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As the Knesset moves forward with legislation to dissolve itself and trigger new elections, United Torah Judaism is demanding that the process be accelerated, citing the government’s failure to resolve the status of yeshiva students and what it describes as an ongoing campaign against the Torah world.

Speaking during a heated Knesset plenary session on Tuesday, UTJ faction chairman MK Uri Maklev delivered a sharp rebuke of the coalition, arguing that the government had failed to fulfill one of its most fundamental commitments to the chareidi parties.

Maklev said the Knesset was heading toward dissolution because the coalition “did not meet its goals and did not fulfill its commitment to regulate the status of Torah learners in Eretz Yisroel.”

The UTJ lawmaker painted a bleak picture of the current situation facing yeshiva students, accusing authorities of targeting bnei Torah through arrests, public attacks, and economic pressure.

“During this government’s watch, Torah learners have been subjected to incitement, vilification, arrests, persecution, and inhumane economic strangulation,” Maklev said. He added that a significant portion of what he described as the campaign against the Torah community was being carried out by members of the coalition itself.

Maklev argued that the government’s actions represented a betrayal of what UTJ viewed as a foundational understanding of the coalition agreement and its obligations to the Torah world.

According to Maklev, coalition partners have turned their backs on what was understood to be a basic principle underpinning the government. He emphasized the role of Torah learners as a spiritual shield for the Jewish people, particularly at a time when Israel faces threats from multiple enemies.

The UTJ chairman also condemned the arrests of yeshiva students and called on government ministers to halt what he described as the persecution of those engaged in Torah study.

“On your watch, cruel and detached arrests are being carried out against Torah learners,” he declared.

Maklev further criticized coalition lawmakers who declined to support the daycare subsidy bill earlier this week, arguing that the measure was intended to assist families whose livelihoods have been affected by the ongoing dispute over the draft law.

He expressed particular concern for mothers seeking childcare assistance, saying they were being denied support solely because their husbands devote themselves to Torah study.

“There is an entire faction in the coalition that has turned its back on a mother and her young children who simply wants to support her family and obtain proper arrangements for her children. Even that is being denied because the father of those children studies Torah in Eretz Yisroel,” Maklev said.

Concluding his remarks, Maklev insisted that the coalition move quickly to complete the legislative process dissolving the Knesset and setting new elections.

“The Land of Israel is acquired through suffering, and so too is the Torah of Israel,” he said. He added that the government’s obligation now is to bring the dissolution bill to its second and third readings immediately, warning, “We will not let this drag on for very long.”

Maklev ended with a message of confidence that the Torah world would ultimately prevail in the ideological struggle now unfolding.

“In a battle of values, ideology, obligations, and a heritage passed from generation to generation, against evil, wickedness, and cruelty, it is the side of values and ideology that will prevail,” he said.

The Knesset approved the dissolution bill in a preliminary vote Monday night by a margin of 106-0. Under the proposal, elections for the 26th Knesset would be held sometime between September 8, 2026, and October 20, 2026. Knesset officials currently expect the election to take place during the month of Cheshvan rather than in Elul or during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, as Shas and UTJ had initially preferred.

A political dispute is brewing in Alaska after Sen. Dan Sullivan’s reelection campaign accused Democrats and one of his rivals of backing a second candidate with the exact same first and last name in an effort to confuse voters ahead of next year’s election.

The allegations were made Tuesday by Sullivan campaign spokesman Nate Adams, who claimed that Democratic operatives and former congresswoman Mary Peltola were behind the entry of another Dan Sullivan into the Senate race.

“Mary Peltola and D.C. Democrats know they can’t win this race on the issues, so they’ve resorted to dirty, dishonest tactics — recruiting a sham candidate with the sole purpose of deceiving voters and manipulating Alaska’s election system,” Nate Adams, the senator’s campaign spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday.

Peltola, who represented Alaska in the U.S. House from 2023 until 2025, is widely viewed as the leading Democrat seeking the Senate seat currently held by Sullivan, who is running for a third term.

Adams argued that the presence of another candidate with the same name could undermine the integrity of the election and create confusion among voters.

“This blatant attempt to confuse and disenfranchise Alaskans undermines confidence in our elections, and if allowed to stand, will deny voters the honest choice they deserve,” Adams added.

The campaign also signaled that it may pursue legal or other remedies in response to the situation.

He also warned, “We are reviewing all of our options and aren’t ruling anything out.”

The newly announced challenger entered the race last week. The second Dan Sullivan has described himself as a cancer survivor and elementary school teacher and has criticized the incumbent’s record in office.

According to the challenger, the senator sharing his name “has failed to put Alaska first.”

State election records indicate that the challenger is also registered as a Republican. Observers have noted similarities between the branding of the two campaigns, with both using logos featuring stars and a color scheme built around navy blue, white, and yellow.

The unusual situation has created confusion because there is also a third well-known Alaska political figure named Dan Sullivan — the mayor of Anchorage. The most obvious distinction between the two Senate candidates is their middle initials: the incumbent is Dan S. Sullivan, while the challenger is Dan J. Sullivan.

Alaska’s election system allows all candidates to compete in a single primary, with the top four finishers advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation. Voters are scheduled to cast ballots in the primary on August 18.

Peltola’s campaign swiftly rejected any suggestion that it played a role in recruiting or encouraging the second Sullivan to run.

A spokesperson for Peltola’s campaign, Harry Child, denied that the campaign is involved “with either Sullivan campaign.”

Neither the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee nor the campaign of Dan J. Sullivan immediately provided responses to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

Newly disclosed comments attributed to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri have shed light on deep frustrations within the chareidi political camp, with Deri reportedly blaming Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the latest coalition crisis and expressing concerns about the future political direction of United Torah Judaism.

