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Relations between France and Israel have reached a new low after Paris blocked American military aircraft en route to Israel from crossing its airspace, a move that triggered a sweeping response from Israel.

In reaction to the incident, Israel’s defense establishment decided to halt all defense procurement from France and scale back cooperation with Paris to virtually zero.

Officials in Jerusalem said the decision followed revelations that President Emmanuel Macron had imposed a ban on U.S. planes carrying military supplies to Israel from flying over French territory.

As part of the response, Israel’s Defense Ministry procurement delegation in Paris — consisting of roughly 30 personnel — is expected to return to Israel in the near future. “We conveyed to them that we are done with this matter,” an Israeli official said, describing French policy as driven by significant internal pressures.

The same official added, “We will cut off the relevant ties with them and reduce cooperation to zero. We are also considering halting all of our defense deals with them,” according to remarks cited by Ynet.

President Donald Trump confirmed the reports on his social media platform and sharply criticized the French government. “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory,” Trump wrote, adding a warning that “the U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!”.

International sources have corroborated the reports, pointing to an escalation in French criticism of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

Israeli officials noted that despite the restriction, alternative supply routes were secured. “France did not allow an American plane to deliver munitions to Israel,” the official said, but emphasized that “there is an alternative route. Maybe it is a bit longer, but in the end it gets here.”

The dispute with France is part of a broader trend of European limitations. In recent days, Britain and Spain have imposed restrictions on the use of their bases, and it was reported Tuesday morning that Italy also barred the U.S. military from using the Sigonella base in Sicily for war-related operations. Trump expressed anger at these countries for declining to assist in the campaign against Iran and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a separate message, Trump addressed European nations directly: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourselves, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us”. He suggested that countries facing fuel shortages should either purchase energy from the United States or take independent action in the Persian Gulf.

At the same time, Israel’s Defense Ministry has accelerated a plan for greater self-reliance, led by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and Director General Amir Baram. The initiative includes investing billions of shekels in domestic weapons production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in light of the French embargo imposed during the Gaza war.

The decision also aligns with a broader initiative being advanced by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, aimed at achieving full Israeli independence in arms production without reliance on American assistance.

Tensions surfaced within the chareidi political camp after remarks by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri were interpreted by United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchok Goldknopf as dismissive toward the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel. The Shas party later released a statement expressing regret over how the comments were perceived.

In an official message issued Tuesday afternoon, Shas sought to clarify Deri’s remarks, which were published in the party’s newspaper and related to Agudas Yisroel’s decision to leave the coalition over the failure to pass a draft law.

“Shas and its representatives act under the close guidance of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, and hold in high regard all representatives who follow the direction of their rabbinic leaders. If a different tone was understood — we regret it,” the statement read.

“On the eve of Pesach, in the midst of a war and under the shadow of heavy costs, this is not the time to be drawn into disputes. We will say what we have to say at the appropriate time. Shas will continue to act with determination on behalf of the Torah world and wishes all of Klal Yisroel a kosher and joyful Pesach.”

The unusual statement came after Goldknopf publicly objected to Deri’s earlier comments in the Shas publication, in which he said, “There are those who wanted to bring down the government already a year and a half ago.” The remark was widely understood as referring to the Gerrer Rebbe, who has taken a firm stance on the draft issue.

Responding to the comments, Goldknopf defended the authority of the rabbinic leadership guiding his party. “They are the ones who guide us on how to act and what the correct path is,” he said. “The wording, and the presentation of their position as if it were the claim of some individual while casting doubt on their responsibility, is an affront to the honor of Torah, and I protest it,” the United Torah Judaism chairman added.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Naftali Leibovitz zt”l, who merited to serve closely within the inner circle of the Satmar Rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe zt”l, and was entrusted with recording and preserving his Torah teachings. He passed away at the age of 92.

The levayah took place Tuesday morninghn at the Dushinsky beis medrash in Williamsburg, continuing at 12:00 p.m. at the Nikelsburg beis medrash in Monsey, and concluding at 12:30 p.m. at the beis hachaim in Kiryas Yoel, where he was laid to rest near the ohel of his revered rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe of Satmar.

Rav Naftali was born to his father, Rav Boruch Yehuda Leibovitz zt”l, who served as a shochet u’bodek in the kehilla of Hallash, and to his mother, Mrs. Yentil a”h, daughter of Rav Shraga Shmuel Schnitzler zt”l, av beis din of Tshaba, a descendant of illustrious lineage.

