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Vice President JD Vance is shedding new light on President Donald Trump’s expectations for members of his administration, revealing a strict and decidedly old-school approach to professional appearance that extends all the way down to the color of a Cabinet member’s shoes.

Speaking on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, Vance said Trump believes public officials have a responsibility to show respect for the offices they hold, and that dressing appropriately is part of that obligation.

“The president has a certain sense that you ought to respect the place, you ought to respect the institution, respect the office. And one of the ways you do that is by dressing like a normal person,” Vance said in the episode released Thursday. “And I think that’s — it’s a very old-fashioned thing.”

According to Vance, Trump places a high value on professionalism and expects those around him to reflect that standard in their appearance. He contrasted the president’s preferences with what he sees as the more casual style adopted by many contemporary politicians.

Describing Trump’s own wardrobe formula, Vance said the president rarely strays from a familiar look.

“Well, I mean, he always has — it’s always a navy suit. It’s almost always a solid tie. It’s always black shoes,” Vance said. “Like, he’ll bust the chops of some of the Cabinet members if they’ve got brown shoes on.”

Trump’s attention to footwear apparently goes beyond criticism. Earlier this year, the president revealed that he has occasionally purchased shoes for administration officials.

“When they tell me they have a problem, I say, ‘Let me get you a pair of shoes,'” Trump told Kilmeade in March.

Vance said the president frequently notices and comments on the attire of people around him, including foreign leaders and even members of his own family.

Among the examples he cited was the now-famous “Zelensky moment,” when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced questions during an Oval Office meeting about why he was not wearing a suit.

Months later, when Zelenskyy appeared at a White House meeting dressed more formally than usual, one reporter complimented his appearance.

A reporter told Zelenskyy he looked “fabulous in that suit,” before Trump added, “I said the same thing.”

Reflecting on the earlier controversy, Vance suggested the incident had not gone particularly well for the Ukrainian leader.

“That was not a good moment for him,” Vance said of Zelenskyy, referring to the tense exchange between the Ukrainian president and U.S. officials. “And it’s funny because things kind of worked out. I think, you know, we were able to repair that relationship.”

Vance also recalled a lighter moment involving Donald Trump Jr. during a September 11 memorial event while on the 2024 campaign trail.

“They’re reading out the names. But there’s — at one point, the president turns around and looks at Don Jr. And Don has like, a spread collar on. And the president’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a pretty wide collar there, Don,’” Vance said.

The vice president said the comment was clearly intended as a playful jab and illustrated how closely Trump pays attention to appearance.

“And you can tell, like, it just was absolutely a dig. So I’ve always — navy suit, black shoes and a conventional collar,” he added.

Taken together, Vance’s stories paint a picture of a White House where traditional dress standards remain firmly in place and where even the smallest fashion choices may not escape the president’s notice.

{Matzav.com}

Senior officials in Shas and United Torah Judaism were reportedly stunned over the weekend after learning that Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is considering dissolving the Knesset as early as this week without advancing any of the major pieces of legislation sought by the chareidi parties, including the Daycare Subsidy Law, the Arrests Law, and the proposed Basic Law protecting Torah study, Matzav.com has learned.

The development has triggered deep frustration within the chareidi political camp, with some senior figures privately acknowledging what they view as a complete failure to secure their legislative priorities before the government heads to elections.

According to party insiders, Shas leaders had hoped that even if the controversial Daycare Subsidy Law could not be passed, Netanyahu would still advance Shas chairman Aryeh Deri’s proposed Arrests Law, along with the Basic Law on Torah Study. However, reports emerging overnight indicated that Netanyahu has already begun preparing for a rapid dissolution of the Knesset without bringing any of those measures to a vote.

“We no longer have anything with which to threaten him,” one senior chareidi official said. “The moment United Torah Judaism agreed to elections on October 20, as Netanyahu requested, we lost our leverage. We were left with nothing, and now he is the one deciding when the Knesset will be dissolved.”

The growing sense of disappointment has led some chareidi lawmakers to openly question their political strategy during the current coalition.

Another senior figure expressed sharp frustration with the outcome.

“We failed in everything. We have nothing to show our voters. We failed. Even in our final attempt we failed. What are we supposed to go into an election with? Netanyahu played us and played us, and we followed him like a blind goat.”

The anger comes after Netanyahu informed coalition leaders last week that the Daycare Subsidy Law would not pass during the current Knesset session because of opposition from coalition rebels.

That announcement sparked outrage among chareidi lawmakers, who viewed the move as a violation of coalition commitments. In response, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni announced that his party’s representatives on the Knesset Finance Committee would vote against all budgetary transfers.

Degel HaTorah issued a strongly worded statement insisting that Netanyahu and Likud had explicitly committed to passing the legislation.

“There was a commitment by the prime minister and Likud to bring the Daycare Subsidy Law for approval. We insist on this firmly and will not accept any delay or retreat from that commitment.”

Agudas Yisrael issued a similar warning, arguing that failure to pass the law would signal that Netanyahu had already decided to bring down the government.

“Failure to pass the law means an admission by the prime minister that he has definitively chosen to dissolve the Knesset and go to elections.”