According to a report aired Tuesday on Channel 13 News, Deri privately faulted Netanyahu for mishandling the highly sensitive draft-law issue and for contributing to the growing rift between the government and leading rabbinic figures.

The reported remarks reveal unusually blunt criticism from Deri, who allegedly argued that Netanyahu’s own statements were responsible for escalating tensions and triggering the strongly worded letter from Rav Dov Landau issued against the right-wing bloc.

“The prime minister is responsible for the incident with Rav Landau and for the harsh letter against the bloc. He made a mistake with all the talk that he does not have a majority for the draft law.”

Deri also reportedly voiced concern that United Torah Judaism could ultimately join a coalition opposed to Netanyahu if such an opportunity emerges after the next election.

“They will enter a left-wing government if one is formed after the elections.”

At the same time, Deri emphasized that Shas would not participate in such a move under any circumstances.

“We will never enter a left-wing government. We already know what the left is and what they will do here.”

The Shas leader reportedly went even further, identifying individuals whom he believes are encouraging United Torah Judaism to move away from Netanyahu and the right-wing camp.

According to the report, Deri specifically targeted Motty Babchik, a senior and influential figure within Agudas Yisroel, accusing him of working behind the scenes to bring about a left-wing coalition.

“He is doing everything to establish a left-wing government.”

The reported comments underscore the growing tensions within Israel’s chareidi parties as disputes over the draft law and the future of the coalition continue to intensify. With the prospect of elections drawing closer, the remarks offer a rare glimpse into the disagreements and political calculations taking place behind closed doors among some of the most powerful figures in the right-wing bloc.

{Matzav.com}

More than three years after the current coalition came to power, the Knesset on Tuesday evening approved in a preliminary reading legislation that would reverse the controversial kashrus reform enacted under former Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana.

The bill passed its first reading by a vote of 49-34 and now heads to the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for further deliberations. Despite clearing its first hurdle, it remains unclear whether supporters will be able to complete the legislative process before the Knesset dissolves and Israel heads to elections.

The proposal has become a source of frustration among some figures in the chareidi parties, who questioned why the legislation was not advanced earlier during the coalition’s tenure.

“We failed not only in passing the draft law and regulating the status of yeshiva students; we failed on many religion-and-state laws that were critical to us,” senior sources in the chareidi factions said in recent days. “What is the explanation for the fact that this law was not brought to a vote three years ago, two years ago, or even one year ago? Why wait until the last minute, when there may not be enough time to complete the legislation? It is a failure.”

The bill seeks to dismantle key components of Kahana’s reform, which opened the kashrus market to private certification bodies. Under the new proposal, authority to issue kashrus certificates would once again be concentrated in the hands of the Chief Rabbinate Council, authorized local rabbanim, and the Military Rabbinate, where applicable.

In addition to restoring the previous framework, the legislation would establish updated regulations governing kashrus standards, the operation of agencies involved in kashrus supervision, and oversight of the certification system.

During the Knesset debate, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni emphasized the need for professionalism and public confidence in kashrus supervision.

“On the issue of kashrus, there must be professionalism,” Gafni said. “This matter needs to be corrected in an orderly manner. There are things that need fixing. We are asking for a professional discussion so that when a product carries a kashrus certification, the kashrus should be genuine.”

The explanatory notes accompanying the bill argue that Kahana’s reform effectively privatized the kashrus system by allowing private certification organizations to provide supervision and issue certificates based on standards established, in part, by rabbanim who are not public employees.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the Chief Rabbinate Council and the chief rabbis who led it strongly opposed the reform because they believed the unique nature of kashrus supervision requires it to remain a public service rather than a private enterprise.

The explanatory notes state that maintaining public control over kashrus helps preserve transparency, objectivity, and accountability. Supporters of the repeal argue that removing certification from direct public oversight could expose the system to significant economic pressures from the food industry, potentially creating conflicts of interest and allowing outside considerations to influence kashrus standards and enforcement.

Whether the legislation ultimately becomes law may depend on the political calendar, with supporters racing against the possibility of early elections before the bill can complete its remaining readings in the Knesset.

President Donald Trump has agreed to appear at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner later this summer, embracing the decision to move forward with the event after an assassination attempt disrupted the original gathering earlier this year.

Announcing his participation, Trump praised organizers for refusing to allow violence to dictate public life or alter longstanding traditions. He described the decision to proceed with the annual dinner as a demonstration of resilience in the wake of the attack.

“This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president said he accepted the invitation after being approached by White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang and hinted that his remarks at the event could once again attract attention.

“I was asked to be there, and speak, by Weijia Jiang, President of The White House Correspondents’ Association, and have accepted,” he continued. “I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out.”

Trump also highlighted the venue selected for the rescheduled event, noting its connection to his own business history.

“In any event,” the president added, “it will be a ‘HOT’ ticket! Interestingly, the location will be The Waldorf Astoria, on Pennsylvania Avenue, a Building and Ballroom that I built.”

The dinner is now set for July 24 and will take place in the Presidential Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. The property originally operated as a Trump-branded hotel before changing ownership in 2022. Event organizers have indicated that those who purchased tickets for the original dinner will not be required to pay again.

Because the ballroom accommodates approximately 1,300 guests, attendance will be significantly smaller than the original event planned for the Washington Hilton, where organizers expected roughly 2,500 attendees.

The annual dinner had originally been scheduled for April 25. Those plans were derailed after authorities say Cole Tomas Allen stormed a security checkpoint carrying a rifle and opened fire, striking a Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest.

Investigators allege that Allen later confessed in a manifesto that his goal was to assassinate Trump and kill as many Cabinet officials as possible. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

In a message sent to members of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Jiang said the organization was determined not to allow the attack to define the event or overshadow its purpose.

