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President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States may scale back its military footprint in Germany, escalating tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as disagreements deepen over the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

The warning came after Merz publicly criticized Washington’s handling of the conflict earlier in the week, saying the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership and questioning the overall strategy guiding the war effort. Trump has also voiced repeated frustration with NATO, accusing member countries of failing to support the U.S. during the conflict.

“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump said in a social media post.

Earlier Wednesday, Merz struck a more measured tone, saying his relationship with Trump remained “as good as ever,” while reiterating his skepticism about the war. He said he had “had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran.”

The possibility of reducing American forces in Germany is not new. During his first term, Trump sought to lower troop levels, arguing that Berlin was not contributing enough to its own defense. In June 2020, he announced plans to withdraw approximately 9,500 of the roughly 34,500 U.S. service members stationed there, although the plan was never implemented. President Joe Biden later halted the proposal after taking office in 2021.

Germany remains a central hub for U.S. military operations overseas, hosting key installations such as the headquarters of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, along with Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American military hospital outside the United States.

Merz met with Trump at the White House in March, shortly after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. During that meeting, Merz expressed Germany’s willingness to cooperate with Washington on long-term strategy, particularly regarding the future of Iran’s leadership. He also warned that a prolonged conflict could have serious global economic consequences.

Those concerns have intensified across Europe as efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled. The critical shipping route, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply previously passed, has remained effectively closed since the conflict began on Feb. 28.

“We are suffering considerably in Germany and in Europe from the consequences of, for example, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” Merz said Wednesday, hours before Trump posted his message online. “And in that regard, I urge that this conflict be resolved.”

Despite the tensions, Merz said his administration remains “on good speaking terms” with Washington.

Trump, however, has continued to escalate his rhetoric toward the German leader. In a social media post Tuesday, he wrote: “The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” He added that it was no surprise “that Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and in other respects!”

{Matzav.com}

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett faced pointed questions about past statements and policy reversals during a series of media interviews Wednesday evening, where he defended his record while sharply criticizing the chareidi community and political rivals.

In multiple appearances across Israeli media outlets, Bennett sought to outline his political positions and justify decisions made during his tenure, including the formation of a coalition government with parties he had previously ruled out. The interviews came as he begins a renewed political campaign ahead of upcoming elections.

During one exchange, a host confronted Bennett over what she described as contradictions in his positions: “You said you wouldn’t sit with Ra’am, and you did. You said – Yair Lapid, I won’t make him prime minister, and you did. You changed your position regarding Netanyahu’s trial – you said he was being persecuted because he leads the right, and today you think differently. Do you understand that there are people who don’t know which version of Naftali Bennett to believe?”

Bennett responded by shifting the focus away from the criticism and turning to broader national issues, including security and military manpower. “Look, I am aware of a thousand attacks on this issue. I don’t hear those same attacks. Netanyahu only said he would eliminate Hamas, and for 15 years he only transferred them suitcases of money—no one talks about that. Right now, the issue on the table is that the country is falling apart. The issue on the table is that, I have to say a very harsh sentence, draft evasion is killing our soldiers. I just returned from the north, yesterday I met soldiers along the border, they tell me we don’t have enough soldiers to meet the missions.”

When pressed further by the interviewer—“In the end, that’s a decision of the prime minister, so his decisions are causing the deaths of soldiers?”—Bennett replied, “The entire coalition, it’s not just him. This decision is costing us human lives, yes.”

Bennett also addressed the conduct of senior officials in Israel’s security establishment, issuing a warning against what he described as politicization. “I’m looking now at everything—at the police and at everyone. I suggest everyone remember you are under my watch. Anyone who behaves politically I will throw them down the stairs. Wherever I see places of political exploitation of the position instead of statesmanship, I will cut it off. Even in the police there are elements that are becoming political. Anyone who behaves politically I will throw them to the winds,” he said.

Observers noted that similar remarks directed at legal or judicial officials by other political figures have previously sparked significant public backlash.

Bennett has continued to draw attention for shifting positions on key issues. Just last week, in an interview with Army Radio, he expressed support for civil marriage in Israel, while in Wednesday’s interviews he stated that even if he leads the next government, marriage in Israel would remain exclusively according to Jewish law. The apparent contradiction has fueled criticism from opponents who question the consistency of his views.

In a separate dispute, Bennett claimed he had also offered to appear for an interview on Channel 14 but was declined. The network responded with a different account, stating: “Bennett is not telling the truth. The reason an interview did not take place is that he rejected the interviewers the channel proposed.”

{Matzav.com}

Knesset member Chaim Biton, director-general of the Shas movement, delivered sharp criticism of Israel’s attorney general in a wide-ranging radio interview Wednesday evening, while also addressing the draft law dispute and the political outlook ahead of upcoming elections.

Speaking on Kol Chai Radio, Biton accused Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of acting out of political motives rather than legal reasoning, particularly in connection with economic measures affecting the Torah community.

“She and her team have simply turned things upside down and say ‘no’ to everything – it’s almost laughable to call this legal advice,” Biton said. He added that the country is experiencing a period of harsh decrees, likening it to difficult eras in Jewish history, and argued that the attorney general’s actions are driven by politics rather than law.

On the contentious draft law, Biton said the final determination will be made by senior rabbinic leadership. “The final version is on the table of the leading rabbinic authorities, and they will decide,” he said, adding that a decision is expected once the Knesset returns from recess in the coming weeks.

He also described the current situation regarding draft evasion as dire. “It is an unprecedented catastrophe that in the State of Israel we have tens of thousands of draft evaders who cannot live normal lives,” he said.

Responding to criticism that Shas has not delivered sufficient results during its tenure, Biton pointed to several achievements, including budgetary measures that he said were advanced despite legal hurdles. He praised party leader Aryeh Deri for navigating around those challenges. “The brilliance of Rabbi Aryeh Deri in this matter… it was a smart amendment that placed the funding directly into the regulations. For the first time we told them: ‘Friends, you are not the sovereign here,’” Biton said.

He also highlighted what he described as major progress in religious appointments, including the installation of numerous city rabbis and religious councils, calling it something without precedent.

On the issue of housing, Biton said efforts are underway to bring prices down, pointing to plans for more affordable apartments near Kiryat Gat.

