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The financial toll of the U.S. military campaign against Iran has climbed to $29 billion, a senior Pentagon official told lawmakers Tuesday, marking a $4 billion jump from figures released only weeks earlier as operations continue to expand across the Middle East.

The rising cost comes at a politically sensitive moment, with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans approaching key midterm elections, while Democrats seek to link the conflict to concerns about inflation, economic strain, and higher energy prices affecting American households.

As recently as April 29, the Pentagon had placed the cost of the conflict at about $25 billion. However, Jules Hurst, currently serving as acting comptroller at the Defense Department, testified that updated calculations now bring the total to $29 billion.

Hurst said the new estimate reflects increasing operational costs, as well as expenses tied to repairing and replacing equipment that has been used or damaged during the campaign.

“The joint staff team and the comptroller team are constantly looking at that estimate,” Hurst told lawmakers during testimony alongside War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.

Defense officials have not publicly provided a detailed breakdown of how the revised figure was calculated.

Still, a previously cited Reuters source indicated that the administration estimated the first six days of the conflict alone cost at least $11.3 billion, underscoring the rapid pace of spending tied to sustained airstrikes, naval deployments, missile defense systems, intelligence efforts, and precision-guided weapons.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of concern in the conflict. About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, and ongoing instability there has heightened fears of rising fuel prices, renewed inflationary pressure, and broader disruptions to global markets.

Some Republicans in Congress, along with fiscal conservatives, are increasingly raising alarms about the long-term financial burden, particularly as the national debt exceeds $36 trillion and debates over federal spending intensify.

During Tuesday’s hearing, lawmakers pressed Pentagon officials on whether the administration has outlined a clear long-term strategy, as well as how much more the conflict could cost if military operations extend into the coming year.

Critics have also pointed to parallels with earlier U.S. interventions in the Middle East that began with limited objectives but evolved into lengthy and costly engagements. Brown University’s Costs of War project estimates that post-9/11 conflicts ultimately cost trillions of dollars over two decades.

Supporters of the administration counter that a strong response to Iran is necessary to deter further instability in the region and to safeguard key U.S. allies, including Israel and Gulf Arab states.

The Pentagon has not yet issued any updated projections for the total cost of the conflict if operations continue through the rest of 2026.

{Matzav.com}

A major disruption has struck Israel’s rabbinical court system after Microsoft deleted all official email accounts due to an unpaid debt of approximately 700,000 shekels, leaving thousands of divorce proceedings in disarray and critical data temporarily inaccessible.

According to sources, the move triggered widespread system failure across the rabbinical court system, as essential documents, correspondence, and case-related information were erased without immediate recovery options. The breakdown has directly affected thousands of couples in the midst of divorce proceedings.

The report states that the outstanding debt had accumulated over several months, ultimately prompting Microsoft to suspend cloud services and remove all associated email accounts. As a result, active cases were left without access to necessary files, court summons were not sent, and hearings were repeatedly postponed. Staff members described the situation as “a complete shutdown,” with all processes forced into manual handling.

Officials at the rabbinical courts in Tel Aviv, where caseloads are particularly heavy, characterized the situation as “an unprecedented crisis.” Couples who had been waiting months for scheduled hearings were notified of delays, while attorneys reported that crucial correspondence related to divorce agreements had been permanently deleted.

The incident has drawn sharp public criticism over the management of the system, especially given its central role in handling sensitive matters affecting thousands of families. Technology experts noted that while deleting email accounts over unpaid debts is an extreme measure, it remains a possibility when financial obligations to service providers are not resolved.

Authorities at the Ministry of Religious Services and within the rabbinical court system are now working to restore operations and recover lost data. At the same time, alternative technological solutions are being explored to prevent a similar failure from occurring in the future.

{Matzav.com}

A federal appeals court has put on hold a lower court decision that had ruled President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs unlawful, allowing the duties to stay in place while the case continues to be litigated.

The move follows a request by the Trump administration to pause last week’s ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which had found that the government did not have the legal authority to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

With the appeals court granting a temporary stay, the tariffs will continue to be collected as judges consider whether to extend the pause for the duration of the appeals process. The administration is seeking a swift decision as it works to preserve the policy.

The lower court ruling had been seen as a significant challenge to Trump’s broader tariff strategy. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down several tariffs enacted under emergency economic powers, prompting the administration to rely on Section 122 to implement temporary tariffs across a wide range of imports.

Judges on the trade court concluded that the administration’s interpretation of Section 122 went beyond what Congress intended, stating that the provision was meant to address severe balance-of-payments crises rather than general trade deficits.

The case was brought by a group of importers, along with the State of Washington, who argued that the tariffs were unlawful. The court’s decision applied specifically to those plaintiffs, rather than issuing a nationwide block.

The Trump administration has defended the tariffs as a necessary tool to counter trade imbalances and support domestic industries, while critics argue the policy represents an overreach of executive authority into an area typically governed by Congress.

The outcome of the case is being closely watched by businesses and importers, given the significant financial impact of the tariffs. Previous court rulings against similar measures have already led to large refund obligations tied to collected duties.

Legal analysts expect the dispute to continue through the federal court system, with the possibility that it could ultimately return to the Supreme Court as challenges to the administration’s trade policies persist.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States is under no pressure to move quickly in its standoff with Iran, while reiterating that Tehran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

Speaking during an interview on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning,” Trump argued that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded and maintained that his administration remains firmly focused on preventing the regime from developing nuclear arms.

“We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon because they’d use it,” Trump told host Sid Rosenberg. “And if that goes off, you want to see a travesty. That would be unbelievable.”