“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century,” Jiang wrote, according to the New York Post.

She said the shooting reinforced the organization’s commitment to defending constitutional freedoms and protecting the role of a free press.

“When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment,” she said. “We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.”

Jiang noted that this year’s dinner will be scaled down compared to previous years and will feature additional security precautions.

The rescheduled event will be “a more intimate gathering” and will feature “significantly enhanced safety measures and new access procedures.”

In addition to the traditional dinner and presidential remarks, the evening is expected to include scholarship presentations and awards recognizing excellence in journalism.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. secured the Republican nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday, advancing to the general election without opposition even as his prolonged absence from public life continues to draw scrutiny.

The 57-year-old congressman has remained largely out of sight for nearly three months while dealing with an undisclosed medical condition. Although he has acknowledged the health issue, Kean has not yet revealed the nature of his illness and has continued conducting what he describes as “virtual work” rather than returning to public appearances.

Hours before polls closed, Kean released a statement indicating that his return to normal duties is approaching but that doctors have advised him to continue recovering before resuming in-person activities.

“Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals, I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks,” the congresswoman said in a statement, hours before polls closed in the Garden State.

“At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition,” he teased.

Kean also sought to reassure constituents that he intends to fully explain the circumstances surrounding his absence once he is able to do so.

Kean said he understands “the need for transparency on this matter and I look forward to sharing my experience with the public.”

His extended absence has fueled concerns about his ability to perform the duties of office. The Republican lawmaker has not cast a vote in Congress since March 5, a fact that has intensified questions from political observers and constituents alike.

Speaking to the New Jersey Globe last month in what was reportedly his first public interview since stepping away from public view, Kean expressed confidence that his recovery is progressing well.

“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean told the New Jersey Globe late last month, in his first known interview since his disappearance. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.

“I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail,” he added.

Kean, the son of former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean, is seeking a third term in one of the nation’s most closely watched congressional battlegrounds. Political analysts continue to classify the district as highly competitive heading into the fall campaign.

The district, home to President Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, narrowly backed Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election by roughly two percentage points. In contrast, voters there supported Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli by a similar margin in the state’s gubernatorial race.

Kean first won the seat in 2022 when he unseated Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski. Two years later, he successfully defended the district, defeating Democrat Susan Altman by a wider margin.

President Trump has remained a strong supporter of Kean. During last year’s campaign, Trump praised the congressman for his work on key Republican priorities and highlighted his record on issues ranging from border security to economic policy.

Trump endorsed Kean as a “tremendous advocate of our America First Agenda” who is “working tirelessly to Secure the Border, Stop Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

The president reaffirmed that endorsement Monday night in a Truth Social post, once again backing Kean’s reelection bid.

Behind the scenes, however, some Republicans have expressed frustration with how Kean’s team has managed public communication regarding his condition and absence.

“Everybody I’m talking to is just shocked at how poorly this is being handled by the Kean operation,” a New Jersey-based GOP consultant vented to The Post last month. “It’s created an air of mystery that’s fueled the story, or frankly, created the story.”

The consultant argued that a simple public appearance or video message could have gone a long way toward addressing concerns and reassuring voters.

“The general consensus from the people I’m talking to is that something is prohibiting him from looking at an iPhone and doing a proof of life video … saying, ‘I’m here, I’m going through something, but I’ll be back.’”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is expected to travel to New York next month to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS), one of the world’s largest international gatherings focused on law enforcement and security cooperation.

The conference, held periodically at UN headquarters, brings together police commissioners, law enforcement leaders, and senior security officials from more than 100 countries to discuss policing, public safety, and international security challenges.

While the event traditionally draws police chiefs and professional law enforcement personnel, participation by government ministers is relatively uncommon. For that reason, Ben Gvir’s planned attendance is already attracting attention.

The visit is expected to take place just months before Israelis head to the polls, adding a political dimension to the trip. Observers have noted that the timing is particularly noteworthy, with the conference scheduled to occur roughly two months before the national elections.

Ben Gvir’s participation will place him alongside senior police and security officials from around the world at a forum that serves as a major venue for discussing international law enforcement cooperation and emerging security threats.

No further details about Ben Gvir’s expected meetings or schedule during the visit have yet been released.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Hershel Lieberman zt”l, a talmid chochom whose life spanned nearly a century and whose formative years were spent in the shadow of some of the greatest Torah leaders of the previous generation.

Rav Lieberman, who was privileged to forge close relationships with the Brisker Rov, the Chazon Ish, Rav Yitzchok Hutner, Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Chatzkel Levenstein, and other luminaries of the Torah world, was niftar at the age of 95.

His passing comes just weeks after the petirah of his brother, Rav Yosef Lieberman zt”l.

Born in prewar Europe, Rav Hershel’s childhood was shattered by the horrors of World War II. Together with his brother Rav Yosef and their sister, he survived the war years in Vichy France, escaping the murderous machinery that claimed the lives of millions of European Jews. Like so many members of that generation, the experiences of his youth left an indelible mark upon him. Yet, rather than allowing tragedy to define him, he emerged with an unquenchable thirst for Torah and a determination to rebuild what had been destroyed.

After arriving in the United States, the young Hershel gravitated toward the great centers of Torah learning that were beginning to flourish on American soil. His extraordinary diligence and refinement earned him a special place in the home of Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l, the legendary rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin. He became a ben bayis, spending countless hours in close proximity to one of the most profound Torah thinkers of the generation.

Those who knew him would later recall that Rav Lieberman often spoke with deep appreciation about the privilege of witnessing Rav Hutner’s greatness firsthand, not only during public shmuessen, but in the private moments that revealed the depth of the rosh yeshiva’s character, wisdom, and devotion to Torah.

