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A sharply worded post published by Tuvia Smotrich, brother of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, succeeded in putting into words a fear that has been quietly circulating within Israel’s right-wing camp for quite some time: the possibility that the chareidi parties, after the current crisis surrounding the draft law, may seriously begin considering cooperation with the left.

Smotrich warned of a scenario in which the chareidim would receive exemptions from military service, financial benefits, and continued autonomy regarding core curriculum studies, while in exchange allowing the left to advance diplomatic, judicial, and cultural policies far removed from traditional right-wing positions.

That concern deserves serious attention. But precisely for that reason, the full truth also needs to be acknowledged: the chareidim would not align with the left because of ideological affection for the left. They have not suddenly adopted left-wing values, joined the leftist camp, or forgotten the long political and cultural battles they fought against it for decades. If such a shift ever occurs, it would emerge not from ideological enthusiasm but from political frustration — after years in which the right grew accustomed to receiving chareidi support while repeatedly struggling to deliver on promises when it mattered most.

For years, leaders in Bibi Netanyahu’s Likud party, the Religious Zionist camp, and much of the broader right viewed the chareidi public as an automatic political partner. The chareidim would vote. The chareidim would help secure a governing majority. The chareidim would absorb public backlash. But when decisive moments arrived regarding the issues most important to them, they were often told to wait patiently, to show restraint, to understand the pressures of the courts, the military establishment, the media, and public opinion polls. Political loyalty, however, cannot remain one-sided forever.

The draft issue is not merely another coalition dispute or budgetary disagreement. For the chareidi public, the status of yeshiva students is a foundational question tied directly to the identity and survival of the Torah world. One may disagree with the chareidi position or criticize it, but it is unrealistic to expect chareidim to continue guaranteeing right-wing governments while parts of that same right increasingly speak about them as though they are a political burden to be embarrassed by.

That is precisely where the right’s greatest weakness lies. On one hand, the right demands unwavering loyalty from the chareidim and constantly reminds them that no right-wing government can survive without them. On the other hand, when the political cost arrives, many on the right recoil from media criticism, legal pressure, polling concerns, and opposition within parts of the Religious Zionist and Likud camps. The result is an impossible situation: the chareidim are expected to put the right in power, but they are not always given the feeling that the right is prepared to fight for them when necessary.

For that reason, Tuvia Smotrich’s warning should not be viewed solely as a threat about possible “betrayal” by the chareidim. It should also be understood as an internal indictment of a right-wing camp that does not always understand its own partners. If the chareidim eventually conclude that the left can provide clearer results on the draft issue while the right continues offering slogans without solutions, responsibility for that shift would not rest only with the chareidim. It would also fall on those who demanded their loyalty for years without always returning that loyalty with meaningful commitment.

The chareidi public is not searching for a home on the left. It does not naturally belong there, does not feel culturally comfortable there, and does not share many of the values promoted by that camp. But politics is not built solely on ideological identity; it is also built on practical results. If the right wants to preserve its alliance with the chareidim, it must stop treating them as guaranteed votes and begin treating them as partners whose concerns deserve respect, understanding, and protection.

The chareidim are not permanently owned by the right. They remained loyal for many years because the alliance was rooted in shared traditional, political, and cultural interests. But even natural alliances can weaken when one side feels it provides the majority, absorbs the criticism, and ultimately finds itself standing alone against the system. Political camps that fail to defend their partners should not be surprised when those partners begin searching for another address.

{Matzav.com}

A secret late-night meeting intended to explore a possible arrangement surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s trial reportedly devolved into a tense and emotional confrontation between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu ally Yaakov Berdugo.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, the meeting took place in an apartment in Shoham and lasted approximately two and a half hours. The discussion reportedly included shouting matches, banging on the table, and sharp exchanges over the possibility of a presidential pardon for Netanyahu and the political fallout surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings.

The report said Berdugo urged Herzog to move forward with a pardon for Netanyahu and told him: “Give a pardon, stop being a coward.” Herzog reportedly responded: “How can I give Netanyahu a pardon when he hasn’t even submitted a request?”

During the meeting, Herzog reportedly expressed frustration over criticism directed at him from across Israel’s political spectrum.

“You don’t understand that everyone hates me now, and partly because of you?” Herzog allegedly told Berdugo. “The left thinks I’m going to grant a pardon no matter what, I’m already considered suspect there, and you keep inciting the right against me nonstop on your program. What you brought us was not a request, and it has no chance of passing.”

Berdugo reportedly continued pressing Herzog, arguing that such a move was necessary to help heal divisions within Israeli society. At one point, he also raised concerns about the international and diplomatic consequences of continued political turmoil.

“Stop being afraid. Think about what will happen when you come to greet President Trump after he lands in Israel, and he doesn’t even shake your hand or say hello to you? Will that feel pleasant for you?” Berdugo reportedly told the president.

According to the report, the meeting was arranged after Berdugo launched a series of harsh media attacks against Herzog. The purpose of the discussion was reportedly to examine whether a plea agreement in Netanyahu’s trial could be advanced, but the atmosphere quickly turned into a fierce political and personal dispute.

Despite the tense exchange, Herzog later publicly called for efforts to advance a plea arrangement in Netanyahu’s legal cases. According to the report, the president told Berdugo at the end of the meeting that he intended to take active steps to move the process forward and even suggested bringing the relevant parties to the President’s Residence in an effort to quickly reach agreements.

