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Newly declassified documents released by the House Intelligence Committee, following action by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, are drawing renewed scrutiny to the origins of the Ukraine impeachment proceedings, offering additional details about how the complaint against President Donald Trump developed and was handled, The Federalist reports today.

The materials include previously undisclosed interview transcripts with Inspector General Michael Atkinson, along with related documentation. Taken together, they outline how a complaint tied to Trump’s 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was processed and ultimately advanced to Congress.

According to the records, the complaint—filed by then–National Security Council staffer Eric Ciaramella—alleged that Trump sought to influence the 2020 election during the call. Ciaramella claimed that Trump was attempting to “solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. elections” and was encouraging Ukraine to investigate his “main political rival,” Joe Biden. He also suggested that Rudy Giuliani and Attorney General Bill Barr were involved.

The documents show that Atkinson permitted the complaint to move forward despite it being based on indirect information rather than firsthand knowledge. At the time, whistleblower complaints had traditionally required direct knowledge, but that standard was modified, allowing second- and third-hand accounts to be considered.

Atkinson addressed the timing of that change in the newly released material, stating, “So the timing is unfortunate. It looks suspicious, I get that.”

The timeline surrounding the call has also drawn attention. The July 25, 2019 conversation occurred one day after Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s congressional testimony, which marked a turning point in the Russia investigation. The proximity of the two events has been noted in discussions about the sequence of developments.

The complaint itself relied on accounts that were passed along through multiple officials. According to the documents, individuals within the National Security Council relayed summaries of the call to one another, with at least one official relying on a transcript they had only briefly reviewed. That information was then conveyed to Ciaramella and ultimately submitted to the inspector general.

The released materials indicate that this chain of reporting involved several layers of communication between the original call and the final complaint. In contrast, the official transcript of the call—made public in 2019—provides a direct record of the conversation itself.

The call transcript shows Trump referencing public matters, including Joe Biden’s past statements about U.S. loan guarantees to Ukraine and the dismissal of a prosecutor connected to the Burisma investigation. These references were part of broader discussions already circulating publicly at the time.

Additional details that later surfaced, including materials from Hunter Biden’s laptop, included communications related to Burisma’s internal concerns and expectations regarding investigations. These elements became part of the broader context surrounding the Ukraine issue.

The documents also revisit the internal handling of the complaint and the standards applied. Historically, whistleblower systems were designed to rely on firsthand reporting to reduce the risk of inaccuracies. In this case, however, the complaint moved forward despite relying on multiple layers of indirect information.

The records further detail how information about the call moved between officials before reaching the inspector general, highlighting the complexity of how the complaint was assembled.

The documents also shed light on Ciaramella’s prior role within the National Security Council, including involvement in Ukraine-related policy matters during the Obama administration. His background and connections to the issue became part of later discussions during the impeachment process.

During congressional questioning at the time, issues surrounding contacts between Ciaramella and members of Congress were raised. In one exchange referenced in the materials, clarification was offered regarding the nature of those interactions and how they were described publicly.

The broader role of media coverage during the impeachment proceedings is also revisited in light of the new material. At the time, the identity of the whistleblower was widely shielded, limiting public discussion of his background and involvement.

The newly released documents add further detail to the sequence of events that led to Trump’s impeachment, which became the third such proceeding in U.S. history. They provide additional insight into how the complaint was developed, reviewed, and ultimately used as the basis for congressional action.

While the documents offer more information about the process, they also arrive years after the events in question, revisiting a chapter that played a central role in the political landscape leading up to the 2020 election.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday pushed back against claims that high taxes are driving wealthy residents out of the city, arguing instead that the real departure is among working-class New Yorkers struggling to afford living costs.

The idea that affluent residents have been leaving in large numbers for lower-tax states such as Florida gained traction ahead of the 2025 mayoral race, particularly as Mamdani promoted significant tax hikes to fund expanded social programs. Speaking at a Tax Day event beneath a “Tax The Rich” banner, he rejected those claims and said the narrative does not reflect reality.

“So for all of the discussion of the imagined exodus that would take place were we to tax the wealthiest New Yorkers by the appropriate amount — I say imagined because before I was a mayor I was a state legislator and I was part of an effort to increase taxes on millionaires at that time — we were told the same thing then — and what we find now is that we have more millionaires today than we did at that time even after having passed that tax,” Mamdani said.

He argued that the focus should instead be on those being priced out of the city. “And so for all of that conversation about this imagined exodus, we have to reckon with the very real exodus that we are seeing in the city, an exodus of working class people, an exodus of those who cannot afford to live here,” Mamdani continued.

Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also addressed the issue, urging wealthy individuals who relocated to places like Florida to return, noting that a sizable portion of the state’s tax base had shifted to areas such as Palm Beach.

Mamdani pointed to broader migration trends among residents seeking more affordable living elsewhere. “For many who work here who now find their residence in Jersey City or in Connecticut or in Pennsylvania, anywhere else where their dollar can go a little bit further,” Mamdani said. “And we’ve seen just in a snapshot from 2000 to 2020, the city lost 200,000 of its black residents.”

Following Mamdani’s primary victory in June 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that the mayor’s policies could accelerate departures from New York, particularly among higher-income residents.