Adding to the uncertainty, political commentator Amit Segal reported Saturday night that senior coalition officials have been increasing pressure on Netanyahu to dissolve the Knesset immediately rather than wait several more weeks.

According to the report, coalition figures have warned the prime minister that continued delays could allow disputes over chareidi legislation to become an even greater political liability.

“The longer you delay, the more the chareidi legislation will hurt you. It is better for you to dissolve the Knesset this week and move into a caretaker government.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Netanyahu has reportedly not yet made a final decision regarding the exact timing of the Knesset’s dissolution. The prime minister is said to be weighing competing political considerations while deciding how to proceed.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Late-night television host Bill Maher blasted President Donald Trump’s newly signed agreement with Iran on Friday, arguing that the administration gave away too much while receiving little in return as the United States enters a critical 60-day negotiation period with Tehran.

During his opening monologue, Maher mocked Trump’s reputation as a master negotiator and questioned the value of the recently signed 14-point memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

“Where is the big deal maker? What happened to the art of the deal?” Maher asked during his opening monologue on Friday evening, referencing the title of Trump’s 1987 book.

The memorandum launched a two-month diplomatic window designed to produce a broader agreement between the two countries. Among its provisions are measures intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The agreement also includes a framework for lifting American sanctions on Iran and establishing a massive $300 billion reconstruction fund for the country, provisions that have already generated criticism from a number of Republican lawmakers.

Maher argued that the United States emerged from the agreement with little to show for its concessions.

“We didn’t get anything. I just hope we play Iran in the World Cup so we can beat them at something,” Maher said.

The administration quickly pushed back against criticism surrounding the reconstruction fund.

Appearing Saturday morning on Fox News, Vice President JD Vance insisted that American taxpayers would not finance the project and emphasized that any release of funds remains dependent on Iran meeting its obligations under the agreement.

According to Vance, a U.S. negotiating team led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner is currently in Switzerland conducting technical discussions aimed at implementing the accord.

The vice president expressed confidence that the ceasefire framework underpinning the agreement would remain intact despite ongoing regional tensions.

“There’s a fork in the road here,” Vance said, referring to the upcoming negotiations. “The United States wins either way, but I think that what ultimately happens from here is very much up to the Iranians.

“Do they want to behave better? If so, great,” he continued. “If they don’t want to behave better, the president of the United States still has a whole lot of options from here.”

Even as negotiations continue, the agreement faced an immediate challenge when Iranian military officials announced Saturday morning that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed.

Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the move was a response to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about the durability of the accord.

American military officials appeared to dispute Iran’s position and signaled that the United States still considers the agreement fully operational.

“U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” the military command said.

The conflicting messages highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the new agreement, as supporters argue it offers a pathway to long-term stability while critics contend it grants significant concessions to Tehran before securing meaningful guarantees in return.

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{Matzav.com}

A growing rift between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intensified over the weekend as Trump renewed his claim that the Italian leader repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him during the recent G7 summit, further escalating a dispute that has strained what was once considered a strong political relationship.

The clash comes after the two leaders found themselves at odds over the conflict involving Iran. Both attended the Group of Seven summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, where world leaders met to discuss international security challenges, ongoing conflicts, and coordinated global initiatives.

In a Truth Social post on Shabbos, Trump repeated allegations he had made earlier in the week regarding his interactions with Meloni during the summit.

“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Shabbos, repeating his previous accusation about the Italian leader.

Trump also suggested that Meloni’s political standing at home has suffered because she refused to support his administration’s requests that European allies assist American military operations against Iran.

The president claimed the Italian leader was “doing poorly” in domestic polling “because she turned down” his administration’s calls for European allies to aid its military efforts against Iran.

Meloni has been among the European leaders expressing concern over aspects of the conflict, including reports involving an attack on an Iranian school. She also publicly defended criticism of the war voiced by the Vatican.

Trump argued that circumstances had changed after recent military developments involving Iran and suggested that Meloni was now seeking to repair relations with Washington.

“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” Trump wrote in the post.

Meloni responded forcefully on Friday, rejecting Trump’s account of events and accusing him of misrepresenting what occurred during the summit.

On social media, she described the president’s version of events as “completely fabricated” and said she was shocked by the accusations.

“I do not know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his allies — it is certainly not the first time this has happened,” Meloni said.

The Italian prime minister went on to criticize what she sees as a disparity between Trump’s treatment of allies and his approach toward America’s adversaries.

“I can only say it is regrettable that he does not show the same determination against the enemies of the West and the United States — against leaderships with whom he actually proves to be much more accommodating,” she continued.

The dispute has already begun producing diplomatic consequences.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced Friday that he was canceling a planned trip to the United States scheduled for next week in protest over the controversy.

In a social media statement, Tajani said the president’s “serious and offensive words” about the Italian leader “offend all of Italy.”

{Matzav.com}

A chapter in presidential aviation history came to a close this week when President Donald Trump became the final commander in chief to travel aboard one of the iconic Boeing 747-200 aircraft that have served as Air Force One for decades.

The aircraft completed what officials described as its final presidential mission when it transported Trump back to the United States following his trip to Europe earlier this week.