Turning to the political landscape, Biton dismissed current polling as meaningless. “A poll six months before elections is like a billboard trying to create an image. There is no connection between polls now and the real results,” he said, while warning that failure to pass a draft law could jeopardize the coalition.

Finally, Biton addressed the Lag BaOmer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, expressing his personal connection to the site while emphasizing consideration for others. He said that if attendance is limited, he would refrain from going in order to allow someone else to take part. “I try to be there every year, but if there is a limitation such that someone else would not be able to go because of me – I will not go. Absolutely,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Families of victims of the Meron disaster are voicing strong opposition against government agencies and police, accusing them of imposing humiliating and burdensome restrictions as they seek to visit the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer.

In a sharply worded letter sent by attorney Eran Becker to Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and the official overseeing the hilula, MK Meir Porush, bereaved families describe ongoing bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of sensitivity toward their situation as they prepare for the annual pilgrimage.

The letter, written on behalf of families who lost loved ones in the tragedy five years ago, depicts what it calls an unacceptable reality in which grieving parents are forced to stand for hours at checkpoints and plead with police officers and staff for access to the site.

“This is a humiliating and offensive spectacle, in which a mother who lost what is most precious to her is required to ‘prove’ her pain and beg for her basic right to commune with the memory of her sons on the day of the hilula,” Becker wrote. He added that the harm to the families’ dignity has continued year after year since the disaster and must be addressed.

Ahead of this year’s event, the letter outlines four immediate demands intended to ease access for the families.

First, Becker calls for the establishment of a pre-registration system, through which details of the families and their vehicles would be shared with all relevant authorities at least a week in advance.

Second, he requests clear instructions to police and personnel to allow direct and respectful access for family vehicles close to the gravesite, without requiring explanations at checkpoints.

Third, the families are seeking a designated parking area near the site reserved specifically for them.

Finally, Becker calls for renewed and stricter guidelines for all personnel on the ground, emphasizing the need to identify bereaved families and treat them with maximum sensitivity and respect.

In closing, Becker issued a pointed statement, noting that copies of the letter were also sent to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the police commissioner. “We cannot accept a situation in which the state, which bears responsibility for the failure that led to the loss of 45 pure souls, continues to place obstacles before the families at their most difficult moments,” he wrote.

The families are now awaiting an immediate response, expressing hope that their requests will be approved so they can visit the site this year with the dignity they believe is warranted.

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz

This week again, the news can lead a person to feel uneasy. Talks to end the war with Iran and curb their nuclear ambitions failed to materialize. The Israeli ceasefire with Lebanon was extended, but Hezbollah continued its attacks on Israel. The Israeli Supreme Court ramped up its war against lomdei Torah. The Washington shooting was a chilling reminder of the general sense of instability and the fragility of the world order.

And yet, as the world continues spiraling in an unsettling way, we continue counting the Omer, moving steadily from Pesach to Shavuos, as we approach the uplifting day of Lag Ba’omer.

The mitzvah of counting the Omer is found in this week’s parsha of Emor (Vayikra 23:15). This counting is not merely a tally of days, but a journey that leads us toward Kabbolas HaTorah.

The mourning aspects of the Sefirah period have so taken over the seven weeks between Pesach and Shavuos that we can sometimes forget that there is more to Sefirah than refraining from cutting hair, celebrations, and music. Sefirah is a time of preparation, a gradual ascent, when we strive to make ourselves worthy of receiving the Torah anew.

In fact, the Maharal teaches that the period of Sefirah is blessed with an awesome light that is not present the rest of the year (Nesiv HaTorah 12). This ohr increases daily along with the levels of Torah, until it reaches a climax on Shavuos, when the Torah was given. He writes that as we count Sefirah, we say “Hayom,” because yom, day, is an expression of light, and we make the brocha and thank Hashem for granting us the light of this specific day of the Omer, as every day more light is revealed as we proceed along the path to Torah (Derech Mitzvosecha). Each day offers a new opportunity, a fresh measure of clarity and growth, as we move closer, step by step, to Torah.

This progression is reflected as well in the korbanos we bring. The Korban Omer, which is brought on Pesach, is comprised of se’orim, animal fodder. The shtei halechem of Shavuos is brought from wheat, which is much more refined. The message is clear: We are meant to elevate ourselves, to rise from more instinctive, physical levels to a more refined and spiritual existence.

We are all familiar with the Chazal (Yoma 9b) that the second Bais Hamikdosh was destroyed because of sinas chinom.

At the time the talmidim of Rabi Akiva perished, the churban was still fresh in the minds of the Jewish people, and the Romans who had destroyed the Bais Hamikdosh still ruled over them. No doubt they worked to repent over the sins that had caused the churban so that they would merit redemption and geulah. However, the plague that struck down the holy talmidim because “lo nohagu kavod zeh lozeh — they were lacking in respect for one another” indicated to them that the issues of sinas chinom still needed to be corrected in order to merit the geulah.

The people of that time realized that there was much more that remained to be done in order to end their golus under the Romans. The fact that the mageifah took place during the days of Sefirah, when there is increased ohr and daily introspection, perfection, and growth toward obtaining Torah, indicated that not only were the people not worthy of the Bais Hamikdosh, but they were also unworthy of Torah.

The same qualities that are necessary for Kabbolas HaTorah are necessary for geulah, so this special period of Sefirah was chosen as a time to improve ourselves and prepare not only for Torah, but also for geulah. By mourning the loss of the talmidim, we are reminded that to merit Torah, we must refine our character—how we treat each other, how we speak, and how we live together. We see what happens when there is sinas chinom and a lack of respect for each other.

During the Sefirah period, we work each day to perfect another of the 48 kinyanim of Torah and engage in raising ourselves from the nefesh habehami levels of se’orim, animal food, to the nefesh haruchni at the 49th level of kedusha. These attributes prepare us for Kabbolas HaTorah, when we stood united, k’ish echod beleiv echod, at Har Sinai. They also prepare us for the unity that geulah necessitates, when Hashem Echod Ushemo Echod will be recognized across the world.

At the time of the destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh, the Jewish people excelled in the study and observance of Torah, mitzvos, and chesed (see Yoma, ibid.). The only area in which they were lacking was ahavas Yisroel. That alone was enough to cause the destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh and bring on golus and all that it entails.

