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A growing dispute between Shas and the Religious Zionism Party has brought the planned appointment of approximately 60 community rabbis across Israel to a halt, exposing a widening coalition rift just hours after Religious Zionism delayed final approval of Shas’ kashrus legislation.

The appointments were part of an agreement reached before the last election between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Betzalel Smotrich. According to sources, the two leaders agreed to move forward with appointing about 60 community rabbis throughout the country. The entire initiative has now stalled after Smotrich reportedly refused to grant the approvals needed to complete the process.

The central point of contention involves rabbinic appointments in Judea and Samaria. Religious Zionism is insisting that additional rabbis in those communities be included as part of the broader package, while Shas argues that those appointments cannot currently be carried out due to technical considerations.

Officials in Religious Zionism say the party has drawn a firm line and will not agree to implement only part of the deal.

“Either there are appointments in Judea and Samaria as well—or there are no appointments at all,” party sources said.

The latest clash comes amid mounting tensions between the coalition partners. Just hours earlier, Religious Zionism prevented Shas from securing final approval of its kashrus bill in the Knesset Committee for Public Initiatives, chaired by MK Ohad Tal, further highlighting the deteriorating relationship between the two parties.

The Knesset has taken a historic step toward formally recognizing Israel’s combat veterans suffering from psychological trauma, as a new bill establishing their legal status advanced Sunday and is expected to receive final approval later this week.

The Knesset Committee, chaired by MK Ofir Katz, together with the Labor and Welfare Committee headed by MK Michal Waldiger, approved legislation that, for the first time, formally defines combat veterans suffering from combat-related trauma under Israeli law.

The bill, which is expected to pass its second and third Knesset readings this week, would establish an official legal definition of a combat veteran suffering from combat trauma within the Disabled Veterans Law. It would also guarantee specialized treatment and rehabilitation through the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department while expanding benefits, financial assistance, and support services for their families.

Kikar HaShabbos has learned that the legislation was originally developed during discussions surrounding the Basic Law: Torah Study. Lawmakers later decided to incorporate the measure into an amendment to the Disabled Veterans Law, a move that ultimately received bipartisan support from both coalition and opposition members.

During the committee deliberations, lawmakers and government representatives said the legislation is intended to bring Israel’s laws in line with the country’s complex security reality and ensure that thousands of combat veterans suffering psychological trauma receive care specifically tailored to their needs.

Labor and Welfare Committee Chairwoman MK Michal Waldiger welcomed the bill’s advancement, saying, “I am happy to lead a meaningful and moving amendment that is tailored to the complex reality of the State of Israel. Combat veterans deserve personalized care and the best possible rehabilitation, both for themselves and for their family members, whose lives were turned upside down in an instant. They gave for us, and today, through great effort and true justice, we are giving back to them a little so that they can return to life.”

Following the committee’s approval, Netanel Shaked, one of the leaders of the Combat Veterans Forum, thanked MK Moshe Abutbul and the Shas party for supporting the legislation. He described the measure as a historic law that, for the first time, will provide official legal recognition to combat veterans suffering from combat trauma while significantly expanding the system of benefits, compensation, and assistance available to them and their families.

If the bill receives final approval in the Knesset plenum, Israel will, for the first time, formally enshrine the legal status of combat veterans suffering from combat trauma in statute, replacing a system that for years relied primarily on administrative procedures and government policies.

A new organization aimed at uniting chareidi journalists from across the media spectrum is set to be formally launched on Monday at the Museum of Tolerance in Yerushalayim. But even before the inaugural conference has taken place, organizers claim the initiative is already facing an organized effort to discredit and derail it.

Dozens of chareidi reporters, editors, broadcasters, and media professionals representing a wide range of chareidi news outlets are expected to attend the founding convention of the newly established Chareidi Journalists Council. Organizers describe the body as a professional organization designed to support journalists working in the chareidi media. In recent days, however, a series of media reports has fueled speculation that some parties are attempting to undermine the new organization before it even begins operating.

Much of the controversy stems from a recent investigative report aired by Channel 14, which alleged that the conference is being organized by Avi Widerman, whom the network characterized as a prominent left-wing figure. The station later reported that former Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Lau had withdrawn from the event following publication of that investigation.

Organizers strongly dispute those claims, arguing that the reports appear to be part of a broader campaign to tarnish the council by attaching political labels to it rather than addressing its stated professional mission.

They point to the reporting surrounding Rav Lau’s absence as an example. While Channel 14 claimed the former chief rabbi canceled his participation because of its investigation, organizers say the official response from Rav Lau’s office—and subsequent conversations with his staff—confirm that he informed organizers last week that he would be unable to attend because he is currently overseas as part of an official delegation strengthening ties with Jewish communities in the Diaspora.

“Those facts apparently were of no interest to those looking to manufacture a negative headline,” one of the conference organizers said. “Deciding on the facts first and only afterward asking for a response is the exact opposite of journalistic ethics. And if that is the reason the Chareidi Journalists Council is being established, then that alone justifies its existence.”

Organizers also reject claims that the conference represents a political initiative associated with the left, noting that the lineup of keynote speakers tells a very different story.

Among those scheduled to address the gathering are Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Ber; veteran educator and chairman of the Madaim V’Yahadus network, Rav Ben Zion Nordman; and Dr. Avishai Ben Chaim, who is widely identified with Israel’s political right, traditional values, and the “Second Israel” movement.

