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The suspect accused in Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner navigated through the Washington Hilton using a deliberate path designed to avoid security checkpoints and crowded areas, according to a report from CBS News.

Cole Tomas Allen was reportedly observed leaving his room on the hotel’s 10th floor dressed in black and carrying multiple weapons. Authorities said he had a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives, all packed in a black bag.

Instead of taking the main hallways, Allen allegedly chose an internal stairwell, descending roughly 10 floors. Investigators believe this route allowed him to steer clear of heavily monitored sections of the hotel where guests and security personnel were concentrated.

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that by using this path, Allen was able to move toward the event without being noticed, despite the presence of President Donald Trump and other senior officials inside.

Allen eventually reached the terrace level of the hotel, which connects to the foyer leading to the red carpet entrance of the dinner. This positioned him only a short distance from a key entry point into the ballroom.

At that stage, Allen reportedly ran toward the area, rapidly closing the gap before security intervened.

Officers assigned to the event responded within seconds. Members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division quickly moved in and subdued Allen shortly after he appeared near the entrance.

Authorities said that after detaining him, officers followed established procedures, removing his outer garments and inspecting his bag to confirm that he did not have additional weapons or explosive materials.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:36 p.m., while the event was already in progress. The dinner was attended by thousands, including the president, first lady Melania Trump, Cabinet members, and journalists.

Officials noted that security screening was beginning to wind down at the time. Metal detectors that had been used to check incoming guests were already being taken apart, and no further attendees were being admitted into the ballroom.

Iran has put forward a revised diplomatic framework to the United States through Pakistani mediators, proposing that efforts focus first on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the current conflict, while postponing negotiations over its nuclear program, according to a report Sunday night.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Axios that the Iranian proposal aims to prioritize maritime access and de-escalation before addressing the nuclear issue. A U.S. official and two individuals briefed on the matter said Tehran is attempting to break the current stalemate while navigating internal disagreements over how far it is willing to go in limiting its nuclear activities.

American officials, however, are wary of such sequencing. They believe that resolving the Hormuz situation first, particularly if it involves easing the U.S. blockade, would weaken Washington’s negotiating position. Without that leverage, they fear it would be more difficult to compel Iran to give up its enriched uranium stockpile or commit to long-term restrictions on enrichment.

President Donald Trump has made curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities a central pillar of his administration’s strategy, whether through diplomatic engagement or increased pressure.

According to three U.S. officials cited in the report, Trump is expected to gather senior national security and foreign policy advisers in the Situation Room on Monday to review the impasse and consider possible paths forward. One official said the meeting would center on the collapse of recent talks and the options available going forward.

Over the weekend, Trump called off a planned round of negotiations that had been set to take place in Islamabad. Senior envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been slated to travel there for discussions with Iranian representatives.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership,’” he continued. “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a visit to Pakistan without any significant breakthroughs after meeting with local intermediaries.

Following those talks, Araghchi traveled to Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, where discussions reportedly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, before returning to Islamabad for additional meetings.

He is expected to continue on to Moscow on Monday for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Behind the scenes, officials involved in the talks say Araghchi and Pakistani mediators explored a phased approach designed to move past the current deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program.

One source said Araghchi told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar that Iran’s leadership remains divided over U.S. demands for a long-term halt to uranium enrichment and the removal of enriched material from the country.

Under the revised framework being circulated, the immediate priority would be resolving the Hormuz crisis and lifting the U.S. blockade. This would be followed by either a prolonged ceasefire or a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Only after those steps, according to the proposal, would negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program begin.

Pakistani officials have already relayed the plan to the White House, though it remains unclear whether the U.S. is willing to entertain the proposal.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said: “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the press. As the president has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Sunday that security officials should reevaluate whether President Trump and Vice President JD Vance should appear together at major public events following Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, McCaul, who attended the event in Washington, said the incident raised serious concerns about the concentration of leadership in one place.

“The takeaway I got was that the line of succession,” McCaul said during the interview.

He pointed out that multiple top officials were seated together at the same table during the event, increasing the potential risk in the event of a coordinated attack.

“You had the president and the vice president at the head table, both of them together, and [House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La)]. Had an explosive device gone off, you would have knocked out the president, vice president, Speaker. The three in line of succession,” the Texas Republican noted.

When asked directly whether those leaders should avoid appearing together in public settings, McCaul reiterated his concern.

“I think the Secret Service needs to reconsider having both the president and vice president together.”

Under the current line of succession, if a president is unable to serve, the vice president and then the House Speaker would assume the role. McCaul also referenced the next official in line.

The next in succession would be the president pro tempore of the Senate, currently 92-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Several news organizations have reported that the suspect is 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California, though that identification has not been independently confirmed.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Saturday that the suspect is expected to appear in federal court Monday to face charges, including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated earlier Sunday that additional charges could be forthcoming, depending on the findings of the investigation.

He said the suspect “absolutely” could be charged with attempting to assassinate Trump depending on his “motive, his premeditation [and] what he wanted to do.”

According to a CBS News report citing law enforcement and White House officials, the suspect authored a manifesto outlining his intentions. The document reportedly described a plan to target administration officials in order of rank.

The manifesto stated he aimed to target Trump administration officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.” A White House official confirmed to The Hill that such a document exists.

Blanche said he remains confident in the level of security at the event and emphasized that the administration will not change its approach in response to the attack.

He said he is “very comfortable” that Trump, Vance and Johnson were present and stressed that the shooting “is not the kind of thing that will deter” the administration.

