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Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri on Monday sharply condemned the arrest of a 28-year-old yungerman from Be’er Sheva, accusing authorities of persecuting Torah students under the enforcement of Israel’s military draft laws.

Speaking during his party’s weekly faction meeting, Deri criticized the detention of the married kollel member, who is the father of a child with special needs and whose wife is currently pregnant. The man was reportedly arrested for failing to report for service under the Security Service Law, a move that Shas officials described as a “persecution of Torah learners.”

“What cruelty and wickedness to arrest a 28-year-old avreich, with a pregnant wife and a child with special needs, and throw him into prison for the crime of studying Torah,” Deri told fellow party members. “The world should be shocked by the persecution of Torah learners. We must not become accustomed to this.”

Deri also linked the arrest to what he described as a spiritually sensitive period for the nation, arguing that such actions carry broader consequences. “How much accusation and judgment this brings upon the people of Israel precisely during the difficult period we are in,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions surrounding efforts to regulate the status of yeshiva students and their exemption from military service. Chareidi parties have warned against stricter enforcement measures and have placed responsibility on both political and defense officials for the current situation.

{Matzav.com}

Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv’s Ramat Hachayal neighborhood has launched a new underground medical facility designed to hold roughly 200 patients, aiming to guarantee uninterrupted treatment during times of heavy missile fire.

The subterranean complex is intended to serve as a receiving center for patients transferred from public hospitals that lack sufficient fortification, allowing medical services to continue even under serious security threats.

Alongside the underground expansion, Assuta Medical Center Ramat HaHayal continues to operate reinforced above-ground operating rooms. During Operation Rising Lion, patients were moved to these protected surgical suites to undergo extended and complicated procedures.

Until now, the Ministry of Health’s standard policy during emergencies has been to shut down private medical institutions. However, insights gained from the Swords of Iron War and Operation Rising Lion prompted a reassessment of that approach.

Over the past two months, teams have worked intensively to equip the underground levels with the necessary infrastructure, including systems for medical gases, electricity, and communications, enabling a rapid shift to full inpatient hospitalization if required.

Dr. Shani Brosh, Head of the Medical Division at Assuta Medical Centers, emphasized: “In the past month or two, there has been very intensive activity. An agreement was signed, a contracting company was appointed, and infrastructure for medical gases, electricity, and communications was built to allow a move to underground complexes on the day of an order. Today, the infrastructure is in place and can accommodate about 200 hospitalized patients on behalf of other hospitals that do not have fortification.”

Assuta Medical Centers CEO Gidi Leshet said the project reflects a broader effort to strengthen Israel’s emergency preparedness. “Maintaining continuity of care as part of the health system’s emergency framework is a national mission, and part of our purpose – and we are proud to take part in its implementation.”

{Matzav.com}

Following circulating claims that the state intends to take control of rooms located above the tefillah areas at the gravesite of the Tanna Rav Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, the so-called “Committee of Five,” which oversees management of the holy site, issued an official public statement this evening rejecting the allegations and outlining its plans for the space.

The committee, which operates with the guidance and blessing of leading Torah authorities, addressed reports suggesting it planned “to transfer the roof of the tomb to government control,” firmly dismissing the assertions. In its letter, the body stated unequivocally that “there is no truth to these claims, and they are baseless rumors being spread by interested parties.”

The statement further explained that the rooms in question “were built with supreme sanctity by the holy Rav Avraham Galanti, may his merit protect us, and were originally designated for Torah study and prayer for the use of all who come to the holy site of Meron.” According to the committee, the initial purpose of these rooms was to serve the broader public of worshippers and learners visiting the sacred location.

However, the committee noted that in practice, “these rooms are currently held by a number of individuals for lodging and family hospitality purposes, and at times are even rented out to others for overnight stays.” It emphasized that such use is inconsistent with both the original intention of the space and the needs of the wider public.

In light of the growing number of mispallelim and the increasing demand for additional davening areas, the committee stated that its request is “to return the rooms to public possession so that they may be used for Torah and tefillah for the benefit of all visitors to the site.”

Concluding its letter, the committee expressed regret over the spread of misinformation, writing that “we regret that interested parties are spreading falsehoods and rumors that have no basis, misleading the public and harming unity surrounding the management of the holy site.”

