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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mrs. Leah Rieder a_”h,_ a devoted wife and mother, whose life was marked by quiet strength, deep emunah, and unwavering dedication to her family. She was niftar after a prolonged illness.

Mrs. Rieder was the beloved wife of Reb Shmuel Yosef Rieder, senior board member of Agudath Israel of America.

She was known to all who encountered her as a woman of grace, dignity, and sincerity. She carried herself with humility, yet her presence left a lasting impression on those around her.

As a wife, she stood steadfastly at her husband’s side, supporting his communal involvement and tzorchei tzibbur with encouragement. Her role behind the scenes was one of partnership and devotion, enabling him to contribute to the broader needs of Klal Yisroel.

Above all, she was a deeply devoted mother, whose life revolved around her children. She invested herself fully in their upbringing, nurturing them with warmth, patience, and a strong sense of values rooted in Torah and yiras Shamayim. Her home was a place of warmth, where every detail reflected her thoughtfulness and commitment.

Those who knew her speak of a woman of quiet kindness, someone who was always ready to listen, to help, and to give. Her sensitivity to others and her natural refinement made her a source of comfort and strength to many.

Her passing leaves a profound void not only within her family but among all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The levayah is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. at JFK Airport, El Al Cargo, 75 North Hangar Road, Cargo Bay 14.

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

Yerushalayim is in mourning following the passing of Rav Yitzchok Wallach zt”l, one of the city’s distinguished talmidei chachamim, who was niftar on Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh at the age of 88.

The levayah took place tonight at the Shamgar funeral home in Yerushalayim, proceeding to Har HaZeisim for kevurah.

Rav Wallach zt”l was born in Czernowitz, Ukraine, in the month of Cheshvan 5698 (1937), to his father, Rav Elimelech Wallach zt”l, a seventh-generation descendant of the Noam Elimelech of Lizhensk.

During the Holocaust, he endured the horrors of the Czernowitz ghetto, from which he miraculously survived. After the war, he relocated to Klausenburg, Romania. In 1950, he immigrated to Eretz HaKodesh, where he entered the yeshivah of Tiferes Tzion in Bnei Brak, learning under the Rosh Yeshivah Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l. He later advanced to Yeshivas Ponovezh, where his exceptional brilliance became evident, and he developed a close bond with Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, the Ponovezher Rav zt”l, who treated him like a son.

In his youth, he studied bechavrusa with Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, then a young avreich, a connection that endured for decades. During that same period, he also formed a close learning partnership with Rav Gedaliah Nadel zt”l, whom he regarded as his primary rebbi. Their chavrusashaft spanned years, including extended stays in distant locations such as Yehud, where they immersed themselves in uninterrupted limud haTorah for months at a time.

Upon reaching marriageable age, in the month of Adar 5721, he married his wife, the daughter of Rav Shmuel Meir Weisenstern z”l of the Shaarei Chesed neighborhood in Yerushalayim. He settled in the city and spent several years learning in Yeshivas Mir. Later, for decades, he established his primary place of study in Moshav Beit Meir, where he devoted himself to Torah study day and night, returning home only from Shabbos to Shabbos.

In time, he founded a kollel there for outstanding avreichim, who likewise dedicated their weekdays entirely to Torah study and would return home on Thursday nights. Rav Yitzchok personally ensured their needs were met with dignity.

He merited building a large and illustrious family and viewed his life’s mission as unwavering hasmadah in Torah. He authored numerous works characterized by depth and clarity, including the seforim Noam Yitzchak and Noam Melech, covering topics such as the laws of krias haTorah and mourning, shemittas kesafim, netilas yadayim, and bikkurim.

His avodas hatefillah was also renowned, as he would daven with a distinctive sweetness and intensity that often extended over long periods. With his passing, a figure of relentless amal haTorah—to his very last moments—has been taken from the world.

He is survived by a blessed dor yesharim, including 20 children, sons and daughters, as well as sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. During his lifetime, he endured the loss of his son-in-law, Rav Eliezer Weisfish Hy”d, who was murdered in the horrific terror attack on Bus No. 2 in Kikar Zupnik in Yerushalayim.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Search efforts continued late Motzaei Shabbos along the Netanya shoreline for yeshiva bochur Avraham Yeshayahu ben Shoshana, who was swept into the sea together with his brother on Erev Shabbos, as rescue teams expanded operations using drones and divers.

As part of the overnight search, an operational drone was deployed over the water in an effort to locate the missing bochur, with teams continuing their work even after nightfall.

At the same time, tefillos were organized in multiple locations. A large gathering took place this evening at the Kosel HaMaaravi, where talmidim from Yeshivas Tifrach assembled for heartfelt tefillah. Another central tefillah gathering was held at the kever of the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak.

Additional tefillos were held in Yerushalayim, including at the yeshiva of the bochur’s father, Rav Spiegel, in the Beis Yisroel neighborhood, as well as in Ramat Shlomo, both at the Chazon Ish beis haknesses and the central shul on Rechov Rav Kahaneman, where the brothers reside.

Following a joint assessment involving emergency services and police, ZAKA’s specialized response units—including its diving team—prepared to resume coordinated search efforts along the coastline on Motzaei Shabbos. Dozens of volunteers are expected to comb the beachfront overnight, while preparations are underway to begin underwater searches at first light using advanced technological equipment and specialized diving gear.

The operation is being carried out in coordination with fire department units, including the Lehava rescue team, as well as maritime police forces, all working toward locating the missing individual as quickly as possible.

Due to the family’s proximity to the hospital, members of the Sanzer chassidus assisted them throughout Shabbos, while the father visited the Sanzer Rebbe to receive a brachah during that time.

The public is urged to continue davening for the recovery of the brothers, Yissachar Dov and Avraham Yeshayahu bnei Shoshana, for a complete refuah sheleimah among all the sick of Klal Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued a warning to China on Friday, saying Beijing would face serious consequences if it follows through on reports that it plans to supply Iran with air defense weapons during the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump made clear that such a move would not be tolerated.

“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems, OK?”

U.S. intelligence officials have indicated that China may be preparing to covertly transfer shoulder-fired anti-aircraft weapons, known as MANPADs, to Iran through intermediaries in the coming weeks, according to CNN. The alleged plan is said to be designed to conceal the origin of the weapons.

These systems, which use heat-seeking technology to target aircraft engines, have already posed a significant challenge during the war. One such missile nearly struck an F/A-18 Super Hornet in a recent incident.

Trump also referenced a separate case involving a downed American aircraft earlier in the conflict.

The American F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran on April 3 was hit by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile,” according to Trump.

China has strongly denied the allegations, with its embassy rejecting claims that it intends to provide Iran with military equipment.

“As a responsible major country, China always abides by international law and its international obligations, and never provides weapons to any party to the conflict,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

“China firmly rejects the circulation of speculative, misleading, and false information targeting China.”

At the same time, Beijing has faced accusations of assisting Iran with intelligence during the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that ties between the countries remain close and extend into military cooperation.

“Russia and China are our strategy partners, and we have had close cooperation in the past, which is still continues [sic], and that includes military cooperation as well,” Araghchi told MS Now.

Vice President JD Vance announced early Sunday that lengthy negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have concluded without an agreement, after Tehran declined to accept Washington’s conditions.

Speaking to reporters in the Pakistani capital, Vance thanked his hosts while offering a measured assessment of the outcome following nearly a full day of talks.

He said the discussions were meaningful but ultimately fell short of producing a deal.

“We’ve been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news,” he said. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

He added, “So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.”

Vance stressed that the American delegation had clearly outlined its expectations and limitations throughout the negotiations.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on, and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on. And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” the Vice President said.

When asked to specify which points Iran rejected, Vance declined to disclose details from the closed-door discussions.

“Well, I won’t go into all the details because I don’t want to negotiate in public after we negotiated for 21 hours in private,” he said. “But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”

He noted that while parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure have already been damaged, the central issue remains whether Tehran is willing to make a lasting commitment.

“Again, their nuclear programs, such as it is, the enrichment facilities that they’ve had before, they’ve been destroyed. But the simple question is, do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon, not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term? We haven’t seen that yet. We hope that we will,” he said.

Vance described the American approach as serious and conducted in good faith, though it did not yield progress.

“The President told us, you need to come here in good faith and make your best effort to get a deal. We did that, and unfortunately we weren’t able to make any headway.”

He also said the negotiating team remained in close contact with President Donald Trump and national security officials throughout the talks, and that the U.S. is leaving the table with what it considers its final proposal.

“We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith. And we leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer,” Vance said. “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that U.S. forces have begun operations to clear the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that Iran’s military capabilities have been effectively dismantled.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described what he said was the collapse of Iran’s naval and air power.

“Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead,” Trump wrote.

He further claimed that Iran’s missile and drone systems, along with their stockpiles, have been severely damaged, adding that key leadership figures are no longer alive.

Trump also said Iran no longer poses a meaningful threat to maritime traffic in the region.

“The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may ‘bunk’ into one of their sea mines,” he wrote, adding that “all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea.”

He said the United States has now begun working to reopen the vital shipping lane, framing the effort as beneficial to the global economy.

“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World,” Trump said, citing China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.

Recent fears of Iranian attacks have largely halted commercial shipping through the strait, a key route for international oil transport, sending shockwaves through energy markets.

Despite much of the oil passing through the strait being destined for overseas markets, fuel prices in the United States have climbed in recent weeks.

Trump added that oil tankers from several countries are now heading toward the U.S. to take on cargo “to LOAD UP with Oil.”

Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from serious wounds sustained in the airstrike that killed his father at the outset of the war, according to multiple individuals familiar with his inner circle who spoke to Reuters.

Those sources said Khamenei suffered significant injuries to his face and legs when the strike hit the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran, leaving him disfigured and physically weakened.

Despite his condition, the 56-year-old is said to remain mentally alert and engaged in governing. According to the sources, he has been participating in high-level discussions via audio links and continues to take part in key decisions related to the war and ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Questions about his ability to effectively lead come at a critical moment for Iran, as the country faces one of its most dangerous periods in decades, including sensitive diplomatic efforts underway in Islamabad.

The accounts from those close to Khamenei provide one of the most detailed glimpses into his condition since the attack, though Reuters noted it was unable to independently confirm the information.

Little has been publicly disclosed about his location, health, or daily functioning. No images, video footage, or recorded messages of Khamenei have been released since the strike and his subsequent elevation to supreme leader on March 8.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to questions regarding the extent of his injuries or why he has not appeared publicly.

Khamenei was wounded on February 28, the opening day of the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel. The same strike killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. Several other family members, including his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, were also killed in the attack.

Iranian officials have not issued a formal statement detailing his condition. However, state television referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term typically used for individuals seriously injured in combat, following his appointment.

Descriptions of his injuries align with earlier remarks made by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said on March 13 that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments told Reuters that Khamenei is believed to have lost a leg.

The CIA declined to comment on his condition, and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to inquiries.

Analysts say Khamenei may struggle to wield the same level of authority as his predecessor. Alex Vatanka noted that while the new leader represents continuity, it may take considerable time for him to establish firm control.

“Mojtaba will be one voice but it will not be the decisive one,” he said. “He needs to prove himself as the credible, powerful, overriding voice. The regime as a whole has to make a decision in terms of where they are going to go.”

One individual familiar with Khamenei’s circle said the public may see images of him within the next month or two, and possibly even a public appearance, though all sources stressed that such a move would depend on both his recovery and the security environment.

Under Iran’s system of governance, ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader, a senior Shiite cleric selected by an assembly of religious figures. The role includes oversight of the elected government and direct control over key institutions such as the Revolutionary Guards.

Iran’s founding supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, commanded unmatched authority as both a revolutionary figure and leading religious scholar.

His successor, Ali Khamenei, held less religious stature but consolidated power over decades, in part by strengthening the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.

Mojtaba Khamenei, however, does not appear to hold the same level of unquestioned authority, according to senior Iranian sources cited in past reporting. During the war, the Revolutionary Guards—who played a key role in his rise—have taken a leading role in major strategic decisions.

Before assuming the top position, Khamenei had already been deeply involved in the workings of the regime, building relationships with senior figures in the Guards and participating in high-level decision-making.

Analysts believe he is likely to maintain his father’s hardline stance, though his personal worldview remains less clearly defined.

His first message to the Iranian public after assuming power came in a written statement on March 12, in which he called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed and urged regional countries to shut down U.S. bases.

Since then, only brief written communications have been released, including a March 20 message marking the Persian New Year, which he described as the “year of resistance.” Major policy statements have instead been delivered by other senior officials.

His absence from public view has fueled widespread speculation within Iran, with online discussions and messaging groups filled with theories about his health and who is truly directing the country.

One widely circulated image on social media shows an empty chair under a spotlight with the caption “Where is Mojtaba?”

Some supporters of the government argue that keeping a low profile is necessary given the security risks posed by ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have already eliminated much of Iran’s leadership.

A member of the Basij militia echoed that view, saying it would be dangerous for Khamenei to appear publicly under current conditions.

“Why should he appear in public? To become a target for these criminals?” Mohammad Hosseini, from the city of Qom, said in a text message.

Tucker Carlson publicly deepened his dispute with President Donald Trump on Friday, responding sharply after the president criticized several conservative media figures who have voiced opposition to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to Newsmax correspondent James Rosen, Carlson reacted to Trump’s comments from the previous day with pointed remarks about the president’s position and independence.

“I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves.”

When pressed to explain his statement, Carlson suggested that outside pressures are limiting Trump’s decision-making ability.

“He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”

Trump’s criticism had been directed at a group of high-profile conservative commentators, including Carlson and Megyn Kelly, both formerly of Fox News and now independent podcasters, as well as Candace Owens and Alex Jones, who have also built large followings online.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump harshly attacked the group.

“They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!”

The commentators have been openly critical of Trump’s handling of the Iran situation, arguing that his actions contradict earlier anti-war positions and suggesting, to varying degrees, that he has yielded to pressure from Israel.

Trump continued his criticism by dismissing their relevance and influence.

“They don’t have what it takes, and they never did! They’ve all been thrown off Television, lost their Shows, and aren’t even invited on TV because nobody cares about them, they’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some ‘free’ and cheap publicity,” Trump wrote.

The United States Navy has launched operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz by preparing to remove sea mines, as diplomatic talks between American and Iranian officials continue in Pakistan.

According to U.S. Central Command, two guided-missile destroyers—the USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy—are now operating in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Their mission is to lay the groundwork for clearing mines that were placed in the strategic waterway by Iran at the start of the conflict with the United States and Israel.

CENTCOM said additional assets, including underwater drones, are expected to be deployed to the area in the coming days to assist with the effort.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement: “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce.”

The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is one of the most vital routes for global energy transport, with roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments passing through it.

Reopening the strait has been a central demand by President Donald Trump as part of ceasefire conditions. However, reports indicate U.S. officials are uncertain whether Iranian forces have precise knowledge of all the mines they deployed.

The New York Times, citing unnamed American officials, reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps scattered mines in a disorganized manner using small boats in the immediate aftermath of the initial strikes by Israel and the United States.

According to the report, it remains unclear whether Tehran accurately tracked the placement of those mines or whether some may have drifted from their original locations, complicating removal efforts.

The task is further challenged by reduced allied support. The United Kingdom, which has historically provided minesweeping capabilities, retired its fleet earlier this year before its next-generation vessels became operational, creating what has been described as a temporary gap in capability.

President Trump addressed the situation today in a post on Truth Social, defending the U.S. position and criticizing media coverage.

“The Fake News Media is CRAZY, or just plain CORRUPT! The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD!

“The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to ‘load up.’ But, if you listen to the Fake News, we’re losing!”

At the same time, negotiations between the two sides got underway in Islamabad, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosting the talks at the Serena Hotel. The American delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, included White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while the Iranian team, headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also met with Sharif.

The Federal Aviation Administration is turning to the gaming community as part of a major recruitment effort to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, with plans to hire nearly 9,000 new personnel by 2028.

In a video released Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, officials directly appealed to video game enthusiasts, suggesting that the skills developed through gaming could translate into success in the high-pressure field of air traffic control.

The video challenges potential recruits by asking if they are “up for the challenge” of becoming controllers, while stressing the seriousness of the profession, noting it is not simply a “game” but a “career.”

“You’ll keep millions of people safe every day,” the video says, while touting average salaries of up to $155,000 by your third year on the job.

The intensified hiring campaign follows a deadly March incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York, where an Air Canada aircraft collided with a firetruck on the runway, killing both pilots.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining whether an air traffic controller may have stepped away to take an emergency phone call prior to the crash, and whether staffing shortages played a role in the accident.

Officials say internal data shows that many controllers who leave the profession list gaming among their hobbies, pointing to similarities between the focus and multitasking required in both activities.

The new outreach effort is designed to “supercharge” recruitment, with the FAA emphasizing that a college degree is not required for applicants.

“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.

“This campaign’s innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller,” he said.

“Thanks to President Trump — we’ve already made incredible progress with the highest controller staffing levels in six years. There’s never been a more exciting time to become a controller and level up into a career with a strong purpose — keeping American families safe.”

At present, about 11,000 air traffic controllers are employed, with an additional 4,000 trainees expected to join the workforce.

More than 2,400 new controllers were hired over the past year, marking the largest incoming class to date and setting a record for enrollment at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City.

The agency’s hiring plan calls for adding 8,900 controllers by the end of fiscal year 2028, including 2,000 hires in 2025, 2,200 in 2026, 2,300 in 2027, and 2,400 in 2028.

Between January and September 2025, the Department of Transportation reported a 20% increase in hiring compared to the same period the previous year.

The LaGuardia crash was not the only recent aviation tragedy. The year prior, an American Airlines regional jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft.

In the aftermath of that January 2025 disaster, Duffy pledged “to surge air traffic controllers” through training pipelines to “bring in the best and the brightest.”

Following a merit-based push to hire pilots the next month, Duffy said, “The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like or their gender — they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job.”

His predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, had also sought to increase the number of applicants for air traffic control roles, though with an emphasis on encouraging applications “from women, minorities and individuals in underrepresented communities,” according to a 2021 Department of Transportation announcement.

That initiative was part of a broader push under the Biden administration, which directed tens of billions of dollars toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

The global aviation sector is beginning to show early signs of recovery following the ceasefire with Iran, as British Airways announced it will resume flights to Israel starting July 1.

The British carrier is the first international airline to set a firm date for returning service to Ben Gurion Airport since the outbreak of the recent regional conflict, despite continued fighting along the northern front and ongoing rocket fire in parts of the country.

However, the airline made clear that operations will not return to full capacity. Service on the Tel Aviv–London route will initially be scaled back to one daily flight, compared to the two daily flights that operated before the crisis.

The reduction in flights to Israel is part of a broader strategic adjustment across the Middle East, rather than a move limited to a single destination.

Ongoing disruptions caused by the regional conflict have forced the airline to reevaluate demand and scheduling. Under its updated plan, flights to key destinations such as Dubai and Doha will also be reduced to one per day beginning July 1.

In addition, service to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia will be cut from two daily flights to one starting in mid-May. The most significant change in the region is the decision to permanently cancel the route to Jeddah.

These changes come after months of severe disruptions to global aviation. The escalation involving the United States and Israel against Iran led to the cancellation of more than 21,000 flights worldwide, as airspace closures and safety concerns disrupted routes between Europe and Asia and complicated airline operations.

Aircraft freed up by the reduced Middle East schedule will not remain idle. British Airways plans to redeploy those planes to markets currently seen as more stable and profitable.

The airline is shifting resources to expand service to Nairobi in Africa and Bengaluru in India, along with increasing flight frequencies to other cities across the Indian subcontinent, including Delhi and Hyderabad.

British Airways had suspended much of its service to the region in late February at the start of the broader conflict. In its statement, the company said it continues to closely monitor security and political developments in the Middle East and is working to provide alternatives for passengers affected by schedule changes.

The revised and reduced Middle East schedule is expected to remain in place through the summer travel season, until October 24, 2026, with the possibility of further adjustments after that date.

Israel’s security establishment is preparing for a possible sharp escalation along the northern front in the coming 48 hours, prompting the cancellation of classes in border communities and stricter Home Front Command directives across the region.

According to updated assessments, exchanges of fire with the Hezbollah terror organization are expected to intensify significantly following heavy rocket barrages launched into Israel over Shabbos, as reported by N12. In response to the heightened threat, officials decided to cancel planned school reopenings in communities along the border, where limited in-person learning had been scheduled to resume. Authorities determined that the risk to civilians remains too high.

At the same time, the IDF continues to apply military pressure on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Over the past day, approximately 200 targets were struck across multiple locations in Lebanese territory as part of efforts to degrade the group’s capabilities.

Despite the ongoing operations, the political leadership has so far held off on approving several proposals presented by the military to expand both ground and aerial activity. In addition, reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes in the Beirut area have paused over the past two days, a move seen as potentially allowing space for diplomatic efforts.

The current tensions are unfolding alongside reports of intensive negotiations and mounting international pressure aimed at securing a ceasefire. Officials believe an agreement could be reached as early as Tuesday, though conditions on the ground remain volatile. These diplomatic efforts come as local leaders in northern Israel continue to demand a decisive military outcome against Hezbollah, rejecting temporary arrangements.

Municipal leaders from evacuated and frontline communities have expressed concern that authorities may attempt to present limited achievements—such as the creation of a buffer zone or partial removal of anti-tank and infiltration threats—as sufficient, without addressing long-term recovery. They have also stressed that any agreement must include a comprehensive economic and educational plan to rebuild the region after months of sustained fighting.

Against this backdrop, the Home Front Command issued updated and stricter guidelines for northern communities, reflecting the elevated state of alert. The directives, in effect through Monday evening, impose significant restrictions due to the expectation of heavy rocket fire.

In frontline areas, all educational activities have been suspended entirely. In the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, schooling has been limited and is permitted only within properly protected spaces. The decision to cancel and scale back studies is intended to prevent risk to life during a period when attacks are expected to intensify.

Beyond the education system, new limits have been placed on public gatherings. In border communities, outdoor gatherings are restricted to no more than 10 people, and indoor gatherings to 100. In the bay area, Golan, and Galilee regions, outdoor gatherings are capped between 50 and 100 participants, with somewhat more flexibility indoors.

Officials also clarified that workplaces may remain open only if there is access to an approved protected space that can be reached within the required response time.

A unique and stirring maamad of biur ma’asros was held on the waters off the coast of Jaffa on the eve of Shevi’i shel Pesach, as rabbanim and participants gathered for a special seafaring observance organized by the Institute for Mitzvos HaTeluyos Ba’Aretz.

The annual tradition, conducted during the designated shnas biur, featured a large group boarding a vessel to carry out the mitzvah in the open sea. The event was led by Rav Shneur Zalman Revach, head of the institute, and included the presence of Rishon LeTzion Rav Shlomo Moshe Amar, along with Rav Yisrael Revach, president of Mosdos Mishkan HaTorah; Rav Micha Halevi, Rav of Petach Tikvah; Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Rosh Kollel and Rav of Kehillas Shaarei Rachamim; as well as other rabbanim, morai hora’ah, and public figures, including Elad Mayor Yehuda Butbul, together with a large crowd.

Following the formal chilulim, recitation of “l’shem yichud”, and study of the Rambam in the laws of maaser sheini, thousands of coins designated for maaser—collected from both the main branch in Eretz Yisroel and a branch in the United States—were cast into the depths of the sea in fulfillment of the mitzvah of biur ma’asros as prescribed in the Torah.