“This is not the kind of thing that will cause us to go down in a bunker and not come out. … We are going to continue to do our jobs,” Blanche added.

He also underscored the importance of continuing normal operations, including engagement with the press, while maintaining strong security measures.

“And our jobs include interacting with the press, which we do, which I’m doing now, which we did last night, and so very comfortable, because what you do when you have an environment like that, when you have the leaders of the free world in one room, is you make sure that you have security that will stop anybody from getting anywhere near any of those individuals,” he continued.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump sharply rebuked 60 Minutes host Norah O’Donnell during an interview after she read aloud a passage from the manifesto of the suspect accused in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.

During the exchange, O’Donnell quoted directly from the document, including language that appeared to accuse the president or members of his administration of serious crimes. After reading the excerpt, she asked Trump to respond.

“I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would…you’re horrible people,” Trump told O’Donnell.

He pushed back strongly against the content being read on air, rejecting any connection to the accusations.

“You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all stuff that has nothing to do with me,” he continued, adding he was exonerated.

Trump then directed his criticism squarely at O’Donnell herself.

“I’m not any of those things,” he said. “You should be ashamed of yourself reading that. You shouldn’t be reading that on 60 Minutes. You’re a disgrace, but, go ahead, let’s finish the interview.”

In a dramatic and painful decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered early Monday morning that the traditional Lag Ba’Omer celebrations in Meron be canceled in their usual form due to the fragile ceasefire situation with Lebanon. The move followed a series of high-level security discussions convened by the Prime Minister.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs sent a formal letter to government ministers explaining that the decision was based on updated guidelines issued by the Home Front Command. Under the new directives, gatherings are limited to no more than 1,500 participants in communities situated along the Confrontation Line, including Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa.

The communication further clarified that the annual hilula of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai at Meron will not take place this year in its usual large-scale format. Instead, the observances will be conducted in a limited and symbolic manner, in accordance with current civil defense requirements.

Officials emphasized that the directive stems from “concerns over a potential mass-casualty event due to the fragility of the ceasefire with Lebanon, the site’s proximity to the Lebanese border, the possibility of rocket fire toward the area, and the difficulty of carrying out a large-scale evacuation of participants within the necessary timeframe.”

According to the letter, additional details regarding how the scaled-down hilula will be conducted are expected to be released closer to Lag Ba’Omer by the appropriate authorities.

President Trump details his experience at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman charged toward the ballroom. He says he wasn’t worried and praised the actions of law enforcement.

WATCH:

Buckingham Palace confirmed Sunday that King Charles III’s planned visit to the United States will move forward as scheduled, despite a shooting at a Washington media event just days before his arrival.

The incident occurred late Saturday during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, less than 48 hours before Charles and Queen Camilla are set to begin their four-day state visit.

Palace officials said the king was “greatly relieved” that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other attendees were not harmed. A later statement emphasized that the trip would continue as planned.

“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow,” the palace said.

Earlier in the day, U.K. minister Darren Jones told broadcasters that British and American security officials were coordinating closely ahead of the visit.

He said teams were “working closely to ensure the security arrangements are put appropriately in place” for the trip.

According to reports, the king and queen privately contacted the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected by the shooting and to thank the security personnel who prevented additional casualties.

President Trump said one law enforcement officer was shot at close range but did not appear to suffer life-threatening injuries.

The visit, which will include stops in Washington and New York, is meant to highlight the longstanding alliance between the United States and Britain as America marks 250 years of independence.

During the trip, King Charles is expected to address Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II spoke there in 1991. The itinerary also includes tea with President Trump and Melania Trump, as well as a formal state dinner.

The visit comes at a time of friction between the two allies, with disputes over the war with Iran and ongoing attention surrounding the Epstein scandal casting a shadow over the occasion.

President Trump has repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance opposing the war, along with disagreements over immigration and energy policies.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Sunday, during which Starmer “extended his best wishes … following the shocking scenes at last night’s White House Correspondents Dinner,” according to Downing Street.

“He expressed his relief that the President and First Lady were safe and wished a speedy recovery to the officer injured,” the statement added.

They also addressed broader economic concerns, including “the urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living for people in the UK and globally,” Starmer’s office said.

{Matzav.com}

Ehud Olmert on Sunday publicly criticized Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu following reports about Netanyahu’s prostate cancer diagnosis, drawing on his own experience and arguing that the situation should be handled with immediate transparency.

Speaking in an interview on 103FM, Olmert recalled the moment in 2007 when he was informed that he had cancer, describing how he chose to go public without delay and suggesting that failing to do so invites speculation and rumors.

“I was in the car on my way to a memorial for Yitzhak Rabin,” Olmert recounted. “The secretary from my office called and said that Dr. Shegev wanted to speak with me urgently. I assumed he was telling me the test was positive, meaning that I had cancer.”

Olmert described a meeting later that evening at his home with Dr. Kobi Ramon and Dr. Shegev, during which they confirmed the diagnosis.

“They told me the test came back positive and that I had prostate cancer. The size of the tumor was something like less than a centimeter. I said okay, but in any case this has to be reported to the public.”

According to Olmert, the decision to disclose the diagnosis was immediate and based on his understanding that information would inevitably leak.

“I took it as obvious that this is the kind of sensitive matter that a number of people already knew about. The doctors who treated me, the lab workers, the nurses—everyone knows. Within a few days, rumors would start that the prime minister has cancer in his head and that his days are numbered. All kinds of rumors that circulate in situations like this.”

He argued that the best course of action was to present the facts openly and without delay.

