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President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and indicated that no additional similar operations are expected, while sharply criticizing Iran for retaliating against a Qatari facility.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned Iran’s response to the Israeli action, accusing Tehran of wrongly targeting Qatar after the strike.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen,” wrote Trump.

“Unfortunately,” he continued, “Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

Trump went on to emphasize that Israel would not proceed with further strikes on the site, unless provoked by Iran.

“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar – In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

He added that he is reluctant to authorize such force but made clear that he would act if necessary.

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” concluded the President.

Trump’s remarks came after a Wall Street Journal report indicated that he is seeking to halt further Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following the South Pars attack.

According to that report, officials said Trump had been aware of the Israeli strike ahead of time and backed it as a signal to Iran amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. They added that he now believes the message has been delivered and opposes continued attacks on Iran’s energy sector.

However, those same officials noted that Trump could reconsider that position and support additional strikes on Iranian energy sites, depending on how Iran proceeds in the strategically significant waterway.

{Matzav.com}

Maran Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Dov Landau delivered powerful words of chizuk at Yeshivas Beis Medrash Elyon, marking the close of the winter zeman and concluding a broad chizuk trip across the heichalei haTorah in Eretz Yisroel, during which he visited more than 40 yeshivos.

Addressing the oilam, the Rosh HaYeshiva spoke with clarity about the current matzav, especially in light of the ongoing war.

“Boruch Hashem, the olam haTorah is flourishing. Thousands upon thousands are learning Torah, despite the difficulties, despite the decrees, despite the מלחמות. ‘Shivti b’veis Hashem kol yemei chayai.’”

He emphasized that the protection of Klal Yisroel comes through Torah.

“There is no ספק that Torah is what protects. According to derech hateva, there is no explanation for all the nissim that are happening before our eyes. It is very troubling that there are those who are making it difficult for lomdei Torah. What do they want—to drill a hole in the very ship we are all on?”

The Rosh HaYeshiva stressed the proper perspective a Yid must have during such times.

“A person must know something fundamental—we place our bitachon in the Ribbono Shel Olam. We believe with complete emunah that He watches over us and protects us. Of course, one must be careful and take precautions, but ultimately we are in the hands of Shamayim. There is no reason to live with fear and panic. Nothing is in the hands of man—everything is in the hands of Shamayim. Our tafkid is to increase Torah and tefillah in order to bring more rachamei Shamayim upon those dwelling in Tzion.”

Turning to the upcoming bein hazmanim, he issued a strong call to bnei yeshiva.

“We are now heading into bein hazmanim, which by nature can be a time of weakness in learning. But a true ben yeshiva cannot disconnect from Torah—even during bein hazmanim.”

He added that in the current situation, the responsibility is even greater.

“In times like these, when we need so much rachamei Shamayim, the obligation to increase Torah is doubled and redoubled. Not a single day should pass without several hours of uninterrupted, focused learning. Klal Yisroel needs our protection—the protection of lomdei Torah. If not us, then who?”

The Rosh HaYeshiva also reminded the bochurim of their broader responsibilities.

“Of course, one must fulfill kibbud av v’eim, but always remember our main mission—to increase Torah, to live a life of Torah, and to be mekadesh Shem Shamayim, so that people will say, ‘Ashrei rabo shelimdo Torah, ashrei aviv shelimdo Torah.’”

He concluded with a heartfelt bracha.

“Yehi ratzon that the roshei yeshiva should be zoche to continue increasing their תלמידים for many good years, and that we should all merit the geulah shleimah speedily in our days, amen.”

A wave of curiosity spread through the Knesset and across the country after an unusual and cryptic remark by Tourism and Welfare Minister Chaim Katz, who suggested that Israel may be approaching a breakthrough that could make air-raid sirens unnecessary.

Speaking during a Knesset session, Katz alluded to a developing technological capability that could fundamentally change how Israel handles incoming threats. “I believe we are, hopefully without needing it, approaching a solution where before a launch we won’t need a siren,” he told lawmakers, before quickly adding with a smile, “I said it, and I don’t know if I said too much, but I said it.”

The vague statement immediately sparked widespread speculation among both officials and the public, raising the possibility that Israel is nearing a system capable of stopping enemy projectiles before they even enter Israeli airspace.

Security analysts point to the advanced laser defense system known as “Magen Or” as the most likely candidate behind Katz’s remarks. Developed entirely in Israel, the system has undergone extensive operational testing over the past two and a half years of fighting since the war began on October 7, demonstrating highly effective interception capabilities.

Katz’s comments suggest that this laser technology—possibly combined with other classified systems—could soon render traditional warning sirens obsolete by eliminating threats either within enemy territory or immediately upon launch, before they pose any danger to populated areas.