Members of the administration marked the occasion with tributes on social media, celebrating the retirement of one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote early Thursday on the social platform X, sharing a picture of the plane. “The Last Ride.”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino also honored the aircraft, posting a video and reflecting on his years traveling aboard the presidential jet.

“I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 ½ years — of the 35 years it has been serving the U.S. Presidents…THANK YOU…,” he wrote.

Known within the Air Force as the VC-25A, the aircraft is one of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200s that have carried American presidents around the globe. The aircraft that completed its final mission bears tail number 29000, while a second aircraft, tail number 28000, remains part of the presidential fleet.

The first president to fly aboard aircraft 29000 was President George H.W. Bush in 1990, beginning more than three decades of service at the highest levels of government.

Its retirement comes as the Air Force moves forward with a new generation of presidential aircraft.

Three Boeing 747-800s are currently being prepared for executive transport duties. Among them is a luxury aircraft donated by the government of Qatar, which the Air Force has designated as a VC-25B and informally refers to as a “bridge” aircraft.

Military officials indicated earlier this year that the Qatari jet could enter service as a temporary Air Force One as soon as this summer after completing extensive modifications and testing.

According to defense officials, the aircraft is intended to help ease the burden on the aging presidential fleet while longer-term replacements continue to face delays.

The plane will be used to “relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet,” said Gen. Dale White, the Department of Defense’s direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapons systems, in a May statement.

Despite the retirement of one aircraft, Air Force officials emphasized that the remaining VC-25A planes are not disappearing immediately.

An Air Force spokesperson told NBC News last week the “VC-25As will continue to serve in the executive fleet and could still be used by the president as Air Force One.”

The transition to the next generation of presidential aircraft has taken far longer than expected. The two primary replacement aircraft being built by Boeing were originally scheduled to enter service in 2024 but are now not expected to be delivered until sometime in mid-2028.

When the new aircraft eventually arrive, they will feature a dramatically different appearance from the traditional Air Force One design. The familiar light-blue color scheme used for decades will be replaced by a new red, white, gold, and navy-blue livery favored by Trump.

The change will mark not only the arrival of a new presidential fleet but also the end of one of the most recognizable symbols of American leadership in the modern era.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF announced that it has killed Ahmed Samir Mohammed Washah, a Hamas terrorist operative who allegedly served in the group’s military wing while simultaneously working as a cameraman for the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network.

According to the military, Washah was killed in a precision airstrike in central Gaza alongside two other Hamas operatives. Israeli officials said he had recently been involved in planning and advancing sniper attacks and other terrorist operations against IDF forces operating in the Strip.

The IDF stated that although Washah worked as a journalist and cameraman for Al Jazeera in recent years, he was also an active member of Hamas’s military apparatus and posed an immediate threat to Israeli troops.

Military officials said the strike was carried out specifically because of his recent operational activities and the danger he allegedly presented to forces on the ground. The military described him as the most prominent target among the three terrorists killed in the operation because of his dual role as both a media figure and a Hamas operative.

Washah’s death comes just months after the elimination of his brother, Mohammed Samir Mohammed Washah, whom Israel identified as a senior operative in Hamas’s rocket and weapons-production network.

According to Israeli officials, the younger Washah also operated under the cover of an Al Jazeera journalist while carrying out terrorist activities. He was killed in April during IDF operations targeting threats to Israeli forces.

The latest strike is part of what Israel says is a broader campaign against Hamas operatives who allegedly use journalistic credentials or media positions as cover for terrorist activity.

Israeli officials noted that in recent months the military has targeted and eliminated several Hamas members accused of participating in attacks against Israel, including operatives involved in the October 7 massacre and others allegedly connected to the holding of hostages in Hamas tunnel networks.

The report also renewed criticism of Al Jazeera, which Israeli officials have long accused of maintaining close ties to terrorist organizations operating throughout the region.

In recent months, reports have surfaced alleging contacts between Qatar and Iran that resulted in a reduction of Iranian pressure on Doha in exchange for what critics describe as a softer editorial approach toward Tehran and increased exposure for Iranian officials and spokesmen.

The IDF said forces under Southern Command remain deployed throughout the area in accordance with operational requirements and will continue taking action against any immediate threats to Israeli troops.

Military officials added that the elimination of Washah is one of several recent operations targeting senior Hamas figures as Israel continues its campaign against the terrorist organization.

According to the IDF, recent weeks have seen the elimination of multiple key Hamas operatives, including individuals accused of involvement in the October 7 attacks and the captivity of Israeli hostages. Israeli officials said those operations are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure, eliminate threats emanating from Gaza, and safeguard Israeli civilians.

{Matzav.com}

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[Video below.] Conservative commentator Mark Levin delivered a fiery defense of Israel, sharply criticizing what he described as growing attacks on the Jewish state from figures within President Donald Trump’s orbit and warning against efforts to rehabilitate the image of Iran’s regime following the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.

Speaking during a passionate monologue, Levin expressed outrage over what he characterized as attempts to pressure Israel into accepting policies that could compromise its security, while simultaneously portraying Tehran as a more acceptable partner on the world stage.