After completing the mitzvah, participants returned to shore uplifted, singing songs of geulah and longing, filled with hope that they will soon merit to observe the mitzvah in its full Biblical form once again, bimheirah b’yameinu.

A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily prolonged a halt on a lower court order that had blocked construction of a proposed White House ballroom, while directing the case back to a district court for further clarification.

In a brief, unsigned decision, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit continued an administrative stay of the earlier injunction through April 17. The move gives federal officials time to consider seeking intervention from the Supreme Court and allows the lower court to address unresolved factual questions.

At the center of the legal battle is a plan announced by President Donald Trump in July 2025 to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the East Wing, financed by private contributions.

Court filings indicate that although officials had pledged to account for historic preservation concerns, the East Wing was torn down within days of an October announcement that construction had commenced.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit, arguing that the project proceeded without congressional approval and violated federal statutes.

On March 31, a district court judge sided with the plaintiffs, finding they were likely to prevail and issuing a preliminary injunction stopping further work, except for measures required to ensure the safety and security of the White House.

The federal government challenged that ruling, arguing the injunction could itself create security risks by prolonging vulnerabilities caused by the demolition and ongoing construction.

Officials noted that the site currently includes a large excavation area and planned installations tied to security infrastructure, including protective features and military-related systems.

The appellate panel did not rule on the substance of those arguments, instead highlighting lingering uncertainties about how the injunction aligns with security considerations.

Judges also pointed to contradictions in the government’s earlier statements, including claims that certain underground work could continue regardless of the ballroom’s design.

The panel further questioned whether delaying the project would cause meaningful additional harm, given that completion of the ballroom is not expected until 2028.

Rather than issuing a sweeping stay, the appeals court sent the case back to the district court, instructing it to clarify how its order accounts for security concerns during the appeals process. It also dismissed the government’s broader request for a stay as moot.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Neomi Rao wrote that the administration had shown it had the legal authority to move forward and that delaying construction posed significant security risks, which she said outweigh the plaintiffs’ objections related to preservation and appearance.

The case now returns to the district court for expedited review as the legal fight over the project continues.

Iran has issued a stark warning that it could attack U.S. Navy vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz, signaling through Pakistani intermediaries that ships may be targeted within minutes if they proceed through the critical waterway, raising concerns about the stability of ongoing negotiations.

The threat followed the movement of American warships through the strait for the first time since the conflict began. According to Axios, multiple U.S. naval vessels passed through the channel without prior coordination with Tehran, in what officials described as an effort to uphold freedom of navigation in international waters.

Hours later, the U.S. military confirmed that two of its ships had transited the strait as part of preparations to begin clearing naval mines from the key route used for global oil transport.

Sending the ships through the strait was aimed at “setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command posted on X.

Iranian state-affiliated outlets portrayed the U.S. naval movement as a breach of the ceasefire, adding strain to an already delicate situation as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran get underway in Pakistan. A U.S. official, however, said no direct warning had been received from Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, located along Iran’s southern coastline, remains one of the most strategically vital maritime corridors in the world, with a large portion of global oil shipments passing through it. Although the ceasefire included provisions to reopen the passage, commercial traffic has stayed relatively low, as shipping companies remain wary of potential Iranian retaliation.

A violent and unprovoked attack inside Grand Central Terminal left three elderly victims injured Shabbos morning, after a man wielding a machete slashed commuters before being shot and killed by police, authorities said.

The incident unfolded around 9:50 a.m. on the 4, 5, and 6 subway platform, where an 85-year-old man sustained a severe head wound, a 65-year-old man suffered cuts to his head, and a 70-year-old woman was slashed in the shoulder, according to police.

Images from the scene showed one victim with blood-soaked bandages wrapped around his head, while the attacker was later seen being transported on a stretcher.

Two NYPD detectives working overtime transit security detail responded to the scene and confronted the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin. Officers ordered him repeatedly to drop the weapon.

“From the top of the stairs, they observed the individual on the platform, and they immediately ordered him to drop the knife,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing. “The individual was armed with a large knife described as a machete and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer.”

According to Tisch, Griffin ignored repeated commands from officers.

Griffin refused to comply “with at least 20 orders to drop the knife,” she said.

Police also attempted to calm the situation and offered assistance.

Officers also “attempted to deescalate” and offer assistance, saying “We are going to get you help,” Tisch told reporters.

Despite those efforts, Griffin advanced toward the officers with the weapon raised.

But Griffin advanced toward them with the blade extended, she said.

“One officer discharged his firearm striking the perpetrator twice,” Tisch said.

Emergency responders transported the three victims to area hospitals, where they were listed in stable condition.

Griffin was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.

Police sources noted that Griffin had a prior arrest involving menacing with a sharp object.

The two officers involved in the shooting were also taken to a hospital for treatment of tinnitus following the incident.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the response of law enforcement, writing that he was “grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for preventing additional violence.”

He added that the department would follow standard procedure in reviewing the shooting.

“The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release body-worn camera footage, as it does in all incidents involving the discharge of an officer’s firearm,” he said.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the violence unfolded.

“I was coming from Connecticut when ‘Boom!’ everyone got down on the floor fast,” said Claudio Delgado, 53. “Then the police said, ‘Get outta here! Get outta here fast!’ They said it was somebody with a gun and police were involved too. It’s scary. This is how New York City is now. It’s too much violence in New York City now.”

Another worker at the station recounted seeing the aftermath as emergency crews rushed to treat the suspect.

“I saw them [paramedics], they came up with somebody on the stretcher, and they were pumping his chest,” he said. “It’s crazy. You could be on the platform minding your business, and someone had a machete, it’s scary, scary, scary.”

Jessica Munoz, who works at a nearby bakery, described the fear as people fled the station.

“I was scared, we don’t know what we can do, we just see the people running, and I asked the guy and he said there was a shooting downstairs,” she said. “It’s scary, we didn’t know what we could do. It’s crazy.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tonight, responding to Ankara’s legal action against senior Israeli officials and accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy for failing to respond to Iranian attacks on his own country.

In a post on X, Katz lashed out at Erdogan, claiming the Turkish leader is deflecting attention by targeting Israel instead of addressing security threats closer to home.

“Turkish President Erdoğan, who did not respond to missile fire from Iran into Turkish territory and was revealed as a paper tiger, is fleeing to the realms of antisemitism and declaring field trials in Turkey against Israel’s political and military leadership,” Katz wrote.

He continued by accusing Erdogan of hypocrisy and aligning with hostile elements, stating, “What an absurdity. The Muslim Brotherhood man, who massacred Kurds, is accusing Israel of genocide for defending itself against his Hamas partners.”

Katz concluded with a blunt warning, asserting Israel’s determination to continue its military efforts regardless of outside criticism.

“Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and determination – and he had better sit quietly and shut up.”

Turkish prosecutors have brought sweeping charges against dozens of senior Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, over last year’s naval interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla, seeking severe penalties that include life sentences and thousands of years in cumulative prison terms.

The indictment, submitted over the weekend by the Istanbul public prosecutor’s office, targets 35 high-ranking officials in connection with the seizure of the vessel “Sumud” in October. Authorities are pursuing punishments ranging from life imprisonment to combined sentences exceeding 4,500 years.

Among those listed in the case are Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Navy Commander David Salama. The document also names former IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

Prosecutors argue that stopping the flotilla does not qualify as a lawful security measure and instead amounts to a “deed with serious consequences” under international legal standards.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc described the case as a reflection of Ankara’s legal stance, writing that the indictent was “a tangible expression of the determination of the Turkish judicial system, operating on the basis of international law.” He further stated that Netanyahu and the other defendants would “bear legal responsibility” for what he characterized as serious offenses, including genocide, torture and looting.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued a recorded address tonight, declaring that Israel has already secured major gains in its campaign against Iran, even as a ceasefire remains in place and fighting with Hezbollah continues.

“The campaign is not yet over, but it is already clear that we have achieved historic accomplishments,” Netanyahu said. “I want to remind everyone where we were: Iran tried to encircle Israel in a stranglehold. They sought to choke us, and now we are choking them. They threatened our destruction, and now they are fighting to survive.”

Netanyahu described a series of actions taken under his leadership to counter Iran’s progress, including operations that were not publicly disclosed at the time, emphasizing that Israel took steps others could not see.

“We hit them, [but] we have more to do. I approved all sorts of actions, most of them covert, in order to delay Iran, and we did delay them, but the world didn’t hear it. Many said, ‘It’s not so bad. It wouldn’t even be that terrible if Iran had nuclear weapons.’ I heard those voices not only abroad but also within Israel. And I, as the Prime Minister of Israel, only Jewish state, could not accept that.”

He pointed to a turning point during a major military operation, highlighting what he described as a breakthrough moment when Israeli forces directly struck inside Iran.

“The biggest change was made on the evening of Operation Rising Lion, when I informed you that our daring pilots were flying in Iranian skies and striking targets all across Iran. We were the first to break the barrier of fear and act inside Iran itself.”

Netanyahu reflected on the emotional impact of that moment, noting both his own reaction and what he believed was felt across the country.

“I remember the feeling I had the emotion, the pride, the goosebumps. I know that you all experienced it. But if I had told you a year ago that our pilots would be flying over Iran, who would have believed it?”

He concluded by asserting that Israel’s actions eliminated what he described as an immediate existential threat, saying the country had successfully blocked Iran’s path to nuclear weapons.

“We had to remove two existential threats. Had we not launched these two operations, Iran would already have nuclear bombs. We have prevented that existential danger.”

President Donald Trump said today that the United States has already prevailed, regardless of the outcome of negotiations with Iran, as high-level talks in Islamabad concluded without a deal.

Speaking to reporters while discussions were still underway, Trump projected confidence in the U.S. position, insisting that the outcome of the negotiations would not change what he described as a decisive American advantage.

“We’re going to see what happens. We’re in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless,” Trump said, adding, “We’ve defeated them militarily. They’ve dropped a couple of water mines.”

.@POTUS: "They have no navy. They have no radar. They have no air force. Their leaders are all dead. Khamenei is gone. For many years he ruled; he's gone. With all of that, let's see what happens — but from my standpoint, I don't care." pic.twitter.com/mdOLlNVEiG

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 11, 2026

He went on to detail what he described as the extent of Iran’s military losses, emphasizing that the U.S. holds the upper hand no matter how diplomacy unfolds.

“Let me just tell you, we win, no matter what. We’ve defeated their military, they have no Navy, 158 ships are underwater, undersea, all of their minesweepers and all of their, they call them mine droppers. Can you imagine, a country has 28 mine droppers, you think that’s nice? With all of that being said, they’re all defeated, by the way, they’re all at the bottom of the sea.”

Trump continued by describing what he said was a complete collapse of Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership.

“They have no Navy, they have no radar, they have no air force, their leaders are all dead. Khamenei is gone. For many years, he ruled, he’s gone. With all of that, let’s see what happens, but from my standpoint, I don’t care.”

Addressing reports that China may provide Iran with defensive weaponry, Trump issued a warning to Beijing.

“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems.”

His remarks followed intelligence reports cited by CNN indicating that China could be preparing to transfer shoulder-fired anti-aircraft systems, known as MANPADs, to Iran through intermediaries in an effort to conceal the transaction.

After the talks wrapped up, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that negotiations had ended after nearly a full day without any agreement, placing the responsibility on Tehran for rejecting U.S. terms.

“We’ve been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news,” he said. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

He added, “So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.”

Vance stressed that Washington’s position had been clearly laid out throughout the negotiations and that Iran chose not to accept the terms.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on, and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on. And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” the Vice President said.

Fresh negotiations in Cairo today brought together Hamas representatives, a Gaza-linked figure from the so-called “Peace Council,” and international mediators, as efforts continued to push forward the ceasefire arrangement, according to a senior Arab official cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.

During the discussions, Hamas made clear that it will not move on to any second phase of the agreement until all elements of the initial stage are fully carried out. That includes postponing any conversation about disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian Arab terror groups until those first commitments are met.

The group is also pressing for firm assurances regarding implementation and is calling on mediators to step in and resolve lingering disputes, amid fears that the ongoing impasse could trigger a renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling its weapons infrastructure.

Palestinian Arab political analyst Hossam al-Dajani argued that any meaningful progress must be tied to a broader political framework addressing the wider Palestinian issue, along with international protections for Judea and Samaria, Jerusalem, and Gaza, citing what he described as “daily Israeli violations.”

He added, “It is impossible to agree to the start of the second stage without implementing the first stage, and it is also unacceptable to accept the ‘victory image’ that Netanyahu seeks, which is expressed in the surrender of resistance weapons in exchange only for Gaza’s reconstruction, as this is a proposal that is unacceptable to the Palestinian side.”

Under the terms of the first phase, Israeli forces are expected to pull back to designated positions. However, repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hamas have made such a withdrawal unworkable for now. Israeli officials maintain that removing Hamas’ weapons capabilities would prevent further breaches and allow for meaningful rebuilding efforts in Gaza to proceed.

Four astronauts safely returned to Earth late Friday, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean and completing NASA’s first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit in more than half a century, a mission seen as a major step toward sending humans back to the moon.

After a 10-day voyage that carried them around the moon and back, the Artemis II crew reentered Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds before landing off the coast of San Diego inside NASA’s Orion capsule. The successful return marked the conclusion of a mission that tested critical systems needed for future lunar landings.

“We are back in the business of sending astronauts back to the moon. This is just the beginning,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said from the deck of the USS John P. Murtha, the Navy vessel that served as the recovery ship.

Reflecting on the moment, he added, “I’m honestly still at a loss for words,” and said, “The childhood Jared right now can’t believe what I just saw.”

The capsule splashed down at 8:07 p.m. EDT, following a high-risk descent through Earth’s atmosphere. During reentry, the spacecraft reached speeds approaching 25,000 miles per hour, placing the astronauts among the fastest-traveling humans in history. On board were NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

“What a journey,” Wiseman said as he floated in the Pacific Ocean inside the Orion capsule shortly after landing.

Recovery teams from the U.S. Navy quickly moved in, removing the astronauts from the capsule and transporting them by helicopter to the USS John P. Murtha. From there, they are expected to return to Mission Control in Houston for debriefing and evaluation.

The mission, launched on April 1, sent the crew on a lunar flyby without landing, allowing NASA to test life-support systems, propulsion, and navigation capabilities in deep space. Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program to travel beyond Earth orbit, and its success is expected to pave the way for a planned moon landing later this decade.

With the mission now complete, attention is already turning to Artemis III, which NASA hopes will land astronauts on the lunar surface as early as 2028.

Following the successful splashdown, NASA officials expressed enthusiasm about what lies ahead and emphasized the significance of the mission’s achievements.

“It’s good to be NASA, it’s good to be an American today,” said Shawn Quinn at a post-mission news conference.

Lori Glaze, a senior NASA official overseeing exploration systems development, highlighted the broader impact of the mission, saying, “Welcome to our moonshot,” and adding, “NASA has shown that ambitious goals are worth pursuing and can inspire the world.”

Rick Henfling, the Artemis II entry flight director, pointed to key metrics that underscored the mission’s precision and success.

“Integrity and her crew of four astronauts flew 700,237 miles,” he said. “We reached a peak velocity of 24,664 miles per hour. We hit our flight path angle target within .4 percent. We flew an entry range of 1,957 miles and we landed within less than a mile of our target. What a tremendous day.”

He also described the tense moments surrounding reentry, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous phases of the mission.

“We all breathed a sigh of relief once the side hatch opened up,” he said. “We turned around to the families and waved to the families and gave them a thumbs up.”

NASA leadership framed the mission as the beginning of a new era in space exploration, with a long-term goal of sustained human presence beyond Earth.

“Fifty three years ago humanity left the moon,” said Amit Kshatriya. “This time we return to stay. Let us finish what they started. Let us focus on what was left undone. Let us not go to plant flags and leave but to stay with firmness in our purpose.”

Howard Hu, Orion program manager, said the agency will now study the mission’s data closely as it prepares for future flights.

“This is the start of a new era of human space.”

President Donald Trump outlined his expectations on Friday ahead of planned negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad, making clear that Washington’s primary demand remains preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking to reporters before the talks, Trump was asked whether the upcoming meeting would be a one-time effort or the beginning of a longer diplomatic process. He indicated that the outcome would determine the path forward.

“I have to see what happens tomorrow. They’ve been talking for 47 years with other Presidents – and we’re not doing much talking.”

When pressed on what he would consider a successful agreement, Trump emphasized a single overriding objective.

“No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change – we never had that as a criteria. No nuclear weapon – that is 99% of it,” he said.

Reporter: What does a good deal look like for you?

Trump: No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change—we never had that as a criteria.

No nuclear weapon—that is 99% of it. pic.twitter.com/IGp4Qvvqvw

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 10, 2026

Trump also addressed the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran since the escalation in hostilities. He expressed optimism that the key shipping route would soon reopen, adding that other nations are working toward that outcome.

Earlier Friday, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations, according to Iranian media outlets.

Reports indicated that Tehran is conditioning the start of talks on Washington agreeing to certain demands.

Ghalibaf previously identified two requirements that he said “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad.

In a social media statement, he asserted that both points had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they were “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented.”

Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the talks.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added that any attempt at deception would be met with a firm response.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

{Matzav.com}

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israel on Friday, condemning its recently approved Death Penalty for Terrorists Bill and escalating his rhetoric against the Jewish state.

Speaking through remarks cited by Anadolu, Erdogan argued that the legislation is “essentially no different from Hitler’s policies against Jews,” drawing a comparison that has intensified already strained tensions.

He went on to accuse Israel of discriminatory practices, stating, “What is being done is discrimination, it is racism, it means implementing in Israel a worse version of the apartheid regime that was overthrown in South Africa in 1994,” the Turkish President charged.

Erdogan further claimed that applying capital punishment specifically to Palestinian Arabs reflects systemic injustice, asserting that it constitutes “apartheid’ and turns law into an “instrument of racist fascism.”

In recent years, Erdogan has emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken critics and has openly expressed support for the Hamas terrorist organization, despite a brief period in which Ankara and Jerusalem appeared close to restoring ties prior to the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault.

His criticism of Israel has been consistent, including remarks last March when he denounced the country as a “terror state” following Israeli strikes on terror targets in Gaza.

Later in the year, Erdogan escalated his accusations, contending that the government led by Bibi Netanyahu poses the greatest threat to stability in the Middle East.

In April 2024, Erdogan hosted then-Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul. Haniyeh was later eliminated by Israel.

Following that meeting, Erdogan stressed the importance of unity among Palestinian Arabs, saying it was “vital” and adding, “The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity.”

In the weeks that followed, Erdogan highlighted that more than 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical care in Turkish hospitals and also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization.

{Matzav.com}

A senior Iranian delegation touched down in Islamabad on Friday for anticipated negotiations with the United States, with both sides signaling that discussions hinge on key conditions and mutual trust.

According to Iranian reports, the team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and formal talks are expected to proceed only if Washington agrees to Tehran’s stated prerequisites.

Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a high-level Iranian delegation in Islamabad led by parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. pic.twitter.com/qH2oSBT1jt

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 10, 2026

Prior to the trip, Ghalibaf outlined two conditions that he said must be addressed before any dialogue can move forward. He said that “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets held abroad.

In a social media message, he asserted that both steps had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they had been “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented”.

On the American side, Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the process.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added a warning that any lack of sincerity would be met with resistance from the U.S. team.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive”.

At the same time, American and Israeli officials have pushed back on Tehran’s assertions regarding Lebanon, making clear that any ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran does not extend to that front.

President Donald Trump said Friday that American naval forces are being restocked with advanced weaponry as a precaution in case negotiations with Iran collapse, signaling readiness to resume military action if diplomacy fails.

In remarks to The New York Post, Trump indicated that the United States is preparing for all outcomes as senior officials head to Pakistan for critical talks aimed at solidifying a lasting agreement following a temporary cease-fire reached earlier this week.

The comments came shortly after Vice President JD Vance departed aboard Air Force Two for Islamabad. He is expected to meet with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who will join him in efforts to secure a permanent resolution after the two-week pause in hostilities.

“We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” Trump said in a phone interview when asked if he thought the talks would be successful.

Trump emphasized that military preparations are already underway in the event the negotiations fall apart.

“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously, and we blew them apart,” he said.

He continued by underscoring the scale of the buildup and its intended purpose.

“But we’re loading up the ships. We’re loading up the ships with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we used to do a complete decimation.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

Iran’s delegation in Islamabad is expected to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, both of whom have previously insisted that Tehran maintains a fundamental right to uranium enrichment.

Trump voiced skepticism about Iran’s reliability in negotiations, suggesting inconsistencies between private assurances and public statements.

“You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” Trump told The Post.

“To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So we’ll find out.”

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett expressed cautious optimism about the diplomatic effort, noting that senior officials are leading the charge while contingency plans remain in place.

“We’re very, very hopeful” about the negotiations.

“We’ve got the A team going to Pakistan to negotiate with the Iranians. And we also have backup plans if necessary,” he said.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane also weighed in, stating that the U.S. military is fully capable of securing vital waterways if tensions escalate, and that Trump is unlikely to accept any agreement he views as insufficient.

“I know our forces can open up that Strait and protect the ships going through it,” Keane told Fox News. “People are hand-wringing about a drone here and a missile there … They don’t understand the plan and the details of the plan.

“The United States military can secure defined space that’s moving through the straits — put an absolute air cap and air bubble around all of that and make certain that anything that tries to penetrate it is going to be defeated.”

Negotiators are expected to focus heavily on U.S. demands that Iran surrender roughly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium stored in fortified locations and fully restore access to the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.

Trump has repeatedly stressed that reopening the strategic waterway without restriction is essential for any agreement, particularly as maritime traffic has dwindled following recent U.S. strikes.

Additional issues on the table include halting Iran’s backing of regional proxy groups, addressing its ballistic missile capabilities, and Tehran’s push for relief from American sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Eliot Engel, who represented parts of the Bronx and Westchester in Congress for more than three decades, has passed away on April 10 at the age of 79. No immediate cause of death was released.

Born on February 18, 1947, in the Bronx, Engel built a lengthy career in public service that spanned local and national government.

He was educated in the New York City public school system before continuing his studies at Herbert H. Lehman College and later earning a law degree from New York Law School. Engel began his political career in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1977 until 1988. That year, he won election to Congress, where he remained from 1989 through 2021. His time in Washington came to an end after he was defeated in a Democratic primary by Jamaal Bowman, who went on to win the seat representing New York’s 16th Congressional District.

Throughout his career, Engel was known as a vocal liberal figure both in Washington and in his district, frequently appearing at events in Westchester tied to progressive causes. At the same time, he stood out as one of the most reliably pro-Israel members of Congress.

Current Representative George Latimer, who now holds the seat Engel once occupied, reflected on his legacy, saying, “Eliot Engel devoted his lifetime to public service – as a teacher and as an elected official in Albany and Washington D.C. His legacy consists of hard work on issues and kindness to all. His work in helping bring peace to the Balkans in the 1990s was a major accomplishment, among many others. We mourn with his family, and extend to them our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins also expressed sorrow at Engel’s passing, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a tireless public servant who devoted more than three decades to representing the people of New York.