Despite the cautious optimism surrounding these developments, the reality on the ground remains painful and fresh. While most incoming missiles and drones from the north and from Iran have been successfully intercepted b’chasdei Hashem, the nation still carries the trauma of the deadly strike in Beit Shemesh, where a single interception failure resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, including three children from the Biton family Hy”d. That tragedy continues to underscore the urgent need for a fully reliable defense system that can prevent any breach.

Whether Katz’s statement was an intentional reveal or an offhand remark, it has injected a sense of hope into a public weary of constant sirens and disruptions. A shift from reactive defense—relying on warnings and sheltering—to proactive systems that eliminate threats before impact could mark a turning point in Israel’s security reality. For now, attention turns to whether this hinted-at solution will soon become an operational game-changer.

{Matzav.com}

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is now conceding that progressive calls to “defund the police” and relaxed border policies were mistakes, offering a sharp reassessment of positions he once defended.

De Blasio, who recently found himself confused with another individual sharing his name in a news report, made the remarks during a friendly appearance with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Hannity’s podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.”

“In retrospect, the whole concept of ‘defund the police’ made no sense,” de Blasio said as the Democrat sat with a margarita.

“It made sense to say, `how can we do better?’ It made sense to say, hey—and by the way, a lot of cops told me this. A lot of police leaders told me this—we’ve got to do a lot more for young people to give them positive alternatives, because that’s good for the police too. That’s good safety too.”

Hannity responded, “We’re not disagreeing, right? This is amazing.”

De Blasio responded, “So far we’re doing good. We’re doing—so defund was a mistake. And I understand where it came from, but it was a mistake.”

During another portion of the discussion, de Blasio also acknowledged that President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border had fallen short.

“We’re going to have some common ground. Are you ready?” de Blasio teased Hannity.

“I’m shocked,” Hannity said.

“OK – I don’t like what Biden did with the border,” said de Blasio, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2021.

Hannity asked him, “Why didn’t you say it then?”

“Because honestly,” de Blasio said, “I didn’t think it was as bad as it was. And then, when I saw it during Biden’s time, that he was able to reverse course in that final year and tighten up the border—no, I mean, that’s the irony.”

Hannity pushed back, arguing that Biden acted too late and should not be credited for tightening border enforcement after the situation had already escalated, which he said led to a surge of migrants arriving in cities like New York.

“Something changed. Obviously, something changed,” de Blasio said.

“So we better drink more of your margarita,” Hannity joked. “This is going to get tougher.”

De Blasio then confesses, “We, as Democrats, rightfully deserve that critique.”

The comments drew reactions from conservative figures in New York, some of whom welcomed the shift while noting it came long after de Blasio left office.

“Even a stopped clock is right twice a day,” quipped state Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar.

“Unfortunately, de Blasio didn’t say this when he had the power to make a difference. But I’m glad he’s admitting he’s wrong.”

Kassar added that de Blasio could have seen the scope of the migrant crisis firsthand by visiting areas such as the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, which was used temporarily as a shelter.

While in office, de Blasio did not explicitly embrace the slogan “defund the police,” but he did back a major reduction in police funding during the unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020.

The City Council ultimately approved an $88.1 billion budget that redirected roughly $1 billion away from the NYPD.

At the time, de Blasio defended the move, saying he believed the city had reached the proper balance.

“We are reducing the size of our police force by not having the next recruit class,” he said at the time. “We are reducing our overtime levels. We’re shifting functions away from police to civilian agencies.”

However, less than a year later, in April 2021, de Blasio reversed course and approved $105 million for the construction of a new NYPD precinct in Southeast Queens, responding to strong demand from local residents and reversing an earlier decision to scrap the project amid pressure to cut police spending.

{Matzav.com}

With Pesach approaching and ongoing security concerns affecting air travel, El Al announced on Wednesday that it is canceling a large number of scheduled flights, impacting approximately 25,000 tickets for departures between March 21 and March 27.

The cancellations come in response to operational restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport, which have significantly limited flight activity. As a result, a wide range of destinations will not be serviced during this period.

The affected cities include Tbilisi, Budapest, Zurich, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Batumi, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Heraklion, Krakow, Larnaca, London Luton, Lyon, Marseille, Bucharest, Paphos, Prague, Chisinau, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Salzburg, Podgorica, Tirana, Tivat, Venice, and Vienna.

Regarding other destinations, the airline stated that “updates will be provided בהתאם להתפתחויות ולהנחיות הגורמים הרשמיים – according to developments and the instructions of the official authorities.”