Much the same, it seems that the talmidim of Rabi Akiva excelled in all areas of Torah, except in the realm of bein adam lachaveiro.

In our day, we note the explosion of Torah and frum communities. There is so much that we can point to with great pride. Yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs are more plentiful and larger than ever. We have every conceivable type of chesed organization. There is unprecedented dikduk b’mitzvos. Yet, the fact that we remain in golus indicates that we are lacking in ahavas Yisroel and achdus. If sinas chinom were not prevalent among us, if there were no machlokes and division, golus would have ended.

During these days of Sefirah, we must work to end the hatred and dislike of others, including people who look different or see things differently than us. We need to take to heart the message of Sefirah and the passing of Rabi Akiva’s talmidim so that we can return again to where and what we were, and what we are meant to be.

The number of days in the Sefirah period is cited as connected to the 48 methods necessary to acquire Torah. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos teaches that to properly acquire Torah, we must excel in the 48 devorim through which Torah is acquired. Many of them involve matters that relate to the way we deal and interact with one another. Someone who has not perfected himself ethically and morally cannot properly excel in Torah. A person who is deficient in the way he deals with other people will also be lacking in Torah.

The Ramchal in Maamar Hachochmah discusses the idea that the Bnei Yisroel in Mitzrayim sank to the 49th level of depravity. After redeeming them from servitude, Hakadosh Boruch Hu provided for them the 49-day period between Pesach and Shavuos so that the freed slaves could raise themselves from the abyss of decadence and alter their behavior in a steady progression until they would be worthy of receiving the Torah on Shavuos.

This ability is evident every year during this time period, the Ramchal says. The Ohr Hachaim adds to this concept and writes (Vayikra 23:15) that the counting of the days of the Omer is akin to the count that an impure person performs to calculate the time remaining until he regains his purity. During this period, we must engage in introspection just as the unclean person would do during their period of counting.

These days involve more than a ritual counting and mourning. They demand a spiritual ascendancy to cleanse ourselves from the moral and spiritual imperfections that afflict all of us. During this period, we are to study and apply the 48 kinyanim of Torah in order to be worthy of accepting the Torah on Shavuos.

The mourning we engage in is directly tied to the introspection that this period obligates.

We mourn the loss of Rabi Akiva’s 24,000 talmidim, we emulate their accomplishments, and we seek to fill the void created by their absence. Rav Elchonon Wasserman taught (Kovetz Maamarim V’igros) that a person who is pretentious and egotistical cannot be successful in a leadership position. An effective leader can communicate with people because he relates to them, feels their pain, and does not consider himself to be on a higher level than the people he serves.

In order to reach people, you have to truly care about them and want to influence them. You have to address them with respect. Nobody likes being talked down to. Most people respond to positive reinforcement and tune out negativity.

If you rid your soul of sinas chinom, then you will behave with mentchlichkeit and treat people properly. If you live with ahavas Yisroel, people will respect you and listen to you. You will be able to help them improve their shemiras hamitzvos, Torah learning, understanding of life, and acceptance of what Hashem gives them.

The greatest teacher is not the one who knows the most, and the greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who motivates people to accomplish the greatest things. The greatest teacher is the one who understands his students and is able to reach them. The greatest teacher is the one who loves his students.

A good teacher gives a child the feeling that he has confidence in him and recognizes his potential for achieving greatness. The quality rebbi or morah lets the students know that they share their dreams, hopes, and goals for the future, and will do everything they can to help the children attain them.

There are two ways you can seek to motivate people: either by appealing to their hopes or by playing to their fears. The one who excels makes sure to speak to people’s confidence and not to their doubts. People respond far better when they are treated as if growth is possible for them. When a person feels believed in, he begins to act in a way that justifies that belief.

For leaders and teachers, as well as parents and friends, communication is more than words. What matters is not only what we say, but how we say it. We can inspire and motivate when we communicate with love and care. By living the commandment of “ve’ohavta lerei’acha kamocha,” we show our children, students, friends, and acquaintances that they are valued, believed in, and loved.

Every person has the ability to impact the world. If we maximize the abilities Hashem has given us by immersing ourselves in limud haTorah, using our strength to build rather than destroy, and channeling our blessings toward helping others, we can make a difference. We can change the world.

Sefirah is a time to focus on this growth—to refine not only how we learn, lilmod, but how we teach and uplift others, lelameid. It is a time to develop the sensitivity, awareness, and optimism that allow us to bring out the best in ourselves and in those around us.

On Lag Ba’omer, with achdus, brotherhood, and love, people gather, light bonfires, sing songs, and dance. They show that they have taken to heart the obligations of Sefirah and aveilus, and are preparing themselves for Torah and geulah, k’ish echod b’lev echod. They stand together, firing up their neshamos as they reach for light and holiness.

Lag Ba’omer brings a welcome interruption to the Sefirah mourning. We take haircuts, shave, trim our beards, and allow music to once again lift our spirits. The customs of aveilus, observed in memory of the passing of the talmidim of Rabi Akiva, are set aside, and a measure of simcha returns.

Rabi Akiva was the greatest of his generation. He was the shoresh of Torah Shebaal Peh. The line of transmission of the Torah from Har Sinai to future generations ran through him and his talmidim. When those students perished, the loss was staggering. A grieving nation, already battered by Roman persecution, was left to wonder how the mesorah would endure. Who would carry the Torah forward and who would teach the next generation? They wondered if they could ever be consoled for the loss of so many great men, crucial to the spiritual survival of the nation.

But Rabi Akiva did not yield to despair. He recharged the people and helped them recover from the devastating loss. He gathered a new group of talmidim and began again, ensuring that the chain of Torah would remain unbroken.

On this day, which marked a cessation of the deaths of Rabi Akiva’s talmidim, we commemorate the renewal. We celebrate the resilience, as we foresee a future bright with hopefulness and optimism. On this day, Rabi Akiva’s talmid, Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai, revealed the secrets of Toras Hasod, which infused all future generations with added dimensions of kedusha, depth, and understanding.

Through the centuries, as the Romans of every era sought to weaken and destroy us, we look to Rabi Akiva and Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai for inspiration. We note how they faced down the enemy and persevered, ensuring that our nation and Torah are alive and flourishing to this day. In the wake of a tragedy that would have felled lesser people, they strengthened themselves and set about ensuring that the chain would remain unbroken.

