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The battle for second place in Los Angeles’ mayoral election took a dramatic turn Monday as Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman expanded her advantage over reality television personality Spencer Pratt, while incumbent Mayor Karen Bass maintained a commanding lead at the top of the field.

Updated election results showed Raman with 28.5% of the vote, totaling 229,576 ballots cast in her favor. That placed her roughly 22,000 votes ahead of Pratt, who stood at 25.83%, or 207,757 votes.

Meanwhile, Bass continued to dominate the contest, capturing 34.3% of all votes counted, for a total of 375,992 ballots.

Despite slipping into third place, Pratt urged supporters not to give up, arguing that a large number of votes remain uncounted.

“Folks, we’re dealing with a fraction of a percentage point difference. There’s still hundreds of thousands of votes outstanding, and LA officials have given us the next three weeks to count!” Pratt said.

“Let’s git-r-dun!” he added.

Early returns had placed Pratt ahead of Raman and firmly in second place behind Bass. However, as election officials continued processing ballots from some of Los Angeles’ more progressive neighborhoods, Raman steadily gained ground and eventually moved ahead.

The prolonged counting process has reignited criticism of California’s election system, where final results often remain uncertain for days or even weeks after voters head to the polls.

Under California law, ballots are considered valid so long as they are postmarked by Election Day, allowing additional votes to arrive and be counted after the election has officially concluded. As a result, the total number of outstanding ballots is often not immediately known.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized California’s election procedures, describing them as “crooked.” Last week, a federal prosecutor was reportedly sent to observe operations at the Los Angeles County ballot-counting center, while Trump stated that the California primary election was “under investigation” by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

County election officials defended the process, emphasizing that accuracy takes precedence over speed.

“California law prioritizes counting every valid ballot, not just the fastest ballots,” a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Registrar told The California Post.

{Matzav.com}

California political heavyweights Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris may project unity in public, but reports suggest a long-simmering rivalry is intensifying as both emerge as leading contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

According to those familiar with the relationship, tensions between the two prominent Democrats have been building for years and could erupt into a bruising showdown if both ultimately enter the race for the White House. One adviser previously described the potential clash as a political “murder-suicide,” reflecting concerns that a bitter contest could damage both candidates.

The rivalry has reportedly been fueled by a series of personal and political grievances, including competition over memoir sales, perceived slights, and Harris’ recent decision not to seek California’s governorship despite widespread speculation that she could have easily secured the office.

Both Harris and Newsom currently rank among the leading names in early Democratic polling for 2028, setting the stage for what could become their first direct political confrontation since launching their careers in San Francisco more than two decades ago.

“They’ve been kind of like two cats, circling each other in an alley for years, politically speaking,” Democratic strategist Garry South, who worked for Newsom, told the Wall Street Journal.

Sources said the friction became more visible when both politicians released books within months of one another and closely tracked their respective sales figures.

According to reports, Harris’ memoir, “107 Days,” released in September, has sold approximately 385,000 copies, while Newsom’s “Young Man in a Hurry,” published in February, has surpassed 100,000 copies.

One Newsom ally told The Post that the governor was “p—ed off” and “very hurt” by a passage in Harris’ book recounting an exchange after Joe Biden exited the presidential race. In the memoir, Harris described reaching out to Newsom for support and receiving a brief response.

“Hiking. Will call back,” Newsom reportedly texted.

According to Newsom’s allies, the governor believed the anecdote portrayed him unfairly, particularly because he had campaigned aggressively on Harris’ behalf and delivered a high-profile introduction for her at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The strain reportedly intensified after Harris opted against running for governor of California while continuing to leave the door open to another presidential campaign.

“She knew he was going to run for president,” the source close to Newsom told The Post. “What he was hoping she would do is have the common sense to run for governor.”

Harris acknowledged in April that she “might” seek the presidency in 2028, while Newsom has indicated he expects to make a final decision after the November midterm elections.

The political histories of both figures are deeply tied to former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who played a significant role in advancing their careers. Brown appointed Newsom to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1997 and, after briefly dating Harris in the mid-1990s, helped open doors that eventually contributed to her rise to district attorney.

Brown has made little effort to hide his skepticism regarding Harris’ prospects in a future presidential race.

“[Harris’] failure, once she ran for president with the ticket of Biden, was an ultimate disaster,” Brown said in an interview. “And then her book did not enhance in any way that failure.”

A source close to Harris rejected suggestions that the passage about Newsom was intended as an attack, arguing that the book merely documented events as they occurred.

“All of the chronicling of what people said that day — she didn’t editorialize,” the source told The Post.

“There are a lot of things in [Harris’] book that people were rightfully like, ‘Whoa.’”

Newsom supporters, however, offered a far less charitable assessment, characterizing Harris as someone who does not easily let go of grievances, a reputation they claim dates back to her years as San Francisco’s district attorney while Newsom served as mayor.

{Matzav.com}

A Manhattan accountant who survived Sunday’s shocking stabbing spree inside Penn Station said the attacker appeared intent on killing, recalling that the suspect had “rage in his eyes” as he launched a sudden and unprovoked assault that left five people injured.

“He went at me to kill me! I saw the rage in his eyes,” Henry Obadiah, 60, who lives in Midtown and was returning home from Long Branch, New Jersey, told The Post as he described the terrifying attack.

According to Obadiah, he unexpectedly found himself in the path of the alleged assailant, identified by law enforcement sources as 51-year-old Hector Deleon. As he approached the station, he noticed what appeared to be a struggle involving two individuals.

“The crazy guy locked his eyes on me and just roundhoused me! Clocked me right in the face and I was like, ‘What…?’ And I heard the guy on the escalator say, ‘He’s got a knife! He’s got a knife!’”

At first, Obadiah did not realize he had been cut.

“I didn’t realize I had just been slashed in the face,” he recalled.

Believing he had only been punched, he continued moving until he noticed blood and checked his reflection on his phone.

“I thought he just punched me. I felt my lip got busted and I saw the blood, but I took a look into my phone and saw the big cut in my face and I just ran up to the cop and said, ‘I just got attacked,’” he said.

Obadiah was among five people who were stabbed or slashed during the violent outburst, which erupted around 7 p.m. inside the crowded Midtown transportation hub.

FDNY officials said the attack left one victim seriously injured, two suffering moderate wounds, and two others with less severe injuries.