As previously reported Thursday, Herzog and Berdugo held a secret nighttime meeting in an apartment in Shoham. Following the discussion, Herzog reportedly informed Berdugo that he planned to actively promote a plea agreement in Netanyahu’s trial and proposed inviting all relevant parties to the President’s Residence to attempt to finalize understandings.

The President’s Residence issued a statement afterward saying: “The president will meet with any party and do everything in his power to lower the flames within Israeli society. The president is determined to bring about a dialogue of agreements regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cases.”

{Matzav.com}

White House border czar Tom Homan said federal immigration agents may occasionally detain American citizens for short periods during enforcement operations if officers suspect they are connected to immigration violations, while emphasizing that citizens are not deported once their identities are verified.

Speaking outside the White House about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, Homan defended ICE procedures and said temporary detentions can happen during fast-moving investigations.

“We deport people that are going to be deportable,” Homan said, according to The Hill. “We arrest people that will be deportable based on suspicion.”

Homan acknowledged that some American citizens may briefly end up in custody while officers attempt to determine who they are during field operations.

“Have U.S. citizens ever been shortly detained based on suspicion? I’m sure. I’m sure,” he said.

The remarks come as immigrant advocacy organizations and civil liberties groups continue raising concerns about ICE tactics, especially during major raids and enforcement sweeps targeting undocumented immigrants and individuals facing deportation orders.

Earlier this year, Rep. Pramila Jayapal accused the Department of Homeland Security of infringing on the rights of American citizens through detention practices.

“DHS is supposed to be protecting our residents and upholding constitutional protections, but you’ve turned that on the head,” Jayapal told then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a March 4 hearing. “You have actually turned the United States government against its own residents.”

Homan insisted that ICE officers release people once authorities determine they are not subject to immigration enforcement.

“If ICE officers determine that someone is not the guy we’re looking for, you are released,” Homan said. “But we don’t deport U.S. citizens.”

Homan has emerged as one of the most visible defenders of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and has repeatedly advocated for tougher border enforcement and expanded interior immigration operations.

The Trump administration has pledged to sharply increase deportation efforts and boost arrests of undocumented immigrants across the country, arguing that stricter enforcement is necessary for public safety and border security.

Immigrant-rights organizations, however, have warned that broader enforcement actions increase the risk of mistaken detentions and racial profiling.

Federal immigration law generally requires officers to establish probable cause before making immigration-related arrests, although agents are permitted to briefly detain individuals for questioning while confirming identity and immigration status during enforcement operations.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have largely repaired their once-strained relationship following the bruising 2024 Republican presidential primary, even as tensions remain between DeSantis and some of Trump’s closest advisers, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

With DeSantis approaching the end of his second gubernatorial term next January, speculation is growing about his next political step. The Florida governor has not ruled out another White House bid in 2028, while rumors have also circulated about a possible role in the Trump administration, including a potential appointment as attorney general.

According to the Journal, some allies of DeSantis have even floated the possibility of him eventually being nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court if another vacancy opens on the bench.

“Who knows? Like, you never know,” he said during a roundtable interview at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on May 4 when asked about a future presidential run.

“Who took a state that had more Democrats than Republicans by 300,000 when he got elected, and now has 1.5 million more Republicans? Who had a state that had a trillion-dollar economy and now has $1.8 trillion? Who has a state that had some school choice, now universal? A 50-year low in the crime rate?

“So, we’ve got a good story to tell,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis launched a campaign for president during the 2024 election cycle but withdrew after finishing well behind Trump in the Iowa caucuses.

Following the heated primary battle, however, relations between the two Republicans improved significantly. Trump has publicly referred to DeSantis as a friend and said the two men have “blood that seems to match pretty well.”

Despite the reconciliation between Trump and DeSantis, the governor’s relationship with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles reportedly remains badly damaged following a political split dating back to 2019.

Wiles, a veteran Republican strategist in Florida, had overseen DeSantis’ successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Their relationship later collapsed after DeSantis removed her from his political operation amid disputes tied to media leaks and negative stories concerning his administration.

Longtime Trump ally Roger Stone has also continued criticizing DeSantis, reportedly describing him as someone who cannot be trusted politically.

According to the Journal, Trump recently told an associate that he personally likes DeSantis and believes the governor has delivered politically for him in Florida.

Florida state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras characterized DeSantis’ recent activity as “political theater for a possible 2028 presidential run.”

DeSantis acknowledged to the newspaper that political fortunes can quickly shift, saying politics “is fickle” and that “things change.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching an agreement to end the war involving Iran, according to the State Department.

In a statement released after the meeting, the State Department said Rubio thanked Qatar for its cooperation and partnership on multiple regional matters.

“The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed US support for Qatar’s defense, and the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East.”

The State Department’s announcement came shortly after an Axios report revealed that Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with the Qatari premier in Miami as negotiations continue over a possible framework to end the conflict with Iran.

Axios, citing two sources familiar with the talks, reported that Qatar has emerged as a major intermediary between Washington and Tehran as both sides negotiate over a one-page memorandum intended to halt the fighting and open the door to more comprehensive negotiations.

As of Saturday afternoon, according to Axios, American officials were still waiting for Iran’s latest reply to the proposal.