Lag Ba’omer rejects despair. It declares that the Jewish people do not give up or allow the chain of mesorah and greatness to break. The fires of Lag Ba’omer burn vibrantly, proclaiming that the Torah endures, the future is bright, the mesorah will continue, and our people will continue to rise.

The longer our exile is prolonged, the more we turn to days like Lag Ba’omer for inspiration and encouragement, and the more popular their observance becomes.

But it is not enough to just light a fire. It is not enough to sing and dance. We must live the message of Lag Ba’omer, the lessons of Rabi Akiva and Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai. We have to perfect our middos and achieve the 48 devorim that Torah acquisition requires. To merit Torah, we must truly care for one another, treat each other with dignity, and uproot any trace of sinas chinom from within us.

In a world that often feels fractured and uncertain, Sefirah and Lag Ba’omer remind us where our focus must be. By refining ourselves, by strengthening our commitment to Torah and deepening our connection to one another, we prepare for Kabbolas HaTorah and for geulah.

Each of us has the ability to bring light to the world through Torah, through maasim tovim, and through the way we live our Torah lives.

Let us daven that the fires of Lag Ba’omer ignite within us a lasting flame comprised of a commitment to kedusha and growth, and a dedication to proper middos, the eternal mesorah and Torah, so that we may bring about the geulah sheleimah bekarov.

A sharp change in weather is expected over the coming days in Israel, with unseasonably warm conditions giving way to cooler temperatures and possible rainfall just as Lag BaOmer approaches.

After a stretch of mild spring weather, temperatures are set to climb significantly over the weekend before dropping quickly early next week, accompanied by strong winds and scattered showers.

On Thursday, 13 Iyar, skies will be partly cloudy to clear, with temperatures remaining seasonal and comfortable for outdoor activity.

Friday, 14 Iyar, Erev Shabbos, will bring similar conditions, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures typical for the season—favorable weather for Shabbos preparations.

On Shabbos, Parshas Emor, 15 Iyar, a noticeable shift will begin. Temperatures will rise sharply, bringing hotter-than-usual conditions across much of the country, with near-heatwave conditions expected. Hazy conditions may also develop in southern areas.

By Sunday, 16 Iyar, the heatwave is expected to break. Temperatures will drop significantly to below seasonal averages, with partly cloudy skies, gusty winds, and the possibility of light, localized rain in northern and central regions.

On Monday, 17 Iyar, Erev Lag BaOmer, cooler weather will continue. Skies will range from partly cloudy to overcast, with intermittent rain expected in the north and possible showers in central areas. Temperatures will remain lower than usual for this time of year, accompanied by brisk winds.

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Former prime minister Naftali Bennett launched a broad series of interviews across Israel’s leading media outlets on Wednesday, presenting a tough platform against the current government, declaring his intention to lead the center-right bloc in upcoming elections, and outlining plans for major changes in the security and law enforcement systems.

Bennett, who has returned to politics with renewed energy, used the interviews to position himself as an experienced governing alternative. He addressed a wide range of issues, including internal security, senior appointments, counterterrorism, and possible legal arrangements for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Showing strong confidence, Bennett compared himself to past leaders such as Ben-Gurion and Rabin, who served additional terms, and promised “a pace of action not seen here in 50 years” if elected.

In an interview with Yonit Levi on Channel 12 News, Bennett said he would reassess the roles of senior officials in the security establishment and police if he identified political bias. “Wherever I see cases of political misuse of a position instead of professional, state-focused work, I will certainly cut it off,” Bennett said, adding a firm warning about policing: “There are also elements in the police that are becoming political. Anyone who behaves politically – I will throw them out.”

At the same time, Bennett declined to give a clear answer about leadership of the bloc, refusing to say whether he would step aside for Gadi Eisenkot if Eisenkot were to surpass him in polling.

On security issues, Bennett took a hard line. In an interview with Channel 13 News, he addressed the issue of Jewish extremism in Judea and Samaria, comparing it to other threats facing the country. “There are rioters there – and I will dismantle them just as I will dismantle terrorism in the Negev,” he said, adding in reference to recent incidents: “Just as I will not allow terrorists in Bnei Brak to break into the home of an officer.”

His remarks come amid rising tensions and appear aimed at appealing to voters seeking firm enforcement against all forms of lawlessness. In another interview, with Tali Moreno on Kan News, Bennett described the current government as a “left-wing government,” while pledging that any government he forms would be a “true right-wing government.”

Speaking to Avi Salomon on the Walla website, Bennett described the reaction he has received since returning to politics. “There is no place I go where people don’t tell me, ‘You gave us hope,’” he said. He also described a process of growth since his previous term in 2021, saying he now comes with greater maturity and understanding of governing.

Bennett also sharply criticized senior ministers in the current government. “The current coalition is terrible in every parameter. A national security minister who is a clown and a finance minister who is bad and is transferring billions to draft-dodgers,” he said. He added that the coalition’s only advantage is its total alignment behind one leader, while in his own bloc, “overthinking and maneuvering are very harmful.”

Perhaps the most notable remarks came when Bennett addressed Netanyahu’s future directly. In his interview with Walla, he proposed a framework to resolve the ongoing political and legal situation: “In October we are going to establish a broad Zionist government, and I will invite Likud to join. Netanyahu needs to go home.”

Bennett added that he supports an arrangement of clemency and retirement for Netanyahu, citing respect for his past and his age. “He is not a young man, approaching 80, not in the best of health. I don’t want to see him going to prison in an orange uniform. There is a large public that admires him, and we don’t need that. He should step aside, I will take the country and open a new golden era.”

{Matzav.com}

Minister Ze’ev Elkin said the chances of passing the draft law in the current Knesset are “very low,” placing primary responsibility on lawmakers from Agudas Yisrael, during a wide-ranging interview addressing security developments in the north, the cancellation of the Meron Lag BaOmer gathering, and tensions within the chareidi sector.

Speaking in a studio interview with journalist Yishai Cohen, Elkin, a member of the security cabinet and the minister overseeing rehabilitation of Israel’s north, outlined the current situation along the Lebanon border and defended recent decisions made by the government.