Trump said recent actions by the United States and its allies have significantly weakened Iran’s armed forces.

“We’ve wiped out their navy, wiped out their air force,” Trump said. “It’s just a question of time.”

He added that economic pressure is continuing to strain the Iranian government, describing U.S. measures as effectively cutting off its financial resources.

“We have a blockade which gives them no money,” Trump said. “We don’t have to rush anything.”

The president also expressed confidence that Iran will ultimately abandon its nuclear ambitions, suggesting that Iranian officials have privately acknowledged the impact of recent strikes on their nuclear infrastructure.

“Oh, 100%,” Trump said when asked whether Iran could be stopped from enriching uranium and building a bomb.

Trump defended his earlier decision to withdraw from the nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration, describing it as deeply flawed and dangerous.

“If I didn’t terminate the Iran nuclear deal signed by Barack Hussein Obama … it’s was one of the worst deals ever made, it’s a path for a nuclear weapon and there was nothing you could have done to stop it,” Trump said.

“They would have had a nuclear weapon four years ago and they would have used it on Israel, and they would have used it on the Middle East and maybe beyond that.”

Addressing reports of friction between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump dismissed the notion, saying the two remain closely aligned on key regional issues.

“I get along great with Bibi,” Trump said. “We’ve been partners in the true sense.”

Trump also indicated that China could factor into broader strategic discussions, noting its economic ties to both Iran and the United States.

“We do have a good relationship,” Trump said of China. “But we’re stronger than China.”

Throughout the interview, Trump emphasized what he described as renewed American military strength, asserting that the United States remains the dominant global power.

“We have the strongest military anywhere in the world,” Trump said.

He also took aim at major media outlets, particularly The New York Times, accusing them of misrepresenting the situation in Iran.

“If you read the New York Times, you think that Iran is doing well,” Trump said. “They have no air force. They have no navy. They have no leaders.”

{Matzav.com}

Russian President Vladimir Putin faced widespread online attention following a rare public appearance in Moscow, where observers focused on his noticeably altered and swollen facial features during a scaled-down Victory Day celebration.

The 73-year-old leader appeared briefly at a subdued parade marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The event, held in Red Square, was notably shorter and more restrained than in previous years.

Putin’s appearance quickly drew reactions on social media, with critics and commentators speculating about his health and the impact of international sanctions. Some users suggested that the abbreviated nature of the event and his limited time in public added to the intrigue.

“Putin, what’s with the face?” a pro-Ukraine account quipped on X, noting, “The parade ended at lightning speed — just 45 minutes The Kremlin boss [was] immediately rushed off Red Square surrounded by heavy security.”

Images circulating online showed Putin with what some described as a strained expression, prompting further commentary from observers.

“Putin’s last parade,” one user wrote.

Another commenter added, “Putin genuinely looks sick, this isn’t the face of a well man even for his age.”

Additional posts speculated about his extended time away from public view, with one user writing, “Putin must be residing in the bunker for an extended period, possibly even longer than this year. He seems to be in dire need of some Botox touch-ups.”

Observers also noted the reduced scale of the parade, which lacked the usual display of heavy military equipment such as armored vehicles and ballistic missiles, as well as the heightened security surrounding the event.

Moscow was placed under tight security measures, including temporary shutdowns of internet services, amid ongoing Ukrainian drone and missile attacks targeting Russian territory.

“Putin used to always walk to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Today, for the first time in history, he rode an armored bus,” the Ukrainian X user wrote.

Even commentators supportive of the Kremlin acknowledged that the event did not match the scale of previous years.

“It was a modest parade,” pro-Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov wrote on Telegram, adding, “There are still enormous challenges ahead.”

During his appearance, Putin referenced the Soviet Union’s sacrifices in World War II as he sought to rally support for Russia’s ongoing military campaign, without directly naming the conflict in Ukraine.

“The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the warriors carrying out the tasks of the special military operation,” Putin said.

“They stand against an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite this, our heroes move forward. Victory has always been and will always be ours,” he said.

Ahead of the parade, President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire along with a prisoner exchange involving roughly 1,000 individuals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on Friday that he would “permit” Russia to proceed with the parade by refraining from launching an attack.

The temporary ceasefire was scheduled to conclude on Monday.

{Matzav.com}

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday charged the Singapore-based company that managed the cargo ship responsible for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, along with a senior employee, in connection with the disaster that claimed six lives.

The indictment names Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. of Singapore and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd. of Chennai, India. It also charges Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, a 47-year-old Indian national who served as the technical superintendent for the Dali container ship.

The Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, leading to its catastrophic collapse and killing six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the structure at the time.

Prosecutors have filed charges including conspiracy, failure to promptly notify the U.S. Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition, obstruction of a federal proceeding, and making false statements.

The FBI’s investigation centered on how the vessel was operated and whether those in charge were aware of serious mechanical issues before the ship departed.

According to findings by the National Transportation Safety Board, the ship suffered two electrical failures before the crash—one linked to a loose wire and another tied to a malfunctioning fuel pump—which left the vessel without steering control.

The Dali had departed from Baltimore en route to Sri Lanka when it lost power, rendering its steering system inoperable. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the ship collided with a key support column of the bridge.

Officials in Maryland estimate that rebuilding the bridge will cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, with completion projected for late 2030.

State officials say the broader consequences of the disaster extended far beyond the physical destruction. The collapse shut down shipping operations at the Port of Baltimore, disrupted thousands of jobs, forced traffic into already burdened communities, and caused widespread economic damage across the state.

