Jooish

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot has decided to make negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties a priority in his effort to establish a government, Channel 12 reported Friday. The move brings him closer to the approach championed by Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman, who opposes forming a government dependent on Arab-led parties.

Eisenkot, who received the first mandate to form a government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, had initially hoped to assemble a coalition from the four Jewish-led parties in the anti-Netanyahu camp. However, those parties secured just 48 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 53 for Netanyahu’s bloc and 19 held by the two Arab parties. The numbers leave Eisenkot needing either Arab-party backing or additional coalition partners to reach a governing majority.

Liberman, a secular right-wing politician, has ruled out relying on Arab parties and rejected the possibility of establishing a minority government. He argues that such an arrangement would be short-lived and could ultimately strengthen Netanyahu politically. Instead, Liberman is advocating a 61-seat majority through negotiations between Zionist opposition parties and the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (7 seats) and Shas (6 seats) — parties he had strongly opposed partnering with for years.

United Torah Judaism has already begun exploring an agreement with Eisenkot’s camp, with party officials confirming initial contacts and outlining demands concerning military service exemptions, educational funding and religion-state matters.

Shas, meanwhile, has continued publicly backing Netanyahu and declared that it is not negotiating with competing political blocs, presenting another obstacle to Eisenkot’s efforts to secure a majority.

Channel 12 reported that Yashar nevertheless intends to leave the possibility open for Likud and the far-right Religious Zionism party to join a future coalition, while ruling out participation by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

The network said Yashar is planning to meet Likud representatives next week.

The proposed meeting would restart discussions that were suspended earlier this week, after Yashar called off a planned encounter with Likud officials following Netanyahu’s “divisive” speech at the inauguration of the 26th Knesset. In the address, Netanyahu accused Arab lawmakers of seeking Israel’s destruction.

The caretaker prime minister argued Tuesday that Israel needed “a national unity government” led by him. Eisenkot, however, has repeatedly vowed not to serve under Netanyahu or join a government with him. He has also called on Netanyahu to leave politics over what Eisenkot describes as failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion, making a unity arrangement involving both leaders highly improbable.

UTJ Considers Eisenkot Government Without Secured Draft Exemption

Separately, Channel 13 reported Friday that United Torah Judaism is debating whether to join an Eisenkot-led government even if a guaranteed military exemption for yeshiva students is not secured beforehand.

According to the report, Haredi representatives are considering an interim arrangement that would suspend mandatory enlistment of yeshiva students for one year, halt arrests during that period and remove penalties imposed on those avoiding the draft.

The proposed conditions reportedly face substantial legal hurdles, an issue also raised during discussions between anti-Netanyahu bloc members and legal advisers familiar with High Court proceedings.

The developments follow a Channel 12 report Thursday that UTJ’s Hasidic leadership was considering requiring all 48 lawmakers in Eisenkot’s four-party alliance to commit to backing legislation exempting Haredi men from military service. The proposal could also include an override provision intended to prevent the High Court from overturning the legislation.

UTJ figures favoring an agreement with Eisenkot reportedly believe their party could help the opposition bloc achieve a parliamentary majority despite unresolved questions surrounding draft legislation. In exchange, they would seek coalition roles and government funding. Some also reportedly view participation in an Eisenkot-led government as an opportunity to establish Haredi parties as legitimate coalition partners outside Netanyahu’s political camp while easing pressure for widespread ultra-Orthodox enlistment.

Liberman said earlier this week that the election results had compelled his party to reconsider its pre-election insistence on universal military service. With the opposition holding only 48 seats, he argued, compromises with the ultra-Orthodox would be necessary to assemble a 61-seat majority.

He maintained that any new enlistment arrangement would need to withstand High Court review while securing the backing of UTJ spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando.

During a Wednesday meeting with UTJ chairman Yaakov Asher, Liberman reportedly suggested attempting to develop an exemption framework, while acknowledging that the proposal could encounter legal challenges, Channel 13 reported.

UTJ’s ultimate decision is also expected to depend on Lando’s position. Channel 13 said some party members believe Eisenkot should receive an opportunity to form a government after Netanyahu failed to settle the military draft dispute, with UTJ potentially withdrawing its support later if circumstances warrant.

Shas, according to the report, is not coordinating its strategy with UTJ. The network added that Shas chairman Aryeh Deri reportedly believes negotiations with Liberman are unlikely to succeed.

Indian counterterrorism authorities have arrested a 20-year-old Mumbai resident suspected of conducting surveillance on the city’s Chabad House and other Jewish locations, allegedly collecting sensitive intelligence for individuals operating outside India.

The arrest has raised renewed security concerns nearly 18 years after the devastating November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, during which terrorists stormed the Chabad House and murdered Chabad shluchim Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg, Hy”d, along with four other Jewish victims.

The suspect, identified by Indian media as Yash Singh, is accused of photographing Jewish institutions, documenting vehicles, recording precise locations, and gathering information about foreign nationals living or working in Mumbai.

According to preliminary findings reported by Indian authorities, Singh allegedly received instructions from contacts abroad to monitor sensitive locations, with particular attention directed toward the Chabad House.