The committee stressed that it will continue to act “with responsibility, transparency, and while preserving the sanctity of the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, may his merit protect us,” for the benefit of the entire public.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset’s Health Committee has sounded the alarm over fruits and vegetables brought into Israel from the Palestinian Authority, citing data showing that a significant portion of tested produce contains prohibited pesticides associated with severe health risks, including cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

At a recent session led by MK Limor Sohn Har-Melech, committee members reviewed figures indicating that approximately 15,000 tons of agricultural goods from the Palestinian Authority enter Israel annually. Testing conducted between 2015 and 2022 revealed that between 27% and 40% of sampled produce exceeded permitted pesticide thresholds, with contamination rates increasing over time.

Dr. Ziva Hamma of the Ministry of Health outlined the findings in detail. According to the data presented, 50% of cucumber samples, 49% of tomato samples, and 66% of hot pepper samples were found to be contaminated. Particularly troubling was the discovery that 14% of samples contained neurotoxic organic phosphorus compounds, substances known to endanger fetal and infant development and to elevate the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, 13% of the produce tested contained a combination of more than five different pesticides in a single item, creating potential harm to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Although existing rules mandate that imported produce be held until laboratory results confirm compliance with safety standards, the committee heard that contaminated goods were frequently released to the market before testing was completed. Amos Zuarets, the Health Coordinator for the West Bank, acknowledged that the Civil Administration had placed greater emphasis on preserving shelf life and supporting the Palestinian economy than on health protections — a policy he said shifted only after the events of October 7. He indicated that within eight months, a new policy will ensure that all produce is withheld from sale until it receives confirmed clearance from safety tests.

MK Amit Levi sharply rebuked both government ministries and the Civil Administration, arguing that lenient enforcement over the years contributed to avoidable illnesses. He called on members of the public who believe they were harmed to seek accountability and cautioned that the problem may be compounded by an increase in unsupervised smuggling of agricultural products.

In response to the concerns, the Ministry of Health and the Civil Administration outlined a series of corrective steps. These include establishing a digital registry of authorized farmers, conducting inspections in the fields before goods cross into Israel, expanding sampling at border crossings, and imposing substantial fines on those who violate regulations.

Concluding the session, Sohn Har-Melech issued a direct appeal to consumers: “Nearly half of imported produce is contaminated with substances that threaten health, yet some prioritize profit over the safety of Israeli citizens. Check carefully where your fruits and vegetables come from and choose supervised Israeli produce.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House seized on Team USA’s dramatic Olympic hockey victory over Canada to take a swipe at former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reviving a past social media post after the Americans captured gold.

In a thrilling overtime finish at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Sunday, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 to claim its first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal in 46 years. The winning goal came off the stick of Jack Hughes, who sealed the victory in overtime and ended the decades-long championship drought.

Following the triumph, President Donald Trump placed a congratulatory call to the team to mark the achievement.

The celebration extended beyond the ice. The official White House X account resurfaced a message Trudeau had posted last year after Canada defeated the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off. At the time, Trudeau had written, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”

On Sunday, the White House reposted that statement and paired it with an image of a bald eagle standing atop a Canadian goose, signaling a pointed response to the earlier remark.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also weighed in, sharing Trudeau’s previous message alongside a photo of himself holding an American flag and adding the caption, “We took your game.”

Hughes scored the decisive goal after receiving a cross-ice pass from Zach Werenski, sending the crowd in Milan into a frenzy and thrilling viewers across the United States who tuned in early Sunday morning.

Speaking after netting the game-winner, Hughes expressed pride in representing the country. “This is all about our country right now.”

“I love the USA,” he said. “I’m so proud to be American today.”

“I love my country; I love my teammates,” he added.

“That’s American hockey right there,” said Hughes.

“That’s a great Canadian team, but this means so much. We are such a team.”

Among those in attendance was FBI Director Kash Patel, who watched the game from the stands in Milan and later joined the team in its postgame celebration. Patel, an avid hockey enthusiast and amateur player himself, took part in the locker room festivities.

Video circulating online shows Patel celebrating with the players, drinking and spraying beer before pounding on a table and having a gold medal placed around his neck.

Patel later addressed media attention over his presence in the locker room, posting on X: “For the very concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys — Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth,” Patel wrote.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Competition Authority announced Monday that it plans, pending a formal hearing, to levy a financial penalty of NIS 109,623,501 against El Al over alleged violations of competition law.