The criminal charges follow a previously announced agreement in principle between the State of Maryland, Synergy Marine, and Grace Ocean Private Limited, the Singapore-based owner of the vessel, according to Attorney General Anthony Brown.

The civil lawsuit tied to that agreement alleges that the incident resulted from negligence, poor oversight, and the operation of a vessel that was unfit for service and should not have departed.

Those seeking damages include the families of the six victims, businesses whose cargo was aboard the ship, and government entities pursuing compensation for economic losses. While a settlement framework has been reached, details have not been made public and some claims remain unresolved.

Maryland has sought compensation for damage to public infrastructure, environmental harm to the Patapsco River, lost revenue, and the broader financial impact on the state and its residents.

The attorney general’s office has said that the agreement does not address potential claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major Baltimore landmark, served as a critical transportation route that allowed motorists to bypass the city’s downtown. The 1.6-mile steel structure took five years to complete and first opened in 1977.

{Matzav.com}

No visits. No intermingling. Staff with protective gear.

This is the reality at the Nebraska-based National Quarantine Unit for more than a dozen Americans who were on the cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak and arrived back in the United States early Monday.

Patients can call and videoconference with family and friends, access exercise equipment and watch large TVs, officials said. The rooms’ ventilation system is designed so that the virus cannot leave the room, and it is separated from the rest of the building with HEPA air filters.

U.S. officials on Monday laid out more details on how 18 passengers from the Hondius are quarantining after returning to the U.S. In Nebraska, there are 16 people: 15 are in the quarantine unit and another, the first American who tested positive for hantavirus while abroad, is in the biocontainment unit. An additional two passengers were sent to an Atlanta biocontainment facility because one of them was showing symptoms, officials said.

“Quarantine is sort of like a very well-managed, air-handled hotel room, and the biocontainment unit is like a very well-managed, air-handled intensive care unit,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska, where the patients are being housed. The National Quarantine Unit is a federally funded facility that has previously received patients with Ebola and covid-19.

The American passengers, who were originally on a polar-rated expedition ship that set off from Argentina on April 1, range from their late 20s to late 70s and early 80s. Officials say the quarantined passengers are doing well, though tired after they were evacuated from the ship off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, as part of a coordinated global repatriation and monitoring mission.

Since there are no therapeutic options to treat hantavirus, early intervention and care is vital, officials said. Three passengers from the cruise ship previously have died.

Passengers who have returned are being monitored for symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, respiratory issues and dizziness.

Although the quarantine is 42 days, officials said, some patients may be escorted to complete monitoring at home, depending on their conditions.

“No one who poses a risk to public health is walking out the front door,” said Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R).

Two passengers were sent to a biocontainment unit at Emory University in Atlanta to be evaluated. Authorities identified the passengers as a couple and said one was symptomatic.

Officials said some passengers were sent to Atlanta because they want to maintain space in Nebraska’s Biocontainment Unit in case quarantined passengers test positive for hantavirus. The specialized part of the Nebraska facility can house two to three seriously ill patients, an official said.

Life inside the biocontainment unit
Journalist Ashoka Mukpo, 45, was a freelance cameraman working for NBC News in Liberia when he became ill with the Ebola virus in 2014 and was evacuated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Biocontainment Unit for treatment.

At first, he said, he was confused why they would take him to the Midwest and not somewhere like Harvard or Johns Hopkins, but he quickly learned that “it’s the best place in the country you can be,” because of the clinical expertise of the staff.

Mukpo was in “sick, but stable” condition when he arrived, and had to be fed intravenously through a tube as he was treated with blood transfusions and experimental antiviral drugs.

“There’s no question I was very sick and very infectious at that point,” he said. “It must have been a very frightening experience for the medical staff, but it never showed.”

In fact, they were so friendly, he joked, “that it almost annoyed me at times, as this East Coaster sitting there wondering if I was going to die.”

He stayed over two weeks at the facility, in a secure room that felt like a “normal hospital room,” spending time video-chatting with his family and then-fiancee, who is now his wife.

When he was finally ready for solid food, he said, he wanted a Big Mac, but the staff brought him a Runza instead – the savory dough pocket filled with ground beef that’s a Nebraska staple.

“They were very nice, totally sweet,” he said. The current passengers “couldn’t be in better hands.”

‘This is not another covid’
As of Monday there are nine total cases of hantavirus, seven of which are confirmed, as well as one inconclusive case, World Health Organization officials said in a briefing. They noted that more cases could appear over the next few weeks, and that quarantine was essential as people could be contagious before full-blown symptoms appear.

Every passenger on the Hondius was evacuated from the ship, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Monday afternoon from Tenerife, an island of Spain where the ship was docked. A total of 125 passengers and crew members from 23 countries were evacuated between Sunday and Monday, officials said. A smaller number of crew members and some health workers will take the ship to Rotterdam.

Tedros said the time on the ship was very difficult for many of the passengers, some of whom had mental breakdowns after weeks in a contained environment. He noted that some passengers are elderly with chronic conditions.

Health authorities have continued to stress that hantavirus is not the next pandemic, with Tedros saying that “the risk is low; this is not another covid.”

On Monday, French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist told the France Inter radio broadcaster that a French passenger who had started to exhibit symptoms on the flight back to France had deteriorated overnight and tested positive for hantavirus. Tedros described her status as “very critical” Monday afternoon and said he was very glad she had been quickly removed from the ship.

A team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians parachuted into the British overseas island territory of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic to deliver medical support for a British national who was unwell with suspected hantavirus, the British government said.