“I said that the most correct thing to do is to inform the public exactly what there is and what the course of treatment is. On Monday morning we announced a press conference that would take place within an hour. We didn’t want to announce it a day or two in advance because that would have created the panic we wanted to avoid, as if we were about to announce something dramatic. It was within an hour—there was no time to create panic.”

Olmert concluded by noting that stepping down was never under consideration at the time.

“I didn’t consider resigning. The tumor was found in the center of the prostate capsule and not on the edges, which is usually more dangerous. They said there was nothing that needed to be done immediately.”

{Matzav.com}

The California man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with the stated aim of targeting members of the Trump administration had filled his social media accounts with repeated anti-Trump messages in the days and weeks leading up to the incident.

Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Allen, 31, a graduate of Caltech, who was highly active on the platform BlueSky, where he posted extensively and reshared political commentary. He appeared to favor the site over X, at one point referring to its owner, Elon Musk, as a “Hitlerian figure.”

The account he used operated under the handle “Coldforce,” a name that also appeared at the end of a manifesto later attributed to Allen.

Across more than 1,000 posts, Allen frequently attacked the Trump administration, with his tone intensifying as U.S. backing for Ukraine appeared to decline.

In one message, he lashed out at Vice President JD Vance, writing that he is “a piece of [garbage] for bragging about ditching Ukraine during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on April 14.

Allen’s account also promoted multiple fundraising efforts aimed at supporting Ukrainian military units and students seeking supplies.

In a separate post, he characterized President Trump as “a sociopathic mob boss,” citing references connected to the Epstein files.

On April 8, the same day the United States reached a temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran, Allen criticized the deal as capitulation, accusing Trump of abandoning his position.

“Trump is literally one of those villains that if you beat [him] hard enough, he’ll join your team. Don’t really have any other insights to this, it’s not really actionable cause no way schumer just canes him into acting his age, but, like, it would probably literally work on him,” he wrote.

Allen also reacted angrily after Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Yoshkah.

Describing himself as a Protestant Christian, Allen shared and amplified posts accusing members of the Trump administration of religious hypocrisy and suggesting they should be labeled “satanic idolators.”

“i’m not sure that you can work for this admin and be any flavor of genuine christian believer and see trump post something like this [Trump as Yoshkah] without understanding, at some level, deep down, that you are [cursed] even if you’ll never admit it to anyone,” one repost read.

Similar sentiments appeared in the manifesto Allen distributed to friends and relatives before yesterday’s attempted attack. In it, he referenced Christian teachings about forgiveness but argued that the Trump administration had moved beyond the possibility of redemption.

His pinned post featured an anime-style image of a character apologizing.

“Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed. I’m not the person [assaulted] in a detention camp. I’m not the fisherman executed without trial. I’m not a schoolkid blown up or a child starved or a teenage girl abused by the many criminals in this administration. Turning the other cheek when someone else is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes,” he wrote.

Shortly before deleting his BlueSky account, Allen pinned a final post showing an animated character kneeling and offering a profuse apology.

His manifesto similarly opened with a series of apologies directed “to everyone whose trust [he] abused.”

Prosecutors said Allen is expected to face formal charges, including using a firearm in connection with a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer, when he appears in court Monday, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.

{Matzav.com}

In the wake of the historic shiur klal delivered Sunday evening at Yeshivas Ponevezh, a private meeting took place between two of the leading gedolei haTorah centering on the ongoing gezeiros surrounding the draft law and the future of the olam haTorah.

Following his address, the Slabodka rosh yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, went to the nearby home of Ponovezh rosh yeshiva Rav Berel Povarsky, whom he had referenced during the shmuess after noting his absence. The visit was arranged at the rosh yeshiva’s request.

The meeting, which continued for a significant amount of time, was also attended by Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, rosh yeshiva in Ponevezh and son-in-law of Rav Povarsky. The conversation began with divrei Torah and recollections from earlier years, when the two gedolim sat together on the benches of the yeshiva.

The discussion then turned to pressing inyonei tzibbur, with primary focus on the draft law, the recent rulings of the court, and the intensifying gezeiros against bnei yeshivos. The roshei yeshiva spoke at length about the latest directive calling for sanctions and deliberated on possible derech moving forward, for the protection of the olam haTorah.

Earlier, during the shmuess before thousands of bochurim and avreichim, Rav Landau declared unequivocally: “Bnei yeshivos will not go to the army under any circumstances.”

In deeply emotional remarks reflecting on his personal connection to the yeshiva, the rosh yeshiva said: “I am standing here in this place, overwhelmed and moved by a place where I spent my youth in the early years after the yeshiva was established by the great Rav of Ponevezh of blessed memory. This place was a forge for many Torah scholars who illuminated the Jewish world, and from then until today the benches of the study hall have grown in both quantity and exceptional quality, with thousands who sit in this tent and tens of thousands of graduates—Torah scholars, heads of yeshivos, rabbis, and judges—testifying to the magnificent creation of the Rav of blessed memory.”

He continued: “You should merit, together with our teacher, the rosh yeshiva, may he live long (Rav Povarsky), who was appointed by the Rav of blessed memory to serve in the yeshiva and to increase Torah and fear of Heaven among the people of Israel, under the honored leadership of Rav Eliezer, may he live long. May you succeed in all your endeavors. The judicial authorities continue in their wickedness; we are believers, the children of believers, that Hashem is hardening their hearts. But even when Hakadosh Boruch Hu brings liability through the guilty, in the end the wicked will be brought to justice.”