According to sources, in addition to Obadiah’s facial wound, two other victims — ages 52 and 60 — sustained cuts to their necks.

Authorities said a 30-year-old man and a 42-year-old tourist were also injured during the incident.

After informing officers that he believed he could identify the suspect, Obadiah accompanied police through the station and followed what he described as a substantial trail of blood leading toward the New Jersey Transit boarding area. There, he encountered another victim, apparently in his twenties, sitting on the ground with a towel pressed against a heavily bleeding head injury while bystanders attempted to help.

“The paramedics showed up shortly thereafter. While they were telling me that they should take me to the hospital, all these cops started running past and screaming, ‘He stabbed someone else! He stabbed someone else!’”

Law enforcement sources said Amtrak Police eventually took Deleon into custody inside Penn Station. Investigators believe he may have been under the influence of drugs, although the substances involved have not yet been identified.

Sources said the suspect was carrying a “boot dagger” — a double-edged knife measuring approximately six inches long — which authorities believe was used in the attacks.

Court records show Deleon has an extensive criminal history that includes violent offenses. Among them is a conviction for aggravated assault stemming from a 2022 incident in which he allegedly stabbed a man in the neck with a six-inch knife.

Despite the severity of that case, records indicate he received a sentence of two years’ probation. Authorities also noted that he was arrested in New Jersey as recently as May on charges involving theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Obadiah expressed frustration over public safety conditions in New York City’s transit system and criticized the response of city leaders.

“Something has to be done. The city is getting worse and worse and no one seems to care. This administration? Law and order isn’t the priority! The attackers have more rights than the victims. It’s not surprising that this happened and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to change under this administration,” he said.

“Most people are voting for this stuff and they’re voting for, ‘Let’s get rid of the police, the police got to stand down,’ it’s nuts! I want it to change, but not only for me but for the next victim of a crazy homeless guy that decides he had a bad day and he’s going to kill a few people.”

As of Monday, the suspect remained hospitalized and had not yet been formally charged, according to reports.

Likud MK Moshe Saada delivered a wide-ranging and combative interview this week, addressing Israel’s confrontation with Iran, the future of the draft law, and what he described as politically motivated actions by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Speaking with Yossi Sergovski in the Kikar HaShabbat studio, Saada outlined his views on some of the country’s most contentious issues, ranging from Iran and regional security to military conscription and the role of Israel’s legal establishment.

Opening the interview, Saada focused on the strategic struggle against Iran and its regional proxies, arguing that Tehran is facing unprecedented economic pressure despite ongoing tensions in the region.

According to Saada, President Donald Trump remains deeply committed to maintaining economic pressure on Iran.

“The president is investing $1.7 billion a day in this blockade,” Saada claimed.

He argued that the sanctions campaign has devastated Iran’s economy and is costing the regime between $150 million and $200 million daily.

“Today Iran has no water, no electricity, no energy, no spare parts, no aluminum and no steel,” Saada said.

Saada also claimed that Trump has maintained a firm position regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

“I am standing on the 450 kilograms that I want in my possession,” Saada quoted Trump as saying.

Turning to the broader security picture, Saada argued that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain the central threat facing Israel, while groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas should be viewed as secondary dangers.

“That’s why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is focused there and Trump is focused there,” he said, while acknowledging the heavy toll borne by residents of northern Israel.

The lawmaker praised Israel’s direct military response against Iran and said the country has abandoned what he described as ineffective policies of the past.

“They are trying to create an equation. We need to tell them: every Iranian attack on Israel must be met with a disproportionate strike both in Dahieh and in Iran,” Saada said.

Looking ahead, Saada dismissed speculation that international events such as the World Cup could influence Trump’s decisions.

“It interests him as much as a cricket championship,” he remarked.

He suggested that if Iran chooses not to escalate, a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon could move forward. According to Saada, such an arrangement had previously been close to completion before being undermined by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. If Iran responds militarily, however, he warned that a broader conflict may follow.

Saada also devoted significant attention to the contentious debate over military conscription, stressing that he is not part of the group of Likud lawmakers often described as rebels on the issue.

Instead, he said his approach stems from a genuine desire to find a workable solution while maintaining strong ties with the chareidi community.

He praised younger chareidim, saying many have become deeply committed to Israel’s national security outlook and share concerns about the judicial system.

Saada sharply criticized the current draft proposal, calling it fundamentally flawed.

“This law, first of all, will not draft anyone, and second, it includes disproportionate sanctions. In what world does a person who does not enlist get barred from traveling abroad or lose his driver’s license? If I evade income taxes, they don’t take away my license. There is no cause and effect here. This is a violation of personal freedom and basic laws. This law should be thrown in the trash.”

He then outlined an alternative framework that he believes would attract broader support.

Rather than focusing on penalties, arrests, and coercion, Saada said the state should reward those who serve, particularly combat soldiers, through benefits such as government employment opportunities and housing programs.

Under his proposal, individuals who choose to remain in Torah study would not face arrest or criminal penalties but would not receive those service-related benefits.

Saada also advocated lowering the exemption age to 21, arguing that young chareidi men who do not wish to continue learning should be allowed to enter the workforce at a younger age.

“If at age 21 a young man doesn’t want to learn and wants to go to work, let him go to work and earn a respectable living,” he said.

When asked whether exceptional Torah scholars should receive full exemptions, Saada responded enthusiastically.

“Of course! In our yeshiva we called it the concept of ‘essential.’ A certain number of people should be defined as essential to the yeshiva, and as far as I’m concerned they are serving in every sense of the word—they are fighters.”

Saada also questioned why sanctions are being directed primarily at the chareidi community when tens of thousands of young Arabs also do not serve in the military each year.

He criticized affirmative-action programs benefiting Arab citizens in fields such as medicine and higher education and said he would seek to eliminate those policies while expanding opportunities for chareidim in medicine and high-tech industries.

The most heated portion of the interview centered on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, whom Saada accused of pursuing a politically motivated agenda.

“Don’t call her the attorney general. Call her Gali the criminal, because this woman is a criminal. She is running a campaign of persecution that crosses sectors. When it comes to the chareidim, this is a persecution of bnei Torah with almost anti-Semitic characteristics. It reminds me of the periods in Russia when Torah learners were persecuted. Everything she does stems from a desire to inflame hatred.”