Investigators suspect that the information he collected was transmitted to handlers outside India, although the identities of those individuals and their possible organizational affiliations have not been publicly established.

The investigation began after authorities received intelligence concerning Singh’s alleged communications with international criminal networks through social media platforms. Acting on that information, Mumbai’s counterterrorism personnel located and arrested him.

During questioning, Singh reportedly acknowledged receiving requests to obtain photographs, vehicle identification details, and geographic information concerning Jewish institutions and foreign nationals.

Authorities are investigating whether the suspected surveillance was intended to facilitate a future attack. No specific operational plan or imminent threat has been publicly confirmed.

The investigation has drawn particular attention because of the methods allegedly employed by Singh, which bear similarities to intelligence-gathering operations carried out before the 2008 Mumbai massacre.

In the months preceding those attacks, David Coleman Headley, an American citizen of Pakistani origin working with the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, conducted extensive reconnaissance of locations throughout Mumbai.

Headley photographed buildings, documented security arrangements, and gathered information about potential targets, including the Chabad House, which was then known as Nariman House.

The intelligence he supplied helped terrorists plan the coordinated attacks that began on November 26, 2008, when heavily armed attackers struck hotels, a railway station, a Jewish center, and other locations across Mumbai.

The attacks killed more than 160 people and wounded hundreds, leaving India and Jewish communities around the world in mourning.

At the Chabad House, Rabbi Gavriel and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg were murdered along with four others. Their young son, Moshe, survived after being carried to safety by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuel.

The tragedy became one of the most painful events in the history of Chabad’s worldwide shlichus network, with the Holtzbergs remembered for their dedication to assisting Jewish travelers and strengthening Jewish life in Mumbai.

Indian media reported additional details Saturday indicating that Singh, a resident of Airoli in Navi Mumbai, was initially detained by Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad after investigators uncovered suspicious online communications.

The investigation subsequently revealed a possible connection to a separate terrorism-related case in Thrissur, in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Police officers from Kerala traveled to Navi Mumbai and formally arrested Singh in connection with that investigation.

According to Indian police, Singh had been communicating with individuals associated with international criminal syndicates and extremist networks through messaging platforms, including Telegram. Investigators believe he was recruited to carry out surveillance assignments in exchange for money.

Authorities said the assignments included photographing Jewish-owned businesses, identifying locations frequented by foreign nationals, and obtaining detailed information about the Chabad House in Mumbai’s Colaba neighborhood.

Investigators are also examining whether the suspect’s activities were connected to a broader network recruiting young people through social media to gather intelligence on sensitive locations.

The arrest has prompted renewed warnings to Chabad representatives around the world.

Chabad’s emergency and security center, CWA, urged shluchim to strengthen security precautions following reports of the suspected surveillance.

“This report reminds us how vigilance saves lives.”

Indian authorities have not announced the discovery of a specific attack plan against the Chabad House, and the investigation into Singh’s alleged activities and contacts remains ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

A handwritten thank-you letter from five Jewish children in New York has drawn a heartfelt response from billionaire businessman Michael Dell, who shared the message on social media Thursday evening and expressed his pride in the youngsters for appreciating a major financial gift intended to help millions of American children build savings for their futures.

Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, posted a photograph of the children’s letter on X, describing it as a touching reminder of the purpose behind the multibillion-dollar commitment he and his wife, Susan, made to support the Trump Accounts initiative.

The letter, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Dell, thanked the couple for helping children begin saving for adulthood and expressed the youngsters’ determination to make good use of the opportunity.

“We wanted to say a big thank you for your generous gift to our Trump Accounts. It’s very special to know that someone believes in our future and wants to help us start saving for it,” the children wrote.

“We will take good care of it and hope to make you proud one day.”

The note was signed by five children, Chaya, Chany, Toby, Yehuda and Benjamin, whose family name and New York location were concealed.

Dell appeared particularly moved by the final sentence of the letter, highlighting it at the beginning of his post.

“We hope to make you proud one day.” ❤️

“Five children in New York sent us this beautiful letter,” he wrote.

“They may not realize we’re already proud of them.”

The billionaire entrepreneur then connected the personal message to the broader purpose of the initiative.

“25 million children. 25 million futures. And 25 million reasons to believe in America’s next generation.”

“This is why we did it.”

The letter comes nearly a year after Michael and Susan Dell announced their extraordinary $6.25 billion commitment to provide $250 investment contributions to 25 million American children through the Trump Accounts program, established under legislation signed by President Donald Trump.

The initiative was designed to give children a financial head start by placing money into investment accounts that can grow over time. The Dells’ contribution was directed primarily toward children born between 2016 and 2024 who would not qualify for the separate $1,000 federal contribution available to eligible children born from 2025 through 2028.

According to the program’s administrators, the $250 contributions have now been deposited for approximately 25 million children. Eligibility was determined largely by the median family income of the ZIP code where a child resides, with the final qualifying threshold set at approximately $117,300.

The accounts are invested in funds tracking the broader American stock market, allowing the money to potentially increase in value as the children grow older. Families may also make additional contributions, subject to applicable limits.