“Throughout his career, Congressman Engel was a fierce advocate for his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx. He was a champion of human rights and as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he helped shape U.S. policy on the global stage while never losing sight of the needs of the communities he represented at home.

“His legacy is one of commitment, conviction and service. He understood that public office is a responsibility to speak up, to stand firm and to deliver for the people who entrusted him with their voice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact will be felt for generations.”

Representative Ritchie Torres honored Engel’s influence, calling him “a giant of New York politics and one of the greatest champions the Bronx has ever had in Congress. He served for more than three decades with unyielding dedication, fighting for his constituents and standing up for democracy around the world. He was a trailblazer for the Bronx in Washington, and a fierce advocate for Kosovo and the Albanian community at a time when few others were paying attention.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James noted his long commitment to public service, saying, “For over three decades, Congressman Eliot Engel dedicated himself to serving New Yorkers in Westchester and the Bronx, and New York is grateful for his service to our state. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.”

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted Engel’s roots and dedication, stating, “The son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Eliot Engel brought the best of the Bronx to Congress. I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served. I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts today.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reflected on Engel’s impact both locally and globally, recalling, “Even as he took on the weight of global challenges he carried the Bronx and Westchester with him. From building Mitchell Lama affordable housing to expanding health care coverage, to improving maternity care, to fighting for sensible gun control laws, he leaves behind a rich legacy of advocacy and impact.”

Heavy rocket fire in northern Israel caused significant damage in Tzfas and Dir al-Asad on Friday, with a direct strike hitting a chareidi neighborhood and another impacting a school building, while multiple people were treated for shock.

Sirens sounded in Tzfas and across other northern areas as rockets were launched, some intercepted and others landing in open areas. No physical injuries were immediately reported.

Fire and rescue teams from the Galil-Golan station were dispatched to a strike site in Tzfas, where a direct hit caused extensive damage to several vehicles in a chareidi neighborhood. Firefighters are conducting thorough searches in the area to ensure no one is trapped and are working to eliminate hazards and disconnect energy sources.

The incident commander, Lahav Amal Batash, said: “Firefighters are operating at the scene to disconnect energy sources and carry out searches for casualties among the damaged vehicles, in order to rule out anyone trapped.”

Israel Fire and Rescue Services reiterated their call for the public to follow Home Front Command instructions, avoid approaching impact sites, and remain in protected areas.

In a separate strike, a school in Dir al-Asad in the Galil was hit during the barrage from Lebanon. Magen David Adom teams were sent to the location after reports of damage to the building, shortly before additional sirens were heard in Misgav Am and Metula.

The Al-Ain School in Dir al-Asad sustained a direct hit from the rocket fire. “If there had been students and teachers there, it would have ended in a major disaster,” residents told Ynet. “We are tired of the war, civilians are paying the price. The danger continues and at any moment we can be hit again and again.”

Eight individuals suffering from shock were brought to the Galilee Medical Center from Dir al-Asad and Bi’ina following the incident. Their condition was described as light, and they are undergoing evaluation in the emergency department.

Police said they received reports of fallen munitions in the Upper Galilee region. Damage was caused at the scene, though no injuries have been confirmed at this stage. Officers from the Northern District, Border Police units, and bomb disposal experts are working to secure the area and remove any additional threats. “We call on the public to remain alert and follow instructions, not to approach rocket impact sites or areas of destruction, not to touch interception debris, and to allow police and rescue forces to carry out life-saving operations.”

{Matzav.com}

A bus carrying passengers collided with a safety barrier on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange, leaving 17 people injured, all reported to be in light condition.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the accident.

According to Magen David Adom, a call was received at 4:15 p.m. at its 101 emergency dispatch center in the Sharon region reporting that a bus full of passengers had crashed into a guardrail and was leaning onto its side on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange in the southbound direction. The initial report indicated 17 individuals were injured lightly.

MDA medics and paramedics provided treatment at the scene and transported all 17 injured passengers to hospitals for further care, with eight taken to Meir Medical Center and nine to Laniado Hospital.

MDA emergency medical technician Yechiel Yaroslavsky and paramedic Hadass Amir described the scene: “We arrived at the scene of the accident and saw a bus that had collided with a safety barrier. Its front section was crushed and it was leaning onto its side. The passengers were evacuated through the windows, were walking around the scene, and were in light condition. We conducted medical assessments and transported them to Meir and Laniado hospitals for further examination and treatment.”

United Hatzalah’s Central District also responded to the scene, providing initial medical assistance following what was described as a self-involved accident in which the bus struck a guardrail on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange. Initial reports from responders indicated 17 individuals were lightly injured.

Naftali David, head of the Netanya branch of United Hatzalah, said: “This was a self-involved accident in which a bus collided with the guardrail. We provided initial assistance to 17 injured individuals in light condition, after which they were transported to hospitals for continued medical care.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has reportedly pressed Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to limit Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and shift toward diplomatic engagement, according to a report.

CNN, citing a U.S. official and another source familiar with the matter, reported that the conversation took place on April 8. During the discussion, Trump encouraged Netanyahu to reduce the intensity of Israeli strikes in Lebanon and instead pursue negotiations with the Lebanese government aimed at addressing the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization.

It is not clear whether Netanyahu agreed to the proposal or merely took note of it.

An Israeli official quoted in the report indicated that a ceasefire is not currently being considered, emphasizing that any diplomatic track would move forward “under fire.”

At the same time, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued, including strikes carried out on Thursday. Residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs were instructed to evacuate ahead of expected military action.

Israel’s latest strikes have drawn criticism from several European nations, with reports indicating that the operations have caused civilian injuries and casualties.

Separately, signals from Iran suggest it may reevaluate its understandings with the United States if Israeli attacks in Lebanon persist.

A federal immigration appeals panel has issued a final removal order against Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel protest figure and Columbia University graduate, moving forward the Trump administration’s effort to deport him, according to his attorneys.

The Justice Department’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) on Thursday rejected Khalil’s request to throw out the proceedings, a decision that marks a major step in the government’s attempt to remove him from the United States.

Khalil, 31, a lawful permanent resident, has become a central figure in a wider federal effort targeting noncitizens involved in anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses connected to the Gaza conflict. His arrest was the first publicly known case tied to that broader initiative.

His legal team strongly criticized the ruling, calling it “baseless and politically motivated,” and maintaining that the government is punishing him for his speech without sufficient evidence.

“In all my decades as an immigration lawyer, I have never seen such a baseless and politically motivated decision,” Khalil’s lead attorney, Marc Van Der Hout, said in a statement issued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “The BIA’s decision has absolutely no support in the record, violates a federal court order, and we’ll be fighting it until the end.”

Officials in the Trump administration have contended that Khalil’s protest activities were “aligned with Hamas,” a position cited by the Department of Homeland Security and other authorities, though they have not publicly outlined detailed proof connecting him to the terrorist organization.

Khalil has rejected claims of antisemitism. Authorities have also relied on a little-used foreign policy provision in immigration law, sometimes referred to as a “Rubio determination,” as well as alleged discrepancies related to his green card application.

Despite the appeals board’s decision, Khalil’s attorneys argue that he cannot be deported while a separate federal habeas case continues to be litigated.

A federal judge in New Jersey had earlier ruled that the government’s basis for holding Khalil was likely unconstitutional and ordered that he be released.

Following his arrest, Khalil spent 104 days in immigration custody, during which time he missed the birth of his first child before being freed under the New Jersey court order.

He later encountered a setback when a U.S. appeals court panel determined that the New Jersey judge exceeded his authority by ordering his release. In a 2-1 ruling, the panel said the case must proceed through immigration court channels before being reviewed in federal court.

His legal team is now asking the full appellate court to revisit that decision and has requested that one of the judges recuse himself due to his previous role in the Justice Department involving investigations of student demonstrators.

Khalil has continued to deny any wrongdoing, describing the case as an effort to silence his views.

“I am not surprised by this decision from the biased and politically motivated Board of Immigration Appeals. I have committed no crime. I have broken no law. The only thing I am guilty of is speaking out against the genocide in Palestine — and this administration has weaponized the immigration system to punish me for it,” Khalil said in a statement released by the ACLU.

“My family is here. My life is here. I reject any attempt to intimidate me out of my home based on lies and ideological attacks,” he said. “This is not justice. This is just another attempt to retaliate against me.”

Khalil, who helped organize anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024 and is now facing deportation efforts by the Trump administration, was first taken into custody in 2025 at his university-affiliated apartment in New York City.

At the time of his arrest, Homeland Security Investigations, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, informed him that his green card was being revoked, according to his attorney, Amy Greer. He was later transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana.

He was a leading figure in protests against Israel that shook Columbia University in 2024 and represented Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition urging the school to cut financial ties with Israel, in discussions with university officials. He completed his master’s degree requirements at Columbia later that year.

Born in Syria, Khalil is the grandson of Palestinians who were displaced from their homeland, according to court filings. His wife, an American citizen, gave birth to their child while he remained in detention.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously defended the administration’s actions following Khalil’s March arrest, alleging that he distributed pro-Hamas propaganda materials on campus.

“This administration is not going to tolerate individuals having the privilege of studying in our country and then siding with pro-terrorist organizations that have killed Americans,” Leavitt told reporters at a White House press briefing at the time, noting that on her desk were the “pro-Hamas propaganda fliers with the logo of Hamas” on them that Khalil allegedly was distributing.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for siding with terrorists, period,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States is preparing for the possibility of renewed military action against Iran, as high-stakes negotiations get underway in Pakistan following a temporary ceasefire.

In remarks to The New York Post, Trump indicated that U.S. naval forces are being equipped with advanced weaponry in case diplomatic efforts collapse. The comments came shortly after Vice President JD Vance departed aboard Air Force Two for Islamabad, where he is set to join special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in an attempt to broker a lasting agreement after the two-week pause in fighting announced earlier in the week.

“We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” Trump told The Post in a phone interview when asked if he thought the talks would be successful.

He underscored that the U.S. is preparing for all outcomes. “We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made – even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” he said.

Trump reiterated the point, emphasizing the scale of the military preparations underway. “But we’re loading up the ships. We’re loading up the ships with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we used to do a complete decimation.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively,” he stated.

Iran is expected to send Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the talks in Islamabad, along with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Araghchi had previously maintained, even before the recent conflict, that Iran holds an unassailable right to continue enriching uranium.

Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s intentions. “You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” Trump told The Post.

He continued, questioning the consistency of Tehran’s messaging. “To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So we’ll find out.”

Later, Trump posted additional comments on his Truth Social platform, criticizing Iran’s messaging strategy. “The Iranians are better at handling the Fake News Media, and ‘Public Relations,’ than they are at fighting!”

In a follow-up post, he added, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

Negotiators are expected to focus on several core issues, including Washington’s demand that Iran relinquish roughly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium believed to be stored deep underground, as well as ensuring continued access through the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. Trump has made clear that reopening the waterway is a central condition for any long-term ceasefire.

Additional topics likely to be addressed include Iran’s backing of regional proxy groups, the future of its ballistic missile program, and Tehran’s push for relief from U.S. economic sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Israel has moved to exclude Spain from participating in a key coordination hub tied to President Donald Trump’s regional initiative, citing what it describes as persistent hostility from Madrid toward Israeli policy and interests.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made the decision on Friday in consultation with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, determining that Spain will no longer be allowed to take part in the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) located in Kiryat Gat, a body established within President Trump’s peace framework.

In a statement explaining the move, the Foreign Ministry said the step was taken due to “the anti-Israel obsession of Prime Minister Sánchez’s government and its serious harm to Israeli (and also American) interests, including during the war against Iran.”

Sa’ar elaborated on the government’s position, stating: “The Sánchez government’s anti-Israel bias is so egregious that it has lost all capability to serve as a constructive actor in implementing President Trump’s peace plan and in the CMCC operating under that plan.”

Spanish officials have already been formally informed of the decision.

Washington was also notified ahead of time about Israel’s intention to remove Spain from the coordination mechanism.

Later in the day, Netanyahu addressed the issue directly, saying: “Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has defamed our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world.”

He continued by announcing concrete action: “Therefore, I have instructed today to remove Spain’s representatives from the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, after Spain has chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel. Those who attack the State of Israel instead of terrorist regimes will not be our partners regarding the future of the region.”

Netanyahu added a sharp warning: “I am not willing to tolerate this hypocrisy and hostility. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.”

The backdrop to the decision is a growing confrontation between Israel and Spain in recent weeks, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a leading role among European leaders criticizing Israel’s actions and the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign targeting Iran. Sánchez has repeatedly labeled the campaign unlawful and cautioned that it could further inflame tensions across the Middle East, urging a diplomatic route rather than continued military operations.

Madrid has backed up its rhetoric with policy steps, declining to permit U.S. forces to utilize Spanish bases for operations connected to strikes on Iran and scaling back cooperation tied to the conflict. According to reports, Spain has also limited the use of its airspace for aircraft involved in such missions.

At the same time, Sánchez has voiced strong opposition to Israel’s broader military activity, including operations in Lebanon, warning that they could result in destruction on a scale similar to Gaza. Spanish officials, however, have pushed back against Israeli claims that their stance aligns them with Iran, maintaining that their position is rooted in opposition to escalation and a commitment to international law.

A tragic incident unfolded Friday at Tzanz Beach in Netanya when two brothers were caught in the water, leaving one in critical condition and the other unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching.

ZAKA’s diving unit was called in to aid efforts to locate the missing teen, as emergency crews intensified their operations along the shoreline and surrounding waters.

Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated the brother who had been pulled from the sea after he was found unresponsive. He was transported to Laniado Hospital in Netanya while undergoing ongoing life-saving measures.

Senior MDA medic Yosef Friedman described the scene, explaining that emergency personnel reached the beach using a specialized off-road ambulance and discovered the victim lying on the sand after being removed from the water, unconscious and without vital signs. “We began advanced resuscitation efforts and continued CPR during evacuation to the hospital,” he said.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what led to the brothers being swept into danger, even as search teams remain focused on finding the missing sibling.

The incident follows another recent drowning tragedy, in which a 48-year-old father lost his life in the Jordan River after trying to save his 9-year-old son, who had been carried off by powerful currents. Rescue personnel later declared the father deceased, while the child was taken to Ziv Hospital in Tzefas in light condition.

The Artemis II mission was set to conclude Friday with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, bringing to a close humanity’s first crewed journey to the moon in more than half a century.

Inside Mission Control, tension steadily increased as the spacecraft carrying four astronauts drew closer to Earth. Engineers and flight teams focused intently on the capsule’s heat shield, a critical component designed to endure extreme temperatures during reentry. During a previous uncrewed test in 2022, the shield returned heavily scarred, raising heightened attention for this mission.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen approached Earth traveling at roughly Mach 32, a speed not experienced since the Apollo era. Their Orion capsule, named Integrity, was designed to operate autonomously, with the crew prepared to intervene only in the event of an emergency.

As the spacecraft entered its final phase, mission leaders braced for the most nerve-wracking moments of the descent, including a communications blackout lasting several minutes before parachutes were expected to deploy. Lead flight director Jeff Radigan acknowledged the anxiety surrounding that period, saying he expected some of that “irrational fear that is human nature.” Recovery teams, including the USS John P. Murtha and supporting aircraft, stood ready to retrieve the astronauts upon landing.

The return marked the first collaboration between NASA and the U.S. military for a lunar crew recovery since Apollo 17 in 1972. The capsule was expected to reenter at speeds exceeding 23,000 miles per hour before slowing dramatically to a controlled splashdown.

Since launching from Florida on April 1, the crew had successfully completed a series of milestones, demonstrating key capabilities for NASA’s renewed lunar program aimed at eventually establishing a sustained presence on the moon.

Although Artemis II did not land on the lunar surface or enter orbit, it surpassed previous records, traveling farther from Earth than any human mission before it. At its peak, the crew reached a distance of 252,756 miles. During one of the mission’s most emotional moments, the astronauts requested permission to name two lunar craters in honor of their spacecraft and Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll.

The mission also provided rare and stunning views of the moon’s far side, along with a total solar eclipse visible from space. Reflecting on the experience, Glover said the eclipse “just blew all of us away.”

Images captured during the mission captivated audiences worldwide, including a view of Earth setting behind the lunar horizon, echoing the iconic Earthrise image from Apollo 8. The crew’s reflections and discoveries reignited global fascination with space exploration.

“It just makes you want to continue to go back,” Radigan said on the eve of splashdown. “It’s the first of many trips and we just need to continue on because there’s so much” more to learn about the moon.

The mission drew attention and praise from global leaders and public figures, including President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Britain’s King Charles III, and prominent actors such as Ryan Gosling, Scarlett Johansson, and William Shatner.

Despite its successes, the nearly 10-day journey encountered several technical challenges. Issues arose with the spacecraft’s water and propulsion systems, and a malfunctioning toilet forced the crew to rely on backup methods for much of the flight.

The astronauts downplayed the difficulties, emphasizing the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks. “We can’t explore deeper unless we are doing a few things that are inconvenient,” Koch said, “unless we’re making a few sacrifices, unless we’re taking a few risks, and those things are all worth it.”

Hansen echoed that sentiment, noting, “You do a lot of testing on the ground, but your final test is when you get this hardware to space and it’s a doozy.”

Looking ahead, NASA’s Artemis program will continue to build on this mission. Artemis III is expected to involve docking exercises in Earth orbit, while Artemis IV aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole by 2028.

For Wiseman and his crew, the mission carried a deeper purpose beyond its technical achievements. “But we really hoped in our soul is that we could for just for a moment have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet and a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have been gifted,” he said.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Chanoch Friedman zt”l, a distinguished talmid chochom and marbitz Torah who served as Rosh Kollel and Av Beis Din of Kollel Bais Yechiel in Har Nof.

Rav Friedman devoted his life to harbotzas haTorah and psak halacha, guiding talmidim with clarity, depth, and unwavering dedication to the truth of Torah. In his role at Beis Yechiel, he helped shape a generation of bnei Torah, instilling in them a love for learning and a commitment to living lives guided by halacha. As Av Beis Din, he was sought after for his wisdom and fairness, adjudicating matters with sensitivity and precision.

Rav Friedman grew up in Chicago, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Friedman, and later learned at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood under Rav Aharon Kotler, becoming the youngest talmid in the yeshiva and learning b’chavrusa with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, today the rosh yeshiva of Slabodka.

Rav Friedman was widely known as an extraordinary masmid who would complete Shas every single year, marking the siyum during hakafos shniyos in his Bais Medrash, Bais Yechiel, in Har Nof. His completion of Shas followed the structured learning schedule he maintained in his personal time. In addition to his regular learning in Bavli, Yerushalmi, and Shishah Sidrei Mishnah, he served as a rosh kollel and would learn b’iyun each morning with the kollel yungeleit, delivering deep, analytical shiurim on the sugyos being studied. He also maintained a daily shiur in Shulchan Aruch, had a long-standing chavrusa spanning decades, and still managed to complete Shas Bavli, Shas Yerushalmi, and all six sedarim of Mishnah.

In the drashah he would deliver at his siyum, he would say: “גם אתם יכולים.” He would quote the Chofetz Chaim in his sefer Toras HaBayis, where he writes that when a person accepts upon himself a genuine commitment, with a firm resolve to carry it out no matter what, he merits special siyata d’Shmaya.

He recently said, “I see it in my own life. Over the past year, there were several times when it seemed that, according to the natural order, there was no way I would be able to keep up with my daily learning goals. But I began to learn, and from Shamayim they took care of me and granted me special siyata d’Shmaya, which enabled me to fulfill the commitment I had taken upon myself.”

Those who knew him describe a figure of quiet greatness, whose anavah matched his scholarship. He carried himself with dignity and warmth, offering guidance and encouragement to all who turned to him. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the kollel, reaching mishpachos and communities both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad.

Rav Friedman was the brother of Rav Avraham Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva Emeritus of Hebrew Theological College, as well as Mrs. Debbie Greenspan.

The levaya will take place today, Erev Shabbos, Friday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Adas Yeshurun, located at 3050 West Touhy Avenue in Chicago, and on Sunday, at 10 a.m., at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood. From there, arrangements will be made for kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris indicated Friday that she is considering another run for the White House in 2028, telling attendees at a major civil rights gathering that the idea is very much on her mind.

Speaking at the 2026 National Action Network Convention, Harris responded to a question from Rev. Al Sharpton about her future political plans by saying, “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking about it.” Harris previously served as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race.

Her remarks come as speculation intensifies regarding her next steps following the release of her campaign memoir in late 2025 and a nationwide tour promoting the book.

Harris is also expected to participate in a series of Democratic Party events across four Southern states later this month, according to prior reports.

Although she told CBS host Stephen Colbert in August 2025 that she did not “want to go back in the system,” Harris later suggested she had not closed the door on future ambitions, telling the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “I am not done.”

At Friday’s event, Harris was met with enthusiastic support from the audience, with chants of “run again” breaking out and briefly interrupting her speech.

“I am thinking about (running again) but let me also say this. I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” Harris said. “I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office, in the Situation Room. I know what the job is. And I know what it requires.”

As she weighs a potential third presidential bid, Harris outlined what she described as urgent national priorities, noting dissatisfaction among many Americans.

“I’ve been traveling the country the last year, I’ve been spent a lot of time in the south and many other places. And the one thing I’m really clear about also, is the status quo is not working, and hasn’t been working for a lot of people for a long time,” the former nominee said.

Vice President JD Vance departed Friday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran, cautioning Tehran against attempting to manipulate the United States as efforts intensify to bring the ongoing war to a close.

President Donald Trump has assigned Vance—who has often expressed reservations about the conflict—to spearhead the diplomatic push aimed at ending the six-week war and avoiding the realization of Trump’s stark warning about destroying Iran’s “whole civilization.”

Known for his skepticism toward prolonged foreign military involvement, Vance is now leading mediated discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of a renewed diplomatic effort.

As he boarded Air Force Two en route to Pakistan, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling reporters, “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see.”

Referencing Trump’s position, he added, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.” At the same time, he issued a warning: “If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Vance said the president had provided “pretty clear guidelines” for the talks, though he declined to offer specifics and did not take further questions from reporters traveling with him.

His trip comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly unstable, with deep disagreements between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance over key terms. Domestically, Vance also faces growing political and economic pressure to help bring the conflict to an end.

Joining him in the negotiations are Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in earlier rounds of indirect discussions with Iranian representatives before the war began on February 28. Those talks focused on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its backing of regional proxy forces.

The White House has offered few details about how the upcoming negotiations will be structured, including whether they will involve direct engagement or continue through intermediaries, and has not outlined clear expectations.

Still, Vance’s presence marks a rare instance of senior U.S. officials engaging directly at a high level with Iranian counterparts, something largely absent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The last comparable contact occurred in 2013, when President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Tensions over the ceasefire emerged almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday evening, with conflicting interpretations of its scope.

Iran has maintained that halting Israeli military activity in Lebanon was part of the agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump both stated that Lebanon was not included, and Israeli operations there have continued.

At the same time, Washington has insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had shut down in response to intensified Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump voiced frustration Thursday over Iran’s handling of shipping traffic, saying the country was “doing a very poor job” and posting online, “That is not the agreement we have!”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions,” adding that Trump remains hopeful a lasting agreement can be reached during the two-week ceasefire.

“President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” Kelly said.

The negotiations represent a significant test for Vance, who until recently played a quieter role within the administration as other senior figures took more visible advisory positions.

