Jooish News

For much of his political career, Benjamin Netanyahu has sold himself to the Israeli public as the indispensable steward of the country’s international standing, the one statesman fluent enough in Washington, confident enough on the world stage and tough enough at home to keep Israel secure and its alliances intact. The question now is whether the long-term ledger supports that claim, or inverts it.

The short-term picture is difficult to dispute. Israel is more polarizing in American politics than at any point in recent memory. The war has supercharged a deterioration in U.S.-Israel relations that was already underway, and the damage is showing up in the numbers that most concern Jerusalem: the American public and the Congress that translates public opinion into policy.

Polling by Pew finds that favorable views of Israel have collapsed across nearly every slice of the American electorate since 2022. Support has dropped 31 points among older Democrats, 22 points among both younger Democrats and younger Republicans, 23 points among Catholics, 20 points among the religiously unaffiliated and 14 points among Protestants. Even white Evangelicals, long the most reliable pro-Israel constituency in the country, have slipped 15 points from an 80% favorability rating three years ago. The last holdouts with majority favorable views are older Republicans and white Evangelicals. Everywhere else, the floor has given way.

Congress is catching up to the electorate. Last week, 40 Senate Democrats voted for a resolution to block arms sales to Israel, up from 15 on a similar vote a year ago. Every Democratic senator seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender voted yes.

“Netanyahu is destroying the bipartisan nature in terms of support for Israel,” Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., told Punchbowl News.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a military veteran long considered a reliable pro-Israel Democrat, told Axios: “We need to have a discussion about how to normalize that relationship and what change is necessary. There’s no doubt about that.”

In the House, the shift has moved into territory once considered untouchable. Some Democrats are now turning against even defensive assistance, including funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. “Seen as insanely fringe four years ago,” Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., told Axios of that position. Multiple Democrats who voted to fund Iron Dome in 2021 told Axios they are now finished providing Israel with financial aid.

Netanyahu’s defenders argue that much of this was inevitable, that any Israeli prime minister prosecuting a war of this scope would face the same backlash, and that the prime minister has delivered concrete wins: the Abraham Accords, deeper normalization talks in the Gulf, sustained U.S. military support through the war and the degradation of Iran’s strategic position. They argue that headlines and polls are lagging indicators and that the regional map has shifted in Israel’s favor in ways that will outlast the current anger.

The harder question is whether those gains survive their political foundations. American support for Israel has historically been resilient because it was bipartisan, generational and cultural. What the Pew data shows is a collapse on all three axes at once: Democrats and younger Americans are leaving fastest, but the slide is now reaching into older Democrats, Catholics, Protestants and even white Evangelicals. A pro-Israel consensus that required no defending for half a century is suddenly doing so from a narrower and older base.

Netanyahu’s bet has long been that Israel’s strategic relationship with Washington is durable enough to absorb whatever political friction he generates along the way. That bet may still pay out. But the votes in the Senate this week, the reversals on Iron Dome in the House and the polling across nearly every demographic group raise a question that was, until recently, close to unaskable: whether the prime minister who has cast himself as the guarantor of Israel’s place in the world is also the one most responsible for eroding it.

The answer is not yet in.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[Video below.] Rep. Elise Stefanik forcefully defended President Donald Trump on Sunday, rejecting accusations that his recent statements about Iran amounted to advocating genocide during a contentious exchange on CNN.

Appearing on “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, the New York Republican dismissed the allegation outright. “President Trump didn’t call for genocide, Jake. You are putting those words in his mouth.”

The exchange came amid criticism of Trump’s recent rhetoric about confronting threats from Iran, with some detractors arguing that his language could be interpreted as targeting civilians. Administration officials have countered that the president’s comments are aimed specifically at Iran’s leadership, which the U.S. State Department classifies as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Stefanik echoed that position during the interview, emphasizing, “He’s targeting the terrorist regime.”

Tapper pressed further, asking whether references to eliminating threats might cross a line, reflecting concerns raised by critics. Stefanik rejected that framing and accused the media of distorting Trump’s message.

“You’re adding genocide. That’s not what he’s stating,” Stefanik said.

She went on to draw a comparison to prior congressional hearings involving university presidents, suggesting a contrast in clarity.

“The difference with those university presidents is they couldn’t answer the simple, direct question,” Stefanik said. “President Trump didn’t call for genocide.”

Stefanik also shifted focus to Iran’s actions, highlighting the regime’s record.

“The Iranians have killed tens of thousands of their own people,” she said. “President Trump effectively brought the Iranians to the table. He effectively delivered a ceasefire.”

She criticized those who have raised concerns about Trump’s rhetoric, adding, “If you want to prop up the Iranian terrorist regime, that’s on you.”

The Trump administration has maintained that its policy is centered on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limiting its regional influence, stressing that its actions are directed at the regime rather than the Iranian population while applying pressure to bring Tehran to negotiations.

Reiterating that stance, Stefanik concluded, “The president has been very effective in calling out the Iranian terrorist regime.”

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s population has reached 10.244 million ahead of the country’s 78th Independence Day, reflecting an increase of approximately 146,000 people, or 1.4 percent, over the past year, according to new data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

The report shows that 7.79 million residents, or about 76 percent of the population, are Jewish. Arabs make up 2.157 million people, accounting for 21.1 percent, while approximately 296,000 individuals, or 2.9 percent, are classified under other categories.

Population growth over the past year was driven in part by about 177,000 births, along with the arrival of roughly 21,000 immigrants to the country. The data also indicates that a significant majority of the population—around four out of five citizens—were born in Israel.

According to the bureau, Israel’s population has grown more than twelvefold since the country was established in 1948.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

💔 Save Baby Milcha 💔

Milcha is only 2 months old… a tiny, innocent baby who hasn’t even begun her life — and already she is fighting for it.

She is suffering from a severe liver disease that is threatening her life.

Doctors have determined: her only chance to survive is urgent, advanced treatment abroad.

Her parents are heartbroken and helpless, doing everything they can to save their daughter – but the costs are overwhelming, far beyond what they can manage alone.

Her mother, Feiga Tehila, is pleading for help…

❤️ Together, we can save Milcha

Donate now

In general, Bais Medrash Govoha has maintained an unwavering stance on its “freezer” policy, with the hanhalah consistently enforcing the restriction on bochurim dating during their initial months in the yeshiva. The policy has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the yeshiva’s approach, designed to allow new talmidim to fully immerse themselves in learning. Despite periodic rumors or external pressure due to the growing shidduch crisis, Bais Medrash Govoha has shown no inclination to bend or reinterpret its guidelines.

To join via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/645572066

 929-205-6099  ID: 645572066

By Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

FBI Director Kash Patel threatened to sue The Atlantic on Friday after the magazine published a lengthy investigative piece alleging erratic behavior, excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure leading the bureau.

Patel, through his attorney, called the claims defamatory and said legal action was imminent. “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook,” Patel said in a statement included in the report itself.

The piece, headlined “The FBI Director is MIA,” was written by Atlantic staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick and draws on interviews with more than two dozen current and former officials, Capitol Hill staff, lobbyists, and hospitality-industry workers — all speaking anonymously.

Among the allegations: that Patel had a “freak-out” earlier this month after being locked out of a computer system, believing he was about to be fired in the wake of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s departure; that early morning meetings were repeatedly rescheduled due to late-night drinking; that members of his security detail had difficulty waking him on multiple occasions; and that a request was submitted for breaching equipment — typically used by SWAT teams — because he had been unreachable behind locked doors.

The report also raised questions about whether alcohol played a role in social media posts Patel made containing inaccurate information about active law enforcement investigations.

“Some of Patel’s colleagues at the FBI worry that his personal behavior has become a threat to public safety,” Fitzpatrick wrote, quoting one unnamed official: “That’s what keeps me up at night.”

The White House and Justice Department quickly rallied around Patel. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said he “remains a critical player on the Administration’s law and order team.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called the piece an “anonymously sourced hit piece” that does not constitute journalism, adding that Patel “has accomplished more in 14 months than the previous administration did in four years.”

FBI Assistant Director of Public Affairs Ben Williamson, who denied the allegations directly to Fitzpatrick before publication, was more caustic. “This article is a compilation of pretty much every obviously fake rumor I’ve heard the last 14 months,” he said, “except The Atlantic is the only one dumb enough to actually print it.”

Patel’s attorney, Jesse Binnall, had sent the magazine a letter before publication warning that the claims were false and noting that Patel’s team had been given fewer than two hours to respond. Binnall singled out one allegation — involving the breaching equipment — as having “no corroborating public record whatsoever” and possibly being “fabricated or drawn from a single hostile and unreliable source.”

Both Patel and his team said a lawsuit would be filed. “They were on notice that the claims were categorically false and defamatory. They published anyway. See you in court,” Binnall wrote on X.

Patel told Fitzpatrick directly: “See you and your entire entourage of false reporting in court … But do keep at it with the fake news, actual malice standard is now what some would call a legal lay up.”

Fitzpatrick, appearing on MSNBC Friday night, said she stood by the reporting. “I am a very careful, very diligent, award-winning investigative reporter,” she said. “We have excellent attorneys.”

The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, echoed her: “We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A high-risk confrontation in the Gulf of Oman has pushed tensions between Washington and Tehran to the brink, as the United States seized a massive Iranian-flagged cargo ship while diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict appeared to unravel in real time.

According to President Donald Trump, the nearly 900-foot vessel — identified as the TOUSKA — attempted to breach a U.S.-enforced maritime blockade before being intercepted by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111).

U.S. Central Command said the ship ignored repeated warnings over a six-hour standoff as it sailed toward Bandar Abbas. In a calculated escalation, the destroyer ordered the evacuation of the vessel’s engine room before firing multiple rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 naval gun, disabling the ship’s propulsion and leaving it dead in the water.

U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit then boarded the crippled vessel and took it into custody. Officials described the operation as “deliberate, professional, and proportional,” stressing that force was used only after sustained noncompliance.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Trump said the ship had been under U.S. Treasury sanctions tied to prior illicit activity and confirmed its cargo is now under inspection.

The dramatic seizure marks the most aggressive enforcement yet of the blockade imposed on April 13, which spans Iranian ports and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments.

American forces in the region, backed by assets including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), remain actively engaged in enforcement operations. Another carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), is now moving into the region.

At the same time, warnings of a broader conflict are intensifying.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has raised the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to “critical,” citing risks of mines, navigation interference, and sudden hostile encounters. The agency described the wider Arabian Gulf as a “high-risk operating environment,” warning that even minor incidents could spiral rapidly.

Iran has already signaled that it views Sunday’s events as an act of aggression.

The country’s joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by attacking what it says was a commercial vessel traveling from China, and vowed retaliation against what it called “armed piracy.”

But even as military tensions surged at sea, diplomacy on land appeared to collapse.

Iran formally rejected participation in a second round of U.S.-led talks, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency, which cited “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade” as reasons for its refusal.

IRNA also accused Washington of playing a “blame game,” alleging the U.S. falsely claimed Iran would attend talks to increase pressure.

Earlier Sunday, Trump said Iran had committed a “serious violation” of the ceasefire but insisted a deal remains within reach. In comments reported by journalist Jonathan Karl, Trump maintained optimism, later telling Axios: “I feel fine about it. The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed.”

The White House had been preparing for negotiations in Islamabad, with a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner expected to attend.

Two sources told The Jerusalem Post the U.S. hoped to secure a framework agreement before negotiating details. But Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any such talks will take place while the blockade remains in effect.

The result is a rapidly widening gap: escalating military confrontation in one of the world’s most critical waterways, paired with a diplomatic track that is faltering — if not already broken.

With Iran vowing retaliation, U.S. forces surging into the region, and talks hanging by a thread, Sunday’s events may mark not just a dramatic maritime seizure — but a turning point toward a far more dangerous phase of the conflict.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling on FIFA to pay the full cost of rail transportation for fans attending World Cup matches in the New York–New Jersey area, as NJ Transit prepares to sharply increase ticket prices to reach MetLife Stadium.

In a statement issued Sunday, the New York Democrat criticized the steep fare hikes, noting that travel costs for fans are set to skyrocket despite FIFA’s massive expected profits. He said he supports NJ Transit’s financial concerns but argued that the burden should not fall on local riders, pointing out that “FIFA is set to rake in approximately $11 billion in revenue off the tournament while New York fans are being hit with $150 NJ Transit round-trip tickets to get to the game.”

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will serve as a major venue during the tournament, hosting eight matches, including the championship game on July 19. While the typical train fare from Penn Station to the Meadowlands is $12.90, prices will jump to $150 between June 13 and July 19. Shuttle services will also be available at a cost of $80.

NJ Transit CEO Kirs Kolluri defended the increase, saying the agency should not pass the cost of hosting the global event onto everyday commuters. “It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Gov. Mikie Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, adding that the tournament will cost NJ Transit approximately $48 million.

Travel disruptions are also expected, with Penn Station scheduled to partially shut down for several hours before each of the eight matches, affecting regular commuters and travelers.

Schumer argued that the situation leaves fans with little choice but to use public transportation, especially since parking options are being eliminated. Nearby parking at the American Dream mall is expected to cost about $225, and pedestrian access to the stadium will not be permitted. As a result, mass transit is “effectively the only way in or out of the stadium on match days,” according to his statement.

Despite his criticism of the situation, Schumer emphasized that NJ Transit itself is not to blame, instead directing his concerns toward FIFA.

“The total NJ Transit operation to move fans to and from MetLife is projected to cost $62 million, with approximately $11 million dedicated to security alone. The federal government is contributing $10.6 million and the NY/NJ Host Committee is contributing just over $3 million, leaving NJ Transit to foot a $48 million bill with zero financial contribution from FIFA.

“Meanwhile, FIFA has told other host cities they can offer fans mass rail for as little as $2.50 round trip, a fraction of what New York fans are being charged.”

Schumer also criticized the magnitude of the fare increase itself. “Charging more than eleven times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple.”

FIFA is projected to generate roughly $11 billion in revenue during its 2023–2026 cycle, representing a 71% increase compared to the previous period and making it the most lucrative World Cup to date.

Schumer noted that ticket prices for matches are already high, with group-stage games costing around $700 and final tickets at MetLife reaching as much as $10,000 under FIFA’s dynamic pricing system.

“We are carrying more fans, more riders, and more disruption than any other region in this tournament,” Schumer added. “FIFA needs to step up accordingly. Past practice does not cut it when you are eliminating parking, shutting down Penn Station, and forcing every fan onto one transit system. FIFA should cover the ride, not stick New York fans with the bill.”