Saada argued that the alleged campaign extends beyond the chareidi community and targets a wide range of right-wing figures. He referenced several individuals whom he believes have been unfairly pursued and revealed what he described as the coalition’s next legislative step.

“This week, with Hashem’s help, we are passing the Police Internal Investigations Department law. That law will allow us to investigate Gali. After she is investigated, she will go home—or more accurately, to the interrogation basements—because she is part of the affair that is a stain on the State of Israel, the blood libel surrounding Force 100 at Sde Teiman. Her hands are involved in that libel.”

Concluding the interview, Saada expressed hope that a future government would appoint a new legal adviser who would work collaboratively with elected officials. He argued that Israel’s ongoing disputes could be resolved through dialogue that recognizes what he described as two essential pillars of the country’s existence.

“Without Torah study there is no State of Israel, and without an army we cannot survive here.”

Police and Border Police forces moved Monday evening to disperse a protest near Yerushalayim’s Bar-Ilan Junction, where demonstrators gathered to oppose ongoing light rail construction projects in the area.

According to police, security forces succeeded in pushing a large portion of the protesters back onto the sidewalks, allowing roads that had been blocked during the demonstration to reopen to regular traffic.

Law enforcement officials alleged that some participants engaged in violent behavior and caused damage to public property during the protest.

Police said the incidents included deliberate vandalism targeting public infrastructure and equipment connected to the light rail construction site, as well as disruptions to major traffic routes throughout the city.

During the operation, detectives from the Lev HaBira Police Station arrested two suspects who were allegedly caught in the act of damaging portions of the light rail work zone.

The suspects were taken into custody and transferred to a local police station for questioning.

Israeli police emphasized that they intend to pursue criminal proceedings against those involved in acts of violence, vandalism, and damage to public infrastructure.

Authorities stated that they will continue to act firmly against anyone who harms public property or disrupts daily life and transportation throughout the city.

{Matzav.com}

Sharp disagreements erupted during a restricted cabinet meeting on Monday as senior Israeli officials debated how closely Jerusalem should coordinate with the Trump administration amid escalating tensions involving Iran and Hezbollah.

The discussion quickly evolved into a broader argument over Israel’s strategic independence, with some ministers urging a more confrontational posture toward Washington while others stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation with President Donald Trump.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir emerged as one of the strongest advocates for a more assertive approach, arguing that Israel must not hesitate to challenge the White House when core security interests are at stake.

“We have to stand up for ourselves with Trump, to fight by our fingernails. We have to tell him that we have red lines.”

Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu responded with a pointed remark directed at Ben-Gvir, suggesting that political considerations were influencing his position.

“I get it. There are elections in three months.”

Ben-Gvir immediately rejected the suggestion, insisting that his comments reflected a professional assessment of the situation rather than campaign politics.

The exchange prompted Shas chairman Aryeh Deri to enter the debate, criticizing Ben-Gvir’s approach and arguing that government policy must be guided by responsibility rather than rhetoric.

“If you thought that your position would be accepted, you would have expressed it. We make decisions responsibly.”

At the same meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated a significantly tougher military response against Hezbollah, arguing that Israel should seek to decisively separate the Lebanese and Iranian fronts through overwhelming force.

“We need to strike the Dahieh hard. That is what will cause Hezbollah to beg us to stop.”

As the discussion continued, Netanyahu sought to explain why he believes Israel should avoid a public confrontation with Trump and instead preserve the strong relationship that currently exists between the two governments.

The prime minister reportedly reviewed a series of American economic and military measures directed at Iran, emphasizing that Washington remains firmly aligned with Israel’s broader strategic goals.

“We are on the same page as Trump. He is not releasing the frozen assets; he’s determined to receive the nuclear dust and continues the blockade. Why should we fight him?”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu declared Monday that Israel will not hesitate to strike Iran again if circumstances require it, emphasizing that the Jewish State alone will determine its security policy and will not allow hostile powers to dictate its actions.

In a prerecorded address published on X and widely broadcast by Israeli media, Netanyahu delivered his first public remarks since the latest round of hostilities between Israel and Iran erupted Sunday night.

The statement also marked his first response since President Donald Trump indicated that Israel would ultimately need to accept any peace arrangement negotiated between Washington and Tehran.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s commitment to defending itself remains absolute and that this message has been conveyed directly to Trump as well.

“Israel has every right to self-defense, and we will exercise that right whenever necessary,” the prime minister said, according to a transcript released by his office. “I say this to you, dear citizens of Israel, just as I say it with appreciation and respect in my good conversations with my friend President Trump.”

The renewed tensions began Sunday when Iran launched missiles at Israel, the first direct Iranian attack since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire that took effect on April 7.

The latest escalation followed Israeli military activity inside a buffer zone along the Lebanese border, where Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah operatives backed by Iran, according to Israeli officials.

Those developments came despite a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon that had been brokered by the United States.

Netanyahu sought to reassure Israelis that the government remains committed to restoring calm and security, particularly in the country’s northern communities.

“With unity, determination, and wisdom, we will defend the state of Israel, and with God’s help, we will restore security to the north,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister confirmed that Israel has suspended military operations against Iran for the time being, while making clear that any future Iranian aggression would be met with a powerful response.

“At present, the fire on this front has been halted, because after the terrorist regime in Tehran was struck, it stopped attacking us,” Netanyahu said. “If that terrorist regime in Iran makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force.”

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu held a phone conversation with President Trump. Following the discussion, a senior Israeli official told Ynet Global that Israel had agreed to halt its attacks on Iran at the president’s request.

The White House has been actively pushing both sides to de-escalate. Earlier Monday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Israel and Iran must stop shooting immediately.”

In a subsequent post, Trump said that “both sides, Israel and Iran, want an immediate ceasefire” and expressed optimism that negotiations toward “peace” were progressing, provided that “ignorance or stupidity” did not derail them.

Meanwhile, an Israeli source familiar with the matter told Ynet that Israel had originally planned to launch a strike against Iran several days earlier, potentially as far back as Thursday. According to the source, Trump strongly opposed moving forward with the operation at that time, leading Israeli officials to postpone the planned attack.

{Matzav.com}

Italian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following a controversial video involving activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, drawing a defiant response from the minister.