However, his responsibilities have expanded rapidly—from tackling domestic issues like government fraud to now taking a leading role in resolving a complex international conflict.

Despite his military service in Iraq as a Marine and his time in the Senate representing Ohio, Vance has relatively limited diplomatic experience.

Addressing speculation earlier in the week that Iran had requested his involvement, Vance dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference.”

Analysts say his selection could be strategic. Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Vance’s skepticism toward foreign interventions might appeal to Iranian negotiators.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said of the Iranians. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has rejected suggestions that Iran specifically sought Vance’s participation, framing such claims as potentially harmful to the negotiation process.

While officials have confirmed that Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner will attend, Kelly said personnel from the National Security Council, State Department, and Pentagon will also “play a supportive role.”

Earlier rounds of talks drew criticism from Democrats and nuclear policy experts, who questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The administration has not clarified whether nuclear specialists were involved.

Experts note that vice presidents have occasionally been tasked with significant diplomatic missions, but rarely in circumstances involving active wartime negotiations.

Joel Goldstein, a law professor at Saint Louis University who studies the vice presidency, said, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Vance, along with Rubio, is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though neither has publicly committed to a run.

According to a source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is focused on the immediate diplomatic mission rather than any future political considerations.

Still, his visible role in the negotiations could carry long-term implications. As Goldstein noted, “The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him.”

At the same time, he added, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri delivered a sharp critique of Israel’s legal system and political opposition during a radio interview, addressing the ongoing draft crisis and expressing anguish over the arrests of yeshiva students, while insisting that the Olam HaTorah continues to grow despite mounting pressure.

In remarks during the “Central Edition” program on Kol Chai, Deri focused heavily on what he described as a campaign against the Torah world. He pointed to the arrests of bnei yeshiva and financial threats to institutions, but emphasized that these challenges have not weakened the strength of Torah learning. “Olam HaTorah does not live off their kindness,” he said. “They can shut off the funding, they can threaten arrests — Olam HaTorah flourishes. The more they oppress it, the more it grows and expands.”

At the same time, Deri made clear his deep frustration with the current legal and political climate, particularly over images of yeshiva students being detained. “It is a terrible pain to see a picture of a ben Torah, one of the finest of our sons, being arrested because he learned Torah, and for no other reason,” he said. “This is a terrible accusation against Am Yisrael at a time when we need the greatest miracles.” Addressing the proposed draft law, Deri said the coalition is prepared to advance legislation in the summer session, but stressed that the final decision rests with Gedolei Yisrael. “It now depends only on the guidance and decision of Gedolei Yisrael.”

Deri also launched a direct attack on the attorney general and the Supreme Court, criticizing what he described as their conduct and priorities. He pointed specifically to a recent decision to convene on Shabbos. “When you see a court that convenes on Shabbat over what they claim is their own pikuach nefesh, in order to permit a protest against the Home Front Command — who do you rely on? Who do you trust?” He added, “The attorney general will not protect us,” and argued that the legal system is driven by clear political considerations.

When asked about Shas’s continued alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Deri dismissed the idea of alternative political partnerships. “There are not two sides here,” he said. “Do you see yourself partnering with Yair Golan and everything he represents? Can you sit with Bennett when his first step would be to cancel laws for the sake of Judaism?” He said that Israel’s traditional community understands what is at stake. “Anyone who kisses a Sefer Torah with simple faith understands what talmidei chachamim are. They know that all the incitement in the media is political.”

Deri concluded by reaffirming his belief that Torah learning is the foundation of protection for the Jewish people, even in times of war. “Can we, the small ones, stand alone against all these challenges? When the President of the United States stands with you, is it not because of our Torah?” He ended with a note of certainty despite ongoing threats and sanctions. “The Torah will not be forgotten from Am Yisrael. No one can take it away from us.”

A heavy cloud of mourning has descended upon the city of Ashdod following the petirah of Rav Avrohom Altman zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, who was niftar at the age of 94.

In recent days, his condition had weakened, though over Pesach he was still able to daven in his bais medrash as usual. On Thursday, he suddenly collapsed at his home in Ashdod, and despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, he was niftar.

The levayah was held at Ateres Tzvi on Rechov HaAdmor MiGur in Ashdod’s District Zayin, and proceeded to Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim, where he wa slaid to rest.

Rav Altman zt”l was born in Argentina on the 9th of Shevat 5692 to his father, Reb Chaim Altman zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Sheindel a”h.

During his youth in Argentina, he learned under Rav Tzvi Zeidel Semiaticky zt”l of Yeshivas Toras Emes in London, who would travel to Argentina as part of his efforts to strengthen Torah learning worldwide.

After going to Eretz Yisroel in the 1970s, he settled in Ashdod, where he established a mesivta for young talmidim. Over time, he founded Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, initially for bochurim of Sephardic background, and later expanded it to include hundreds of avreichim in a flourishing kollel. The yeshiva was first located in District Aleph before later relocating to District Zayin.

He established the yeshiva in memory of his revered rebbe, Rav Semiaticky zt”l, naming it Ateres Tzvi in his honor.

Today, hundreds of avreichim are shteiging in the yeshiva, and the rosh yeshiva dedicated himself tirelessly to sustaining the kollel, traveling across the globe to secure its support, to which he devoted himself completely.

Over the decades, the yeshiva produced many talmidim who went on to become rabbonim and leaders of kehillos in both Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Even after transitioning into a kollel, the framework retained the structure and spirit of a traditional yeshiva, with the rosh yeshiva continuing to deliver shiurim and shmuessen.

In addition to being a marbitz Torah, Rav Altman was counted among the prominent rabbonim of Ashdod. From time to time, he would publish words of chizuk and hisorerus on matters requiring attention, often joined by other rabbonim of the city.

He is survived by a distinguished family, led by his son, Rav Eliyahu Meir Altman, rosh kollel of Ateres Tzvi in Ashdod.

Tehei nishmaso tzrurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Amid ongoing heavy fighting in Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told commanders in southern Lebanon that Israeli forces remain fully engaged in combat against Hezbollah, emphasizing that despite a ceasefire with Iran, operations on the northern front are continuing at full intensity.

Speaking during a visit near Bint Jbeil, Zamir made clear that the situation on the ground has not changed in terms of active combat. The IDF remains at war in this sector and continues its operations. “The IDF is in a state of war, we are not in a ceasefire, we are continuing to fight here in this sector, this is our main combat front.” He added that while there is a ceasefire with Iran, that could change at any time. “In Iran we are in a ceasefire, and we can also there at any moment return to fighting, and in a very powerful way.”

Zamir said that Israeli forces are continuing to build on their gains in Lebanon, stressing the strategic importance of the current area of operations. He highlighted the significance of the location and the scale of IDF capabilities being deployed. “The place where you are is very important, this is in Lebanon, this is facing Hezbollah. Here we are operating, we are employing many means, many of our capabilities. The achievements of this war so far are historic.”

He also linked the damage inflicted on Iran to Hezbollah’s current weakened position, explaining that Tehran’s setbacks have directly impacted the terror group. He noted that Iran has emerged significantly weakened from the conflict. “Iran before this war is not the same Iran, it is much weaker.” He added that this has left Hezbollah increasingly isolated. “The blow that Iran has taken is a blow that affects Hezbollah, because Hezbollah understands that it is now isolated. It is isolated within Lebanon, it is isolated from its strategic rear, from those who fund it, who supply it with weapons, and therefore this is a very significant achievement.”

Referring to recent Israeli strikes, Zamir said that major blows had been delivered across key Hezbollah strongholds, leaving the organization reeling. “Yesterday we delivered a general staff-level operational blow in Beirut, in the Bekaa, and I tell you, the organization is in deep shock.” He added that Hezbollah operatives have fled from their traditional strongholds. “They left the Dahieh, went to other places, to northern Beirut and to various other neighborhoods, and from there they managed the battle.”

Zamir further described the pressure being applied on Hezbollah forces both along the front lines and deep inside Lebanon. He said Israeli forces are systematically dismantling threats to Israeli communities. “Hezbollah encounters our fighter jets, both at the front and in depth. It encounters our ground forces, we are removing the direct threat from our communities. This is a very significant event, this is a very important achievement.”

He concluded by highlighting the broad deployment of IDF forces across multiple fronts and their mission to protect Israeli communities. He said IDF forces are actively positioned to block enemy threats. “We are in all places, as we are in Gaza, as we are in Syria, also here in Lebanon. We are positioned forward, and we are separating through our forces, our armored vehicles, our soldiers, between the enemy and the communities. This is our role, this is the mission.”

Closing his remarks, Zamir praised the troops and commanders on the ground, commending both their spirit and capabilities. “I think this mission is a very clear mission. A lot of appreciation to the people, simply the best people in the world, with tremendous spirit, and afterwards come also the best capabilities in the world. I think I do not remember in the history of the IDF combined task forces, infantry, armor and engineering with such strong capabilities. So much appreciation, take care of yourselves and meet the missions. Good luck.”

{Matzav.com}

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, holding them responsible for rising and unstable energy costs impacting households across the United Kingdom, and said he has grown increasingly frustrated with how global conflicts are driving oil prices.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world,” Starmer told ITV News on Thursday.

Starmer has repeatedly taken aim at Trump in recent weeks, arguing that the ongoing war with Iran has contributed to global instability and driven up costs for ordinary families, even as critics point out that his own government has taken limited direct action to ease the burden.

During the interview, Starmer reiterated that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict, stressing that UK military infrastructure would not be used for broader offensive operations, particularly those targeting civilians.

“From the get-go, we’ve been monitoring this situation. So I’m pretty clear in my own mind about what we’ve agreed and what the use of the bases are,” he said. “I’ve been saying we are not going to be dragged into this war because I say there must be a lawful basis.”

“That matters if you’re going to commit our service personnel to risk their lives,” he added.

His comments come as King Charles III prepares for an upcoming state visit to the United States later this month, a trip that Trump has welcomed but that is viewed in Britain as placing the monarch in a delicate position amid the growing tensions between the two leaders.

Starmer, who is currently traveling in the Middle East, had already angered Trump earlier this year when he rejected a US request to use a British military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for operations related to the conflict with Iran.

Aside from calling for “de-escalation” and encouraging diplomatic engagement, critics say Starmer has not taken significant steps to reduce tensions, instead focusing on coordination with allies and strengthening long-term economic and security resilience.

His administration has prioritized closer cooperation with European partners and efforts to protect key shipping routes, rather than direct military involvement.

Starmer was not alone among British officials in expressing frustration. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper also criticized Iran’s proposal to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” she told the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”

Trump has voiced support for the idea and has even suggested that the United States could take a share of the revenue generated from such tolls.

Before the conflict with Iran escalated, ships were able to pass through the strategically vital strait — a key route for oil and goods moving between the Middle East and Europe — without charge.

Iran has since proposed a fee of $1 per barrel of oil transported through the waterway, a move that could significantly increase costs given that large tankers often carry more than a million barrels per shipment.

Britain is currently leading a coalition of roughly 40 countries working on both military and diplomatic strategies to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though progress has so far been limited.

Cooper emphasized the broader importance of maintaining open maritime routes, telling the BBC that the freedom of navigation is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it’s crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It’s crucial for the global economy.”

Prosecutors in Yerushalayim have filed an indictment against a 21-year-old resident, Moshe Lechovitz, accusing him of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and carrying out assignments on his behalf in exchange for payment. Authorities are also seeking to keep him in custody until the end of legal proceedings.

According to the charges, Lechovitz initially connected with an individual identifying himself as “Michael” while searching for work. What began as what appeared to be a routine conversation developed into an ongoing relationship, during which “Michael” engaged him in discussions about personal matters, religion, and Israel, even expressing an affinity for observant Jews. At one point, he requested a copy of Lechovitz’s identification, which was provided.

Investigators say that “Michael” later instructed Lechovitz to set up a digital wallet using the Trust app to facilitate payments. He was then assigned various photography tasks and directed to install a mobile application that allowed him to record video even when the screen was turned off, effectively turning his phone into what prosecutors described as an “operational device.”

One of the first assignments involved filming the Liberty Bell Park area in Yerushalayim. According to the indictment, Lechovitz went to the location, recorded footage of the grounds, and sent the video to his handler via Telegram. In return, he received approximately $618 in digital currency on May 4, 2025.

He was later asked to carry out a similar assignment in Ra’anana. Despite not holding a valid driver’s license, he reportedly drove to the area, filmed a designated route using the same device, and transmitted the footage to the foreign agent through Telegram. For that task, prosecutors say he was paid about $909. He was also instructed to purchase a can of paint while documenting the action, and that footage was likewise sent.

At a certain stage, prosecutors allege that Lechovitz realized the individual he was working with was affiliated with Iran. Nevertheless, he continued maintaining contact and completing assignments that could assist in gathering intelligence. The activity is said to have continued during Operation “Am KeLavi” in late June 2025. During that time, he was asked what additional locations he could document and suggested on his own the area known as Pardes Morasha near the Morasha Junction. He reportedly borrowed a vehicle, again drove without a license, filmed the site, and sent the material to the Iranian contact.

In total, the indictment states that Lechovitz received approximately $3,276 in digital payments. The relationship reportedly took a turn when the handler told him that, in his view, all Jews should die except for the ultra-Orthodox. Following that exchange, Lechovitz is said to have cut off communication, stopped responding, and handed over the phone he had been using after replacing the SIM card and deleting its contents.

However, the connection did not entirely end. On September 28, 2025, the same individual reportedly reached out again, asking Lechovitz to help locate someone who had allegedly taken $1,000 from him for a motorcycle purchase and then disappeared. Lechovitz responded that he could not assist.

Lechovitz faces charges including contact with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, and additional related offenses. The case is part of a growing pattern uncovered in recent months in which Iranian operatives have attempted to recruit Israeli civilians online through personal outreach, encrypted messaging platforms, and payments in digital currencies.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced that the country’s skies reopened completely and that standard operations at Ben Gurion Airport resumed beginning Thursday after a ceasefire was reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to the ministry, coordination has been underway with the Israel Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring the country’s main international gateway back to full capacity. Duty-free stores and all terminal services are also reopening as part of the return to normal activity.

Officials said that international airlines and aviation regulators have been formally notified that Ben Gurion Airport is returning to routine operations. Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran on February 28, most foreign carriers had halted flights to Israel.

Even so, the Israel Airports Authority cautioned that the return of foreign airlines will take place in stages, since each airline must receive clearance from its own regulatory bodies before resuming service.

Additional airports are also preparing to reopen. Herzliya Airport is set to resume operations Thursday morning, while Ramon Airport near Eilat in the south is expected to restart flights on Sunday.

The Transportation Ministry added that a decision regarding the reopening of Haifa Airport will be made later in the week, depending on security assessments, particularly given Israel’s position that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.

Since the start of the war, Israel’s airspace has been largely closed to international traffic. In early March, limited flight activity resumed at Ben Gurion Airport through Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, mainly to bring Israelis home and assist those seeking to leave the country.

Israir and Arkia said Wednesday that they are preparing to gradually expand operations at Ben Gurion Airport in the wake of the ceasefire.

Both airlines plan to increase flight frequency and passenger capacity on outbound routes, subject to guidelines issued by the Transportation Ministry and aviation authorities.

Arkia said it will begin operating flights to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, and Budapest, prioritizing passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the war. The airline said it expects to fully restore operations by May 3.

Israir said it is preparing to resume flights to destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Budapest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Rome, Berlin, and Rhodes.

El Al announced a significant expansion of its activity, saying it is preparing to return to near-full operations. Beginning next week, from April 12 through April 18, the airline plans to operate at full capacity to approximately 30 destinations.

Those destinations include Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Batumi, Tbilisi, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Larnaca, Lisbon, Madrid, Moscow, Milan, Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, and London in Europe; Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo in the Far East; and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in North America.

“Due to operational complexity and the reorganization of flight schedules, the return to routine operations cannot happen all at once,” El Al said. “As a result, some flights may still be subject to changes or cancellations in the coming period.”

The airline said passengers whose flights were canceled during the war will be automatically reassigned to the new flights, with details available on its website. After those travelers are accommodated, any remaining seats will be opened to the general public. El Al added that it expects to continue expanding its operations throughout the month until it reaches a full flight schedule.

Reports in Israeli media indicate that Ben Gurion Airport has been preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic as travel resumes.

Foreign airlines are still awaiting final approvals before returning to Israel, and many are expected to take a cautious approach, monitoring whether the current two-week ceasefire develops into a more permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air announced that it is extending its suspension of flights to and from Israel through April 27.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance cautioned Iran that it would be unwise to risk the fragile ceasefire with Washington over disagreements tied to Israeli operations in Lebanon, signaling rising tensions over the scope of the truce.

While Pakistan, which helped broker the agreement, indicated that Lebanon was included in the two-week ceasefire, Vance said the United States never accepted that Israel would halt its actions there.

“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart – in a conflict where they were getting hammered – over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” Vance said as he left Hungary.

“We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice.”

Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi circulated a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the ceasefire and drew attention to the portion referencing Lebanon.

“The Iran-US Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the US must choose – ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite that, President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have maintained that Lebanon was never part of the agreement.

Vance characterized the disagreement as stemming from confusion rather than deliberate deception.

“There’s a lot of bad faith negotiation and a lot of bad faith propaganda going on,” he said. “I think this comes from a legitimate misunderstanding. I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t.”

It remains unclear how such a gap in understanding emerged during sensitive negotiations. U.S. officials have not clarified why Pakistan’s announcement appeared to include Lebanon within the ceasefire framework.

Israel has previously been accused of breaching ceasefire arrangements, including a truce reached with Lebanon in November 2024. Since that time, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have reportedly continued almost daily for more than a year.

On Wednesday, Israel carried out one of its most extensive rounds of airstrikes, launching dozens of attacks that reportedly left at least 254 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Even so, Vance indicated that Israel has signaled a willingness to exercise some restraint.

He said the Israelis have committed “to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon, because they want to make sure” that the US-Iran negotiations are successful.

Fighting in Lebanon escalated sharply in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to prior Israeli strikes and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah has since faced growing criticism within Lebanon, with opponents accusing the group of pulling the country into conflict as part of its alignment with Iran.

At the same time, Iranian officials have made clear they intend to continue backing Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that hostilities could resume if Israel does not halt its actions in Lebanon.

“If the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not stopped immediately, we will do our duty and give a regretful response to the evil aggressors in the region,” it said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of posts on X on Thursday marking forty days since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, describing the event as the “martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He began his message with a verse from the Quran, writing, “Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear victory (Quran 48:1),” and went on to describe the past forty days as following a “dreadful crime” carried out by “enemies of Islam & Iran.”

Khamenei claimed that, in contrast to historical precedents, supporters of his father did not falter but instead “rose up to confront falsehood” and held firm. He added that during this period, followers have behaved “like balls of fire on the heads of the Pharaohs.”

Referring to what he called the “Third Sacred Defense,” Khamenei asserted that “the heroic nation of Iran” is “the definite victor in this battlefield.”

Turning to Iran’s neighbors in the region, he said they were “witnessing a miracle” and urged them to “stand on the right side” by rejecting what he described as “false promises of the devils,” an apparent reference to Israel and the United States. He also stated that Iran is waiting for “an appropriate response” from those countries and suggested that future relations would hinge on their willingness to “renounce the Arrogant Powers.”

Khamenei further warned that Iran would not allow “criminal aggressors” to avoid consequences, saying the country would seek “full reparations for all damages caused,” along with compensation for those killed and injured.

He reiterated Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the country intends to move its management “to a new phase,” while emphasizing that Iran does not seek conflict but will not “relinquish” what he described as its rightful claims.

In closing, Khamenei said Iran would continue pursuing what he called justice for the deaths of his father and others, adding that the country remains committed to the path of the “Resistance Front” and to standing “against the Front of Disbelief and Arrogance.”

However, the posts appear to conflict with multiple reports citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence, which claim that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in Qom, about 87 miles south of Tehran, and in a serious “semi-comatose” or “critical condition” that leaves him unable to make decisions. He has not been seen in public, and some reports have suggested that videos circulating online may be generated using artificial intelligence, with indications that the IRGC is effectively controlling the country.

Israel’s Security Cabinet has secretly authorized the creation of 34 new communities in Judea and Samaria, in what would mark one of the largest single approvals of its kind, according to a report published Thursday.

The decision was reportedly handled with strict confidentiality in order to avoid pressure from the United States while Israel remains engaged in its campaign against Iran.

If fully implemented, the move would significantly expand the number of approved communities. Until now, 69 communities had been authorized through various decisions; with this latest approval, that figure is expected to rise to 103.

The planned locations for the new communities are spread across wide areas, including some deep in Areas A and B, where the IDF operates infrequently. Establishing and securing these locations would require extensive military preparation and resources.

Among the sites included in the plan is Noa, located south of Ganim and Kadim near Qabatiya, as well as Emek Dotan, which is intended to create a territorial link between Sa-Nur, Homesh, and Shavei Shomron.

Officials who spoke with i24NEWS said the IDF Chief of Staff, who attended the cabinet meeting, did not object to the initiative on a diplomatic level. However, he raised operational concerns, particularly regarding limited manpower and the challenges of defending additional communities.

The military reportedly recommended implementing the plan gradually over time to allow for proper security arrangements, but that approach was ultimately rejected, and the cabinet moved forward with full approval.

The secrecy surrounding the decision was largely driven by a desire to prevent significant diplomatic backlash from Washington, especially given the ongoing tensions related to Iran.

In addition, the report noted that the cabinet approved the development of basic infrastructure—including energy, water, and electricity—before the formal completion of land authorization processes. This represents a notable policy shift aimed at speeding up the establishment of the communities and ensuring they can be sustained from the outset.

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, sharply criticized Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday after the minister accused Israel of genocide and described it as “evil and a curse for humanity.”

Leiter responded on social media, taking issue with both the rhetoric and Pakistan’s role in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. “The Ayatollahs chanted ‘Death to Israel’ – and now a so-called ‘mediator’ is echoing the same language,” he wrote. “You are not a mediator Mr. Asif, you are the problem. Even if it is to your dismay, Israel is here to stay. That’s not for negotiation,” he added.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also issued a forceful response, condemning the Pakistani minister’s statements. “Israel views these blatant antisemitic blood libels very gravely from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace,'” Sa’ar said.

He further warned about the implications of such language, stating that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.”

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar vowed.

The Prime Minister’s Office also weighed in, denouncing the remarks as unacceptable. “Pakistan Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.”

Senior IDF officials told lawmakers in a classified Knesset session that Iran’s emerging leadership is more hardline than the previous regime, even as Israel has achieved notable military gains in its recent operation.

During the closed discussion held by the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, military representatives presented an updated assessment of developments in Iran, delivering a mixed message. While highlighting operational successes, they emphasized that Israel is not seeing any moderation in Tehran’s leadership—rather, a shift toward greater extremism. According to the report, officials told lawmakers that “the Iranian regime that is now taking shape is more extreme than its predecessor,” stressing that this change carries direct implications for future security and regional dynamics.

At the same time, IDF officials underscored that the latest operation produced “very significant military achievements,” aimed at degrading the enemy’s capabilities and limiting its operational freedom. However, they also noted signs that Iran is beginning to recover from the initial blow, pointing to new leadership appointments and actions taken in other arenas, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the briefing, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth warned that “there is a possibility that the campaign could resume in the coming days,” adding that he views the current situation as only an interim stage rather than a conclusion.