Throughout his life, Rav Naftali embodied Torah, yiras Shamayim, chassidus, and deep humility. He was known for his refined character, pleasant demeanor, and unwavering dedication to avodas hakodesh. For many years, he stood among those privileged to serve the Satmar Rebbe closely, playing a central role in organizing, transcribing, and preparing for publication the Rebbe’s Torah insights.

This sacred work was carried out with profound reverence, exacting precision, and deep fidelity to the Rebbe’s words. For Rav Naftali, this was not merely writing—it was a mission of kedusha, a responsibility to preserve mesorah, and a means of transmitting the light of Torah to future generations.

He merited to be among those through whom the Torah of the Vayoel Moshe zt”l was safeguarded and disseminated. This alone reflected his stature, integrity, and deep emunah in chachamim that defined his entire being. He was a true chassid—humble, unassuming, and far removed from honor, with a deep love for Torah. He conducted himself with honesty and clarity, and all who knew him recognized a man of truth, chessed, and devotion.

Among his siblings were the Admor of Hallash in London zt”l, who passed away more than two decades ago; Rav Boruch Mordechai Yehuda Leibovitz zt”l of Boro Park, who passed away in 5782; Rav Elazar Dovid; the Admor of Nikelsburg of Monsey; his sister Mrs. Chaya Leifer, wife of the Admor of Bishtna zt”l of Boro Park; and his sister, Mrs. Hinda Devorah Daskal.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said Tuesday that Israeli forces will establish a long-term security presence deep inside Lebanon following ongoing military operations, including control of territory up to the Litani River and the destruction of villages near the Israeli border.

Katz made the remarks during a high-level security assessment held earlier in the day, attended by senior defense officials, including Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Intelligence Directorate head Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, and other top military leaders.

Opening his comments, Katz expressed condolences to the families of soldiers killed in recent fighting. “I want to express my condolences to the families on the loss of their loved ones, Captain Noam Madmoni, Staff Sergeant Ben Cohen, Staff Sergeant Maxim Antis, and Staff Sergeant Gilad Harel, fighters in the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit, who fell last night in battle in southern Lebanon. I also wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded.”

He emphasized that Israeli forces are operating in Lebanon to protect residents of northern Israel from immediate threats. “IDF forces are operating in Lebanon in order to defend the residents of the north and to push threats away from them. The soldiers are fighting bravely and with full awareness of the importance of the mission, and the entire nation must embrace the heroic fighters and their families and hold them close to its heart.”

Katz described an aggressive ground campaign targeting Hezbollah strongholds. “The maneuvering forces are entering the villages with great force, using all means, clearing them of Hezbollah terrorists and destroying the terror infrastructure established there, along with the weapons, and demolishing the houses that serve as Hezbollah outposts in every sense.”

Looking ahead, Katz outlined Israel’s intended post-operation posture in Lebanon. “At the end of the operation, the IDF will position itself in a security zone inside Lebanon — along the defensive line against anti-tank missiles — and will maintain security control throughout the entire area up to the Litani, including the Litani bridges that remain — while eliminating Radwan forces that infiltrated the area and destroying all weapons located there.”

He further stated that residents displaced from southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return for the foreseeable future. “In addition, the return south of the Litani of more than 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon who evacuated north will be absolutely prohibited until the security and safety of the residents of the north are guaranteed, and all houses in villages near the border in Lebanon will be destroyed — in accordance with the model of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza — in order to remove once and for all the threats near the border from the residents of the north.”

Katz also addressed the broader campaign against Hezbollah and its backers. “Indirect fire from other areas in Lebanon is also being handled and will be handled increasingly. We are determined to separate Lebanon from the Iranian arena — to pull out the snake’s teeth and remove Hezbollah’s ability to threaten, and to change once and for all the situation in Lebanon with a security presence of the IDF in the necessary places — with strict enforcement and total deterrence. Just as in Syria and in Gaza — so too in Lebanon.”

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed support for potential U.S. military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying he hopes such a move will succeed, while also outlining a long-term plan to bypass the strategic waterway altogether.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting amid Operation “Shaagat HaAri,” Netanyahu addressed President Donald Trump’s warning that the United States may use force to open the strait and indicated that he is in ongoing discussions with Washington.

“I am discussing this with President Trump and his team,” he told ministers. He added that “the U.S. is threatening to do this by force, and I hope it succeeds.”