In addition to the corporate fine, the authority is weighing personal sanctions ranging from NIS 449,000 to NIS 548,000 against two senior executives at the airline.

According to the regulator, El Al declined to allow Arkia to use its aircraft maintenance hangars, despite a long-term agreement under which Arkia leases those facilities from El Al. Beginning in August 2024, amid the “Iron Swords” war, El Al repeatedly rejected Arkia’s requests for access. The authority said the justifications provided were inadequate and that the airline conveyed the impression that the existing agreement remained in effect, even as access was denied.

El Al holds a dominant position in Israel’s passenger aircraft hangar sector and competes directly with Arkia on numerous international routes. During the war, as many foreign carriers curtailed flights to and from Israel, domestic airlines became the primary players in the market. The authority noted that blocking Arkia’s access to hangars could have led to flight delays or cancellations, forced the leasing of replacement aircraft, and exposed the company to financial losses and reputational damage — expenses that might ultimately have been passed on to travelers.

The regulator stated that El Al’s conduct amounted to an unreasonable refusal to provide a service within a market in which it holds monopoly power, constituting an abuse of that status in breach of the Economic Competition Law. Before any final determination is made, El Al and the two executives will be given the opportunity to present their case at a hearing.

El Al pushed back against the allegations in a statement, saying: “We disagree with the claims in the authority’s letter. El Al always acts according to the law, including competition law. We are convinced no wrongdoing occurred. Throughout the war, El Al assisted other Israeli airlines far beyond legal requirements, out of solidarity and commitment to passengers, and continues to provide services-including hangars-to Arkia wherever possible.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH: Chaverim of Rockland volunteers were seen assisting a motorist who became stuck in the snow on Rock Hill Road in Monsey, working quickly and safely to get the vehicle back on the road amid the challenging winter conditions.

A Parks Dept. truck used to plow snow partially fell into a sinkhole near City Hall in Manhattan.

NYPD officers braving the elements across NYC, as the blizzard continues to drop snow over the city.

NYC Mayor Mamdani announced the city is raising pay to $30 an hour for emergency snow shovelers to help clear streets as crews work to dig out from a major snowstorm.

❄️ WATCH: Two NYPD cops having a snowball fight as NYC gets hammered by historic blizzard.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on President Trump: “How can one person, one man, create so much turmoil around the world…I can’t wait for the midterms.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu used a special Knesset session Monday evening to deliver a stern warning to Iran’s leadership, declaring that any direct attack on Israel would trigger a response beyond anything Tehran could anticipate.

Speaking during a plenary debate convened by the opposition with 40 signatures, Netanyahu said Israel has made its position unmistakably clear to the Iranian regime.

“I have clarified and sent a message to the Ayatollah regime that if they make perhaps the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with force they cannot even imagine,” Netanyahu declared.

The prime minister stressed that the country is facing a volatile and sensitive period and urged unity rather than political infighting. He said Israel stands ready for any development and called on the public and political leadership to rally together, particularly as the holiday of Purim approaches.

He added, “We are in complex times, we are prepared for any scenario. This is not the time for debate. In those days, on the eve of Purim, as in this time, we need to close the ranks of the people and stand shoulder to shoulder. I am confident in our strength and in our warriors. When we stand together – we achieve great things. On the eve of Purim, we will stand together – and with God’s help we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded by addressing the prospect of a military confrontation with Iran, signaling that despite deep political divisions, he would support decisive action if necessary.

“There is a good chance that we are facing a campaign in Iran. If this campaign comes – and it must come – we will all put everything aside. All differences of opinion will be put into deep freeze, until the crisis passes. As in the past, I will mobilize for Israel’s PR and strengthen Israel’s international status. As with the previous attack, I will go wherever necessary, from CNN to the British Parliament, and tell them: ‘You know that I am the leader of the opposition, you know that Netanyahu and I are rivals, but Iran must be attacked with all force, the rule of the ayatollahs must be overthrown.'”

However, Lapid also delivered a pointed rebuke to Netanyahu over the October 7 massacre, arguing that the events of that day would ultimately define the prime minister’s legacy.