At the start of the interview, Elkin addressed the ongoing security situation in the north, rejecting claims that a ceasefire is in effect. “First of all, it is clear that this is not a ceasefire because there is fire; it is ridiculous to deny the truth,” he said. “But why is Hezbollah firing? Because the IDF is operating. Despite the ceasefire, the IDF maintains a security zone and is dismantling terror infrastructure there. This is important activity, and Hezbollah is under pressure.”

Elkin acknowledged the difficulty facing residents in the region but said there are no easy alternatives. “I am there, I see the reality, it is not simple. The alternative is to withdraw forces and the firing will stop—but that means Hezbollah will return to southern Lebanon.”

He also addressed the controversy surrounding restrictions on access to Meron for Lag BaOmer, pushing back against criticism from Agudas Yisrael representatives. “I do not understand the anger. There is currently a war in the north. If Teddy Stadium were located next to the facilities we have in Meron, there would be no Teddy. The question is location and level of threat.”

“You can be angry at a government that wants to protect the citizens of Israel who want to go up to Meron, most of them supporters of MK Porush and others. Their lives are precious to us, and we do not want to endanger them. Hezbollah is not stupid; it knows there is a gathering and aims at the military facilities on the mountain. With all the pain, saving lives takes precedence over the Meron celebration.”

On the draft law, Elkin struck a pessimistic tone and directly blamed Agudas Yisrael lawmakers. “It is hard for me to see the law passing, certainly close to the end of the Knesset term. The main responsibility lies with the members of Knesset from AgudatsYisrael. For the thousandth time, they are making the mistake. Every time there was an opportunity for a reasonable compromise, they stood at the extreme and pushed to say no, and after two years they said, ‘what a mistake that we did not take it.’”

Elkin also warned the chareidi public against expectations of a better political outcome after elections. “Anyone who convinces himself that after the elections there will be a better coalition—what is the common ground between Bennett and Lapid besides hatred of Netanyahu? That is the whole issue for the chareidi public.”

Addressing recent incidents involving extremist protesters breaking into the home of a senior military police officer, Elkin strongly condemned the actions. “I strongly condemn this. Taking the law into your own hands and breaking into a private home? Where are we heading? Are there not enough crazy people in Kaplan? Will they start breaking into the homes of rabbis? Of right-wing politicians?”

When asked why chareidi lawmakers have remained largely silent, Elkin suggested they are also under pressure. “They also suffer from the force of the extremists; it may be that they are afraid to anger them. They too are under terror. The extremists are a minority, but they riot even against the leaders of the chareidi public themselves.”

In closing, Elkin addressed the emerging alliance between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. “It is a waste of Bennett’s time to say he is right-wing after joining with Lapid. This is an ‘alliance of the fearful.’ Bennett is deathly afraid that Eisenkot will gain strength. He understands he will either have 20 seats or zero; he does not have his own voter base. Therefore, he is willing to pay any price and gave Lapid nearly 50% of the list.”

As Lag BaOmer approaches, officials in Yerushalayim are finalizing plans for the central hadlakah of Rav Meilech Biderman, which has been relocated from Meron due to security restrictions. In an interview on Kol Chai’s News Anash program, Deputy Mayor Tzachi Brim outlined the logistics, including location, transportation, and safety measures.

Brim, who recently returned from visits to Meron, described the significant shift of the event from the mountain to Yerushalayim. The change comes after limitations imposed this year by security authorities in light of threats from Lebanon.

“Rav Biderman cannot light in Compound 89 as he does every year, and thousands want to feel part of the hilula. So we found an alternative location in Yerushalayim, in the main public thoroughfare,” he said.

He detailed where the event will take place, noting that the hadlakah will stretch from Golda Meir Boulevard through Shefa Chaim, including Rechov HaTorah and Yaakovzon Street. A designated area is also being prepared specifically for women.

Because of the tight timeline for organizing the event, Brim said a decision was made to forgo building traditional parentches (bleachers). “There is no time for negotiations. We want a safe event, without being drawn into uncertain situations,” he explained.

He added that the plan to hold the hadlakah in Yerushalayim had been under discussion for weeks, and that the opportunity has now materialized. “Several cities wanted to host the event, but he chose to do it here. It is a great privilege for Yerushalayim,” Brim said.

Regarding transportation, Brim said talks are ongoing with the Transportation Ministry to increase bus service from Bnei Brak, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Elad, and other major chareidi population centers.

Addressing the Boyaner hadlakah in Meron, Brim clarified that it is still expected to take place. “The Rebbe will light. We are waiting for the final outline and will act accordingly,” he said, though he cautioned that without organized transportation, attendance in Meron will likely be very limited.

Brim concluded by stating that Yerushalayim is prepared to accommodate the large crowds expected for the event.

{Matzav.com}

The appointment of Rav Zevadia Cohen as chief rabbi of Tel Aviv–Yaffo is being seen as a shift in tone in one of Israel’s most complex cities. In his first interview following his selection, Rav Cohen laid out a philosophy centered on connection rather than confrontation, sharing powerful stories from his work in the rabbinical courts and expressing confidence that even in Tel Aviv, hearts can be opened and people can be drawn closer to Judaism.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s main news program, Rav Cohen described his long-standing involvement in the city and emphasized that he is not an outsider. “I was elected in 2007 as head of the rabbinical court in Tel Aviv and came to the city. I deal with the most sensitive cases in the rabbinical courts,” he said.

He explained that his approach was shaped by years of handling complex issues such as lineage questions, divorce cases, and marriage permissions. Rather than taking a confrontational stance, he said his goal is to help. “I always say — I am not against you, I am with you, I am here to help you solve the problem,” he said, adding that “the moment the other side feels you are with them — hearts open.”

Rav Cohen rejected the notion that Tel Aviv residents are opposed to religion. On the contrary, he said most people retain an emotional connection to tradition. “I don’t think most people don’t want to see a rabbi… every Jew has something emotional toward tradition,” he said. He added that even those who seem distant often reconnect during difficult moments. “In times of mourning, in times of distress — that is when the heart opens, and you just need to light the candle.”