At the same time, Netanyahu emphasized the need for a broader strategic solution once the war concludes, suggesting a shift that would reduce reliance on the strait.

“After the war, we need to make a fundamental change and take the switch away from Iran. The real solution is to bypass them with gas and oil pipelines from Saudi Arabia and from there to Mediterranean ports. This is a global interest.”

Meanwhile, a report in The Wall Street Journal indicated that Trump is weighing the possibility of ending the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.

According to sources within the administration, Trump and his advisers have concluded that forcibly reopening the waterway could significantly extend the conflict beyond its intended timeframe. As a result, the current focus is on achieving key military objectives — including weakening Iran’s navy and missile stockpiles — before bringing the fighting to a close, while increasing diplomatic pressure on Tehran.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that countries struggling to access oil due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz should either purchase energy from the United States or take military action to secure it themselves.

In two posts on Truth Social, Trump made clear that he expects U.S. allies to assume greater responsibility for protecting their energy interests as tensions intensify across the Middle East.

“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump wrote.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done.”

His remarks come as fighting in the region has intensified, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil passage — unsettling markets and raising alarms among nations that rely heavily on Middle Eastern energy supplies.

In a separate message, Trump also took aim at France, accusing it of blocking assistance to Israel by denying overflight access to planes carrying military equipment.

“France has been VERY UNHELPFUL,” Trump wrote, adding that the U.S. would “REMEMBER” the move.

He also applauded the killing of a figure he described as the “Butcher of Iran,” indicating that recent military operations have significantly weakened Iran’s leadership and operational capacity.

Trump’s comments followed reports of American airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, including a major ammunition storage facility in Isfahan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the strikes involved a “high volume” of 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, with explosions large enough to be seen in satellite imagery.

Trump also shared a video on Truth Social showing the strike, depicting a series of blasts illuminating the night sky.

The Isfahan area is considered a central hub for Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, containing uranium reserves as well as one of the country’s largest missile manufacturing centers.

Analysts say repeated strikes by the United States and Israel have caused significant damage to Iran’s offensive capabilities, with some assessments suggesting portions of its weapons stockpiles may now be buried beneath destroyed underground facilities.

The Pentagon is expected to release additional information about the campaign, known as “Operation Epic Fury,” as officials continue evaluating the extent of the damage inflicted.

Iranian authorities have warned that individuals accused of espionage or assisting what it calls “hostile states” could face execution and the seizure of all their assets under an expanded legal framework, as the war with the United States and Israel continues into its second month.

A spokesperson for the judiciary said that even distributing images or footage that could help enemy forces identify targets may be classified as collaboration with foreign intelligence.

State-affiliated media outlets have reported that more than 1,000 people have been detained in recent weeks on suspicion of documenting sensitive sites, posting material critical of the government online, or “cooperating with the enemy.”

The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with strikes by the United States and Israel, has since widened across the region, resulting in thousands of casualties, disruptions to energy markets, and broader economic fallout worldwide.

According to the judiciary spokesman, the law — originally enacted last year — covers a wide range of activities, including operational support, intelligence-sharing, and certain forms of media activity deemed to assist adversarial governments, particularly the United States and Israel.

He also cautioned that individuals accused of spreading misinformation that generates “fear” could face prison sentences, with harsher penalties applied during wartime conditions.

The spokesman said approximately 200 indictments have already been issued in such cases and noted that authorities are coordinating with security agencies to track down suspects and confiscate their property, emphasizing that enforcement will be carried out without leniency.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the United States’ military campaign against Iran is designed to push the regime toward accepting a deal to end the conflict, making clear that sustained pressure is central to the strategy.

During a morning briefing alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan “Raizin” Caine, broadcast live on Newsmax, Hegseth described an approach aligned with President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” philosophy, combining forceful military action with an open door to negotiations.

“Our job is to ensure that we compel Iran to realize that this new regime, this regime in charge, is in a better place if they make that deal,” Hegseth said, adding that while diplomacy remains the preferred outcome, “in the meantime, we’ll negotiate with bombs.”

Hegseth also spoke about recent trips to meet American forces involved in “Operation Epic Fury,” commending what he called the “American warrior unleashed” and noting the determination among troops to “finish the mission.”

He said U.S. service members across multiple branches are engaged in intensive operations, striking targets deep inside Iran while simultaneously defending against missile and drone attacks.

Gen. Caine reported that American forces have hit more than 11,000 targets in the past month, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s missile systems, drone capabilities, and naval assets.