“Stop trashing, smearing & bullying The Little State of Israel,” Levin declared, accusing critics of unfairly targeting one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East.

Levin reserved particular criticism for those advocating a softer approach toward Iran, arguing that recent diplomatic developments should not obscure the nature of the Islamic Republic or the threats it continues to pose.

“Stop cozying up to and telling us that the enemy regime in Iran is now more rational, more moderate, and a regime that we can deal with,” he said.

The longtime radio host and author rejected suggestions that Israel should be pressured to scale back its military posture or rely on international guarantees for its security. He argued that Israel’s history and unique geopolitical challenges require it to maintain the ability to defend itself independently.

“If people think they can bully a little country and people who’ve existed 4,000 years into surrendering their defense… they got another thing coming,” Levin declared. “I think it’s outrageous.”

Throughout his comments, Levin emphasized the decades-long strategic relationship between Washington and Israel, praising the close military and intelligence cooperation that has long defined the alliance.

He said he was “appalled” by the rhetoric being directed at Israel and expressed hope that the current disputes would soon come to an end.

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{Matzav.com}

Sen. Cory Booker launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu during a CNN interview, accusing both leaders of making disastrous decisions that have left their countries less secure and weakened the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Appearing on CNN’s Inside Politics with host Phil Mattingly, the New Jersey Democrat was asked about the recent conflict involving Iran and Israel and whether he agreed with criticism of Israeli actions voiced by Trump administration officials. Booker responded with some of his sharpest remarks yet against both leaders.

“The two of the worst administrations of all democratic governments on the planet Earth right now are the Netanyahu administration and the Trump administration, both led by criminals. Remember our president, first in history to have dozens of felony convictions. So we have two criminals leading — leading nations and acting in deeply immoral ways. And so this to me is the chickens coming home to roost. Israel is less safe and America is less safe, because of immoral leaders that made horrible decisions.”

Booker argued that the turmoil engulfing the Middle East is not simply the result of longstanding regional tensions but also stems from what he described as poor leadership decisions made in both Washington and Israel.

The New Jersey senator has become increasingly critical of Netanyahu in recent years, contending that the Israeli prime minister’s policies have harmed both Israel’s democratic institutions and its international standing. At the same time, Booker has repeatedly accused Trump of pursuing foreign policies that undermine American security and global influence.

During the CNN interview, Booker went even further, arguing that the consequences of decisions made by both governments are now becoming evident.

He later stated that “Bibi and Donald Trump are awful leaders that have ultimately come out not only making both of their nations weaker and more at risk as a result of this war in Iran, but in a cancerous way have eroded the U.S.-Israel relationship in a way that should make everyone concerned.”

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris is facing renewed criticism after a lengthy answer she gave about the meaning of hope during an interview with Don Lemon went viral online, with critics branding the response a classic example of a political “word salad.”

During a Friday podcast appearance with Lemon, Harris was asked about hope and offered a philosophical reflection that centered on inner strength and personal resilience.

“I really, truly believe this,” Harris said. “We each have light inside of us. And we need to know that that is what inspires our hope as much as anything external to ourselves.”

The former vice president went on to encourage Americans not to allow political setbacks or personal disappointments to extinguish their optimism about the future.

“And when we feel that and and and not allow an election or an individual to dampen that light, and instead light, let that light kind of carry us in particular through moments of darkness, that that we not only act on that hope, but we inspire that hope in each other,” Harris added.

“And, in particular, at this moment, it is so important that we not only have hope, but that we understand that that should be a verb.”

The remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, where many users mocked the answer as overly complicated and difficult to follow.

“Good word salad answer that can be summed up in two words: stay positive,” one user wrote on X.

Another commenter joked, “When the teacher told you to write a 300 word essay but you could only think of 100 words.”

Other critics focused on Harris’s suggestion that hope should be viewed as a verb, noting that the word is commonly used as both a noun and a verb.

“It’s a noun: ‘I have hope that she never runs for any government office again,'” a user posted to X. “And it is a verb: ‘I hope she never runs for any government office again.'”

The interview also touched on Harris’s political future. Lemon asked whether she intends to seek the presidency again in 2028.

“I have not decided, to be honest with you,” Harris replied, leaving the door open to a possible campaign.

She said she has spent recent months traveling across the country and speaking with Americans about their concerns and expectations for political leadership.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time traveling the country [and] listening to folks,” she continued. “I think that people want a leader who is willing to take risks, as opposed to just doing what is popular.

“I think people want to know that they are being seen and heard, and that their leaders — whether they’re at the local, state, federal level or in the White House — are looking first at the people. You know, not looking at themselves in the mirror.”

While Harris did not commit to another White House bid, her comments ensured that speculation about her political future—and scrutiny of her public remarks—will likely continue.

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{Matzav.com}

Although President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz reopened under the terms of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, major obstacles continue to prevent a full return to normal commercial shipping, with naval mines, security concerns, and conflicting messages from Tehran still disrupting one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.

According to multiple reports, commercial traffic is unlikely to fully recover until Iranian naval mines scattered throughout key shipping corridors are located and removed. Maritime experts say the cleanup effort is expected to be lengthy, technically complex, and potentially dangerous.