“If this socialist mayor candidate wins – you’re gonna see real estate value skyrocket even more in Palm Beach, because people are gonna get out of that city,” DeSantis said. “As bad as DeBlasio was, this guy is like going to be way, way, worse.”

Migration trends in recent years have shown movement from states like New York and California to states such as Florida, which has no state income tax and operates with a budget comparable in size to New York City’s. A 2023 Siena College poll found that 27% of New York residents were considering leaving the state within five years, while 31% said they planned to relocate upon retirement.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Ted Cruz sharply attacked commentator Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, accusing him of adopting extreme views amid an ongoing dispute over President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and the broader Iran conflict, turning into a “deranged, Leftist psycho” who “loves Sharia” law.

The clash intensified after a post circulated by Carlson’s media network on X stating, “Muslims love [Yoshka].”

Responding to that message, the Tucker Carlson Network added, “That’s why Donald Trump’s painting depicting himself as the Son of God offended the president of Iran. It was an attack on his religion as well as Christianity,” referencing controversy surrounding a recent post by Trump.

The uproar began after the president shared an AI-generated image on Truth Social that appeared to portray him as Jesus, following a disagreement with Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran. The image drew criticism from some of Trump’s supporters, including Joe Rogan and Marjorie Taylor Greene, and was later removed.

Trump maintained that he viewed the image differently, saying he believed it depicted him as a doctor, and denied that its removal was due to backlash.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also weighed in, criticizing the post in a message on X. “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV … I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person,” he said.

Cruz’s criticism of Carlson escalated in a separate social media post, where the Texas senator accused the commentator of going too far in his positions, calling him a “deranged, Leftist psycho” who “loves Sharia” law.

The dispute between the two figures is not new. Carlson has become increasingly critical of Trump since the outbreak of the Iran war, drawing repeated responses from Cruz.

After Carlson objected to Trump’s demand for Iran to accept an “unconditional surrender” last month, Cruz pushed back forcefully, saying the position was “to the left of [Sen.] Chris Murphy.”

“That is more anti-American rhetoric than anything I’ve ever heard Bernie Sanders say,” Cruz said on his podcast. “Tucker continues to go to new lows and new lows. The more Tucker Carlson attacks Donald Trump the more fringe he gets.”

Carlson has also faced criticism directly from Trump. In a recent podcast, Carlson accused the president of crossing a line in his rhetoric toward Iran.

“The message of all faith at the biggest picture level is the message in our Bible, which is you are not God. And only if you think you are, do you talk this way,” Carlson said. “But it’s not just mockery of Islam. And no president should mock Islam. That’s not your job. This is not a theocracy.”

Trump responded to Carlson in an interview, dismissing him outright. “Tucker’s a low IQ person that has absolutely no idea what’s going on,” the president said. “He calls me all the time; I don’t respond to his calls. I don’t deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools.”

A newly released report by Israeli State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman sharply criticizes Israel’s preparedness in maintaining civil aviation services during extended wartime conditions, concluding that both government authorities and the aviation sector were not adequately equipped for a prolonged emergency.

The report states that the recent conflict revealed significant gaps in readiness, particularly regarding long-term disruptions. Englman emphasized, “The wars illustrated the need for a complementary airport — the government’s delays have continued and the airport has still not been established.” He further warned, “The missile fire from Iran and Lebanon during the war illustrated that state authorities must ensure that the aviation system operates properly even in emergencies.”

Among the findings, the report notes that despite government financial support to Israeli airlines from the onset of the COVID-19 crisis through the conclusion of Operation “Am KeLavi,” no binding framework was established to ensure state influence over airline operations during future emergencies. It states that “although the government supported Israeli airlines from the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis until the end of Operation ‘Am KeLavi,’ it did not require the establishment of arrangements that would allow it to influence their activity in future emergencies.”

The review examined aviation services during the Swords of Iron war and the performance of aviation authorities and the Transportation Ministry in addressing passenger needs. It identified a series of failures in how authorities managed the continued fighting across multiple fronts and its impact on the aviation sector. According to the report, the public’s ability to travel by air was “severely impaired” because the state failed to regulate its relationship with airlines “in a way that would allow it to instruct them to carry out certain actions during an emergency.”

Focusing specifically on El Al, the report found that although the state holds a “golden share” in the airline, it made no attempt to activate the so-called “interests order.” While the mechanism was intended to ensure the airline would act in line with national interests even after privatization, in practice it does not give the government authority to direct El Al’s operations during emergencies.

The report details that the state lacks the ability to require the airline to add flights during emergencies, determine destinations, intervene in pricing for consumers, or mandate flights on Shabbos.

It also highlights the lack of effective safeguards against potential price increases during crises. Despite concerns raised by the Consumer Protection Authority, the report notes that only in September 2024 — nearly a year after the war began — did authorities begin reviewing pricing practices in the aviation sector.

Additionally, the report reveals that at the outset of the Swords of Iron war, neither the Transportation Ministry nor the National Security Council had procedures in place to prioritize the return of Israeli citizens stranded abroad “according to their importance to the economy.” As a result, those who were able to return first on commercial flights were primarily individuals who could afford the high ticket prices at the time.