From there, Rav Lieberman continued his growth in the hallowed halls of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, where he became a talmid of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l. In those formative years, he absorbed the fiery devotion to Torah and relentless pursuit of truth that characterized Rav Aharon and the pioneering generation that built the American Torah world.

It was in Eretz Yisroel that Rav Lieberman would forge some of the relationships that would define the rest of his life.

He learned in Yeshivas Mir during a period when the yeshiva was emerging as one of the foremost citadels of Torah learning in the world. There, surrounded by giants of Torah and fellow seekers of greatness, he immersed himself in learning with extraordinary dedication.

He later entered Yeshivas Brisk, where he became one of the cherished talmidim of the Brisker Rov, Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik zt”l. Rav Lieberman maintained a uniquely close relationship with the Rov and often spoke of the awe he felt in the presence of the gaon whose every word and action reflected uncompromising fidelity to Torah.

Those who heard Rav Lieberman recount memories of the Brisker Rov described the stories as windows into another world, a world of unyielding dedication to Torah, exacting precision in learning, and complete devotion to emes. The lessons he absorbed during those years remained with him for the rest of his life.

At the same time, Rav Lieberman developed a close bond with the Chazon Ish. He was among those privileged to converse regularly with the Chazon Ish in learning, discussing complex Torah concepts and benefiting from the sage guidance of the gadol hador. The relationship was one that Rav Lieberman treasured deeply. Those interactions became a source of inspiration that sustained him for decades.

Rav Lieberman also enjoyed close ties with other gedolei hador, including Rav Chatzkel Levenstein zt”l, the famed mashgiach of Mir, whose penetrating mussar teachings left a lasting impression. Through these relationships, Rav Lieberman became a living link to a generation of Torah giants whose influence continues to shape the Torah world today.

Although he carried within him memories of some of the greatest figures of the previous century, those who knew Rav Lieberman describe him not as someone who lived in the past, but as someone who carried its lessons into the present. He was known for his humility, warmth, and unwavering devotion to Torah.

In an era when firsthand witnesses to the prewar European Torah world and the rebuilding generation have become increasingly rare, Rav Hershel represented a precious bridge to that world. He embodied the resilience of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives through Torah, the dedication of the pioneering bnei Torah who helped establish great yeshivos in America and Eretz Yisroel, and the profound reverence for Torah that characterized the giants among whom he grew.

With his passing, another treasured link to a remarkable generation has been lost.

The levayah will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Shomrei Hadas Chapels, located at 3803 14th Avenue in Boro Park, Brooklyn.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the heartbreaking ietirah of 8-year-old Shaindy Herzberg a”h, daughter of Yudi and Chumie Herzberg.

Shaindy was riding her bicycle on Tiffin Lane in Pomona, NY, when she was struck by a vehicle, leaving her critically injured.

Rockland Hatzolah volunteers, paramedics, and other emergency responders rushed to the scene and employed extensive lifesaving measures in an effort to stabilize her condition. She was transported to Nyack Hospital in critical condition for emergency treatment.

Despite the determined efforts of medical personnel, Shaindy succumbed to her injuries.

The levayah is scheduled to take place Wednesday morning. Additional details regarding the exact time and location are being finalized. The kevurah will take place at the Monsey Bais Hachaim.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s exporters are feeling the impact of the weakening U.S. dollar, with new figures showing that despite growth in export sales measured in dollars, the sharp rise of the shekel has erased those gains and translated them into significant losses across major sectors of the economy.

An analysis by the Manufacturers Association of Israel, based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics and reported by Channel 12 News, found that export growth recorded during the first four months of 2026 turned into a substantial decline when revenues were converted into shekels. Since the start of the year, the dollar has lost roughly 12% of its value against the shekel, and about 20% over the past year.

According to the report, industrial exports excluding diamonds increased by 5% in dollar terms between January and April, rising from $17.5 billion to $18.3 billion. However, when those earnings were calculated in shekels, export revenues fell sharply. Total exports dropped from NIS 63.4 billion during the same period last year to NIS 56.7 billion this year—a decline of approximately 10%.

The Manufacturers Association said the downturn was evident across much of the industrial sector. High-tech industries, which account for about 42% of Israel’s exports, posted a 4.6% increase in dollar-denominated sales. Yet after currency conversion, those gains became an 11% decline, representing an estimated loss of roughly NIS 3 billion.

Traditional manufacturing suffered even more severe damage. A 4.3% decline in exports measured in dollars translated into an 18.3% drop in shekel terms, amounting to losses of approximately NIS 904 million.

The data showed that 21 of Israel’s 27 industrial sectors experienced declines when export earnings were measured in local currency.

In the high-tech and electronics industries, a 5% increase in exports in dollar terms became an 11% decline after conversion to shekels, wiping out about NIS 2.4 billion in revenue. The chemicals sector saw a 2% rise in dollar-based exports turn into a 13% decline in shekel terms, resulting in losses estimated at NIS 1.7 billion.

The pharmaceutical industry was also hit hard. A 6% drop in exports measured in dollars deepened to nearly 20% when calculated in shekels, reducing revenues by roughly NIS 477 million. The rubber and plastics sector experienced a similar trend, with a 4% decline in dollar exports becoming an 18% decline in local currency, equal to losses of about NIS 490 million.

Netanel Hyman, head of the Economics Division at the Manufacturers Association, warned that the continued strengthening of the shekel is inflicting serious damage on key sectors of the Israeli economy. He said the erosion of Israeli competitiveness in global markets can no longer be ignored and cautioned that failure to address the issue could result in lost investment, factory closures, and job cuts.