Rav Landau further stated: “We remain steadfast in our Torah, and all these difficulties will not disturb us in the slightest in our Torah study. On the contrary, we will increase Torah, we will increase those who learn Torah, we will increase study halls. Those who are far will hear and come, and we will distance ourselves from the wicked among Israel, from them and from their masses. We will not relate to their decrees; we will ignore them, and they and their decrees will dissipate like a blowing wind and vanish like a dream. Bnei yeshivos will not go to the army under any circumstances, neither by force nor willingly, whether there is a law or there is no law.”

In closing, the rosh yeshiva said: “It is the role of the authorities to regulate this and not to make it more difficult, and if they insist, relief and salvation will come to the Jews from another place, and all wickedness will be consumed like smoke. And the land will be filled with knowledge.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s military has imposed a strict cap on crowd sizes in the Meron area ahead of Lag BaOmer, dealing a major blow to plans for the annual pilgrimage to the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai.

In a statement issued Sunday evening, the IDF spokesperson said that following a situational assessment by the Home Front Command, it was decided to revise defensive guidelines and restrict public gatherings in frontline areas. Under the new rules, no more than 1,500 people will be permitted to gather at one time in the Meron region and nearby communities, including Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa. The directive remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. Monday.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu convened a meeting to discuss the Lag BaOmer event at Meron. According to reports, the prime minister and several ministers opposed holding the celebration in its usual large-scale format, while Minister Meir Porush and his team supported maintaining the traditional arrangements.

Project coordinator Yossi Deitch also backed Porush’s position. However, Netanyahu pushed for a significantly scaled-down event limited to only a few thousand participants. A final decision is expected to be made by the smaller security cabinet.

The IDF’s latest announcement appears to effectively eliminate the remaining possibility of holding the gathering in its customary form, as only 1,500 individuals will be allowed on the mountain at any given time. Authorities are expected to determine how access permits will be distributed.

In a related development, it was reported earlier here on Matzav.com that the central bonfire lighting ceremony led by Rav Meilech Biderman will not take place in Meron this year. Due to the complex security situation in northern Israel and the tight restrictions in and around Meron, organizers have decided to relocate the event to Yerushalayim. The ceremony is expected to be held at the intersection of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar streets, in a large open-air venue.

{Matzav.com}

Police have arrested an eighth suspect in the killing of Yamano Binyamin Zelka, a 21-year-old pizza shop employee who was fatally stabbed on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day in Petach Tikva, as the investigation into the case continues to expand.

According to police, officers from the Central District, led by the Sharon region’s serious crime unit, took the additional suspect into custody on Sunday in connection with the violent altercation that led to Zelka’s death. The latest suspect is a minor, bringing the total number of detainees in the case to eight and underscoring the scale of the incident and the extensive investigative efforts underway.

The investigation, which remains under a court-issued gag order, is focused on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the brutal street fight in Petach Tikva that claimed Zelka’s life. Zelka, who worked at a local pizzeria, was attacked after finishing his shift.

Of the eight suspects arrested so far, two have been released to extended house arrest for 12 days by court order, while the remaining suspects have been brought before a judge for hearings on extending their detention as investigators continue gathering evidence. Authorities are working to determine each suspect’s role, including who carried out the stabbing and who may have assisted afterward.

“Israel Police shares in the family’s grief and will continue to act decisively to complete the investigation, establish an evidentiary foundation, and bring all those involved to justice,” the police said in a statement.

At the same time, disturbing footage from the violent confrontation has surfaced. Due to the graphic nature of the material, only brief and blurred segments have been made public.

The attack took place shortly after 1:15 a.m. on the night of Independence Day. Zelka was rushed in critical condition to Beilinson Hospital, where doctors fought for his life for two days before he was pronounced dead on Thursday.

According to details emerging from the investigation, a group of youths is suspected of lying in wait for Zelka outside his workplace. When he finished his shift, they allegedly ambushed and stabbed him. As of earlier stages of the investigation, no arrests had initially been reported.

Tamir Zilber, manager of the pizzeria where Zelka worked for five years, described the victim as a dedicated and well-liked employee who had steadily advanced in his role—from bicycle delivery to motorcycle courier, and eventually to shift manager.

“He was a good, smiling kid, a true friend who helped anyone who needed it. A guy who knew how to work and loved to work, always looking to give more of himself,” Zilber said.

Recounting the moments leading up to the attack, Zilber said: “The youths came inside and started spraying ‘snow spray’ on the customers. The workers asked them to go outside. After a few minutes, they came back and threatened the workers again, and we thought it was over. Then a delivery worker came into the branch and said that the employee had been stabbed. He was sitting there and didn’t respond to me. I immediately called MDA. As soon as we heard the terrible news, we closed the branch.”

Emergency medical teams from Magen David Adom’s Yarkon region arrived quickly at the scene and found Zelka unconscious with a penetrating wound. After providing lifesaving treatment on-site, they transported him urgently to the hospital, but his injuries proved fatal.

The shocking incident has left residents of Petach Tikva reeling and prompted a strong response from Mayor Rami Greenberg, who issued a lengthy and emotional statement.

“There are no words to describe the depth of the shock and pain over the loss of a young life under such harsh and cruel circumstances. This was a young man who worked for his livelihood, who politely asked a group of youths not to spray inside the pizzeria where he worked—and in response, he was stabbed to death. This is an inconceivable event, which shows how quickly violence can escalate and exact the heaviest price. The youths who attacked and murdered will be caught by the police and brought to justice. There is no comfort in that, but there is a clear commitment to justice,” Greenberg said.

He also issued a direct appeal to young people and parents, urging serious reflection.