The development comes after attorneys, pro-Palestinian groups, and international law experts submitted requests to the International Criminal Court in The Hague seeking to broaden its existing investigation into the Palestinian territories to include incidents connected to the “Global Sumud Flotilla” that sailed in May.

Those behind the request argued that several activists reported being subjected to abuse, physical violence, and degrading treatment following their detention. They contend that the allegations should be examined as part of the ICC’s ongoing investigation into suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2014.

The petitioners also cited a video released by Ben Gvir, claiming it raises serious questions about the treatment of flotilla participants after their arrest.

The footage, which showed Ben Gvir mocking activists while they lay face-down on the ground, sparked angry reactions in various parts of the world and fueled calls for further scrutiny.

According to reports, the current effort is aimed at expanding an already existing investigation and does not constitute a formal decision by the ICC to open a new case against any individual.

Ben Gvir responded harshly to news of the investigation, ridiculing the move and defending Israel’s actions.

“Italy has gone from the land of the boot to the land of the flip-flop. Israel is not a punching bag for a gang of lying terror supporters who invent libels and false accusations against our fighters. I am not intimidated by this investigation or any other, and I will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters.”

The minister made clear that he does not intend to alter his stance in response to the investigation and vowed to continue defending Israeli security personnel despite mounting international criticism.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Dov Aharon Zelaznik zt”l, one of the foremost marbitzei Torah of our generation and a longtime Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Maor HaTalmud in Rechovot. Rav Zelaznik, whose life was a shining example of hasmadah, ameilus baTorah, and devotion to his talmidim, was 81 years old.

Over the past several months, Rav Zelaznik’s health had weakened significantly. He was hospitalized in serious condition and later transferred to Herzog Medical Center for rehabilitation. In recent days, his condition worsened, and he was niftar, returning his pure neshamah to its Creator, to the profound sorrow of his family, talmidim, and countless admirers throughout the Torah world.

The levayah was held Monday afternoon from his home on Rechov Grossberg in Yerushalayim’s Gush 80 neighborhood and proceeded to Har HaZeisim for kevurah.

Rav Dov Aharon Zelaznik was born in Yerushalayim on the 9th of Elul 5704 to his father, Rav Avrohom Yaakov Zelaznik zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Eitz Chaim and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. His mother, Mrs. Ita Bashe a”h, was the daughter of Rav Yisroel Shalom Luria zt”l of Yerushalayim.

He was raised in a home saturated with Torah, yiras Shomayim, and reverence for gedolei Yisroel. In the introduction to his sefer Badei HaAron, Rav Zelaznik described how his father instilled within him from his earliest years a deep love for Torah and ameilus baTorah. He wrote that his father’s image remained constantly before him as a model of yirah preceding wisdom, and recalled that his father shed tears in heartfelt tefillah on his behalf.

As a child, he learned in the Eitz Chaim Talmud Torah and later in Yeshivas Eitz Chaim. He then continued his growth in the famed Brisk Yeshiva, where he became one of the prominent talmidim of Rav Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik zt”l, absorbing the Brisker derech in limud haTorah that would characterize his own shiurim and teachings for decades.

Among his fellow talmidim in Brisk were many future Torah luminaries, including Rav Chaim Shlomo Leibowitz and Rav Avrohom Erlanger zt”l. Even as a young man, he was recognized as one of the yeshiva’s outstanding bnei Torah, distinguished by his exceptional diligence and depth in learning.

Upon his marriage to his wife, Mrs. Yaffa, longtime principal of Seminary Moreshet Bais Yaakov in Yerushalayim and daughter of Rabbi Yissachar Bendikt z”l, one of the early pioneers of Bnei Brak, the couple established a home built upon the foundations of Torah and yiras Shomayim. They initially resided in Bnei Brak before later settling in Yerushalayim.

During his years in Bnei Brak, Rav Zelaznik became closely attached to Rav Yechiel Michel Feinstein zt”l, who later became his mechutan. At the same time, he gained a reputation among bnei yeshiva for the shiurim he delivered in Kodshim. Serious lomdim would regularly seek him out to discuss difficult sugyos and intricate matters in learning.

For decades, Rav Zelaznik served as one of the roshei yeshiva of Yeshivas Maor HaTalmud in Rechovot. There he devoted himself completely to harbotzas haTorah, nurturing generations of talmidim who became deeply attached to him and drew inspiration from both his towering scholarship and his refined character.

His Torah legacy was further preserved through the publication of the acclaimed Badei HaAron series on numerous masechtos of Shas, based on the many shiurim he delivered over the years. The seforim reflected the same clarity, precision, and depth that distinguished his oral teachings.

A central part of his later years revolved around the Zeraim Kollel in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he resided. There he delivered regular shiurim and served as one of the neighborhood’s respected rabbanim. He was also the longtime makri on Rosh Hashanah at the Aruch LaNer shul.

Rav Zelaznik was renowned for his extraordinary command of vast portions of Torah. He was particularly known for his mastery of Nashim, Nezikin, Zeraim, and Kodshim. His hasmadah was legendary. For hour upon hour he would sit immersed in learning in the bais medrash, completely absorbed in his Gemara and seforim, pursuing the truth of Torah with remarkable dedication and joy.

Young bochurim and avreichim often found inspiration simply by observing him. His very presence in the bais medrash served as a living lesson in what it means to devote one’s life entirely to Torah.

Throughout his life he remained deeply loyal to the path of the gedolei Yisroel who shaped him, foremost among them Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l and Rav Shmuel Auerbach zt”l.

Rav Zelaznik was zocheh to leave behind a beautiful and distinguished family of children, einiklach, and descendants who continue in his path of Torah and yiras Shomayim.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Police have arrested a suspect believed to be behind a series of thefts targeting tefillin, mezuzos, and other tashmishei kedusha from shuls in Ashdod and several other cities, bringing a significant development in a case that has troubled worshippers for weeks.

The arrest comes approximately a week and a half after an investigative report exposed a growing pattern of thefts from batei knesses in Ashdod and elsewhere. Authorities now believe the suspect systematically targeted multiple locations, making off with religious items worth tens of thousands of shekels.

The suspect, a resident of central Israel, was taken into custody following an investigation conducted by the Ashdod Police Department. Law enforcement officials reportedly devoted substantial resources to the case after receiving numerous complaints and developing suspicions that the thefts were being carried out by a serial offender operating in several cities.