The overall message from the discussion was clear: Israeli officials are not treating recent developments as an endpoint. While the IDF is reporting substantial operational success, lawmakers were also presented with a more cautious outlook regarding the direction of Iran’s leadership and the likelihood that hostilities could flare up again in the near future.

A Pakistani national has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges after admitting he planned an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at Chabad’s 770 headquarters in Brooklyn, targeting the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” a 21-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to attempting to carry out acts of terrorism across national borders. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2026, and could face life in prison.

Court filings show that Khan began spreading ISIS propaganda in November 2023 and soon moved toward planning a terrorist attack inside the United States. He shared details of the plot with two individuals he believed were collaborators, but who were in fact undercover law enforcement agents. During those conversations, Khan repeatedly urged them to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and knives, telling them to “slit their throats.”

Although he initially considered targeting “Israeli Jewish chabads” in another American city, investigators say Khan later shifted his focus solely to Brooklyn by August 2024. He told the undercover agents that New York would be the “perfect” location due to its large Jewish population, adding that “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” He also sent an image of the enclosed space inside 770 where he intended to carry out the attack and claimed that a successful operation would be “the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”

Senior law enforcement officials condemned the plot following Khan’s plea. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the plan was carried out “with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible.” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton called it a “horrendous attack on a venerated Jewish center,” stressing that “terrorism and other hate-based violence have zero place in New York City.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch highlighted the joint effort with federal authorities that stopped the “dangerous plot before it could become a devastating attack.”

Authorities ultimately disrupted the plan on September 4, 2024, when Khan was stopped near Ormstown, Canada—about 12 miles from the U.S. border—while attempting to cross with the assistance of a smuggler. He was later extradited to the United States in June 2025.

In its official statement, the Justice Department also included a clarification for readers, noting that “‘Chabad’ is a branch of Hasidic Judaism, as well as a movement that operates Jewish religious and educational institutions around the world.”

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, delivered an emotional message during a Chol Hamoed tish, expressing deep pain over those who rush to bakeries immediately after Yom Tov to purchase chametz, urging instead that people cherish the lingering kedusha of Pesach. Following his remarks, the well-known Vizhnitzer bakery announced a change to its longstanding post-Pesach practice.

During a tish on Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe addressed the phenomenon of people hurrying out right after Yom Tov ends to buy fresh bread and other chametz items.

At the tish on Sunday, the Rebbe asked for the microphone and spoke with visible emotion: “I want to speak about something that pains me very much and has been bothering me for years. I have heard that there are people who run immediately at nightfall to the bakeries and grab the foods that we do not even mention during Pesach. What is the rush? Can’t one wait a little?” the Rebbe cried out from the depths of his heart.

He continued by emphasizing the importance of holding on to the spirit of the Yom Tov, saying, “One should rejoice that it is still possible to live a little longer with Pesach, like it was by my grandfather, the Imrei Chaim,” and went on to describe how Pesach and the Seder night were observed in his grandfather’s home.

In response to the Rebbe’s words, the owners of the Vizhnitzer bakery—led by Rabbi Yechezkel Cohen, who was present at the tish—decided to alter a long-established custom and delay opening sales of fresh bread to the general public after Yom Tov. Instead of opening immediately at the conclusion of the Yom Tov, the bakery first supplied stores and wholesalers, with retail sales to individuals beginning only later.

Rabbi Cohen announced that despite the expected financial loss, the bakery would remain closed to individual customers right after Yom Tov. During those initial hours, workers would continue operating only to produce and distribute goods to retail networks, while the bakery doors would open to the public at a later time.

{Matzav.com}

In a powerful shmuess delivered during Chol Hamoed amid the ongoing war with Iran and its proxies, Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch issued a strong warning against relying on human efforts and advanced defense systems, urging the tzibbur to recognize that everything comes solely from the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Speaking in the beis medrash of Darchei Ish in Bnei Brak, Rav Hirsch addressed at length the responsibility resting on the public during this time, emphasizing the spiritual danger inherent in placing confidence in technological advancements such as air defense systems and interceptions.

He opened with a striking historical account from World War II, when the threat of destruction loomed over the Jewish yishuv in Eretz Yisroel as Nazi forces advanced toward Egypt: “It is known that in 1943 or 1944, the Nazi enemy was ממש in Egypt, on the way to enter Eretz Yisroel, and, chas v’shalom, destroy all those here. And there was a very, very strong tefillah from the public, and in a miraculous way he decided not to enter and turned back. And the Chazon Ish said then that we see here the power of tefillah, and if this is the power of tefillah—what a shame that we did not know this earlier! We did not know everything that was happening in Europe. If we had davened then like we davened now, it could be that all the destruction of Europe would not have happened—that is what the Chazon Ish said.”

Building on that, Rav Hirsch continued with deep pain: “Regarding our situation here, there is a feeling that there is a lack in the ציבור in the power of tefillah—we are not feeling it enough. I think the reason people do not feel so much that tefillah helps is because a person does not see with his eyes each time that tefillah works immediately. In truth, if a person would really feel that if we daven with all our strength it would prevent anything from happening—then our tefillah would look completely different. We do not see among most of the ציבור a fundamental change in the way we daven now. Shemoneh Esrei should be much longer, there should be a fundamental change in the entire form of tefillah, and we do not see that. And that is what I wanted to speak about—to strengthen ourselves, because what we actually need now is tefillah! There are things happening, there are also nissim, but we need tefillah, and there is a lack of tefillah.”

He then explained the יסוד of true tefillah, drawing from the words of the Rishonim and Acharonim: “There is a fundamental condition in tefillah, and everyone agrees to it. The essence of tefillah is submission and ביטול before the Creator, and strengthening the recognition that a person has nothing and that his entire existence depends on the Borei Olam, and he feels himself like a poor and lost person who awaits to receive from Hashem. This is written in the Maharal and the Mabit—the foundation and condition of tefillah is that a person comes to Hashem and says: ‘I am nothing! I have nothing and everything is from You, every single thing is from You!’ And therefore I ask only in this way. Someone who just asks casually—that is not tefillah. Tefillah requires the feeling that I am nothing and everything is from Hashem and therefore I ask.”

At this point, Rav Hirsch delivered his central warning, directly addressing the reality of modern technology: “There are many levels to how much a person truly feels this. Imagine that suddenly some machine would be discovered that could certainly prevent everything—that every missile or cluster bomb that is launched would be stopped in the middle of its path and nothing would reach anywhere—everyone would feel ‘Baruch Hashem, very good.’ But how many would feel that the Ribbono Shel Olam performed a nes here and we must thank Him, or, chalilah, would there be a feeling that naturally we are now saved?

“There is a lack of importance and recognition that everything—everything—is from Hashem! There is a certain feeling that there is a ‘natural way’ that helps us, that all the developments and interceptions we have—that is what helps, that is what is good, and people do not attribute it to ‘Baruch Hashem that Hashem created this reality that we can intercept.’ A person must feel that everything is Hashem! Even if one does not say it out loud, he must feel it. Every small internal feeling that is not connected to Hashem, that we rely on something that is not Hashem—this weakens the כוח of tefillah! The power of tefillah must come from the fact that we are nothing. Nothing. And if Hashem does us a chesed that there are things that help in a natural way—Hashem did that! The moment there is a feeling that now ‘it is easier for us’ in a natural way, and therefore I am ‘not as close’ to Hashem—that itself is a tremendous חסרון in tefillah.”

Rav Hirsch concluded with a heartfelt call to action: “Tefillah must be strong, מתוך a feeling that it is what helps. Tefillah must be with the sense that nothing good happens except through Hashem. Everything that is called ‘natural,’ supposedly because of scientific advancement—that is not really scientific advancement, it is nothing! Everything is Hashem! Hashem did us a chesed that there is some level of advancement so that we do not need open miracles, but everything is from Him.

“If we feel that we depend only on Hashem, that without Him we have nothing, and we daven with all our strength and all our כוח—then, im yirtzeh Hashem, there will be success, there will be no harm, and everything will be good for us. But we must strengthen ourselves in tefillah! To strengthen and feel that everything is from Hashem and we have nothing besides Him, and then siyata d’Shmaya and tefillah will help.”

{Matzav.com}

The levayah of Mrs. Leah Yocheved Singer a”h took place Thursday in Yerushalayim after she was killed in a tragic accident while returning from the kever of the Pele Yoetz in Bulgaria.

During the emotional hespeidim, her husband revealed that just weeks earlier, she had shared a dream in which she saw herself being killed in an accident.

Mrs. Singer, 36, was niftar on Monday, Chol Hamoed Pesach, while traveling back from the kever of the Pele Yoetz. Her aron was brought to Eretz Yisroel earlier Thursday morning on a private plane, following a complex effort led by Eli Pollak, deputy CEO of United Hatzalah, who coordinated all the necessary logistics, approvals, and arrangements.

A large crowd participated in the levayah, which began at the Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim. Rav Shimon Shisha of Yad Avraham delivered brief opening remarks, noting that the nifteres had volunteered for 12 years at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, where she was involved in countless acts of chesed.

The levayah then passed by the Breslover shul on Rechov HaChoma HaShlishit, where additional hespeidim were delivered. Rav Moshe Bransdorfer, Gavad of Heichal Horaah, addressed the crowd and explained that although the month of Nissan is not a time for formal hespeidim, words meant to inspire are permitted. He described the nifteres as an extraordinary woman devoted to chesed, bringing comfort and joy to families during difficult moments in the hospital.

Her husband, Reb Chaim Singer, spoke with deep emotion and shared that in the past month, his wife had told him about a dream in which she was killed in an accident. At the time, he had dismissed it as “chalomos shav yedabeiru,” but tragically, the dream proved true. He also described how she davened daily with tears to be zocheh to children, and despite her personal struggles, she never showed pain outwardly, instead strengthening and uplifting everyone around her.

Her father, the well-known baal chesed Reb Chaim Cohen, chairman of Linas Hachesed, also delivered a powerful hesped. He noted that she was born while he was returning from the kever of the Noam Elimelech in Lizhensk, and now was niftar while returning from the kever of the Pele Yoetz—at the age of 36, the same age as the Pele Yoetz at his petirah. He urged the tzibbur to take upon themselves a kabbalah tova of achdus and to increase ahavas Yisroel for the next 40 days.

The final maspid was Rav Eliezer Berland, head of the mosdos of Shuvu Bonim, who called on those gathered to learn from the nifteres’s lifelong dedication to chesed. He said that her petirah served to sweeten harsh decrees and protect Klal Yisroel, declaring: “One can see that immediately after she passed away, the war stopped.” He urged everyone to engage in cheshbon hanefesh and to strengthen themselves, particularly in avoiding lashon hara.

Following the hespeidim, the large crowd accompanied the levayah on foot to Har HaZeisim, where she was laid to rest.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that his campaign pledge to make buses free citywide will not be implemented this year, marking a significant shift from one of the central promises of his run for office.

Instead, the mayor said he is now focusing on reviving a scaled-down version of a fare-free bus pilot program, confirming that New Yorkers will not see the full rollout of no-cost bus service in the immediate future.

Despite the change in timeline, Mamdani maintained that he remains committed to the broader goal. “We’re encouraged by the conversations we’re having with the governor and legislative leaders to take action on that in 2026 as a first step,” he said.

He added, “Both legislative houses included language within their one-house budget proposals in support of bringing back a free bus pilot program. That is something that we are encouraged by, and it continues to be part of budget negotiations.”

Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers are currently in the midst of budget talks, where the idea of reinstating a limited free bus program is under discussion, according to state Sen. Michael Gianaris.

Gianaris and Mamdani, then a Queens assemblyman, previously worked together in 2023 to launch a pilot program offering free bus service in parts of Queens as part of that year’s state budget.

The program’s success led Mamdani to advocate for expanding the concept across all five boroughs the following year.

However, efforts to broaden the initiative were halted after a dispute with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who removed the proposal from the budget following disagreements over an unrelated housing issue, according to sources.

Mamdani later ran for mayor in 2025, highlighting the Queens pilot as a model and pushing for a citywide expansion of fare-free buses under the MTA.

Gianaris said the current proposal under consideration would provide free service on three bus routes in each borough at an estimated cost of $45 million.

The idea has received mixed reactions in Albany, with some skepticism from state leaders, including Hochul, who had expressed reservations about the plan even before Mamdani took office.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber has also criticized the proposal, suggesting it is underdeveloped and could end up costing significantly more than projected.

It remains uncertain whether even a limited version of the program will be included in the state’s $263 billion budget, which is already past its deadline.

Sources indicated that a narrower pilot similar to the earlier Queens program could still be included in the final agreement, despite Hochul’s reluctance to commit additional funding after allocating $1.5 billion to support New York City over the next two years.

Speaking at a separate news conference in Manhattan, Hochul said that housing initiatives and proposed auto insurance reforms are taking priority in the budget discussions over transit changes.

“We’re working on those right now,” she said, adding, “Certainly we have had conversations on some accommodation on the cost of buses.”

MTA officials declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to the governor’s office, which did not respond.

Mamdani’s revised stance on free buses is the latest in a series of policy adjustments during his early months in office.

Last month, he appointed a Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, opting to establish a smaller agency rather than moving forward with his earlier proposal to overhaul how the city handles mental health emergency calls through a new department.

A City Hall spokesperson said the administration remains committed to the long-term goal. “Mayor Mamdani is committed to delivering fast and free buses by the time he leaves office, full stop,” the representative said. “His First Deputy Mayor is in active discussions with the Governor’s office regarding fare free buses. In the meantime, the Mamdani administration will continue to work with our partners at the state and local level to make commutes faster and our transit system more affordable for all New Yorkers.”

A wave of drone attacks struck multiple countries across the region Thursday night, with explosions reported in Dubai and strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

According to reports from the Iraqi “Sabereen” channel, which is affiliated with pro-Iranian militias, explosions in Dubai were the result of a drone attack on U.S. targets in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, there were reports that air defense systems were activated in several locations inside Iran.

Kuwait also confirmed that it was under drone attack, stating that its air defense systems had been deployed. While authorities have not officially blamed any party, Iran has carried out multiple attacks on Kuwait during the course of the war.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti military said: “Air defense systems are dealing with hostile drone attacks that penetrated the country’s airspace and struck several vital infrastructures.”

Meanwhile, a Saudi Energy Ministry official told the kingdom’s state news agency that a number of oil and gas facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, and power stations were targeted in repeated attacks attributed to Iran. The strikes hit areas around the capital Riyadh, eastern regions of the country, and the port city of Yanbu on the Red Sea.

The official also confirmed that an oil pipeline connecting production fields to the port of Yanbu was struck, resulting in a loss of approximately 700,000 barrels of exports per day. In addition, two oil wells were damaged, reducing output by about 600,000 barrels per day.

As Israel prepares to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day alongside the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, new figures show that 109,286 Holocaust survivors and related groups are currently living in Israel, with an average age of 88.

Holocaust Remembrance Day this year is being observed against the backdrop of Operation “Shaagas HaAri,” while commemorations around the world are marking eight decades since the Nuremberg Trials, which laid the groundwork for justice following the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Ahead of the memorial day, the Authority for the Rights of Holocaust Survivors in the Prime Minister’s Office released updated data on the final generation that experienced the Holocaust firsthand. The total includes Holocaust survivors, refugees, victims of antisemitic persecution during World War II, and those who suffered disabilities as a result of the war against the Nazis.

This group represents about 34% of all individuals recognized by the authority since its establishment in the 1950s, with a total of 322,997 people acknowledged over the years. More than 50 Holocaust survivors were recently impacted by missile attacks from Iran and Lebanon and were evacuated to hotels or to stay with family members.

The authority currently provides services to three main groups: Holocaust survivors (36,752 individuals) who directly endured the horrors of the Holocaust; Holocaust refugees (38,934 individuals), primarily from the former Soviet Union who immigrated in the 1990s; and victims of antisemitic persecution during World War II (33,521 individuals). Among the latter group are 21,476 people from Morocco and Algeria who faced discrimination and restrictions under the Vichy regime, and 12,045 individuals from Iraq who experienced the Farhud riots in Baghdad.

Additional groups assisted by the authority include 79 individuals recognized as war-disabled due to injuries sustained while fighting the Nazis, whether as part of Allied forces or resistance groups such as the partisans. The authority also supports widows and widowers of Holocaust survivors and war-disabled individuals, providing monthly stipends; currently, 16,190 such beneficiaries receive these payments.

Demographically, approximately 62% of Holocaust survivors in Israel are women (67,555), while about 38% are men (41,652). The proportion of women increases with age, accounting for about 60% of those in their 80s, 65% in their 90s, and roughly 75% among those over 100.

Roughly 70% of survivors are in their 80s, about 29% are in their 90s, and around 1% are over the age of 100. The average age stands at approximately 88, with the youngest group—those aged 80—numbering 775 individuals, and the oldest group—those aged 105—numbering 48.

About 52% of survivors are widowed, while approximately 35% are married. Marriage rates are higher among men than women, at about 69% compared to 31%, while widowhood is more common among women, accounting for 80% compared to 20% among men.

In terms of country of birth, 40,657 were born in the former Soviet Union (about 37%), 18,957 in Morocco (about 17%), 12,045 in Iraq (about 11%), 11,817 in Romania (about 11%), 5,083 in Poland (about 5%), 4,598 in Tunisia (about 4%), 2,987 in Bulgaria (about 3%), 2,780 in Libya (about 2.5%), 2,542 in Algeria (about 2%), and 1,468 in France (about 1%).

Some 96% immigrated to Israel after the establishment of the state. About 30% arrived during the major immigration wave between 1948 and 1951, and roughly 26% came during the 1990s. Since the beginning of this year, three new immigrants in their 80s have arrived in Israel.

The cities with the largest populations of Holocaust survivors include Haifa (7,244), Yerushalayim (6,969), Tel Aviv (5,766), Ashdod (5,513), Netanya (5,452), Beersheva (4,494), Petach Tikva (4,483), Rishon Letzion (4,429), Bat Yam (3,692), and Cholon (3,444).

Regarding health status, about 73% of survivors are classified as requiring nursing care at varying levels. Among those, approximately 75% receive additional support—either nine extra weekly caregiving hours or increased monthly payments—due to higher levels of dependency.

Ronit Rozin, head of the Authority for the Rights of Holocaust Survivors, said: “The rising antisemitism and the threats to the State of Israel in these days remind us every day of the danger that hatred of Jews led to in the past. The authority is committed to caring for Holocaust survivors here and now, and to ensuring that the story of their revival and legacy of hope will never be forgotten and will continue to guide us as a state and as a society.”

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu expressed frustration over how the results of Operation Shaagas HaAri are being presented to the public, saying the achievements are not being clearly communicated.

During a meeting of the security cabinet, Netanyahu turned to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and urged him to improve the military’s public messaging about the operation. “The complex matters need to be simplified,” he said, emphasizing that the public is having difficulty understanding the depth of the accomplishments.

According to sources who were present, other ministers joined in the criticism and called on the IDF to present the results of the operation in a clearer and more organized manner.

Amid these concerns, a special meeting is scheduled for next week with the participation of the chief of staff, IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The meeting is expected to focus on forming a unified messaging strategy and improving how the operation’s achievements are conveyed to the public.

Rom Braslavski, a survivor of Hamas captivity, said he has been subjected to curses and threats after sharing a personal story about helping Arab municipal workers near his home, sparking a heated public debate online.

In a post published Thursday, Braslavski described an encounter that took place earlier in the day and said he has since faced backlash. “They’re attacking me with curses and threats just because I shared something from the heart,” he wrote.

According to Braslavski, the morning began with the sound of cleaning and gardening work outside his home. At around 9 a.m., he noticed older Arab municipal workers continuing their labor throughout the day and decided, on his own initiative, to approach them. “Something in my instinct was to feel compassion for an older person working so hard,” he wrote.

He said he went into a nearby store to buy a few items and chose to purchase cans of soda and cigarettes for the workers. He then approached them and spoke in Arabic. “They were in shock, they didn’t understand why I bought for them, and how I speak such good Arabic,” he recalled, noting that his wearing a kippah while offering help added to their surprise.

“The looks on their faces—that I’m wearing a kippah, not hating them, and on the contrary wanting to help—were total shock,” he added.

In his post, Braslavski raised broader questions about the state of society, writing: “Why has helping another person become something unusual and out of the ordinary? Why would an older Arab be shocked that a young Jewish man cares for him? Have we become a society with that much hatred between Arabs and Jews?”

He also reflected on his own past, including his experience being kidnapped, but said that should not erase basic humanity. “I was kidnapped by Arabs. Am I in love with them? No. But we must leave room for humanity within all this chaos that we live in,” he wrote.

Braslavski emphasized that he did not seek attention for his actions. “I didn’t tell them who I am, I didn’t take a picture with them. I gave them the can, wished them peace, and left.”

Despite that, he said that once the story became public, he was met with harsh reactions online, including insults and threats. “I did nothing wrong,” he wrote in a follow-up post, expressing frustration over the response.

He concluded with a message directed at both communities: “I wish for Jews to start being humane toward Jews first. And for Arabs—not to see Jews as their enemy. Have a good Thursday.”

The Trump administration is preparing to implement a new system that would automatically register eligible men for the military draft beginning in December, a move aimed at simplifying the process should conscription be reinstated for the first time in more than five decades.

Under the proposal, the Selective Service System would directly enroll “every male citizen of the United States” between the ages of 18 and 25 into its database, replacing the current requirement that individuals sign up on their own.

Although the United States has not used a draft since 1973 during the Vietnam War, the potential for a prolonged conflict with Iran has raised concerns that conscription could return, prompting the policy shift.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue last month, telling reporters that a draft is “not part of the current plan” but emphasized that Trump “wisely keeps his options on the table.”

“There’s no greater priority or responsibility to this president than, of course, protecting the American people and protecting our troops,” she said.

Officials say the change is intended to make registration more efficient. However, reinstating an active draft would still require Congress to revise the Military Selective Service Act to give the president authority to draft civilians during a national emergency.

Federal law already requires all male U.S. citizens between 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System, which maintains a list of individuals eligible for potential military service.

The requirement also applies to male immigrants, including those without legal status and refugees, as well as transgender individuals who were born male, dual citizens, Americans living abroad, and individuals with disabilities.

Women are currently excluded from registration under existing law, which only authorizes the enrollment of “male persons.”

However, the Selective Service System has indicated it “is prepared to expand registration” if Congress enacts legislation that would include women in mandatory service.

Certain groups are exempt from registering, including those already serving on active duty, some individuals with disabilities, and those who are incarcerated. Men who previously served but were discharged before turning 26 must still register.

Individuals who claim conscientious objection are still required to register.

Participation in the system has declined in recent years, partly due to the removal of draft registration from federal student loan applications in 2022, according to reports.

Failure to register remains a felony offense.

Those who do not comply can face fines of up to $250,000 or up to five years in prison, and may also lose access to student loans, government employment at all levels, and U.S. citizenship if they are immigrants.

Men are expected to register within 30 days of turning 18, though late registration is accepted until age 26.

If a draft is activated, those registered would be entered into a lottery system, where birthdays are randomly selected to determine the order of induction.

Individuals turning 20 in the year of the lottery would be called first, followed by those aged 21 through 25, then 19-year-olds, and finally those who are 18-and-a-half.