The report added that although Pakistan has officially served as the mediator between the United States and Iran since the war began, Qatari officials have been heavily involved behind the scenes. U.S. officials reportedly view Doha as particularly effective in communicating with Iranian leaders.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Saturday’s meeting centered largely on efforts to finalize a memorandum of understanding that could formally end the war.

One source told Axios that Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are all coordinating diplomatic pressure in support of an agreement, saying, “The mediators are urging both parties to de-escalate and focus on getting a deal.”

Rubio said Friday that Washington was expecting a response from Tehran regarding the proposed negotiations and warned that any Iranian effort to interfere with shipping through a major international waterway would be considered “unacceptable.”

Later Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters that the administration was still awaiting Iran’s answer to the American proposal aimed at ending the war.

When asked whether he believed Iran was deliberately dragging out the process, Trump responded, “We’ll find out soon enough.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was still reviewing the American proposal and would announce its official position once internal deliberations were complete. He added that Iran would not allow outside deadlines or ultimatums to influence its decision-making process.

{Matzav.com}

Authorities investigating the deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise have identified the first known victim as Dutch ornithologist Leo Schilperoord, whose lifelong passion for birdwatching may have exposed him to the fatal virus.

Schilperoord, 70, and his wife, Mirjam Schilperoord, 69, had been traveling throughout South America for roughly five months before both became ill and died. The couple began their trip in Argentina on Nov. 27 before continuing through Chile and Uruguay and eventually returning to Argentina in late March for what became their final birdwatching excursion.

The Schilperoords, residents of the Dutch village of Haulerwijk, were identified through memorial notices published in their local community magazine.

The pair shared a longstanding interest in ornithology and had written together about pink-footed geese for the Dutch birding publication Het Vogeljaar in 1984. Over the years, they traveled extensively in pursuit of rare species, including what was described as an “unforgettable” private wildlife and birdwatching trip to Sri Lanka in 2013, during which they enthusiastically documented spotting the elusive Serendib Scops Owl.

After returning to Argentina on March 27, the couple visited a massive landfill located several miles outside the southern city of Ushuaia.

Though local residents largely avoid the garbage-strewn site, it has become a destination for international birdwatchers seeking sightings of the white-throated caracara, also known as Darwin’s caracara after Charles Darwin, who first collected the species.

Investigators in Argentina believe the couple may have contracted the virus there after inhaling contaminated particles from the droppings of long-tailed pygmy rice rats, known carriers of the Andes strain of hantavirus. That strain is considered especially dangerous because it is the only known form capable of spreading from person to person.

“It is common for birdwatchers to visit landfills because there are many birds there,” Gastón Bretti, a photographer and local guide told Ansa Latina.

“It’s a mountain of waste that today far exceeds the limit initially established by the authorities,” he said of the unsightly place.

On April 1, just days after the landfill visit, the couple boarded the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius in Ushuaia along with 112 other passengers, many of whom were scientists or birdwatchers.

Leo Schilperoord reportedly developed symptoms including fever, headaches, stomach pain, and diarrhea on April 6. He died aboard the vessel five days later.

Mirjam later disembarked from the ship together with her husband’s body during a scheduled stop at the Atlantic island of Saint Helena on April 24. She then traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she attempted to board a KLM flight back to the Netherlands.

According to reports, airline personnel determined she was too ill to continue traveling and removed her from the flight. She collapsed at the airport and died the following day.

“Like birds in flight,” read one of the obituaries published in Dutch in the April issue of the Haulerwijk magazine. “We will miss you and the stories.”

Health officials are continuing to monitor potential exposure cases connected to the cruise. At least seven Americans who had traveled aboard the MV Hondius were reportedly on Mirjam Schilperoord’s April 25 Airlink flight to Johannesburg before returning to the United States, including two residents of New Jersey.

{Matzav.com}

Iran raised fresh doubts Saturday about the credibility of American diplomatic efforts following renewed naval confrontations in the Persian Gulf, while continuing to withhold a formal response to Washington’s latest ceasefire and negotiation proposal.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he expected Tehran’s answer to the latest American proposal for extending the fragile truce and beginning broader peace negotiations, saying the response was expected “supposedly tonight.”

As of Saturday, however, no public indication had emerged that Iran had delivered a reply through Pakistani mediators, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi openly questioned Washington’s commitment to diplomacy during a conversation with Turkey’s foreign minister.

“The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Persian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy,” he said, according to an Iranian account of the call published by the ISNA news agency.

The comments followed a confrontation Friday in which a U.S. warplane fired upon and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers that American officials accused of violating the naval blockade surrounding Iranian ports.

An Iranian military official later told domestic media outlets that Iran’s navy had answered “to American terrorism with strikes” and that “the clashes have now ceased”.

The latest exchange came after another escalation overnight Thursday into Friday near the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping route that Iran has sought to dominate in order to impose fees on foreign vessels and gain economic leverage over the United States and allied countries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Friday that it was “unacceptable” for Tehran to control the vital oil corridor.

The United States has delivered a proposal to Iran through Pakistani intermediaries seeking to prolong the Gulf ceasefire and create space for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began 10 weeks ago following joint American-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Friday that Tehran was still reviewing the proposal, according to ISNA.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also met Friday in Washington with Vice President JD Vance, where the two discussed Pakistan-led mediation efforts aimed at securing a long-term settlement.