Investigators believe the suspect may have been active in Ashdod, Beit Shemesh, Modiin Illit, and Netivot, allegedly taking advantage of the fact that many shuls remain open and accessible to the public for extended periods throughout the day.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, detectives gathered surveillance footage and additional evidence that significantly advanced the case and ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.

As part of the operation, police recovered some of the religious items believed to have been stolen from the affected shuls. Investigators hope that as the inquiry continues, they will be able to locate additional tefillin, mezuzos, and other tashmishei kedusha taken in recent months and return them to their owners.

News of the arrest was met with relief among many mispallelim and victims of the thefts, who had spent weeks dealing with anxiety and uncertainty. Several complainants noted that the stolen tefillin carried tremendous personal and sentimental value and had accompanied them for many years.

Some of those who had initially criticized law enforcement for a perceived lack of progress later praised the police for conducting an intensive investigation that ultimately resulted in the suspect’s apprehension.

Throughout the investigation, representatives of the victims maintained regular contact with local police officials in an effort to help advance the case and organize information gathered from the community. Among those involved was askan Avremi Silberstein, who assisted in coordinating communications between complainants and law enforcement authorities.

Sources connected to the investigation said the effort involved close cooperation among several divisions within the Ashdod Police Department, including station commander Superintendent Ronen Amram and community policing commander Adir Lugasi, both of whom reportedly played active roles in overseeing the case.

Investigators cautioned, however, that it remains too early to determine whether the suspect is responsible for every reported theft involving tefillin and sacred items during the recent wave of incidents. Authorities are now examining whether the suspect acted alone, participated in only some of the crimes, or was part of a broader operation involving additional individuals employing similar methods in different cities.

Police continue to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and additional complaints as they work to determine the full scope of the case.

{Matzav.com}

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring agency is urging Iran to restore cooperation with international inspectors, while the United States and its allies push for formal action demanding explanations about the fate of nuclear facilities and enriched uranium following military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States last year.

Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), appealed Monday for renewed engagement with Tehran so inspectors can once again gain access to sites that were damaged or destroyed during the bombing campaign.

According to the IAEA, Iranian authorities have yet to provide a full accounting of what occurred at the targeted facilities or disclose the whereabouts of nuclear material that had been stored there, including uranium enriched to levels approaching weapons-grade purity.

Although the attacks severely damaged Iran’s uranium-enrichment infrastructure, international officials believe that a substantial portion of the country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile survived. That includes material enriched to approximately 60 percent purity, a level significantly closer to the roughly 90 percent enrichment generally associated with nuclear weapons.

“It’s very important that we re-engage,” Grossi told the IAEA’s 35-nation Board of Governors on the first day of a quarterly meeting.

In a separate written message to the board, Grossi emphasized the need for Tehran to resume cooperation with international safeguards and monitoring efforts.

“I call on Iran to engage the Agency constructively in order to facilitate the full and effective implementation of safeguards in Iran,” he added in a separate, written statement to the board, using a term that encompasses inspections.

While the agency has continued limited monitoring activities at certain locations unaffected by the bombing campaign, broader inspection efforts have largely stalled. In February, the IAEA suspended inspections at numerous sites because of security concerns stemming from renewed military activity. Since then, inspectors have only visited Iran’s operational nuclear power facility in Bushehr.

Speaking to reporters after addressing the board, Grossi acknowledged that communication with Tehran remains extremely limited.

“I have sporadic contacts with the foreign minister and others, but basically the channel of communication is broken,” Grossi told a press conference after he addressed the board.

At the same time, Washington is spearheading an initiative—supported by Britain, France, and Germany—to secure passage of a resolution requiring Iran to immediately disclose detailed information about the bombed facilities and the location of its enriched uranium stockpiles.

The proposed measure is expected to receive significant support when it comes before the board later this week. Diplomats familiar with the matter believe it is likely to pass by a comfortable margin, similar to a previous resolution approved in November.

However, some officials worry that additional pressure on Tehran could complicate ongoing efforts by Washington and Iran to preserve their ceasefire and create momentum for broader negotiations addressing Iran’s nuclear activities and other regional issues.

Iran has sharply criticized the draft resolution and rejected attempts to hold it responsible for providing information in the wake of the attacks.

“Responsibility for an internationally wrongful act rests with the perpetrator and cannot be transferred to the victim. The Board must not be instrumentalized to relieve those who carried out these attacks of their responsibility,” Iran’s mission to the IAEA said on X, referring to the draft resolution and the fact the U.S. bombed its nuclear facilities.

Historically, Tehran has reacted negatively to similar resolutions passed by the IAEA board, often responding by accelerating elements of its nuclear program or reducing cooperation with international inspectors.

Warning against additional pressure, Iran argued that confrontation would only make diplomacy more difficult.

“The Board should be cautious on the path forward. Coercion and confrontation do not lead to cooperation. It undermines prospects of a diplomatic solution,” it added.

The diplomatic tensions come as military hostilities between Israel and Iran continue. The two countries exchanged attacks late Sunday and again on Monday, prompting President Donald Trump to publicly demand an end to the fighting.

Trump called on both sides to “immediately stop ‘shooting,'” as his administration continues efforts to prevent further escalation.

Despite the renewed violence, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts with Tehran remain on track.

Speaking to the Financial Times on Sunday after Iran fired missiles at Israel, Trump said: “It’s not going to have any impact on the deal [with Iran].”

{Matzav.com}

Deep concern has spread throughout the Torah world over the condition of Rav Chaim Berman, one of the generation’s most renowned masmidim, whose health has deteriorated in recent days.

Members of the Ponovezh Yeshiva community have been closely following his condition for an extended period as he struggles with significant weakness and requires abundant rachamei Shamayim.

On Monday, after Rav Berman began suffering from breathing difficulties and pneumonia and was hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Rav Dovid Levy made a special appeal at the conclusion of the shiur klali, asking the thousands of Ponovezh bochurim to recite Tehillim on his behalf. Leading the tefillos was Rav Berman’s son, Rav Yisroel Berman.

The renewed call for tefillah comes just weeks after Ponovezh Rosh Yeshiva Rav Berel Povarsky issued a heartfelt letter before Shavuos urging the Torah world to daven for Rav Berman’s recovery.