While FIFA has not traditionally contributed to transportation costs in host cities, Schumer argued that the New York–New Jersey region presents unique challenges due to its population density and the scale of the event.

Kolluri also pointed out that maintaining the standard $12.90 fare would result in the majority of NJ Transit’s costs being absorbed by regular commuters. “No one that I have spoken to thinks that’s fair or reasonable. Commuters in New Jersey should not carry the cost years into the future for a wonderful event, no doubt. But the fans going to the games should burden the cost. That’s all we’re trying to say,” he said.

With the transportation plan now finalized, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi addressed the issue in a statement, defending the organization’s broader approach.

“Ever since the host city agreements were signed in 2018, FIFA has worked in collaboration with the Host Committees and their partners to develop a transportation plan that provides efficient and accessible mass transit options for ticketed fans attending the eight matches at NY NJ Stadium. The goal is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable, defined by the action on pitch, not delays on the roads.

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.”

WASHINGTON (Israel Hayom) – Buckley Carlson, the son of conservative and anti-Israel media personality Tucker Carlson, is leaving the White House to start his own political consulting firm, according to a Politico report citing two sources.

Carlson, who served as deputy press secretary to Vice President JD Vance, “first informed the vice president’s office of his intention to leave as early as December, but stayed on for several months to ensure a smooth transition,” a source in Vance’s office said.

Last November, Vance responded sharply to a journalist who raised questions about Buckley Carlson and, in light of his family ties, asked whether “a senior adviser to the vice president is also an evil racist.” In response, Vance said, “I have a special tolerance for disagreement and criticism from many people in our coalition,” but added, “I am a very loyal person, and I have zero tolerance for scumbags who attack my staff. And yes, anyone who attacked Buckley is a scumbag.”

The Vice President’s office has not yet responded to a request from Israel Hayom for comment on the matter.

The report on Carlson’s expected departure comes amid rising tensions between Trump and Tucker Carlson, Buckley’s father, over the war with Iran, after Carlson tried to persuade the president not to attack the ayatollahs’ regime.

At the start of the campaign, Carlson said that “this war is completely disgusting and evil.” He later said that “this is the biggest mistake Trump, or any American president, has made in my lifetime,” adding that “it happened because Israel wanted it to happen. This is Israel’s war, not America’s.” He later even called on administration and military officials to refuse Trump’s orders: “Now it’s time to say no, absolutely not, and say it directly to the president, no.”

Trump did not let Carlson’s harsh remarks go unanswered. In posts the president recently published on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Carlson “is a low-IQ person.” In another post, he wrote that Carlson “couldn’t even get into college” and that he has been “a broken man” since being fired from Fox News, suggesting that he “should see a good psychiatrist.”

NEW YORK (AP) — A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump imposed without the constitutional authority to do so is scheduled to launch Monday.

Importers and their brokers will be able to begin claiming refunds through an online portal beginning at 8 a.m., according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency administering the system.

It’s the first step in a complicated process that also might eventually lead to refunds for consumers who were billed for some or all of the tariffs on products shipped to them from outside the United States.

Companies must submit declarations listing the goods on which they collectively put billions of dollars toward the import taxes the court subsequently struck down. If CBP approves a claim, it will take 60-90 days for a refund to be issued, the agency said.

The government expects to process refunds in phases, however, focusing first on more recent tariff payments. Any number of technical factors and procedural issues could delay an importer’s application, so any reimbursements businesses plan to make to customers likely would trickled down slowly.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court on Feb. 20 found that Trump usurped Congress’ tax-setting role last April when he set new import tax rates on products from almost every other country, citing the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency that warranted his invoking of a 1977 emergency powers law.

Although the court majority did not address refunds in its ruling, a judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade determined last month that companies subjected to IEEPA tariffs were entitled to money back.

Not all taxed imports immediately eligible
Customs and Border Protection said in court filings that over 330,000 importers paid a total of about $166 billion on over 53 million shipments.

Not all of those orders qualify for the first phase of the refund system’s rollout, which is limited to cases in which tariffs were estimated but not finalized or within 80 days of a final accounting.

To receive refunds, importers have to register for the CPB’s electronic payment system. As of April 14, 56,497 importers had completed registration and were eligible for refunds totaling $127 billion, including interest, the agency said.

System requires accuracy
Meghann Supino, a partner at Ice Miller, said the law firm has advised clients to carefully list in their declarations all of the document numbers for forms that went to CBP to describe imported goods and their value.

“If there is an entry on that file that does not qualify, it may cause the entire entry to be rejected or that line item might be rejected by Customs,” she said.

Supino thinks the portal going live will require composure as well as diligence.

“Like any electronic online program that goes live with a lot of interest, I would expect that there might be some hiccups with the program on Monday,” she said. “So we continue to ask everyone to be patient, because we think that patience will pay off.”

Nghi Huynh, the partner-in-charge of transfer pricing at accounting and consulting firm Armanino, said most companies claiming refunds will have imported a mix of items, and not all will qualify right away.

“It’s about having a clear process in place and keeping track of what’s been submitted and what’s been paid, so nothing falls through the cracks,” she said. “Each file can include thousands of entries, but accuracy is critical, as submissions can be rejected if formatting or data is incorrect.”

Patience with the process
Small businesses have eagerly awaited the chance to apply for refunds. Brad Jackson, co-founder of After Action Cigars in Rochester, Minnesota, said he starting compiling records and preparing to enter information into the system the minute CPB announced the launch date.

The company imports cigars and accessories from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Last year, it paid $34,000 in tariffs and absorbed much of the cost instead of raising customer prices, Jackson said.

Last spring, he had a two-week delay in a shipment due to a missing document, so he is being more careful with refund documents, he said.

“My main concern is the turnaround time,” Jackson said. “A refund process that takes several months to complete doesn’t solve the cash flow problem that it is supposed to fix.”

Will consumers see refunds?
Tariffs are paid by importers, and some companies pass on the tax costs to consumers via higher prices.

The system starting up Monday will refund tariffs directly to the businesses that paid them, which are not obligated to share the proceeds with customers. However, class-action lawsuits that aim to force companies, ranging from Costco to Ray-Ban maker Essilor Luxottica, to reimburse shoppers are winding their way through the U.S. legal system.

Individuals may be more likely to receive refunds from delivery companies like FedEx and UPS, which collected tariffs on imports directly from consumers. FedEx has said it would return tariff refunds to customers when it receives them from the CPB.

“Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our top priority,” FedEx said in a statement. “We are working with our customers as CBP begins processing refunds and plan to begin filing claims on April 20.”

(AP) – U.S. Central Command released a message sent by a U.S. Mariner to the Iranian-flagged tanker in a video posted on X, saying it shows the moments before the U.S. seized Touska for crossing the U.S.-imposed blockade line in the Gulf of Oman.

“Motor vessel Touska, Motor vessel Touska. Vacate your engine room. Vacate your engine room. We are about to subject you to disabling fire,” can be heard in the video. Later, three rounds are fired, leaving smoke in their wake.

CENTCOM said its fire targeted the vessel’s engine room before forces seized the ship. It said Touska was headed to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and ignored multiple U.S. warnings over six hours to evacuate the engine room. The USS Spruance then fired, after which Marines boarded and took hold of the ship.

“American forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportional manner to ensure compliance,” it wrote on X.

On an almost daily basis, left-wing outlets publish articles with various claims about “settlers” attacking Palestinians. Most of the reports leave out vital information, omitting the fact that the settlers were only responding to an Arab-initiated attack. Some of the reports are completely false.

One of those incidents occurred about a month ago, when IDF and police forces were deployed to the Shomron to assist Jewish shepherds who were attacked by Arabs. While the Israeli forces were restoring order, one of the Arabs, a resident of the Palestinian Authority, was killed.

The Shin Bet and police later arrested an IDF reservist from the Shomron who was “suspected” of being involved in the Palestinian’s death. Media outlets reported that the reservist was suspected of “killing” the Palestinian without even mentioning that he was engaged in protecting the lives of Jews who were attacked!

The soldier, who served hundreds of days of reserve duty as an officer during the war in Gaza, was imprisoned for several days on an exceptional order preventing him from meeting a lawyer.

Attorney Nati Rom from the Honenu legal aid organization, who is now representing the soldier, slammed the Shin Bet and police, saying that none of the Arabs who attacked the shepherds were arrested or investigated, while the soldier who came to defend them is now imprisoned under draconian orders.

“This is an absurd situation,” Rom said. “A soldier who dedicates his life to defending the state is being interrogated by the Shin Bet while Hamas issues a statement supporting the rioters. I call on the authorities to immediately reverse this harm to our heroic soldiers.”

The CEO of the Yesha Council, Omer Rachamim, condemned the reservist’s arrest, writing on X: “A reserve soldier is being held in a Shin Bet facility and denied access to a lawyer. I call on the Shin Bet to come to its senses and stop the questionable practice of denying access to legal counsel, especially regarding a heroic soldier who risked his life in the war.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Iran is accelerating efforts to rebuild and expand its missile and drone launch capabilities following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to statements attributed to a senior military official.

Majid Mousavi, commander of the aerospace division of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said the country is now updating and replenishing its launch systems at a faster pace than before the conflict, according to remarks carried by Nournews, an outlet affiliated with the Iranian government.

The statement was released alongside an edited video purportedly showing Mousavi inspecting an underground missile facility. The footage includes images of drones, missiles, launch systems, and apparent ground-based missile launches from subterranean sites. The video’s authenticity could not be independently verified.

The comments come after a wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, which aimed in part to degrade Iran’s missile infrastructure. Assessments of the campaign’s effectiveness appear to differ. A recent report by The New York Times cited U.S. intelligence officials as estimating that Iran retains access to roughly 60 percent of its missile launchers.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the joint bombing campaign had “functionally destroyed” Iran’s missile program and left its military “combat ineffective for years to come.”

Other U.S. officials, cited by The Wall Street Journal, offered a more cautious view, suggesting Iran may be able to recover some of its capabilities by repairing or excavating launch systems that were damaged or buried during the strikes.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City officials launched a public portal inviting residents to help determine locations for a network of e-bike battery swapping stations aimed at improving safety and supporting delivery workers.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and transportation officials said the city plans to install about 25 battery-swapping cabinets, allowing riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones. The initiative targets areas with high delivery activity, including parts of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Officials say the program is designed to reduce fire risks tied to lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to unsafe charging practices and uncertified equipment. The cabinets will meet fire safety standards set by the Fire Department of the City of New York and include monitoring and fire suppression systems.

Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said the stations will make charging safer and more accessible for workers who often carry multiple batteries during long shifts.

The FDNY also announced an extension through September 2026 for applications related to outdoor charging installations, allowing more time for safety certifications.

The project builds on a pilot program that found battery-swapping stations to be safe and widely used. Officials expect final locations to be determined after public input, with the stations anticipated to be operational by 2028.

Online: https://nycdotprojects.info/project/1995/overview

Kosovo, a nation that relied on NATO peacekeepers for its own security in the aftermath of its war with Serbia, is preparing to send dozens of its soldiers abroad for the first time as part of the international force tasked with stabilizing Gaza.

“Our country has been a security consumer, meaning NATO countries have contributed to the security of the Republic of Kosovo,” Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci told The Associated Press. “Today we are entering a phase where we are becoming a provider, or exporter, of security.”

Kosovo’s parliament is set to formally approve the deployment on Friday, ratifying an earlier government decision to commit troops to the International Stabilization Force, a U.S.-backed mission established following last year’s ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The contingent will include several dozen officers, among them personnel from demining units, Maqedonci said. Their tasks will include humanitarian support, security assistance and other duties set by the mandate of the Gaza force. Final preparations are underway, with a U.S. representative assisting on vaccinations, visas and other technical arrangements.

The symbolism of the deployment runs deep in Pristina. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a split recognized by the United States and most of the European Union but still rejected by Belgrade. The path to statehood was opened by NATO’s 1999 intervention, which forced Serb troops out of the territory after Belgrade’s crackdown on Kosovo’s separatist rebels and cleared the way for the international peacekeeping deployment that has underwritten the country’s security ever since.

For Kosovo, contributing troops to the Gaza mission is treated as a demonstration of how far the country has come in the intervening quarter-century.

The ISF has not yet deployed. It operates under President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which Kosovo has joined alongside Indonesia, Albania and Kazakhstan, among other countries that have committed to participate.

Kosovo fields a security force of roughly 4,000 personnel that is being trained into a small, professional military aligned with NATO standards.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu met Sunday with widows and orphans from the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization just hours before the start of Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

During the meeting, Netanyahu spent time speaking with the families and offering comfort. At one point, in a quiet and personal moment, he sat with one of the orphaned children and drew him a picture of a giraffe and an elephant, an act that reflected the tone of the visit as he sought to connect with the children on a human level.

Netanyahu also shared his own experience with loss, speaking openly about the pain of losing his brother and trying to relate to the families gathered before him.

“How do you live with the grief? It’s very difficult, and I can tell you that we all feel it. I lost my older brother, and it was as if someone took an axe and cut off my arm and cut off my leg,” he said.

He recalled a moment from his own shivah, when someone approached him with a message that stayed with him.

“And then someone came to me during the shivah, and he told me that he had also lost a brother—he was a bereaved brother. He said to me: ‘I know you won’t believe me, but the suffering you feel now will not remain at this intensity and with the same pain that you are feeling now, and there is life after this.’”

Netanyahu acknowledged how difficult that message can be to accept in the moment, but emphasized that life can eventually rebuild.

“There are also new horizons, and you will have new lives and there will be new joys. There will be joy. I know it’s hard to believe right now, but there will be.”

He added that the sacrifice of their loved ones carries enduring meaning.

“But the greatest thing I can tell you is—it was not in vain. It was not in vain, because without them we have no existence. And we are here because of the heroes, our chain of heroes.”

Turning to the children, Netanyahu stressed the legacy left by their parents.

“Therefore, your parents are heroes, and you, with the pain and the memory and the loss, have one thing that you know: your fathers are the ones who ensure the eternity of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran announced that it will not take part in a second round of negotiations with the United States scheduled to take place in Pakistan this week, citing disagreements over American demands and the continued naval blockade in the Gulf.

In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran outlined its reasons for declining participation. “Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” the report said.

The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump told The New York Post that diplomatic discussions were set to resume in Pakistan in the coming days.