Those selected would be able to request deferments, postponements, or exemptions before reporting to a Military Entrance Processing Station for physical, mental, and moral evaluations.

After completing the process, they would either be inducted into military service or released.

Congress approved automatic draft registration last December as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, a key annual measure that funds military operations and personnel.

Currently, 46 states and territories already have systems in place that automatically register eligible men when they apply for driver’s licenses or identification cards.

The Selective Service System submitted its proposed “automatic registration” rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30.

According to the agency, the change will result “in a streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment.”

Deep sorrow descended on Beit She’an Thursday as hundreds gathered to accompany Sergeant First Class Tuvia Lipschitz Hy”d, a Golani Brigade soldier who was killed in battle in southern Lebanon on Erev Yom Tov, to his final resting place.

Family members, friends, and fellow soldiers came in large numbers to pay their last respects and escort him on his final journey at the city’s cemetery.

His mother, Shadmit Hodaya, delivered a tearful hesped at the fresh kever, saying: “Tovi, we walked with you the entire way. We tried to teach values and good middos, and you absorbed everything. But you should know, the choices were yours, the strengths were yours, and the bravery is all yours. Everything is yours, Tovi. Tov El Yosef, just like your name, it fits you so precisely. Your entire being was good.”

Through tears, she continued: “We stand here with broken hearts, struggling to grasp the magnitude of the loss, and we part from you, a beloved and pure child.”

The deputy commander of the Golani Brigade, Lt. Col. Naor Amichai, also spoke, saying: “Tuvia was a beloved son, a remarkable brother, a true friend, and a courageous and devoted soldier. He insisted on joining the Golani Brigade, continuing the path of his father and brother, and enlisted in August 2024. After completing his training, he joined Battalion 13 and became a top-tier fighter, someone you could rely on with your eyes closed.”

The commander added: “Tuvia’s image will remain etched in the hearts of his friends and commanders. His courage and spirit will accompany us for many days to come.”

His older brother, Shilo, spoke with anguish, saying: “There are not enough words in the world to describe you. I failed in my role, to protect you, to guard you. We grew up together with only 11 months between us, my little brother. I cannot comprehend how this happened in our home. You used to tell Mom that there is a lot of work to do. You came home and the work was not finished—there is still much work. Dear Golani soldiers, finish the work.”

Another brother, Argaman, also delivered a hesped: “My big brother, something is missing in me, my brother. I am trying to walk in your path, to be strong, but I am broken. Broken from the fact that you are not here, from this void left in the family, that has opened in my heart. You always jumped in first—what a childhood we had together. I always knew my big brother would protect me. I will always be your younger brother and you will always be my big brother. You were a brother, a friend, full of life and strength.”

His sister, Rimon, parted from him with heartbreaking words: “Our Tovi, I never imagined you would return to us in a coffin. I promise that our family will stand back up on its feet, because that is what you would want. I know you are sitting close to the kisei hakavod and raising a l’chaim with all our malachim. You were better than all of us—Hashem truly takes the best.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Thursday pointed to immigration policies under the Biden administration following the arrest of a Haitian migrant accused of fatally attacking a Florida mother in a shocking broad-daylight assault, and shared graphic footage of the incident.

According to court records, Rolbert Jaochin, 40, is accused of beating a 51-year-old mother of two with a hammer outside a Chevron gas station in Fort Myers on Friday morning, leaving her mortally wounded in the parking lot.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump denounced the suspect, referring to him as an “animal” responsible for the gruesome killing.

The post also included an uncensored video of the attack, which Trump described as “one of the most vicious things you will ever see.”

“To my fellow Republicans, and frankly all Common Sense Americans, NEVER FORGET that Joe Biden and the Democrat Party turned the United States of America into a dumping ground,” Trump seethed.

“Please say a prayer for this innocent woman’s family. We will ensure quick and severe JUSTICE is served in this case!” he added.

Trump acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage, saying he would not advise people to watch the roughly 20-second clip but felt compelled to share it so the public could understand “what Democrats are protecting.”

The video shows Jaochin striking the windshield of a black SUV in the gas station lot before the victim, who worked at the station, exits a nearby store and appears to say something to him.

The suspect then responds and quickly approaches her. As he reaches the woman, he leaps forward and strikes her in the face with a hammer, according to the footage.

She collapses onto the pavement, where he continues to hit her multiple times while she lies defenseless, the video shows.

After the attack, he steps over her and leaves the scene, according to the footage.

Emergency responders later found the victim lying on the ground in a pool of blood, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, court documents indicate.

Authorities apprehended Jaochin later that same day, with officers reportedly recognizing him from prior encounters.

Investigators say he admitted to the killing. He now faces charges including homicide, criminal mischief, and property damage exceeding $1,000.

Officials have not publicly released the victim’s identity or provided a motive for the attack.

Federal authorities said the suspect, originally from Haiti, entered the United States in August 2022 and was allowed to remain under Temporary Protected Status granted during the Biden administration.

After his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer against him, with the Department of Homeland Security stating that he will “be deported regardless of the outcome of this case.”

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has been selected to light a torch at the official Independence Day ceremony on Har Herzl, in recognition of his strong and consistent support for Israel on the international stage.

The announcement was made Thursday evening by Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, who said she chose Milei for the honor due to his firm backing of Israel through a series of diplomatic and policy decisions.

Milei, who has led Argentina for the past two and a half years, has taken a number of notable steps in support of Israel. These include recognizing Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist organizations, advocating for the release of hostages, renaming a street previously called “Palestine” to “Bibas Family Street,” and actively fighting antisemitism in international forums while defending Israel’s right to protect itself.

Regev praised Milei’s leadership and close relationship with Israel, stating: “In these very complex years that we are in the midst of, the State of Israel has found in Buenos Aires a true friend and a devoted partner. President Javier Milei is one of the prominent leaders of the free world and one of Israel’s closest allies, a true friend and a true Zionist, an example of partnership, loyalty, and appreciation for the Jewish people and one of the greatest friends of the Jewish people. Choosing him expresses the tremendous gratitude that all Israeli citizens feel toward his leadership and our immense pride in the warm and close relationship between Israel and Argentina.”

Earlier in the day, additional torch lighters were announced, including hostage and missing persons coordinator Gal Hirsch, as well as Talik Guaili, whose son, police officer Ran Hy”d, was killed on October 7. Also selected was Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv, who is currently serving in the reserves.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said he has no intention of stepping down, pushing back on the idea during his first interview with an American television network, portions of which aired Thursday.

In a segment of a longer interview set to be broadcast Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, journalist Kristen Welker asked Díaz-Canel whether he would be “willing to step down if it meant saving Cuba.”

Before responding directly, Díaz-Canel challenged the premise of the question, asking whether it had been posed to other world leaders: “Is that a question from you, or is that coming from the State Department of the U.S. government?”

He went on to stress Cuba’s independence, saying, “In Cuba, the people who are in leadership position are not elected by the U.S. government, and they don’t have a mandate from the U.S. government. We have a free sovereign state.”

Díaz-Canel said his leadership was not driven by personal or political ambition but rather by the will of the Cuban people.

“If the Cuban people understand that I am not fit for office, that I have no reason to be here, then I should not be holding this position of president, I will respond to them,” he said.

The interview comes at a time of continued strain between Cuba and the United States, even as both sides acknowledge that discussions have taken place, though no specifics have been made public.

Díaz-Canel accused Washington of maintaining a “hostile policy” toward Cuba and argued that it has “no moral to demand anything from Cuba.”

He also said the U.S. should take responsibility for the impact of its policies, noting “and how much they have deprived the American people from a normal relationship with the Cuban people.”

While criticizing U.S. actions, Díaz-Canel said Cuba remains open to dialogue on any issue, without preconditions, stating it would proceed “not demanding changes from our political system as we are not demanding change from the American system, about which we have a number of doubts.”

Cuban officials continue to attribute the country’s worsening economic situation to U.S. energy restrictions, with fuel shortages affecting healthcare, transportation, and the production of goods.

In late March, a Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil reached Cuba, marking the first such shipment in three months, with another delivery expected.

Despite earlier threats in January to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, President Donald Trump ultimately allowed the shipment to go forward.

“Cuba’s finished,” Trump said at the time. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”

House Republicans on Thursday stopped Democrats from advancing a measure aimed at ending U.S. military operations against Iran, continuing to resist efforts to place limits on President Donald Trump’s war powers.

Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey presided over a brief “pro forma” session and adjourned it before Democrats were able to attempt passage of the resolution through unanimous consent.

In recent months, Democrats in both chambers of Congress have repeatedly tried—and failed—to pass war powers resolutions that would require Trump to obtain legislative approval before initiating military action, including in situations involving Venezuela and Iran.

Concern among Democrats intensified after Trump warned earlier in the week that “a whole civilization will die,” prompting dozens of lawmakers to call for his removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians.

“Threatening genocide is not a negotiating tactic,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said at a press conference outside the Capitol following the pro forma session, which was held while Congress is out of Washington during a two-week Easter recess.

Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, doing so less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe strikes on its civilian infrastructure.

The White House has defended Trump’s actions, saying they are lawful and fall within his authority as commander-in-chief to order limited military operations to protect the United States.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. The Trump administration has described the conflict as a decisive success, even as the top U.S. military officer said American forces remain ready to resume fighting if needed.

Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, have largely united behind Trump and backed his policies.

While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, that requirement does not apply to short-term military actions or situations involving an immediate threat to the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a temporary halt in fighting in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, stating that Russian forces would pause combat operations from Saturday afternoon through the end of Sunday and calling on Kyiv to adopt a similar approach.

According to a Kremlin statement, “In connection with the approaching holiday of Orthodox Easter, a ceasefire is declared from 1600 on 11th April to the end of the day of 12th April.”

The statement added, “We proceed on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation.”

The directive was transmitted through Russia’s military command structure, with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov instructing Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov “to stop for this period military action in all directions,” while also emphasizing that Russian forces should remain prepared “to eliminate all possible provocations by the enemy as well as any aggressive actions.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded early Friday, indicating that Ukraine would act in line with the proposed Easter truce.

“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for reciprocal steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holiday this year and will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram after the Kremlin ordered troops to observe a 32-hour ceasefire.

He added, “People need an Easter without threats and a real move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to attacks even after Easter.”

The announcement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues into its fifth year. Similar ceasefire efforts during religious holidays in the past have largely broken down, with both sides accusing one another of violating the terms.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan on Thursday, warning that the initiative is unconstitutional, deeply divisive, and likely to face significant resistance.

During an appearance on the Newsmax program “Wake Up America,” Malliotakis argued that the proposal reflects what she views as a consistent pattern of race-focused policymaking rooted in socialist ideology.

“Obviously, with everything with Mamdani, it’s always about socialism,” she said. “It’s always pitting people against each other based on race. And it’s awful, actually.”

She contended that the plan—which seeks to incorporate race-based benchmarks into decisions on city spending, policy direction, and allocation of resources in sectors such as housing, education, and economic growth—resembles historical strategies used to divide communities and strengthen political control.

“Look, this is what communists do, what socialists do,” she said. “They always pit people against each other, whether it’s class warfare or racial warfare, dividing the community.”

Malliotakis emphasized her belief that the proposal runs counter to constitutional protections.

“We’re going to push back on this,” she said. “Obviously, it’s unconstitutional.”

“We’ve seen the Democrats do this,” Malliotakis added. “They are constantly using race to force their socialist agenda.”

She cited ongoing political disputes, including controversies over voter identification requirements and redistricting efforts, as part of what she described as a broader push to inject race into public policy decisions.

“Whether it’s denying voter ID for the American people, whether it’s trying to redraw lines like they tried to do … based on race, now trying to tax people based on race,” Malliotakis said. “I mean, you can’t get any more unconstitutional and un-American than that.”

The congresswoman also argued that such policies are contributing to economic strain in New York City and accelerating the departure of residents.

“The bottom line here is not just minorities are being forced out of our city. It is everybody that’s in the middle class, working class,” Malliotakis said. “They’re being pushed out of our city regardless of race, because of these socialist policies and this high taxation.”

Malliotakis said she intends to ensure that the public is made aware of the plan and its implications.

“We’re going to make sure the public knows about it,” she said.

She further suggested that action by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump could be appropriate if the city moves ahead with the proposal.

“If DOJ needs to take action, if they want to go down this unconstitutional route, I believe they should,” Malliotakis said.

President Donald Trump has explored the possibility of reducing the American military presence in Europe, voicing frustration over NATO allies’ lack of support in securing the Strait of Hormuz and stalled efforts related to Greenland, a senior White House official told Reuters on Thursday.

According to the official, no formal decision has been reached, and the Pentagon has not been instructed to begin drafting specific plans for a troop withdrawal. The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions.

Even so, the fact that such talks are taking place highlights a deepening strain between Washington and its European NATO partners. It also indicates that Wednesday’s White House meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did little to ease tensions, which are now being described as the most serious since the alliance was established in 1949.

The United States currently maintains a force of over 80,000 troops across Europe, continuing a decades-long role as a cornerstone of the continent’s security since World War II. Of those forces, more than 30,000 are based in Germany, with additional large deployments in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

NATO has not issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the reported discussions.

The White House official did not provide details on which countries could be affected or how many troops might ultimately be withdrawn if Trump moves ahead with the idea.

Trump’s relationship with NATO has long been marked by friction, as he has repeatedly criticized European nations for failing to meet defense spending commitments. However, the past three months have seen a particularly sharp escalation in tensions.

In January, Trump reignited controversy by again raising the prospect of annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, sparking backlash across the Atlantic.

Since the outbreak of war with Iran on February 28, Trump has also expressed strong dissatisfaction that NATO members have not stepped forward to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments that has remained largely shut despite this week’s fragile ceasefire.

NATO diplomats have said Washington has not clearly communicated whether it expects any operation in the Strait of Hormuz to take place during the conflict or after it ends. They have also noted that the United States has not outlined what specific roles or capabilities it expects from individual alliance members.

A report in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday indicated that senior officials had discussed relocating American troops within Europe, potentially moving them away from countries whose leaders have criticized the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran and toward nations that have shown stronger support.

However, the White House official told Reuters that Trump’s current focus is on bringing troops back to the United States rather than redeploying them to other European countries.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran must not impose charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping activity remains sharply reduced following the outbreak of war and the waterway’s effective closure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed reports that Tehran may be seeking to collect fees from tankers navigating the critical passage. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump wrote.

He followed with a direct warning, stating, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”

Speculation has grown in recent days that Iran is considering introducing tolls for ships using the strait, a move that has been firmly rejected by Western officials who oppose paying for passage.

According to a report published Wednesday by the Financial Times, an Iranian official indicated that Tehran intends to require payment in cryptocurrency from ships in order to maintain its grip on the strait during a temporary two-week ceasefire with the United States.

In another message posted Thursday, Trump hinted at developments in global energy flow but did not provide details, writing, “you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran.”

Earlier this week, Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran, following prior threats in which he warned of catastrophic consequences for the country.

Despite the ceasefire, maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz remained at less than 10% of typical levels on Thursday. Reuters reported that Iran has continued to assert control over the area, instructing ships to remain within its territorial waters as they transit the route.

Fresh doubts about the durability of the newly arranged ceasefire have emerged as Iran signals it does not intend to fully comply with the agreement, heightening concerns over stability in one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

The truce, which took effect Wednesday after talks spearheaded by President Donald Trump, was meant to calm weeks of hostilities and allow maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to normal.

Trump had underscored that the deal would restore “free trade across the Strait of Hormuz,” presenting it as a move to stabilize international supply chains.

Yet as the ceasefire went into effect, Tehran appeared to be adjusting its terms to suit its own interests rather than honoring the intent of the agreement.

Officials involved in mediation efforts, along with shipping experts, say Iran has made clear it will only permit a restricted number of vessels to transit the strait each day.

On Wednesday, just 12 cargo tankers were allowed to pass through the narrow waterway.

That figure stands in stark contrast to conditions before the conflict, when more than 100 ships could move through the corridor daily without obstruction.

These limitations have triggered serious concern in global energy markets, which rely heavily on uninterrupted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the region.

Adding to the tension, Iran is reportedly imposing charges on ships seeking passage, effectively converting the international waterway into a tightly controlled and revenue-generating bottleneck.

Those fees, which can climb as high as $2 million for large oil carriers, are reportedly arranged ahead of time and paid using alternative methods such as Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency.

International observers have criticized the move, arguing that it violates long-established maritime rules that guarantee freedom of navigation.

Under widely accepted international conventions governing waterways, nations are not allowed to levy fees for transit through natural chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, Iran’s conduct is being viewed not only as a violation of the ceasefire but also as a broader challenge to global legal standards.

Despite public messaging suggesting a willingness to pursue calm, Tehran appears to be using the pause in fighting to deepen its control over the strait.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has assumed a leading role in regulating maritime traffic, requiring ships to coordinate their passage directly with its naval units.

Broadcast warnings directed at vessels in the area have reinforced the risks, with Iranian forces cautioning that ships attempting to pass without approval could be targeted.

Only a small number of vessels made it through on the first full day of the ceasefire, marking one of the lowest levels of traffic seen in recent weeks.

The reduced volume has effectively prolonged the disruption caused by the conflict, preventing a meaningful return to normal commercial activity.

Although the ceasefire remains in effect on paper, conditions on the ground indicate that free navigation is still severely limited, with Iran dictating access and pricing.

Oil-producing nations in the Gulf have voiced strong objections to any arrangement that requires payments to Tehran, warning that such a system could establish a dangerous precedent.

They argue that allowing these practices would legitimize economic pressure tactics and erode the rules-based global order.

Analysts say Iran’s approach reflects an evolving strategy, using its geographic position to exert influence rather than relying solely on military force.

By controlling the strait, Tehran gains immediate leverage over global markets, particularly the pricing and flow of oil.

This influence is significant given that roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow channel.

Even limited disruptions can cause sharp price swings, with far-reaching consequences for economies worldwide.

Shipping firms are proceeding cautiously, wary of resuming normal operations amid uncertainty about enforcement and safety conditions.

Many companies are holding vessels back, waiting for clearer direction before committing to regular transit schedules.

U.S. officials have acknowledged the complications arising from Iran’s actions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that tolls would be both illegal and dangerous.

He stressed that stopping such measures would likely require a coordinated international effort, especially from nations that rely heavily on the strait.

At the same time, the United States has not yet laid out a specific plan for enforcing compliance.

For now, the ceasefire remains nominally in place, but questions about its effectiveness continue to grow.

As long as restrictions and fees remain, the agreement falls short of delivering the open and secure passage it promised.

With Vice President JD Vance scheduled to hold direct talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on Friday, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can restore genuine freedom of navigation or whether tensions will escalate once again.

Tonight is known in many circles as “Rumpelnacht,” as the post-Pesach cleanup gets underway. With pots, pans and dishes all over the place and kitchenware being moved from here to there, the name “Rumpelnacht” has been found appropriate by some to describe the hectic atmosphere.

So as you “turn back over” from Pesach to chometz, Matzav.com wishes you bracha and hatzlacha and all the best to your families and loved ones.

We also wish you the customary Motzoei Pesach blessing of “ah gezunte zummer” and pray for only the best for all members of Klal Yisroel across the globe. May we all see yeshuos and refuos, collectively and individually, and may we see an end to the current difficult situation.

Next year in Yerushalayim, be’ezras Hashem.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}

Kamal Kharazi, Iran’s former foreign minister, has died after being wounded in joint U.S.-Israel strikes carried out on April 1, according to reports published Thursday by Iranian media outlets.

Kharazi, who was 81, was serving as chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council for International Relations, an entity affiliated with the country’s foreign ministry, at the time of the attack.

Iranian news agencies Mehr and ISNA reported that the longtime diplomat, “who was wounded in a terrorist attack carried out by the American-Zionist enemy a few days ago, died a martyr tonight”.

Reports also indicated that Kharazi’s wife was killed when their residence in Tehran was struck during the assault.

Over the course of his career, Kharazi held several high-profile diplomatic posts, including serving as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York before later becoming foreign minister from 1997 through 2005 under President Mohammad Khatami.

President Donald Trump issued a lengthy statement on Truth Social Thursday, taking aim at several well-known conservative commentators who once supported him but are now criticizing his position on Iran.

In his remarks, Trump singled out Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, all of whom have recently spoken out against his handling of tensions with the Islamic Republic.

“They think it is wonderful for Iran, the Number One State Sponsor of Terror, to have a Nuclear Weapon – Because they have one thing in common, Low IQs,” Trump charged.

Carlson and Kelly, both of whom previously worked at Fox News, have been especially outspoken. Kelly reacted angrily to Trump’s earlier warning this week that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, urging the president to “…shut up about that ….” Carlson, for his part, called Trump’s statement “vile on every level.”

The criticism marks a notable shift, as all four figures had strongly backed Trump during the 2024 presidential race. Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Carlson said that following the assassination attempt against Trump, he “was the leader of a nation.” Kelly, addressing a rally in Pittsburgh, told supporters she preferred “a president who understands how to be strong and how to fight” and encouraged them to “vote Trump and get 10 friends to vote Trump too.”

Responding to their recent comments, Trump suggested that Carlson, Kelly, and others who have turned against him “should see a good psychiatrist.”

Candace Owens fired back on social media, casting doubt on Trump’s mental condition and writing, “It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home.”

Owens has also previously voiced regret over promoting Trump during the campaign. In an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, she said: “I don’t regret voting for Donald Trump above [former Vice President] Kamala [Harris]. I think he was the better candidate – certainly a better candidate above [former President] Joe Biden. But what I will say is that he’s been a chronic disappointment, and I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him.”

Trump also took aim at Alex Jones, referring to him as “Bankrupt” and criticizing him for “his horrendous attack on the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, ridiculously claiming it was a hoax.”

Jones, who hosted Trump on InfoWars in 2015, responded in a video message expressing disappointment. “I’m just so sad that whatever’s happened to him has totally changed the man he once was. He did so much good.” He added that he feels “sorry for him and pray that God touches his heart and soul and free him from the demonic influences that he’s under.”

Despite claiming he does not care about their opinions, Trump’s post ran close to 500 words and dismissed the group as no longer aligned with his political movement, saying they are “not ‘MAGA,’ they’re losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA.”

Pakistan’s defense minister sparked a diplomatic firestorm on Thursday after issuing a blistering condemnation of Israel, prompting sharp responses from Israeli leadership at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran and amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense, posted a strongly worded message on X, declaring that “Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon.”

He went on to escalate his rhetoric further, writing: “Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated. I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, issued a forceful response, condemning the remarks and warning that such language undermines any claim of neutrality in mediation efforts. He stated that “Israel views these blatant antisemitic blood libels very gravely from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace.'”

Sa’ar added that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.”

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar vowed.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also weighed in, denouncing the Pakistani minister’s comments in strong terms. “Pakistan Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.”

President Donald Trump has agreed to pause planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks in a last-minute decision made less than 90 minutes before his 8 p.m. deadline, saying the move could open the door to a wider peace agreement in the Middle East.

In a Truth Social statement, Trump said the decision followed conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged him to delay what he described as a major military assault on Iran.

The pause in operations, he said, depends on Iran taking immediate steps to reopen a key global shipping route. “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Trump framed the decision as part of a broader de-escalation effort, stating: “This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump said. “We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

He added that negotiations had already made significant progress, saying: “Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The United States had been pressing Iran to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway responsible for roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil flow, warning of severe consequences if it remained closed.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump issued a stark warning about the potential outcome if no agreement were reached. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“… We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.”