The Guardian reported that approximately 80 naval mines remain in or near major transit lanes used by commercial vessels traveling through the strategic waterway.

Shipping and naval officials say clearing the mines will require specialized vessels and painstaking mine-sweeping operations before maritime traffic can safely resume at pre-war levels.

“The main route … through the middle of the Strait of Hormuz, that’s closed, that’s dangerous,” said Phil Belcher, marine director at Intertanko, the tanker owners’ association, according to the Guardian.

The publication also reported that nearly 600 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf after spending months at anchor, creating a significant backlog that could take considerable time to clear even if conditions continue to improve.

Richard Meade, editor-in-chief at maritime intelligence provider Lloyd’s List, warned that the shipping industry is facing unprecedented uncertainty.

“We are in uncharted territory. I don’t think [shipping in the strait] is getting back to normal this year,” according to the Guardian report.

Complicating matters further are mixed signals coming from Iran regarding the status of the waterway.

While Iranian Foreign Ministry officials have insisted that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that shipping is proceeding normally, statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have painted a far different picture, suggesting that access remains subject to strict conditions.

According to reports, an IRGC message broadcast over maritime radio channels warned vessels against entering the strait until Tehran’s demands are met.

“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” that Revolutionary Guards statement said. “All ships are requested, for the sake of their security and safety, not to approach the Strait of Hormuz.

“Any vessel that defies this directive will be targeted.”

Those warnings stand in sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s public assessment of the situation.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the maritime passage has reopened under the ceasefire framework and that commercial energy shipments are once again moving through the region. Administration officials have similarly described shipping activity as resuming.

The president has characterized the waterway as “completely open” and “safe” for international commerce, arguing that the agreement has restored stability to a critical global trade route.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also sought to reassure shipping companies and trading partners.

“Iran has taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding on the end of the war, and maritime traffic continues on this route,” he said.

Despite those assurances, shipping activity remains far below normal levels.

Industry data show that vessel traffic has recovered somewhat from wartime lows, with roughly 25 ships now passing through the strait each day. However, that figure remains dramatically below the pre-crisis average of approximately 125 to 140 daily transits.

At the height of the disruption, traffic reportedly fell to only a handful of ships per day as insurers, shipping companies, and energy traders pulled back amid fears of naval mines, electronic interference, and broader regional conflict.

Even as traffic gradually rebounds, many major shipping firms remain cautious. Insurance costs continue to reflect elevated risks, while some operators are still rerouting vessels or delaying voyages until security conditions improve further.

The stakes remain enormous. The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the most important energy chokepoints on earth, carrying roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply along with a significant portion of global liquefied natural gas exports. Until the remaining security threats are eliminated, industry leaders warn that a full return to normal operations remains far from certain.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is developing a financial arrangement with Qatar that would allow Iran to access approximately $6 billion in frozen oil revenues for the purchase of food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies, marking one of the first tangible incentives included in the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed this week between Washington and Tehran.

According to individuals familiar with the negotiations, the proposal remains incomplete and still requires approval from Iranian officials. Under the framework being discussed, transactions would be conducted through Iran’s central bank, creating a model that could eventually be expanded to unlock portions of the estimated $100 billion in Iranian assets frozen around the world.

The initiative would release funds that Tehran has spent years demanding access to and represents one of the most significant economic elements of the new agreement.

Iranian officials are reportedly pressing for substantially larger sums. Tehran is seeking at least $24 billion in initial asset releases, while state-linked media outlets have indicated that Iranian leaders expect roughly $12 billion to become available during the 60-day interim period established by the agreement, with future payments dependent on progress in negotiations.

As part of the memorandum, the United States agreed to work toward making Iran’s frozen assets available for use and to establish a mechanism governing how those funds would be released.

The proposed Qatar-based channel is not without precedent.

In 2023, the Biden administration authorized the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian oil proceeds from South Korea to accounts in Qatar as part of a prisoner exchange agreement. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, however, those funds were frozen once again.

Efforts to revive discussions surrounding the money gained momentum in late May when Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf traveled to Doha with a delegation, helping pave the way for this month’s broader agreement between the United States and Iran.

The financial negotiations are unfolding even as tensions surrounding the deal continue to mount.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed power following the assassination of his father earlier this year, criticized the agreement on Thursday in a series of posts on X, arguing that President Trump had sought the deal from a position of weakness and saying he approved it only after receiving assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Trump responded forcefully the following day on Truth Social.

“We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!”

Meanwhile, one of the key foundations of the agreement remains in doubt as the Strait of Hormuz continues to face disruptions.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that the strategic waterway will remain closed as long as Israeli military operations continue in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Swiss officials confirmed that the next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled to take place in Burgenstock has been postponed.

Vice President JD Vance had been expected to head the American delegation at those talks but ultimately did not make the trip. The White House attributed the change to logistical complications.

The prospect of releasing billions of dollars to Tehran has generated criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, many of whom argue that Iran is being rewarded before making any verifiable concessions regarding its nuclear program.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was among the deal’s most vocal critics, saying the United States “is worse off than before the war started,” and characterizing the agreement as a surrender to Iranian demands.