According to Trump, a U.S. delegation that includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Islamabad on Monday. However, officials in Pakistan have not publicly confirmed that such a meeting will take place.

Iran’s decision to stay away from the talks underscores the continued strain between Washington and Tehran as the current ceasefire approaches its expiration later this week.

Trump has been pressing Iran to agree to a deal that would include relinquishing its nuclear materials and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He has also renewed warnings of potential military action targeting key infrastructure if Tehran does not comply.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday.

“NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by condemning the remarks and rejecting accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.

He insisted that Iran’s nuclear activities are limited to energy production and portrayed the country’s actions as defensive in nature, despite its involvement in conflicts across the region.

“We are pacifists and what we are doing is legitimate self-defense,” he asserted, according to Press TV.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. forces completed their withdrawal from Qasrak air base on Thursday when a final convoy of soldiers and equipment departed the site in Syria’s Hasakah province, officials for both sides said.

The Syrian army has now taken full control of most military sites in the country where the U.S. military was once deployed.

Syria’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “the Syrian state’s restoration of sovereignty over areas that were outside its control, including the northeast and border regions, is the result of the Syrian government’s continuous efforts to unify the country within the framework of a single state.”

It said that the U.S. withdrawal came as a result of the successful implementation of a deal between Syria’s central government in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — which had previously controlled much of northeast Syria — and of success in fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group.

U.S. Central Command chief spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed the withdrawal.

“U.S. forces have completed turning over all of our major bases in Syria, as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition,” Hawkins said, adding that the U.S. military will “continue to support partner-led counterterrorism efforts, which are essential to ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS and strengthening regional security.”

Convoys of trucks could be seen leaving the base Thursday, hauling military vehicles and equipment.

U.S. forces began withdrawing from Qasrak in late February, in what appeared to be part of a larger drawdown of U.S. forces in Syria. Earlier that month, the U.S. military’s Central Command and Syria’s defense ministry announced that U.S. troops had left the al-Tanf base in eastern Syria near the border with Jordan.

The departure of U.S. forces from the bases came after the U.S. military completed the transfer of some 5,700 accused Islamic State terrorists from detention centers in northeast Syria to prisons in Iraq, where they will be put on trial.

The main mission of the U.S. troops in Syria was to prevent a resurgence of IS. The extremist group lost control of the last territory it held in Syria in 2019 but its sleeper cells have continued to stage periodic attacks in Syria, Iraq and abroad.

(AP)

Widespread concern has spread among Belzer chassidim following a noticeable decline in the health of the Belzer Rebbe, with an urgent appeal issued Sunday evening for increased tefillos on his behalf.

In a message delivered over the Kol Belz hotline by the gabbai of the main belzer beis medrash, Reb Aharon Kalman Fried, it was announced that the Rebbe would not appear for Maariv or for Sefiras HaOmer in the main beis medrash in Kiryas Belz in Yerushalayim.

The announcement was conveyed in the name of the Rebbe’s son, Rav Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, who issued an emotional and personal plea to chassidim worldwide. “As my father, the Rebbe, is experiencing great weakness, we ask each person to say several chapters of Tehillim, give tzedakah, and arouse Heavenly mercy, that the Rebbe shlit”a should lead us toward Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days in complete health,” he said.

Concern for the Rebbe’s condition had already begun ahead of this past Shabbos. As previously reported, Rav Aharon Mordechai canceled a planned Shabbos visit to a kehillah in Nof HaGalil, where hundreds of families had been expecting him, in order to remain at his father’s side.

During Shabbos, the Rebbe did not attend the regular tefillos or conduct the customary tishen in the main beis medrash, instead davening in a limited minyan at his home. However, on Friday, the Rebbe did attend the bris of his great-grandson, where he served as sandek and remained for the seudas mitzvah.

Across Belzer communities around the world, chassidim began organizing gatherings Sunday evening for joint recitation of Tehillim.

Rav Aharon Mordechai is expected to lead Maariv at 10:00 p.m. in the main beis medrash, after which the tzibbur will recite Tehillim together for the Rebbe’s recovery.

All are asked to daven for Rav Yissachar Dov ben Miriam.

{Matzav.com}

The legal battle against the economic sanctions being imposed on the Chareidi public is escalating, and last week, the Emes L’Yaakov B’Yisrael organization filed a petition to the Supreme Court on Thursday, demanding an immediate halt to the “economic punishment campaign” against Chareidi families, which is being advanced by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara without any legal basis.

In an interview with Kol Chai Radio, Attorney and Rabbi Yehuda Stern, a Dayan and To’en Rabbani who submitted the petition, explained the arguments behind it. Stern accused the legal advisory system of blatantly disregarding basic democratic and legal norms. “This is collective punishment of an entire public, something unthinkable in any proper legal system,” Stern said.

One of the central claims raised in the interview concerns the deliberate concealment of information by the Attorney General’s office. Stern noted the letter written by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, stating that the Attorney General received professional opinions warning that the sanctions would not lead to the enlistment of Chareidim but rather to economic devastation. Baharav-Miara did not submit the letter to the Court.

“The Attorney General simply omits the professional positions that don’t align with her agenda,” Stern said. “This is an extreme lack of integrity and the presentation of a distorted picture to the Court.”

Stern also emphasized the double standard between different populations in Israeli society. He referred to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down a Knesset law denying benefits to parents of minors convicted of terrorism, on the grounds that social welfare tools cannot be used for punishment or for the ‘education’ of the public. “Suddenly, when it comes to bnei yeshivos, all these principles are forgotten, and sanctions are imposed on people in their 40s who have no connection to the draft age,” he said.

At the end of the interview, Stern referred to data presented in the Knesset by Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, showing that most draft evaders today are not from the Chareidi public. He questioned why benefits were not revoked from universities where hundreds of thousands of students did not report for reserve duty, while the Torah world is facing an unprecedented economic attack.

“We are doing our part to peel back the mask from the Supreme Court,” Stern concluded. “The question now lies before the justices: how will they justify this blatant discrimination between lomdei Torah and other sectors?”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

For tens of thousands of Israelis who’ve watched apartment prices climb out of reach, the next two weeks are going to feel like playing for the jackpot of their lives. The Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Israel Land Authority have officially opened registration for the 11th round of Dira B’Hanacha, the country’s flagship discounted housing program, offering a staggering 7,922 subsidized apartments in 19 cities and towns across the country. It’s the largest lottery of the year, and the discounts on offer can shave hundreds of thousands of shekels off the price of a brand-new apartment.

Azrieli Tower at night

For anyone new to the program, Dira B’Hanacha, literally “Apartment at a Discount,” is Israel’s main vehicle for making homeownership accessible to first-time buyers in a market where the dream feels further away every year. It’s the successor to the well-known Mechir Lamishtaken program launched roughly a decade ago, and it works on a simple premise: the state allocates land to developers at reduced rates, and in exchange, the developers agree to sell a large share of the apartments they build, usually 50 to 60 percent, at prices that are typically 20 to 30 percent below market value. The apartments are then distributed through a lottery system. Winners don’t get a cash prize. They get the right to buy a new apartment at a price that can feel almost surreal compared to what their neighbors paid a year earlier.

This picture shows a view the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on March 22, 2026. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with Israel’s public broadcaster reporting that the Iranian supreme leader had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel. (Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images) /

This round is being described by industry insiders as one of the most interesting in years, because of where the inventory is concentrated. Maale Adumim, just east of Jerusalem in Judea and Samaria, leads the list with 1,663 units, its 16th local lottery and a reflection of how popular the city has become with young Anglo and Israeli families priced out of the capital. Kiryat Gat follows with 1,433 units, and Kfar Saba rounds out the top three with 1,045 apartments, a rare opportunity for discounted housing in the high-demand center of the country. The remaining 16 localities span the full geography of the state, from Nahariya in the north to Eilat in the south: Mazkeret Batya (427), Beit Shemesh (425), Rekhasim (405), Beit Dagan (399), Kadima-Tzoran (315), Bat Hefer (271), Hadera (268), Ashdod (256), Nahariya (218), Bnei Ayish (179), Rishon LeZion (148), Kfar Manda (131), Yehud (121), Eilat (99), Yokneam Illit (89), and Rehovot (30).

The math, for those lucky enough to win, is genuinely life-changing. In Kfar Saba’s newer neighborhoods, a four-room apartment currently goes for between 2.3 and 2.7 million shekels on the open market. A 20 to 25 percent discount through the lottery translates into savings of 600,000 to 800,000 shekels per apartment. In Maale Adumim, where prices already run 30 to 50 percent below comparable Jerusalem properties, the layered discount can turn a new apartment into one of the best deals in the country. And the savings don’t end at the sticker price. Winners whose apartments are valued under 1.5 million shekels can put down as little as 10 percent, instead of the usual 25 to 30 percent required of mortgage applicants on the open market. In peripheral regions, additional grants of up to 60,000 shekels are available.

Under the directive of Housing Minister Chaim Katz, up to 50 percent of the apartments in this round are being reserved for active reservists, with about a quarter of those allocated specifically to combat reservists, a continuation of the wartime policy prioritizing those bearing the security burden. Katz framed the move bluntly, saying the enemy wants to destroy while Israel keeps building. Local residents, known as bnei makom, also receive preferential scoring for lotteries held in their home city, which meaningfully improves their odds.

Photo taken in Bat Yam, Israel

The program isn’t without its complications, and anyone registering needs to understand what they’re signing up for. Winners are locked into a purchase agreement, construction timelines on many projects stretch two to five years (and sometimes longer if building permits are still pending), and resale restrictions prevent winners from selling the apartment for five years from the occupancy certificate or seven years from the lottery date, whichever comes first. Prices are also linked to Israel’s construction cost index, meaning the final price can creep upward before the keys are handed over. For investors chasing liquidity, this isn’t the vehicle. But for a young couple, a family of reservists, or a first-time buyer who plans to live in the apartment for the long haul, the upside is hard to match anywhere else in the Israeli market.

Registration is open to Israelis without an apartment who hold a valid eligibility certificate, which can still be issued online through the three authorized companies, Milgam, Alonim, and Me’of, until the end of April. Applicants can register in up to three different cities to maximize their odds, and demand is already overwhelming the portal, with site operators reporting heavy traffic since the lottery opened. With housing prices in Israel rising for a second straight month after the ceasefire and supply finally starting to catch up to years of pent-up demand, this round of Dira B’Hanacha may be one of the most consequential opportunities the market has produced in a long time.

Israeli judo champion Raz Hershko maintained her winning streak Sunday, winning the gold for the second time in her life at the European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, and winning a medal for the fifth time overall.

Hershko won the gold on the last day of the championships in the over 78 kg category, beating her opponent, France’s Lea Fontaine, in just 52 seconds. That makes her the third Israeli ever to win more than one gold medal at the European Judo Championships.

The last time Hershko competed was in April — she had to skip the June games due to the 12-day war with Iran.

Hershko also won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s over 78 kg weight class.

Two other Israelis won medals at the competition. Timna Nelson-Levy won the silver medal in the women’s under 57 kg category, and 18-year-old Izhak Ashpiz took the bronze medal in the under 60 kg category on the men’s side.

At 31, Nelson-Levy became the oldest Israeli female athlete to ever win a medal at the European Judo Championships — an interesting distinction.

After ten days of uncertainty following a tragic drowning incident, the body of Avraham Yeshaya Spiegel z”l, a 17-year-old yeshiva bochur, was located and positively identified on Sunday during the shivah for his brother, who perished in the same tragedy.

The heartbreaking development brings a measure of closure to a painful episode that began on Erev Shabbos Parshas Shemini, when Avraham Yeshaya and his brother, Yissachar Dov Spiegel, entered the waters off the coast of Netanya during bein hazmanim in order to immerse in honor of Shabbos. Both were caught in the water, and while Yissachar Dov was rescued in critical condition, he was niftar the following Monday night. Avraham Yeshaya remained missing, prompting days of intensive searches and tefillos.

On Sunday, in the midst of the family’s shivah for Yissachar Dov, the body of Avraham Yeshaya was discovered, bringing renewed grief. The family had been scheduled to conclude shivah on Tuesday morning but will now continue mourning following this latest tragedy.

The identification was confirmed at the Abu Kabir forensic institute. Authorities were able to establish his identity through dental records obtained from a Meuhedet clinic in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood. It was learned that community askan R’ Rafael Ehrentreau facilitated access to the clinic so the necessary records could be forwarded. He also arranged transportation for the father, Rav Shlomo Spiegel, to provide a DNA sample, which ultimately confirmed the identification.

The levayah is scheduled for Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. from the family home at 8 Rechov Rav Kahaneman in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Yerushalayim. Avraham Yeshaya will be laid to rest next to his brother in the Perushim section of Har Hamenuchos.

Avraham Yeshaya, known affectionately as Avi, was born in Yerushalayim 17 and a half years ago. His father, Rav Shlomo Spiegel, leads a chaburah in the Beis Yisroel neighborhood and is the son of the late noted writer Rav Yisroel Spiegel. His mother, Mrs. Shoshana Spiegel, is a respected mechaneches who teaches at Seminar Rav Meir in Modiin Illit and at Bais Yaakov Bnos Elisheva. She is the daughter of the late Rav Moshe Yosef Miletzky, one of the senior dayanim of Yerushalayim, and the sister of Rav Chaimkel Miletzky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Rashi.

As a child, Avi learned in Talmud Torah Chavas Daas in Yerushalayim and later in yeshiva ketanah Imrei Moshe, where he formed a close bond with Rav Yisroel Gans of Mattersdorf. He later continued, like his brother, to Yeshivas Tushia in Tifrach, where he studied under Rav Mattisyahu Schweimer and Rav Avraham Landau, and developed a strong connection to the rosh yeshiva, Rav Aviezer Piltz.

Friends described him as a warm, cheerful, and deeply dedicated bochur who applied himself diligently to his learning. He was known for his simchas hachaim and for davening with care and precision. Despite his young age, he was admired by older bochurim and beloved by his rebbeim, who saw in him great promise.

Having only entered Tifrach at the beginning of Elul for shiur alef, Avi quickly made an impression. One friend recalled that “every seder with him was a real seder,” noting how he energized the beis medrash with his sharp thinking and enthusiasm for learning.

He is survived by his parents, siblings, and many friends, all devastated by the loss.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

On the eve of its 78th Independence Day, Israel is not just surviving, it’s surging. The Central Bureau of Statistics put the country’s population at 10.244 million, up roughly 146,000 people, or 1.4 percent, over the past year. Born out of war, tested by war, and still absorbing the shock of October 7 and the campaigns that followed, the Jewish state enters Yom Ha’atzmaut more populous, more prosperous and, by its own citizens’ accounting, happier than most of the Western world.