{Matzav.com}

A Senate effort led by Bernie Sanders to block U.S. arms sales to Israel failed on Wednesday. Sanders, an independent who aligns with Senate Democrats, has now brought forward four separate resolutions seeking to halt U.S. military aid to Israel. Each attempt has been rejected, with opposition from Republicans and a number of Democrats.

Still, Wednesday’s vote reflected a shift. Forty senators supported a measure to stop a $295 million sale of bulldozers, while 36 backed a separate resolution to block the transfer of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs valued at $151.8 million.

“That shift reflects where the American people are,” Sanders said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Americans, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents, want to see our tax money invested in improving lives here at home – not used to kill innocent women and children in the Middle East and put American troops in harm’s way as part of Netanyahu’s illegal wars of expansion.

“What’s astonishing is that, despite overwhelming opposition across this country, Republicans continue to side with Netanyahu and Trump,” Sanders added.

Support for such measures has steadily increased during the current Congress. In April, only 15 of the 47 Democratic-aligned senators backed similar proposals. That number rose to 27 in July, and climbed further in Wednesday’s vote. The trend reflects growing discomfort among Democratic voters over Israeli policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as coordination with President Donald Trump during tensions involving Iran.

“Being a stalwart friend of Israel, however, does not mean agreeing with all decisions of the Israeli Government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just like being a patriot of the United States does not require unquestioning agreement with the policy decisions of President Donald Trump and his administration,” California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla said in a joint statement, after voting in favor of the resolutions. Both had previously opposed similar measures.

Ahead of the vote, Sanders framed the resolutions as a challenge to the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which has spent heavily on political campaigns in recent election cycles and continues to invest in upcoming races.

“Let us be clear: given the horrific and illegal behavior of the Netanyahu government over the last three years, the American people have had enough. Support for Israel in this country has plummeted,” he said, citing a Pew Research Center survey released this month finding that 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans view the country negatively.

“Maybe, just maybe, the Senate should start listening to their constituents and not just to the wealthy individuals who fund Aipac,” he continued. “And that is what today’s vote is all about.”

In the House of Representatives, some progressive lawmakers have gone further, calling for a complete halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as Iron Dome.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this month said she would “not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and US law”. Representative Ro Khanna expressed a similar position in an interview with Zeteo, saying: “I do believe Iron Dome is important in terms of saving lives. Israel can buy it with their own money.”

Advocacy groups critical of Israeli policies have also intensified pressure on Democratic lawmakers. Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested outside the New York City offices of Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, urging them to support Sanders’s resolutions.

Despite the demonstrations, both Gillibrand and Schumer voted against the measures, consistent with their prior positions.

Separately, a coalition of progressive organizations—including Indivisible, MoveOn, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace—sent a letter urging senators to back the effort to halt weapons transfers, describing it as “an opportunity send a clear message that senators oppose any continuation of the war with Iran.”

The groups raised concerns about the weapons involved, saying the 1,000-pound bombs present “urgent legal and moral concerns” and have been used “in densely populated areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with significant documented civilian casualties”. They also argued that the bulldozers “have been widely used in operations involving large-scale demolition of homes, civilian infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, contributing to forced displacement and de facto annexation”.

In a separate but related development, Senate Democrats forced a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran. That measure also failed after being voted down by Republicans, though Democrats have increasingly used such votes to pressure the administration amid public opposition to the conflict.

Following his vote against Sanders’s proposals, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware explained that while he supported efforts “to end president Trump’s war of choice with Iran”, he could not “abandon our steadfast ally, Israel, and the Americans who live within its borders”.

“My votes should be taken neither as an endorsement of the actions of the Netanyahu government nor as an abandonment of the state of Israel, the Jewish people, or the US-Israel relationship,” he said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that Americans may have to wait until late summer or early fall before gasoline prices drop below $3 per gallon, as energy markets continue to react to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking with reporters, Bessent addressed questions about rising fuel costs following Operation Epic Fury, which began on Feb. 28, and President Donald Trump’s subsequent decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Asked when consumers might see relief at the pump, Bessent pointed to uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the key shipping route.

“President Trump said this morning that he thinks we’re nearing the end. The U.S. kept their side on the ceasefire. We’ve stopped firing. The Strait of Hormuz have not been completely reopened, so we will see,” Bessent said. “I’m optimistic that during the summer we will see gas with a 3 in front of it sooner rather than later.”

He noted that officials in the Middle East have indicated oil production could ramp up quickly once the strait is fully reopened.

“So not by summer like Memorial Day, but maybe by Labor Day?” Doocy asked, with Bessent responding, “Again, I’m optimistic that sometime between June 20th and September 20th that we can have $3 gas again and as I said this morning, too, we are going to be watching the gas stations because they raised prices very quickly when the stated when the crude oil prices went up. We hope they’ll bring them down just as quickly as crude oil prices have come down, which they’ve come down substantially just in the past 10 days.”

Despite policy shifts by the Trump administration aimed at expanding domestic fossil fuel production, gas prices have climbed significantly in recent weeks. According to AAA data, the national average rose from $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 28 to $4.11 by Wednesday.