El Al also clarified that, at this time, it is unable to offer alternative flights to passengers whose trips have been canceled. Instead, customers are being given the option of a full refund or a credit voucher for future use on El Al flights. The company emphasized that it is operating under strict limitations and that passenger safety remains its top priority.

In a related development, as previously reported, Channel 12 said that Israel’s Ministry of Transportation is considering reducing the number of passengers permitted on outgoing flights, following recent damage to aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport.

{Matzav.com}

A pall of mourning fell over the Gerer community on Wednesday with the passing of Mrs. Esther Weitz a”h, the esteemed sister-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe, who was niftar at the age of 72 following a serious illness in recent weeks.

Mrs. Weitz was the wife of R’ Yissachar Dov Yeshaya Weitz, one of the respected members of the Gur chassidus in both Haifa and Ashdod. She was widely known as a woman of refinement and chesed, whose life reflected deep emunah and quiet strength.

She was born on 24 Tammuz 5713 to her father, R’ Yeshayahu Wexelman z”l, a prominent Gerrer chossid in Haifa who served as chairman of Agudas Yisroel in the city.

In her youth, she married her husband, R’ Yissachar Dov Yeshaya Weitz, a distinguished figure within the chassidus. He is the son of Rav Menachem Mendel Weitz z”l, who served as a maggid shiur in Yeshivas Chiddushei HaRim and was the father-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe.

For many decades, the couple built a home in Haifa rooted in Torah and chassidus. Her husband is known as a yerei Shamayim who worked in kashrus supervision and also served as a baal tefillah, leading the davening in the main Gerrer Bais Medrash in Yerushalayim.

Those who knew her describe a true tzadekes, whose Tehillim was never far from her hands. Her days were filled with acts of kindness and devotion. Each Erev Shabbos, she would distribute Shabbos candles throughout the city of Haifa, enabling many to bring in Shabbos with light and kedusha. Over the past year, she and her husband relocated to Ashdod to be closer to their children.

She leaves behind a large and beautiful family, including 12 children, along with grandchildren and descendants who continue in the path of Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

As global attention remains fixed on missiles and airstrikes, a quieter but critical front is unfolding beneath the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, where the United States is preparing for the possibility of a massive Iranian naval mine threat that could disrupt a major portion of the world’s oil supply.

According to U.S. defense officials, Iran is believed to possess an arsenal of up to 6,000 naval mines capable of severely impacting international shipping routes. While no active mines have yet been confirmed in the water, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the Pentagon is operating under the assumption that the threat is real and immediate. U.S. Central Command chief Vice Admiral Brad Cooper revealed that American forces have already carried out preemptive strikes, destroying Iranian storage facilities believed to house these weapons.

At the center of the U.S. response are the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships—aging but highly specialized vessels designed specifically to operate in mine-infested waters. Built using wood and fiberglass rather than traditional metal, these ships are able to avoid triggering the magnetic sensors used by many modern naval mines. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, they can detect underwater threats and deploy devices that simulate acoustic and magnetic signatures, causing mines to detonate harmlessly at a distance.

Alongside these older vessels, the U.S. has deployed more modern warships, including the Canberra, Santa Barbara, and Tulsa, which incorporate advanced mine countermeasure systems. These platforms rely on a combination of autonomous underwater vehicles capable of identifying and neutralizing mines without risking human lives, as well as Seahawk helicopters outfitted with laser-based detection systems that can identify shallow-water mines and eliminate them with precision.

The strategic stakes are enormous. Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most critical maritime chokepoints on the planet. Iran has long relied on asymmetric warfare strategies, using relatively inexpensive mines as a way to threaten far more valuable naval assets and disrupt global trade. Recent tensions have already pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.

In response, the United States is implementing a layered approach that combines legacy systems with cutting-edge technology to secure the waterway. President Trump has also taken steps to ease pressure on energy markets, including temporarily suspending aspects of the century-old Jones Act to facilitate the movement of oil.

Military officials indicate that the coming phase of the conflict in the Gulf may not be defined by large-scale naval battles, but rather by a methodical and largely unseen effort to detect and clear mines, ensuring the continued flow of global commerce. For Israel, the extensive American presence and operations in the region provide a significant layer of strategic support in the broader confrontation with Iran.

{Matzav.com}

The FBI has launched an investigation into former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent over allegations that he disclosed classified material, a probe that became public shortly after his resignation Tuesday in protest of the war with Iran, Semafor reports.

According to four individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to Semafor, the inquiry centers on claims that Kent improperly shared sensitive intelligence during his time in office.

Kent stepped down this week, issuing a resignation letter in which he sharply criticized the administration’s approach to Iran, asserting that the country “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and accusing President Donald Trump of launching the conflict because of “pressure from Israel.”

