Here are the latest news headlines from this morning that reached our news desk. The times given are Jerusalem time (GMT +3)

8:00 AM - Katz announces expansion of Gaza military operations
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the IDF is expanding its operations in the Gaza Strip, aimed at “crushing and clearing the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure, and seizing large swaths of land to be added to Israel’s security zones.” Addressing Gaza residents, Katz said, “I call on the people of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages. This is the only way to end the war.” Meanwhile, reports from Gaza indicated intensified strikes across various parts of the Strip. Arab media outlets published conflicting reports regarding the number of fatalities since this morning.

8:15 AM - Body of Israeli woman found burned in West Bank
The body of a woman was found burned in the village of Al-Ram in the West Bank, Israel Police revealed on Wednesday, after receiving the report on Tuesday. The police suspect that the woman was Israeli, and her body was transferred overnight for examination by the police forensic identification lab.

8:30 AM - Europe will respond proportionately to likely Trump tariffs, French industry minister says
Europe will respond to the likely implementation of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump in a proportionate manner but will not escalate tensions under any circumstances, French industry minister Marc Ferracci said on Wednesday. "Europe has always been on the side of negotiation and calming things down, because trade wars, you know, only produce losers," Ferracci told RMC radio. U.S. President Donald Trump will announce sweeping new reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners on Wednesday, raising concerns about price increases and likely prompting retaliation from other countries. (Reuters)

9:00 AM - Defense Minister Katz to hostage families: Gaza operation aims to secure their release
Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the expanded military operation in Gaza on Wednesday, saying its primary goal is to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In a post on X, Katz said military operations are intended “first and foremost to increase pressure for the release of all the hostages in the face of Hamas’ refusal.” His statement came in response to criticism from families of hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. “The expansion of the operation this morning will intensify pressure on Hamas murderers and on the population in Gaza, and advance the sacred and vital goal we all share,” Katz wrote. The message was not issued through the Defense Ministry’s official channels.

9:15 AM - Car wash ordered to stop discriminatory 'Passover special'
NY Attorney General Letitia James orders car wash to stop ripping off Jews with anti-semitic ‘Passover special.’

9:30 AM - US: Buildup of forces in Middle East does not indicate preparations for attack against Iran
Two sources told the Wall Street Journal that the purpose of the buildup of US forces in the Middle East is to assist in the operation in Yemen and extend deterrence against Iran, but does not indicate preparations for an immediate attack against Iran.

9:45 AM - Painting looted by Nazis to return to rightful owners
Britain’s Tate to return Nazi-looted painting to heirs of Jewish art collector.

10:00 AM - Cleared for publication: Businessman Gil Birger questioned in Qatar Gate case

10:15 AM - Official IDF body published classified information on social media
An official IDF body published classified and sensitive information on social media regarding a life-threatening issue, in a breach first identified by and reported on by Army Radio on Wednesday.
Army Radio added that the sensitive information was posted on purpose and not by mistake, and that it remained publicly accessible for several consecutive hours, exposed to thousands of followers.

10:30 AM - Yemen’s Houthis say four killed in strikes blamed on US
Yemen’s Houthi rebels say overnight airstrikes on Hodeida province killed four people in an attack they blame on the United States.

10:45 AM - Gazan clan executes alleged Hamas operative who killed one of their relatives
Members of the Abu Samra clan of Deir al-Balah filmed killing an alleged Hamas member in the street, as dissent against terror group grows in the Strip

11:00 AM - Ahead of Passover, Israelis warned Hamas, Iran may target travelers and Jews abroad
Terrorists expected to ramp up attacks amid ‘deteriorating situation in Gaza,’ National Security Council says, as lone wolf terrorism inspired by global jihad said on the rise

11:15 AM - Missile alarm alert changes: 
Starting today or tomorrow missile alerts from the Houthis will activate 5-12 minutes IN ADVANCE, using the cell phone emergency alert system - meaning a warning alarm from your cell phone with a forced pop up message of what is happening.  

11:30 AM - Terrorists pelted Israeli vehicles with stones on the Alon Road, several vehicles were damaged with passengers just avoiding serious injury
In response, the Jewish villages chased the terrorists who fled to the Arab village of Duma. Arab rioters gathered and rioted, while the Jewish villagers pushed in and caused damage to buildings and vehicles. Several Arabs were injured. IDF forces deployed to disperse the situation.

11:45 AM - Lebanon - Enemy report: Israeli attack on the town of Itrun, southern Lebanon