By comparison, fuel costs reached a peak of $5 per gallon in June 2022 during the Biden administration, driven in part by restrictions on fossil fuel output and broader inflationary pressures, according to federal energy data.

Officials at the time attributed the spike initially to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and later to alleged price gouging. Prices did not fall below $3 again until after Trump took office.

Crude oil prices have also fluctuated sharply. West Texas Intermediate futures closed at $91.23 on Wednesday, up from $67.02 on Feb. 27 — just before the Iran conflict began — though still below the post-February high of $117.63.

Energy analyst David Blackmon cautioned that the recent disruptions could have lasting effects on global energy markets.

“So much damage has been done now to infrastructure and global flows of oil that it’s baked into the cake,” Blackmon told The Daily Caller News Foundation during a phone call. “Prices are not going to go back to where they were before February 28. You could end this thing today. Prices are not going to go back.”

{Matzav.com}

Police have issued a public appeal seeking additional individuals who may have been affected by a mohel from Bnei Brak, as the investigation expands following multiple complaints alleging negligence during circumcision procedures.

The request comes as authorities continue probing allegations against the 66-year-old mohel – whose name Matzav.com has chosen not to report – who is suspected of causing the death of an infant due to negligent conduct during a bris milah.

According to police, the investigation began after a complaint was filed regarding the death of a baby who reportedly developed complications following the procedure. The infant passed away approximately three weeks after the bris, with suspicions pointing to an infection linked to the circumcision.

The mohel, whose identity was cleared for publication earlier today, was taken into custody for questioning and later brought before a district court judge. The court ordered his release to house arrest under certain conditions.

Police appealed the decision, but the district court upheld the ruling, allowing the suspect to remain under house arrest. Another hearing in the case is scheduled for tomorrow.

The mohel’s attorney, Yair Ben Shitrit, responded to the arrest, stating, “What began with great fanfare is ending with a whimper. My client shares in the deep sorrow of the family over the tragic incident. However, it must be emphasized that my client acted throughout in accordance with the required professional standard and even beyond that.”

He added, “The appeal filed by the police to the district court against the release decision was also rejected, and my client was released, which speaks for itself. It should be emphasized that the infant’s death occurred approximately three weeks after the circumcision, a significant factor that substantially weakens any attempt to attribute causation or negligence to my client.”

The defense attorney concluded by expressing confidence that “upon completion of the examinations, the investigative file will be closed and nothing will remain of it.”

{Matzav.com}

House Democrats are set to introduce a series of impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of misconduct tied to the Iran war, abuse of authority, and mishandling of sensitive Defense Department matters.

The impeachment resolution, led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, outlines five separate articles and is backed by a group of Democratic lawmakers. The effort is widely viewed as unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled House, despite the seriousness of the accusations.

Ansari, the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress, has argued that Hegseth bears responsibility for actions taken during the conflict, claiming he was “complicit” in President Trump’s “devastating, illegal war” in Iran.

The first article of impeachment alleges that Hegseth violated his oath by overseeing an “unauthorized war against Iran and reckless endangerment of United States service members.” Additional charges accuse him of committing war crimes by targeting civilians and violating established rules of armed conflict, along with improperly handling classified or sensitive information.

Part of the resolution focuses on Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app on his personal phone to discuss a planned strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. The issue gained public attention after The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to a group chat that included Hegseth and other senior officials.

A report from the Office of Inspector General concluded that Hegseth endangered troops and breached departmental policy, although the Defense Department described the findings as a “total exoneration.”

The impeachment articles also accuse Hegseth of obstructing congressional oversight, including allegedly withholding details related to military operations in Venezuela and Iran, among other areas.

Another charge claims the defense secretary abused his authority, “including targeting and launching bogus investigations against specific elected officials for the express purpose of political retribution.”

The administration rejected the accusations. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson dismissed the move, saying it was “just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the President’s objectives in Iran.”

“Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength,” Wilson said. “This is just another charade in an attempt to distract the American people from the major successes we have had here at the Department of War.”

This is not the first attempt by lawmakers to remove Hegseth. In December, Rep. Shri Thanedar filed separate impeachment articles accusing him of war crimes linked to U.S. strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.

That earlier incident, in which an initial strike was followed by another that reportedly killed survivors, drew criticism from Democrats who argued the actions constituted war crimes, while also raising concerns among some Republicans.

Residents of Netivot were startled Wednesday after massive swarms of bees flooded parts of the city, forcing businesses to shut down and prompting warnings to stay clear of affected areas.

Witnesses reported what they described as a “plague” of bees in the city’s commercial district over the past several hours, with large numbers of insects seen circling the area and clustering on parked vehicles. In one instance, a car was almost entirely covered in a thick layer of bees.

As the unusual scene unfolded, several shop owners locked their doors and sealed their storefronts, choosing to remain inside as the swarms moved through the area.

City officials urged residents to keep their distance and avoid approaching the bees until professionals could handle the situation. Emergency and municipal teams were expected to respond to the incident. No injuries were reported at this stage.