“Avoid violence! There is no heroism in it, only destruction. One moment of anger can destroy entire lives—the victim’s, the family’s, and even the attackers themselves,” he said.

Turning to parents, Greenberg added: “Talk to your children. Be involved, show interest, check where they spend time and with whom, especially at night. Responsibility belongs to all of us. The Petach Tikva Municipality operates a wide range of educational, awareness, and enforcement measures to combat violence and will intensify its efforts, but that is not enough. We must act together across all systems and speak with our youth at home and in educational frameworks. This is a moment for reflection. We must act together to prevent the next case. I share in the family’s grief during this difficult time. We will continue to support them as needed. May his memory be blessed.”

{Matzav.com}

There is growing excitement among Belzer chassidim after the Belzer Rebbe made a decision to hold the long-awaited Heichala D’Malka Shabbos for donors this coming Shabbos, Parshas Emor, following a delay due to his weakened condition.

The special Shabbos, which had originally been scheduled for last week’s Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim and postponed because of the Rebbe’s health, will now take place this coming Shabbos in a hotel in the Yerushalayim hills. While it had initially been planned for the D-City complex, other locations are now being considered, though that option has not been ruled out.

The event is being described as a historic Shabbos for major supporters who have committed $100,000 to the Belz institutions, payable over three years, or over two years for donors from overseas.

The announcement created a stir within the Chassidus after senior representatives entered the Rebbe’s private chamber on Sunday following Mincha. Those present included Rabbi Pinchas Lerner, CEO of the Belz institutions’ U.S. offices, and Rabbi Shimon Faivush, a member of the Belzer leadership in Israel. During the meeting, the Rebbe expressed a strong desire to participate in the upcoming Shabbos, which coincides with Pesach Sheni.

After leaving the Rebbe’s residence, Rabbi Lerner shared an emotional message that was distributed widely among Chassidim.

“Blessed is He who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time. As all Belzer Chassidim can see and hear, thank G-d that our master is feeling better, and even more so—may Hashem continue to help. The Rebbe’s son, Rav Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, asked me to reenter and present all the options, and whatever the Rebbe says—that is what we will do, with G-d’s help. I went in after Mincha and told the Rebbe that there are Jews abroad calling me and saying that the Rebbe should not be burdened and the Shabbos should be postponed, while others insist that it must take place now so that the tzibbur should not cool off, Heaven forbid.”

“I told the Rebbe that whatever he says, we will follow, and I presented all the options: to hold the Shabbos on Parshas Beha’aloscha or Bamidbar, or on Parshas Matos-Masei. The Rebbe thought for a long minute and then said clearly: ‘Parshas Emor.’ I then gathered the courage and said that the president in America is threatening war every day, and I wanted to know whether we could invite people from all over the world to attend. The Rebbe responded that they can come to the Holy Land and return home safely, with G-d’s help. After that, the Rebbe told me: ‘Tell them that whoever comes for Shabbos will add to my health.’”

Rabbi Lerner continued, visibly moved by the message. “Ladies and gentlemen, to hear such holy words from the Rebbe! Every one of us is concerned for his well-being and health. I say this again with emotion: any Belz חסיד who hears such words and has the ability to give the $100,000 requested should seize this opportunity and merit that the Rebbe himself declared ‘Parshas Emor.’ Let us not be among those who regret missed chances—let us take advantage of this moment. We eagerly await seeing you, with G-d’s help, this holy Shabbos together with our Rebbe.”

{Matzav.com}

The central Lag BaOmer bonfire lighting led by Rav Meilech Biderman will not take place in Meron this year and has instead been relocated to Yerushalayim in a major change driven by the ongoing security situation.

After weeks of uncertainty and intensive security consultations, a final decision was made on Sunday to move the large-scale gathering, which annually draws tens of thousands. The event will now be held in the heart of Yerushalayim, at the intersection of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where authorities are preparing a massive open-air venue.

The shift comes in light of heightened tensions in northern Israel and strict restrictions imposed on the Meron area and surrounding regions, making it impractical to host the event there.

In previous years, the ceremony was held at “Compound 89” near Meron and became a central attraction for those unable to access the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai itself. The move to Yerushalayim marks a significant departure from that setup and reflects broader changes to this year’s Lag BaOmer schedule amid the war.

Large gatherings associated with Rav Biderman have historically drawn overwhelming crowds. Organizers and officials recall past events in Beit Shemesh where police were forced to halt the music multiple times due to dangerous overcrowding and concerns for public safety as masses of participants flooded the area from across the country.

This year, event planners and community organizers are working to prepare the Yerushalayim site to safely accommodate the anticipated crowds.

Israel sent its Iron Dome missile defense system to the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing conflict with Iran, marking a first-of-its-kind deployment aimed at helping defend the Gulf nation from sustained Iranian attacks, according to a report published Sunday.

The move, which had not been disclosed until now, was revealed by Axios, citing two Israeli officials and one U.S. official familiar with the matter.

Security coordination between Israel and the UAE has significantly deepened since the war began on Feb. 28, when joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s political leadership and key military sites.

According to the report, the UAE has faced the heaviest barrage of Iranian fire among countries in the region. The Emirati Defense Ministry said Iran has fired about 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones at the country.

While a large portion of those projectiles were intercepted, some managed to hit both civilian and military locations.

Israeli officials said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the transfer of an Iron Dome battery, including interceptors and dozens of Israeli personnel to operate the system, following a conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A senior official told Axios this marked the first time Israel had deployed an Iron Dome battery outside its borders, and the UAE became the first country, aside from the U.S. and Israel, where the system was actively used.