Supporters of the administration’s approach argue that the proposed mechanism contains strict safeguards. They note that the funds would be limited to humanitarian purchases exempt from sanctions, that Washington would be able to monitor how the money is spent, and that any future asset releases would remain tied to Iranian compliance with obligations outlined in the memorandum, including requirements related to enriched uranium.

As of Saturday, the U.S. Treasury Department had not publicly issued any waiver authorizing the release of additional funds from the Qatari accounts, leaving the future of the plan uncertain as negotiations continue.

{Matzav.com}

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly weighing his future and could announce plans to step down as early as Monday, according to multiple reports, although allies insist he remains fully focused on leading the government.

Reports indicate that Starmer has been privately discussing his next steps with his wife, Victoria, and is considering a timeline for departing 10 Downing Street. Sources cited by The Observer claim an announcement regarding his future could come in the coming days.

The speculation intensified after political rival Andy Burnham secured a seat in Parliament in a special election in Greater Manchester, strengthening his position within the Labour Party and fueling talk of a potential leadership challenge.

Despite the growing rumors, a senior government official pushed back strongly on suggestions that Starmer is preparing to leave office, telling Reuters that the prime minister remains concentrated on governing and has no plans to step aside.

According to reports, Burnham enjoys the backing of more than half of Labour’s parliamentary members and is viewed by many within the party as a viable alternative to Starmer. The two politicians are expected to meet next week amid mounting questions about Labour’s future direction.

“Keir has realised the game is up and it’s got to be a graceful exit,” a senior Labour figure told Reuters The Observer.

“What he rightly wants to avoid is humiliation, but the worst humiliation for Keir personally would be if he stands in a leadership election and is heavily beaten.”

Burnham, who served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until 2026, has undergone a significant political evolution. Once associated with Labour’s centrist, business-friendly wing, he has increasingly embraced a populist style and has become known for his street-level social media presence and direct voter engagement.

In the recent special election, Burnham captured 55 percent of the vote, delivering a decisive victory over Labour’s principal challenger, the Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage.

Starmer’s government has struggled with declining public support as Britain continues to grapple with economic pressures and immigration concerns, issues that have weighed heavily on his approval ratings.

The prime minister has also found himself at odds with President Donald Trump on several major international issues, particularly following Britain’s decision not to participate in offensive military operations during the conflict involving Iran.

“I’m not happy with the UK either… this is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump said of Starmer in March after tensions between the two leaders came to a boil.

Trump’s frustration reportedly centered on Starmer’s reluctance to allow American military aircraft to launch operations from the joint U.S.-U.K. base at Diego Garcia and other British facilities in the region.

Although Britain eventually granted access to Diego Garcia, the decision came only after significant public criticism from the president.

“We were not involved in the initial strikes against Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran’s barrage of missiles and ⁠drones, we will protect our people in the region,” Starmer said in March.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump suggested that Cuba could become the next major focus of U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere, saying it is entirely possible that the communist-run island could see developments similar to the administration’s recent efforts involving Venezuela.

Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump was asked whether the White House might pursue a Cuba strategy resembling its approach toward Venezuela. The president responded by leaving the door wide open.

“Possibly. It’s possible,” Trump said.

Trump noted that both Cuba and Venezuela are located close to the United States, making them very different from overseas challenges such as Iran.

“These places are close by. Whereas if you look at Iran, that’s a very long trip,” Trump said.

“Venezuela is relatively close and Cuba is a hopscotch.”

The president also pointed to what he considers a significant difference between the two countries, emphasizing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves while noting Cuba lacks similar natural resources.

“Venezuela has oil. Cuba doesn’t,” he said.

“Cuba has a nice property and they have nice shoreline,” Trump said.

The remarks came as Trump indicated that Cuban officials are eager to improve ties with Washington and are seeking greater engagement with the United States.

“Cuba wants to talk very badly,” he said.

Trump added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would likely take the lead in any future discussions between the two countries.

“We’re going to have Marco get involved,” Trump said.

Rubio, whose family fled Cuba after the communist revolution, has long been one of the administration’s strongest advocates for a tough stance toward both Havana and Caracas. He has consistently argued for maintaining pressure on the two governments while supporting opposition movements throughout the region.

While Trump declined to provide details about what a future Cuba initiative might look like, his comments signaled that the administration is increasingly viewing Cuba and Venezuela through the same strategic lens as it considers its next diplomatic and economic moves in the Western Hemisphere.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchak Yosef, the former Rishon LeTzion and nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, sharply criticized police conduct toward chareidi protesters during his weekly Motzoei Shabbos shiur at the Yazdim Shul in Yerushalayim, expressing anguish over reports of violence against bnei Torah and linking the treatment of yeshivah students to broader challenges facing Israel.

Addressing those gathered, Rav Yosef spoke emotionally about what he described as police mistreatment of bnei yeshivah, saying it becomes difficult to bring people closer to Torah when such hostility exists.

“It is very difficult to bring close police officers who have such hatred of Israel, who brutally beat bnei Torah, humiliate and degrade them, and tear their pants. It is very difficult to bring them close. It pains us because we want to bring people back to teshuvah. Someone showed me what they are doing, and it hurt me. Why did it hurt me? Because we want to bring them back to teshuvah.”