People with knowledge of the case said the investigation was already underway prior to Kent’s departure, with one source describing it as having been in progress for several months. Following news of his resignation, Trump allies and aides quickly labeled him a leaker.

In his resignation letter, Kent reiterated his position, stating that Iran poses “no imminent threat to our nation” and alleging that Trump initiated the war “due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

{Matzav.com}

Access to Meron was sharply restricted on Wednesday, Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, as authorities closed the main entrance to vehicles due to the heightened security situation in the north during Operation Shaagas Ha’Ari, leaving those determined to reach the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai with only one option: arriving on foot.

The decision followed tightened Home Front Command guidelines and new limits on public gatherings in areas near the northern front. As a result, both private cars and public transportation were barred from entering the moshav, effectively preventing the usual large crowds from reaching the site by vehicle.

The timing is especially significant, as Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan is considered an eis ratzon, a particularly auspicious time for tefillah, similar in many ways to Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul. Each year, large numbers travel to Meron on this day to daven at the kever of the tanna Eloki Rav Shimon bar Yochai, pouring out their hearts for yeshuos and for the coming geulah.

This year, however, the ongoing conflict has reshaped the reality on the ground. With concerns that large gatherings could become targets amid escalating tensions from the north, officials moved to limit access in order to reduce risk.

Despite the restrictions, many are still making the journey. Reports from the area indicate that pedestrian access remains open, and numerous visitors have chosen to climb the mountain by foot rather than miss the opportunity to be at Meron on this special day.

Security officials continue to urge the public to strictly follow all instructions from police and Home Front Command personnel stationed in the area and to remain alert given the ongoing developments along the northern border.

{Matzav.com}

An Iranian missile attack in the West Bank late Wednesday night left three Palestinian women dead and 13 others wounded, marking the first time Iranian fire has caused fatalities in the territory—and the first Palestinian deaths—since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The strike hit a hair salon in the town of Beit Awwa, located southwest of Hebron, the Palestinian Authority’s official WAFA news agency reported. Among the injured, one person was listed in serious condition.

Israeli military officials said their initial assessment indicates the missile carried a cluster munition warhead, which disperses multiple small explosive bomblets over a wide area upon impact.

The attack occurred at a time when West Bank streets have been especially crowded, with families shopping for treats and gifts ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the conclusion of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, a man was killed in central Israel after what first responders believe was the impact of a cluster munition during Iran’s latest ballistic missile barrage, with the fatal strike reported at Moshav Adanim. Emergency services from Magen David Adom said they treated the victim, identified as a 30-year-old foreign worker, who suffered severe shrapnel wounds. Medics later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.

As tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East and attention is on Tehran, a powerful and deeply emotional account emerged in the “Akhbar Kikar” studio, shedding light on the suffering of an entire population living under Iranian rule for nearly a century. Hamid Montasher, chairman of the Ahwazi Liberal Party, a teacher and former political prisoner who survived multiple assassination attempts, spoke in an exclusive interview with hosts Moshe Aryeh and Chaim Shegev, offering a rare glimpse into a reality largely unknown to many in Israel.

The oil- and gas-rich Ahwaz region, which serves as a backbone of Iran’s economy, was taken over by Persian forces in 1925. Since then, Montasher described what he called a brutal system of “apartheid,” including a complete ban on the Arabic language, executions of young people for wearing traditional clothing, and systematic exploitation of natural resources used to fund Hamas and Hezbollah, while the local Ahwazi population struggles with severe poverty.

During the interview, Montasher made a biblical comparison, saying, “I love Netanyahu very much, I always liken him to Moses who fought Amalek. Today Netanyahu is fighting the Amalek of the palace in Tehran. Israel is not waging a security war, but a war of liberation for the entire region. Your brave army is cutting off the head of the snake, and we pray for the safety of your pilots and soldiers.”

He also sharply criticized Arab countries, saying, “For a hundred years the Arabs have abandoned us and swallowed the Iranian bait. They support what they call the ‘Palestinian cause’ only to exhaust Israel and hide the real issue—the Iranian occupation in Ahwaz. Hamas and Hezbollah are arms of the devil that loot us, while the Arab world remains silent.”

The interview was made possible through the efforts of Tom Wagner, CEO of the Middle East Peace Center, who has been working to build connections between the Jewish people and liberal elements in Arab countries and Iran. Wagner facilitated the complex coordination between the “Akhbar Kikar” team and the Ahwazi leadership, driven by the belief that exposing the truth is a necessary step toward genuine regional peace.