“The list of speakers at the council’s inaugural conference completely refutes the claim that this is a left-wing event,” a source involved with the new organization said. “It appears that someone has already decided on a target and refuses to let the facts get in the way. Instead of journalism, we are seeing anonymous actors trying to sabotage an important initiative.”

The source added that Widerman’s Zericha Foundation operates under the guidance of gedolei Yisroel. While Widerman has never concealed his personal political views, the source said those opinions have never influenced the foundation’s work, including its involvement with the journalists’ council.

“It is unfortunate that some have chosen to take sides against chareidi journalists who simply want to establish a professional organization that will provide them with support,” the source said. “Unlike members of the general media, chareidi journalists currently have no professional body standing behind them.”

According to the organizers, the council’s mission is entirely professional and is intended to address a growing need within the chareidi media. They say that in recent years, chareidi journalists have increasingly faced threats, pressure campaigns, and lawsuits intended to intimidate them, making a unified representative body more necessary than ever.

The organization’s primary goals are to protect the professional rights of chareidi journalists, provide formal recognition for their work, and offer legal assistance and representation to reporters carrying out their responsibilities on behalf of the public.

“This council is more necessary today than ever before,” one of the organizers said. “Journalists should not have to fear competing media organizations trying to impose agendas on them. Our goal is to provide full support and protection to every chareidi journalist, regardless of any political or ideological agenda.”

{Matzav.com}

Despite the rapidly intensifying confrontation between the United States and Iran, Israeli officials believe Tehran is unlikely, at least for now, to launch direct attacks against Israel, according to assessments discussed Sunday evening at the highest levels of government.

According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 News, Israeli officials—including participants in a security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening—believe Iran understands that attacking Israeli territory or civilians would trigger a return to full-scale war and could send the conflict spiraling beyond anyone’s control.

An Israeli official quoted in the report said, “We all hope our assessment proves to be wrong and that Iran makes the mistake.” The official added, “The Americans know that we want to complete our missions in Iran—and they know exactly what we mean. Right now, it isn’t relevant. The current operation is limited, and we are not part of it. We will become part of it only if the Americans bring us into it—or if the Iranians bring us into it.”

Earlier Sunday, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had launched drone strikes against American HIMARS surface-to-surface missile launchers in Kuwait. According to the Iranian report, “the missile infrastructure that was prepared to launch attacks against Iran was destroyed.”

Meanwhile, Sabereen News, a media outlet affiliated with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, reported that drones targeted headquarters belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in the Sulaymaniyah province of northern Iraq. The report did not immediately provide additional details regarding the alleged strikes.

{Matzav.com}

A new series of arrests targeting bnei Torah has raised concerns that another wave of mass chareidi protests could be imminent. On Sunday, two Gerer chassidim and one Erlauer chassid were arrested and sentenced to military prison after attempting to resolve their draft status with Israeli authorities.

One of those arrested was a young Gerer chassid and talmid of Yeshivas Chiddushei Harim, who was detained after reporting to the military induction office in an effort to “regularize his status.” He was sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

Also arrested on Sunday was a Gerer avreich from Ashdod. He, too, was sentenced to 20 days in Prison 10 and, according to reports, was being transported there shortly after his sentencing.

In a separate incident, a young Erlauer chassid, a talmid of Yeshivas Chayei Torah, was arrested after reporting to the induction office in Be’er Sheva in an attempt to regularize his status. He was likewise transferred to Prison 10.

The arrests come roughly one month after Gur held its largest protest yet against the arrest of bnei yeshivah. Tens of thousands of chassidim participated in the demonstration following the detention of a yeshivah bochur from Ashdod who had been declared a draft evader. In an exceptionally rare move, the Gerrer Rebbe personally attended the mass rally.

In addition, approximately two weeks ago, thousands of vehicles took part in a nationwide protest convoy that departed from multiple locations across Eretz Yisroel, including Yerushalayim. The demonstration, titled “Enough Is Enough!,” featured a slow-moving procession toward military detention facilities but stopped short of physically blocking access to Prison 10.

{Matzav.com}

Health officials are investigating a growing outbreak of a rare foodborne parasite that has already sickened hundreds of people across the United States, with experts still unable to identify a single source. As the number of infections continues to climb, many Americans are wondering whether the fresh fruits and vegetables in their kitchens are safe to eat.

Since May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed at least 145 cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide. The true number, however, appears to be significantly higher. Michigan alone had reported more than 1,000 infections as of July 9.

The illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that is relatively uncommon in the United States. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human waste. According to Wisconsin health officials, some infected individuals may have contracted the parasite while traveling to countries where it is more widespread. CDC figures show that at least 45 patients became sick after eating food or drinking water outside the United States.

Within the U.S., however, infections are more commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce. Previous outbreaks have been associated with foods such as romaine lettuce, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and raspberries. Although investigators are still searching for the cause of the recent cases, the CDC says “there is currently no evidence of a single, multistate … outbreak.”

With the source still unknown, many people are understandably concerned about becoming infected, particularly because the illness can produce unpleasant and prolonged symptoms.