Rav Yosef said that outreach efforts among secular Israelis are often successful because many are searching for deeper meaning in life.

“We go to secular Jews and speak with them, and they listen. They want to return to teshuvah. They feel emptiness. All day long they pursue the desires of this world—eating, drinking, and all the pleasures of this world. They feel emptiness, and we want to bring them back to teshuvah. But when you see things like this, when people are beaten so severely, what do they want from us?”

Turning to the issue of yeshivah students and military service, Rav Yosef noted that bnei yeshivah had long received exemptions dating back to the era of Israel’s founding, emphasizing the spiritual protection provided by Torah study.

“These are yeshivah students who, from the time of Ben-Gurion, were exempted. They were exempt and engaged in Torah study. The Torah protects us. Did Trump suddenly turn against us for no reason? Why did he turn? Because of the decrees being carried out against bnei Torah. That is why he turned against us.”

The Rishon LeTzion also directed criticism toward Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, whom he referred to as “Jezebel,” suggesting that the policies being implemented against yeshivah students originate from her office.

“Instead of strengthening bnei Torah—what kind of logic is this? Instead of strengthening them, stop making arrests. This woman, the attorney general, this wicked Jezebel, is she the one giving these instructions? These police officers are unfortunate; they are in the category of a tinok shenishbah. What do they know? But it becomes difficult to bring them back to teshuvah. You see the hatred they have, tearing clothing, beating young children, injuring them. It is difficult to witness these things. May Hashem bring them back to teshuvah.”

At the same time, Rav Yosef stressed that his criticism was not directed at all police officers and cautioned against broad generalizations.

“But not all of Klal Yisroel is like that. How many police officers are like this? Not all police are the same. I used to speak frequently to police officers. They would occasionally organize gatherings, and I would come and speak. They listened respectfully. They do not all hate us. There is apparently some group—I do not know—that has been influenced by this Izevel, and they go out and beat yeshivah students. But Klal Yisroel is fundamentally good.”

{Matzav.com}

A controversial social media post by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has ignited an international firestorm, drawing more than 17 million views on X and prompting Iranian officials to use his comments as ammunition in their campaign against Israel following the deaths of four IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon.

The post came in the wake of a devastating incident in southern Lebanon in which four Israeli soldiers were killed, including Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Shimon, commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion. The attack is considered one of the deadliest events on the northern front since hostilities resumed.

At the time Ben Gvir made his remarks, the circumstances surrounding the incident were still under investigation. According to reports, Ben Shimon and three fellow armored corps soldiers were killed during operations in southern Lebanon, and the IDF continues to examine exactly what transpired.

Reacting to the tragedy, Ben Gvir wrote on X: “For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers should cry. All of Lebanon should burn.” He later said he had told Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu that “in the Middle East, victories are not achieved through measured responses and restraint,” and called for Israel to “defeat terrorism.”

The comments quickly spread across international media outlets and generated fierce reactions both in Israel and abroad.

X determined that the post violated the platform’s rules but chose not to remove it, citing its public significance and news value. Instead, the platform restricted visibility, requiring users to click through a warning screen before viewing the post.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was among the first foreign officials to capitalize on the controversy. He shared a screenshot of Ben Gvir’s post and argued that the statement was not the view of a fringe figure but that of a senior member of the Israeli government.

Araghchi accused Israel of pursuing a policy of “perpetual war,” using Ben Gvir’s remarks to support Tehran’s narrative against the Jewish state. His response highlighted how a domestic political controversy rapidly became part of a broader international propaganda battle amid escalating regional tensions.

{Matzav.com}

A wave of excitement is sweeping through New York’s Torah community ahead of the arrival of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Slabodka rosh yeshiva, who departed for the United States on Motzoei Shabbos to participate in a series of events marking the culmination of the Keren Olam HaTorah campaign.

The campaign has been underway for the past two weeks with the participation of numerous leading gedolei Yisroel. Rav Hirsch was initially unable to join due to a family simcha, the wedding of his granddaughter. However, following repeated requests from prominent leaders across the United States, the Rosh Yeshivah agreed to participate in the campaign’s closing events. His visit will be brief, lasting approximately three days.

On Erev Shabbos, an emotional Tzeischem L’Shalom gathering was held at Rav Hirsch’s home, attended by dozens of roshei kollel representing tens of thousands of avreichim throughout Eretz Yisroel. The leaders came specifically to bid farewell to the Rosh Yeshivah ahead of his departure for America.

During the gathering, the roshei kollel expressed their appreciation to Rav Hirsch for the enormous effort he has invested in establishing Keren Olam HaTorah and for his tireless work, together with other gedolei Yisroel, to defend the Torah world against various challenges and decrees. They also thanked him for his dedication to raising critical support from Jewish communities around the globe to sustain Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel. At the conclusion of the event, the rabbanim offered heartfelt blessings for a successful journey as he prepared to leave on Motzoei Shabbos for the campaign’s concluding events.

Addressing the gathering was Rav Sholom Ber Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshivah of Ateres Shlomo, who spoke passionately about the significance of the moment and the challenges facing the honor of Torah even within the Jewish community itself.