Hyman called on the Bank of Israel, government officials, and regulators to take coordinated and immediate action to address the growing problem before the economic consequences become even more severe.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli authorities have denied entry to prominent anti-Israel activist Linda Sarsour following a recommendation by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, in accordance with the policy of Minister Amichai Chikli.

The ministry said it acted after receiving information from the Population and Immigration Authority and other sources indicating that Sarsour was expected to arrive in Israel. Following a review, Ministry Director-General Avi Cohen-Scali recommended that she be denied entry under Amendment 40 to Israel’s Entry Law and pursuant to existing interagency procedures governing such cases. The recommendation was accepted, and Sarsour was barred from entering the country.

According to the ministry, Sarsour has been a prominent supporter of the BDS movement, which advocates boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. Officials said she has participated in and encouraged anti-Israel activism in the United States and has been involved in campaigns promoting sanctions against Israel.

The ministry also accused Sarsour of supporting anti-Israel demonstrations on American college campuses and cited her involvement with organizations including Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP).

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli said: “I instructed my ministry’s director-general, Avi Cohen-Scali, to prevent the entry into Israel of Linda Sarsour, one of the most prominent figures behind anti-Israel boycott activity in the United States and one of the leaders of the violent protests supporting Hamas after October 7. In doing so, we continue to implement without compromise the policy I established at the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism: Anyone who incites and supports boycotts against the State of Israel will bear the consequences and will themselves be boycotted.”

Avi Cohen-Scali, director-general of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, said: “Those who incite and fuel hatred against the State of Israel will not set foot in it. We will continue to act to prevent hostile and antisemitic elements from entering the territory of the State of Israel.”

The decision is the latest step by Israeli authorities to enforce laws restricting entry for foreign nationals who actively promote boycotts against Israel or engage in activities viewed as hostile to the state.

Israel’s Shin Bet security service has reportedly launched an internal investigation following an unusual incident involving Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, outside the Prime Minister’s official residence on Gaza Street in Yerushalayim.

According to a report by journalist Uri Misgav, the incident occurred after Netanyahu was left waiting outside due to a delay in the arrival of her official government vehicle. Witnesses who were present at the scene reportedly said that she appeared visibly upset and was heard raising her voice during a phone conversation while waiting on the street.

As the delay continued, Netanyahu allegedly attempted to hail a passing taxi in order to continue to her destination. However, members of the Shin Bet’s VIP protection unit intervened and prevented her from entering the vehicle.

According to the report, the security personnel physically blocked the taxi from approaching because security regulations prohibit the prime minister’s wife from traveling in an unapproved and unsecured vehicle. The standoff reportedly led to several minutes of heated exchanges before the official driver eventually arrived, allowing Netanyahu to continue her journey.

Following the incident, and at Sara Netanyahu’s request, the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly filed a formal complaint with the Shin Bet, demanding an immediate review of the circumstances surrounding the episode.

The complaint characterized the incident as a serious security failure, arguing that the delay left the prime minister’s wife exposed to potential danger in the heart of Yerushalayim. In response to the allegations, the Shin Bet has begun examining the events and the conduct of those involved.

Neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Shin Bet issued an official response to the report.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio forcefully rejected criticism from Sen. Cory Booker during a tense Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, dismissing claims that the Trump administration is seeking to return to the type of nuclear agreement with Iran that it previously condemned.

The exchange unfolded as lawmakers debated the administration’s strategy toward Tehran and ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

Booker argued that the United States had gained little leverage despite its pressure campaign against Iran and accused the administration of pursuing negotiations similar to the 2015 nuclear accord that President Donald Trump withdrew from during his first term.

“We are the strongest nation on the planet Earth and we’re in a stalemate with Iran. And now we’re begging to get back into a deal that you all trashed in the first place,” Booker said during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

Rubio quickly pushed back, insisting that Iran—not the United States—is under pressure and entering negotiations from a position of significant weakness.

“There’s no begging,” Rubio responded.

The secretary pointed to Iran’s worsening economic conditions, arguing that severe financial problems have left the regime increasingly desperate.

“The Iranians were begging because their economy is losing hundreds of millions of dollars a day. They have hyperinflation, their currency is completely devalued, and they’re struggling to make payroll for their government workers. Iran is in a very serious situation.”

Rubio also disputed any suggestion that Iran has emerged stronger despite months of regional conflict and economic sanctions, contending that the country’s military infrastructure has suffered major setbacks.

“I don’t know where you’re getting this perception that Iran is stronger. Iran has no navy left. They’ve lost a substantial percentage of their defense industrial base and a substantial percentage of their missile launchers, and their economy is far worse today than it was six to nine months ago.”

The sharp exchange highlighted the growing debate in Washington over the administration’s approach to Iran, with critics questioning whether renewed negotiations will produce meaningful results and administration officials maintaining that Tehran is negotiating under mounting economic and military pressure.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has directed federal health officials to conduct a new review of the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule, a move that could lead to additional changes in the vaccines routinely recommended for American children and teenagers.

The executive order, signed Friday, builds on a scientific evaluation issued earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That report highlighted that the United States recommends a larger number of childhood vaccines than other developed nations and administers significantly more doses than some countries in Europe.

Following the release of that assessment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its childhood immunization guidance in January, reducing the number of routinely recommended vaccinations from 17 to 11. The decision drew strong opposition from many medical organizations and public health experts.

Under the updated CDC recommendations, vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue fever, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B are generally recommended only for children considered to be at elevated risk.

The agency maintained its existing recommendations for protection against 11 illnesses, including measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumonia, polio, human papillomavirus (HPV), and chickenpox.