Pakistan, which has played a central role in mediating between Washington and Tehran during the conflict, made a last-minute push for an extension, proposing that Iran reopen the strait temporarily during the two-week period as a goodwill gesture.

“Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future,” Sharif said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The diplomatic push followed a series of U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country’s oil exports.

According to reports, approximately 50 strikes were carried out against bunkers, radar installations, and ammunition depots on the island, while avoiding direct hits on major energy infrastructure such as oil tanker terminals.

The escalating situation has rattled global markets, with investors concerned that further strikes on Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—could intensify the conflict.

Trump had previously outlined the scale of potential military action, warning: “We have a plan because of the power of our military where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” Trump said Monday, “where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again.”

He added that the operation “will happen over a period of four hours.”

The CIA relied on a highly classified system known as “Ghost Murmur” to locate and help rescue a second American airman who was shot down in southern Iran, according to a report by The New York Post citing sources familiar with the operation.

The tool, described as a cutting-edge intelligence capability, uses long-range quantum magnetometry to detect the electromagnetic signature of a human heartbeat, then combines that data with artificial intelligence to distinguish it from surrounding interference, sources said.

This marked the first known operational deployment of the technology in the field by the agency, and it was indirectly referenced during a White House briefing by President Donald Trump and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

“It’s like hearing a voice in a stadium, except the stadium is a thousand square miles of desert,” a source familiar with the program told The Post. “In the right conditions, if your heart is beating, we will find you.”

According to sources with knowledge of Lockheed Martin systems, the technology was developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, though the firm declined to comment on the report.

The system has reportedly been tested aboard Black Hawk helicopters and may eventually be integrated into F-35 fighter aircraft, according to one of the sources.

The downed crew member, publicly identified only as “Dude 44 Bravo,” had taken cover in a mountain crevice after his F-15 was shot down, surviving for two days in harsh terrain while Iranian forces searched the area.

The remote and sparsely populated environment made conditions especially suitable for the first real-world use of Ghost Murmur, one source explained.

“The name is deliberate. ‘Murmur’ is a clinical term for a heart rhythm. ‘Ghost’ refers to finding someone who, for all practical purposes, has disappeared,” the source said.

The technology performed optimally due to minimal electromagnetic interference, limited human presence, and temperature differences at night between the human body and the surrounding desert, which helped confirm readings.

“Normally this signal is so weak that it can only be measured in a hospital setting with sensors pressed nearly against the chest,” the source said.

“But advances in a field known as quantum magnetometry — specifically sensors built around microscopic defects in synthetic diamonds — have apparently made it possible to detect these signals at dramatically greater distances.”

The same source cautioned that the system is not all-powerful. “The capability is not omniscient. It works best in remote, low-clutter environments and requires significant processing time,” this person said.

It remains unclear how long the system took to process data during the rescue or whether it has additional offensive military applications.

Although the airman activated a Combat Survivor Evader Locator beacon, his exact position remained uncertain until Ghost Murmur helped narrow and confirm his location.

The breakthrough came when the system identified the airman’s position, working alongside the beacon to refine the search.

“He had to come out [of the crevice] to send the beacon,” the source said. “It was less important the signal they sent and more important that he had to come out to send [it].”

During a briefing, Ratcliffe described the moment the agency confirmed the airman’s survival. “achieved our primary objective by finding and providing confirmation that one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice — still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA.”

“That confirmation was relayed by Secretary [of War Pete] Hegseth to the president, and the operation quickly moved to the execution phase,” he said.

Trump told reporters the CIA had identified the missing airman from a considerable distance. “It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, finding this pilot, and the CIA was unbelievable,” Trump said. “The CIA was very responsible for finding this little speck.”

He also praised Ratcliffe’s role in the operation, saying: “did a phenomenal job that night — he did something that I don’t know if you want to talk about it. If you want, you can. I’m not sure he’s supposed to.”

Trump joked about the secrecy surrounding the system, adding that the technology “might be classified, in which case I’d have to put him in jail if he talks about it and I don’t want to put him in jail. He doesn’t deserve that.”

Sources indicated that the classified nature of Ghost Murmur explains why officials have been reluctant to detail how the airman was located.

“I don’t think people even know this technology is possible from this distance,” one source said.

Airstrikes struck Tehran on Tuesday as Iran urged civilians—especially young people—to form human chains around power plants, just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a dramatic escalation.

With the 8 p.m. Washington deadline approaching, tensions surged on both sides. Trump signaled that this cutoff may be final after extending previous deadlines, warning that failure to comply would lead to sweeping attacks on Iran’s infrastructure. Tehran responded with defiant rhetoric, including a claim by its president that 14 million citizens had volunteered to fight.

Although Iran lacks the advanced capabilities of U.S. and Israeli forces, its control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, increasing pressure on Washington to resolve the standoff.

Diplomatic sources said negotiations were still underway, but Iran had rejected the latest U.S. proposal, leaving uncertainty over whether a deal could be reached in time. International leaders and legal experts cautioned that the scale of strikes being discussed could violate the laws of war.

At the same time, waves of strikes hit targets across Iran, including residential neighborhoods in Tehran, leaving dozens dead. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Saudi Arabia, forcing the temporary closure of a key regional bridge.

Reiterating the deadline, Trump warned that “the entire country can be taken out in one night.”

“Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” he said Monday, adding that power plants would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”

In response, Iranian officials called on the public to physically protect key infrastructure. They urged “all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors” to form human chains around power facilities.

“Power plants that are our national assets and capital,” Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said in a video statement.

While similar demonstrations have occurred in the past around nuclear facilities, it remained unclear how many would participate this time. Reports indicated that at least one major power plant in Tehran had already been closed off for security reasons ahead of the planned gatherings.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed widespread public mobilization, writing: “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued further warnings, saying it would “deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region’s oil and gas for years” and expand its attacks across the Gulf if the U.S. follows through.

A senior Guard official also encouraged parents to send their children to staff checkpoints, which have been frequent targets of airstrikes.

Inside Tehran, the atmosphere was described as tense and fearful. One resident, speaking anonymously, said the country faces worsening conditions, including the possibility of widespread power outages. “I feel we are stuck between the blades of a pair of scissors,” he said.

International leaders continued to call for restraint. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure “are barred by the rules of war, international law.”

“They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also cautioned that targeting civilian infrastructure would violate international law, according to his office.

Despite those warnings, Trump dismissed concerns, saying he is “not at all” worried about potential accusations of war crimes.

Airstrikes continued across Iran, including in densely populated areas. Israel said it struck a petrochemical facility in Shiraz for a second consecutive day and issued a Farsi-language warning advising civilians to avoid trains, suggesting possible further strikes on transportation infrastructure.

Additional attacks were reported at Khorramabad International Airport and in Alborz province, where state media said 18 people were killed. Other strikes in Shahriar and Pardis left at least 15 more dead.

Iran also launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, with debris reportedly falling near energy facilities after interception. The attack led Saudi authorities to temporarily shut down the King Fahd Causeway, the only land connection between Bahrain—home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet—and the Arabian Peninsula.

Missile alerts were also reported in Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, though official figures have not been updated in recent days.

In Lebanon, fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has killed more than 1,400 people and displaced over one million, while 11 Israeli soldiers have died there. Additional casualties have been reported across the region, including in Gulf Arab states, the West Bank, Israel, and among U.S. forces.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict on February 28 has had far-reaching economic consequences, with disruptions to global oil supply driving up prices worldwide.

Brent crude rose above $108 per barrel on Tuesday, representing an increase of roughly 50 percent since the outbreak of hostilities.

While Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal on Monday, insisting on a permanent end to the war, diplomatic efforts continued. Officials said indirect talks between Washington and Tehran were ongoing, with mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey “are racing against time” to reach a deal.

According to one official, Iran has tied reopening the strait to sanctions relief, and the United States has indicated willingness to ease some restrictions, particularly on Iran’s oil sector, in an effort to stabilize global markets.

Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, preventing the measure from passing despite majority support, AFP reported.

The proposal had already been significantly scaled back from its original version, which Gulf nations had pushed to include authorization for the use of force to secure the crucial shipping route.

The revised draft, introduced by Bahrain with backing from the United States, received 11 votes in favor, two opposed, and two abstentions.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed disappointment following the outcome, saying the Gulf states “regret” the rejection of the measure.

Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway since the United States and Israel launched military operations on February 28, disrupting a passage through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically flows and sending shockwaves through global markets.

The vote came just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the strait, during which he warned that failure to comply could result in catastrophic consequences, including that “a whole civilization will die” in Iran.

Following the vote, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized that Washington retains the ability to act independently, stating: “Today’s result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners.”

Speaking on behalf of Gulf oil-producing nations, Al Zayani warned that the failed resolution carries broader implications, saying it “sends the wrong signal to the world.”

He elaborated: “This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.

Bahrain had begun discussions two weeks earlier on a stronger resolution that would have explicitly authorized countries to use force to reopen the strait.

However, resistance from several permanent members of the Security Council with veto power—including France, Russia, and China—led to repeated delays and a weakened final version of the text.

The revised resolution “strongly encourages states…to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels,” rather than explicitly authorizing force.

It also “demands” that Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

In addition, the proposal called for an end to strikes targeting civilian water, oil, and gas infrastructure.

President Donald Trump pushed back Tuesday against claims by Tucker Carlson that he is moving toward a nuclear confrontation with Iran, rejecting the assertion in a phone conversation with The New York Post and sharply criticizing the commentator.

“Tucker’s a low IQ person that has absolutely no idea what’s going on,” the president said. “He calls me all the time; I don’t respond to his calls. I don’t deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools.”

Carlson had alleged in a post Monday night on X that Trump’s earlier Truth Social message—warning that the United States could strike Iran’s power plants and bridges—was “the first step toward nuclear war.”

“Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us,” Carlson wrote.

In the original Sunday post, Trump issued a blunt warning directed at Iran, writing: “open the … Strait, you crazy …. , or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Carlson condemned the tone of the message, calling it inappropriate for a religious holiday. “vile on every level.”

In his podcast, Carlson further criticized the president, saying: “How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country?” Carlson said in his podcast. “Who do you think you are? You’re tweeting out [a profanity] on Easter morning.”

He went on to draw extreme comparisons, suggesting the president’s actions could lead to global catastrophe. “Is it just a conventional escalation ladder in a badly thought out war … [or] could it be something bigger? Is it possible what you’re watching is a very stealthy yet incredibly effective attack on what, from a Christian perspective, is the true faith: …. he said.

Carlson also questioned Trump’s motives in broader terms. “Is it possible that the president sees this in bigger terms? Sees this as the fulfillment of something? An elevation of some higher office beyond president of the United States?”

He pointed to Trump’s inauguration as part of his argument, saying: “… Maybe he didn’t put his hand on the Bible because he affirmatively rejects what’s inside that book, and what’s inside that book are limits on human behavior,” he said. “Because if there’s one theme that spans all 66 books in the Christian Bible, it’s that you are not God and you cannot assume his powers.”

Escalating his claims, Carlson urged administration and military personnel to refuse any potential nuclear order. “Those people who are in direct contact with the President need to say, ‘no, I’ll resign. I’ll do whatever I can do legally to stop this, because this is insane, and if you give the order, I’m not carrying it out. Figure out the codes on the football yourself,’” Carlson said.

The claims gained additional traction online when an account associated with former Vice President Kamala Harris amplified the narrative, asserting that Vice President JD Vance had hinted at the possibility of nuclear action.

The post referenced remarks Vance delivered in Hungary, where he said: “we’ve got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use that the president of the United States can decide to use them — and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don’t change their course of conduct.”

The White House quickly rejected that interpretation, responding on its Rapid Response account: “Literally nothing @VP said here ‘implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”

Trump has continued to maintain that he is prepared to act militarily if Iran refuses to comply with his demands, particularly regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a separate Truth Social post, he warned: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He added: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”

“We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

Military analysts note that the United States has multiple options available, ranging from expanded air campaigns targeting Iranian infrastructure to potential operations involving key strategic sites such as Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted from a street in Baghdad last week, has been released, according to an Iraqi official familiar with the situation.

The official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment, said Kittleson was freed in the afternoon. While her current location was not disclosed, the official confirmed she had been held somewhere in Baghdad prior to her release.

Earlier in the day, the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement saying it had decided to release Kittleson, who had been kidnapped on March 31.

The group said the move was made “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister”, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without elaborating further. It added: “This initiative will not be repeated in the future.”

The militia also imposed a condition, stating that Kittleson must “leave the country immediately” after being freed.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Until issuing the statement, Kataib Hezbollah had not publicly acknowledged involvement in the abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had previously indicated the group was likely responsible.

According to two militia officials who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press, the release was part of an arrangement that would see several Kataib Hezbollah members previously detained by Iraqi authorities set free.

Kittleson, 49, is a freelance reporter who has spent years working across the Middle East, including in Iraq and Syria, and had previously been based in Rome. Like many independent journalists, she operated without the security resources typically available to staff reporters at major news organizations.

She had recently returned to Iraq before her kidnapping. U.S. officials said they had warned her multiple times about potential threats, but she chose to remain in the country.

Iraqi authorities reported that the abduction involved two vehicles. One of the cars was involved in a crash while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then moved into a second vehicle that escaped.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said efforts to secure her release had encountered setbacks.

One security official said a representative of the Popular Mobilization Forces—a coalition of Iran-aligned militias formally linked to the Iraqi military—had been assigned to negotiate with the kidnappers, but faced difficulties establishing communication with Kataib Hezbollah’s leadership.

Kataib Hezbollah has been linked in the past to the abduction of foreign nationals.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student at Princeton University with Israeli and Russian citizenship, went missing in Baghdad in 2023. After being freed and transferred to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah, though the group never formally claimed responsibility.

Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq have also carried out repeated attacks on U.S. installations in the country since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said it is working to allow hundreds more people into the Kosel plaza, beyond the limits set by a temporary High Court ruling, pending approval from security authorities.

In a submission to the Supreme Court, the foundation stated that additional protective measures are available and have not yet been fully implemented, which could make it possible to safely accommodate a larger number of people at the site.

Officials also warned that current entry limits are leading to crowding and long lines outside the plaza, creating potential safety concerns.

The foundation stressed that any increase in access would be coordinated with the Home Front Command and Israel Police, and carried out in line with security protocols, while maintaining a balance between safeguarding lives and preserving access for tefillah.

President Donald Trump warned that devastating consequences could unfold within hours if Iran fails to agree to his terms for ending the war, declaring that an entire civilization could be wiped out.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” adding, “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He also suggested that recent developments could lead to a dramatic shift, writing: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

In remarks delivered the previous day, Trump reaffirmed that the deadline for reaching an agreement with Iran remains set for Tuesday and issued additional warnings directed at Tehran.

“The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night” Trump said.

His comments followed Iran’s rejection of a proposed temporary ceasefire. Tehran conditioned any end to the conflict on several demands, including halting regional hostilities, establishing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and lifting all sanctions.

Trump indicated that negotiations were still ongoing but insufficient, stating: “Tuesday is the deadline. The Iranians have made an offer, a significant offer, a significant step. It’s not enough, but a very significant step. They are negotiating now and they have made a very significant step.”

After the speech, Iranian officials dismissed Trump’s statements as unrealistic. Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters said: “The rude, insolent, and baseless threats of the delusional US President will not make up for the humiliation and disgrace of the United States in the West Asia region.”

President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to launch a major attack on Iran if a deal is not reached by his Tuesday 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time deadline, according to comments relayed by Fox News host Bret Baier following a direct conversation with the president.

Baier said he had just spoken with Trump, who declined to assign probabilities to a diplomatic outcome but emphasized that the deadline would be enforced. “I just got off the phone with the president…he called and I said, ‘Listen, if you were to put odds on it, what were the odds that this is going to end up being a negotiated deal?’ He said he wasn’t going to put odds on it, but he said 8:00 p.m. is happening. That’s what he said. He said, ‘If we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen,’” Baier said.

According to Baier, Trump added that a breakthrough remains possible if talks advance quickly. “If negotiations move forward today and there is something concrete, that could change. But, at this hour, he didn’t want to put odds on it, but he said it is moving forward with the plans that we have.”

Earlier, Trump issued a stark warning on Truth Social, suggesting catastrophic consequences if Iran refuses his terms. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He also indicated that regime change could alter the outcome, writing: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

On Monday, Trump reaffirmed that the deadline for reaching an agreement remains unchanged and warned of severe consequences if it is not met. “The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night” Trump said.

His remarks followed Iran’s rejection of a proposed temporary ceasefire. Tehran demanded an end to the war contingent on several conditions, including a halt to regional conflicts, guarantees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the lifting of all sanctions.

Iranian officials later dismissed Trump’s warnings, asserting that the United States had suffered setbacks in the conflict and criticizing the president in harsh terms. A spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters said, “The rude, insolent, and baseless threats of the delusional US President will not make up for the humiliation and disgrace of the United States in the West Asia region.”

The IDF said it is continuing to expand its strikes against Iran’s military infrastructure, further degrading the regime’s operational capabilities.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Israeli Air Force aircraft, acting on intelligence provided by IDF Intelligence, carried out attacks over the past several days on major production facilities linked to Iran’s military.

On Monday, the Air Force struck a primary facility in Shiraz used for manufacturing sonar and underwater detection systems. The site is affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Defense.

The IDF stated that the facility played a central role in the planning, research, development, and production of sonar technologies designed to identify submarines, naval vessels, divers, and underwater missile systems.

“The strike significantly impairs the Iranian terror regime’s maritime detection and defense capabilities and its ability to produce and maintain submarines and naval electronic systems,” the statement said.

In a separate round of operations, Israeli forces also targeted a key installation in Karaj used in the production of naval cruise missiles and air defense systems, according to the IDF.

Rapper Ye has been denied entry into the United Kingdom ahead of a planned performance at the Wireless Festival, prompting organizers to cancel the major London event following widespread backlash over his antisemitic remarks.

Festival officials confirmed the decision and the cancellation of the three-day event. According to the BBC, citing the Home Office, Ye was refused entry because his presence was deemed not “conducive to the public good.”

He had been scheduled to headline before an estimated 150,000 attendees from July 10–12 at Finsbury Park in London. Prior to the decision, a senior government official had already stated he should “absolutely not” be allowed to perform.

In response to the controversy, Ye indicated a willingness to meet with representatives of the UK Jewish community, saying he would prove change through his actions. The pressure campaign against his appearance intensified amid criticism from sponsors and political leaders, particularly in light of his previous antisemitic comments and expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler.

The controversy follows a series of incidents over the past year, including the release of a track titled “Heil Hitler” and the promotion of merchandise featuring a swastika. In January, Ye issued a public apology, attributing his behavior to a bipolar episode.

Several major corporate sponsors—including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diageo—pulled their support, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the planned performance as “deeply concerning.”

Jewish community leader Phil Rosenberg said that any potential meeting would depend on sincere remorse from the artist. Meanwhile, event organizers had initially defended the booking, calling for “forgiveness and hope.” That position drew criticism from UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who dismissed it as “absurd” and reiterated that Ye should not be permitted to perform.

Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein delivered an unusually strong and uncompromising address criticizing israeli state policy, arguing that what is called democracy has become a form of ideological coercion. The remarks were delivered in a closed-door talk to a small group of students and are now being published for the first time, against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding the draft law and economic pressure on the Torah world.

In his remarks, Rav Eichenstein presented what he described as a clear and unapologetic position regarding the relationship between the chareidi public and the State of Israel, particularly during wartime.

Opening his address, he said: “If people think the state here is democratic, that’s a mistake.” He argued that the concept of “liberal democracy,” as promoted by the courts and media, has become a tool for ideological enforcement. “The moment you try to impose your religion on someone else, it’s no longer liberalism. Today’s progressivism is a religion in every sense, and it stands above everything—even above security needs.”

Rav Eichenstein cited court rulings that prioritize equality over operational effectiveness in the military as an example, describing them as detached from logic. “This is not one plus one equals two; this is one plus one equals ten. They are willing to sacrifice everything for their new ‘religion.’”

He also addressed the idea of “equal burden-sharing,” calling it a fundamental misunderstanding of how the world was created. “God created a world of different roles. There is a man and a woman, a carpenter and a mathematician. The idea that everyone must do the same thing is a communist concept, not a democratic one. In a true democracy, the state should allow each group to live according to its own way.”

The rosh yeshiva stressed that yeshiva students should not feel guilty in response to such claims. “I’m prepared to argue this with the greatest law professor—they have no answer. If democracy is ‘for the people,’ then why are you forcing part of the people to follow a foreign religion? You have no right to interfere in the details of my personal way of life.”

During the talk, Rav Eichenstein also explained why he believes the current structure of the military poses a threat to chareidi identity. He noted that from the time of Ben-Gurion, the army was designed to serve as a “melting pot” aimed at erasing distinct communities and creating a new identity detached from Torah.

“Today, when women are brought into every setting and progressive agendas are pushed into the units, it is almost impossible to be there without being affected. Those who propose frameworks like ‘Kodkod’ or ‘Chashmonaim’ are trying to create a ‘split chareidi’—someone who lives in two worlds. We need to remain whole and recognize that Torah is the main hall, and everything else is just the corridor.”

The Yerushalayim community was saddened by the news of the passing of Mrs. Gittel Tziporah Weinberger a”h at the age of 70.

The nifteres was a beloved and respected figure in Dushinsky chassidus, where she lived a life of mesirus nefesh, anavah, and deep yiras Shamayim. Her husband, Reb Nota Shlomo Weinberger z”l, a prominent member of the chassidus, was niftar on 7 Shevat 5781 during the Covid pandemic.

For many years, the couple lived at 34 Rechov Shmuel Hanavi in Yerushalayim, near the center of the chassidus, where they raised their 11 children, nine sons and two daughters. One of the children is a special child who received devoted care from his parents and is now left a yasom, while continuing in a specialized educational framework.

She leaves behind a large family of children and descendants who continue in the path of Torah and yiras Shamayim. Among her children is the well-known singer Zanvil Weinberger, as well as his brothers Yossi and Michoel Weinberger, members of the Malchus Choir.

The levayah took place at the Dushinsky Bais Medrash on Rechov Shmuel Hanavi, with kevurah on Har HaMenuchos.

The family will begin sitting shivah immediately after Shevi’i Shel Pesach.

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

On the eve of Shevi’i Shel Pesach, a significant halachic obligation takes effect: the mitzvah of biur maasros, requiring those in Eretz Yisroel to ensure that all maasros have been properly separated and distributed, and that no produce or funds remain in their possession without having been given to their intended recipients.

According to halachah, this is the designated time to verify that all terumos and maasros were taken correctly, and that no agricultural produce or designated tithes are still being held without fulfilling their purpose.

The source of this mitzvah is the pasuk: “When you have finished tithing all the produce of your yield in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give to the Levi, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, and they shall eat within your gates and be satisfied.” This obligation occurs twice during each shemittah cycle—at the end of the third and sixth years—and continues to apply today in accordance with the halachos observed after the churban.

This year, 5786, corresponds to the fourth year of the shemittah cycle, meaning the time has now arrived—following the completion of the maaser ani cycle—to carry out the biur. Practically, this requires anyone who still has produce from which terumos and maasros were not properly separated, or who is holding maasros that have not yet been given to a kohein, Levi, or ani, to address the matter without delay.