He added that the strikes have severely weakened Iran’s defense production infrastructure, reducing its ability to replenish lost equipment.

“We continue to systematically degrade and destroy Iran’s ability to project power,” Caine said, explaining that operations are taking place across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

Hegseth pointed to intelligence assessments indicating falling morale within Iranian ranks, rising numbers of defections, and a noticeable decline in missile and drone launches.

He also highlighted the destruction of major command centers and weapons facilities, including targets recently cited by Trump.

“American firepower is only increasing. Iran’s is decreasing,” Hegseth said, crediting Trump with taking decisive action where past administrations hesitated.

The defense secretary reiterated Trump’s position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, describing that goal as a cornerstone of the ongoing campaign.

At the same time, Hegseth stressed that responsibility for protecting global stability — including key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz — should not rest solely on the United States.

“The world ought to be prepared to step up,” he said, echoing Trump’s call for allies to contribute more to collective defense.

While he did not offer a specific timetable for the conflict, Hegseth emphasized that all options remain available, including further escalation if Iran declines to engage in negotiations.

“We’re not going to foreclose any option,” he said, underscoring the need to preserve strategic flexibility.

Despite concerns about the duration of the war, Hegseth expressed confidence in the current approach, stating that the United States is “closer than ever before to winning.”

“This is about history. This is about legacy,” he said. “Success matters.”

President Donald Trump said he is not focused on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, even as experts warned that securing those materials was essential to preventing Tehran from advancing toward a nuclear weapon.

“I don’t I even think about it. I just know that it’s so deeply buried it’s going to be very hard for anybody” to reach it, Trump told CBS News in a phone interview, referring to U.S. strikes carried out last year on Iranian nuclear sites believed to house the stockpiles.

“It’s down there deep… Even without a war, they haven’t been able to do it. So… it’s pretty safe. But we’ll make a determination,” he added.

Trump also indicated that he had not yet decided to withdraw American military resources from the region that could be used to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil corridor that Iran had disrupted, while again expressing frustration with NATO allies for not joining the effort.

“At some point I will [pull US forces], not quite yet. But countries have to come in and take care of it. Iran has been decimated,” Trump said.

Officials from NATO countries pushed back, arguing that the United States initiated the conflict with Iran without consulting them, and was now seeking their support to address consequences they did not create.

When asked about a timeline for the conflict’s conclusion, Trump declined to give a firm answer. “It won’t be long,” he said.

“I would say we are two weeks ahead of schedule,” Trump claimed, despite earlier statements from the White House projecting a four-to-six-week conflict and the war already entering its fifth week.

Trump further asserted that Iran would need a decade to recover from the damage sustained during the war.

President Donald Trump sharply criticized France on Tuesday after it refused to allow aircraft transporting vital military equipment to Israel to pass through its airspace, escalating tensions among Western allies.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned the decision in forceful terms. “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the “Butcher of Iran,” who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!! President DJT,” the President wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Shortly beforehand, Trump also took aim at the British government, urging the United Kingdom to take independent military action to secure access through the Strait of Hormuz.

“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT,” he said.

Following France’s decision, Israel responded with a sweeping policy move. Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram ordered an immediate freeze on all defense procurement from France.

The step is part of a broader strategy being advanced by Israel’s defense leadership to scale back cooperation with countries viewed as acting against Israeli interests during wartime.

Going forward, Israeli officials plan to shift purchases toward domestic “Blue and White” manufacturing as well as suppliers from nations considered supportive.

The move comes against the backdrop of mounting frustration in Yerushalayim over a series of French actions since the war began, which Israeli officials have described as unfriendly.

Among those steps, France has barred Israeli participation in major defense exhibitions hosted on its soil and backed a United Nations General Assembly initiative calling for an arms embargo on Israel. The latest decision to deny overflight rights to planes carrying critical military equipment has further deepened the rift.

A heated speech by MK Meir Porush shook the Knesset plenum Monday night, as he praised the opposition for backing funding for chareidi education and welfare—while simultaneously launching a sharp attack on opposition leaders, led by Naftali Bennett.

Porush described the episode as “Speech of the Loser Government 3,” adding that the late-night vote requires a redefinition of the term “losers.”