Not everyone exposed to the parasite becomes sick. For those who do develop symptoms, the CDC and Cleveland Clinic say the hallmark sign is frequent watery diarrhea that can be severe and “sometimes explosive.”

Patients may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, “bloating, including burping and farting,” a mild fever, and significant fatigue. Symptoms generally begin anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to seek medical attention. Doctors can confirm the infection through specialized stool testing.

Dr. Katie Theoktisto of Baylor Scott & White told Nexstar’s KXAN that in some patients the illness will “self-resolve after a few days.”

She cautioned, however, that persistent diarrhea should not be ignored. “If you’re having a diarrheal illness that’s lasting over a week or two, it’s probably something unusual,” she warned, saying that “those with prolonged symptoms should seek care from their health care providers.”

According to Theoktisto, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of serious illness. These patients may also experience symptoms that return after initially improving.

She noted that several treatments are available. The Cleveland Clinic says therapy may include antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications, and maintaining proper hydration. Patients who cannot take sulfa-based medications because of allergies can be treated with alternative drugs.

The CDC says that while healthy individuals may recover without medical treatment, others can remain “sick for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.” Symptoms may disappear and then return, placing some patients at risk for “severe or long illness.” Without treatment, the infection can persist for a month or even longer.

One encouraging fact is that Cyclospora is not believed to spread directly from one person to another.

To reduce the risk of infection, health officials advise thoroughly washing all fruits and vegetables before eating, preparing, or cooking them.

Experts also recommend refrigerating peeled, cut, or cooked produce promptly and trimming away any bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables before consuming them.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply on Sunday after Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned the United States to honor the terms of a temporary peace agreement or face serious consequences, as fresh American airstrikes targeted Iranian positions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued the warning in a social media post, declaring that the United States could no longer expect Tehran to accept unequal arrangements. “The era of one-sided deals is OVER,” Qalibaf wrote on social media. “We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.”

Along with his statement, Qalibaf published one of the 14 provisions contained in the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The clause stated: “Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa.”

The latest American military action marked the third wave of U.S. airstrikes against Iranian targets after the Islamic regime announced it was shutting down the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely. The strategic waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. Iran closed the passage after its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged cargo vessel GFS Galaxy, accusing the ship of traveling along an “unauthorized route.”

The IRGC later declared through Iranian state media that the critical shipping lane would remain closed “until the U.S. ends its intervention in the region.”

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strike on the commercial vessel caused extensive damage to its engine room, and one crew member remains unaccounted for. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reacted to CENTCOM’s announcement with a blunt warning on social media, writing: “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.”

The renewed military confrontation has further dimmed hopes of reviving negotiations between Washington and Tehran. President Trump said the memorandum intended to serve as a framework for a broader peace agreement is effectively finished after both countries accused each other this week of violating its terms while exchanging military fire.

Expressing his frustration before authorizing the second round of strikes earlier in the week, Trump told reporters, “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum.”

The president intensified his warnings on Friday, stating that the United States has contingency plans ready to “decimate and destroy” Iran if Tehran carries out what officials say is an assassination plot targeting him.

Those remarks followed a report by The Wall Street Journal stating that Israeli intelligence had recently provided U.S. officials with new information indicating that Iran was actively considering a plan to assassinate President Trump.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his own threatening message, vowing revenge for the death of his father, who was laid to rest on Thursday after being killed during the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in February.

In a Telegram message reviewed by Reuters, Khamenei declared: “We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal authorities have joined the investigation into the unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, with FBI Director Kash Patel confirming that the bureau is providing full support to local law enforcement as officials continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the longtime South Carolina senator’s passing.

Patel announced the FBI’s involvement in a statement posted Sunday on X, paying tribute to Graham’s years of public service. “Senator Lindsey Graham was a devoted public servant, a fierce defender of our nation, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the people of South Carolina and the United States,” Patel wrote.

He also extended condolences to the senator’s family and associates while confirming the bureau’s role in the investigation. “Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him during this devastating time,” he added. “The FBI is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available.”

Graham, 71, died Saturday evening after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” News of his passing was released early Sunday.

In its statement, Graham’s office requested privacy for the family as they mourn. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the four-term senator’s office added.

Investigators from the FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department are all participating in the inquiry as authorities work to determine whether there is any indication of foul play in the senator’s death.

According to police scanner recordings obtained by NBC News, emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence Saturday night following a report of a person suffering cardiac arrest.

Images obtained by NBC News showed paramedics transporting an individual from Graham’s home on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance, while numerous police vehicles and fire apparatus remained at the scene.

Only a day before his death, Graham had returned to Washington after traveling to Ukraine during the Senate’s recess. While overseas, he met Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A longtime advocate of strong American support for Ukraine, Graham had consistently backed the country’s war effort against Russia. During his visit, he also worked with a bipartisan group of senators and the White House to finalize language for new legislation aimed at imposing additional sanctions on Russia.

President Trump said Sunday that he had spoken with Graham shortly after the senator arrived back in Washington from Ukraine on Saturday evening.

Recalling their final conversation, Trump said Graham appeared somewhat fatigued after the overseas trip but gave no indication that anything was seriously wrong. “He sounded a little tired, but perfect. But a little bit tired, he had a right to be,” Trump told host Kristen Welker on NBC News’s “Meet the Press.”