Photo taken in Bat Yam, Israel

The demographic snapshot tells a story no adversary wants to hear. Jews and those classified as “others” make up 7.79 million residents, about 76 percent of the population. Arab citizens number 2.157 million, and roughly 296,000 are foreign nationals. Some 177,000 babies were born in the past year, a figure that dwarfs the birth rates of virtually every comparable developed economy, alongside around 21,000 new olim and 48,000 deaths. Four in five citizens are Israeli-born sabras. More than a quarter of the country is 14 or younger; only 13 percent are over 65. In an aging West, Israel is conspicuously young.

JERUSALEM – NOVEMBER 12: Religious Jews dance and sing ahead of a wedding ceremony at the Western Wall in the Old City on November 12, 2023 in Jerusalem. A month after Hamas’s October 7 attacks, the country’s military has continued its sustained bombardment of the Gaza Strip and launched a ground invasion to defeat the militant group that governs the Palestinian territory. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The contrast with 1948 is almost hard to process. The state was founded with 806,000 residents. It has since grown more than twelvefold, and today close to 45 percent of the world’s Jews live inside its borders, a reversal of nearly two millennia of exile that no planner in Ben-Gurion’s era would have dared predict. Life expectancy has climbed by nearly two decades since independence, now sitting at 81.1 years for men and 85.5 for women. Average wages have jumped from roughly 2,300 shekels a month in the 1990s to just under 14,000 today. Car ownership, that crude but telling marker of middle-class arrival, has climbed from 3 percent of households in 1959 to about 72 percent now.

Happy israeli jewish little boys runs with Israel national flag. Independence Day. Patriotism. Patriot kids, friends on open area field. Symbol of democracy, independence, future. High quality photo

Despite the hostage crisis, the rocket fire, the war with Iran, and the drumbeat of international hostility, Israelis overwhelmingly say they’re doing fine. Ninety-one percent report being satisfied or very satisfied with their lives. Eighty-three percent rate their health as good or very good. Ninety-six percent are satisfied with their family relationships. The United Nations’ World Happiness Report ranks Israel eighth in the world for 2026, ahead of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and nearly every European country that spent the past two years lecturing Jerusalem. The figures include war casualties, which makes the numbers less a boast than a statement of something deeper, a society that has absorbed extraordinary pressure and, rather than fracturing, is still building.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting to discuss regional security in the Middle East as well as the U.S.-Israel partnership. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Enemies from Tehran to Gaza have for decades bet on an Israel that would shrink, tire, or demographically give way. The opposite is happening. A young, high-fertility, economically rising population is the single most durable answer the Jewish state can offer to those who still wish it gone. As the torches are lit on Mount Herzl and the flyovers streak across the coast, the 10.244 million number is more than a statistic. It is a verdict.

Social media personality Dan Bilzerian, who has spent the past two years feeding his tens of millions of followers a steady diet of antisemitism, Holocaust denial and neo-Nazi content, filed last week to run for a U.S. House seat in Florida.

The 45-year-old registered as a Republican primary candidate in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, where he will challenge incumbent Rep. Randy Fine, who is Jewish and a strong supporter of Israel.

Bilzerian has 30 million followers on Instagram and more than 2 million on X. Among the views he regularly shares with them: that “Jewish supremacy is the biggest threat to the world today,” that Israel should be destroyed, and that his Jewish opponent should be tried for treason for “putting Israel before America.” He has said President Donald Trump should be impeached over an “Israel First” policy he argues contradicts the president’s “America First” campaign promise.

Asked by TMZ whether his description of Fine as a “fat Jew” was antisemitic, Bilzerian said the term itself is “kind of a made-up term,” arguing that “Palestinians are the real Semites.” Pressed on whether Adolf Hitler was antisemitic, he declined to answer directly, repeating that Arabs and Palestinians have a stronger genetic link to the region than “any Ashkenazi Jew from Eastern Europe.”

A year ago, Bilzerian said he wanted “to kill Israelis.” Asked on his feed who causes most of the world’s problems, his followers were offered options that included “16 million Jews,” which they selected overwhelmingly. In another poll of 178,000 respondents, one-third said Hitler was a “good person” and another 23% said they did not know.

In a televised interview with conservative commentator Piers Morgan, Bilzerian said he believed fewer than six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. He told Morgan that Judaism inherently promotes “Jewish supremacy” and that “Israel is an expression of that religion, and I think that religion is terrible.”

He has shared content from neo-Nazi figure Nick Fuentes and promoted the “Great Replacement” theory, which holds that Jews are orchestrating nonwhite immigration to replace white populations. He has also echoed the antisemitic trope that “Jews knew about the 9/11 attacks” and declared, “Give me a gun and send me there to kill Israelis. I truly believe most of that country is evil.”

Bilzerian’s candidacy extends a trend in which internet personalities leverage large online audiences into Republican primary bids. It also reflects a broader shift within the Republican Party, where openly antisemitic voices, Holocaust deniers and figures aligned with the neo-Nazi right have grown into a measurable political constituency, a trajectory that sharpened during the war with Iran.

Known online as the “King of Instagram,” Bilzerian built his brand around a hedonistic lifestyle. He has long said his fortune, estimated in the hundreds of millions, came from high-stakes private poker games with billionaires. Professional poker players have disputed that account, saying his skill level does not match the winnings he claims. His father, Paul Bilzerian, was a Wall Street financier who went bankrupt and served prison time for fraud in the 1980s.

Bilzerian enlisted in the U.S. military and washed out of Navy SEAL training shortly before completion, but has built a tactical, military-style image into his brand. That persona was undercut during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, when he filmed himself fleeing the scene rather than helping the wounded.

He is not the only anti-Israel Republican challenging Fine. Another primary candidate, Aaron Baker, criticized Bilzerian’s choice of district, saying on X that Bilzerian should have filed in Florida’s 16th Congressional District, where he grew up, to force AIPAC to spend more money defending the seat.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A string of arson attacks targeting Jewish institutions across northwest London has been claimed by a little-known Islamist terror group with suspected ties to Iran, according to Sunday reports, as counter-terrorism police launched a widened investigation and communal security organizations urged heightened alertness throughout the Jewish community.

The Metropolitan Police said Sunday that counter-terrorism officers are probing fires at shuls and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company. In the most serious incident, four ambulances belonging to Hatzolah, the volunteer-led Jewish emergency medical service, were torched on March 23 in the Golders Green neighborhood.

The attacks have been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia – rendered in English as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right – commonly known as HAYI. The group emerged in March 2026 in the wake of the outbreak of the Iran war, and has taken credit for attacks against Jewish, Israeli, and Western targets it characterizes as “Zionist interests.”

In the most recent incident, in the early hours of Sunday, a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through the window of Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, causing smoke damage to a room inside. Video appearing to originate from HAYI shows a figure in dark clothing lighting an object and hurling it at the shul before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported.

The Kenton attack marked the fifth incident attributed to HAYI in less than four weeks. Earlier incidents include an attempted arson attack on a Jewish temple in Finchley on April 15, an arson the same week at the former offices of the Jewish Futures educational organization in Hendon, and the torching of the four Hatzolah ambulances in Golders Green in late March. A burning object was also thrown at the offices of Iran International, a Persian-language broadcaster critical of Tehran’s government.

British police are examining whether HAYI is a front for Iran’s security services. A British security source described the string of attacks as amounting to “psychological warfare” against Jews. Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes warned that any “thugs for hire” who carried out such attacks would face justice.

Israeli officials have characterized HAYI as a recently founded Iranian proxy. However, European authorities and independent analysts have questioned its authenticity, citing internal inconsistencies and a lack of evidence linking the group to any state or organized network. According to the Wall Street Journal, European authorities suspect that HAYI may be a fictitious entity created by Iran to claim credit for attacks orchestrated by Iranian intelligence, providing Tehran with plausible deniability and confusing investigators. Security experts cautioned that HAYI is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent organization, and that its claims should be treated carefully.

The Metropolitan Police has deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London, along with armed response vehicles and counter-terrorism resources. Shomrim London North & East, the volunteer community patrol organization, announced Sunday evening that it has substantially increased its patrols across Stamford Hill, with enhanced coverage around shuls, schools, and communal locations. The organization’s 24/7 control room remains fully operational.

While noting that there is currently no intelligence indicating any specific threat to Stamford Hill, Shomrim urged community members to remain alert and take practical precautions. These include keeping shul entrance doors closed, refraining from posting zmanim notices outside shul entrances, being attentive to unfamiliar individuals near communal buildings, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately rather than assuming others will do so. Shomrim’s round-the-clock emergency line can be reached at 0300 999 0123.

The Community Security Trust similarly urged all Jewish institutions to strictly adhere to their security protocols in light of the attacks.

Community leaders responded with alarm. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis stated that a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against British Jewry is gathering momentum, and warned that the country cannot afford to wait for lives to be lost before recognizing how dangerous the current moment is.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the attacks and pledged that those responsible will be found and brought to justice, adding that attacks on the Jewish community are attacks on Britain as a whole.

Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service has reported that more than 20 potentially lethal Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year through last October. The group has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands since the start of the Iran war.

Is post-abuse repair possible? Or will my entire life be one unending game of trying to evade you and everything and everyone else that comes with it? Of surviving, but not actually thriving?

But decades have passed, and life is short. The loss of its quality is not a small thing.

I tell her my idea.
“Why do you want to do this? Are you sure?”

No. I don’t want to. I strongly don’t want to. But I need to. It’s the right thing for me. I know it is. I trust myself on that.

And so, I invite you in for a session.

I scrunch myself small into the arm of the couch, fortifying myself with pillows. Please move his chair deep into the corner, far, far away from me.

“He looks scared,” she tells me.

Wait. Don’t let him in. I’m not ready. But I’ll never be ready.

I close my eyes. Breathe. Invite him into this space.

And with that, you enter.

I don’t look up. I can’t. I’m still scared of you. But I am no longer mad at you, only deeply sad and afraid.

I let you know how much it’s cost me. Who else I hold responsible in this. My respect for your past attempts to repair.

I am brave. I am kind. I am honest.

Then I listen.

I hear you speak, and I know you are as broken as I am.

There are centuries of pain to dig up and work through. But now is not the time.

You leave. I stay.

I look at her with gratitude, with relief.

“Do you feel the joy-pain I’m feeling?” she asks.

But no, I’m the picture of “okay.” I’m always okay. No one sees my pain, please. Least of all me. It might overtake me.

I make my way to my car, and there, in its familiar safety, I shed tears of frustration, disappointment, anger, deep, deep grief, and hope.

I know there’s an unending journey ahead, one that will take the duration of my lifetime and then some. And I also know that He appreciates process. That’s all He asks for.

And so, I embrace it too.

Repair. It is possible.

A Survivor

P.S. My message to anyone out there who has ever offended is:
All is not lost. There is a way back.

1. Take full ownership of the destruction and pain you have caused.
2. Feel remorse and express it.
3. Make amends to your victim for the future.

You will bring healing to yourself, to your victim, and to the world.

We are Jews. We believe in teshuva. This is your moment.

Be strong.
Be courageous.
Be excruciatingly honest.

Come on, you can do it.

P.P.S. To any parent out there, I don’t wish what you and your children are going through on my worst enemy. I feel for you. Truly. Just as I do for my own parents and so many others.

Even less discussed than the topic of sexual abuse is the topic of reconciliation in appropriate circumstances post-abuse. I have only once heard this mentioned briefly on a public forum.

Know this: as a parent, whether your children are still minors or now adults, it is your responsibility to fix what broke under your protection.

I say that with care, with respect, and with a true understanding of this struggle.

Sexual abuse is not an issue that can be ignored or that will heal on its own. Your family will likely remain shattered, to everyone’s detriment, unless you step in as a parent and facilitate healing, as hard as that may be, beginning with your own work.

P.P.P.S. And to anyone out there who has been hurt in this way, I feel you. I know this pain. I’m in the trenches too.

Please don’t feel angry or pressured by the above. It was part of my journey, not necessarily for everyone.

If, though, reconciliation at any level is possible in your situation, I’ll say this: I wish it for people I love and care about, because I know how much empowerment and healing it brought to me.

This is true even though the level of reconciliation I have at this point is minimal.

It was one of the hardest things I initiated in my life, and also one of the most powerful.

It’s because I care that I’m saying this. It’s not spoken about enough. I didn’t even know reconciliation was an option until I pursued it myself out of desperation. It was so off my radar, I had no concept that such a choice existed.

It has to start becoming a viable option for people.

At the same time, know this: wherever your healing path takes you, you have my humble respect.

I’ve got your back.

TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via  Whatsapp  or via email  [email protected]

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said guidance he received from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg has influenced how he runs City Hall, pointing to early results such as pothole repairs and financial settlements with landlords as evidence of his approach.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office on Jan. 1 as the city’s 112th mayor, made the remarks in an interview aired Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with moderator Kristen Welker. The conversation was recorded at City Hall, at the historic desk once used by former Mayor Fiorello La Guardia.

During the interview, Mamdani described La Guardia as the greatest mayor in New York City’s history and said working at his desk serves as “a reminder of all that’s possible.”

He told Welker that he has met with several former mayors, including Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, and said, “there’s a hubris in our politics that you have to create everything yourself.”

When asked which piece of advice had stayed with him most, Mamdani singled out Bloomberg.

“Michael Bloomberg spoke to me about the importance of the team that you build around you and that you let that team do the work that you hired them to do,” he said.

He added that he has tried to avoid “the micro-managerial aspect in so much of this work.”

Mamdani connected that philosophy to what his administration is describing as early accomplishments, citing $32 million in settlements from what he characterized as problematic landlords, as well as the filling of 102,000 potholes.

He attributed those achievements to his staff, saying, “That’s a team that’s doing that, and I’m so lucky to have the one that I have around me.”

Welker asked whether Mamdani agreed with former Mayor John Lindsay’s characterization of the job as the toughest in the country after the presidency.

Mamdani acknowledged the challenge, calling it “a tough job,” but added that it is “also an incredibly” fulfilling one.

The interview comes as Mamdani reaches the 100-day mark of his administration while facing pressure to translate broad campaign promises into concrete policy.

Key proposals—including a rent freeze, free bus service, and universal child care—have yet to be fully implemented.