In a surprising turn, Porush commended the opposition for supporting the funding, stating: “Your vote in favor of restoring the budget that was taken from children in chareidi education is worthy of praise.” However, he quickly pivoted to criticize what he called an “incitement display” by senior opposition figures. He claimed that immediately after the vote, Yair Lapid, Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and others launched “a wild and unrestrained attack” against the chareidi public.

Porush directed his harshest remarks at Bennett, accusing him of massive unpaid party financing debts. “You are a loser who takes public funds and simply doesn’t return them… In the world, a person like that is called a thief,” he said. He further claimed that while other parties have reduced their debts, Bennett, Ehud Barak, and Yoaz Hendel “have not returned a single shekel” and are carrying millions in liabilities.

Concluding his remarks, Porush attempted to offer a measure of consolation to the opposition: “You have nothing to be ashamed of—you approved money for children, for at-risk youth, for the periphery. This is not new money; it is the return of stolen funds.” He added that if legal advisers continue to delay the transfer of the budgets, the Knesset may be forced to introduce “additional checks.”

{Matzav.com}

Rafael Grossi said that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has taken a heavy hit but cautioned that key elements remain intact following last summer’s U.S. strikes and the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN, Grossi said Iran’s nuclear efforts have been significantly set back, though not entirely dismantled.

“There was enormous damage, in particular during the 12-Day War last year, at Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow,” he said, referring to the country’s primary uranium enrichment facilities.

Grossi explained that the recent month-long Operation Epic Fury targeted a broad range of objectives beyond nuclear-related sites, but even when combined with earlier attacks, “not everything was destroyed.”

He concurred with Zakaria’s point that military strikes cannot erase technical expertise, noting that knowledge gained in nuclear development cannot be eliminated through bombing.

“Don’t forget that this activity of uranium enrichment, which is rather complex, is not something that is impossible to do. The methodology is quite sophisticated. The centrifuges that spin at high velocity, to separate the isotope of uranium which is interesting from the one which is not – all of these things Iran has mastered over the years,” he said.

Grossi emphasized that uranium enrichment itself is “not, per se, a nuclear activity,” adding that if Iran chooses to proceed cautiously, it could carry out such work in smaller, harder-to-detect settings.

“You may have, in Iran, thousands – or perhaps more – of workshops, or small factories, where they could reproduce these capacities,” he said.

He aligned with U.S. intelligence assessments that the strikes on Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow caused “very considerable” destruction, setting back Iran’s program by years, but reiterated that “there are things that remain.”

Zakaria pushed back, suggesting that this assessment conflicts with “the administration’s current claims” that without Operation Epic Fury, Iran might have been only weeks or months away from assembling a nuclear weapon.

Grossi responded that he does not have access to the intelligence underlying those claims but pointed out that Iran’s “stockpile of enriched uranium” appears to have survived the earlier 12-Day War.

“It is true that the program had reached a concerning level of development,” he said.

Grossi rejected Iran’s position that it has a “right to enrichment” and voiced some understanding for U.S. efforts to limit Tehran’s activities to “very limited enrichment activities” under international monitoring.

“Perhaps a suspension of these activities could be agreed for a few years, without Iran resigning permanently, as part of a trust-building process,” he suggested.

He declined to take a firm stance either supporting or opposing the joint U.S.-Israeli military actions, instead reiterating his preference for negotiations under nearly all circumstances.

Grossi also spoke positively about Iranian negotiators, describing them as “extremely intelligent and defend their positions, just as the United States and Israel do,” though he has previously voiced frustration over Tehran’s lack of full cooperation with inspections.

Separately, the IAEA reported Sunday that Iran’s heavy water facility at Khondab has “suffered severe damage and is no longer operational.” While heavy water is not itself nuclear material, it plays a crucial role in nuclear research and reactor development. The site was struck in an Israeli airstrike on Friday.

{Matzav.com}

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced that, due to the ongoing war, the Kosel will be closed to the public throughout Pesach, with the traditional Birkas Kohanim ceremony taking place in a significantly reduced format.

The announcement comes as authorities earlier approved a limited prayer arrangement at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christian observances.

In a joint statement issued by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Israel Police, and the Yerushalayim Municipality, officials said: “In light of the ‘Roaring Lion’ war, the current security situation, and Home Front Command directives—alongside recent incidents in Yerushalayim, including missile fragments that fell in recent days in the Old City and the Jewish Quarter—special preparations have been completed for Pesach at the Kosel.”

“As part of this preparedness, and in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines and restrictions on public gatherings, Pesach will be observed this year in an unusual and different format from previous years, out of responsibility to protect human life and concern for the safety and security of worshippers and visitors.”