{Matzav.com}

Former CIA Director David Petraeus said that Russia no longer holds a dominant position in its war against Ukraine, pointing to what he described as a noticeable shift in momentum despite Moscow’s larger resources.

“I think what’s remarkable is that Russia no longer has the upper hand,” Petraeus said in an interview published Monday by CBS.

He noted that while Russia maintains clear numerical and economic advantages, those strengths have not translated into battlefield success. “Russia heavily outnumbers Ukraine. It outguns Ukraine. It has an economy 10 or 12 times the size of Ukraine’s. And yet the Ukrainian forces right now are stopping the Russians cold on the front lines,” he added.

The war in Eastern Europe has now stretched beyond four years, with multiple diplomatic efforts failing to bring about a ceasefire or lasting resolution.

Russian forces have continued to launch repeated strikes on Kyiv as part of a broader effort to secure control over key regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

According to CBS, Ukraine has relied heavily on its Delta battlefield management system, which allows forces to pinpoint targets and coordinate attacks using advanced digital mapping.

Petraeus described the intensity of the ongoing assaults, saying that more than 400 drones and dozens of missiles were launched on the morning of his interview, with glide bombs striking on a nightly basis.

“But on the front lines, which is all important, the Russians have actually achieved less than the Ukrainians have in the last two weeks,” he added.

Separately, reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in close contact with Iran during its conflict with the United States and Israel, with Moscow reportedly providing intelligence support to Tehran as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Israeli journalist Amit Segal said Monday that he was the first to report that a second American airman was missing after a U.S. F-15 was shot down over Iran, an early disclosure that later drew a sharp warning from President Donald Trump, who threatened legal consequences for whoever revealed the information.

Segal made the claim publicly on his Telegram channel, writing: “As you may recall, this was first published here,” referring to his initial report about the weapons systems officer who went down during Operation Epic Fury.

The report surfaced at a particularly sensitive stage in the escalating U.S.-Iran confrontation. Following the aircraft’s downing on Friday, American officials confirmed that one pilot had been recovered but did not immediately disclose that a second crew member was unaccounted for.

During a White House briefing on Monday, Trump asserted that the leak may have endangered the missing airman by alerting Iranian forces, which he said led Tehran to place a bounty on the serviceman. He vowed to identify and take action against whoever first reported that a second airman was missing.

Trump also blamed the media for publicizing the information, arguing that such details should not have been released. While he did not name specific outlets, observers later pointed to reports by Fox News and The Washington Post as among the earliest coverage of the incident.

At the briefing, Trump made clear he intended to pursue the source of the leak, saying: “The person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say, and that doesn’t last long,” Trump said. “We’re going to go to the media company that released it, and we’re going to say, ‘National security. Give it up or go to jail.'”

Shortly after those remarks, Segal publicly identified himself as the journalist behind the initial report, appearing to challenge the president’s warning. However, when questioned further by the New York Post, he softened his position, saying he was “not sure” he had been the first to break the story before adding: “I will protect my sources.”

It remains unclear whether U.S. authorities would have jurisdiction to pursue legal action against an Israeli citizen or compel a foreign media outlet to disclose confidential sources.

Segal, 43, is widely regarded as one of Israel’s most prominent political journalists. He serves as a commentator for Channel 12 News and writes for Yedioth Ahronoth, while also maintaining a large following on Telegram and contributing regularly to The Wall Street Journal. Over the years, he has reported extensively on Israeli politics, including major investigations involving government corruption and cyber activities linked to Iran.

His background includes legal studies at Hebrew University and a master’s degree in public policy from University College London. His father, Chagai Segal, is a former journalist and was previously convicted as a member of the Jewish Underground..

Trump reiterated his position during the same briefing, warning: “We’re going to go to the media company that released it and we’re going to say, ‘National security, give it up or go to jail.”

President Donald Trump has put forward a proposal to dramatically boost funding for renovations at the White House, requesting more than $377 million for fiscal year 2026 and an additional $174 million for fiscal year 2027.

The $377 million request marks a sharp increase—about 866 percent higher than the approximately $39 million allocated for White House maintenance in fiscal year 2025.

An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson told Politico that the proposed funding reflects broader planning beyond routine upkeep, including modernization projects and upgraded security measures.

According to the spokesperson, the scope of the work will go beyond the main residence and cover several parts of the White House complex, including plans supported by Trump to build a new ballroom.

Of the total amount proposed for 2026, roughly $350 million is categorized as mandatory spending, which the spokesperson said includes private contributions earmarked for the ballroom construction.

The ballroom initiative has already drawn legal opposition.

On Friday, the Trump administration argued that a federal court order stopping construction creates a direct security concern for the president and the White House.

In a court filing appealing the decision, attorneys for the National Park Service warned that halting the project is “threatening grave national-security harms to the White House, the president and his family, and the president’s staff.”

“Time is of the essence!” government lawyers wrote, stressing that the project involves materials and systems intended to produce a “heavily fortified” structure. The filing noted that the design includes elements such as bomb shelters, military installations, and a medical facility.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington, D.C., issued a temporary injunction last week, stopping construction work, including efforts that had already involved demolishing parts of the East Wing.

Leon ruled that without clear approval from Congress, the preservation group challenging the project is likely to succeed. He wrote that “no statute comes close to giving the president the authority he claims to have.”

The judge delayed enforcement of his ruling for 14 days, giving the administration time to file an appeal.

The Pentagon is preparing a request for approximately $4.5 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget to rebuild depleted Tomahawk cruise missile stockpiles, highlighting growing pressure on U.S. military resources following sustained global operations.

According to a Bloomberg Government report, the planned funding request follows extensive use of the long-range, sea-launched missiles in recent conflicts, including the war with Iran, where hundreds were reportedly deployed.

The increased usage has sparked concern within defense circles about maintaining adequate readiness for future threats.

Tomahawk missiles continue to serve as a key component of U.S. strike capabilities, enabling naval forces to carry out precise attacks from great distances.

With each missile costing an estimated $2 million, restoring inventory levels represents a major financial commitment.

Defense officials say the proposal is part of a larger effort to rebuild the nation’s weapons reserves and reinforce the defense industrial base after years of limited investment and rising global tensions.

In addition to operations involving Iran, ongoing U.S. military commitments worldwide—including support for allies and deterrence against rivals such as China and Russia—have further strained available munitions.

To address the issue, the Pentagon is advocating for multiyear purchasing agreements with defense contractors to boost production capacity and avoid future shortages.

Officials warn that without consistent funding, the United States risks falling behind in an era of high-intensity warfare, where advanced weapons are used at a rapid pace.

The proposed 2027 defense budget is expected to include not only funding for missile replenishment but also increased investment in aircraft, missile defense systems, and other essential military capabilities.

The shift reflects a growing acknowledgment that modern warfare demands larger reserves of advanced weaponry.

Supporters of increased defense spending argue that such measures are overdue after years of what they describe as insufficient prioritization under previous administrations, emphasizing that rebuilding stockpiles and strengthening production capacity are critical to maintaining U.S. military superiority and deterring adversaries.

The White House has put forward a plan to significantly reduce the size and budget of the Transportation Security Administration, proposing to eliminate more than 9,400 positions and cut over $1.5 billion from the agency responsible for airport security, according to newly released budget documents.

The proposal is outlined in a Department of Homeland Security budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, with DHS serving as the parent agency overseeing TSA operations.

Lawmakers are expected to review the proposal during congressional hearings scheduled for later this month, as they work toward finalizing a federal budget agreement ahead of the September 30 deadline. Some Republican legislators have also renewed calls to fully privatize airport security operations.

The proposed cuts are separate from the ongoing funding dispute in Congress over DHS spending for the current year, a standoff that has already led to disruptions at airports as TSA employees temporarily went without pay.

President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that smaller airports should transition to private security providers as an initial step toward broader privatization of the agency, which was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

According to the White House, shifting smaller airports to private screening would reduce the TSA workforce by more than 4,500 positions. An additional 4,800 jobs would be cut through internal efficiency measures, including removing staffing at exit lanes and reducing overlapping roles.

Officials estimate that these workforce reductions alone would result in savings exceeding $500 million.

The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA screeners, has pushed back against privatization efforts, warning that such changes could compromise aviation security.

Overall, the proposal would shrink the TSA’s $7.8 billion budget by roughly 20 percent. The agency has already seen its workforce decline by more than 1,600 employees during recent government funding disruptions last fall and spring.

Currently, about 50,000 airport security screeners across the United States are employed by the TSA.

President Trump has been openly critical of the agency. On his first day in office in 2025, he dismissed TSA Administrator David Pekoske and has yet to name a successor.

Last year, the White House said, “TSA has consistently failed audits while implementing intrusive screening measures that violate Americans’ privacy and dignity.”

Under the previous administration, the TSA expanded its operations. In 2024, the agency screened a record 904 million passengers, marking a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year.

The IDF’s Persian-language spokesperson released an unusual public warning Tuesday morning, directly addressing civilians across Iran and urging them to avoid train travel nationwide.

In the announcement, the IDF called on the Iranian public not to use trains or travel near railway lines anywhere in the country for a limited period.

According to the statement, the advisory remains in effect until 9:00 p.m. local time in Iran. The IDF emphasized that the purpose of the warning is to protect civilian lives, stating: “Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life.”

The warning was issued on the same morning that President Donald Trump had previously referred to as “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day,” in which he warned that if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, the United States and Israel would target key infrastructure, including civilian facilities.

Senior American military leaders approved a strike on a subterranean Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) site near Tehran while carrying out a mission to recover U.S. airmen whose aircraft had been brought down inside Iran, according to a Fox News report citing senior sources.

The report said that during the rescue operation, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper gave the order to hit the underground command center. The attack was executed by B-2 bombers deploying Massive Ordnance Penetrators, specialized munitions designed to destroy hardened, deeply buried targets.

Officials cited in the report indicated that the targeted IRGC facility was destroyed in the strike.

At the same time, as the rescue mission unfolded, U.S. B-1 bombers released roughly one hundred 2,000-pound bombs in the surrounding area to prevent Iranian forces from advancing toward the extraction site, a senior U.S. defense official said.

A senior military source described the action to Fox News by stating that US forces had applied significant force against the IRGC during the operation.

CENTCOM later confirmed in an official statement that two service members were successfully recovered after their F-15E aircraft had been shot down.

The Fox News report added that the strike on the IRGC installation took place between the two rescue phases. According to the report, the B-2 bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in the United States after receiving time-sensitive intelligence showing that multiple IRGC commanders were present inside the underground complex.

Following the mission, President Donald Trump said that American forces had rescued a severely injured F-15 crew member from deep within Iran, highlighting the dangers involved. He also referred to a second rescue effort that followed the initial extraction, describing both operations as unusual due to their length and complexity.

More than two years after emerging from the darkness of captivity into freedom, Bar Kuperstein spoke publicly in an emotional interview with Kikar HaShabbat about his time in Hamas captivity, describing how faith sustained him through the darkest moments.

Kuperstein recounts two and a half years filled with fear, uncertainty, and suffering—but says one thing never left him: his belief in Hashem. In the interview, he reflects on the horrors of Simchas Torah, the long months inside terror tunnels in Gaza, and the small moments he experienced as open miracles.

He describes how, even in the lowest and most desperate conditions, he managed to hold on to faith and find strength, hope, and light.

At the beginning of the interview, he shares: “In the past two years, I didn’t have the ability to celebrate a real Pesach. The other holidays—Chanukah or Rosh Hashanah—we were able to mark in some way.

“When we went to get food, the terrorists had a television in their room. On Chanukah we saw the prime minister lighting the third candle, so we knew it was Chanukah. They showed a clip from a broadcast in Israel and we saw Sukkos. On Chanukah we took a flashlight and would sing songs.”

Kuperstein then returns to the morning of Simchas Torah, when he was serving as a deputy security officer at the Nova festival. He describes how he helped save dozens of lives before being captured by Hamas terrorists and taken into Gaza.

“There was total chaos there,” he recalls. “From the moment the rockets started, we told people to disperse, and slowly you see that the rockets don’t stop. Then there was a huge traffic jam in the parking lot. I took my car to see what was causing it, and I saw a police vehicle blocking the road, warning of terrorist gunfire—and then I understood there was a terrorist infiltration.

“We continued evacuating vehicles, and after about fifteen minutes, cars came back under gunfire, and we realized there were terrorists there too. Wounded people were arriving, there were terrorist squads—you understand you’re in a war zone. We reached a point where we were trapped in a death zone, north and south, everything blocked. I went to a police officer and told him we had to open an emergency route. I told him to drive and open it, and he trusted me to stay behind. When I returned from captivity, a police officer told me that action saved more than 2,000 people.”

He describes the moment of his abduction: “I saw the terrorists’ pickup trucks arriving and I understood… it was like a full army, military vehicles. I didn’t know where it came from. At that moment I understood I couldn’t save anyone else and had to save myself. I felt like someone was holding my hand and guiding me where to go—Hashem directed me. Along the way I was shouting at people to get out of their cars; people were frozen in shock. I couldn’t stop at every car because they were shooting at me in insane quantities.

“I hid in bushes and started crawling because they were shooting at us. Eventually they reached us and began slaughtering everyone. I remember we all said ‘Shema Yisrael’ together, everyone who was with me in the bushes—and we were all saved, baruch Hashem. The fact that we were taken captive was itself the salvation. Everyone ahead of us—we heard screams, then bursts of gunfire, and silence. They were massacred. We said Shema Yisrael and waited for the bullet that would kill you.

“After a month in captivity, when we were allowed to talk, we shared those moments, and it turned out that all of us said ‘Shema Yisrael.’ Apparently, that’s what truly saved us.”

Kuperstein describes the journey into Gaza: “The entire way I’m praying to Hashem, saying ‘Shema Yisrael’ and chapters of Tehillim—everything I remember. I’m begging not to die there. I know what the ‘Hannibal Protocol’ is in the army—you see terrorists and you shoot—I kept praying that wouldn’t happen.”

He recalls a chilling exchange with a terrorist: “One of the terrorists who spoke English came to me and asked, ‘Where is your God now?’ That shook me. I sat with that question for hours and couldn’t answer.

“Then I said to myself—if I have a question about Hashem, who do I ask? My mother. I asked myself what she would say, and I answered: Hashem is testing me, and I’m in a test, and I have to pass it. That’s what kept me going.”

In the early weeks, he was moved between different houses across Gaza: “We were walking through the streets, our faces uncovered, usually in the dark because there’s no street lighting. We moved like that between several houses.”

He shares a moment he describes as a clear miracle: “One night, when they were transferring us, something didn’t feel right. We walked for about an hour, and the whole time I was just praying—‘Please let everything be okay.’ We felt something was wrong. I asked Hashem to bring us somewhere safe.

“We reached a place called ‘Beit HaBasta,’ but the guards didn’t arrive, so they took us back to the previous house. When we returned, the terrorist told me, ‘God loves you.’ I asked what happened, and he said, ‘You remember the house you were supposed to go to? It was bombed exactly where you were supposed to be.’”

“I said then—what just happened to me is not random. It’s Hashem. It’s divine providence. It’s a message that Hashem is with me and telling me I will stay alive.”

He describes his constant conversations with Hashem deep inside the tunnels: “I would talk to Him freely, because I didn’t know many prayers. I knew ‘Shema Yisrael,’ I knew some Tehillim. I told myself I would pray in my own way—I would just speak to Hashem, because I know you can do that.

“Every time I would ask Hashem for small things—just a bit more hope. I wouldn’t say ‘get me out of here now.’ If Hashem put me here, then I’m in a test and I need to be here. I would daven constantly—Shacharis, Modeh Ani, whatever I remembered. And at the end I would ask, ‘Give me some hope, give me a little more food, give me strength to walk and ask the terrorists for something.’”

He adds: “When I would go ask the terrorists for something, it didn’t always end with a ‘no.’ Sometimes it ended with threats or even beatings. So I would ask Hashem—after a period with no food—give me the strength to ask for something to eat. And then I went to them, didn’t even ask, and they just gave me food. If that’s not Hashem, then what is? It never happened that they just gave us food on their own.”

He also recounts another moment of divine encouragement: “I asked Hashem for a sign, and suddenly I heard my mother on the radio—on my birthday. If that’s not Hashem, then what is?”

Despite watching others being released in earlier deals, including women, children, and his fellow captive Ohad Ben Ami, he says he never felt resentment: “No, not at all. I always knew my time would come. Now it’s Ohad’s time. I’m happy for him, that he’s going back to his children and parents. Now it’s his time to be home. I’ll manage.”

“I knew my time would come,” he continues. “Hashem protected me, saved me again and again. If all this happened, there’s no chance I’m not getting out of here. I always believed I would leave captivity—and baruch Hashem, I’m here.”

He recalls an especially moving Shabbos in the tunnels: “Wow, I remember one Shabbos I’ll never forget. It was me, Elkana, and Ohad, and then they added Yosef Chaim Ohana, Segev, and Maxim. That Shabbos we were six people in a tunnel, and we sang ‘Shalom Aleichem’ together. It felt like the whole tunnel was shaking. We had tears of joy. We felt Hashem sent angels to surround us. It was incredibly emotional, and from then on, every Shabbos we made Kiddush.”

He also describes spiritual growth among the captives: “It was amazing. I came from a traditional home, Elkana also knew a lot, and those who didn’t know had a strong connection—they said, ‘Teach us.’ Ohad, who knew accounting, would say, ‘Come, let’s learn Torah.’ They wanted more—it was very moving. We had the privilege to give them that gift.”

On the constant bombings, he says: “Of course—every day, every hour, there are explosions. Everything shakes, sand falls on you. You’re underground—one bomb in the wrong place and everything collapses and you’re buried forever. You’re always afraid. But every time there was an explosion, you immediately say ‘Shema Yisrael,’ Tehillim—even ‘Shir LaMa’alos.’ That’s what kept us going—this faith.”

He describes the days leading up to his release: “We knew about the deal a few days before. They called us and said, ‘Sit and watch TV.’ They didn’t say anything, and then we saw the government approved the deal and families celebrating. We looked at each other and said, ‘Okay, let’s see if it actually happens.’ How many times had we seen this before? We didn’t want to be disappointed again. If it happens, it happens—we’ll be happy at home.”

Finally, he describes the moment of freedom: “It was crazy. We came out of the tunnel—they open the shaft, and suddenly you feel air on your face after almost two years underground. There’s no air in the tunnel, and suddenly you feel wind and see the sun. We saw massive destruction, but then you hear children and birds—you hear life. We were in a pit, and suddenly you hear a truck horn—these are things we hadn’t heard for two years.”

He also recalls the moment he was transferred to Israeli forces: “Of course I remember. We were with the Red Cross, we reached the line, and suddenly you see an armored vehicle from the Nachal Brigade—and I served in Nachal. That was closure for me. The forces escorted us, and suddenly you see an IDF base on a hill, everyone waving, and you say, ‘I survived this. I won.’”

As reported last night on Matzav.com, a special Pesach event was held at the White House, bringing together senior administration officials and prominent Jewish leaders for a reception and policy discussion with President Donald Trump.

The event began with a reception in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building attended by approximately 70 staff members and senior officials, followed by a private 30-minute meeting in the Oval Office with the president and a select group of Jewish representatives.

During the meeting with the Jewish representatives, President Trump spoke candidly about his daughter Ivanka’s conversion, stating: “When Ivanka decided to convert, I wasn’t very happy at first, but today I am happier than ever. She is an amazing woman, and my son-in-law Jared Kushner is also an amazing and smart man.”

Turning to Iran, Trump said: “If not for my actions, the State of Israel would not exist today. No president before me did what I did for Israel.”

He also addressed the pardon he granted to Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin in 2017, saying: “I am proud that I granted a pardon to the prisoner Sholom Rubashkin. What was done to this man was a great and terrible injustice. That is exactly what they tried to do to me. I am glad that I set him free.”

During the meeting, Trump also called his daughter Ivanka, put her on speaker, and told her about the Jewish delegation gathered in the Oval Office.

Several key issues were discussed during the meeting. The president asked about the status of Department of Homeland Security funding for Jewish community security, an ongoing concern amid rising antisemitic threats. He also reiterated his strong support for Israel.

{Matzav.com}

After nearly ten years of ongoing tension surrounding the management of the hilula of Rav Yeshaya’le of Kerestir zt”l, a decisive arbitration ruling has now been issued, establishing clear control over the event and aiming to prevent confusion and disorder ahead of the annual mass pilgrimage on Gimmel Iyar.

It has been learned that the ruling was delivered by the Galanta Rebbe, a member of the rabbinic leadership of the Hisachdus HaRabbonim of the United States and Canada, following hearings in which both sides presented their claims and formally agreed to arbitration.

At the center of the decision is a clear and binding determination that full responsibility for organizing, overseeing, and managing the 101st hilula in the town of Kerestir, Hungary, belongs exclusively to the descendants of the tzaddik, the Rubin family of Reb Shayale’s Hoiz. The family has been handling operations at the site for years with notable success, though they have periodically faced interference.

The ruling emphasizes that representatives of the Rubin family will coordinate all logistical and operational aspects of the hilula with the relevant authorities, emergency services, and support organizations, and that no outside parties are permitted to interfere with or disrupt these arrangements.

It was further clarified in unequivocal terms that no other organization, aside from the Rubin family, may create misleading impressions through media or public messaging suggesting that they are responsible for running the hilula or any part of it. This includes the use of names such as “Reb Shayale’s Kach” or “Reb Shayale’s Bakery,” which were specifically cited as examples of potentially misleading branding.

At the same time, other groups will still be permitted to operate on the day of the hilula, but only on a limited basis and strictly in coordination with the Rubin family of “Reb Shayale’s Hoiz.”

Beginning this year, participants are expected to benefit from a more orderly and structured event, with clearly defined leadership under the Rubin family, who recently completed extensive renovations of the bais medrash of the tzaddik, along with expanding a large network of hachnosas orchim facilities, upgraded hospitality areas, the tzaddik’s home, and numerous additional resources for the many visitors.

{Matzav.com}

A new intelligence assessment indicates that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is currently unconscious and unable to manage the country’s affairs. The report, based on joint U.S.-Israeli intelligence, states that he is being treated in serious condition in the city of Qom.

According to the assessment, Khamenei, 56, has not been seen in public since assuming leadership following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war.

The report, published by The Times of London, suggests that his condition is far more severe than previously believed. A statement attributed to Israeli and American intelligence reads: “Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in serious condition and is not capable of being involved in any decision-making of the regime.”

It remains unclear whether he has been unconscious since being wounded on the first day of the war or if he suffered additional injuries later. This marks the first time his location within Iran has been publicly disclosed since he assumed the role of supreme leader, although U.S. and Israeli intelligence are said to have been aware of his whereabouts for some time.

President Donald Trump has said that he is engaged in negotiations with Iranian representatives, but clarified that he is not referring to the supreme leader. Last month, it was revealed that Mojtaba Khamenei narrowly escaped death during strikes on his father’s compound in Tehran after stepping outside moments before the attack.

Mazaher Hosseini, a senior regime official, reportedly told top clerics and commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained a leg injury.

In a leaked recording, it was stated: “The will of God was that Mojtaba had to go out to the yard to do something and then return.” He was outside and standing above when the missiles struck the building, and his wife was killed on the spot.