A citywide rent freeze remains pending a summer decision by the Rent Guidelines Board, while the plan for free buses has been scaled back to a limited pilot program combined with expanded bus lanes.

At the same time, the city is grappling with a projected budget shortfall of approximately $5 billion.

Last week, Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed support for a proposed “pied-a-terre” tax on second homes valued at $5 million or more, which is intended to help address part of the deficit.

President Donald Trump criticized the proposal in a post online, accusing the mayor of “destroying” the city.

{Matzav.com}

One of Israel’s top journalists, Amit Segal, reported exclusively — but with what he called “caution” because it hasn’t been finalized — the parameters of a new U.S.-Iran deal.

The most crucial element of the deal is uranium enrichment, with a 15-year ban that ended up as a compromise: The United States wanted 20 years; the Iranians wanted far less. The existing enriched uranium will be converted into fuel, which will make it harder to re-enrich.

Along this vein, Iran must provide complete transparency of its nuclear sites, allowing unfettered oversight and nuclear inspections.

A U.S. C-17 lands at Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad Sunday for another round of U.S-Iran negotiations.

The United States also demanded the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranians demanded a complete end to the war, the withdrawal of U.S. forces and sanctions relief, all of which are included in this deal.

For Israel, sanctions relief is very worrisome, according to Segal. A major goal of the war for Israel includes creating the conditions to topple the regime. The regime was on the verge of collapse as a result of the deterioration of the economy, but removing sanctions serves only to strengthen the regime.

For Israel, it’s a bad deal all around.

From the organization:

Shalom Ohalecha is expanding with prevention, spreading Shalom Bayis awareness that would help couples start off their marriage with proper Shalom Bayis education.

We are working on creating a curriculum under the guidance of Rabbonim and professionals that will have valuable practical information that will prepare young couples for a successful marriage.

To sign up to receive quality shalom bayis material and updates for future events, click shalomohalecha.org/contentsignup.html

Contact [email protected]

Donate: shalomohalecha.org/education.html

While the IDF is trying to promote the Chashmonaim Brigade as the ultimate solution for integrating bnei yeshivos into the army, voices from within the defense establishment itself are raising doubts about the unit’s ability to absorb mainstream Chareidi recruits, Kikar H’Shabbat reported.

Former senior defence official and financial consultant to the IDF chief of staff, Brig. Gen. (res.) Re’em Aminach, who learned at a Chareidi yeshiva in the past, said on the Black Kippot program that the brigade’s current structure is far from meeting the needs of a typical yeshiva bochur.

“There needs to be truly Chareidi brigades—ones where a Chareidi mother who sends her son can be certain he will return Chareidi exactly as she sent him,” he said.

He clarified that the problem begins at the command level: “The staff in the Chashmonaim Brigade is ‘Chardal’ (an acronym for חרדים לאומיים, referring to the Dati Leumi sector). Some of them may be more learned or makpid than her son—but that’s irrelevant. She wants a Chareidi son, and this staff does not represent the Chareidi value system she wants for him.”

“The current Chashmonaim Brigade is not suitable for the average Chareidi bochur—it’s suitable for those on the margins,” he asserted. “If you were in a dropout yeshiva—it’s fine. But if you came from Ponevezh or Ohr Elchanan? It’s not suitable. The unit simply isn’t designed for that.”

Aminach’s remarks carry particular weight due to his personal background. As someone who studied in a Chareidi yeshiva, he understands the nuances between the Chardal sector and the mainstream Chareidi world—a distinction he argues the military is failing to grasp.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

A wild brawl broke out at the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, a block away from the University of Iowa, starting with fisticuffs and ending with gunfire that sent the crowd scattering and fleeing for their lives. Police responding to a call at 1:45 a.m. found that several people had sustained injuries.

According to an official statement, “At this time, multiple victims have been taken to area hospitals to be treated for wounds suffered in the shooting.” So far, five people have been verified to have sustained injuries, three of them university students, and one of them with critical injuries.

Police said that they were responding to a call about a fight when they heard the gunfire.

Police are searching for these suspects. (From a post on X)

University President Barbara Wilson issued a statement offering support and sympathy to the student community and the injured students.

“While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them. I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in our community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now,” she said.

This is the second mass shooting Sunday. In Louisiana, a domestic dispute ended with eight children dead.

CHERNOBYL, Ukraine (AP) — On contaminated land that is too dangerous for human life, the world’s wildest horses roam free.

Across the Chernobyl exclusion zone, Przewalski’s horses — stocky, sand-colored and almost toy-like in appearance — graze in a radioactive landscape larger than Luxembourg.

On April 26, 1986, an explosion at the nuclear power plant in Ukraine sent radiation across Europe and forced the evacuation of entire towns, displacing tens of thousands. It was the worst nuclear disaster in history.

Four decades on, Chernobyl — which is transliterated as “Chornobyl” in Ukraine — remains too dangerous for humans. But the wildlife has moved back in.

Wolves now prowl the vast no-man’s-land spanning Ukraine and Belarus, and brown bears have returned after more than a century. Populations of lynx, moose, red deer and even free-roaming packs of dogs have rebounded.

Przewalski’s horses, native to Mongolia and once on the brink of extinction, were introduced here in 1998 as an experiment.

Known as “takhi” in Mongolia (“spirit”), the horses are distinct from domestic breeds, with 33 pairs of chromosomes compared with 32 in domesticated horses. The modern name comes from the Russian explorer who first formally identified them.

“The fact that Ukraine now has a free-ranging population is something of a small miracle,” said Denys Vyshnevskyi, the zone’s lead nature scientist.

With human pressure gone, parts of the exclusion zone now resemble European landscapes from centuries past, he said, adding: “Nature recovers relatively quickly and effectively.”

The transformation is visible everywhere. Trees pierce abandoned buildings, roads dissolve into forest, and weathered Soviet-era signs stand beside leaning wooden crosses in overgrown cemeteries.

Hidden cameras show the horses adapting in unexpected ways. They seek shelter in crumbling barns and deserted homes, using them to escape harsh weather and insects — even bedding down inside.

The animals live in small social groups — typically one stallion with several mares and their young — alongside separate bands of younger males. Many died after their introduction, but others adapted.

Tracking them takes time. Vyshnevskyi often drives alone for hours, setting motion-sensitive camera traps in camouflaged casings attached to trees.

Despite persistent radiation, scientists have not recorded widespread die-offs, though subtler effects are evident. Some frogs have developed darker skin, and birds in higher-radiation areas are more likely to develop cataracts.

However, new threats have emerged.

Russia’s 2022 invasion brought fighting through the exclusion zone as troops advanced toward Kyiv, digging defenses into contaminated soil. Fires linked to military activity swept through forests.

Harsh wartime winters have also taken a toll. Damage to the power grid left surrounding managed areas without resources, and scientists report increases in fallen trees and dead animals — casualties of both extreme conditions and hastily built fortifications.

“Most forest fires are caused by downed drones,” said Oleksandr Polischuk, who leads a firefighting unit in the zone. “Sometimes we have to travel dozens of kilometers to reach them.”

Fires can send radioactive particles back into the air.

Today, the zone is no longer just an accidental refuge for wildlife. It has become a heavily monitored military corridor, marked by concrete barriers, barbed wire and minefields — a landscape of what some describe as grim beauty.

Personnel rotate in and out to limit radiation exposure. Chernobyl is likely to remain off-limits for generations — too dangerous for people, yet full of life.

“For those of us in conservation and ecology, it’s kind of a wonder,” Vyshnevskyi said. “This land was once heavily used — agriculture, cities, infrastructure. But nature has effectively performed a factory reset.”

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address released Sunday that Canada’s strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.

In the 10-minute address, Carney spoke about his government’s efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy by attracting new investments and signing trade deals with other countries.

“The world is more dangerous and divided,” Carney said. “The U.S. has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression.

“Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses. Weaknesses that we must correct.”

Carney said tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have affected workers in the auto and steel industries. He added that businesses are holding back investments “restrained by the pall of uncertainty that’s hanging over all of us.”

Many Canadians have also been angered by Trumps comments suggesting Canada become the 51st state.

Carney said he plans to give Canadians regular updates on his government’s efforts to diversify away from the U.S.

“Security can’t be achieved by ignoring the obvious or downplaying the very real threats that we Canadians face,” he said. “I promise you I will never sugarcoat our challenges.”

It’s not the first time Carney, who served as a central bank governor, first at the Bank of Canada and later with the Bank of England, has spoken about a shift in world power.

During a speech in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he received widespread praise for condemning economic coercion by great powers against small countries.

His remarks brought a rebuke from Trump.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said after the speech. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

Carney’s comments came days after securing a majority government following special election wins and as the opposition Conservatives push him to deliver a U.S. trade deal, which was among his promises in last year’s election.

A review of the current version of the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico is scheduled for July.

In his address, Carney said he wants to attract new investments into Canada, double the size of clean energy capacity and reduce trade barriers within the country. He also emphasized Canada’s increased defense spending, reduction in taxes and efforts to make housing more affordable.

“We have to take care of ourselves because we can’t rely on one foreign partner,” he said. “We can’t control the disruption coming from our neighbors. We can’t control our future on the hope it will suddenly stop.

“We can control what happens here. We can build a stronger country that can withstand disruptions from aboard.”

Carney said simply hoping the “United States will return to normal” is not a feasible strategy.

“Hope isn’t a plan and nostalgia is not a strategy,” he said.

Carney said Canada has “been a great neighbor” standing with the U.S. in conflicts including Afghanistan, plus two World Wars.

“The U.S. has changed and we must respond,” he said. “It’s about taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.”

Twenty-one years after the evacuation of northern Shomron communities, families began returning Sunday morning to Sa-Nur, moving into caravans in the first phase of efforts to reestablish the community.

At this stage, 16 families have settled in the area, including members of the Dagan, Goldmintz, and Zuckerman families. Additional families are expected to join in the coming months as part of a broader plan to rebuild the town.

Trucks carrying furniture and supplies were seen making their way up the mountain, a powerful image for many, symbolizing a reversal of the evacuation—this time returning home.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who arrived with his wife Oriah and their children, described the moment as historic. “This is a great moment for every Zionist who loves this land, and certainly for us, who dreamed of this moment and fought hour by hour against the terrible and immoral folly of the expulsion,” he said.

He added, “This correction is a moral one not only for us but for the State of Israel. When a mistake is made, it must be corrected—and today we are privileged to see that happen. This is both a national and personal closing of a circle. It fills the heart to see the trucks making the journey in the opposite direction from the evacuation, to see children once again running along the paths, and life returning. We did not come here as guests—we have returned home to stay forever. We are building a thriving community that will illuminate the entire region. This is a significant first step toward restoring life to all parts of northern Shomron and rebuilding with pride and strength. The Jewish people live, and Sa-Nur lives again thanks to the unwavering determination of these remarkable families.”

Residents themselves expressed deep emotion over the return. Chana and Meir Goldmintz, who moved in Sunday, said, “Our hearts are burning with joy. After 21 years of anticipation, a dream is being realized. We are rebuilding Sa-Nur and returning to the expanses of northern Shomron. For 21 years we dreamed, hoped, and worked for this moment—and now it has arrived. We are now at the beginning of the next stage: to continue forward, to carry these historic moments on our shoulders, and, with G-d’s help, another region will become Jewish. We can hardly contain the excitement.”

Yitzchak Zuckerman, a member of the returning group, added, “There are no words to describe the emotion and the dedication of these dear families. The story here is the tremendous embrace we have received from the Jewish people over the past month, the incredible strength it gives us, and the understanding that it is the Jewish people as a whole returning—not just a small group of individuals choosing to settle in a place with a certain history.”

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei signed a landmark diplomatic framework dubbed the “Isaac Accords” in Jerusalem on Sunday, inaugurating a broad new initiative aimed at deepening Israel’s strategic, economic, and security ties with Latin America. The signing ceremony, held during Milei’s fifth visit to the Israeli capital, marked one of the most significant diplomatic developments between the two countries in decades and drew widespread praise from senior Israeli officials and the United States ambassador.

The day opened with a conspicuously warm personal greeting between the two leaders. Netanyahu and Milei embraced on arrival, and the Prime Minister was quick with a characteristic quip: he noted the linguistic coincidence that “Javier” closely resembles the Hebrew word for friend, “chaver.” “It warms my heart that you’re here,” Netanyahu told his guest as the pair posed for photographers with a thumbs-up ahead of their one-on-one meeting. In a lighter aside, the leaders also joked about the blue-and-white ties each was wearing – both representing the national colors of their respective countries, though in distinct shades – a small sartorial detail that encapsulated the camaraderie between the two men.

Modeled on the Abraham Accords – the Trump-era normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states – the Isaac Accords are designed to serve as a framework for expanding Israel’s relationships across Latin America. The name carries evident symbolic resonance, evoking Yitzchak Avinu and drawing a direct line from the Abraham Accords’ precedent, though the latter were forged with countries that were previously adversarial with Israel.

The Isaac Accords are designed as a multi-country expansion project rather than a bilateral agreement alone. The first phase targets Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica, with joint initiatives spanning agriculture, cyber defense, finance, water technology, energy, and healthcare. The nonprofit American Friends of the Isaac Accords (AFOIA), based in New York, is already eyeing a second wave of partners — Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and El Salvador — for later in 2026, contingent on political conditions and donor support. The timing is deliberate: as much of Latin America has distanced itself from Israel since October 7, with Bolivia and Colombia severing ties altogether, Argentina under Milei is moving emphatically in the opposite direction, positioning itself as the anchor of a pro-Israel bloc in a region where such allies have become increasingly rare.

Netanyahu and Milei held a private one-on-one meeting before proceeding to the formal signing ceremony, which was attended by senior ministers from both governments.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, representing President Donald Trump at the ceremony, opened his remarks by calling it “a distinct honor” to stand alongside “two of President Trump’s greatest friends.” Huckabee said that no two world leaders command more of President Trump’s respect or enjoy a closer personal relationship with him than Netanyahu and Milei.

He described the Isaac Accords as “an extraordinary opportunity” for the two countries to accomplish something that would change “the Western Hemisphere, the Middle East, and the rest of the world,” and called the signing a moment of “great historic significance.”

Huckabee praised both leaders for what he described as their role in restoring the values and “Judeo-Christian foundations of Western civilization,” and said they demonstrate “moral clarity,” courage, and conviction. 