Officials acknowledged that in a typical year, hundreds of thousands of visitors and mispallelim flock to Yerushalayim and the Kosel during the Yom Tov. “However, this year, given the security circumstances, the public is required to act responsibly and follow the instructions of security authorities,” the statement said.

Under the special arrangements, no public access to the Kosel will be permitted throughout Pesach. Both Jaffa Gate and Dung Gate will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and no public transportation routes will operate to the site.

Despite the closure, the annual Birkas Kohanim gathering—typically attended by tens of thousands—will still take place, but in a drastically scaled-down format with only 50 kohanim participating.

Organizers added that the ceremony will be broadcast live, allowing the public to join remotely and experience the tefillos and brachos. They expressed hope that the war will end before the chag, enabling a return to the traditional atmosphere.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Meet the Kaplan family. This year, their youngest, Rivka, is undergoing intensive treatment. Instead of polishing silver and setting their dining room table, the Kaplans are navigating sterile corridors and counting down the minutes between infusions. For them, the four cups of wine are accompanied by the constant hum of medical monitors.

At Darchei Miriam, we believe that cancer should never have the power to steal a family’s joy or their connection to our sacred Pesach tradition.

Darchei Miriam provides funding for treatment, cheer-up events, food cornors and packages, financial aid, and just about anyhing that a family spending Pesach in a hospital may need.

Help Darchei Miriam to be able to continue bringing the Simchas Yom Tov to hundreds of families in desperate need!

$500 – Donate a Pesach Seder
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May the zchus of your donation bring you health always, and a Chag Kosher V’Sameach!

Dozens of Knesset members have signed a sharply worded letter to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, urging him to return Reserve Battalion 941 to active operational duty after its soldiers were suspended following an incident involving a CNN crew.

The initiative was led by MK Zvi Sukkot in response to the decision made a day earlier to remove the battalion from operational activity. He organized the letter, which drew signatures from dozens of lawmakers. The MKs opened by expressing strong support for the IDF and its wartime operations, noting that under Zamir’s leadership, Israeli forces are fighting terrorism “in a manner that has drawn admiration worldwide.”

At the same time, the signatories leveled strong criticism at the decision to sideline the battalion, arguing that it appeared to have been driven by media coverage. They described the move as highly unusual and warned that it could undermine trust among combat soldiers and reservists—particularly at a time when the military depends on broad mobilization.

The letter stressed that the decision carries significant consequences, both operationally and in the public and family spheres. The MKs cautioned that it could damage troop morale, erode public confidence in the defense establishment, and hinder ongoing efforts to integrate additional populations into military service.

In closing, the lawmakers called on the chief of staff to reverse the decision and order the battalion’s immediate return to full operational activity.

MK Sukkot described the move as “an outrageous decision,” adding that it is unacceptable for considerations of media optics to outweigh the need to stand behind soldiers working to protect the country. He said it is the responsibility of Knesset members to oversee such decisions and prevent harm to the reserve system.

Among those who signed the letter were MKs Tzvika Fogel, Ariel Kallner, Nissim Vaturi, Amit Halevi, Tali Gottlieb, Simcha Rothman, David Bitan, Galit Distel Atbaryan, Akram Hasson, Michel Buskila, and others.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

A surprising development emerged from recent high-level discussions on the war with Iran, as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was reportedly present during a sensitive call between the United States and India, despite holding no formal government position.

The call between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place on March 24, amid an ongoing U.S. and Israeli campaign targeting Iranian assets. According to American officials, the central topic was ensuring continued maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said that “the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of keeping sea lanes open and secure.”

Following the conversation, Modi posted on X: “India supports de-escalation and the swift restoration of peace. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for the global economy.”

The crisis, which has nearly halted oil shipments through the strait, has been described by the International Energy Agency as “the largest supply disruption in history.” India, which imports about 90% of its energy needs, has been directly affected. Modi told parliament that the situation represents an “unprecedented challenge,” while Trump announced a five-day pause in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

According to The New York Times, Musk was on the line during the call, even though he does not hold any official government role. It remains unclear whether he actively participated or was simply listening, but his involvement has sparked sharp debate in both Washington and New Delhi.

Analysts suggest there may be a business angle behind his presence. Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, received commercial approval in India last year after prolonged delays, following agreements with local telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. At the same time, the service has been expanding across the Persian Gulf, where regional instability and restricted internet access in Iran have increased demand for portable satellite systems. On Iran’s black market, Starlink kits have reportedly sold for as much as $4,000 each.