In addition to the activity at the shopping complex, residents reported similar swarms appearing in other parts of Netivot, including on balconies of residential buildings across the city.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated Wednesday that any ceasefire arrangement involving Iran must also address Lebanon, even as the United States and Israel have made clear that the Lebanese front is not part of their ceasefire framework with Tehran.

In a post on social media, Ghalibaf stressed that a lasting halt to hostilities cannot be separated from developments in Lebanon. “The completion and consolidation of a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon will be the result of the resistance and steadfast struggle of the great Hezbollah and the unity of the Axis of Resistance,” he wrote.

He continued, “The United States must comply with the agreement. Resistance and Iran are one soul, both in war and in ceasefire. America should withdraw from ‘Israel First’ mistake.”

Last Friday, upon arriving in Islamabad for discussions aimed at easing tensions with Washington, Ghalibaf said talks would move forward only if the U.S. accepted Tehran’s “preconditions.”

Those demands included a ceasefire in Lebanon as well as the release of Iranian assets that have been frozen abroad. In another social media statement, Ghalibaf claimed that both issues had already been “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented”.

Despite these assertions, U.S. and Israeli officials have emphasized that the current ceasefire arrangements with Iran do not extend to Lebanon, directly contradicting Tehran’s position.

{Matzav.com}

A large-scale Israeli air operation on April 8 dealt what Israeli officials described as one of the most severe blows to Hezbollah’s leadership structure during the current war, targeting key command and intelligence hubs across Lebanon.

In a coordinated assault, approximately 50 Israeli aircraft struck more than 100 Hezbollah-linked sites almost simultaneously, with explosions reported in Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the targets were not weapons stockpiles or launch sites, but rather central nodes of Hezbollah’s operational infrastructure, including command centers, intelligence headquarters, and planning offices used by senior operatives.

The strike signaled a shift in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on March 2 after Hezbollah entered the war in support of Iran, following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since then, Hezbollah has launched rockets, drones, and anti-tank missiles toward northern Israel, while Israeli forces have escalated their response with expanded airstrikes and a ground campaign in southern Lebanon.

“Within only a minute, the IDF eliminated 250 Hezbollah terrorists in three areas simultaneously,” the Israeli military said in a statement, adding the assessment is still ongoing.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesman, said the operation was the culmination of extensive intelligence gathering over several weeks, during which Israeli agencies tracked Hezbollah operatives moving between apartments, offices, and safe houses throughout Lebanon.

“The timing had to do with the preparations,” Shoshani said. “There was weeks of amazing intelligence.”

Responding to questions about Israel’s intelligence reach, Shoshani pointed to the scale and precision of the strike.

“The fact that we were able to find 250 terrorists hiding in different locations in Lebanon, many of them in locations for recent weeks, eliminating them in real time, I think the capabilities speak for themselves,” he said.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the operation, while international officials also reacted sharply.

“The scale of the killing and destruction in Lebanon today is nothing short of horrific,” said United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. “Such carnage, within hours of agreeing to a ceasefire with Iran, defies belief.”

Hezbollah vowed to continue its response, stating, “This response will continue until the Israeli-American aggression against our country and our people ceases.”

The strike has drawn comparisons to the so-called “beeper” operation in September 2024, when communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives detonated across Lebanon and Syria in a coordinated attack widely attributed to Israel.

That earlier operation killed more than 40 people and wounded approximately 4,000, according to Lebanese authorities, while Hezbollah later acknowledged that roughly 1,500 of its fighters were taken out of action, severely disrupting its communications network.

“The beeper had more … effective injuries. That was the purpose of it,” Shoshani said. “But both targeted hundreds of terrorists and within 60 seconds.”

He added that, like the earlier operation, the April 8 strike aimed not only to eliminate personnel but also to disrupt Hezbollah’s internal structure.

“It was important to the aspect of creating disarray, of breaking their chain of command, breaking their command and patrol capabilities and kind of tilting the organization out of balance,” he said.

A former Israeli intelligence official said the latest strike may not match the scale of the beeper operation but appeared to have hit a broad swath of Hezbollah’s mid-level leadership.

According to the former official, Hezbollah remains stunned by the impact, even if that has not yet translated into a reduction in its attacks.

He cautioned, however, that the effectiveness of the strike should not be judged solely by casualty figures, but by whether it weakens Hezbollah’s ability to function.

The IDF said many of those killed were members of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, along with operatives from its intelligence, missile, and aerial Unit 127 divisions.

Israeli officials also said that many of the targeted sites were located within civilian areas.

“Most of the infrastructure that was struck was located within the heart of the civilian population,” the IDF said.

Shoshani said Israel issued evacuation warnings ahead of the strikes, but claimed Hezbollah shifted its operatives into other civilian areas.

“When we gave the warnings for areas, civilians moved out, then Hezbollah saw that they moved out and started hiding behind civilians in new locations,” he said.

Despite the operation, Israeli officials stress that Hezbollah continues to pose a significant threat. Shoshani noted that the group, which before the war was believed to possess between 150,000 and 200,000 rockets and missiles, retains the ability to strike Israeli territory.

“They still are a real threat for our civilians,” he said.

The strike came as Israel and Lebanon opened their first direct negotiations in more than 30 years at the U.S. State Department in Washington.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has indicated openness to discussions about normalization and the eventual disarmament of Hezbollah, while Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has made clear that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until Hezbollah is dismantled and pushed away from the border.