“The risk of hantavirus to the general public remains very very low,” said Adm. Brian Christine, U.S. assistant secretary for health. In six states, authorities are monitoring at least seven previously returned passengers and others that may have been exposed to the virus. California’s state public health official Erica Pan said Monday they are monitoring a person who was not a passenger on the ship but was exposed to a person on a commercial flight who tested positive for hantavirus. These people had flown before the severity of the threat was known and before the government organized flights for cruisegoers to return to their home countries.

Pan said the CDC guidelines her department is following is to notify people if they are within two seats or the row ahead or behind a person who was ill on a flight for at least 15 minutes. Maryland announced Monday they are monitoring two residents who were on a flight with a passenger infected with hantavirus.

Questions still are swirling on how much contact is required to spread the virus. Officials said in the news conference Monday that it typically it requires prolonged contact. However, they said the situation is evolving. Exposure occurred on a cruise ship, which by nature leaves people in closer quarters.

Response amid U.S. health turmoil
The federal response is happening while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have a confirmed permanent director. President Donald Trump picked Erica Schwartz to lead the agency in April after a period of turmoil at the CDC, but she is not confirmed. Federal, state and local officials have stressed they have engaged in a coordinated response.

The U.S. also officially withdrew from the WHO this year, a decision Trump said he stood behind Monday because “on covid, they were totally wrong.”

As for hantavirus, Trump said that “I hope it’s fine,” going on to note that “it seems like it is not easy to spread.”

“We think we’re in very good shape. We’re very careful,” he said.

Health officials disputed that the government’s sweeping cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services may have affected the response.

“We have this under control, and we’re not worried about it,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Lauren Weber, Annie Gowen 

Israel’s Health Ministry on Tuesday issued a public warning ahead of an intense heat wave expected to impact most parts of the country, urging residents — especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic illnesses — to avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme heat.

According to the Meteorological Service forecast, temperatures are expected to rise to unusually high levels for this time of year across much of the country.

The ministry called on the public to remain hydrated, stay in air-conditioned areas whenever possible, and avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Drivers were advised to stop periodically to rest and cool off during long trips. People spending time outdoors were encouraged to wear wide-brimmed hats, light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and to drink plenty of water.

The Health Ministry also reiterated a critical warning never to leave infants, children, elderly individuals, or helpless persons unattended inside vehicles that are not air-conditioned.

In addition, officials stressed that animals should never be left inside vehicles or enclosed spaces without proper ventilation, water, and reasonable temperatures.

Health authorities warned that severe heat can lead to dangerous heat stroke, a condition that occurs when the body is no longer capable of cooling itself in extreme temperatures.

The risk is particularly high among elderly individuals, infants and children under four years old, people suffering from heart disease or cardiovascular conditions, individuals struggling with obesity, patients with chronic illnesses, those taking certain medications, and anyone dealing with dehydration, acute illness, or intense physical exertion.

The ministry also recommended avoiding hikes and outdoor excursions during the heat wave. Those who nevertheless choose to travel outdoors were urged to carefully plan routes in advance, ensure the terrain matches the capabilities of participants, monitor weather conditions, and bring sufficient drinking water.

Officials cautioned the public to immediately seek emergency medical assistance if symptoms such as high body temperature, hot and reddened skin, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness appear.

Until emergency personnel arrive, the affected individual should be moved to a cool, shaded area and efforts should be made to lower body temperature.

The ministry emphasized one especially important warning: In cases of heat stroke, victims should not be given water to drink. Fluids must instead be administered intravenously by medical professionals.

{Matzav.com}

A former mayor of Arcadia is expected to admit guilt in federal court after being charged with acting as an unregistered agent for the People’s Republic of China, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Eileen Wang, who was elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2022, has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors following allegations that she carried out assignments on behalf of the Chinese government through a website presented as a news outlet.

According to authorities, Wang, 58, and her associate Yaoning “Mike” Sun of Chino Hills operated a platform called “U.S. News Center” between late 2020 and 2022. The site was described as serving the local Chinese American community but allegedly functioned under the direction of officials from the People’s Republic of China.

Federal prosecutors said both Wang and Sun received instructions from Chinese authorities to publish content that portrayed the Chinese government in a favorable light and to circulate messaging aligned with Beijing’s positions.

“It is deeply concerning that someone who previously received and executed directives from PRC government officials is now in a position of public trust at all, but particularly so because that relationship with that foreign government had never been disclosed,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.

One example cited by investigators involved a draft essay sent through the WeChat messaging platform in June 2021. The directive instructed them to counter a Los Angeles Times report on Xinjiang, a region associated with the Uyghur population. Within minutes of receiving the material, Wang and Sun posted an article on their site denying the existence of forced labor, including in the cotton industry, in the region.

In response to the rapid publication, the Chinese official reportedly replied, “So fast, thank you everyone.”

Prosecutors also said Wang later published another article in November 2021 at the request of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wang stepped down from her City Council role and relinquished her position as mayor on Monday, according to information posted by the city.

As part of her plea deal, Wang acknowledged that she acted on behalf of the Chinese government within the United States without informing federal authorities, as required by law.

Her attorney issued a statement addressing the situation, saying:

“Events in Ms. Wang’s personal life – including her trust and love for apparently the wrong person who ultimately led her astray – require her to step away from public service… She apologizes and is sorry for the mistakes she has made in her personal life. Her love and devotion for the Arcadia community have not changed and did not waver.”