“What will define you in history is October 7th. I understand the attempt to write a different history – it won’t work, it doesn’t work that way.” He continued: “No success, no failure, will resonate in the national memory like the October 7th massacre. Let’s be clear – the word is massacre.”

Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman likewise directed sharp criticism at Netanyahu, branding him the “Prime Minister of October 7” and holding him personally responsible for the Hamas attack.

“This was a massacre on your watch,” Lieberman lashed out. “This is the most terrible massacre in the history of the state, and you are the main culprit in it.”

Lieberman also referenced Netanyahu’s written response to the state comptroller, contending that it omitted crucial decisions made years earlier. He pointed specifically to a 2014 cabinet meeting in which he says he urged decisive military action against Hamas.

“You wrote a 50-page answer, but you forgot about the cabinet meeting on November 13, 2014,” Lieberman recalled. “At that meeting, I demanded to begin a large-scale operation to eradicate Hamas, and you decided on a ceasefire over my head, and proposed a policy of arrangement and transferring money from Qatar to Hamas.”

He went on to cite his resignation as defense minister in 2018, which he said stemmed from similar disagreements over policy toward Hamas.

“On November 14, I resigned from my position and said that a ceasefire with Hamas is surrender to terrorism. I tried dozens of times to reach that protocol, and I was prevented from reaching it, but don’t worry – we will get there.”

Lieberman concluded by questioning the government’s handling of the current war effort and challenging its claims of success.

“What is happening now, where is the complete victory? Why is there reconstruction of the Gaza Strip? Why is the State of Israel providing electricity, water, fuel and trucks every week?”

{Matzav.com}

Several vehicles — including snowplows — are stranded along the lakeshore in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Providence, Rhode Island, has officially set a new snowfall record, with 33 inches and counting — surpassing the 28.6 inches recorded during the historic Blizzard of 1978.

BREAKING: On Feb. 23, under orders from SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a targeted strike on a vessel linked to designated terrorist organizations in the Caribbean. The boat was confirmed to be operating along known drug-trafficking routes. Three suspected narco-terrorists were killed. No U.S. forces were injured.

Israeli police have dismantled a suspected drug laboratory in Bnei Brak, arresting two young men and seizing dozens of cannabis plants. Police said detectives from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station, operating under the Israel Police, raided an apartment on Dangur Street on Sunday after obtaining a court-issued search warrant. Inside the residence, officers discovered what […]

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is opening up about his Jewish faith at a pivotal moment in his political rise. The Democratic governor is marching toward reelection in one of the nation’s most important swing states, a victory that could propel him into the very top of his party’s presidential nomination fight. But he’s also navigating […]

American refueling and cargo aircraft were spotted at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday.  The aircraft arrived over the past 24 hours as Washington increases its regional footprint while President Donald Trump weighs potential military action against Tehran. Israeli authorities have not publicly commented on the presence of the U.S. planes at the country’s main civilian […]

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman directly accused Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of bearing primary responsibility for the October 7 massacre, describing him as “the main guilty party in [the October 7] massacre” and asserting that it was “the largest and most terrible massacre in the history of the Jewish people after the Holocaust.”

Lieberman delivered the remarks during a “40-signatures” debate in the Knesset plenum, a monthly parliamentary procedure that allows lawmakers to require the prime minister to appear and respond after collecting the necessary number of supporting signatures on a petition.

In his address, Lieberman criticized a 55-page document Netanyahu recently published outlining his responses to State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman as part of the comptroller’s now-suspended probe into the October 7 attack. Lieberman argued that the document left out key details, including a November 2018 cabinet meeting at which, he said, he had “demanded to begin a large-scale operation to eradicate the Hamas regime.”

According to Lieberman, Netanyahu omitted the episode from his testimony because “you want to escape from responsibility and rewrite history.”

Rather than pursuing decisive action at the time, Lieberman charged, Netanyahu chose to facilitate the transfer of Qatari funds to Hamas in an effort to maintain calm. He further claimed that in the period leading up to the assault, Netanyahu had sought “to increase the money that is transferred every month to Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”

Continuing his criticism, Lieberman said, “You created a zone of immunity for terrorists when you pledged never to attack Qatar again. Thanks to you, the Qataris won a defense agreement from the United States that no country in the world has.” He concluded with a pointed rebuke: “Where is the total victory? You promised us total victory, you brought total disgrace.”

{Matzav.com}