Trump’s executive order instructs the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to reexamine both the January HHS report and the most recent clinical research. The review is intended to determine whether further revisions should be made to the national vaccine schedule for children and adolescents.

In a fact sheet released alongside the order, the White House said: “President Trump is reaffirming his commitment to gold-standard science, ensuring Americans receive the best possible medical advice, and empowering patients and doctors with maximum flexibility.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics took a different approach after the January CDC changes, issuing its own immunization guidelines that continue to recommend routine protection against 18 diseases. Those recommendations include vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease.

AAP officials have argued that comparisons between the United States and other countries can be misleading because vaccine recommendations are based on each nation’s unique public health conditions and healthcare infrastructure.

“We don’t follow Denmark’s vaccine recommendations because we don’t live in Denmark,” Dr. Jose Romero, a member of AAP’s committee on infectious diseases, said in a statement last year. “Children in the United States are at risk of different diseases than children in other countries. We also have a completely different health system.”

The American College of Physicians also voiced concern over the administration’s latest action, warning against replacing longstanding U.S. guidance with policies modeled after those of other countries.

“This is the second time the administration has attempted to unilaterally substitute vaccine guidance from other countries to replace the U.S. vaccine schedule which was developed for the specific needs of the U.S. population,” ACP President Dr. Jan Carney said in a statement. “The U.S. childhood vaccine schedule was designed through years of transparent, scientific review focused on preventing serious illness, outbreaks and deaths among our country’s large, diverse population with uneven access to health care services.

“The evidence is clear: vaccines are safe and effective at preventing deaths, hospitalizations and the spread of disease,” she added. “The changes that this executive order directs cannot be allowed to move forward.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] A Frontier Airlines flight traveling from Puerto Rico to Chicago was forced to make an emergency diversion to Miami after a passenger allegedly attempted to open an aircraft exit door and later tried to gain access to the cockpit during a frightening disturbance in the air.

The incident occurred Sunday aboard Frontier Flight 3345, which had departed from San Juan and was en route to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crew reported a “passenger disturbance” during the flight.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, flight attendants and passengers observed a man behaving erratically and attempting to open one of the aircraft’s exit doors. Witnesses told authorities that the passenger repeatedly said he wanted to get off the plane.

Officials said crew members instructed the man to remain seated and stop his disruptive behavior, but he allegedly refused to comply. Instead, he reportedly moved toward the front of the aircraft and attempted to enter the pilots’ compartment.

As the situation escalated, an off-duty flight attendant who was traveling as a passenger volunteered to sit near the man in an effort to help monitor him and keep the situation under control.

Authorities said the encounter turned physical when the off-duty attendant briefly left his seat to use the restroom. During that time, the disruptive passenger allegedly attempted to grab the attendant’s bag and then tried to choke him.

Flight attendants and several passengers ultimately intervened and were able to restrain the man while the aircraft was redirected to Miami International Airport.

The plane landed safely shortly before noon local time. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft, took the passenger into custody, and arrested him. Authorities said he has not yet been publicly identified and was charged with misdemeanor battery.

Frontier Airlines later confirmed the incident and said the disruption caused only a temporary interruption to the flight’s journey.

“Law enforcement boarded the aircraft in Miami and removed the passenger, and the flight subsequently continued on to Chicago a few hours later,” a Frontier Airlines spokesperson said.

After the passenger was removed, the flight resumed service and departed for Chicago later that day.

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{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious confidence Tuesday that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program could move forward, even as renewed regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire have cast doubt on the prospects for broader diplomatic progress.

Appearing before lawmakers in his first public testimony since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Rubio said Tehran has shown a new willingness to discuss elements of its nuclear activities that had previously been off limits during negotiations. However, he stopped short of predicting whether the talks would ultimately produce an agreement.

“They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention,” Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He did not elaborate.

Rubio cautioned that progress at the negotiating table does not necessarily mean a final accord is within reach, noting that uncertainty and internal instability within Iran’s leadership continue to complicate efforts to secure a lasting arrangement.

He added, however, that it’s “not a guarantee that ultimately it will lead to a deal that’s acceptable” and that these negotiations have been made difficult by the instability of Iran’s leadership.

Those comments came as reports emerged from two semi-official Iranian news agencies claiming that Tehran had suspended contacts with mediators after Israel warned it could target Beirut amid its ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah.

The developments coincided with a new round of State Department-sponsored discussions between Israel and Lebanon. Those talks are taking place against a backdrop of escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, further clouding hopes of preserving an already tenuous ceasefire.

Rubio’s appearance before Congress quickly turned into a broad examination of the Trump administration’s foreign policy challenges. Lawmakers pressed him on a range of issues, including reductions in foreign aid programs, anti-drug operations in Latin America, and diplomatic initiatives in several global hotspots.

Although the hearings were formally intended to address the State Department’s annual budget request, much of the attention centered on the ongoing conflict with Iran and the increasingly uncertain truce that has been tested by continued exchanges of attacks.

Rubio and other administration officials have repeatedly defended President Donald Trump’s decision to enter the conflict, despite longstanding pledges to avoid prolonged military entanglements in the Middle East. At the same time, critics have pointed to shifting administration objectives as a source of confusion and concern.

The secretary’s testimony marked his first public appearance before Congress since fighting erupted on February 28. Shortly after the initial American and Israeli strikes, Rubio participated in classified briefings for lawmakers, where Democrats criticized the lack of congressional authorization while most Republicans voiced support for the military action.

As the war enters its third month, questions about its cost and long-term economic impact have begun to attract bipartisan attention. A growing number of Republicans have joined Democrats in raising concerns about the conflict’s financial burden as the midterm election season approaches.