Netanyahu, in his remarks, thanked Huckabee warmly, calling him “our great friend,” and expressed gratitude to his delegation, ministers, ambassadors, and all those who helped bring the day about. He also spoke about the broader geopolitical context, warning that the US-Israeli campaign against Iran is “not over yet” and that “any moment could bring us new developments.” “Who knows what tomorrow or the day after tomorrow will bring,” Netanyahu said. “But we shall achieve our objectives and achieve more hope, more light for the free peoples of the world.”

A centerpiece of the visit was the announcement of the first-ever direct El Al service between Ben Gurion Airport and Buenos Aires – the airline’s longest route to date. El Al Chairman Amikam Ben-Zvi confirmed the launch at the joint press conference. Milei indicated that the flights are expected to begin in December of this year. The route will be backed by a government support mechanism designed to ensure economic feasibility and long-term continuity, even amid ongoing regional security volatility.

Netanyahu said the direct connection would bring the friendship between the two countries “closer than ever,” expanding cooperation across technology, security, and tourism. Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich noted that the initiative forms part of a broader push to strengthen Israel’s strategic connections with international markets during a critical period, while Transportation Minister Miri Regev described the “open skies” policy as a national mission to ensure Israel remains connected to the world’s most vital hubs.

Huckabee, in a lighter moment, joked that he intended to be the first passenger to buy a ticket on El Al to Buenos Aires, solely so he could return with Argentinian beef, which he called “world-known” and said there was “none better.”

Beyond the aviation breakthrough, the day’s proceedings included the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Argentine counterpart, Pablo Quirno. The first established a comprehensive counterterrorism cooperation framework.

Its nine articles aim, according to an official press release from the Government Press Office, “to contribute to the prevention and suppression of terrorist activities, to the fight against extremism and the ideology that fuels it, recognizing the countries’ shared concern about the rise in acts of terrorism and extremism and the importance of addressing them.” Practical cooperation under the agreement will include joint training and development for security forces and law enforcement, information sharing, courses, meetings, and the establishment of a joint working group empowered to promote and implement these areas.

A second memorandum addresses artificial intelligence, establishing a partnership between Israel’s National Artificial Intelligence Headquarters and Argentina’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry. The GPO press release stated that “the partnership will address supercomputing infrastructure, application of artificial intelligence in critical civilian sectors, human capital, and joint research.”

Sa’ar also announced the opening of a $150 million credit line for Israeli businesses operating in Argentina, an additional measure intended to deepen economic ties between the two countries.

Sa’ar praised President Milei’s decision to formally designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force as terrorist organizations, stating that Argentina thereby brings a “distinct moral dimension” to global foreign policy.

Milei grounded Argentina’s foreign policy alignment with Israel and the United States in the country’s own history with Iranian-sponsored terrorism. He reaffirmed his administration’s “firm support” for the joint US-Israeli campaign against the Iranian regime, citing the determinations made by Argentine courts regarding the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires and the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy there – both of which Argentine judicial authorities have attributed to Iran.

To this day we continue to seek justice,” Milei said. He characterized the current foreign policy shift as a continued pursuit of accountability and framed the modern security alliance as an extension of Argentina’s longstanding legal and moral case against the Islamic Republic.

Huckabee also addressed the Iranian threat directly, praising the US partnership with Israel and describing it as an “extraordinary opportunity” for the United States to stand with Israel against what he called “a menace that has plagued the world for 47 years.” He thanked Netanyahu for “extraordinary courage, leadership, and direction” while expressing hope that swords could “soon be put aside for the plowshares” – but only if adversaries were willing to lay down their own.

In a gesture heavy with symbolic weight, Netanyahu announced that Milei will be the first foreign head of state in Israeli history to light a torch at Israel’s official Independence Day ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday evening.

The honor, traditionally reserved for Israelis of distinction, underscores the depth of the personal and political bond between the two leaders and the exceptional nature of the relationship Argentina has cultivated with the Jewish state under Milei’s leadership.

Sunday’s visit marked Milei’s fifth trip to Jerusalem since taking office – an extraordinary frequency for a sitting head of government – and included the formal opening of Argentina’s embassy in Jerusalem.

If anyone had doubts that accusations against Israel’s actions in Gaza often cross over into blood libel, look no further than the protest in Stockholm, Sweden, over the weekend — when a man who looked suspiciously like Itamar Ben-Gvir, covered in fake blood, mimed the slaughter of a Palestinian woman and her baby. Then he mimed telling everyone to keep silent or they’d be killed too — reflecting another antisemitic accusation that Jews silence anyone who dares to criticize Israel.

The grisly display sent shockwaves through the global Jewish community, with Israel’s ambassador to Sweden, Ziv Nevo Kulman, blasting the demonstration.

“Open acts of antisemitism, week after week on the streets of Stockholm,” he said. “The same centuries-old stereotypes and blood libels, repackaged by replacing ‘Jews’ with ‘Zionists.’ Authorities are allowing the abuse of ‘freedom of expression’ to promote hatred and incitement against a national minority.”

Hundreds of people who joined the protest marched with signs that said “Children are being killed in Gaza,” “Schools and hospitals are bombed,” “Stop the attacks on Lebanon” and “End the starvation.” They gathered in Odenplan Square to protest Israeli policies vis-à-vis the West Bank and the operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The protest organizers defended the disgusting display, saying it falls within the bounds of free speech.

The ancient blood libel is back — cloaked in the protective guise of freedom of expression.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that gasoline prices appear to have reached their high point about a week ago and are expected to gradually fall in the coming weeks as the conflict with Iran winds down.

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Wright pointed to the broader geopolitical developments, saying, “Putting this 47-year conflict to an end and preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, of course, has come with short-term disruption. I think we’ve managed it fantastically, though.”

He emphasized the scale of the disruption while noting the relative stability of prices, adding, “Here we are in the middle of the largest interruption in [the] flow of energy ever, and gasoline prices peaked a week ago, about a dollar below the peak during the Biden administration.”

Wright cautioned, however, that it may take time before prices return to lower levels seen earlier this year, suggesting that a drop below $3 per gallon may not occur until next year. He noted that such pricing, especially when adjusted for inflation, would represent a significant benchmark.

According to the latest figures from the American Automobile Association, the national average for gasoline currently stands at $4.04 per gallon.

When asked about the timeline for further declines, Wright said, “That might not happen until next year, but prices have likely peaked, and they’ll start going down,” adding, “Certainly, with a resolution of this conflict, you’ll see prices go down.”

{Matzav.com}

WARSAW (VINnews) – Holocaust survivors, Polish leaders and international representatives gathered in Warsaw on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, paying tribute to Jewish fighters who rose up against Nazi oppression in one of World War II’s most symbolic acts of resistance.

Agnieszka Markiewicz, director of the Shapiro Silverberg AJC Central Europe Institute, represented American Jewish Committee at the ceremony, joining survivors, Jewish community leaders and senior Polish officials.

Michael Smuss was the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising’s last survivor.

“I’m 99 years old, I speak 5 languages, and Almighty G-d gave me that I remember everything which is terrible.”

Today is the 83rd anniversary of that heroic uprising.

May Michael’s memory forever be a blessing.🕯️ pic.twitter.com/sAc89gJOtY

— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) April 19, 2026

Among those in attendance were Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and Parliament Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty, alongside diplomats, ministry representatives and residents of the capital.

As sirens sounded across the city, Warsaw fell silent in a moment of collective reflection — a tribute to the courage and defiance of Jewish fighters who chose resistance in the face of annihilation.

Participants stood in solemn remembrance, honoring not only the uprising’s fighters but also the broader Jewish community that suffered under Nazi occupation. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of both the atrocities of the Holocaust and the enduring legacy of those who resisted.

The 1943 uprising, though ultimately crushed by Nazi forces, has come to symbolize resilience and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

History

On April 19, 1943, Michael stood up against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

82 years later, we share his story and remember the bravery of those who fought against the Nazis.@ZBasalon pic.twitter.com/eqpwnOgo0n

— TheJewishAlly (@TheJewishAlly) April 19, 2026

“Their message endures: freedom isn’t granted—it’s defended. Even against impossible odds. We remember them not only for how they died, but for how they chose to live and to fight,” it added.

Today, the Director of Shapiro Silverberg AJC Central Europe Institute, Agnieszka Markiewicz, represented @AJCGlobal at the commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Warsaw.

Together with Holocaust Survivors, Jewish community leaders, President of Poland @NawrockiKn,… pic.twitter.com/Kno4ne2Bjz

— AJC Central Europe (@AJC_CE) April 19, 2026

(JNS) – Federal agents arrested Shamim Mafi for allegedly trafficking weapons for the Iranian regime at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, stated that Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, is an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016.

She is charged with “brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan,” Essayli stated. “If convicted, she faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.”

Mafi is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon, he said.

Argentine President Javier Milei opened his official visit to Israel on Sunday with a prayer at the Kosel, marking the third time since taking office that he has begun a state visit at the Kosel.

“My vision for the state is based on values of morality and faith, on justice and on the Jewish heritage. The adoption of God’s laws and the sanctification of liberty, life, and private property are the key to our prosperity. Only respecting these laws will bring us true freedom — physical and spiritual — and will build a heaven on earth,” Milei said.

Shortly after landing in Israel, the president made his way directly to the Kosel, which he has repeatedly chosen as the opening point of his visits.

The delegation was welcomed by the Rav of the Kosel, Shmuel Rabinovitch, along with Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, Director General of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. They commended Milei for his strong and consistent support for Israel and the Jewish people, especially in recent years.

During the visit, Milei appeared emotional, describing the Kosel as the most important place for him. Together with Rabbi Rabinovitch, he recited Tehillim and offered a special prayer for peace and the continued strengthening of ties between Argentina and Israel.

As in previous visits, Milei is expected to return to the Kosel at the conclusion of his trip, once again ending his official visit with prayer at the holy site.

At the end of the visit, the president offered a personal prayer, received a gift of the book “Milestones” on the Jewish festivals in English from the Rav of the Kosel, and signed the official guestbook.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP/VINnews) — An exit poll in Bulgaria suggested Sunday that a center-left coalition led by Rumen Radev is set to win the country’s parliamentary election, though it may fall short of securing an outright majority.

The survey by Trend research group showed the Progressive Bulgaria coalition with 39.2% support, well ahead of the center-right GERB party led by Boyko Borissov, which was projected to receive 15.1%.

Despite the sizable lead, the result is unlikely to be enough for Radev’s bloc to form a single-party government, setting the stage for potentially complex coalition negotiations.

Radev has taken a measured foreign policy stance, including on Israel and the war in Gaza. He has condemned Hamas’ attacks and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, while also urging restraint and humanitarian protections for civilians — reflecting a broader European approach.

At the same time, Radev has a record of positive engagement with Israel and the Jewish community. During a 2018 visit to Jerusalem, he described Israel as “an example of a model state,” praised its innovation and national cohesion, and said relations between the two countries were “better than ever.” He also emphasized that Bulgaria’s Jewish community “was and remains an integral part” of the country’s society and highlighted Bulgaria’s historic role in saving its Jewish population during World War II.

The poll indicated voter turnout at 43.4%, with as many as six parties expected to surpass the 4% threshold required to enter parliament, pointing to a fragmented legislature.

If confirmed, the outcome would extend Bulgaria’s recent pattern of political uncertainty, with competing factions forced to negotiate alliances in order to form a functioning government.

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in domestic-related shootings at two different homes early Sunday, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were people shot.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

RIVERTON, Utah (AP) — When a dozen Republican activists gathered on a back deck in the Salt Lake City suburbs to talk about this year’s elections, the conversation cycled through all the staples of conservative chatter in Utah such as dwindling water supplies, illegal immigrant fraud and chemtrail conspiracy theories.

But Doug Fiefia, a state representative running to be a state senator, wanted to start with something else — artificial intelligence. Fiefia used to work at Google and, like several other tech employees who have gone into politics, he has made regulating the industry a centerpiece of his campaign.

“I know it sounds like ‘Doug, this is all you talk about,”’ Fiefia said. “That’s because it’s coming, it’s here and it’s going to be our biggest fight.”

Fiefia’s focus has put him on a collision course with President Donald Trump’s administration, which this year helped block his state proposal requiring companies to include child safety protocols. The White House wants a single national standard for artificial intelligence, arguing that a patchwork of excessive regulation could handicap American innovation in a global competition with China.

But with no progress in Congress, it has been state lawmakers struggling to address concerns about a technology that is poised to reshape the economy. In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis added the issue to a special legislative session that he is convening later this month. Democratic-controlled New York last year required major AI developers to report dangerous incidents to the state.

All told, there are more than 1,000 state legislative proposals addressing AI, a reflection of the uneasiness that has seeped through the country.

“None of us are really sure,” said Brett Young, a structural engineer who attended the backyard event with Fiefia. “Is this something we should be scared about, or is it no so big a deal and it’ll enhance our lives?”

Pressure in the states
Trump has routinely tried to stamp out state-level AI policies, and he issued an executive order that included legal threats and funding penalties to deter new regulations.

The White House recently released a framework for potential congressional legislation that calls for preempting state laws considered “too burdensome” but would allow some rules to protect children and copyright material.

None of these steps has eased the number of proposals in state capitals. Popular ideas include forcing chatbots to remind users they are not human and barring the use of AI to make nonconsensual pornography, which includes replacing or removing clothing from photos that are posted online.

“There’s a lot of state lawmakers looking at what the federal government is doing and saying, ‘We want to take action because we’re not satisfied,'” said Craig Albright, senior vice president for government relations for the Business Software Alliance, which represents software companies.

About 8 in 10 people in the United States said they were “concerned” or “very concerned” about AI in a Quinnipiac poll last month, with about three-quarters saying government is not doing enough to regulate the technology. Roughly 9 in 10 Democrats and 6 in 10 Republicans wanted more government involvement.

The most significant regulations have passed in California and New York, solidly Democratic states. The provisions focus on disclosure of catastrophic risk, such as the AI-controlled meltdown of nuclear plants or AI models refusing to heed human direction.

But there is pressure in Republican-led states, too.

DeSantis pushed a bill to implement parental controls for minors using AI and to prohibit systems from using anyone’s likeness without permission. It fell short in the state House after overwhelmingly passing the state Senate. AI bills in Republican-controlled Louisiana and Missouri have stalled out because of Trump administration resistance.

‘An army of full-time lobbyists’
Fiefia is part of a loose network of former tech employees turned state lawmakers trying to meet the demand for stronger regulations. He co-chairs the AI task force of the Future Caucus, a network of younger state lawmakers, with Monique Priestley, a Vermont Democrat who also has worked in tech.