Sun, identified by prosecutors as a co-conspirator, is currently serving a four-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty in October 2025 to acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

Wang made her initial court appearance Monday in downtown Los Angeles and is expected to formally enter her guilty plea in the coming weeks. She faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Arcadia has a significant Chinese American population, with residents of Asian descent making up approximately 60% of the city’s total population.

{Matzav.com}

Israel transferred Iron Dome missile defense systems along with personnel to the United Arab Emirates during the recent conflict with Iran, according to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, highlighting the deepening security cooperation between the two countries.

The disclosure points to expanding military coordination between Israel and the UAE, both of which view Iran as a major threat, as a fragile ceasefire in the conflict continues to hold.

Despite the pause in fighting, tensions remain high. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be under significant Iranian influence, and talks between the United States and Iran have stalled, raising concerns that hostilities could resume.

Huckabee made the remarks during a public appearance at a conference in Tel Aviv, noting the growing benefits of regional partnerships.

“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee said at the Tel Aviv Conference. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”

The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates in the Arabian Peninsula, formally established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.

UAE officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Huckabee’s remarks.

Huckabee also expressed confidence that more countries in the region may soon join the Abraham Accords, the normalization framework that also included Bahrain when it was signed in 2020.

Still, opposition to Israel remains strong across parts of the Arab world, particularly following its extensive military operations after the Hamas-led attack in 2023. Those operations have resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza and strikes against Iranian-aligned groups across the Middle East, while Israel has also taken control of areas in Lebanon and Syria.

“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s political crisis escalated sharply as Degel HaTorah announced it will move swiftly to dissolve the Knesset, following a decisive directive from Rav Dov Landau. The move comes amid the ongoing deadlock over the draft law and marks a significant break within the right-wing bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision followed a series of last-minute efforts by Netanyahu to halt the chareidi push for new elections, along with outreach by Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth, who held discussions with chareidi lawmakers in an attempt to reach a compromise. Despite those efforts, a firm ruling was issued at Rav Landau’s home instructing Degel HaTorah representatives to act immediately to dissolve the Knesset.

Degel HaTorah MKs presented Rav Landau with a detailed overview of the current political stalemate, focusing on the impasse surrounding the draft law and claims that the coalition lacks the votes needed to pass it. Sources close to Rav Landau emphasized that, contrary to some reports, there is full unity and coordination between Degel HaTorah and Shas regarding how to proceed on matters affecting the status of yeshiva students.

At the conclusion of the consultation, Rav Landau instructed the party’s representatives to take a hard line toward the prime minister. “We no longer have trust in Netanyahu.” He added that from this point forward, the party would act only based on what is best for the chareidi public and the yeshiva world, calling for immediate steps to dissolve the Knesset and declaring that the concept of a political “bloc” no longer exists from their perspective.

Rav Landau also issued a written letter to Degel HaTorah lawmakers stating: “To the honorable chareidi members of Knesset of Degel HaTorah, may they live long. You have gone above and beyond in faithfully carrying out your mission. We have no trust in the prime minister; we no longer feel that we are his partners. We are not bound to him. From here on, we will do only what we believe is good for chareidi Jewry, and in our view, elections should be held as soon as possible. All talk of a bloc no longer exists.”

The directive from Rav Landau significantly reshapes the political landscape. In recent hours, Netanyahu had been working to persuade chareidi leaders not to rush toward dissolving the Knesset, even sending a message from the courtroom where he was attending proceedings.

“Do not rush to dissolve the Knesset. It is possible to pass the draft law if we act to reduce the rebels within the coalition.”

Alongside Netanyahu’s efforts, Bismuth also attempted to reach understandings with chareidi MKs in an effort to prevent the collapse of the government. However, the message emerging from Rav Landau’s home sharply limits Likud’s ability to maneuver and moves the crisis into a more decisive phase.

Since earlier in the day, Degel HaTorah has adopted an especially firm tone. Party officials said that “the time for talk is over” and made clear that without passage of the draft law, they see no reason to remain in the coalition. They indicated plans to disrupt legislative proceedings in order to accelerate the dissolution of the Knesset and bring about new elections.

At the same time, it was reported that Netanyahu and his advisers attempted to arrange a meeting with Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni to discuss the draft law, but Gafni declined to meet throughout the day. Later, Uri Maklev was summoned for talks with the prime minister, during which Netanyahu reportedly clarified that advancing the draft law at this stage is not appropriate and that it would be better addressed only after elections.

Last week, Netanyahu had already asked senior chareidi party officials to remove the draft law from the immediate agenda and delay it until after elections. According to his position, there is no majority in the Knesset to pass the law before elections, and given the current security situation, it should not be prioritized.

Netanyahu’s view is that the law would be more effectively advanced after elections, during coalition negotiations, when agreements could be reached as part of forming a government. However, Degel HaTorah’s stance—now reinforced by Rav Landau’s directive—is the opposite: no more delays and no more reliance on promises.

As a result, a vote on dissolving the Knesset is expected to take place next week. A bill submitted by the Yesh Atid faction has already been placed on the Knesset table and is likely to be scheduled for discussion. According to Amit Segal, the preliminary vote is expected on May 20.

If the proposal passes its initial reading, it will move to the Knesset Committee, which will determine the next steps in the legislative process and set a date for elections. At this point, the likelihood of elections being held in September has increased significantly, although Netanyahu still retains the ability to delay the process if he chooses.

However, the issue is no longer merely technical. After Rav Landau made clear that the concept of a unified bloc is no longer relevant, Netanyahu now faces a critical decision: attempt to buy time even at the cost of escalating tensions with the chareidi parties, or enter into urgent negotiations in a final effort to prevent the dissolution of the Knesset.