Montasher also issued a strong warning regarding Iran’s future and opposition movements abroad, stating, “The son of the Shah represents a legacy of blood. His grandfather and father slaughtered us in the name of ‘racial superiority’ and were national Nazis. Khomeini is a religious Nazi. They are two sides of the same coin. We will not allow one occupation to be replaced by another. Israel must understand that its true partners are the 85 million non-Persian peoples waiting for the moment when Israel will cleanse the cities of Basij militias.”

He concluded with an emotional appeal: “Our fate is shared. We are your cousins—you are descendants of Isaac and we are descendants of Ishmael and Abraham. We are waiting for the moment to rise up and overthrow this monster called Iran.”

At the close of the interview, host Moshe Aryeh shared a brief reflection connected to the weekly parsha, Vayikra, noting that as Israel faces conflict on multiple fronts, the source of its strength lies in the words “Adam ki yakriv mikem”—that true sacrifice and strength come from within, from unity and heartfelt connection. He emphasized that victory depends not only on military power, but on genuine achdus and love among the Jewish people.

New York City will stop issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders and cyclists for minor traffic violations, marking a significant policy shift under Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration that officials say is intended to ease the burden on delivery workers, many of whom are immigrants.

Beginning March 27, the NYPD will no longer bring criminal charges against riders for infractions such as ignoring stop signs or riding on sidewalks. Instead, those violations will be handled through civil tickets, similar to how motorists are treated for comparable offenses, according to City Hall.

“By ending criminal summonses for low-level traffic offenses, we’re ensuring cyclists and e-bike riders — including those who deliver our food and groceries — are treated like others on the road,” Mamdani said in a statement.

Under the revised policy, enforcement will remain in place, but penalties will be handled through civil channels rather than criminal court, aligning bicycle and e-bike enforcement with standard traffic violations issued to drivers.

The move is the latest step by Mamdani aimed at shielding delivery workers, a workforce largely made up of immigrants, whom he has argued are being taken advantage of by app-based companies.

This change effectively rolls back enforcement measures put in place during the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, which had introduced criminal summonses in response to growing complaints about dangerous riding behavior on city streets and bike lanes.

Progressive members of the City Council had opposed the earlier enforcement strategy, warning that criminal penalties could lead to severe consequences, including license suspensions or even deportation for undocumented workers.

“Ticketing cyclists more aggressively than drivers never made sense. Kudos to the Mamdani administration for reversing this,” Councilman Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn) posted on X after Wednesday’s sudden announcement.

“It is important that everyone follow the rules of the road – but a delivery worker missing a stop sign shouldn’t get swept up in deportation proceedings.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who has remained in her position from the prior administration and has openly disagreed with the new mayor on some issues, has consistently supported stricter enforcement against e-bike violations, even when challenged by council members concerned about its impact on immigrants.

“This is not a war on e-bikes, this is a response to very real concerns that are widely held across virtually every borough, every New Yorker in this city,” Tisch said last year during a council hearing when pressed by Mamdani’s lefty comrade Tiffany Cabán.

“A person who is more likely to be a person of color may end up in deportation proceedings, It’s not just right,” Cabán had argued.

Tisch also authored an opinion piece defending the prior enforcement approach.

“When vehicle drivers fail to respond to a traffic summons, their licenses can be suspended,” she wrote, “but e-bikes do not require any license, so their operators can simply ignore a traffic summons with virtually no meaningful repercussions.

“Now, we’re closing that loophole by issuing c-summonses —the only real option available under the law to hold reckless e-bike operators accountable.”

Notably, Tisch was not included in the official announcement detailing the rollback, which was issued by City Hall rather than the NYPD.

not all officials agree with the change. Queens Councilman Phil Wong criticized the move, saying the city should be increasing enforcement rather than reducing it.

“This is exactly the wrong direction. If there are no real consequences for reckless e-bike riders and cyclists blowing through red lights, it will only make our streets more dangerous for pedestrians and drivers alike,” he told The ny Post.

City data indicates there were 15,000 reported e-bike and bicycle crashes in 2024. After enforcement measures were introduced the following year, that number dropped to 7,100 incidents.

The easing of penalties for cyclists is part of a broader trend in the city toward reducing criminal consequences for certain offenses.

An Egyptian journalist is warning of what he describes as an unprecedented level of Israeli intelligence penetration inside Iran, suggesting that Israel’s ability to locate, eliminate, and even confirm high-level assassinations before Iranian authorities themselves reflects a depth of infiltration that is causing concern throughout the region.

Ahmed Mansour said the scope of Israeli intelligence activity inside Iran is unlike anything seen in modern conflicts. According to him, “The Israeli intelligence penetration into the Iranian government is unprecedented, Israel not only reaches leaders and kills them, but confirms the assassinations before Iran itself, as if its spies are in every corner of the country.” He added that his concerns extend beyond Iran alone, saying, “I am afraid this is not only the case in Iran, but in all countries in the region.”

