress Einat Sarouf brought her granddaughter to the event, ecstatic to be among fellow creatives out on the town. She had performed in Eilat just the day before for 1,000 people in a show originally scheduled for the previous month, when war was still raging. Sarouf said she loved that Israelis insist on doing cultural things, because the enemy wants the country to close everything — its shops and its culture — and Israelis will not allow that. As the lights dimmed inside Lev Cinema at 9 p.m., the film was announced, and the excitement began. With Hebrew subtitles on screen, viewers leaned forward, ready to re-enter a story they love. This time, Israelis are getting it first.

(JPost/VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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