Iran has targeted locations inside Qatar during the conflict, citing the country’s hosting of a major American military air base.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery revealed a growing oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island, one of the Islamic Republic’s main oil export hubs.

The cause of the spill was not immediately known. Monitoring organization Orbital EOS estimated that the slick, located off the island’s western shoreline, stretched across more than 20 square miles.

A British-based environmental monitoring group, the Conflict and Environment Observatory, told AFP that by Saturday the spill had significantly diminished and may have originated from damaged oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island serves as a central pillar of Iran’s oil export economy and is located in the Persian Gulf north of the Strait of Hormuz.

After the war erupted on February 28, Iran largely shut down traffic through the strait, sending global energy markets into turmoil and sharply increasing oil prices. In response, the United States later established its own naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Trump announced Sunday that the U.S. military would launch a naval mission intended to reopen the waterway for commercial shipping, though he reversed course two days later and instead opted to pursue renewed diplomatic negotiations.

Sources in Saudi Arabia told AFP that Riyadh refused to allow American forces to use Saudi bases or airspace for the planned Hormuz operation. One source said Saudi leaders “felt it would just escalate the situation and would not work”.

At the same time, tensions are also resurfacing in Lebanon despite a recent ceasefire there.

Lebanese state media reported that three strikes hit areas south of Beirut on Saturday even though a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has technically been in effect for three weeks.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported seeing two damaged vehicles along a highway connecting Beirut to southern Lebanon, about 20 kilometers from the capital, while emergency personnel responded nearby.

The attacks came ahead of planned direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon scheduled to take place next week in Washington. Hezbollah has strongly opposed the upcoming talks between the two countries, which have officially remained at war since 1948.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance held talks Friday in Washington with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as Qatar intensifies its quiet diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

According to two sources familiar with the discussions who spoke to Axios, Qatar has been maintaining communication with senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who are directly involved in Tehran’s wartime decision-making and negotiations with Washington.

While Pakistan has officially served as the primary intermediary between the United States and Iran since fighting erupted on February 28, Qatar has simultaneously continued its own behind-the-scenes mediation campaign.

American officials told Axios that the White House sees Qatar as particularly valuable and effective in communicating with Iranian leadership during the negotiations.

Qatari state media reported that Sheikh Mohammed told Vance of “the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region.”

Axios reported that the Qatari prime minister traveled to Washington solely for the meeting with Vance before immediately returning to Doha afterward.

The White House is currently waiting for Tehran’s reply to a one-page memorandum of understanding that would formally end the current conflict and establish the basis for broader nuclear negotiations moving forward.

Qatar had also played a role in earlier diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran prior to the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as before the latest round of fighting.

Although Oman officially hosted and mediated those negotiations, Axios reported that senior Qatari officials quietly participated in most sessions and assisted with the talks behind closed doors. Qatari representatives were also present during the final round of negotiations in Geneva shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.

Doha was similarly involved in diplomatic attempts to end the June fighting after Iran launched attacks against Qatar.

Qatar again came under attack during the current conflict. U.S. officials told Axios that Qatari forces intercepted Iranian fighter jets and later responded with strikes targeting Iranian positions.

At one stage, Qatar informed the United States that it intended to suspend its mediation role because of the Iranian attacks, according to a regional source cited by Axios. The source said Washington strongly encouraged Qatar to continue its involvement.

President Donald Trump also personally discussed the issue with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the source said.

{Matzav.com}

Russian President Vladimir Putin projected confidence in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine today as he presided over the country’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, though this year’s event notably lacked the tanks and other heavy military hardware traditionally featured in the display.

The ceremony on Red Square marked the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and was held under heightened security amid fears that Ukraine could attempt to target the celebrations. Those concerns were eased somewhat by a temporary ceasefire brokered with U.S. involvement that reduced hostilities during the holiday period.

Putin, who has ruled Russia for more than 25 years, has long used Victory Day celebrations as both a patriotic rallying point and a showcase of Russian military strength. With the war in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, the Kremlin again tied the symbolism of World War II to the current conflict.

Addressing the crowd from Red Square, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying they “face an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire bloc of NATO,” and are fighting for a “just cause.”

“Victory has always been and will be ours,” Putin said, as columns of troops lined up on Red Square. “The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valor, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge.”

Unlike previous years, however, the parade did not feature the usual procession of tanks, missile launchers, and other large weapons systems. Aside from the customary military jet flyover, heavy equipment was absent from the event for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Russian officials attributed the change to the “current operational situation” and said the government had implemented expanded security precautions because of the possibility of Ukrainian attacks. Russian state television commentators also argued that military equipment was needed more urgently on the battlefield.

For the first time, soldiers from North Korea participated in the Victory Day festivities, reflecting Moscow’s appreciation for Pyongyang’s assistance during fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, where North Korean forces reportedly helped Russian troops repel a Ukrainian incursion.

Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had separately declared a truce beginning May 6. Both sides later accused one another of violating the ceasefire through continued attacks.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to his request for a temporary ceasefire lasting through Monday, along with a prisoner exchange. Trump suggested the pause in fighting could represent the “beginning of the end” of the war.

Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy remarked that Russian officials “fear drones may buzz over Red Square” during the Victory Day ceremonies. Following Trump’s announcement, the Ukrainian leader mockingly issued a decree formally allowing Russia to proceed with the May 9 celebration and temporarily exempting Red Square from Ukrainian strikes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy’s move as a “silly joke.” “We don’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of our Victory Day,” Peskov told reporters.

Russia’s larger and better-armed military has continued to make gradual territorial advances along the sprawling front line stretching more than 1,000 kilometers. Ukraine, meanwhile, has intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russian targets, striking energy infrastructure, factories, and military depots deep inside Russian territory.

Kyiv has developed drones capable of traveling more than 1,000 kilometers into Russia, significantly expanding its strike capabilities compared to the early stages of the war.

Russian officials warned that any Ukrainian attempt to attack Saturday’s ceremonies would prompt severe retaliation. Moscow threatened a “massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv” if the festivities were disrupted.

The Russian Defense Ministry also urged civilians and foreign diplomatic staff in Kyiv to leave the city, warning of possible escalation. European Union officials responded by saying their diplomats would remain in the Ukrainian capital despite the threat.

Victory Day remains one of the most emotionally significant commemorations in Russia. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people during World War II — known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War — and the memory of that sacrifice continues to play a central role in Russian national identity.

“We celebrate it with feelings of pride and love for our country, with understanding of our shared duty to defend the interests and future of our Motherland,” Putin said at the parade.

“Our soldiers suffered colossal losses, made a colossal sacrifice in the name of freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe, became the embodiment of courage and nobility, fortitude, and humanity, and crowned themselves with the great glory of a grandiose victory.”

Since 2008, Moscow’s Victory Day parades have regularly featured extensive displays of armored vehicles, missile systems, and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, however, many regional parades across Russia were reduced in size or canceled altogether because of security concerns.

Authorities also imposed broad restrictions on mobile internet access and text messaging services throughout Moscow on Saturday, citing public safety concerns. The measures come as the Russian government continues tightening online censorship and expanding control over digital communications.

Among the foreign dignitaries attending the event were Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin walls but did not attend the main military parade. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the trip, stating, “I deeply regret this, and we will discuss his visit to Moscow with him.”

During a Kremlin meeting with Putin, Fico criticized what he described as a new “Iron Curtain” across Europe that has disrupted trade and stressed Slovakia’s reliance on Russian energy resources. Putin praised Fico for pursuing what he described as a “sovereign” foreign policy and for honoring Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

{Matzav.com}

Concerns are mounting among New York business leaders that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s aggressive rhetoric toward wealthy residents and major corporations could drive companies and jobs out of the city, potentially putting billions of dollars in economic activity at risk.

New figures obtained by The Post from the Partnership for New York City show that the organization’s 300 member firms in the corporate and financial sectors support nearly one million jobs across the city, contribute $13.5 billion annually in taxes, and generate roughly $370 billion in yearly economic output.

The analysis warns that even modest slowdowns in business growth could have severe financial consequences for the city, especially if wealthy residents and major employers begin relocating operations elsewhere amid fears of higher taxes and an increasingly hostile political climate.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Steve Fulop, the business group’s president and CEO.

“New York’s private sector has invested billions and created hundreds of thousands of jobs. You can only treat job creators like the enemy for so long before they stop creating jobs here. The far left can run on socialism all day, but cities run on tax revenue — and tax revenue requires businesses that actually want to be here.”

Anxieties within the financial world intensified this week after billionaire hedge fund executive Ken Griffin announced that his firm, Citadel, would expand staffing in Miami instead of New York.

Griffin reportedly blamed the decision on Mamdani’s recent social media campaign promoting a tax on luxury second homes, during which the mayor highlighted Griffin’s $238 million penthouse apartment as an example of extreme wealth.

The backlash from Wall Street extended beyond Griffin. Financial executive Marc Rowan is also reportedly moving ahead with plans to establish a new major office hub for Apollo Global Management in either Florida or Texas, two states that have increasingly attracted businesses leaving New York.

Citadel and Apollo are both major players in New York’s financial industry, which according to the Partnership’s figures supports nearly 10% of all private-sector jobs in the city.

The report found that financial services led all industries in employment growth during 2025, posting a 3% increase.

If that pace continues, the Partnership estimates that its member firms alone could account for approximately 10,000 additional jobs, $8.4 billion in tax revenue, and $247 billion in GDP annually by 2030.

The study also warned that a relatively small reduction in growth — just 10% — could still result in the loss of about 3,000 jobs, a decline of $168 million in tax revenue, and a $4.8 billion reduction in GDP.

A more substantial business departure similar to Citadel’s widely publicized move out of Chicago could prove far more damaging, according to the analysis. Under a 30% contraction scenario, the city would lose more than 6,300 jobs, nearly $397 million in tax revenue, and roughly $11.7 billion in GDP.

The concerns come as New York faces growing pressure from a rapidly expanding municipal budget.

Mamdani has proposed a $127 billion city budget for the coming fiscal year and has advocated raising taxes on millionaires to help address a projected $5.4 billion deficit.

A former budget official who served during the administration of Michael Bloomberg said the city’s spending growth has significantly outpaced inflation, making New York especially vulnerable during economic downturns.

“If you are just raising taxes to fill a gap and doing nothing to close the gap, you are just going to raise taxes,” the official said.