In addition to the deployment, the Israeli Air Force carried out preemptive interceptions of short-range missiles in southern Iran before they could be launched toward the UAE and other Gulf states.

Israel and the UAE formalized relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, an agreement brokered during President Donald Trump’s first term that also included Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Despite occasional disagreements, including over matters related to Gaza, officials from both nations told Axios that their alliance has grown stronger than ever during the conflict.

Tareq Alotaiba, a former member of the UAE’s National Security Council, wrote in an analysis Friday for the Arab Gulf States Institute that Israel was among the countries that “have stepped up to provide real assistance to the UAE.”

“Primarily, the United States and Israel have proved to be true allies by offering support through extensive military aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing,” Alotaiba wrote.

A senior Emirati official emphasized the importance of the assistance, telling Axios that support from Israel and Netanyahu came at a decisive moment: “We are not going to forget it.”

Another Emirati official echoed that sentiment, noting that multiple allies played key roles in defending the UAE, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia.

“It was a real eye-opening moment [seeing] who our real friends are,” the second official said.

{Matzav.com}

Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Dov Landau delivered a historic shiur klali Sunday evening at Ponovezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. During his divrei chizuk, he declared unequivocally that bnei yeshiva will not join the army under any circumstances, regardless of legal or political developments.

“Bnei yeshiva will not go to the army under any circumstances, neither by coercion nor voluntarily, whether there is a law or not,” he said.

In his remarks, the rosh yeshiva reflected emotionally on his early years in the very yeshiva where he spoke. “I am here in this place, moved and excited by the place where I spent my youth,” he said, noting that Ponovezh has become “the birthplace of many talmidei chachomim.”

Turning to the actions of the judicial system, Rav Landau said, “The judicial authorities continue in their wickedness, we, believers, believe that Hashem will burden their hearts.” He added, “Even when Hakadosh Boruch Hu assigns a burden through the obligated, the fate of the wicked is to be held to account.”

He urged the olam hayeshivos to remain steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to limud haTorah, despite mounting pressures. “All these difficulties will not hinder our Torah study; on the contrary, we will increase Torah study, increase Torah learners, increase houses of study,” he said.

The rosh yeshiva further emphasized his position in absolute terms, rejecting any compliance with outside demands. “We will not pay attention to their decrees, we will ignore them, and they and their decrees will vanish like a passing wind and like a fleeting dream,” he said.

Concluding his address, he stated, “It is the authorities’ role to regulate this and not to make it difficult, and if they insist, comfort and salvation will come to the Jews from another place.”

{Matzav.com}

Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced Sunday evening that they will run together in the upcoming 2026 elections under a new joint party called “B’Yachad,” with Bennett leading the list in a move aimed at uniting the center-right bloc.

Opening the joint announcement, Bennett framed the decision as a pivotal moment for the country, addressing the public directly. “My brothers and sisters, fateful moments require bold steps—and that is what we are doing now. I am happy to tell you that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, we are taking the most Zionist and patriotic step we have ever taken, for the sake of our country,” he said.

Bennett went on to explain the reasoning behind the alliance, emphasizing the importance of unity despite differences. “Tonight we are uniting and establishing the ‘Together’ party under my leadership—a party that will lead to a great victory and the opening of a new era for our beloved country. Yair and I have different views on a range of issues—and we are not hiding that; on the contrary, we are proud of it. I am proud that two leaders with different views can fight together for the people of Israel, just as our sons, our soldiers, fight shoulder to shoulder. Our unity is a message to the entire nation: the era of division is over; the era of repair has begun.”

Highlighting their past partnership, Bennett pointed to what he described as achievements of their previous government. “When we work together, we win. In the government I led, we accomplished in one year what other governments did not achieve in four: we moved the economy from a massive deficit to a surplus, stopped the suitcases of cash to Hamas, refused to tolerate even a single incendiary balloon, and restored personal security to the streets. Those were good days for Israel.”

Looking ahead, Bennett said a future government under their leadership would operate with greater speed and effectiveness. “This time, in the new government we establish, it will be bigger, faster, and better—a government of professionals, CEOs, and people of action who think only about Israel’s good. The state will return to being well-managed. We are coming with ready work plans so as not to waste a single moment.” He also suggested that the move marks the beginning of a broader political shift. “This is a major step toward repairing the state—but certainly not the last. You will see more moves and more surprises that will change the face of the country.”

He then outlined specific policy priorities for a future administration. “On the first day of the new government under my leadership, we will establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre to bring truth to the families and answers to all of Israel. We will advance a universal service law and stop funding draft evasion even by a single shekel. We will limit the term of a prime minister to eight years, and it will apply first and foremost to me. We will protect our land and not give up a single centimeter to the enemy. We will strengthen an inclusive and positive Judaism without coercion. Above all, we will ensure that the young men and women of Israel, who serve and give so much of themselves to the state, can build their future here.”

Bennett praised Lapid for stepping aside from the top position, calling it an act of leadership. “Not for the first time, Yair Lapid is proving leadership—that for him, the good of the state truly comes first. He has the courage to decide and the generosity to act. Your excellent party members from Yesh Atid are joining tonight with my colleagues into one large family—together! We are charging forward toward victory.” He also extended an invitation to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot to join the effort. “Gadi, our door is open to you,” he said, adding that the country would soon return to a government focused on “we” rather than “I.” “We will lead the nation along a path believed in by a large majority of Israeli citizens—the liberal Zionist right: political and security strength alongside a home for all of Israeli society. Every Israeli will feel wanted, loved, and respected here—even if they did not vote for me. Better days are coming for all of Israel.” He concluded with a biblical verse: “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.”