At the same time, Iranian officials formally confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a central figure in the regime, hours after Israel announced his elimination in an airstrike. Larijani, a member of a prominent religious family, held numerous senior roles over the years, including serving as speaker of parliament for more than a decade, heading the state broadcasting authority, and playing a key role in the security establishment. He was deeply involved in sensitive matters such as nuclear negotiations, regional relations, and internal crackdowns.

Amid these developments, conditions inside Iran remain tense. BBC correspondents who spoke with residents in Tehran and other cities reported a constant sense of fear and uncertainty. “Going outside is a gamble on our lives, we are just trying to survive,” residents said. According to their accounts, leaving home has become a real danger, with civilians caught between external strikes and the heavy presence of regime forces in the streets. Some interviewees also questioned whether the ongoing conflict justifies the toll it is taking.

Israeli officials believe the series of targeted eliminations of senior Iranian figures and military leaders is creating significant disruption within the regime’s leadership. A senior Israeli intelligence official told CNN that following the elimination of Ali Larijani and top Basij commanders, further instability in Tehran’s decision-making structure is expected.

According to the official, the regime is under pressure far greater than during Operation “Am K’Lavi,” which lasted 12 days in June 2025. “They are struggling to formulate policy, make decisions and pass orders between the military and political ranks. We are seeing chaos, and the situation is expected to worsen,” he said.

Israeli sources also noted that public appearances by senior Iranian officials have become a vulnerability. Larijani, who was targeted after being seen in central Tehran, was struck shortly after appearing in public. “Every time they appear in public it is an advantage for us. The goal is to make them understand that there is no safe place,” the official said.

{Matzav.com}

A display window in central Salzburg was vandalized with neo-Nazi symbols, including a swastika and Palestinian flags bearing the message “Boycott apartheid,” in an apparent act targeting the local Chabad House located in the same building.

Deputy Mayor Kay-Michael Dankl condemned the incident, stating: “There is no place in our city for antisemitic acts involving swastika graffiti. Jews must not be blamed for the policies of the Israeli government – this is unacceptable and leads to increased attacks on Jewish communities worldwide.”

City council member Lukas Ropasht described the incident as “a shocking incident to the depths of the soul” and called for a swift and thorough investigation. “In our society, there is no place for antisemitism or trivializing Nazi symbolism,” he said. He also warned of growing social polarization and urged unified political action against hatred and extremism.

Rabbi Menachem Grozman of Chabad Salzburg said the Nazi symbols were apparently placed during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday and noted that this was not the first such incident. According to him, the building’s entrance window had previously been damaged, and his home had also been marked with a swastika. “We are not afraid, we will continue our activities,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A 30-year-old Israeli man was killed on Wednesday in a serious car accident in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in an incident that also left two other Israelis injured.

Initial reports received by ZAKA indicated that several Israeli citizens were involved in the crash, during which one of them was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional individuals sustained injuries, including two Israelis who were transported to a local hospital for treatment, one of them listed in moderate condition.

Boruch Nidam, head of ZAKA 1223’s international division, said that upon receiving the report, he immediately made his way to the scene to oversee the response and ensure the situation was handled promptly.

He added that ZAKA is coordinating with the Israeli Foreign Ministry to arrange for the transfer of the niftar and the injured back to Israel as quickly as possible.

The Israelis involved in the accident had been traveling on their way to Uman, Ukraine. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

{Matzav.com}

In remarks revealed from closed-door conversations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that he has been completely sidelined from key military and strategic decision-making, saying he has no real role in the country’s leadership.

According to a report aired on Channel 14, Pezeshkian said behind the scenes, “I am not part of the strategic discussions, I am not included in any military matters or in what they are planning.”

He further stated, “I am cut off from the Supreme Leader, and they don’t let me do anything,” and described his deep frustration with the situation: “I feel useless. I have nothing to do here.”

The remarks come amid reports published a day earlier that Pezeshkian is considering stepping down from his position, believing that “the entire system is falling apart,” particularly following the eliminations of Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani and Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Sources described an unusually sharp level of anger from the president toward the Revolutionary Guards. According to those familiar with the discussions, their conduct is viewed by him as reckless, and Pezeshkian has claimed they failed to properly protect Ali Larijani. Some have gone further, suggesting that it may not have been mere negligence, but rather a deliberate move intended to lead to Larijani’s elimination.

An unusual incident occurred amid escalating threats from Iran, when a cluster munition missile struck an open area very close to the residence of a cabinet member. The event came following a series of aggressive statements from Iran that have heightened tensions and alert levels. The report was published Wednesday evening by Moti Kastel.