The former official warned that higher taxes could encourage additional wealthy residents and companies to relocate operations outside New York.

“It’s a real death spiral,” the official said.

“Business leaders are just going to reallocate their workforce to Florida. That’s not a loss of a billionaire and their tax bill — it’s the workers and tens of millions of dollars.”

Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak said companies today are far less tied to one geographic location than they once were.

“It used to be that if you were finance, you had to be New York City, and that is not the case anymore,” he said.

“If they feel unwelcome or they are going to be an ongoing topic, that can easily push them elsewhere. They do not want to fight new proposals every year and be the solution to every revenue problem that can drive them elsewhere.”

Some political observers noted that fears surrounding progressive mayors have not always materialized. During his 2013 campaign, Bill de Blasio alarmed many business leaders with his “tale of two cities” messaging focused on income inequality.

Once in office, however, de Blasio often pursued policies aimed at encouraging economic development and maintaining relationships with the business community.

Political strategist Evan Roth Smith argued that Mamdani’s political rise was fueled more directly by criticism of wealthy individuals and corporations.

The mayor has mostly avoided public confrontations with wealthy New Yorkers during the current budget negotiations, Smith said, though he noted Mamdani’s clash with Griffin stood out.

“He should have picked someone who has a penthouse that doesn’t employ thousands of people,” the strategist said.

“I think the target was ill-advised. I think when it’s Zohran versus a rich guy who employs tens of thousands of people during a budget fight it’s a problem, but I think it goes to a draw.”

Smith predicted Mamdani would likely resume stronger anti-wealth rhetoric once budget negotiations conclude.

“Stuff like this is a winner for him and he’ll go back to it,” he said.

“I think the voters exist and they hate rich people.”

Representatives for the mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Responding to the Partnership’s findings, a spokeswoman for Kathy Hochul emphasized the governor’s support for businesses of all sizes throughout New York.

“From local businesses to global corporations, every employer plays a crucial role in making New York City the best place for business, and Governor Hochul is proud to support them all,” spokeswoman Jen Goodman said in a statement.

“The Governor has held the line on income and corporate taxes while delivering unprecedented job growth, including doubling the national rate of private sector job creation in New York City, and remains committed to ensuring New York’s businesses continue to succeed.”

{Matzav.com}

More than a dozen Jews, including one believed to have fled to Israel, are among 30 people charged in an alleged decade-long insider trading scheme run out of major law firms, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Two unsealed complaints accuse the group of reaping tens of millions of dollars by using confidential information on mergers and acquisition deals obtained through law firms, where scheme leaders were employed. Conspirators allegedly passed information on to business associates, friends and relatives for trading purposes.

The network used burner phones, coded language and falsified research documents, prosecutors allege. The group also allegedly used “going to Israel tomorrow” and phrases about flight departures as code to share timelines related to illegal activities.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged some of the 30, 19 of whom were arrested, the Justice Department said.

“With today’s arrests, the FBI has dismantled a large-scale, decade-long, international organized criminal network of corporate attorneys and financial professionals, who are accused of stealing and trading on material, nonpublic information from several of our nation’s leading law firms,” stated Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.

“Everyone charged today is accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits,” Docks stated. “That’s not merely gaming the system. It’s a federal crime.”

The Justice Department said that one of those charged fled to Israel.

A tech entrepreneur who, more than a decade ago, served as executive director of the U.S.-Israel Business Council and as associate for policy and planning at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is alleged to have traded on inside information and then provided kickbacks to the head of the operation and college friend.

A corporate attorney who had worked at several large law firms and a New York lawyer are accused of being at the center of the scheme.

The two allegedly recruited lawyers and others as inside information sources in return for large sums of cash, with tips from the two passed on to traders, the department alleges.

“The trading on unannounced financial news alleged here not only violated the securities laws, but it also took advantage of the special access and ethical duties that come with a law license,” stated Leah Foley, U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

“If the American people believe that trading is only for the connected, they will keep their investment and retirement savings out of the markets, which will hurt our economy,” she stated. JNS

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Necha Weiss a”h, beloved wife of Rav Gershon Weiss zt”l, longtime menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island and rov of Bais Medrash Ateres Binyomin in Lakewood.

Rebbetzin Weiss was niftar at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital after being hospitalized there in recent days.

For decades, Rebbetzin Weiss stood quietly but powerfully alongside her husband as he helped shape generations of talmidim through his more than 50 years as the revered menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island under the leadership of Rav Reuven Feinstein.

Following Rav Gershon’s petirah five years ago, she continued to serve as the beloved matriarch of an exceptional Torah family, embodying dignity, warmth, humility, and unwavering devotion to her family and to all who entered her home.

Known for her refined character and extraordinary kindness, Rebbetzin Weiss exemplified the ideals of an aishes chayil in every sense. Her home was a place of Torah, chesed, and compassion, where guests and family members alike were greeted with sincerity, generosity, and genuine care. Those who knew her speak of a woman who radiated goodness, who gave endlessly of herself to others, and who carried herself with grace and quiet strength.

Friends and relatives recall her as someone whose entire life revolved around supporting Torah and nurturing her family. Whether assisting her husband in his many communal responsibilities, encouraging her children and grandchildren in their growth, or helping others in need without seeking recognition, Rebbetzin Weiss devoted herself fully to the people around her. Her kindness was constant, her warmth was legendary, and her concern for others knew no bounds.