Political analyst Yaron Avraham assessed that each side will now try to shape its narrative. Netanyahu is expected to argue that he did not abandon efforts to pass a meaningful draft law, while the chareidi parties will insist that they have not and will not compromise on the Torah world. In practice, following Rav Landau’s directive, the crisis has moved beyond a dispute over the wording of the law and has become a deep crisis of trust between Degel HaTorah and Netanyahu, with a clear objective: dissolving the Knesset as soon as possible.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset overnight approved a new law placing significant limitations on the use of police water cannons for crowd dispersal during hafganos, marking a major victory for protest groups and civil rights advocates.

The legislation, introduced by MK Moshe Gafni together with several other members of Knesset, passed its second and third readings with 11 votes in favor and no opposition.

Under the new law, police will only be permitted to use clean water when operating water cannon trucks against demonstrators. The legislation explicitly bans the addition of dye, foul-smelling substances, pepper-based compounds, or any other chemical additives to the water sprayed at participants in hafganos.

The move effectively outlaws the use of materials such as colored liquids, pepper mist, pepper solution, and the foul-smelling liquid commonly referred to as “Skunk Spray,” which has become one of the most controversial crowd-control tools used by Israeli police in recent years.

In addition, the law requires police to visually document every use of water cannons with both video and audio recordings of sufficient quality. Authorities will be obligated to preserve the footage for at least one year in order to allow oversight and review of incidents involving claims of injury or property damage.

The legislation further grants individuals who claim they were harmed by water cannon operations the right to request access to the relevant recordings from police. Procedures governing such requests will be determined through regulations issued by the National Security Minister and approved by the Knesset’s National Security Committee.

The sections of the law dealing with mandatory documentation and public access to footage are scheduled to take effect on February 15, 2027.

According to the explanatory notes attached to the legislation, although police procedures already regulate the use of water cannons in an effort to prevent unnecessary harm, numerous complaints have accumulated over the years from demonstrators and bystanders who claimed they suffered injuries or damage during such operations.

The proposal specifically highlighted criticism over the use of non-water additives, including dyes, pepper compounds, and the strong-smelling “Skunk” liquid, noting that such substances are reportedly not used by police forces in other countries.

{Matzav.com}

Thousands gathered Monday night in Bnei Brak and Yerushalayim for the levayah of Rav Dovid Shmidl zt”l, longtime head of Kollel Komemiyus and chairman of Asra Kadisha, who passed away at the age of 92.

The levayah procession began from the plaza outside Kollel Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak, where massive crowds assembled alongside gedolim and elder rabbonim of the city.

Among those participating in the levayah were Rav Dov Landau, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Chaim Feinstein, and other prominent gedolim who came to pay their final respects to a man who spent decades fighting for the honor of the deceased and safeguarding ancient Jewish burial sites throughout Eretz Yisroel.

In his tzavaah, Rav Shmidl specifically requested that all hespedim delivered after his passing be spoken exclusively in Yiddish, reflecting the atmosphere he cherished throughout his life.

During the levayah, emotional hespedim were delivered by Rav Meir Greineman, Rav Chaim Feinstein, Rav Sariel Rosenberg, Rav Moshe Menachem Lubin, and Rav Moshe Boyer, who also recited chapters of Tehillim with tremendous emotion and awakening.

Rav Shmidl’s son-in-law, Reb Chizkiyahu Yeshaya Turchin, who is currently overseas, participated in the hespedim via telephone.

Following the procession in Bnei Brak, the levayah continued to Yerushalayim, where additional thousands accompanied Rav Shmidl from Kikar HaShabbos to his final resting place on Har Hazeisim.

Rav Shmidl was widely recognized as one of the foremost activists on behalf of kevuras Yisroel and spent decades leading efforts through Asra Kadisha to protect Jewish graves and ancient cemeteries from desecration. Alongside his public activism, he was known as a devoted talmid chochom who headed Kollel Komemiyus and maintained close relationships with many of the leading gedolim of several generations.

PHOTOS BY SHUKI LERER:

הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר הלווית רבי דוד שמידל זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר

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{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Sen. Cory Booker sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu during an appearance Monday night on MSNBC’s “The Weeknight,” accusing both leaders of misleading the public about Iran and worsening the nuclear threat posed by the Islamic Republic.

Speaking during the program, the New Jersey Democrat argued that the current crisis involving Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile stems directly from the decision by Trump and Netanyahu to oppose and ultimately dismantle the Obama-era nuclear agreement.

“I want every American to know that Bibi and Donald Trump are liars, and this is why they are lying with the most insidious aims. The reason why there is still in country highly enriched nuclear material is because Bibi and Donald Trump, who were against the Obama nuclear deal, ripped it up. There was no highly enriched, these hundreds of pounds of highly enriched uranium before Donald Trump and Bibi decided to take us down this disastrous road. So yeah, there is still highly enriched material that’s because of them is in that country, because before that, we had to deal not just with them, with our European allies, China and Russia, to not allow them to get that nuclear material.”

Booker contended that Trump’s current approach to Iran has only intensified instability and left both the United States and Israel in a weaker position internationally and strategically.

“So he caused this problem. He’s like an arsonist that caused the problem and then says, well, trust me to actually get us out of it, which he has. It not only is a nuclear material there, but we as Americans are far worse off. These are two of the most disastrous leaders on the world stage that have made Israel the whole region and the United States less safe, not more.”

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{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman reacted Monday to the announcement that Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht is leaving the Democratic Party over concerns about antisemitism, saying Democrats must directly address what he described as a growing problem within the party.