Despite the proximity of the impact, security officials emphasized that the strike was not a targeted assassination attempt. Cluster munitions are designed to disperse over a wide area, often spanning kilometers, and lack precise guidance, meaning the location of impact is largely random. As such, the missile landing near the home is considered coincidental.

From a security standpoint, the incident ended without casualties, as the cabinet member has not been residing at the property in recent weeks. Nevertheless, defense officials are reviewing both the type of weapon used and the timing of the launch, which occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions and Iranian threats of further attacks.

At the same time, new figures released on Kan News shed light on the scale of Iran’s use of such weaponry. According to the report, more than 400 of the missiles fired from Iran toward Israel since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion” have been cluster munitions. This represents roughly half of the approximately 850 missiles launched at Israel since the beginning of the campaign.

{Matzav.com}

Despite ongoing hostilities and major disruptions to maritime activity, dozens of vessels — including oil tankers — have continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the war with Iran began, allowing Tehran to keep exporting significant volumes of crude even as much of the waterway remains restricted, according to shipping and trade data.

A large portion of these crossings involved so-called “dark” vessels operating without standard tracking, likely to avoid Western sanctions and scrutiny, according to maritime analytics firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence. More recently, ships connected to countries such as India and Pakistan have also managed to navigate the strait, following stepped-up diplomatic efforts.

With oil prices surging past $100 per barrel, President Donald Trump has urged allies and trading partners to deploy naval forces to reopen the critical route, aiming to bring down soaring energy costs.

Since early March, when the conflict began, most commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global artery that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — has largely come to a halt. Around 20 vessels have reportedly been attacked in the area during this period.

Even so, Iran has continued exporting substantial amounts of oil, with estimates from analytics firm Kpler placing shipments at more than 16 million barrels since the beginning of March. Due to sanctions and geopolitical considerations, China has remained the primary buyer of Iranian crude.

There has been “continued resilience” in Iran’s oil export volumes, said Kpler trade risk analyst Ana Subasic.

Iran has also managed to maintain revenue from these exports while keeping its supply routes intact, partly by leveraging its control over the strategic chokepoint, said Kun Cao, client director at consulting firm Reddal.

Shipping data appears to support these export estimates.

Between March 1 and 15, at least 89 vessels — including 16 oil tankers — transited the strait, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. This is a sharp decline from the typical 100 to 135 daily crossings before the war. Of those ships, more than 20 percent were believed to be linked to Iran, with others associated with countries such as China and Greece.

Additional vessels have also been able to pass through.

One example is the Pakistan-flagged crude tanker Karachi, operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, which successfully moved through the strait on Sunday, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Port Trust, Shariq Amin, declined to specify the exact route taken by the MT Karachi but said the vessel was expected to arrive safely in Pakistan.

Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India, also transited the strait around March 13 or 14, according to the same data. LPG serves as a key household fuel for millions in India.

India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, told the Financial Times that the vessels were able to pass following discussions with Iran. Iraqi officials have also reportedly engaged in talks with Tehran to secure passage for their oil tankers.

According to Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, these movements may be occurring “with at least some level of diplomatic intervention,” suggesting Iran may have established “effectively created a safe corridor” along parts of the route, particularly near its coastline.

Some ships traveling near or through the strait have reportedly identified themselves as linked to China or staffed entirely by Chinese crews to reduce the likelihood of being targeted, according to earlier analysis from MarineTraffic. Analysts say this reflects reliance on China’s relatively closer ties with Iran.

Oil prices have climbed more than 40% since the conflict began, surpassing $100 per barrel. Iran has warned that it may block “even a single liter of oil” bound for the United States, Israel, or their allies from passing through the strait.

In an effort to stabilize markets, the United States has allowed Iranian oil tankers to continue transiting the waterway. “The Iranian ships have been getting out already, and we’ve let that happen to supply the rest of the world,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with CNBC on Monday.

Although U.S. forces have targeted Iranian military sites on Kharg Island — a key hub for oil exports — President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran’s oil infrastructure has largely been spared for now.

The continued movement of ships suggests the strait has not been entirely shut down, but rather controlled in a selective manner. As Kun Cao explained, “It is better understood as closed selectively against some traffic, while still functioning for Iranian exports and a narrow set of tolerated non-Iranian movements.”

Still, analysts warn that Iran could tighten restrictions further if it seeks to drive up global energy prices. Strategists at ING, including Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey, noted that if Tehran aims to “inflict pain through higher energy prices, the number of tankers it allows through the Strait of Hormuz may be very limited,” according to a recent research note.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said Tuesday that he is puzzled by the lack of backing from fellow Democrats for President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran, arguing that more members of his party should stand behind efforts to defend Israel and confront Tehran’s threats.