Rebbetzin Weiss is survived by a beautiful family of children and grandchildren who continue the legacy of Torah and chesed that she and her husband built together. Her children are R’ Dovid Weiss, R’ Chaim Yitzchok Weiss, R’ Yossi Weiss, and R’ Mordechai Weiss, as well as the wives of R’ Eliyahu Meir Levin, R’ Leiby Zeilberger, R’ Binyomin Schulgasser, R’ Avigdor Buckwald, R’ Moshe Lieberson, R’ Yehoshua Forchheimer, R’ Yechezkel Ulman, R’ Yitzchok David, R’ Uri Meir Kanarek, R’ Shmuel Pepper, and R’ Avigdor Speiser.

Levayah details will be posted once they are finalized.

The family will be sitting shivah at 125 Glen Avenue South in Lakewood.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has scheduled a July 15 trial for former FBI Director James Comey on newly filed charges accusing him of threatening President Donald Trump.

Louise Flanagan, who will preside over the case, also ruled that Comey does not need to appear in her North Carolina courtroom on Monday to enter a formal not guilty plea. That step will instead take place closer to the start of the trial.

Prosecutors have brought two criminal counts tied to a social media post Comey shared last May showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Authorities argue the message constituted a threat against Trump’s life. The number “86” is often used as slang meaning to get rid of someone or something, while Trump is the 47th president.

Comey has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. Earlier charges against him were dismissed, and his legal team has indicated it plans to challenge the new indictment, arguing it amounts to selective and vindictive prosecution.

Judge Flanagan directed Comey’s attorneys to submit their motions, along with any other pretrial filings, by June 5, and indicated that additional hearings could be scheduled to address those arguments.

Comey is currently expected to appear in court on June 30 for arraignment, at which time he will formally enter his not guilty plea roughly two weeks before the trial begins.

Flanagan, who was appointed by George W. Bush, serves on the federal bench in New Bern, North Carolina.

The judge agreed to delay Monday’s arraignment at the request of both the defense and prosecutors. Comey had sought the postponement because he had already made an initial court appearance in Virginia, where he resides, shortly after being charged.

{Matzav.com}

Tyler Oliveira is a wannabee documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist who dives into what he calls “controversial” communities. He recently published a “documentary” titled “I Exposed New Jersey’s Jewish Invasion.” Now, he appeared on the program of Tucker Carlson, the formerly conservative commentator who is now anti-Israel and has gone off the rails. Perfect shidduch. Haters unite.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Apple Inc is reportedly moving closer to launching a new version of AirPods equipped with built-in cameras, as the company reaches an advanced testing phase for the product.

The device, which has circulated in reports for some time, is part of Apple’s broader effort to develop hardware centered around artificial intelligence. That initiative also includes plans for smart glasses designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new AirPods could become Apple’s first wearable focused primarily on AI capabilities.

Sources say each earbud will include a camera, though the feature is not intended for taking photos or recording video like Meta’s glasses. Instead, the cameras will function as visual input for Siri, allowing the assistant to analyze surroundings and respond to user questions about what it “sees.”

For instance, a user could point the AirPods toward ingredients on a table, and Siri would suggest possible meals. Gurman likened the concept to the way users upload images to tools like Gemini or ChatGPT for analysis.

The concept first surfaced in 2024, and the product is now reportedly undergoing design validation testing internally. The next step would be production validation testing, which typically signals the start of early manufacturing. Early prototypes resemble the AirPods Pro 3, though they are said to have slightly extended stems to accommodate the camera components.

At the same time, Apple faces a major hurdle in refining Siri, which is central to the product’s functionality. The company has struggled to roll out a more advanced version of the assistant, and delays recently led to a $250 million settlement tied to related claims.

To bridge the gap, Apple entered into an agreement with Google to incorporate Gemini AI models into its ecosystem. After integrating those models, the company reportedly rebuilt Siri’s underlying framework and is now preparing for a possible release of the upgraded assistant in September.

More details could emerge during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference keynote scheduled for June 8. The delayed Siri upgrade has also reportedly held back updates to other products, including the Apple TV 4K and HomePod. If the revamped assistant performs as expected, additional product announcements may follow later in the year.

As for the camera-enabled AirPods themselves, no official release window has been announced. However, Gurman reports that development is further along than other experimental AI devices Apple has been exploring, such as smart glasses and wearable pendants, which are believed to be targeting a 2027 timeframe.

{Matzav.com}

A massive philanthropic contribution from Jan Koum is poised to dramatically expand Shaare Zedek Medical Center, with a $200 million donation expected to significantly increase its capacity and mark the largest single gift ever made to Israel’s healthcare system.

The funding, provided through the Koum Family Foundation, will be used to construct a new inpatient tower that will also include residential accommodations for hospital staff. The expansion is projected to effectively triple the hospital’s size, which currently operates with roughly 1,000 beds. According to a source within the healthcare system, the necessary zoning approvals are moving swiftly through Jerusalem’s planning authorities.

This contribution edges past a major donation made last year by Anat and Shmuel Harlap to Beilinson Hospital, part of the Clalit network, which totaled $180 million. The Harlaps directed their funding toward the construction of the “Tower of Hope,” scheduled to open in early 2027. Once operational, the new facility is expected to enable the hospital to significantly expand the capacity of departments currently housed in the Gur Shasha hospitalization tower.