One of the most significant economic consequences has been disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas normally passes. Reduced tanker traffic has contributed to higher fuel prices and broader concerns about energy markets.

Last month, momentum against the war reached a new level when the Senate advanced legislation that would have required Trump to end U.S. involvement in the conflict. The measure gained support after Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy sided with Democrats shortly after losing a primary contest in which Trump had backed his challenger.

A similar effort in the House never reached the floor. Republican leaders blocked a vote on a war powers resolution after concluding they lacked sufficient support within their own ranks to defeat it.

The episode underscored growing divisions within the GOP, as increasing numbers of Republican lawmakers have shown a willingness to break with Trump over the handling of the conflict.

After testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday, Rubio is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for appearances before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing State Department funding.

Rubio, whose parents emigrated from Cuba, is also expected to face questions about the administration’s increasingly confrontational posture toward Havana. The issue has drawn heightened attention after Trump suggested Cuba could become a future target once operations involving Iran conclude.

As Rubio entered a Senate briefing room, protesters interrupted the proceedings with chants urging him to “stop killing Cubans.” Security personnel quickly removed the demonstrators from the chamber.

The protesters were quickly pulled from the room. Their chants also included “Let Cuba live!”

Tensions between Washington and Havana have intensified despite ongoing contacts between officials from both countries. The administration recently escalated the dispute by announcing criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.

Responding to the indictment, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused Washington of manufacturing a pretext for future military action, condemning the charges as a political maneuver designed only to “justify the folly of a military aggression against Cuba.”

Throughout his years in Congress and now as America’s chief diplomat, Rubio has consistently argued that Cuba poses a national security concern because of its relationships with U.S. adversaries. He has maintained that the Trump administration remains committed to confronting that challenge.

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{Matzav.com}

As Israel continues its military campaign and ground operations in Lebanon, former Prime Minister and former IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak delivered a blistering critique of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his government, accusing them of deceiving the public about the war’s progress and achievements.

Barak argued that Israeli leaders are presenting a distorted picture of the campaign against Hezbollah while the country faces what he described as an unprecedented political and security crisis. He maintained that the military is being pushed beyond its limits and that the government is fostering unrealistic expectations regarding the impact of its actions in Lebanon.

“This is a government that misleads the public; Netanyahu is counting bodies,” Barak claimed without evidence. “They didn’t kill 800 terrorists, nor 400 terrorists-it’s all nonsense. During funerals in Israel, Netanyahu said that we were delivering a crushing blow to Hezbollah. He said that Hezbollah had been pushed back by decades.”

Rejecting the government’s portrayal of the campaign, Barak contended that claims of significantly weakening Hezbollah are detached from reality. He said the organization cannot be eliminated without a full conquest of Lebanon, a scenario he described as neither practical nor achievable.

Barak also criticized the destruction of Lebanese villages and statements suggesting a prolonged Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. In his view, such actions do not diminish Hezbollah’s influence. Instead, he argued, they strengthen the group’s standing within Lebanon and weaken opportunities for diplomatic progress.

According to Barak, every Israeli military operation inside Lebanese territory enhances Hezbollah’s image among segments of the Lebanese population, who increasingly view the organization as “the defender of Lebanon.”

The former premier further asserted that Iran and its regional allies have been successful in applying pressure on Washington. He said the only viable path forward is a coordinated international effort involving Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, France, the United States, and Syria to strip Hezbollah of any legitimacy for maintaining an armed force.

Drawing on Israel’s past experience in southern Lebanon, Barak questioned the rationale behind the current military strategy and warned against repeating mistakes made during Israel’s previous presence in the security zone.

“There is a deep concern that going there is not connected to practical considerations,” Barak said. “The real question regarding the withdrawal from Lebanon is not why it took place in 2000, but why it did not take place 15 years earlier. Hezbollah developed because we were inside Lebanon.”

Barak concluded by arguing that Israel’s leadership has lost sight of the broader purpose of military action. He said warfare must ultimately serve diplomatic and political objectives, and asserted that either Naftali Bennett or Gadi Eisenkot would be better suited than Netanyahu to lead the country.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli government has approved a sweeping initiative to prosecute the Hamas Nukhba terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre, setting aside more than NIS 1 billion over the coming years to establish the legal and logistical framework needed for the trials.

The plan, advanced jointly by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, received government approval and assigns responsibility to the Defense Ministry and the IDF for carrying out the prosecution effort. Funding will be distributed between 2026 and 2029.

The allocated budget, totaling more than NIS 1 billion—roughly $350 million—will finance the creation of the infrastructure necessary to conduct the proceedings. This includes the construction of a dedicated courthouse, prosecution offices, and an IDF command center connected to the project.

In addition to building facilities, the funding will support the recruitment of personnel and cover ongoing operational expenses. These include salaries, maintenance costs, computer and communications networks, broadcasting capabilities, transportation, medical services, food provisions, and other administrative needs associated with the trials.

With the government’s approval secured and the funding in place, the defense establishment is expected to begin preparations immediately to launch the judicial process against those accused of carrying out the October 7 atrocities.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said: “As we promised, we are working to ensure that every murderer, rapist, and kidnapper who took part in the murderous terrorist attack against the citizens of Israel bears full responsibility for his actions. Bringing them to trial is our moral and national duty toward those who were murdered, the bereaved families, the survivors, the hostages and their families, and all the citizens of Israel. The State of Israel will exact justice from the perpetrators of the most brutal massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and will send a clear and unequivocal message to all our enemies: whoever slaughters, murders, rapes, and kidnaps Israeli civilians will pay the full price.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added: “The State of Israel is committed to delivering justice to those who dared threaten our existence and massacre our citizens. We are now providing the full budget necessary to advance this moral obligation, so that all those who plot harm against us will know their fate and what awaits them.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF announced on Tuesday that it had killed a Hamas terrorist involved in the October 7 massacre and hostage kidnappings during a targeted operation in the central Gaza Strip.