The Dells announced their original commitment at the White House in December 2025, with President Trump praising the donation as an extraordinary act of generosity. At the time, the couple explained that they hoped the initiative would encourage children and families to develop long-term savings habits and greater confidence in their financial futures.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is weighing whether to keep US forces from launching another round of attacks against Iran, provided Tehran and its Houthi partners in Yemen avoid actions that could trigger a new confrontation, according to people familiar with internal administration discussions.

The president has not settled on how he intends to bring the conflict to a conclusion. His public statements have alternated between warnings of additional military action and suggestions that the fighting could wind down. The war, which began with US and Israeli operations in February, has increasingly become a political and economic liability for the administration.

People familiar with recent White House deliberations say Trump has discussed maintaining the current pause rather than immediately ordering another offensive. His thinking appears to have been influenced partly by regional governments concerned that renewed fighting could destabilize the Middle East further.

Trump acknowledged that some of America’s partners have asked him to exercise restraint.

“I could end it immediately, but ​at the request of the nations that I am looking to protect, we are doing it a little bit longer way, a bit more civilly,” Trump told sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith ​on Thursday.

The domestic political consequences of the war have also become increasingly difficult for Trump to ignore. Rising energy costs and public opposition have contributed to dissatisfaction with the conflict. In last week’s midterm elections, Democrats took control of Congress. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted ahead of the November 3 elections found that 55% of respondents considered the war an unacceptable expense. Vice President JD Vance also identified the conflict as one of the reasons Republicans suffered electoral losses.

A White House representative emphasized that the president retains complete authority over the next steps.

“As Commander-in-Chief, President Trump is the architect and sole decision-maker who holds all the cards and will always ensure that America’s interests are ​protected,” a White House official said in a statement. “The United States is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing. Only President Trump knows what he will do, and when.”

Neither the CIA nor the Office of the Director of National Intelligence provided a response to requests for comment.

RIYADH AND ANKARA CAUTION AGAINST A NEW OFFENSIVE

Two important regional leaders have privately encouraged Trump to avoid restarting the war. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan both used recent conversations with the president to argue against another military campaign, according to US officials and other individuals familiar with the discussions.

During an October 31 conversation, Trump reportedly told the Saudi crown prince that he was considering attacking Iran after the American elections. Bin Salman urged him not to proceed, contending that the existing economic pressure was already weakening Iran’s position.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to questions about the reported exchange.

Trump has also maintained frequent contact with Erdogan. Turkey’s presidency confirmed three conversations between the leaders since October 28. Following their November 7 discussion, Ankara publicly highlighted the importance of ending the confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Meanwhile, American intelligence assessments suggest that the combination of economic restrictions and the US maritime blockade is taking a significant toll on Iran. Officials familiar with those assessments believe maintaining the pressure could further weaken Tehran’s economy.

Washington is pursuing additional measures to restrict Iran’s access to supplies. The military is seeking to block shipments of weapons and other prohibited materials not only by sea but also through overland commercial routes and the Caspian Sea.

PENTAGON KEEPS MILITARY OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Although Trump may favor avoiding another offensive, the US military has not abandoned preparations for further operations.

American forces are maintaining the ability to intensify their campaign if the president gives the order, according to people familiar with military planning.

A third aircraft carrier is scheduled to enter the Middle East shortly. It is expected to take the place of one of the two carriers already operating in the region, although military planners could retain all three if the situation demands a larger deployment.

Among the potential targets being discussed are Iran’s underground nuclear installations. However, American forces have already attacked those facilities, and it remains uncertain whether another bombing campaign would produce meaningful additional results.

Intelligence officials have also questioned whether renewed airstrikes would improve Washington’s negotiating position. Their assessment is that further attacks would probably not persuade Iran to significantly revise its demands in potential negotiations.

Another concern involves the availability of American weapons. Trump has received briefings about military inventories, with particular attention to shortages involving certain precision-guided weapons. Reuters reported in August that US forces had expended “virtually all” of their long-range precision munitions. A source familiar with the latest assessments said those weapons have yet to be fully replaced.

The White House, however, rejected concerns that ammunition shortages could prevent the military from carrying out the president’s plans.

“The United States Military has enough munitions and ⁠ammo to serve ​all of the Commander-in-Chief’s strategic goals and beyond,” the White House official said.

ISRAEL SEEKS A RETURN TO MILITARY ACTION

While Saudi Arabia and Turkey are advocating restraint, Israel is continuing its efforts to persuade Washington that another military campaign against Iran is necessary, according to a US official.

Trump has recently suggested that negotiations have reached the limits of what they can accomplish. His comments have raised questions about whether he believes the diplomatic process has run its course, although he has not announced a decision to resume bombing.

The president also indicated that he does not consider a formal agreement with Tehran essential, pointing to American leverage over Iran’s financial resources and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

“We don’t need a deal with Iran,” Trump said in a ​social media post on Thursday. “We’ve got their money, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and we’ve got their Strait!”

For now, Trump’s next move remains uncertain. His administration is balancing pressure from Israel for further action, appeals from regional partners to prevent another escalation, concerns about the economic consequences of the conflict, and the military’s readiness to resume operations.