A new survey has found that nearly one out of every two Israelis favors increasing pressure on bnei yeshivah in an effort to boost enlistment into the IDF, highlighting the widening divide over one of the country’s most contentious issues.

The findings come from the July 2026 Israeli Society Index released by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI). According to the poll, 46% of the overall Israeli public—and 50% of Jewish respondents—believe that bnei yeshivah can ultimately be drafted into military service and that stronger measures should be employed to make that happen.

By comparison, 31% of those surveyed said they prefer pursuing agreements with the chareidi leadership as the best way to encourage enlistment, while just 11% believe there is no practical possibility of drafting chareidim into the IDF and that attempts to do so should simply be abandoned.

The survey underscores the deep political split over how the issue should be handled. Support for imposing sanctions is especially strong among center- and left-wing voters, where 73% and 79%, respectively, back that approach. Among right-wing voters, however, the picture is markedly different, with 59% favoring negotiated understandings with gedolei Yisroel and chareidi leadership rather than punitive measures.

The results also varied sharply based on party affiliation. Three-quarters of Likud supporters said they favor reaching agreements instead of imposing sanctions, while 84% of Yisrael Beiteinu voters support applying tougher penalties. Within the chareidi community itself, 45% believe enlistment could only come through agreements with community leaders, 36% feel there is little or no realistic chance such enlistment will occur, and only 15% support the use of sanctions.

Researchers also asked Israelis about the ongoing chareidi demonstrations protesting the arrests of bnei Torah over the draft issue. Thirty-nine percent of respondents—including a majority of secular Israelis, at 53%—said the protests are unjustified and should not be allowed. On the other hand, 32% argued that if authorities permitted roads to be blocked during demonstrations against the judicial reform, the same standard should apply to chareidi protesters. That view was particularly common among right-wing voters and Likud supporters.

Prof. Yedidia Stern, president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, said the survey suggests that political identity, more than the substance of the issue itself, is driving public opinion on chareidi enlistment. According to Stern, the political right is reluctant to support sanctions because of its alliance with the chareidi parties, while the center and left are generally in favor of increasing pressure. “When the decisive factor is political rather than substantive, a solution appears more distant than ever,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Just hours after the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved legislation temporarily freezing the arrest of yeshiva bochurim classified as draft evaders, leading Sephardic rabbonim and roshei yeshiva issued a sharply worded public letter condemning the measure, warning that it grants the state sweeping authority over the Torah world and places yeshivos under unprecedented government control.

The legislation, as approved by the committee, would suspend arrests, criminal investigations, and other enforcement measures against bnei Torah eligible for military service for a period of 90 days. However, the protection would not be automatic. Instead, bnei yeshiva and roshei yeshiva would be required to submit affidavits to a special military committee, to be established within a week, and comply with a series of strict conditions.

The rabbonim argued that while the proposal appears to provide temporary relief from arrests, it actually establishes a dangerous framework that allows the government to determine who is truly engaged in Torah study and who is not.

In their letter, the rabbonim wrote that the legislation incorporates “the same destructive oversight mechanisms and the same ‘divide and conquer’ approach” that were contained in the previously proposed draft legislation known as the Bismuth Framework, which had been opposed by senior Torah leaders from every segment of the Torah world in Israel and abroad.

They warned that the law would effectively “bring down the walls of the Torah world” by placing yeshivos and batei medrash under full government control and intensive supervision. According to the letter, the legislation authorizes intrusive surprise inspections of individual bochurim and avreichim, giving government inspectors sole authority to determine each student’s future.

The rabbonim outlined four principal objections to the legislation.

First, they warned that any student found repeatedly absent during inspections—even if he misses only a single hour of the required nine hours of daily study, which are defined by law—would immediately become subject to arrest.

The letter argues that the legislation’s “divide and conquer” approach would make arrests far easier to carry out than under the current system. Rather than confronting an entire united chareidi community, authorities would be able to target individual bochurim and avreichim, forcing them to face the government alone without the protection of broad communal solidarity.

The rabbonim expressed particular concern that Sephardic bnei yeshiva, many of whom live in Israel’s peripheral communities, would become the first targets of enforcement efforts, citing what they described as past experience.

They also objected to provisions requiring roshei yeshiva and roshei kollel to submit ongoing reports identifying students who fail to meet every required hour of study. According to the letter, the law effectively forces roshei yeshiva to become informants while establishing a government committee that will continuously monitor inspection reports and attendance records.

Another concern centers on a provision stating that if repeated absences reach 20 percent of a yeshiva’s student body, the institution could lose its official recognition. Students would then be forced to quickly find another recognized yeshiva willing to accept them in order to avoid becoming subject to arrest.

The rabbonim further warned that the inspection system would fundamentally change the atmosphere inside yeshivos, replacing an environment of spiritual growth with constant pressure, anxiety, and tension between students and their roshei yeshiva. They said school leaders would feel compelled to expel students who fail to meet attendance requirements, undermining the spiritual and emotional conditions necessary for successful Torah study.

The letter stresses that even if the law is eventually struck down or allowed to expire, simply agreeing to such legislation would inflict lasting damage by allowing the state to establish oversight mechanisms that could permanently breach the independence of the Torah world.