In his letter, Rav Povarsky wrote: “To the students of our holy yeshiva, throughout its generations, I hereby request that you increase your prayers and supplications for the complete recovery of the great luminary, Rav Chaim ben Reisha Rizel Berman shlit”a, whose figure has served as an example for generations of yeshiva students, like Yehoshua, the faithful disciple who never departed from the tent. His influence upon the holy yeshiva through his Torah, fear of Heaven, and prayers has been deeply felt. Now, to our great sorrow, his place is noticeably absent, as due to his suffering and weakness he is unable to come to the House of Hashem as he did faithfully throughout all the years until very recently.”

Rav Povarsky continued: “We are all obligated to share in his suffering and to increase our Torah study, good deeds, and prayers for his complete recovery. May Hashem hear our cries, and may the students of the yeshiva merit to continue benefiting from his light for many years to come in health and tranquility. With this I affix my signature, awaiting the salvation of Hashem, Baruch Dov Povarsky.”

All are asked to continue davening for the complete recovery of Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump revealed that he warned Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu that an expanded confrontation with Iran could ultimately leave Israel without American support, as Washington continues pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

In an interview with Channel 12, Trump said he urged Netanyahu to exercise caution and avoid steps that could trigger a wider regional war. According to the president, he made clear that if tensions continued to escalate, Israel could find itself facing Iran without the backing of the United States.

Trump disclosed that during a telephone conversation on Sunday night, he pressed Netanyahu not to retaliate for Iran’s missile attack. However, he said the discussion concluded without the Israeli premier committing to a specific course of action.

According to Trump, Netanyahu subsequently convened consultations with Israel’s security establishment before later informing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that he had decided to proceed with a military strike inside Iran.

The president said Washington received notification only at the final stages of the operation, after Israeli aircraft had already taken off. Trump added that despite the late notice, he succeeded in limiting the extent of the planned attack.

Trump also revealed that five countries in the region that have been involved in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran appealed to him to intervene with Netanyahu and prevent further military action, while encouraging progress toward a negotiated settlement.

He further claimed that Iranian representatives reached out to the United States on Monday morning, indicating that Tehran did not intend to launch additional attacks against Israel. According to Trump, the Iranians asked Washington to persuade Israel to cease its military operations as well.

“I called Bibi and got him to stop,” Trump remarked to Channel 12.

The president reiterated his belief that diplomacy remains possible, saying he continues to view an agreement with Iran as attainable and maintains that Tehran wants a deal. He added that he believes such an outcome would serve the interests of all parties involved.

Earlier Monday, Trump publicly urged both Israel and Iran to halt hostilities, stating that each side was interested in an immediate ceasefire. He also said negotiations with Tehran were nearing completion and warned that continued exchanges of fire could jeopardize the chances of reaching a final agreement.

The president had signaled that position the previous evening, when he announced his intention to contact Netanyahu and urge restraint following Iran’s missile barrage, arguing that additional retaliation would only perpetuate the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Command announced Monday that it considers its military campaign against Israel complete. At the same time, the organization issued a warning that further Israeli operations in southern Lebanon or Beirut’s Dahieh district could provoke a more severe Iranian response.

In its statement, the command said Iran’s missile attacks were launched in retaliation for Israeli actions in southern Lebanon and the Dahieh neighborhood of Beirut. While declaring the operation over, Iranian officials cautioned that any future Israeli strikes could be met with significantly stronger measures.

The developments came after Israel carried out an airstrike on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb on Sunday. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the facility was being used by Hezbollah operatives to coordinate and prepare attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

{Matzav.com}

The owners of dozens of prominent summer camps across the Northeast have come under intense scrutiny after disclosing that they failed to make required payments to Israeli bondholders and transferred $34 million to businesses under their control, raising serious concerns among investors and triggering a financial crisis surrounding their camp empire.

Brothers Michael and David Shabsels, who control approximately 30 sleepaway and day camps – including many frum-owned camps – throughout the United States, completed a $195 million bond offering in December. Their holdings include well-known camps such as Camp Blue Star in North Carolina, Mohawk Day Camp in White Plains, Kiwi Country Day Camp in New York, Camp North Star in Maine, Chen-A-Wanda Camp in Pennsylvania, and Willow Lake Day Camp in New Jersey. As mentioned, they are also partners in many frum-owned camps.

According to documents provided to investors as part of the bond offering, an independent appraisal placed the value of the camp portfolio at $466.6 million and projected a capitalization rate of roughly 10.5 percent for 2025.

Seeking to finance their rapidly expanding operation, the Shabsels brothers turned to Israel’s bond market through Simad Holdings, a British Virgin Islands-based company that serves as the umbrella for their business interests.

At the end of 2025, company materials showed that Simad controlled approximately 80 assets, including a combination of camps, office buildings, and retail properties. Michael and David Shabsels reside in Scarsdale and Westhampton, New York.

Trouble surfaced in late May when Simad informed the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that it had failed to make a required bond payment. At the same time, the company revealed that $34 million had been transferred to entities controlled by the Shabsels brothers, according to exchange filings and reports in the Israeli financial publication Globes.

The company characterized the transfer as an inadvertent error.

Following the disclosure, Simad’s audit committee requested that the brothers return the funds. Although they initially agreed to do so, Michael Shabsels later informed the company that they were unable to repay the money.

Reports by Israeli business outlets Globes and Calcalist sparked alarm among investors, sending Simad’s bonds into junk-bond territory before trading was ultimately suspended by the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

In cases involving secured debt, bondholders who are not paid often have the legal ability to pursue the assets pledged as collateral.

Additional disclosures further complicated the situation. According to Globes, Simad informed investors that the brothers had incurred obligations that were “secured on the assets and cash flows of the company’s subsidiaries.”

The disclosure raised concerns that loans may have been obtained using assets that had already been pledged to bondholders, prompting questions about the legal rights investors may have to seize the camp properties securing the bonds.

The brothers began acquiring camps in 2006 and steadily built one of the largest camp networks in the country. Their business model typically involves creating separate entities for camp operations and real estate ownership, with some original camp owners remaining involved as partners.

Despite controlling a portfolio of camps that serve thousands of families each summer, the brothers have generally maintained a low public profile. Several of their camps cater specifically to Jewish communities and religious families.

When marketing the bond offering last October, Simad distributed a 22-page investor presentation featuring photographs of campers enjoying lakes, ropes courses, waterslides, and other recreational attractions.