Musk’s participation in sensitive conversations between world leaders is not without precedent. In November 2024, it was reported that Trump briefly handed him the phone during a congratulatory call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—a move that raised concerns among officials uneasy with the involvement of a private individual in matters of state.

Earlier in 2025, Modi also met privately with Musk in Washington before his official meeting with Trump, fueling speculation about the depth of Musk’s connections with global leaders. At the time, Trump said he did not know “why they met,” but added that “perhaps Musk wants to do business in India.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has indicated to advisers that he is prepared to bring the U.S. military operation against Iran to a close even if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal citing administration officials.

According to the report, Trump and his team recently concluded that any effort to forcibly reopen the strategic waterway could significantly extend the conflict beyond the administration’s desired four-to-six-week timeframe. As a result, the current approach is to weaken Iran’s naval forces and missile capabilities, then scale back military activity while increasing diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore normal shipping operations.

Officials said that if diplomatic efforts fail, the United States would look to its European and Gulf allies to take the lead in reopening the strait.

Last weekend, Trump issued Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to restore access through the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. strikes targeting its power infrastructure.

Since then, the deadline has been extended twice to allow for negotiations, most recently on Thursday when Trump granted Iran an additional ten days.

On Monday, Trump said that Washington is engaged in “serious discussions” with a new leadership in Tehran aimed at ending the conflict.

“The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran,” he wrote on Truth Social.

He added that progress has been made but warned of severe consequences if talks collapse or the strait remains closed.

“Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately ‘Open for Business,’ we will conclude our lovely ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched.'”

Trump further said that such actions would be retaliation for past attacks attributed to Iran.

“This will be in retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47 year ‘Reign of Terror.’ Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation approving the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump, advancing a measure that now awaits federal approval before taking effect.

The bill, known as House Bill 919 and signed into law Monday, grants the state authority “to name ‘major commercial service airports,” and includes a provision to rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) after Trump.

Although the governor has approved the measure, the final decision rests with the Federal Aviation Administration, which must sign off on the change. If federal officials give their approval, the new name “would take effect on July 1,” according to the report.

Reacting to the development, Eric Trump celebrated the move publicly, writing: “Palm Beach International Airport is now officially … ‘President Donald J. Trump International Airport!’” He added, “Proud to have played a small role in making this happen.”

The legislation cleared both chambers of the state legislature before reaching the governor’s desk, passing by an 81-30 vote in the Florida House and 25-11 in the Florida Senate.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Critics, including Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, argued that Republicans had “decided to prioritize wasting five million” in taxpayer funds on the renaming effort. Supporters, however, framed the move as a fitting tribute. Florida state Sen. Debbie Mayfield described it as “an honor” to bring forward the legislation.

“It is an honor for me to present this bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after the first Florida resident to be elected President of the United States,” Mayfield said in February.

A dramatic and unprecedented development is stirring the Satmar chassidus, as after two decades of division, the yerushah of the previous Satmar Rebbe, the Beirach Moshe zt”l, is now moving toward an equal distribution among all the sons.

In a rare and historic move, both Satmar Rebbes—the Rebbe Rav Aharon and the Rebbe Rav Zalman Leib—together with all the sons and sons-in-law, signed a public letter calling for the return of all cheftzei kodesh and kisvei yad belonging to the Rebbe, ahead of dividing the inheritance equally. The letter includes a sharp warning: “the one who holds them is in violation of theft.” The development is creating major waves across all factions of Satmar.

The letter, published in the U.S. across both camps of Satmar—the Aharonim (Rav Aharon) and the Zalonim (Rav Zalman Leib)—was signed by all the descendants of the previous Rebbe, whose twentieth yahrtzeit will be marked next month.

Leading the signatories are the two Rebbes themselves, who state firmly that anyone holding items from their father’s estate must return them to the general yerushah. In an even stronger statement, they clarify that even if a chossid intended to return an item specifically to his own Rebbe, it will not be accepted that way. Instead, everything must be returned to the central estate so it can be divided properly and equally.

Behind the scenes, it has been learned that this public letter follows a long period of quiet negotiations and mediation between both sides of Satmar, aimed at finally resolving the division of both monetary assets and sacred items from the Beirach Moshe’s estate.