To illustrate his approach, Rav Cohen shared a story from the rabbinical court involving a man who had refused for years to grant a divorce, until he was eventually arrested in Israel. “He said to me — everywhere they called me wicked, they didn’t listen to me, I felt like I was nothing,” Rav Cohen recalled. When he gave the man a chance to speak, the situation changed. “He said to me — kevod harav, you listened to me, whatever you say I will do. We arranged the divorce on the spot.”

Rav Cohen said the moment left a deep impression on him. “He held my hand and cried, told me ‘you revived me today, I felt like a human being,’” he said. For him, the lesson is clear: “You have to give every person their place, even if you don’t agree with them — to listen to them, and then hearts open.”

At the same time, he stressed that a welcoming approach does not mean compromising on halachic standards. “Our role is to preserve the religion of Moshe and Yisroel,” he said, noting that when something cannot be permitted, that must be stated clearly. He recounted a case involving a young couple who wished to marry despite a halachic prohibition — the man being a Kohen and the woman a “chalalah.” Ultimately, they accepted the psak. “They told me: if according to the law of Moshe and Yisroel it is forbidden, we will not do it — and they cried in tears.”

Concluding the interview, Rav Cohen expressed optimism about the future of the city. “There is a lot to do in Tel Aviv, but you have to know the way — not with a threatening approach, but with pleasantness,” he said. He believes that this path will allow for bringing people closer and sanctifying Hashem’s name, even in what is often viewed as Israel’s most secular city.

{Matzav.com}

An extraordinary story of hashgacha pratis unfolded last Friday in Kiryas Yoel, Monroe, when a young man who was called in off the street to complete a minyan at a last-minute bris milah was revealed to be the prospective chosson in a shidduch that had been on the verge of falling apart.

The shidduch had already reached its final stages, with both sides planning to meet on Motzaei Shabbos to finalize the remaining details. However, on Friday afternoon, the kallah’s mother heard a troubling report claiming that the bochur was “short.” This raised doubts in her mind, and the question of whether to proceed with the shidduch suddenly became very real.

Seeking clarity, the kallah’s father went to consult with the Satmar Rebbe. Those at the Rebbe’s home understood the urgency of the situation and arranged for the concerned father to meet with the Rebbe half an hour before candle-lighting time.

At the same time, at the Eishes Chayil recovery center, veteran mohel Reb Aharon Weiss noticed that one of the infants there had reached his eighth day and was due for a bris milah. The originally scheduled mohel had postponed the procedure, claiming the baby was suffering from jaundice. Reb Aharon, however, determined that the child was fit for a bris without concern.

Reb Aharon contacted the baby’s father, and with Shabbos fast approaching and the original mohel unavailable, he suggested an unconventional solution: “Go to the Rebbe’s home. The Rebbe is an expert mohel, and it will also be easier to quickly arrange a minyan there.”

Just minutes before the onset of Shabbos, the Rebbe’s home became the setting for a remarkable scene. Preparations for the bris moved quickly: the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin served as kvatter, while the Rebbe himself acted as both sandek and mohel. Yet one essential element was missing — a minyan. At that moment, only eight men were present.

At that very moment, the kallah’s father arrived for his scheduled meeting, bringing the count to nine. One of the household bochurim rushed outside to find a tenth person to complete the minyan.

The person who happened to be passing by at that exact moment was none other than the very bochur in question. Unaware that his future father-in-law was inside, he agreed to come in and complete the minyan for the mitzvah.

The kallah’s father immediately recognized the bochur and quietly signaled to his wife, who was nearby, to take a look. The mother, who had only hours earlier been concerned about his height, observed him and responded with surprise: “This is what they call short? Not at all. The rumor was far from the truth.”

With that, all doubts disappeared. In the uplifting atmosphere of the bris milah at the Rebbe’s home, the matter came full circle in a striking way. The shidduch was soon finalized, as hashgacha pratis connected a bris milah with the building of a new Jewish home.

The story highlights the remarkable ways in which Hakadosh Baruch Hu orchestrates events. A postponed bris, a mohel’s creative solution, a father seeking guidance at the last moment, and a bochur passing by at precisely the right time all came together to form a powerful account of hashgacha pratis.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew criticism Wednesday after offering what observers described as a notably restrained welcome to King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to the city, a departure from the warm receptions traditionally extended by past mayors.

Although Mamdani appeared cordial while greeting Charles at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the interaction followed remarks he made earlier in the day suggesting he would urge the monarch to return a controversial diamond tied to Britain’s colonial past.

The 77-year-old king, making his first visit to New York in nearly two decades, smiled as he shook Mamdani’s hand and said, “Thank you,” after participating in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring victims of the September 11 attacks.

The brief exchange between the mayor and the king appeared friendly on the surface, as they spoke for a short time while Michael Bloomberg, who chairs the memorial, stood nearby. Members of the press were kept at a distance, according to video footage.

Details of their conversation were not disclosed. A spokesperson for City Hall said only that the two leaders “exchanged pleasantries.” Mamdani departed the event roughly an hour after arriving.

Earlier, during a separate press appearance, the 34-year-old democratic socialist was asked what message he might deliver if given the opportunity to speak with the king.

“If I was to speak to the king… I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond,” Mamdani quipped — referring to one of the worlds’ largest cut diamonds, which was taken from India and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Kohinoor diamond, weighing 105 carats and housed in the Tower of London, has a long and turbulent history, having passed between rulers over centuries. It is widely viewed by critics as a relic of imperial conquest, with some even describing it as “cursed.”

Mamdani’s tone toward the royal visit drew backlash from some political observers, who argued that the mayor’s approach was inappropriate for such a diplomatic occasion.

“The sitting mayor of New York City shouldn’t give us a history lesson while politicizing the visit of the sitting King of England. He should’ve enthusiastically welcomed him, not reluctantly,” said Ken Frydman, a Democratic operative and former spokesman for former mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“We know the history,” he added. “No one has forgotten colonialism.”

Another longtime political figure said Mamdani missed an opportunity to showcase hospitality, especially if he hopes to follow in the footsteps of admired predecessors.

“Mamdani should have invited the royals to Gracie Mansion. The royals are very popular in this country,” said George Arzt, who served as press secretary to former Mayor Ed Koch.

“LaGuardia met the royals and wined and dined them. If he wants to emulate LaGuardia, he should do what LaGuardia did with the royals.”