Priestley said the group uses video conferences and group chats to share ideas for new proposals and deal with lobbyists who oppose their bills. She said that 166 of her state’s 482 registered lobbyists weighed in on her data privacy bill last year, which was ultimately vetoed by the governor.

“It’s like you’re running around against an army of full-time lobbyists,” said Priestley. Like many state lawmakers, she works a separate, full-time job.

Alex Bores, a former data scientist at the tech firm Palantir who quit after it signed a deal to help the first Trump administration with immigration enforcement, is also a member of the AI task force. A Democrat, Bores wrote the New York bill that was signed into law last year.

Now Bores is competing in the crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler representing the east side of Manhattan and parts of Queen and Brooklyn in Congress, and he is facing payback from the industry. A pro-AI campaign committee has spent $2.3 million against his candidacy.

Bores said tech companies are trying to make an example of him to scare off more regulation at the state and federal level.

“It’s one reasons it’s so important for me to win this race is because, if I don’t, that intimidation they’re trying on Congress will be successful,” he said. Bores’ competitors in the June 23 primary include Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, and George Conway, a former Republican who has become one of Trump’s chief antagonists on social media.

From Google to politics
Fiefia has not attracted the sort of attention as Bores as he tries to move to the state Senate after a single session in the House. The subdivisions and shopping centers of his district are sandwiched between Utah’s jagged mountain ranges and the cul de sacs are crammed with children on bikes and scooters.

The son of Tongan immigrants, Fiefia grew up in Utah but moved to Silicon Valley, where he worked as a salesperson for Google.

Fiefia rose to manage a team working with companies on the implementation of Google’s early AI model and was disturbed by what he saw.

“What I realized is Big Tech cares about their bottom line, and they were worried about making money, not doing right for the human race,” said Fiefia, who now works at a Utah-based cloud computing and AI company.

Fiefia’s legislation was unanimously passed by a House committee this year, but the Trump administration sent a letter to the Senate saying that the measure was “unfixable.” The measure quickly died.

Daniel McCay, the state senator who Fiefia is challenging in the primary, said he thinks that was a good thing.

“I’ve been around long enough to recognize the invention of fire, the wheel, cars and the internet did not ruin society and I’m very skeptical of anyone trying to scare society into regulations,” McCay said in an interview.

He noted that the bill went beyond child safety, including whistleblower protection for AI workers and public disclosure of risks.

“It would have driven Utah out of the AI innovation business,” McCay said.

At the cottage meeting — the Utah term for a small gathering at someone’s home to discuss important issues — Fiefia faced several tech-related questions from the crowd.

Asked about defying the Trump administration, Fiefia said it was especially important to stand up for states’ rights when a fellow Republican was in power to demonstrate the principles involved.

“The Trump administration is, ‘We want zero regulations on AI,’” Fiefia said. “I think that’s wrong. I agree with a lot of what Trump says on taxes. I disagree with him on this.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Udi Ronen, who was slated to head the police’s new incitement unit, sent a scathing letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of criminal acts, including lying to the Supreme Court, and endangering the public by sabotaging the battle against terrorism.

His letter comes after the incitement unit, recently established by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was frozen due to pressure from Baharav-Miara, who submitted a legal opinion to the Supreme Court demanding that it be closed down.

Left-wing organizations submitted petitions to the Supreme Court against the unit, which was founded to counter incitement to terrorism on social media, claiming that the unit’s activities infringe on the right to free speech. Baharav-Miara supported their view, saying that citizens were being surveilled without “sufficient evidentiary basis,” which, apparently, in her view, is more important than protecting Israelis’ lives. Due to pressure from Baharav-Miara, Police Chief Danny Levy informed her in late March that he had decided to freeze the activities of the police incitement unit until he re-examines its operations.

The content of the letter was revealed by Kan News.

Ronen wrote: “Your office submitted a document to the Supreme Court that includes an entire section about me that is a complete lie—and you know it.”

“I am not asking to hunt protesters or to pursue anyone without cause. I am simply asking to expand monitoring of open online platforms to identify instances where individuals openly express support for terrorism.”

“The Attorney General’s deputies have repeatedly chosen to fuel and reinforce baseless media allegations against me, the Police Commissioner, the police force, and our work in combating incitement to terrorism.”

“The Supreme Court justices certainly never imagined that senior officials in the Attorney General’s office would construct an entirely false argument—knowingly—and present it to them as absolute, verified fact the day before the hearing.”

“Through a false blood libel, you turned me from a professional and diligent officer, a legal expert in terrorism and incitement, into an unprofessional, political appointee who is merely trying to satisfy the minister over the commissioner’s head.”

“All of this is extremely serious, including on the criminal level, as it raises concerns of breach of trust by senior officials and false representation—all with the intention to sabotage the fight against terrorism and the protection of the public.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

It’s a debate that has come up before here on TLS and one that continues to spark strong opinions on both sides.

New Jersey currently does not allow speed cameras, aside from ongoing discussions about possibly introducing them in limited settings such as school zones, as reported on TLS.

But as serious accidents continue to occur across the state – particularly in heavily populated areas like Lakewood – some are beginning to ask whether it’s time to reconsider that stance more broadly.

It’s no secret that Lakewood has seen its share of serious and, at times, tragic accidents. In many cases, speed has been a contributing factor.

While enforcement efforts by local police remain ongoing, the reality is that officers cannot be everywhere at all times. This has led some to argue that additional tools may be necessary to help deter dangerous driving behaviors.

Supporters point to neighboring New York as an example. There, speed cameras have been widely implemented, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. The program has been credited with reducing speeding and improving overall safety. Importantly, violations issued through these cameras do not carry points on a driver’s license, which proponents say makes the system more about deterrence than punishment.

Still, the idea remains controversial.

Critics raise concerns about privacy, government overreach, and the potential for such systems to become revenue generators rather than safety tools. Others question whether cameras can fairly replace traditional enforcement by police officers.

TLS has previously raised this topic, and reader response made clear that opinions are deeply divided.

But with accidents continuing to occur – many of which could potentially be avoided if drivers adhered to posted speed limits – the question is being asked once again:

Is it time for New Jersey to expand its approach and allow speed cameras as a way to improve road safety?

Or do the concerns outweigh the potential benefits?

To inquire about billboard availability for YOUR business, click here.

JERUSALEM (VINnews)  Israeli troops from the Israel Defense Forces’ 162nd Division have eliminated more than 250 terrorists and dismantled over 405 terrorist infrastructures in ongoing defensive operations in southern Lebanon, the IDF said Sunday.

The operations, conducted south of the Forward Defense Line, aim to neutralize direct threats to communities in northern Israel, the military said. Troops have also located more than 1,000 weapons and munitions items in the area.

During one raid, soldiers recovered body cameras belonging to Hezbollah operatives that contained recordings used for the group’s propaganda efforts, according to the IDF.

The division’s activities include identifying and destroying underground tunnel routes used by Hezbollah, the military said. Footage released by the IDF shows troops operating in the area and discovering the tunnels.

“The IDF will continue to operate with determination to remove threats, maintain the security of the civilians of the State of Israel, and strengthen the forward defense posture,” the military said in a statement.

The operations come amid continued efforts to secure Israel’s northern border following Hezbollah attacks that displaced tens of thousands of Israeli residents.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday outlined a hardline vision for Israel’s ongoing war efforts, urging territorial expansion and full control over Gaza during remarks delivered at a ceremony marking the reopening of Sa-Nur in northern Samaria.

Addressing critics on the left, Smotrich argued that their approach reflects a pattern of conceding gains, saying: “Those criticizing us from the left mean the final political step they are accustomed to – one of surrender and defeat that erases the military achievements.. We must be advancing a political step of victory that cements the military achievements and expands the state’s borders as defensible boundaries.”

Emphasizing his position further, he added: “Instead of handing territory to the enemy – take territory from the enemy.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Smotrich urged immediate action, calling on Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to escalate the campaign. “I call on the prime minister to order the IDF to prepare immediately for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip, to establish Israeli control over all the territory of the Strip, and to establish Israeli settlement in it. Without settlement, there will be no security.”

He continued by invoking a broader historical argument, stating: “For a hundred years it has been proven – where the plow passes, the border and security follow. The war must end in an expansion of the State of Israel’s borders.”

The event also marked a return to Sa-Nur, as 16 Israeli families moved into temporary housing at the site. Among those present was Samaria regional leader Yossi Dagan, who had been removed from the settlement in 2005. Speaking at the gathering, he described the development as “a significant step – personally, nationally, and emotionally.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz also addressed attendees, focusing on military operations along Israel’s northern border. He said Israeli forces are currently operating “to a depth of 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory in order to prevent anti-tank fire and raids on northern communities. We instructed the IDF to act with full force, from the ground and from the air, even during the ceasefire.”

Katz outlined Israel’s strategic objective in the north, saying: “The supreme goal is to disarm Hezbollah and remove the threat to the northern communities.” He added a warning that “if the government of Lebanon continues to fail to meet its commitments – the IDF will do so. We promised security to the residents of the north.”

Reflecting personally, Katz noted: “As a paratrooper, Sa-Nur base was the place where I began my path in the IDF. This is an important closing of a circle for me.”

He also announced a major investment in military infrastructure, revealing plans for a NIS 350 million initiative to relocate and strengthen IDF bases across Judea and Samaria, describing it as part of a broader effort to bolster Israel’s long-term security.

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the city of Ashdod with the tragic petirah of 25-year-old bochur, Rafael Ari Noach Koteiner z”l, who was killed in a horrific car accident earlier today.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Highway 57 near the Nitzanei Oz interchange, involving a private vehicle and a truck. According to MDA, emergency responders arriving at the scene found a man in his mid-20s in traumatic arrest. Despite rescue efforts, he was niftar at the scene.

ZAKA volunteers from the Sharon region were dispatched and are currently working to ensure kavod hameis. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The niftar was born in Ashdod to his father, R’ Avraham Chanoch Koteiner, a Gerrer chossid and manager of the Gur grocery in the city, and to his mother, Mrs. Rivka, daughter of noted askan R’ Chaim Brodzhak, a prominent Gerrer chossid who previously served as head of the religious council in Ashdod and Arad.

He was educated in the institutions of Chassidus Gur, including Yeshivas Beis Yisroel Gur in Ashdod, and later continued his learning in Yeshivas Gur in Chatzor and the general chassidish yeshiva “Chayei Torah” in Beitar Illit.

For parnassah, he initially worked at Mishkan Hatecheiles, and in recent years was among the senior staff at the Osher Ad branch in Afula. At the time of the crash, he was on his way to work.

Those who knew him describe a bochur with a warm countenance, a gentle soul, and a heart of gold. He was deeply devoted to his family and was especially known for his exceptional kibbud av v’eim.

Levaya details will be announced as they become available.

Yehi zichro baruch.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[Video below.] Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani met face-to-face for the first time yesterday, visiting a childcare center in the Bronx where they spent time reading and singing with young children while also discussing the mayor’s plans for the city.

Footage from the visit showed the two leaders sharing lighthearted moments with the children at the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx, reading books together and joining in a rendition of “Wheels on the Bus.”

During the visit, Obama and Mamdani also spoke with families and talked about the mayor’s goals for New York, with the mayor’s office emphasizing the importance of “giving New York’s Cutest have the strongest start possible.”

Although the two had not previously met in person, Obama had reached out to Mamdani ahead of his election, offering guidance and making himself available as a sounding board, according to The Associated Press.

Mamdani recently marked his 100th day in office and has reiterated campaign pledges, including a plan to establish five city-run grocery stores by the end of his first term on Jan. 1, 2030.

Public opinion on Mamdani’s performance has been mixed but leans positive, with a recent poll showing that 48% of respondents approve of his leadership so far, while 30% disapprove and 23% remain undecided, according to FOX 5 New York.

The same polling data indicated that 56% of residents believe the city is moving in the right direction under Mamdani, a notable increase from the 31% who expressed that view in October.

Kava will be giving away FREE regular coffee on Monday in honor of Reb Shayale’s Yahrtzeit – Reb Shaya Ben Reb Moshe.

No purchase necessary!

Additionally, get 20% off all orders!

(If your food establishment would also like to give away something in honor of Reb Shayala, and you’d like it posted, reach out to us at [email protected])

An elderly woman went missing from a nursing home in Lakewood this morning, prompting a large-scale search.

Following a search by LPD, assisted by K9, the woman was found unharmed on the railroad tracks off James Street.

Via TLS Status.

Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over recent statements and actions involving religious imagery and language, arguing that both crossed a line as tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue.

Trump faced backlash from parts of his own base after sharing an AI-generated image on social media that appeared to portray him as Yoshka. The image was later removed, with the president saying he believed it showed him as a doctor.

Responding on her podcast, Kelly dismissed that explanation, calling it “such a … lie.”

“Take it down and just say you’re sorry or don’t say you’re sorry and take it down, but don’t try to gaslight us. We can see,” she said.

The controversy continued when Trump posted another AI-generated image, this time depicting him being embraced by Yoshka, further fueling criticism.

The dispute unfolded alongside Trump’s ongoing clash with Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken out against the military campaign in Iran and called for peace.

Kelly also took aim at remarks made by Hegseth during a press briefing, in which he compared journalists questioning U.S. military operations in Iran to the Pharisees, a Jewish group mentioned in the New Testament.

Addressing reporters, Hegseth said they “are just like these Pharisees,” adding that “politically motivated animus for President Trump nearly completely blinds you from the brilliance of our American warriors.”

During a discussion with conservative podcaster Britt Mayer, Kelly criticized the use of religious language in that context.

“Religion — obviously it’s a major part of Pete’s life, and I’m in favor of that — it doesn’t belong when you’re talking about our plans to wipe out people, including possible civilians, as President Trump continues to threaten,” Kelly said.

“These two things do not belong together, and … I’m just really uncomfortable with it,” she continued. “If [former President] Joe Biden did this through his Pentagon, I would have ripped him a new one, and therefore notwithstanding my friendship with Pete, I feel the need to register my strong objection to what he’s doing.”

Kelly’s remarks mirror criticism from Steve Bannon, who also urged Hegseth to scale back religious references in official briefings.

Speaking on his program “War Room,” Bannon argued that such comments were overshadowing key military updates.

“That’s all the mainstream media is covering right now — is Pete’s opening remark about the Gospel according to Mark and the reference to the Pharisees. … We ought to tone that down and focus, when we got the Pentagon, let’s have a military briefing,” he said.