The rabbonim also pointed to previous government sanctions as evidence that merely discussing such enforcement measures often leads to their implementation even before legislation formally takes effect. They argued that only firm public opposition and unwavering resistance have succeeded in preventing more severe decrees against the Torah community.

In addition, they noted that the legislation does nothing to eliminate the existing sanctions and penalties already imposed on bnei Torah, leaving those measures fully intact while creating an impression that they have been accepted.

Concluding their letter, the Sephardic Torah leaders issued an emphatic call for opposition to the bill, writing that they cannot believe anyone who identifies as chareidi would support such “destructive legislation.” They declared that it is an absolute obligation to oppose the measure with full force, expressing confidence that the promise that “Torah will never be forgotten from the Jewish people” will endure and that Hashem will continue to protect both His Torah and those who dedicate their lives to its study.

{Matzav.com}

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and his wife are celebrating the birth of their fifth child, a baby boy, whom they welcomed this morning.

Shapiro shared the happy news with his millions of followers in a post on X, expressing gratitude for the newest addition to the family.

“With immeasurable thanks to God, we’re proud to announce the addition of baby number 5 to the Shapiro family this morning!” Shapiro wrote.

The newborn is the fifth child for Shapiro and his wife, Dr. Mor Shapiro, an Israeli-born physician. The couple married in 2008.

The Shapiros previously welcomed their fourth child, also a son, in 2023. At the time, Shapiro announced the birth by thanking God, the medical team, and his wife, calling the newborn “a big handsome boy.”

Shapiro, 42, is the co-founder of The Daily Wire and host of The Ben Shapiro Show, one of the country’s most widely followed conservative podcasts and radio programs. In addition to his work in media, he is the author of numerous bestselling books and a frequent commentator on politics, culture, and public policy.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s next national election will take place on October 27 as originally scheduled, after the Knesset completes its full term, marking the first time in nearly four decades that Israelis will head to the polls on schedule rather than after an early collapse of the government.

Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik confirmed on Sunday that the current parliament will conclude its term on July 17, with the election date remaining unchanged.

“The current Knesset will complete its full term and will not be dissolved [early]. The election date remains as established by law — October 27,” Afik said during a meeting of the Knesset House Committee.

If the timetable holds, it will be Israel’s first regularly scheduled election since 1988. It will also make Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s current administration the first Israeli government to serve out its entire term since 1973.

The announcement comes as coalition lawmakers race to advance a long list of controversial legislation before the Knesset adjourns. Once parliament dissolves, most legislative activity effectively comes to a standstill unless measures receive backing from both the coalition and the opposition.

Israel’s 37th government was sworn in on December 29, 2022, following the collapse of the Naftali Bennett-Yair Lapid coalition.

Led by Netanyahu’s Likud party and supported by several chareidi and right-wing parties, the coalition has frequently been described as the most conservative government in Israel’s history.

Despite surviving its full term, the coalition repeatedly faced threats to its stability. One of the most persistent flashpoints involved legislation aimed at preserving longstanding exemptions from mandatory military service for chareidi men, an issue that has divided not only the opposition but members of the coalition itself.

The government also weathered repeated threats from right-wing coalition partners during the war in Gaza, with some warning they would bring down the government over proposed hostage-release and ceasefire agreements with Hamas.

Recent polling indicates that if Israelis were voting today, Netanyahu’s coalition would likely fall short of securing a majority in the 120-member Knesset. At the same time, the Zionist opposition bloc—an alliance opposed to Netanyahu that excludes both Arab-majority and chareidi parties—appears to be hovering near the threshold needed to form a governing coalition.

Among those expected to challenge Netanyahu for the premiership are former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who now leads the Together party.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump disclosed Sunday that he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham just hours before the South Carolina lawmaker’s unexpected death, saying the senator was focused on advancing the SAVE America Act and appeared to be in good spirits despite mentioning he was tired after returning from Ukraine.

Speaking by phone on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump recounted what he believes may have been one of Graham’s final conversations, describing a senator who remained fully engaged in his work until the very end.

“What makes it even stranger is I got a call last night some time in the early evening, maybe in the sevens, and he called, and he said we’re all set for the SAVE America Act,” Trump said. “He was pushing the SAVE America Act like crazy.”

Trump said Graham had just arrived back in the United States after traveling to Ukraine, a demanding journey that left him fatigued but otherwise seemingly healthy.

“He said he just landed from Ukraine. That’s a long trip to make. He sounded a little tired, but perfect,” Trump said. “He actually said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the SAVE America Act, and I said, ‘Well, we’ll get it done, Lindsey. I’ll get it done. I’ll see you soon. We might even meet today.'”

Only a few hours later, Trump said, he received the devastating news that Graham had died following what has been described as a brief and sudden illness.

“It couldn’t have been much longer. It could have been his last call. I don’t know exactly, but I got a message at about 1:00 in the morning from one of the people in his office that he had passed away,” Trump said. “I said, I can’t believe it. He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough, actually.”

The president praised Graham as an exceptionally effective legislator, highlighting his ability to bridge partisan divides and negotiate with members of both parties.

“He was such an advocate,” Trump said. “If he wanted to get something, and you know, he had a unique ability. He was able to deal with Democrats. If I had a problem, a real problem, I wouldn’t often ask, but if I had a problem with a Democrat, he could work it out. He was a great politician, actually.”