Within hours of those diplomatic efforts, Israeli airstrikes resumed in Lebanon, and Hezbollah responded by launching rockets toward northern Israel.

{Matzav.com}

In a heartbreaking levayah filled with intense crying and pain, thousands gathered in Ramat Shlomo to escort habochur Yissachar Dov Spiegel z”l, a talmid of Yeshivas Tifrach and Keter Torah, who was niftar after drowning in Netanya on Erev Shabbos. The grief was compounded by the fact that his brother Avi is still missing.

The levayah opened with divrei hisorerus from his father, Rav Shlomo Spiegel, head of the Spiegel chaburah in Beis Yisrael, who spoke through bitter tears. “Three partners are in a person — the father, the mother, and Hakadosh Boruch Hu. So if Hakadosh Boruch Hu gave us a gift, how does He take it back without asking us? The answer is: it is not a gift; it was given to you as a deposit. The Owner of the deposit takes back the deposit. Hakadosh Boruch Hu gave us such a good deposit. Not that I know how to guard the deposit, but even our minimal guarding was enough. He did not need encouragement — he was always drawn to daven, to learn, and to be good. We are returning the deposit complete and pure.”

He continued by quoting Rav Schneur Kotler zt”l: “It is written, ‘He who toils on Erev Shabbos will eat on Shabbos.’ There is an Erev Shabbos of summer and one of winter; sometimes it is short and sometimes it is long. My son merited a short Erev Shabbos in which he toiled, but now he has come to a world that is entirely good, a world that is entirely Shabbos, pure and clean.”

The father then applied the posuk: “Is Ephraim a dear son to Me, a delightful child… Is Yissachar Dov a dear son to Me, a delightful child, for whenever I speak of him, I remember him still,” adding in the name of Rav Meir Shapiro that the word “still” reflects not only what was, but the pain over what could have been. “We always asked him to come home more often for Shabbos; he would tell us, ‘I love to learn — in yeshiva I can learn more.’”

He concluded with a piercing cry: “Why should I lose both of you in one day.” Then he cried out in anguish, “Where is Avi? Where is he? Why two? Now that you are going up to Heaven, ask that we find Avi — be a melitz yosher so that I can continue to hold the yeshiva.”

His rebbi, the rosh yeshiva Rav Aviezer Piltz of Tifrach, was maspid next, quoting the piyut of Yom Kippur: “The angels above cried out bitterly: is this Torah and this its reward?” He added, “You must understand that these were not destructive angels in the waves of the sea, but angels of mercy. The angels bring Yissachar Dov before Hakadosh Boruch Hu and say: see what kind of young man was here in this world — one whose entire focus was Torah, who devoted nights like days to learning.” He also spoke with pain about the gezeiros on the olam haTorah, noting that they do not understand the value of a ben yeshiva.

Rav Avraham Moshe Ziskind, rosh yeshiva of Keter Torah, followed, describing how he would prepare the shiurim with him, and that in every sugya he had a unique havana, adding that the entire yeshiva benefits from his zechuyos.

Rav Yitzchak Ezrchi, rosh yeshiva of Mir, spoke next.

The mashgiach, Rav Don Segal, said with emotion: “We have all been struck — not only the parents. This is a blow to all of us. We must strengthen ourselves in matters between man and his fellow and reinforce unity among friends.”

After the father recited kaddish, breaking down in tears,  the levayah continued its way to Har HaMenuchos.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Reservists Party, led by Yoaz Hendel, has sparked backlash after unveiling a campaign targeting chareidi politicians, with messaging that calls for restricting voting rights for those who do not serve in the military or national service.

The campaign, rolled out Wednesday across billboards, social media, and online ads, features the slogan: “They will not decide — the serving public will decide,” alongside the message, “Anyone who does not serve will not be able to vote or be elected to the Knesset.”

Hendel framed the campaign as part of a broader political push ahead of upcoming elections, stating: “The next elections will decide whether a government will be formed here that relies on the chareidi parties, the Arab parties — or a Zionist government that relies on reservists.”

The campaign’s design closely mirrors a 2019 Likud election campaign that used the phrase “They will not decide — you will decide,” which at the time targeted journalists. In this new version, however, the imagery has been replaced with photos of chareidi and Arab Knesset members, including Yitzchak Goldknopf, Ahmad Tibi, Moshe Gafni, and Ayman Odeh, under the revised slogan emphasizing the “serving public.”

As part of the initiative, the party is again promoting its draft proposal, which would bar individuals who do not perform military or national service from voting or running for office.

Hendel elaborated on his position, saying: “We are fed up with carrying the chareidi and Arab public on our backs. We are fed up with the concept that they are the ones who control coalitions. We are here to break that, because governments that rely on non-Zionist elements are extorted into making non-Zionist decisions. In the next elections, the serving public will change the picture. The elections will decide whether a government will be formed here that relies on the chareidi parties, the Arab parties — or a Zionist government that relies on reservists.”

{Matzav.com}

A temporary employee at Ben Gurion Airport was dismissed after taking unauthorized photos of U.S. military aircraft and sharing them, an incident that reportedly raised serious security concerns with both American officials and the IDF.