The bonds carried a 7 percent interest rate, and Israeli credit-rating agency Midroog assigned them an investment-grade rating.

The $195 million offering was underwritten by InFin Capital, headed by CEO Yehonatan Cohen. The firm has spent years advising American real estate companies on raising capital through the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

According to offering documents, roughly $100 million of the proceeds was earmarked for purchasing assets from the controlling shareholders and repaying loans that carried personal guarantees from Michael and David Shabsels. The remaining funds were intended for additional property acquisitions.

The bonds were backed by 13 camps, including Camp Achim, Chen-A-Wanda, Club Getaway, Country Roads Day Camp, Eagles Landing, Echo, Green Lane, Malka, Lavi, Meadowbrook, SHMA Camps, Mohawk Day Camp, and Rolling Hills Day Camp. Midroog indicated that bondholders were supposed to receive a first-priority lien on those properties.

Israeli financial analysts noted at the time that summer camps represented an unconventional form of collateral compared with the office buildings, apartment complexes, and commercial properties more commonly used in bond transactions.

Even so, major Israeli investment firms, including More Investment House, Meitav, and Migdal Capital Markets, reportedly purchased the bonds.

The current controversy is not the first time the brothers have found themselves facing allegations related to their business practices.

In one ongoing legal dispute, the owners of Kiwi Country Day Camp in Carmel, New York, filed a lawsuit in 2021 accusing the Shabsels brothers of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the camp.

According to court filings, Karla and Ivan Bellotto alleged that after entering into a partnership with the brothers, efforts were made to dilute their ownership stake. They further claimed that the property was refinanced, proceeds were distributed only to the Shabselses, and financial records were withheld.

The litigation remains unresolved. A trial began last summer and proceeded for five days before the brothers dismissed their attorneys in the middle of the proceedings, according to court records. The case resumed in May.

The brothers also faced another lawsuit involving Camp Lavco in Lakewood, Pennsylvania, where a minority owner similarly alleged that the Shabselses attempted to reduce his ownership interest and refused to provide access to financial information.

[Video and photos below.] An extraordinary atmosphere of rischa d’Oraysa filled the auditorium at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, NJ on Sunday night as hundreds of rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, maggidei shiur, and marbitzei Torah gathered for a special event organized by Keren Olam HaTorah featuring a shiur from the Slabodka rosh yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau.

The gathering brought together a remarkable cross-section of marbitzei Torah from across Lakewood and beyond. Long before the program began, the hall buzzed with anticipation as attendees filled the seats and aisles, eager to hear words of Torah from the gadol hador.

The centerpiece of the evening was Rav Dov Landau’s shiur. The rosh yeshiva developed the sugya with penetrating analysis. What followed was a scene rarely witnessed outside the walls of the great batei medrash. As Rav Dov proceeded shiur, the assembled rabbonim enthusiastically chimed in, engaging in animated give-and-take as they analyzed the rosh yeshiva’s arguments, explored potential approaches, and debated the finer points of the sugya. The hall was transformed into one massive beis medrash, reverberating with the sounds of Torah.

For many in attendance, the evening was more than a shiur. It was a living demonstration of the vitality of Torah learning and the enduring passion that drives those who dedicate their lives to its study and dissemination.

The event also highlighted the continuing efforts of Keren Olam HaTorah to strengthen and support the world of Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel.

VIDEOS AND PHOTOS:

New questions are emerging about the status and whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after reports indicated that communications between him and senior regime officials have been disrupted for more than a day, raising the possibility that Iran’s latest missile attack on Israel was carried out without direct authorization from the country’s leadership.

According to a report by Iran International, contact between Khamenei and top Iranian officials has been unreliable since Sunday night, just hours before Iran launched its most recent missile barrage against Israel.

A source familiar with the situation told the outlet that the attack appears to have been executed under pre-established military contingency plans rather than as the result of real-time coordination with Khamenei’s office.

The report suggests that Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard commanders may have relied on standing operational procedures that allow for an immediate response in the event that communication with the country’s leadership is severed.

The source further noted that the Revolutionary Guards’ reaction to the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district came so quickly that it is unlikely a formal exchange of messages took place beforehand with Khamenei or members of his inner circle.

If accurate, the development could indicate that senior military officials activated an almost automatic response mechanism designed to ensure a rapid strike against Israel even during a breakdown in communications at the highest levels of the Iranian regime.

The report adds to growing uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s condition and role since the outbreak of the war. Iran International previously reported that the first message attributed to him during the conflict was not delivered in his own voice or through a recorded appearance. Instead, the statement was read on state television alongside a still photograph, while Iranian authorities provided no direct evidence regarding his status or whereabouts.

{Matzav.com}

Consumers across Israel are reporting growing difficulty finding cottage cheese, white cheese, and other popular dairy products, as supply disruptions tied to a production problem at a major Tnuva facility continue to affect supermarket shelves weeks after the initial incident.

According to a report by Ynet, the shortage stems from a malfunction that occurred approximately three weeks ago at Tnuva’s Alon Tavor manufacturing plant, disrupting production of several cup-packaged dairy products, including cottage cheese and white cheese.

The supply issues were expected to be resolved sooner, but the recovery process was delayed by production interruptions during the Shavuos period.

Shoppers continue to report difficulty locating 5% white cheese and, in particular, 9% white cheese in 250-gram containers. Cottage cheese remains unavailable in some stores as well, although inventory levels have begun to improve gradually in recent days.

In an effort to ease the shortage, Tnuva increased production of larger white cheese containers in 500-gram and 750-gram sizes. However, many consumers say the larger packages are not an ideal substitute, both because of their purchasing habits and limited refrigerator space.

The effects of the shortage have also been felt by competing dairy producers, which have experienced increased demand as customers seek alternatives to unavailable Tnuva products. Consumers have additionally reported shortages of Tnuva yogurt and sour cream in some locations.

Tnuva told Ynet that supplies of 250-gram white cheese containers are expected to return to normal distribution during the course of this week.

{Matzav.com}

More than three years after ChatGPT launched the modern artificial intelligence race, companies are pouring increasing amounts of money into AI tools and integrating them into daily operations. Yet despite widespread adoption and optimism, experts say the technology has not yet produced the dramatic productivity surge or workplace upheaval that many of its strongest supporters predicted, according to a report published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal.