In a post on X, Fetterman referenced a Politico report detailing Wecht’s decision to change his voter registration to independent status. While making clear that he himself is remaining a Democrat, Fetterman said he understands why Wecht chose to leave the party.

“I know David and his legendary father, Cyril,” Fetterman said. “As I’ve affirmed, I’m not changing my party—but I fully understand David’s personal choice. The Democratic Party must confront its own rising antisemitism problem.”

Wecht explained in a public statement that he no longer identifies with any political party and sharply criticized what he sees as increasing tolerance of anti-Jewish hatred among Democratic activists and officials.

“From 1998 to 2001, years that preceded my judicial career, I served as Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. In the quarter century that has passed since then, the Democratic Party has changed,” Wecht shared. “Nazi tattoos, jihadist chants, intimidation and attacks at synagogues, and other hateful anti-Jewish invective and actions are minimized, ignored, and even coddled. Acquiescence to Jew-hatred is now disturbingly common among activists, leaders and even many elected officials in the Democratic Party.”

Wecht also reflected on the connection his family has to Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history.

“Wecht also shared that he and his wife had been ‘married at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation,’ and added that ‘twenty years later, in the very same sanctuary’ where they were married, ‘the worst massacre of Jews in American history’ took place.”

He noted that while the Tree of Life massacre was carried out by a right-wing extremist, antisemitism has increasingly spread on the political left as well.

“That terror came from the right,” Wecht continued. “Jew-hatred has always festered on the fringe of that sector. In the years that have followed, that same hatred has grown on the left. Increasingly, it has moved from the fringe to the mainstream.”

According to Politico, Wecht’s switch to independent registration is not expected to significantly alter the ideological makeup or balance of power on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.

Fetterman has repeatedly spoken publicly in recent months about antisemitism and Democratic attitudes toward Israel. During an appearance on CNN in April, he said that support for Israel has eroded significantly among Democrats.

“while he is ‘proud to stand with Israel,’ roughly 80 percent of Democrats ‘view Israel in a negative way.’”

In the same interview, Fetterman also criticized anti-Israel activist behavior and referenced reports concerning an individual he identified as Platner.

“You know, you have, like, Platner has a Nazi tattoo on his chest,” Fetterman said. “And now, it’s just released that he was praising and celebrating a video online where Hamas was beating and torturing Israeli soldiers to death.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran has executed a 29-year-old aerospace engineering graduate who was convicted of allegedly passing classified information to the CIA and Israel’s Mossad, according to reports from Iranian state media.

Iran’s judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency identified the man as Erfan Shakourzadeh and claimed he had been employed at a scientific institution connected to the country’s satellite and aerospace programs. Authorities accused him of transferring sensitive intelligence to foreign spy agencies.

Shakourzadeh, who studied at the Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran, was arrested in February 2025 on charges of espionage and alleged collaboration with hostile foreign governments.

Human rights organizations strongly challenged the legitimacy of the case and accused Iranian authorities of extracting a confession through abuse and coercion. The Iran Human Rights Society stated that Shakourzadeh’s admissions were forced, while the Norway-based rights group Hengaw alleged that he spent nine months in solitary confinement undergoing severe physical and psychological torture.

According to Hengaw, Shakourzadeh maintained his innocence before his execution and wrote that he had been “arrested on fabricated espionage charges.”

The execution took place amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over the ongoing conflict and stalled diplomatic negotiations.

On Sunday, Iran formally rejected an American proposal intended to end the war, with Iranian media portraying the offer as “Tehran’s submission to Trump’s excessive demands.”

Iranian leaders have continued refusing demands to relinquish enriched uranium stockpiles, while President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s latest response as “totally unacceptable.”

The collapse in negotiations contributed to rising oil prices and renewed declines in stock markets as fears of further regional escalation intensified.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu sharply criticized the European Union on Monday night after EU foreign ministers approved sanctions targeting Israeli individuals and organizations accused of involvement in violence against Palestinian Arabs, while simultaneously sanctioning senior Hamas operatives.

In a forceful statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu accused European leaders of creating an immoral comparison between Israeli civilians and Hamas terrorists at a time when Israel and the United States are battling radical Islamist forces.

“As Israel and the US are ‘doing Europe’s dirty work’ by fighting for civilization against Jihadist lunatics in Iran and elsewhere, the European Union exposed its moral bankruptcy by drawing a false symmetry between Israeli citizens and Hamas terrorists,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement further defended Jewish communities in Yehuda and Shomron and rejected any attempt to punish Israelis living there.

“European politicians are coerced by their radical constituencies but sanctioning Jews for living in Judea and Samaria is unacceptable. Judea is where Jews come from and Israel will always protect the rights of Jews to live in the heart of our ancestral homeland,” the statement added.

“The European Union’s attempts to sanction Israeli civilians is a further sign of weakness and will not succeed,” it concluded.

The European Union’s decision was announced following a meeting of EU foreign ministers by Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Kallas said the European Union had approved penalties against what she described as violent Israeli settlers, alongside measures targeting Hamas leadership.

“gave the go-ahead to sanction Israeli settlers over violence against Palestinians.”

“They also agreed on new sanctions on leading Hamas figures,” Kallas stated.

“It was high time we moved from deadlock to delivery. Extremism and violence carry consequences,” she added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also denounced the EU action, arguing that the sanctions were politically motivated and lacked justification.

“Israel firmly rejects the decision to impose sanctions on Israeli citizens and organizations,” Sa’ar stated, adding, “The European Union has chosen, in an arbitrary and political manner, to impose sanctions on Israeli citizens and entities because of their political views and without any basis.”