According to reports, the worker photographed U.S. military planes parked at the airport in violation of protocol and distributed the images via a WhatsApp group, an act that nearly led to a significant incident involving U.S. authorities and Israeli security officials.

In a separate but related development, a soldier who had access to the airfield was also identified as having taken photos of the aircraft and is suspected of circulating them online.

The soldier is currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings within the IDF.

The IDF alerted the Airports Authority to the breach after identifying that an employee was photographing American aircraft against regulations. The report was subsequently confirmed by the airport’s security division.

Responding to the report, the Airports Authority said, “The information is not accurate. This involves a temporary employee who was employed for a period of two months and was dismissed due to a disciplinary violation, in accordance with procedures.”

{Matzav.com}

A routine outing by Israeli travelers on the island of Siargao in the Philippines turned into a legal ordeal after two young men were arrested for jumping off a bridge, with a local Chabad emissary claiming the incident was unwarranted and reflective of broader tensions.

In an interview with Ami Maimon on the “Chidudon” program on Kol Berama radio, Rabbi Mendel Spindler, director of the Chabad House on the island, detailed the circumstances surrounding the arrests, which took place this past Sunday.

According to Rabbi Spindler, the two Israelis were detained after jumping from a bridge at a popular tourist site. He stressed that, contrary to initial reports, there were no signs at the location prohibiting such activity, and that both tourists and locals regularly engage in similar jumps.

“This is pure harassment of two innocent Israelis,” Rabbi Spindler said in the interview. “The local police decided to enforce the law more strictly דווקא now, apparently due to the large number of Israeli tourists and the rise in antisemitism around the world following the war. They took two scapegoats to make an example.”

The situation was further complicated by the timing of the arrest, which occurred on Sunday, a day when government and judicial offices in the Philippines are closed. Rabbi Spindler, who is well known at the local police station, said he rushed to the scene upon hearing of the incident and attempted to secure their release, but was unsuccessful.

“They told me there was nothing to discuss and refused to release them until a lawyer arrived and filed a formal protocol,” he recounted to Ami Maimon. With all offices closed, the process dragged on for several difficult days for the detainees.

During the interview, Rabbi Spindler noted that the Chabad House in Siargao, which has been operating for about two and a half years, hosted approximately 1,100 participants at its most recent Pesach Seder—an immense logistical undertaking in such a remote location.

At the same time, he reported an increase in antisemitic responses on the Chabad House’s social media platforms, including hostile comments and anti-Israel rhetoric.

To counter this atmosphere, he said the Chabad House has been working to serve as a positive force in the community through outreach efforts such as food distribution and beach cleanups, aiming to improve the image of Israelis on the island.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Asher Arieli, senior maggid shiur at Mir Yerushalayim and widely regarded as one of the most prominent maggidei shiur in the world, delivered an unusual shiur at a Belzer bein hazmanim yeshiva, expressing admiration for the dedication of the bochurim and declaring, “This is not bein hazmanim. This is a yeshiva.”

The shiur, given at Yeshivas Ve’har’einu B’vinyano of Belz, focused on the sugya of “takfo kohen” in Maseches Bava Metzia and took place during bein hazmanim.

Rav Arieli, who generally does not travel to deliver shiurim outside his own yeshiva, agreed to come after hearing that the bochurim—many from abroad—maintain a full yeshiva framework during bein hazmanim, learning throughout the day and davening together as they would during the regular zman.

Following the shiur, Rav Arieli walked through the large beis medrash hall. Although he had davened there on previous occasions, he had never had the opportunity to tour the facility.

Speaking afterward, he expressed amazement at what he witnessed, noting the seriousness of the chassidishe bochurim who remained in the yeshiva just days before Pesach. He said it was remarkable that a shiur could be delivered on the complex sugya of takfo kohen and that the bochurim would sit immersed in Torah, debating and analyzing as though it were the middle of the zman.

“We all need to learn from this for all bein hazmanim yeshivos. Usually, in a bein hazmanim yeshiva, you can barely give a shiur even on the halachos of chametz and matzah. This current yeshiva is a special yeshiva, where bochurim are shteiging two days before Pesach. They are disconnected from the entire world and from all the preparations for Pesach. Even among us Litvishe, we should emulate this and do the same.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House on Wednesday pushed back on reports claiming the Trump administration had asked to extend the current ceasefire with Iran, calling the assertions inaccurate while emphasizing continued engagement in negotiations.

“I saw some bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters today.

Leavitt said the United States is still actively involved in discussions with Iran and expressed optimism about the direction of the talks, noting that the administration “remains very much engaged” and “feels good about the prospects of a deal.”

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump announced a separate development involving China, saying Beijing has agreed not to supply weapons to Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – And the World. This situation will never happen again.”

He added, “They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to – far better than anyone else!!!”

{Matzav.com}

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow will support any outcome in nuclear negotiations with Iran that affirms Tehran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian use, signaling continued backing for Iran’s position amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Beijing, Lavrov said Russia would stand behind Iran regardless of whether it agrees to suspend enrichment or continues to assert its right to do so, according to a report cited Wednesday.