According to the military, Yousef Ayesh Awad Ramadan, deputy commander of a Hamas Nukhba terrorist cell, was eliminated in a strike carried out on Monday. The IDF said Ramadan was among the terrorists who infiltrated Israel during the October 7 attack.

Military officials stated that Ramadan participated in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eliya Cohen, Alon Ohel, and Or Levy from the bomb shelter at the Re’im Junction during the Hamas-led assault.

The IDF said Ramadan continued to play an active role in Hamas operations throughout the war. In recent weeks, he was involved in advancing plans for attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF personnel, according to the military.

Because of his ongoing involvement in terror activities, the IDF said Ramadan posed an immediate threat to troops operating in Gaza and was therefore targeted.

The military added that a number of precautions were taken before the strike in an effort to minimize civilian casualties. Those measures included the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance to improve the accuracy of the operation.

As tensions over the draft crisis continue to escalate, with protests, arrests, and even attempts to storm police stations dominating headlines, thousands of bnei yeshiva are grappling with uncertainty over their legal status and rights. Against that backdrop, attorney Shlomo Chadad, a specialist in military and criminal law who has been closely involved in recent arrest cases, is offering guidance to those caught in the growing turmoil.

Chadad, who works with organizations including Chayei Olam, Ezram U’Magenam, and other assistance groups, says confusion on the ground has reached unprecedented levels. With tens of thousands of bnei yeshiva now classified as draft evaders or deserters, fear of arrest has become a daily reality for many.

One of the most pressing questions concerns whether a ben yeshiva can safely enter a police station to file a complaint or testify as a victim of a crime. Just last week, Police Commissioner Dani Levy issued a directive instructing officers not to arrest crime victims who come to police stations, even if they are classified as draft evaders.

According to Chadad, however, events on the ground have not always reflected that policy. He pointed to a recent case in which a ben yeshiva who arrived at a police station to report a serious crime was arrested and transferred directly to military authorities, despite the commissioner’s instructions. The incident sparked widespread outrage in chareidi circles.

“Crime victims should be excluded from all of this,” Chadad said, explaining that he receives calls daily from frightened young men asking whether it is safe to approach the police. Some cases involve witnesses to serious offenses, others involve burglaries or traffic accidents.

He described a recent case involving a ben yeshiva who was injured in a serious automobile accident. Rather than seeking medical treatment, the young man’s first instinct was to flee the scene out of fear that police would arrive and arrest him for draft-related issues.

According to Chadad, such situations reflect a growing breakdown of trust between the police and sections of the chareidi community.

In practice, he said, there have been instances in which individuals were handed over to military authorities, though not in large numbers. Much of that is because many bnei yeshiva have become increasingly cautious about entering police stations at all.

As a result, many have turned to alternative methods, such as filing complaints online or sending representatives to handle matters on their behalf. Chadad believes the primary challenge lies with individual officers in the field.

While most officers are familiar with the current guidelines requiring only temporary detention and release with a summons, he warned that some officers either disagree with the policy or are unfamiliar with it. In such cases, he claims, delays can intentionally extend beyond the permitted period, resulting in transfers to military authorities.

Chadad also issued an urgent warning to young men who may qualify for medical or psychological exemptions but have neglected to pursue them.

He stressed that anyone with a legitimate medical or mental-health condition should address the issue before being formally classified as a draft evader. According to Chadad, military authorities become increasingly skeptical as time passes, making exemptions more difficult to obtain.

He recounted a recent case involving a young man suffering from a severe physical illness who clearly qualified for a Profile 21 exemption. Because he delayed addressing the matter for more than a year, he was ultimately arrested. Although military doctors immediately determined that he was unfit for service, he was nevertheless required to remain in prison for two weeks because of the lengthy period during which he had failed to resolve his status.

According to Chadad, had the issue been addressed just a few months earlier, the young man likely would not have spent a single day behind bars.

Another major concern, he said, is a new policy change instituted by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara that significantly lowers the threshold for criminal prosecution.

Until recently, only individuals who had evaded military service for more than 540 days were classified as criminal draft evaders subject to prosecution in military court. Under the revised guidelines, that threshold has been reduced to just one year, or 365 days.

Chadad warned that the implications are substantial.

Those whose status extends for less than a year generally face disciplinary proceedings before a military officer and may receive sentences of approximately 20 to 30 days in military prison. Such proceedings typically do not involve in-person legal representation.

However, once an individual crosses the one-year mark, the case can move into the criminal realm. Those defendants may face military court proceedings, lengthy prison sentences, and a criminal record that could follow them long after the case concludes.

Chadad said thousands of people may already fall into this category and predicted that military authorities will soon face a wave of far more complex criminal cases than they have handled in the past.

Asked what a ben yeshiva should do if arrested in the middle of the night and transferred to detention or Military Prison 10, Chadad offered what he described as the most important piece of advice.

According to him, the first words out of a detainee’s mouth should be a request to speak with an attorney.

He stressed the importance of exercising the right to remain silent until receiving legal counsel.

“A professional can, in a short conversation, help organize his thoughts, explain his rights, and clarify what he may and may not say,” Chadad advised.

He cautioned detainees against making statements that could later complicate their cases and emphasized that many prisoners are unaware of their rights regarding religious accommodations, kashrus, appeals procedures, and requests for sentence reductions.

“We are living through ongoing chaos,” Chadad said, urging bnei yeshiva not to make decisions on their own. His advice, he said, is simple: always seek guidance from a qualified professional before taking any action.