Following Bennett’s remarks, Lapid addressed the crowd and described the alliance as a necessary step for the country’s future. “We stand here today together to begin a great repair in the people of Israel. We stand here together for our children. The State of Israel needs to change direction. This is a test of our leadership, and we will meet it. What you see here today is the first step. We are here because this country needs unity like air to breathe. We stand here together for everyone who believes in democracy, believes in the deep Jewish foundation of the state, believes in the values of Zionism, and in our right to this land,” he said.

Lapid then turned to members of his own party to explain his decision to forgo the top spot on the list. “I want to say to the people of Yesh Atid, who have been fighting with love for the country for 14 years: today we are doing what we have always known how to do—we are putting the ego aside and doing what is right for the State of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

Rav Zevadia Cohen was elected chief rabbi of Tel Aviv–Jaffa and, shortly after the results were announced, arrived at the city’s Religious Council building to deliver his victory address, outlining his vision for the role.

Opening his remarks, Rav Cohen reflected on his years of service as head of the rabbinical courts in the city, a position he held for 18 years, during which he oversaw matters of marriage, divorce, conversion, and agunah cases both in Israel and abroad.

“Rav Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, who served here as the city’s rabbi, taught us in halacha to act with leniency in order to unite everyone together. Also in my new role as chief rabbi, which includes kashrus, mikvaos, and eruvin, we will be able to follow his path and provide the best service with warmth and pleasantness. Until now, we have done everything quietly, without headlines, all for the benefit of the city’s residents—to serve them as one man with one heart. I travel throughout the entire city, in all its neighborhoods, providing whatever is needed with a welcoming approach that connects and unites.”

He continued by emphasizing the qualities required of a leader, drawing on well-known teachings.

“When Hashem sought to appoint a leader, the Midrash says He chose Moshe Rabbeinu. Why? Because when He saw that Moshe was a shepherd, He noticed a young goat that was thirsty, and Moshe placed it on his shoulders. Hashem said: if you care about a small goat, you can be a leader. King David would first bring out the weaker goats to graze on the softer grass, and only afterward the stronger ones. A leader must always look to the weaker ones and those in need of help. You will hear the cry of the poor and respond to their plea. With Hashem’s help, I intend to gather all the community rabbis to sit together and elevate the city spiritually, all with a pleasant demeanor and kindness, and to sanctify Hashem’s Name in public.”

Rav Cohen’s election comes after eight years in which the city operated without a permanent chief rabbi, following the retirement of Rav Yisrael Meir Lau in 2018. With his appointment, Rav Cohen will also automatically become a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel.

The election committee, chaired by retired Supreme Rabbinical Court judge Rav Yaakov Zamir, released the final results: Rav Zevadia Cohen received 37 votes, Rav Chaim Amsalem received 21, and Rav Aryeh Levin received 3 votes, out of a total of 64 eligible voters. Other committee members included Rav Yitzchak Levy, attorney Rachel Dayan, Tal Tanami, Yonit Gisfan, and representatives of the Ministry of Religious Services’ legal department. The committee secretary was Tzuriel Porat.

Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav David Yosef spoke with Rav Cohen following the results. Rav Yosef bentched him to continue strengthening Torah and spreading its influence, following the path of Aharon HaKohen: “One who loves peace and pursues peace, loves people, and brings them closer to Torah.” Rav Cohen thanked him warmly and said, “It is a great merit for me. I will act under the guidance of our master, may he live long, for the benefit of all the residents of Tel Aviv–Yaffo, and to increase peace.”

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai also responded to the election, stating: “I congratulate Rav Zevadia Cohen on his election as chief rabbi of Tel Aviv–Yaffo. After eight years in which the city functioned without a chief rabbi, elections were held today in accordance with the law enacted by the state requiring us to do so. I want to say clearly that with or without a chief rabbi, Tel Aviv–Yaffo is a free, liberal, and democratic city that respects the choices and lifestyles of all its residents—and it will remain so. I wish the newly elected rabbi success in his role and am confident he will act with an understanding of the unique character of Tel Aviv–Jaffa and its diverse population.”

Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services Yehuda Avidan welcomed the outcome, saying: “We congratulate the conclusion of this process. Thanks to a professional and orderly procedure that began under the outgoing minister MK Michael Malchieli, we have merited today to have strong spiritual leadership for the city of Tel Aviv. I would like to thank Mayor Ron Huldai for his cooperation in conducting the election process. Rav Zevadia Cohen is a symbol of halacha and warmth, and I am confident he will connect all the city’s residents to the world of Torah and make Judaism accessible in a clear and unifying way. This is a significant step in strengthening the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.”

Eldad Mizrachi, chairman of the Tel Aviv Religious Council, also congratulated Rav Cohen, stating: “Tel Aviv–Jaffa has chosen a chief rabbi and dayan of the highest caliber, a Torah scholar who has lived among the people of Tel Aviv for many years. He knows how to connect and embrace others with warmth and a balanced, inclusive halachic approach. He continues the distinguished rabbinic tradition that has existed in this city.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF announced that Sergeant Idan Fooks, 19, from Petach Tikva, a combat soldier in Battalion 77 of the 7th Brigade, known as the “Golan Surge,” was killed during fighting in southern Lebanon.

Fooks is scheduled to be laid to rest on Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the military cemetery section in Segula, located in his hometown.

In the same incident in which he was killed, an IDF officer and three soldiers were seriously injured, while another soldier sustained moderate injuries and a sixth was lightly wounded. All six were evacuated to hospitals for treatment, and their families were informed.