Trump also said Graham had no intention of stepping away from public office and believed he was well-positioned for another electoral victory.

“There was nobody like him,” Trump said. “He loved being a politician, and he was going to win his election. He was going to win it big.”

Although Graham could be relentless when pursuing issues he cared deeply about, Trump said that determination earned him admiration from colleagues across Washington.

“He was a tough cookie. Don’t misunderstand,” Trump said. “If he wanted to get something, if he thought he was right and had people against him, he could be very tough, actually, but he was a good person.”

When asked whether Graham had indicated he was unwell during their conversation, Trump said the senator spoke only of being worn out from travel.

“He told me, ‘You know, I feel good, but I’m tired,'” Trump said. “He was fine. I knew him well. He would let you know if he wasn’t feeling well.”

Trump said the suddenness of the senator’s death came as a complete shock.

“It had to be something like that that would just be a quick end,” Trump said. “Other than being tired, he was fine.”

Looking back on Graham’s career, Trump singled out his forceful defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings, calling it one of the defining moments of the senator’s public life.

“His moment on Kavanaugh was one of the classics in the history of the Senate,” Trump said. “I think that saved Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court ascension.”

Trump also reflected on how his relationship with Graham evolved from political rivals during the 2016 Republican presidential campaign into a close friendship.

“We got friendly, and the friendship grew,” Trump said. “He was an amazing advocate. I don’t know how you find anybody like him.”

According to Trump, Graham became one of his most trusted allies in Washington, frequently visiting the White House and providing valuable insight into the mood of the Senate.

“He was a great gauge, a temperature gauge, of the Senate,” Trump said. “He was somebody that most Democrats liked, some didn’t, but most Democrats liked, and just about all of the Republicans liked Lindsey.”

Asked who should succeed Graham in the Senate, Trump said he already has a preferred candidate but believes it is too soon after the senator’s passing to discuss names publicly.

“I have someone that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said. “I don’t want to even talk about anybody.”

Instead, Trump voiced confidence in South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, saying he expects the governor to make a wise interim appointment until voters elect a permanent successor.

“The governor is a good friend of mine,” Trump said. “I endorsed him early on, and he endorsed me right from the beginning.”

Trump recalled that McMaster, then serving as South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, was among his earliest supporters during the 2016 presidential campaign. He also noted that his decision to appoint then-Gov. Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations ultimately elevated McMaster to the governorship.

“By moving her, I got myself a great guy,” Trump said. “Henry McMaster has been a really good governor, and a really good guy. … He’s going to do the right thing, I think.”

While expressing confidence in McMaster’s judgment, Trump emphasized that South Carolina voters will ultimately choose Graham’s long-term replacement at the ballot box.

“Ultimately, there will be an election,” Trump said. “I have someone that I like, but I’m not going to tell you now because it’s too soon.”

Closing the interview, Trump once again honored Graham’s legacy, saying his contributions to the nation would endure long after his passing.

“He’s got so many legacies,” Trump said. “He was somebody that loved our country, and he fought very hard for the country.”

{Matzav.com}

A Ukrainian refugee who fled the war in his homeland, only to lose his son and son-in-law to Hamas terrorists on October 7, has now died in a tragic drowning accident in Ashdod, bringing yet another heartbreaking chapter to a family already devastated by unimaginable loss.

Vladimir Logvinenko, 60, drowned at an unrecognized beach near Citadel Beach in Ashdod. On Sunday, family members gathered at the Ashdod cemetery to bid him a final farewell, less than three years after Hamas murdered his son, Vitali, and his father-in-law, Oleg, during the October 7 massacre.

He is survived by his wife, Irina, his daughter, Katya, his daughter-in-law, Lilia, and his grandson, Yaroslav. According to relatives, Vladimir suffered from a hearing impairment, an experience that deeply influenced his son Vitali, who devoted himself to volunteering on behalf of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Born in Ukraine in January 1989, Vitali attended a police academy before marrying Lilia in 2017. The couple made their home in Kherson, where they welcomed their son, Yaroslav. Lilia recalled the extraordinary relationship between father and son, describing Vitali as a warm, generous man who loved cooking, entertaining family and friends, and spending his free time fishing by the sea. He also operated a successful food stand in Kherson and was widely admired for his kindness.

The family initially immigrated to Israel in 2019 but later returned to Ukraine. Vitali eventually came back to Israel on his own, and after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lilia and Yaroslav joined him. Together they settled in Ashkelon, close to Lilia’s parents.

On the morning of October 7, Vitali and his father-in-law, Oleg, went fishing near the Gaza border. When Hamas launched its murderous assault on southern Israel, the two men attempted to flee but were caught by terrorists and murdered near the Gama Junction.

The family’s suffering deepened again on Saturday afternoon. At 4:27 p.m., Magen David Adom’s 101 emergency dispatch center in the Lachish region received a report of a drowning at an unrecognized beach near Ashdod.

MDA motorcycle unit paramedic Orel Asulin and MDA medic Simcha Hasid described the desperate efforts to save Vladimir’s life.

“We saw a man in his 50s who was unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, after he had been pulled from the water and beach rescuers were performing CPR. We continued providing medical care and carried out prolonged resuscitation efforts, but unfortunately, we had to pronounce his death.”