JERUSALEM (AP) – About 150 residents from Kiryat Shmona, located near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, traveled to Jerusalem on Sunday to demonstrate against the ceasefire with Hezbollah.

The 10-day ceasefire announced by Trump began Friday. It is meant to shore up a broader ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

Residents of northern Israel, whose communities were subject to round-the-clock barrages of Hezbollah rockets, have reacted angrily to the truce. They say Hezbollah remains a threat and has not been disarmed.

“It’s time to remove this threat from over the heads of the northern residents,” said Kiryat Shmona’s mayor, Avichai Stern.

One of the protesters, Einat Dardari, said she’s “very disappointed” that the Israeli military was forced to halt its offensive against Hezbollah. “We want security, I want security at home, I want security for my children,” she said.

(AP) – Hakan Fidan was asked whether Turkey could replace Iran as Israel’s main adversary, a question raised in both Turkish and Israeli media in recent weeks.

“This is a fundamentalist government. They are a problem for the whole world. This is not just a problem for Turkey,” Fidan told a news conference at the close of a three-day diplomacy forum in southern Turkey.

Turkish officials have described Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon and Syria as an “expansionist” threat to global stability. Fidan said stopping this threat is clearly on the international community’s agenda. He also described the defense agreements signed between Israel, Greece and Cyprus in December last year as a “military alliance against the Muslim countries in the region.”

(AP) – A senior Iranian military official said Sunday that Iran has begun rebuilding its stockpile of weapons and munitions as the two-week ceasefire nears to expire, state media reported.

Brig. Gen. Seyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s Aerospace Force, said they have repaired missiles and drone launchers during the ceasefire which started on April 8, according to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

“Our speed in updating and refilling missile and drone launch platforms is even greater than before the war,” he said.

The broadcaster aired a two-minute video paired with uplifting music, showing missiles and drones in warehouses as well as mobile launches of missiles.

The United States and Israel say they have degraded Iran’s military capabilities over the course of the nearly six-week war.

The following is an ‘Ask The Chief’ question submitted to TLS, and the Chief’s response. Email your questions for the Chief to [email protected].

Question: I’ve noticed recently that on 7th Street from Lexington to Princeton has no parking signs on the south side of the street. However, there are cars lined fully along both blocks, this is in addition to cars being parked on corners across the heart of town where you literally can’t see anything when you’re trying to cross the street. Thanks for this platform!

The Chief’s response: I will have our traffic and safety specialists look into this as soon as possible.

Thank you for your email.

Chief

————-

Have a question for the Chief? Email it to [email protected]

Have a question for the Mayor? Email it to [email protected]

Kamala Harris yesterday sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, accusing him of influencing President Donald Trump to enter the war with Iran, during remarks at a political gathering in Detroit.

Speaking at the Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, Harris argued that the United States became involved in a conflict that lacked public support. “Trump entered a war – and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let’s be clear about that – that the American people didn’t want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas.”

You all should have voted for Kamala Harris. We wouldn't be in this war that Trump keeps lying about.

“He entered a war, got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu. Let us be clear about that. Entered a war that the American people do not want, putting at risk American service… pic.twitter.com/DBL9Fhq1A0

— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 18, 2026

Harris also pointed to claims made by Iran since the conflict began, noting that Tehran has asserted the United States entered the war due to Israel, an allegation Trump has rejected.

Expanding her criticism, Harris delivered a sweeping condemnation of the current administration, stating, “We are dealing with the most corrupt, callous and incompetent presidential administration in the history of the United States.”

She further characterized Trump in personal terms, describing him as the most “insecure man,” and suggested that the Iran war was a “feeble attempt to distract from the Epstein files.”

Continuing her critique, Harris said, “The man doesn’t understand what real strength looks like, and he overcompensates full time, trying to pretend that basically, he’s some kind of mob boss,” Harris charged. “Speaking truth, being trustworthy, being consistent. He has failed on all accounts.”

She reiterated her view that the administration is the “most corrupt, callous, and incompetent” in the nation’s history.

Harris also accused Trump of projecting strength through military power, saying he seeks to “walk around as if he is strong and will use the force of America’s military against anyone who he chooses.”

Amid the political backdrop, Harris recently indicated she is weighing a possible presidential bid in 2028.

In an interview with the BBC in August, she acknowledged the possibility, saying she “possibly” could run in 2028.

“I’ve not decided yet what I will do in the future, beyond what I am doing right now,” Harris said at the time. However, she emphasized her continued commitment to public life, “I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones, and there are many ways to serve.”

{Matzav.com}

Should you believe Hamas or the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)? Hamas — and its partner in crime, the United Nations — would like you to believe that Israel is deliberately withholding aid and that Gaza is perpetually on the brink of famine.

But the facts, according to COGAT, tell a starkly different and far more positive story. Despite Hamas’ efforts to divert aid to fund its terror network, food is flowing into Gaza in volumes that exceed international requirements. Markets are overflowing with food and bustling with business. Even the U.N. was forced to concede, back in January, that for the first time since Oct. 7, 100 percent of Gazans’ basic food needs are being met.

Credit: COGAT

In a dramatic online post, COGAT laid out the facts.

“Hamas wants you to see a collapse. The reality on the ground says otherwise,” the post said. “Food is filling the markets, enough for sustained amounts of time, medical centers are active, and aid is consistently exceeding international requirements.”

“The only real barrier? Hamas terror,” COGAT declared. “They cynically steal vital resources to power terror networks instead of providing for their own people.”

“The facts speak for themselves. Don’t believe Hamas lies,” COGAT urged.

Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the eradication of Israel. COGAT is an organization that belongs to the government of a free and democratic society. You can choose whom to believe.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — IDF soldier Elchanan Shkolnik found himself at the center of a modern blood libel after an innocent post he shared on X “exploded” among hostile audiences worldwide.

Last week, Shkolnik posted a photo of himself in IDF uniform holding his baby son, with the caption: “My beloved son, I am going so that you will have a better future.” Within hours, the post went viral and amassed millions of views.

The incitement began when antisemitic users noticed in the background of the photo a framed item on the wall containing a verse in Arabic. Without checking the facts, thousands of users began spreading a conspiracy theory, claiming that the soldier had taken the picture inside a “stolen” Palestinian Arab home.

The reactions grew more extreme, with some even claiming that the baby in his arms was actually a “kidnapped Palestinian baby.” A Gazan writer, Omar Hamad, shared a post that received over a million views, in which he claimed: “It’s obvious this Israeli lives in a house stolen from a Palestinian family that was killed or expelled. As if that’s not enough, he is now on his way to Gaza to kill children.”

Among the thousands of commenters was also former Haaretz journalist Orit Galili, who attacked Shkolnik in particularly harsh language: “Disgusting. Using a newborn baby to brainwash us. Don’t go and don’t do us any favors. We don’t want an eternal war of death-eaters like you.”

During a break from his reserve duty, Shkolnik discovered the storm surrounding him and set the record straight. He explained that the home in the photo belongs to his in-laws, Jewish immigrants from Syria, who keep Arabic motifs in their home.

“First of all, it’s obviously complete nonsense,” Shkolnik said in a video he posted from reserve duty. “The difference between us and our enemies is this: we go to reserve duty to protect our children, and our enemies want to kill children. It won’t help our enemies : The people of Israel live and endure.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar said she is not a millionaire and attributed a major discrepancy in her financial disclosures to an accounting mistake, after a report listing her assets as high as $30 million drew attention from Republicans and an ethics watchdog.

A corrected filing reviewed by The Wall Street Journal shows that Omar and her husband’s assets actually fall between $18,004 and $95,000, a dramatic revision from the earlier estimate that placed their holdings between $6 million and $30 million.

“The amended disclosure confirms what we’ve said all along: The congresswoman is not a millionaire,” Omar spokesperson Jacklyn Rogers told the Journal, adding that the filing was corrected “as soon as the discrepancy was identified.”

The updated report followed a request for clarification earlier this year from the Office of Congressional Conduct, according to the Journal.

In a letter submitted to the watchdog, Omar’s attorney said the inaccurate filing was not intentional and resulted from reliance on professional accountants.

“As the busiest of people, it is very common for members and their spouses to rely on learned professionals like accountants to make calculations and determinations that appear on public filings,” the attorney wrote, according to the Journal. “While the error is, of course, unfortunate, there is nothing untoward, and nothing illegal has occurred.”

The revised disclosure indicates that Omar reported income between $102,503 and $1,005,200 in 2024 from jointly held assets, the Journal reported. Supporting documents included $213,200 in distributions to her husband from his venture capital firm and an additional $3,000 from a winery.

Tax records cited by the Journal show that a 2025 email between Omar’s husband and his accountant valued the venture capital firm at $7.9 million and the winery at $1.5 million, though he owns about one-third of each business.

The corrected filing also reveals that Omar carries between $15,001 and $50,000 in student loan debt, along with a similar amount in credit card liabilities.

The discrepancy had already drawn criticism from House Republicans, who questioned how such a significant change in reported wealth was not identified sooner.

In a February letter to Omar’s husband, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer raised concerns about financial disclosures showing the value of two companies, eStCru LLC and Rose Lake Capital, jumping from tens of thousands of dollars in 2023 to as much as $30 million in 2024.

Comer said the sudden increase “raises concerns that unknown individuals may be investing to gain influence” and requested financial records tied to the businesses.

Omar’s office rejected those claims, calling Comer’s inquiry “a political stunt” and part of an effort “meant to fundraise, not real oversight,” according to The Associated Press.

An earlier 2025 financial disclosure had listed her husband’s business interests in the millions, including a winery valued between $1 million and $5 million and a venture capital firm valued between $5 million and $25 million.

Those figures were later adjusted in the amended filing, which now reflects no net value for the businesses after accounting for liabilities, the Journal reported.

Omar, a progressive Democrat originally from Somalia and a member of the “Squad,” has frequently clashed with President Donald Trump since her election in 2018 and has remained a frequent target of Republican criticism.

Trump has claimed that Omar benefited from Minnesota’s large welfare fraud scandal involving members of the Somali community, an allegation she has denied.

Tom Fitton also weighed in on the revised filing, questioning how previously undisclosed debts could eliminate millions in reported assets.

“Ilhan Omar says her congressional financial reports have massive accounting error,” Fitton wrote on X. “She and her husband only worth 18k-86k, NOT $6 million-$30 million! Previously unreported ‘liabilities’ erase wealth!”

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The IDF revealed strike data from the 24 hours before the ceasefire: more than 150  Hezbollah terrorists were killed during this period. Since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion,” more than 1,800 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed in Lebanon.

The IDF Spokesperson stated that in the day before the ceasefire took effect, the military targeted hundreds of terrorists and terrorist infrastructures used by Hezbollah to plan attacks against Israel and IDF forces.

As part of the strikes, approximately 300 military targets were hit, including launchers, command centers, and weapons storage facilities across several areas in Lebanon.

Among those killed was the commander of the Bint Jbeil sector in Hezbollah, Ali Rida Abbas, along with other commanders. The Bint Jbeil sector is considered one of the organization’s key front-line areas, which Abbas commanded during fighting against IDF forces.

According to the statement, Abbas had promoted numerous attack plans against IDF forces and the State of Israel over the years, particularly during Operation “Roaring Lion,” and was also involved in rebuilding Hezbollah’s presence in the Bint Jbeil sector.

Abbas is the fourth commander of the Bint Jbeil sector to be killed by the IDF since the beginning of Operation “Northern Arrows.”

JERUSALEM (VINnews)  — In recent years, Israel’s defense industries have been performing exceptionally well. Since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine War, and even more so since the start of “Swords of Iron”, global demand for defense systems has surged, as countries around the world increased budgets, replenished stockpiles, and accelerated procurement processes. However, a key question is now emerging: how long will this trend continue?

As demand grows, more countries are seeking to enter the market and capitalize on the opportunity. For example, Japan is expected to ease its arms export rules, a move that could turn it into a significant player and intensify competition for contracts, especially in Europe and Asia.

Roy Bergil, founder and CEO of Veloryx with over two decades of experience in the defense industry, suggests in a Maariv podcast that we should be looking at the broader picture.

“What we are seeing now is not an arms race,” he says. “It is mainly the replenishment of stockpiles. The real military buildup is still ahead.”

According to him, many countries entered recent years with low inventory levels, partly due to the assumption that large-scale conflicts were unlikely. The war in Ukraine changed that perception.

“Europe was not prepared,” he explains. “Now countries are first filling what they lack. Only afterward comes the stage of rebuilding military strength.”

This distinctionbetween “stockpile replenishment” and “military buildup” is central to his analysis. What currently appears to be a boom in defense industries is, at this stage, largely an emergency response by countries trying to close gaps.

“There are countries today telling defense companies: ‘Whatever you produce we’ll buy. Make 10, make 100, whatever you produce, we’ll take,’” he says. Still, he believes the main phase is yet to come. Even if the war in Ukraine ends, and even if regional conflicts subside, the result will not be a quick return to normal, but rather an acceleration of military strengthening.

Alongside high demand, more countries are entering the field. Nations such as Japan and South Korea are expanding their defense activity and leveraging existing industrial production lines. As the automotive industry undergoes major changes, especially with the rise of Chinese electric vehicles, many factories now have excess capacity that can be converted to defense production.

This raises the question: will new entrants erode the advantage of established defense industries, including those in Israel? Bergil believes not. Entering the market does not immediately make a country a serious competitor.

“Missile technology—how to deliver it, its precision, and countless other parameters—takes time to develop,” he explains.

Even if factories can be repurposed or new production lines established, the ability to develop truly advanced systems is built over many years of testing, iteration, and improvement, along with a key Israeli advantage: proven battlefield experience. Therefore, even if new players enter the market, the gap with established companies will not close quickly.

For Israeli defense industries, the implications are twofold. On one hand, they are currently benefiting from very high demand and a long-built advantage. On the other hand, they cannot assume this boom will last indefinitely.

Bergil expects that in the longer term, there will be a process of consolidation:“When companies pop up like mushrooms after the rain, eventually comes a period of consolidation,” he says. Some companies will merge, others will disappear, and the sector will reorganize around stronger players with broader solutions.

Ultimately, the key question is not just how much weaponry will be sold in the coming years, but what companies will do with the profits from this period.

“Did they just sit on their R&D and collect profits, or are they reinvesting those profits into future products?” According to him, the advantage of existing companies will not be preserved solely by what they sell today, but by whether they use these strong years to stay one step ahead of tomorrow’s competitors.