Historical precedent underscores the contrast. Fiorello LaGuardia personally welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, escorting them through the city and encouraging public participation in their visit.

In 1957, Robert Wagner organized a ticker-tape parade for Queen Elizabeth II, while Abe Beame’s family welcomed her with flowers during a later visit.

When Queen Elizabeth II returned in 2010, Bloomberg delivered a glowing speech highlighting the historic ties between New York and the British monarchy.

‘[We’re] ’grateful for your friendship, leadership and support,” Bloomberg gushed to her at the British Garden at Hanover Square, the last stop on her one-day tour that also included a speech at the United Nations and a similar ceremony at Ground Zero.

Bloomberg and Giuliani were later honored by the late queen with knighthoods.

Mamdani’s handling of the current visit stood in contrast even before the event began. He initially declined to confirm whether he would attend the memorial ceremony, only announcing days later that he would be present, while making minimal mention of the royal guests.

“I will be attending the wreath-laying … to pay tribute to the more than 3,000 who were killed in the horrific terror attacks of Sept. 11,” Mamdani said Monday. “And that will be the extent of my meeting with the king and with others who are present.”

The mayor’s ideological views, including his criticism of British imperial history — which he has described as a “story of oppression, subjugation and discrimination” — have further shaped perceptions of his stance toward the monarchy.

Meanwhile, political alliances surrounding Mamdani have also drawn attention. Jeremy Corbyn and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, both left-leaning members of the British Parliament, met with local allies in New York during the visit. Corbyn, who previously faced allegations of antisemitism, had volunteered for Mamdani’s campaign.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Mamdani reiterated his focus on the solemn purpose of the day when asked again about his message to the king.

“If you have a moment to chat with King Charles today down at the World Trade Center Memorial, how do you deepen your role as mayor? Do you see it as being sort of a polite, diplomatic moment? You just say hello and welcome, or is there anything else you can say to him? Do you have a specific message you might want to deliver?” the reporter asked.

The mayor replied, “I’ll be attending a wreath laying alongside a number of other elected officials, including Governor [Kathy] Hochul and Governor [Mikie] Sherrill. And the focus of that wreath laying is to honor the more than 3,000 New Yorkers who were killed in the horrific terror attacks of September 11, and that’s what I’m really looking to do at that event.”

Pressed further, he returned to his earlier remark.

“You haven’t thought about anything you might say?”

“If I was to speak to the king, separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor Diamond,” Mamdani responded.

Later, King Charles and Queen Camilla were escorted into the memorial by Bloomberg, where they placed white flowers near the reflecting pools and observed a moment of silence.

The couple, dressed in coordinated navy attire, also spent time with families of victims from the September 11 attacks. Uniformed firefighters and police officers stood nearby during the visit.

They greeted Hochul and Sherrill before meeting Mamdani, appearing to spend a somewhat longer moment in conversation with the mayor than with other officials.

Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the memorial, described the visit as deeply meaningful.

“9/11 was an attack on people around the world. It hit hardest here in New York City, but 67 citizens of the United Kingdom were killed on that day. People from 90 countries were killed along with all the Americans,” she told The NY Post.

“It’s an important way to demonstrate resilience, to demonstrate unity and to remind people of the ways we can come together and that seems something that the Crown has worked to do.”

Charles’ trip marked his first return to New York since visiting with Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, when they toured Harlem’s Promise Academy and interacted with students.

The previous visit by a reigning British monarch came in 2010, when Queen Elizabeth II traveled to Ground Zero during a severe heat wave to lay a wreath.

That visit closely mirrored the current one, as she was joined by Bloomberg and then-Gov. David Paterson, and met with families of first responders who lost their lives in the attacks.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey, challenging a recently enacted law that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during routine operations, arguing that the state does not have the power to regulate federal agents.

The measure, signed into law in March by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, was widely seen as targeting federal immigration officers, particularly those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who have come under scrutiny for frequently concealing their identities while carrying out enforcement actions.

Opponents of the practice argue that agents use face coverings to avoid being held accountable for forceful enforcement tactics, and warn that masking also makes it easier for civilians to impersonate officers. Federal officials counter that masks are necessary to protect agents, citing what they describe as a growing number of threats against personnel.

“Officers face a choice of whether to unmask and identify themselves when it may be dangerous to themselves, others, and the operation, or face the threat of enforcement,” states the lawsuit. “Either option presents serious risks and harms and purposefully works to chill the enforcement of federal law.”

Under the statute, law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels are generally barred from wearing face coverings during routine duties, though the law provides exemptions for undercover assignments and situations involving credible threats.

In response, state Attorney General Jennifer Davenport defended the law, calling it both lawful and necessary, and vowed to fight the federal challenge.

“The New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act protects both law enforcement and the public by limiting the use of masking while including careful exceptions to protect law enforcement safety and operational needs,” Davenport said. “To this day, the Federal Government still cannot explain when its officials need to mask or forgo identification in violation of this law, or why they actually need to do so, particularly given the serious safety concerns inherent in anonymized policing.”

Federal attorneys contend that New Jersey’s statute closely mirrors a similar law in California that was struck down, arguing that it improperly interferes with federal authority. State lawmakers, however, maintain that their version is broader and more carefully structured, applying uniformly to all law enforcement agencies, and therefore stands on firmer legal ground.

They also referenced a prior ruling by a federal appeals court that found New Jersey could not block private prison companies from partnering with the federal government to operate immigration detention facilities.

“New Jersey has steadfastly refused to learn this lesson,” the lawsuit states. “S3114 is even more obviously unconstitutional, as it directly, purposefully, and dangerously regulates all federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their official federal duties. Such blatant disregard for the Constitution is not merely a political statement, but is instead deliberate action that jeopardizes the public safety of all Americans.”

The case, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, names the state, Sherrill, and Davenport as defendants. The complaint asks the court to strike down the law and prevent the state from enforcing it.

The filing also makes clear that federal authorities do not intend to follow the law, even if it remains in place.

“To be clear, the Federal Government will not comply with this blatantly unconstitutional law,” the complaint states. “But the threat of enforcement by Defendants chills individual officers from protecting themselves and performing their duties. The consequences for public safety are severe.”