During the episode, two additional explosive drones were launched toward IDF forces operating near the village of Taybeh. One of the drones was intercepted and detonated close to the troops as they were evacuating the wounded. No further injuries were reported in that part of the incident. The IDF subsequently carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement mourning the fallen soldier, saying: “I mourn the fall of Staff Sergeant Idan Fooks, a fighter in Battalion 77 who fell in battle in southern Lebanon, and send my deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time. Idan fought bravely alongside our other heroic soldiers, in defense of the residents of the north against a brutal terrorist organization-which will pay a heavy price for its actions.

I wish a full and speedy recovery to the soldiers wounded in this difficult incident, and I strengthen the IDF soldiers operating with strength and determination in Lebanon. The IDF will continue to act with all necessary means and backing until full security is achieved for the residents of the north. May his memory be blessed.”

Petach Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg also paid tribute, stating: “I share in the deep sorrow of the Fooks-Ara family over the loss of their son / nephew / grandson, a hero of Israel, soldier Idan Fooks of blessed memory, who fell during the fighting in southern Lebanon. Idan was a resident of Petach Tikva, the Pisgat Hadar neighborhood, and a graduate of the Ben Gurion High School in the city. We share the family’s profound grief. May his memory be blessed.”

Lawmakers from both parties are raising concerns about security weaknesses at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, while President Donald Trump and his allies argue the incident underscores the need for a highly secure ballroom at the White House.

Critics focused on what they described as significant gaps in security that allowed individuals staying at the hotel to enter without undergoing weapons screening at the outer perimeter.

Authorities say that vulnerability enabled Cole Tomas Allen to bring a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives into the building, where the president, cabinet members, lawmakers, and journalists had gathered for the event.

As in previous years, screening checkpoints were positioned on a floor above the ballroom, rather than at the hotel’s main entry points.

“While the security perimeter outside of the ballroom worked, and the Secret Service and Federal Law Enforcement acted swiftly to secure the ballroom and move the President and high level officials out of harms way, the fact is there [were] numerous glaring security issues,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said on X.

Lawler pointed to the absence of photo identification checks, the lack of a verified attendee list, and the fact that the hotel remained open to the public. He also noted that the only magnetometers were located near the ballroom itself.

“Without getting into details, I will just say, there was not a good handle on how many members of Congress were at the event and where they were in the room,” he added.

“There needs to be a complete and thorough after action as to how the gunman got from his hotel room into a secure area with numerous guns.”

Officials said the suspect, heavily armed, attempted to rush through the magnetometer checkpoint and began firing before being subdued by security personnel.

Authorities maintained that the event was protected by multiple layers of security and said the system functioned as intended, emphasizing that the president was never in danger.

Those same procedures, however, allowed other hotel guests and media members to attend gatherings at the venue without having tickets to the main dinner.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) voiced similar concerns.

“No security screening was required to enter an event featuring the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House, Cabinet Secretaries, and Members of Congress?” Torres posted on X.

“This failure of even the most basic security protocols—as inexplicable as it is inexcusable—demands an immediate investigation.”

Investigators also found that the suspect himself had criticized the lack of security in a manifesto recovered after the attack.

“If I was an Iranian agent, instead of an American citizen, I could have brought a damn Ma Deuce [heavy machine gun] in here and no one would have noticed s–t,” the sicko gloated in his manifesto.

“The one thing that I immediately noticed walking into the hotel is the sense of arrogance,” he added.

“I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat.”

Authorities said the suspect opened fire while attempting to push past the checkpoint into the ballroom before being stopped by security forces.

Officials also said Allen had rented a room at the Washington Hilton, which allowed him to move through parts of the hotel freely while senior government officials were present.

Critics highlighted that the hotel remained accessible to other guests even as the president, vice president, cabinet members, and congressional leaders were in attendance.

Investigators confirmed the suspect was able to bring multiple firearms and knives into the building without detection.

Trump and his supporters pointed to those failures as further justification for building a secure ballroom on White House grounds.

“What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and, for different reasons, every President for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE,” President Trump posted on Truth Social.

“This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House. It cannot be built fast enough!”

The White House Correspondents’ Association, which organizes the dinner, hosts the annual event as a fundraiser for scholarships.

Trump, who had not attended the dinner for most of his presidency, participated this year and has suggested future events could be held in a White House ballroom if completed.

Some Democrats also expressed support for that idea.

“We were there front and center. That venue wasn’t built to accommodate an event with the line of succession for the U.S. government,” Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) posted on X.

“After witnessing last night, drop the TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] and build the White House ballroom for events exactly like these.”

Supporters aligned with Trump echoed calls to move forward with the project, which he has advocated for since his time in office.

“Tonight is one more reason for the new White House Trump Ballroom…” said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch.

“We’d better never again hear a peep from anyone complaining about a White House ballroom,” Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) wrote on X.

The proposed project, a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, has faced legal challenges, including objections from the National Trust for Historic Preservation over the approval process.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that construction could not proceed without congressional authorization, though an appeals court later allowed work to continue temporarily pending a hearing scheduled for June.

Trump has also indicated that his administration is pursuing additional security enhancements at the site.

The proposed ballroom would be located above the White House’s reinforced bunker, designed to withstand a nuclear attack, which officials say is also being upgraded.

Despite the controversy, Trump praised the response by the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies involved in securing the Washington Hilton.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also defended the response, emphasizing that the security operation was effective.

“To the contrary, it was a massive security success story,” Blanche insisted on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “This suspect barely breached the perimeter.”