Another significant gift to Israel’s healthcare sector came last year from Sylvan Adams, who contributed $100 million toward building the Tkuma Building at Soroka Medical Center. The Israeli government matched that amount. The donation followed an additional $100 million contribution Adams made to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev after the October 7 attack, part of his broader effort to bolster development in southern Israel.

Taken together, these contributions reflect a broader trend in which private funding—largely from American Jewish donors—is playing an increasingly central role in expanding hospital infrastructure, often stepping in where government investment has lagged.

For Shaare Zedek, which operates independently and is not affiliated with one of Israel’s health funds, philanthropic support has long been a key driver of growth. A donation of this scale underscores the growing divide between institutions capable of attracting major private contributions and those that rely primarily on state funding.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to pause fighting for three days, marking a notable diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing war.

The temporary ceasefire is set to run from May 9 through May 11, aligning with Victory Day observances. During that period, both sides are expected to halt military activity and carry out a large-scale humanitarian exchange involving 1,000 prisoners from each country.

The announcement came in a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the agreement was reached following his direct involvement and thanked both sides for their cooperation.

“I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II,” Trump wrote.

He went on to outline the details of the arrangement, emphasizing that the ceasefire was initiated at his request.

“This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” he added.

Officials at the White House view the short-term truce as a possible first step toward a more lasting resolution to the conflict, which has gripped Eastern Europe since 2022. Trump characterized the current talks as part of a broader effort to bring an end to the most significant war in Europe in decades.

“Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War. Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day,” the statement concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed the ceasefire and the planned exchange of prisoners, while Russia has not yet issued an official public response.

Toronto police announced Friday that an 18-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and charged following two separate incidents in which members of the Jewish community were targeted with replica firearms.

Authorities identified the suspect as Ruslan Novruzov, who is facing four counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Officials said the case was handled by specialized units within the department, including counter-terrorism and firearms investigators.

In one of the incidents, three individuals standing outside the Chasidei Bobov synagogue in North York were fired upon Thursday night with what police described as a replica weapon.

One of the victims was hit and suffered minor injuries, which police said were likely caused by a pellet fired from a passing vehicle.

Investigators also allege that Novruzov was involved in a separate drive-by attack the previous week, during which a gel pellet gun was used to target visibly Jewish residents in a northern section of the city known for its concentration of synagogues and Jewish schools.

Those victims also reported minor injuries, and police later circulated video footage of the suspected vehicle as part of the investigation.

A senior police official said Friday that the incidents appear to have been intended to instill fear within the Jewish community and emphasized that the use of imitation weapons does not diminish the seriousness of the crimes.

“We recognize that Jewish residents have been living with a heightened sense of fear due to repeated incidents targeting their community, and this only adds to that, which is unacceptable,” said acting Deputy Chief Joe Matthews. “While the weapons used were imitation firearms, the impacts are very real. These are criminal acts that we allege were meant to intimidate and cause fear.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the arrest, expressing support for law enforcement as the case moves forward.

“Law enforcement agencies have my full support as they investigate, and as they work to bring justice for the victims and the wider Jewish community,” Carney said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran sharply criticized the United States on Friday following American strikes on key sites near the Strait of Hormuz, with senior officials accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy and escalating tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi charged that the United States repeatedly turns to force instead of pursuing negotiations after military action targeted Iranian positions.

“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?” Araghchi wrote.

“Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim,” he added.

Araghchi also dismissed a reported CIA analysis regarding Iran’s missile strength, asserting that the assessment significantly underestimated Tehran’s capabilities.

“Also, the CIA is wrong. Our missile inventory and launcher capacity are not at 75% compared to Feb 28. The correct figure is 120%,” he stated.

“As for our readiness to defend our people: 1,000%,” Araghchi added.

The comments followed U.S. military strikes carried out Thursday against Iranian targets at Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas.

A senior American official later told Fox News that an additional strike hit Iran’s Bandar Kargan naval checkpoint in Minab.

Iranian media reported that Iranian naval forces responded by launching missiles and drones at three U.S. destroyers operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

United States Central Command later said American forces successfully intercepted those attacks and responded with defensive strikes after U.S. Navy vessels passed through the strait en route to the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, Iranian forces deployed missiles, drones, and small boats targeting the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason, though none of the American ships sustained damage.

The U.S. military said it retaliated by striking Iranian military infrastructure tied to the attacks, including missile and drone launch systems, as well as command centers and surveillance networks.

President Donald Trump characterized the U.S. strikes as a “love tap” and said the ceasefire between the sides remained in place.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the three U.S. destroyers moved through the Strait of Hormuz “very successfully” despite being fired upon, adding that Iranian attackers and small vessels were destroyed.

Separately, a confidential CIA analysis cited by the Washington Post found that Iran still retains significant ballistic missile capabilities even after sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The report indicated that Iran continues to possess about 75 percent of its mobile missile launchers and roughly 70 percent of its overall missile stockpile.

It further concluded that Iran has regained access to most of its underground storage facilities, repaired certain damaged systems, and completed assembly of additional missiles that were close to readiness before the conflict began.

Trump said Wednesday that Iran’s missile arsenal had been “mostly decimated.”

{Matzav.com}