{Matzav.com}

A New Jersey township has agreed to pay $80,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a retired police lieutenant who alleged he was denied a promotion after reporting antisemitic comments made by a fellow officer, according to court records. The settlement resolves the case without any admission of wrongdoing by the township.

The lawsuit was brought by retired Montgomery Township Police Lt. Richard F. Szemcsak, who claimed he suffered retaliation after reporting remarks allegedly made by Sgt. Robert Bijl. Among the comments cited in the lawsuit was the sergeant’s reference to kosher food as “Jew food,” along with other alleged derogatory statements about Jews.

According to the complaint, Szemcsak reported the alleged comments through the department’s chain of command, believing they reflected religious bias that should be addressed within the police force. He later alleged that, instead of being commended for raising the issue, he was passed over for promotion to captain despite his qualifications and years of service.

The lawsuit contended that the failure to promote Szemcsak constituted unlawful retaliation for reporting discriminatory conduct in the workplace. Township officials disputed those allegations but chose to settle the case before it proceeded further through the courts.

Under the settlement agreement, Montgomery Township will pay Szemcsak $80,000. As is customary in many civil settlements, the agreement specifically states that the payment does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the township or any of its employees.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., repeatedly called for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now, after Graham’s sudden death, some are wondering if Putin got his wish first, Newsmax reports.

In March of 2022 Graham posted on X: “Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country – and the world – a great service.”

Asked about the matter later at a press conference, Graham urged the people of Russia to “rise up and end this reign of terror.”

“I hope he will be taken out, one way or the other. I don’t care how they take him out. I don’t care if we send him to The Hague and try him. I just want him to go,” said Graham during a press conference shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Among those raising the possibility of Putin’s involvement in Graham’s death is Russian opposition sociologist Igor Eidman, who argued that the Kremlin may have had both a motive and an opportunity to target the South Carolina Republican.

His comments, however, remain speculative.

Eidman pointed to Graham’s prominent role as one of Congress’ strongest advocates for Ukraine and one of Russia’s harshest critics.

According to Eidman, the senator’s continued push for increased military assistance to Kyiv and tougher sanctions against Moscow may have made him a target in the eyes of the Kremlin.

The opposition commentator also noted Graham’s recent visit to Ukraine, suggesting—without presenting evidence — that a hypothetical poisoning using a slow-acting substance could have occurred during the trip.

Eidman speculated that Russian intelligence services might have been capable of conducting such an operation through clandestine networks operating inside Ukraine.

He acknowledged that his theory was based on circumstantial considerations rather than direct proof.

No law enforcement agency, intelligence service, or government has publicly concluded that Russia played any role in Graham’s reported death. No forensic evidence, intercepted communications, witness testimony, or official intelligence assessments have been released supporting Eidman’s claims.

The allegations nevertheless draw attention to Graham’s yearslong confrontation with the Kremlin.

Throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine, Graham emerged as one of the most vocal proponents of expanded U.S. military assistance to Kyiv.

He repeatedly called for stronger sanctions on Russia and advocated providing increasingly sophisticated weapons systems to Ukraine.

According to Eidman, Graham had recently stated that President Donald Trump supported legislation imposing what Graham described as “hellish sanctions” against Russia.

Eidman argued that Russian officials may have viewed Graham as one of the key figures influencing Trump’s evolving approach toward Moscow.

Those assertions also remain speculative.

For years, Graham has been a frequent target of criticism from senior Russian officials and state media.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has repeatedly denounced Graham’s remarks as provocative and irresponsible.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, has also regularly attacked Graham on social media, accusing him of promoting escalation of the conflict.

Russian state television commentators have often portrayed Graham as one of Moscow’s principal political adversaries in Washington, criticizing his support for Ukraine and his calls for additional military assistance.

Following some of Graham’s previous remarks regarding Putin, Russian officials discussed possible legal action against the senator under Russian law and publicly condemned statements they characterized as encouraging violence or regime change.

Those exchanges contributed to Graham’s reputation inside Russia as one of the Kremlin’s most outspoken American critics.

Still, political hostility does not establish responsibility for his death.

Security analysts have long noted that Russia has been accused by Western governments of involvement in several poisonings and assassination attempts targeting Kremlin critics and defectors over the past two decades.

Moscow has consistently denied those allegations.

© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed creating a “Presumed Injury List” for COVID-19 vaccine claims, a move officials say could significantly simplify and accelerate the compensation process for people who suffer certain recognized adverse reactions after vaccination.

The proposal, announced Friday by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would establish a list of specific medical conditions that are presumed to have been caused by a COVID-19 vaccine if they occur within a defined period after vaccination. Claimants whose injuries fall within those criteria would no longer be required to prove that the vaccine caused their condition, dramatically reducing the burden of filing a successful claim.

Under the current system, individuals seeking compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) must present medical evidence establishing a causal link between the vaccine and their injury—a process that critics have long argued is difficult, time-consuming, and often unsuccessful.

If adopted, the Presumed Injury List would function similarly to the Vaccine Injury Table used by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which covers many routine childhood vaccines and allows certain injuries to qualify automatically if they occur within established medical timeframes.

HHS said the proposed policy is intended to make the compensation process more predictable, transparent, and accessible while ensuring that individuals with well-documented vaccine-related injuries receive compensation more quickly.