During his lifetime, the Beirach Moshe appointed his trusted mashbak, the well-known Reb Moshe Friedman (Reb Moshe Gabbai), to oversee the entire yerushah. However, following the Rebbe’s passing and the well-known split between the two Satmar brothers, tensions ran high, making any division impossible for years.

About two years ago, Reb Moshe Gabbai initiated a process to transfer all the items to a facility owned by Reb Meir Hirsch, a prominent supporter aligned with the Rav Aharon camp and a close associate of Reb Moshe. Over the past year, the items were carefully catalogued and evaluated for their full value.

The estate includes rare seforim, handwritten manuscripts, and cheftzei kodesh tracing back through the Satmar lineage—from the Yismach Moshe through the Vayoel Moshe, whose position was inherited by the Beirach Moshe after he left no descendants. The collection is estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

After prolonged behind-the-scenes efforts, the process has now entered a public stage with the release of this letter, which is being described within Satmar as the first official step toward completing the division of the yerushah among all the brothers.

Earlier, Reb Lipa Friedman, son of Reb Moshe Gabbai, visited the residence of the Satmar Rebbe Rav Aharon, where the Rebbe formally signed the letter.

This move is also being viewed as a significant step toward possible shalom between the two Satmar courts, something that has been quietly developing in recent times. Observers noted that during the recent visit of the Satmar Rebbe Rav Aharon to Eretz Yisroel, Reb Ephraim Stern, a noted baal chessed from the Rav Zalman Leib camp, came to greet him at the airport and even kissed his hand, an unusual and telling gesture.

The full text of the historic letter, titled “A Letter of Request and Strong Warning,” reads:

“We, the undersigned, descendants and heirs of our master, our father, the holy Gaon and Tzaddik ztvk”l, and of our righteous mother a”h, hereby turn to the anash, the students and chassidim of our master, our Rebbe, our father and shepherd zy”a. As we now stand, b’ezras Hashem, in the midst of dividing the inheritance from the estate of our father, our Rebbe zy”a, it has come to our attention, to our great pain, that a number of sacred books and valuable items that were in his possession are missing, and their whereabouts are unknown. Among them are also cheftzei kodesh and holy writings that were inherited from our grandfather, our holy Rebbe zy”a, and from our earlier holy ancestors zy”a. All of these items belong to us according to the Torah as an inheritance, and anyone holding them is obligated according to Torah to return them to us.

“And therefore we hereby declare that we do not forgo or forgive any item, book, or manuscript that was taken from the estate. As our father, the holy Rebbe zy”a, already expressed in writing in the year 5744 regarding the inheritance of his uncle, our holy Rebbe zy”a, where he wrote: ‘And it is hereby made known that all manuscripts and any object or vessel that were in his possession, and for whatever reason are now in the possession of others without my knowledge, it should be known that I have never waived or forgiven them, and they remain in the hands of the holder as theft,’ end quote.

“Likewise, we issue a strong warning to anyone holding any item from the estate, that it is considered theft in his possession, and he is obligated to return them immediately, by Lag BaOmer of this coming year, so that we can arrange the division of the inheritance. It should be noted that sacred items of tzaddikim carry no right of possession for one who holds them through theft; on the contrary, one transgresses the prohibition of theft each day, chas v’shalom. Certainly, this is against the will of the tzaddikim, whose belongings were taken from them and from their heirs, and as Chazal have said, ‘Be careful with their embers,’ etc.

“And if there is anyone who thinks to hold on to an item on behalf of one of us, we hereby make it clear that this is against our will, and none of us will accept any item belonging to the heirs unless it is first returned to all the heirs to be divided properly. Therefore, we have appointed agents who can receive any such item, and one may contact them privately without being asked any questions as to how the item came into his possession: the esteemed Reb Moshe Friedman n”y (mashbak), the esteemed Reb Shmuel HaKohen Friedman n”y (mashbak), and the esteemed Reb Chaim Shlomo Fisher n”y (mashbak). They will receive the items and will not publicize or reveal this to anyone, and if the items are returned within the specified time, it will be considered a full forgiveness on our part for the past.

“Similarly, if anyone has a question or doubt according to din Torah regarding any item—whether it belongs to him or whether he has any claim to it, including items that were originally given and later came back into his possession in some manner and he believes they are his—he should also contact the above, and they will connect him discreetly with one of the appointed rabbanim shlit”a, and everything will be clarified according to din Torah hakadosh.”

{Matzav.com}