Sa’ar also objected strongly to what he called an outrageous comparison between Israeli citizens and Hamas terrorists.

“Equally outrageous is the unacceptable comparison the European Union has chosen to make between Israeli citizens and Hamas terrorists. This is a completely distorted moral equivalence,” he stated.

He reaffirmed Israel’s longstanding position regarding Jewish communities in Yehuda and Shomron.

“Israel has stood, stands, and will continue to stand for the right of Jews to settle in the heart of our homeland.”

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset on Monday night overwhelmingly approved final passage of legislation establishing a legal framework to prosecute Hamas terrorists and collaborators involved in the October 7 massacre, including the possibility of capital punishment for those convicted.

The bill passed its second and third readings with broad support across the political spectrum, receiving 93 votes in favor. The legislation is designed to enable Israeli courts to try perpetrators of the October 7 atrocities for crimes committed during the Hamas-led assault.

Under the new law, the harshest sentence available to the courts will be the death penalty.

Lawmakers also approved a significant amendment introduced by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionist Party and MK Yulia Malinovsky of Yisrael Beytenu. The provision states that terrorists convicted under the law will never be eligible for release, including במסגרת future hostage or prisoner exchange agreements.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin praised the legislation following its passage, saying it fulfills Israel’s obligation to pursue justice for the victims of the massacre.

“This law ensures that the terrorists and their accomplices will stand trial and face justice, including the imposition of death sentences. From the depths of the horrific massacre we have risen – for the memory of the murdered, for their families, for those wounded in body and soul, for those who were taken hostage, and for the entire nation – to fulfill our supreme moral obligation: to bring the perpetrators of this ghastly slaughter to justice. I thank Constitution Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman, MK Yulia Malinovsky, and all those involved in the vital work of advancing this legislation.”

Rothman described the vote as a historic moment for the State of Israel and said the law sends a direct message to Israel’s enemies.

“Tonight, the State of Israel took a historic step toward justice and national remembrance. The law to prosecute Nukhba terrorists has passed, sending a sharp and clear message to our enemies: anyone who slaughtered, murdered, raped, and kidnapped Israeli citizens will be tried and will pay the ultimate price. The State of Israel will neither forget nor forgive. This is a moral debt to the victims, the bereaved families, the hostages, and the entire people of Israel. The whole world will see, hear, and know exactly what cruel evil the State of Israel faced on October 7, and how it is holding that evil accountable.”

MK Yulia Malinovsky said the legislation marks a turning point nearly three years after the massacre and compared the future proceedings to the historic trials of Nazi war criminals.

“Nearly three years later, the path to justice has finally been paved. The law to prosecute the October 7 terrorists passed its final readings in the plenum with an unprecedented level of consensus. The clock is ticking for those who harmed the State of Israel, and these modern-day Eichmann trials will take place in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. This law is a matter of history and national legacy. I dedicate this legislation to the victims, the hostages, their families, and every citizen living in this land. Am Yisrael Chai!”

{Matzav.com}

Authorities are investigating a series of antisemitic vandalism incidents in Queens after nearly a dozen swastikas were discovered spray-painted in two public parks on Sunday, continuing a troubling pattern of anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City.

Officers from the NYPD’s 104th Precinct responded to a bias complaint near Highland Boulevard and Vermont Place in Ridgewood, according to amNewYork. Police arriving at Highland Park and the Ridgewood Reservoir located five swastikas painted on signs, pavement, and other public property throughout the area.

The discovery came just hours after a separate incident was reported within the confines of the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill. Around midday, officers were called to the area near 72nd Road and Union Turnpike, where six more swastikas had been painted along the walls of an underpass adjacent to the Forest Park Playground.

Police said the incidents remain under active investigation, though no suspects have yet been taken into custody. The latest acts of vandalism come one week after antisemitic graffiti was found on two shuls and two private homes elsewhere in Queens.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin sharply denounced the incidents and posted photos of the graffiti online, calling the acts an attempt to frighten Jewish residents.

“Highland Park and Forest Park in Queens were vandalized with at least 11 swastikas. Just a week ago today, similar antisemitic graffiti was found at two synagogues and two private homes in the borough. This is yet another hateful incident meant to intimidate Jewish New Yorkers and divide our city. And we want to be clear: We cannot and will not accept this as normal,” she wrote.

Menin pointed to the City Council’s ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, referencing the body’s Five-Point Action Plan aimed at addressing hate and increasing accountability and education throughout the city.

The city’s Parks Department has been alerted and is expected to remove the graffiti while detectives continue searching for those responsible.

The incidents come amid continued concern over the high number of antisemitic hate crimes in New York City. NYPD statistics released last week showed that Jews were targeted in 30 of the city’s 50 confirmed hate crimes in April — approximately 60% of all reported incidents — despite Jews making up roughly one-tenth of the city’s population.

Police data showed that nine hate crimes targeted Black individuals, three targeted Hispanics, five involved sexual orientation, two were religion-based, and one was tied to gender. No incidents were reported against Muslims, Asians, or white individuals during that period.

Although antisemitic incidents declined from 43 reported cases during the same month last year, officials still recorded 21 such incidents in February and 32 in March.

Between February and April, authorities documented 83 confirmed antisemitic hate crimes out of 143 total hate crime incidents citywide, meaning anti-Jewish attacks accounted for roughly 58% of all cases during that stretch. The incidents ranged from graffiti and threats to physical assaults and harassment.

{Matzav.com}

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