The department has not yet released a finalized list of injuries that would qualify under the proposal. Instead, HHS said the list would be developed based on scientific and medical evidence and would be updated as additional data becomes available.

The announcement marks one of the most significant proposed changes to the federal government’s handling of COVID-19 vaccine injury claims since the vaccines became available during the pandemic.

The proposal will undergo a public comment period before any final policy is adopted. During that time, HHS is expected to solicit input from physicians, scientists, patient advocacy organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and members of the public.

Supporters of the proposal argue that recognizing well-established vaccine injuries will provide faster assistance to those affected while strengthening confidence in the compensation system. Others are expected to closely scrutinize which medical conditions are ultimately included on the presumed injury list and the scientific standards used to determine eligibility.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the Presumed Injury List could take effect if the proposal is finalized.

Rabbi Moshe Wiener, executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, was planning a community gathering in response to a July 4 mass shooting in Coney Island, in which eight members of the same non-Jewish family were wounded, when he heard from City Hall.

Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York City and a frequent critic of Israel whom many Jewish leaders have decried as an antisemite, wanted to attend.

“He’s still the mayor of the city of New York, and we have to show respect,” Wiener told JNS. “He wants to do the right thing for the city of New York, and whether we agree or disagree with his policies, the best that we can do as a social service agency is try to impress upon and educate him to the greatest extent possible of what works, what’s needed, what unmet needs there are.”

One of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island’s programs that aims to curb violence is Operation H.O.O.D. (Helping Our Own Develop).

“I hope that he’ll agree and support initiatives that will make a positive change in the lives of the residents of the city,” Wiener said of the mayor.

“It was really extraordinary that he stayed there for the full hour-and-a-half,” said the rabbi, who is part of the Chabad movement but doesn’t hold an official or leadership role. “He was very, very compassionate. It was very impressive the way that he interacted with them.”

Mamdani even “stayed the extra time” at the end of the event to “talk to them and comfort them and encourage them,” Wiener said, of the shooting victims’ family members.

Wiener used the community gathering to urge the mayor and lawmakers to invest in violence prevention, trauma recovery and vocational training.

“Law enforcement is indispensable,” he said in his public remarks at the gathering. “Violence interruption is indispensable. Families are indispensable. Schools are indispensable. Faith communities are indispensable. Each has a unique responsibility that no one else can fulfill.”

Wiener asked the city to revive plans for a long-delayed vocational training center in Coney Island. Stable employment is one of the strongest long-term prevention tools, he said.

“City-owned property at Surf Avenue and West 28th Street was designated” for the site more than 25 years ago, he said at the gathering. “Then circumstances changed.”

The rabbi cited frozen land-use approvals and canceled funding and called for funding to be renewed. “That dream should not remain unfinished,” he said at the event.

He also called for permanent funding for H.O.O.D’s trauma recovery center, which relies on annual New York City Council appropriations.

“May the tragic shootings that have brought us together today become more than moments of grief,” he told attendees.

Wiener told JNS that he entered social services work 45 years ago, after seeking a rabbinic position in education.

What began with one contract in an office that “was a large closet in the local Jewish Y” has grown into a citywide organization with nearly 400 employees providing services across New York City’s five boroughs, he said. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of New Jersey families who qualify for the state’s Child Tax Credit will soon have a faster and simpler way to apply, thanks to a new online platform unveiled by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

The new website, called SimpleFile, is designed to help lower-income households quickly apply for New Jersey’s refundable Child Tax Credit, making the process easier for residents who may not normally file tax returns.

“Navigating tax season can be overwhelming for many families. SimpleFile provides a clear, convenient way to apply for the Child Tax Credit, particularly for low-income residents not required to file taxes,” said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Our goal is for every eligible family to apply for and receive this vital benefit.”

State officials also announced that the maximum Child Tax Credit will increase from $1,000 this year to as much as $1,250 next year. Approximately 200,000 families have already claimed the credit, and those who have not yet filed this year may still be eligible to receive the benefit.

Under the program, eligible New Jersey residents can claim a refundable Child Tax Credit on their NJ-1040 tax return for each qualifying child who is 5 years old or younger. The credit can reduce the amount of tax owed and may also increase a taxpayer’s refund.

To qualify for the credit, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey resident for all or part of the tax year.
• Have a valid Social Security number or Tax Identification Number.
• Be eligible to claim the child as a dependent.
• Have a qualifying child who is age 5 or younger by the end of the tax year.
• Have taxable income of $80,000 or less.
• File as single, married or civil union filing jointly, head of household, qualifying widow(er), or surviving civil union partner.

Eligible residents can submit an application through the new SimpleFile website at NJ.gov.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has long accused Israel of “genocide,” compared the Jewish state with Sudan and Russia in a statement.

“One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction,” the Jewish senator said. “Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades.”

In a statement ostensibly about “civil war and genocide in Sudan,” Sanders noted Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine “without provocation” and what he said is “genocide” in Gaza.

“In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages,” he said. “In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas. They waged war against the entire population of Gaza.”

He accused the Jewish state of destroying “virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza.”

Hamas is known to embed deliberately among the civilian population and to use it as human shields.

Five paragraphs into the statement about genocide in Sudan, Sanders finally mentioned Sudan, before pivoting to U.S. President Donald Trump. JNS

{Matzav.com}