“[Russia will accept] any approach based on this principle, the principle of the universality of the right to enrichment,” he said, while emphasizing that Russia and China “firmly support” the talks to end the war.

He added that such an approach would enable the parties involved to “advance realistic and fair goals, fully respecting the legitimate rights of each party, in accordance with international law.”

Iran is a signatory to the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which permits member states to pursue peaceful nuclear energy programs under international safeguards, though the agreement does not explicitly address uranium enrichment.

President Donald Trump, however, took a harder stance earlier this month, writing in an April 8 post on Truth Social that there “will be no enrichment of Uranium” and adding that “the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear ‘Dust.'”

Lavrov also pointed to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s findings, saying, “The International Atomic Energy Agency has never recorded that uranium enrichment in Iran had military purposes,” according to remarks cited by Iranian state media.

“The right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes is an inherent and inalienable right for Iran,” the minister said.

He went on to defend Iran’s conduct in the region, arguing that its actions are reactive rather than aggressive. “Persian Gulf countries are well aware that Iran would not take aggressive actions in the region without American and Israeli attacks,” he said, while calling on Washington to halt its military campaign.

“I hope that America will be realistic and will not continue its aggression in West Asia, a situation from which even that country’s allies are suffering,” Lavrov added.

Iran has reportedly deployed a Chinese-built surveillance satellite to monitor and assist in targeting U.S. military positions across the Middle East, raising fresh concerns about Beijing’s indirect role in strengthening Tehran’s military capabilities.

According to a Financial Times report published Wednesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gained control of a satellite known as TEE-01B toward the end of 2024. The satellite was originally launched by China and later transferred into Iranian hands, providing Tehran with significantly enhanced reconnaissance capabilities.

Documents reviewed by the Financial Times indicate that Iranian commanders used the satellite to observe key U.S. installations, collecting detailed imagery before and after missile and drone strikes to evaluate their impact.

Among the sites reportedly monitored were Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, American facilities in Jordan and Bahrain, as well as additional strategic locations in Iraq and Kuwait.

Experts say the satellite represents a substantial upgrade in Iran’s intelligence operations. With imagery sharp enough to distinguish aircraft and other military assets, it enabled Iranian forces to better plan strikes and assess results.

“This satellite is clearly being used for military purposes,” one expert told the Financial Times, adding that it allows Iran to identify targets ahead of time and refine its strike operations.

The report is expected to further strain relations, particularly in light of growing indications of closer cooperation between China and Iran.

Although Chinese officials have consistently denied supplying weapons or direct military aid, other intelligence assessments cited in separate reports suggest Beijing may be considering additional support, including air defense systems.

Chinese authorities have dismissed such allegations as “groundless,” maintaining that the country does not provide arms to parties involved in the conflict.

Critics, however, argue that China’s commercial space industry often operates in close coordination with the Chinese Communist Party and military institutions.

The findings come as part of broader concerns over China’s global strategy. Analysts warn that backing U.S. adversaries may be part of a wider effort to challenge American influence while preserving a degree of deniability.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, cautioning China against assisting Iran and warning of significant tariffs if cooperation continues.

Trump has said he personally urged Chinese President Xi Jinping not to supply weapons to Tehran, with Xi reportedly denying any involvement.

The developments are unfolding amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place and U.S. forces continue efforts to counter Iranian actions.

The use of advanced foreign technology by Iran highlights the changing nature of modern conflict and underscores the risks posed by growing alignment among U.S. adversaries.

For American officials, the involvement of a Chinese-linked satellite in Iranian military activity represents a troubling escalation that could alter the region’s strategic balance.

Joe Biden drew attention during a portrait unveiling ceremony at Syracuse University School of Law when he singled out a man in the audience he said reminded him of President Barack Obama, leading to an awkward but widely discussed moment.

While speaking at the event held at his alma mater, Biden noticed Jeffrey Scruggs, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, and joked about the resemblance. “I always want to turn around to one guy and say … ‘Barack, what are you doing?’” Biden said.

The remark referred to Scruggs, who was seated in the audience. Biden then called him forward to the stage, repeatedly urging him to come up despite initial hesitation.

“Come here, come here, come here, come here … come here,” Biden said, motioning him forward.

After Scruggs eventually joined him at the podium, Biden continued the comparison, joking about their positions on stage. “I feel like he should be standing on the right and I should be standing on the left,” he said, as the audience laughed.

Biden then turned to those in attendance and asked, “Doesn’t he look like Barack?” Scruggs responded with a shake of his head, appearing to disagree with the comparison.

Wrapping up the exchange, Biden added, “As they say, you’ve done good, fella,” prompting Scruggs to reply, “Well, you know, I try.”

According to reports, Scruggs had earlier mentioned backstage that his daughter wanted him to ask Biden whether he resembled Obama. The moment on stage was intended, at least in part, to relay that message.

The exchange sparked debate online, with some social media users agreeing with Biden’s observation while others criticized the remark.

“He does look like Barack though,” one X user argued. “The hair, the face shape, the suit.”

“Low key he does look like him!” another user chimed in.

“That dude does genuinely look like Obama,” read another X comment.