Rav Sorotzkin emphasized that Rav Hirsch’s journey is not merely an effort to secure financial support. Rather, he said, it is an effort to ensure the continued existence of the modern-day “ochlei haman“—the avreichim and bnei yeshivah who devote themselves entirely to Torah study. He stressed the importance of enabling them to continue learning without distraction so that Torah can remain fully integrated into their very being.

Concluding his remarks, Rav Sorotzkin spoke about the tremendous obligation of hakaras hatov owed by all bnei Torah to the gedolei Yisroel who have demonstrated extraordinary mesirus nefesh on behalf of the Torah world. He noted that it is virtually unprecedented for Torah leaders of such advanced age to undertake such demanding efforts for the benefit of the broader community. He expressed hope that the public declaration before the entire world of the value and honor of Torah would serve to strengthen and inspire Torah learners everywhere.

{Matzav.com}

The residents of Yerushalayim’s Kiryat Mattersdorf neighborhood were plunged into mourning on Motzoei Shabbos with the passing of Rav Yaakov Meshulam Zalman Kruger zt”l, longtime Av Beis Din of Kehillas Chaim and one of the city’s most respected rabbinic figures. He was 95 years old.

Rav Kruger was renowned for decades as the rov of Kehillas Chaim, whose beis medrash is located on Rechov Panim Meiros in Kiryat Mattersdorf. Through his Torah scholarship, guidance, and leadership, he became a beloved figure to generations of mispallelim and neighborhood residents who regularly sought his counsel and attended his shiurim.

He was the son of Rav Chaim Tzvi Kruger zt”l, the Av Beis Din of Brussels, Belgium, and a prominent leader within the Agudas Harabbonim of the United States. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rav Kruger devoted his life to Torah, communal leadership, and tzorchei tzibbur.

Over the years, his beis medrash served as a center of Torah and tefillah, drawing many who were inspired by his wisdom, warmth, and deep understanding of both halachic and communal matters. He was widely admired throughout Yerushalayim and beyond for his humility and dedication to the needs of others.

Rav Kruger is survived by a distinguished family of children and descendants who continue his legacy of Torah and chessed. Among them is his son, the noted philanthropist and communal activist Reb Akiva Kruger, a prominent Belzer chossid in Montreal, Canada, who is well known for his extensive support of Torah institutions and charitable causes in Eretz Yisroel and throughout the Diaspora.

The levayah was held tonight at the Kehillas Chaim beis medrash at 18 Panim Meiros Street in Yerushalayim, proceeding to Har Hamenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland today to lead a pivotal round of direct negotiations with Iranian officials, as the United States and Iran begin a crucial 60-day effort aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear program and easing regional tensions.

The talks are scheduled to officially begin Sunday at the Bürgenstock resort in the Swiss Alps and represent the first in-person meeting between senior American and Iranian representatives since discussions held in Islamabad in April. The gathering is expected to set the tone for an intensive diplomatic process over the coming two months.

The negotiations are taking place against a tense backdrop. Earlier today, Iran announced that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, citing what it described as Israeli violations of the Lebanon ceasefire agreement.

Before departing Washington, Vance acknowledged the challenges surrounding the talks but expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving progress on several fronts.

“I think we’re going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we’re to be focused on.”

Preparations for the summit began early today when White House representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reached the venue. Later, the Iranian delegation arrived, headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.

Several key international figures are also participating in a mediation capacity, including the prime ministers of Qatar and Pakistan, Pakistan’s senior military commander, and the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

According to Vance, the initial discussions will focus primarily on establishing the framework for future negotiations rather than immediately tackling every substantive issue. He said he expects to remain in Switzerland for the opening phase of the talks, while expert teams will continue working after his departure.

“getting the actual structure and negotiation in place,”

Sources familiar with the discussions told Axios that one of Washington’s top priorities is obtaining Iran’s formal consent for United Nations inspectors to return to the country’s nuclear facilities. Those sites were previously targeted during joint American and Israeli military operations.

If Iran agrees to allow inspections to resume—the first such access since June 2025—the United States is reportedly prepared to release a frozen Iranian account containing $6 billion that is earmarked for humanitarian purchases through Qatar.

Witkoff informed members of Congress last week that Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to permit renewed access for inspectors from the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency.

Iran has thus far refused to disclose the status and location of nuclear materials monitored by the IAEA and has prevented inspectors from evaluating facilities damaged during military strikes.

A previous understanding reached between Tehran and the IAEA last September, which was designed to restart inspections and track uranium stockpiles, collapsed after Britain, France, and Germany initiated the reimposition of United Nations sanctions that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear accord. Iran subsequently declared the arrangement invalid.

Meanwhile, although Israel and Hezbollah announced a renewed commitment to a ceasefire today, uncertainty remains high after a similar agreement unraveled within hours on Friday. Despite fears that renewed fighting could jeopardize the Swiss negotiations, Vance suggested there are signs of improvement.

“Despite the headlines, things are actually getting better there, and things are slowing down a little bit. It’s going to be something we’re just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure,” Vance concluded.

{Matzav.com}