Across the corporate world, businesses are using AI to perform a growing list of functions, including summarizing meetings, writing emails, creating reports, and handling repetitive administrative work. At the same time, spending on AI continues to climb, with surveys of chief executives and technology leaders showing that many organizations intend to expand their investments throughout the year.

Recent research from Deloitte, released in January, along with a separate study from the Wharton School, suggests that major corporations are increasingly embedding AI into essential business operations rather than merely testing its capabilities. In Wharton’s survey of 801 executives, approximately 75 percent said their AI initiatives were generating positive returns.

The technology is now being applied in a wide variety of industries. Retail companies use AI systems to tailor recommendations and modify pricing based on market conditions. Private-equity firms employ AI-driven tools to assist with research and analysis, while manufacturers rely on machine-vision technology to detect flaws and quality issues during production.

One area where AI has made particularly notable progress is software engineering. Modern AI systems can increasingly generate programming code from simple written instructions, significantly reducing the time required to complete certain coding assignments.

“Saying we’re stuck in pilot mode is this outdated idea that’s wrong,” said Ethan Mollick, a professor at the Wharton School who studies AI adoption. “I’m talking to companies all the time getting real value out of AI.”

Even as adoption expands, many organizations continue to struggle with the challenges of implementing AI on a large scale. Investors and corporate boards are demanding proof that expensive AI projects are producing meaningful financial results, while skepticism remains about whether current technology can truly reshape entire industries.

Researchers and analysts often describe AI’s capabilities as a “jagged frontier,” reflecting the reality that the technology can perform exceptionally well in some situations while failing unexpectedly in others.

Independent technology analyst Benedict Evans said AI tends to excel when dealing with highly structured work, including coding, reviewing legal documents, and analyzing financial data. However, it frequently encounters difficulties when tasks require deeper contextual understanding, human judgment, or familiarity with institutional practices.

Another challenge is that AI systems can confidently present inaccurate information, creating risks in environments where precision and reliability are essential.

Because of these shortcomings, some economists argue that predictions of widespread job displacement remain premature.

“Whether you’re a CEO, a manager, a journalist, a professor or a construction worker, I see your skills as beyond what AI can perform,” said Daron Acemoglu, who argues that today’s AI tools are likely to affect only a portion of existing jobs.

Specialists also emphasize that successful implementation involves far more than simply deploying AI software. Organizations need dependable data systems, strong security measures, governance policies, and effective human supervision to ensure the technology operates responsibly and accurately.

Since every company has unique processes and infrastructure, many businesses are forced to create these support systems from scratch, adding significant costs and extending implementation timelines.

Industry experts increasingly believe that internal organizational barriers may be a greater obstacle than the technology itself.

Many businesses operate according to lengthy planning cycles and are reluctant to abandon systems they invested heavily in only a few years ago. Workers may also hesitate to embrace technologies that they believe could eventually eliminate their positions.

“What is being sold is this idea of productivity and efficiency,” said Kate Brennan. “And what that means for the people doing the actual work is rarely part of the conversation.”

Experts note that many companies currently use AI to improve portions of existing procedures rather than fundamentally redesigning how work is performed.

For instance, an insurance company may use AI to accelerate paperwork associated with automobile accident claims while preserving traditional approval processes. A more sweeping transformation would allow AI to evaluate damage through photographs, approve claims automatically, and initiate payments with little human involvement. Achieving that level of change, however, would often require businesses to overhaul longstanding operational models and management structures.

Historians of technology point out that transformative innovations rarely reshape economies overnight.

The widespread economic benefits of electricity took decades to appear in productivity statistics, while the internet required many years before fundamentally altering commerce and business practices.

“The early years looked, from the inside, a lot like AI does now: spectacular promise, uneven results and an industry with every incentive to tell you the revolution was already here,” said James Landay.

Landay argued that institutions typically need substantial time to restructure themselves before they can fully benefit from breakthrough technologies.

“My sense is more like five to 10 years — not the next two or three,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is raising fresh concerns about the Los Angeles mayoral election, alleging that Republican candidates are being unfairly disadvantaged as vote counting continues and warning that the consequences could be severe if Democrats prevail through what he characterized as an illegitimate process.

Trump took to Truth Social to question the integrity of the election and accuse Democrats of benefiting from a flawed system.

“Has anybody been watching the CROOKED Election going on in California,” Trump wrote late Sunday night on Truth Social. “Two great Republican Candidates are being cheated, and so is America, which if the Dumocrats are able to fulfill their mission, great trouble and consternation will follow. Watch this ‘Election’ closely!!!”

The president returned to the issue Monday morning, amplifying criticism of California’s voting procedures after new vote totals altered the standings in the Los Angeles mayoral contest.

“No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!” Trump wrote.

His comments came after Rep. Abe Hamadeh of Arizona shared concerns about the changing results and reposted an election projection from Decision Desk HQ.

The projection indicated that Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman had moved into second place, securing a spot in the upcoming runoff election.

Hamadeh argued that California is “incapable of running free and fair elections” and called for federal oversight of elections in the state.

According to a Newsmax projection, Raman has now locked up a place in the November runoff election, where she is expected to face incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass.

Bass remains the leading vote-getter, holding roughly 35 percent support, while Raman has edged ahead of Republican contender Spencer Pratt.

With ballot tabulation still underway, the margin between Raman and Pratt remains extremely close, with slightly more than 3,000 votes separating the two candidates.

Pratt, a conservative commentator and former reality television personality, occupied second place for several days following Election Day. However, as additional ballots were counted, Raman gradually moved ahead.

The lengthy ballot-counting process in California has long been a source of frustration for Republicans, including Trump, who argue that election outcomes should not continue shifting days after voting concludes.

State election rules allow mail-in ballots bearing an Election Day postmark to be counted if they arrive within seven days after the election.

Election administrators maintain that the extended counting period is standard practice in California, noting that mail ballots are automatically sent to all registered voters.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, Democratic voters generally submitted their ballots later in the election cycle, a trend analysts say helps explain why both Bass and Raman gained support as more votes were processed.

At the same time, federal authorities have launched multiple investigations involving alleged election irregularities. On Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles announced that several election-fraud probes related to California races were underway and that a federal prosecutor had been assigned to monitor activities at the county’s vote-counting facility.

Officials are required to certify the election results by early July, meaning thousands of ballots remain outstanding in a race that continues to draw significant political attention.

{Matzav.com}