Speaking on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity,” Fetterman said his position has left him largely alone within his party, even as he believes the issue is clear-cut. “I mean, like for me, like I am the only Democrat like that is absolutely fully supportive of what the president has done, you know, with Epic Fury,” Fetterman said. “And that’s isolated me as — in my party. But for me, generation now, we are losing generations in my party to supporting Israel and you know, really the nation. They’re the only nation in the region that has the kind of values that we as a Democrat, we want to live under that.”

He added that his stance is driven by principle rather than political calculations. “So, for me, I don’t follow the polls, you know?” he continued. “I’m going to follow the moral clarity of Israel, and I’ll be the one Democrat to celebrate, you know, continue to eliminate, you know, leadership that just — a couple weeks ago just executed thousands and thousands of their own young people there.”

Host Sean Hannity responded by pointing to historical lessons he believes support Trump’s approach. “You know, I think the president is leading on the lessons of history. One lesson, Reagan, peace through strength. A second lesson is the last century between Mao, China; Stalin, Russia; Pol Pot, the killing fields; Tojo, Japan; Hitler, Nazi Germany; Mussolini, fascism. That if we don’t act when we have a chance and preemptively when you see an emerging threat, you risk potentially millions of lives. Last century, we lost 100 million. And the third thing I think the president learned actually from Afghanistan and Iraq, and that is no long, protracted wars. Go in, get your business done, and then it will be up to the people of Iran, and hopefully, they’ll seize the moment.”

Fetterman agreed, saying the focus should be on dismantling a dangerous regime that has long posed a global threat. “Yeah. Disarm a toxic and incredibly destructive regime. You know, that’s been the problem for not just the region, but for the entire world. Every single Democrat in my party has said, ‘We must never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb.’ Every single president, the last three or four have all had that same problem, and they were unable to just deal with it head on.”

He praised Trump’s decision to act decisively. “But now, President Trump did that and exactly the right thing to do,” he continued. “And you know, right now, we’re three weeks into this. I don’t understand why a single Democrat that I know isn’t publicly just praising this and saying, ‘Hey, you know, what’s happening now is making the world more safe and the region more safe.’”

Fetterman also took aim at allied countries that have not contributed to efforts to secure key global shipping routes. “And, I want to call out our allies that are unwilling to help the Americans to open up the straits,” Fetterman added. “You know, like, hey, does your country use oil? Yeah. Well, then that makes you part of — that’s a necessary part of this solution. I can’t imagine why they would turn their back on an America, but also remind them when America always stands up and stands with you when you’re confronted by this kinds of evil.”

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic video showing Hatzalah volunteers working to save the life of a non-Jewish cyclist struck by a truck has drawn widespread admiration across social media platforms.

The footage, captured on a Borough Park street in Brooklyn, quickly gained international attention.

The video depicts the moments after a non-Jewish cyclist was severely injured when a truck ran him over. A Hatzalah volunteer who was nearby immediately began performing intensive life-saving measures.

WATCH:

Brooklyn: 16th Avenue & 49th Street, a fatal collision claimed the life of a bicyclist Wednesday afternoon in Borough Park.

Police responded to a 911 call for a vehicle collision at 16th Avenue and 49th Street, within the confines of the @NYPD66Pct. According to the @NYPDnews, a… pic.twitter.com/5EyPETf8Dh

— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) March 17, 2026

Within moments, additional frum volunteers arrived on the scene carrying advanced medical gear, all responding in their capacity as unpaid emergency responders. Despite their efforts, hospital staff later determined that the victim had not survived.

The clip prompted questions from viewers unfamiliar with Hatzalah’s role. One user wrote: “A dumb question from someone who isn’t from New York: does Hatzalah also treat non-Jewish patients?”

Responses came swiftly, reflecting positively on the Jewish community. “They treat everyone regardless of race or religion. They are a volunteer emergency service funded by donations from the Jewish community, and they are truly some of the most selfless and kind people. They will drop everything in a moment to save your life.”

Another commenter expressed strong emotion, writing: “Amazing work by dozens of Jewish volunteers trying to save the life of a complete stranger. All the equipment and ambulances were paid for by Jewish donations. This is what American pride looks like.”

Many of the reactions emphasized the distinct role the chareidi community plays in New York City, with users also noting that Hatzalah provides its services free of charge, unlike many private ambulance providers in the U.S.

One widely shared comment read: “A wonderful display of Jewish values. This is what makes New York a great city,” as the post continued to gather thousands of likes.

{Matzav.com}