The U.S. State Department warned Thursday that hostilities in the Middle East could escalate rapidly, even as President Donald Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections…

The U.S. State Department warned Thursday that hostilities in the Middle East could escalate rapidly, even as President Donald Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. Two Israeli officials told Axios they feared Iran could strike first to avoid another surprise attack. Trump said Thursday that Washington was holding "productive discussions" with Tehran, but that the American blockade would remain in effect. He reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. The State Department's security alert, published by U.S. diplomatic missions including the embassy in Jerusalem, urged Americans across the Middle East to "exercise heightened vigilance." It specifically cited Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia as hostilities with the potential to escalate rapidly. The department also warned that Iran and groups supporting it could target U.S. interests and locations associated with Americans worldwide. It advised Americans traveling in the region to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

A pharmacy student from East Jerusalem is accused of using his scientific training and access to chemicals to prepare a mass killing of Jews with deadly poisons and explosives, according to an indictment filed today in…

A pharmacy student from East Jerusalem is accused of using his scientific training and access to chemicals to prepare a mass killing of Jews with deadly poisons and explosives, according to an indictment filed today in Jerusalem District Court, detailed by Ynet. The indictment identifies him as Mohammed Shalabi, 22, from Beit Hanina, a third-year pharmacy student at Al-Quds University who also worked as a pharmacy assistant. Prosecutors say he consumed Hamas and ISIS content and joined Telegram groups, including one affiliated with ISIS, where he downloaded instructions for making explosives and poisons. According to the indictment, his first plan in early 2025 targeted enforcement officers after he became angry over parking tickets issued to worshippers. He monitored their activities for roughly two months, but abandoned the bombing plan after they stopped coming to the location. Prosecutors say he then prepared a broader attack targeting Jews, purchasing chemicals and equipment during two trips to Ramallah and storing them in his bedroom. The indictment describes a chemical experiment at home and accuses him of deleting files and search history to conceal his activities. Shalabi faces charges of preparing murder as an act of terrorism and receiving training for terrorism. Prosecutors have requested that he remain in custody until the conclusion of proceedings.

Two United Airlines pilots reportedly gave up their first-class seats while deadheading on a flight and spent the entire trip in the cockpit because they did not trust the pilot operating the aircraft. The pilot, Capt…

Two United Airlines pilots reportedly gave up their first-class seats while deadheading on a flight and spent the entire trip in the cockpit because they did not trust the pilot operating the aircraft. The pilot, Capt. Ibrahim R. Mossallam, had previously been removed from service after social media posts surfaced in which he defended the October 7 Hamas attack. In a post on October 7, 2023, Mossallam described the attack as "resistance" by "brave people" and blamed what he called the "Zionist regime." United removed Mossallam from service with pay in November 2023 while it investigated his conduct. He later returned to flying for United. According to reporting this week, United had sought to fire Mossallam following the original controversy, but the pilots' union intervened. Two United pilots deadheading on a flight he was operating also reportedly gave up their first-class seats and remained in the cockpit throughout the flight because they did not trust him. Mossallam continued flying Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft for United into 2026. He has also continued posting strongly anti-Israel material on social media since the original controversy, including posts accusing Israel of seeking continued territorial expansion and crediting Palestinian "resistance" with preventing it. Mossallam serves on the board of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, where he is listed as board vice president. The case came under renewed scrutiny following the attempted hijacking of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 last week, when the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. United was subsequently asked about Mossallam's continued employment. On October 6, the airline said: "We have withheld this pilot from service pending an ongoing review." United has not publicly detailed the findings of its original investigation or said what action may follow the current review.

Border Police officers identified a suspicious Arab man approaching forces in the Jenin casbah and posing a potential threat. According to an initial report, officers spotted a suspicious bag on him and ordered him to…

Border Police officers identified a suspicious Arab man approaching forces in the Jenin casbah and posing a potential threat. According to an initial report, officers spotted a suspicious bag on him and ordered him to stop. After he failed to comply, they carried out an arrest procedure, which ended with shots fired at his lower body. No Israeli forces were injured.