The lawsuit marks the latest in a growing series of legal clashes between New Jersey and the Trump administration. The state has taken part in dozens of cases challenging federal policies, while the administration has pursued its own legal actions against the state, including disputes over immigration enforcement and access to voter data.

“New Jersey responded thoughtfully and carefully to these profound public safety concerns, and we look forward to responding in court,” Davenport said. “The Federal Government’s contrary approach will only undermine public trust and accountability, and make it easier for criminals to impersonate our officers.”

{Matzav.com}

A bipartisan House resolution introduced on Wednesday condemns antisemitic rhetoric by online personalities, including far-left streamer Hasan Piker and conservative commentator Candace Owens, and calls for stronger action from public officials and social media platforms to counter hate speech.

The measure, introduced by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), denounces “antisemitic hate-filled rhetoric and content disseminated by prominent online personalities” and urges elected officials to “unequivocally condemn antisemitism,” including when amplified by high-profile media figures.

Piker is cited in the resolution for past antisemitic comments, including referring to Orthodox Jews as “inbred.” The Anti-Defamation League has said he “has a history of rhetoric that sanitizes violence and denigrates Jewish people” and has “expressed support for designated terrorist organizations and antisemitic ideas on many occasions.”

Owens, also named in the measure, is described as promoting conspiracy theories about Jews and Israel. The ADL has said she “actively amplifies antisemitic figures on her shows,” giving a platform to individuals who have praised Hitler, trivialized the Holocaust or promoted “Jewish mafia” narratives. Owens was named “Antisemite of the Year” in 2024 by the group StopAntisemitism.

“Hatred is hatred, period. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the far right or the far left,” Gottheimer stated. “We cannot be selective in calling out antisemitism. When influential voices spread conspiracy theories, promote terrorism or dehumanize Jewish people, it fuels real-world violence and intimidation. We must stand up and speak out.”

Owens has an estimated 35 million followers across platforms, while Piker has about 11.5 million, according to the ADL.

“With an audience of millions, they have a responsibility to confront hatred and bigotry in every form, not to amplify it to the masses,” Lawler said. “So if they won’t call it out, I will.” JNS

{Matzav.com}

The city of Netanya is mourning the petirah of Rav Mordechai Yosef Silberberg zt”l, a longtime mechanech and respected figure in the Kiryat Sanz community, who passed away at the age of 84. He was widely known for shaping generations of students and for his deep connection to Torah learning and teaching.

Rav Silberberg was regarded as a unique personality who blended the worlds of Torah scholarship and chassidus rooted in earlier generations. He was born in the Old City of Yerushalayim on June 18, 1942, to his father, Rav Chaim Menachem, a close talmid of the author of Chovos HaTalmidim of Piaseczna, and his mother, Leah Rivka Speizman. From his home, he absorbed a strong foundation in spiritual growth and avodas Hashem.

At just 11 years old, he was sent by his father to study at the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lod, where he advanced significantly in both Torah and chassidus under the guidance of the renowned mashgiach Rav Chaim Shlomo Kesselman, who instilled in him a lifelong sense of dedication and self-sacrifice.

As a young man, Rav Silberberg traveled extensively, reaching out to children and bringing them closer to Torah observance. Together with the rav of Bnei Brak, Rav Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau, he helped establish the first Talmud Torah in Rishon LeZion. He later taught Torah at the Tifrach Yeshiva.

In 1970, he married Esther Hershkovitz, a distinguished mechaneches in her own right. At their wedding, the Sanzer Rebbe, Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam, the Shefa Chaim, was the mesader kiddushin. The couple later settled in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya, where Rav Silberberg remained closely connected to his rabbeim throughout his life.

He was known for his unwavering commitment to tefillah, especially his daily participation in Shacharis at neitz, which he approached with deep reverence.

A modest individual, he avoided personal recognition, dedicating himself entirely to Torah learning and service of Hashem. He was admired for his refined character, often mediating between people with calmness and warmth, and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Even after retiring, Rav Silberberg remained active, continuing to learn Torah and deliver shiurim to the public until his final days. For decades, he stood alongside his wife in her leadership roles as head of chinuch institutions in Kiryat Sanz and within the Yachad network. He contributed to shaping the institutions’ educational philosophy and assisted in preparing talks for talmidim. He devoted significant time to studying the teachings of Polish chassidic dynasties, particularly those of Kozhnitz, Grodzisk, and Piaseczna.

He is survived by a large and accomplished family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue in his path of Torah and mitzvos.

The levayah was held at the main beis medrash in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, proceeding to the clocal emetery for burial.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Florida lawmakers have passed a revised congressional map that is expected to give Republicans a significant advantage, potentially adding four seats to their total in the U.S. House ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The plan now heads to the desk of Ron DeSantis for approval, positioning it as a political win for President Donald Trump, who resides in Florida, as Republicans seek to maintain control of Congress.

The legislative action came shortly after the Supreme Court of the United States issued a 6-3 ruling that reduced the strength of the Voting Rights Act. DeSantis pointed to that decision as grounds for revisiting and altering the state’s congressional districts mid-decade.

DeSantis welcomed the ruling, stating it “invalidates” the provisions of the Florida Constitution “requiring the use of race in redistricting.”

The measure passed strictly along party lines, with Republicans supporting the new map and Democrats opposing it.

At present, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republican-held seats and seven held by Democrats, along with one vacant seat that leans Democratic. Under the newly approved plan, Republicans could gain a total of 24 favorable districts.

The redrawn map would remove four seats currently held by Democrats, including one each in the Tampa and Orlando regions and two in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Legal challenges are expected, and the case could serve as an early test of how courts apply the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

Florida’s move is part of a broader national struggle over redistricting, as both parties work to shape congressional boundaries to their advantage.

Republicans in states like Florida and Texas are attempting to offset Democratic-led efforts in states such as Virginia and California, where new maps are likely to benefit Democrats.

Democrats would need to gain just three additional seats in November to take control of the House, increasing the stakes for both sides as they pursue favorable district lines.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday also gave Republicans momentum by striking down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana and limiting the reach of the Voting Rights Act, opening the door for map changes in several Southern states.

However, Florida may be one of the few Southern states able to implement new district maps in time for this election cycle. In states like South Carolina and Mississippi, filing deadlines have already passed, and preparations for primary elections are already underway.

{Matzav.com}