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An Iranian missile that struck near a kindergarten campus in Petach Tikvah caused significant damage to the city’s well-known “Pacifier Tree,” with dozens of pacifiers disappearing and restoration efforts now under consideration.

The unusual incident occurred when a missile landed close to a network of kindergartens affiliated with Agudas Yisroel, damaging the historic tree, which has long served as a meaningful educational symbol for generations of young children. The force of the blast caused visible harm to the tree and its surroundings.

During a damage assessment conducted by local director Rabbi Tzvika Schlesinger, the extent of the impact became clear. Dozens of pacifiers that had been hung on the tree over the years were torn off, scattered, and lost. Some of those items had been there for decades and cannot be recovered.

For many years, the Pacifier Tree has played a role in helping children transition away from using pacifiers. Each child who gave up a pacifier would place it on the tree in a small symbolic act marking growth and maturity. Over time, the tree became a powerful emotional and educational landmark, representing the stories of thousands of children.

City officials noted that beyond the physical damage, the loss carries deeper emotional and cultural significance. Some of the missing items represented memories accumulated over many years and are irreplaceable, making this a broader loss for the community as a whole.

Efforts are now underway to explore ways to restore and preserve the tree and its surroundings, with the goal of maintaining its unique legacy and returning it to its role as a meaningful part of childhood development for local families.

{Matzav.com}

Following the Knesset’s approval of the death penalty law for terrorists, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir held a high-level meeting with senior Israel Prison Service officials to begin preparing for how the law will be implemented.

According to sources, the meeting — attended by Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, Deputy Commissioner Hatem Azam, who is expected to oversee the implementation, and other senior officials — focused on initial preparations, even though it may take several months before the law is carried out in practice.

Among the proposals discussed were creating a dedicated facility in central Israel for inmates sentenced to death, requiring them to wear red jumpsuits, and building specific infrastructure for executions. The plan includes carrying out executions by hanging, along with constructing a designated structure for that purpose.

Ben Gvir reportedly stated that any necessary funding would be provided to the prison service and emphasized his desire to move forward with the process as quickly as possible.

Prison Service spokesperson Zivon Freidin, a deputy commissioner involved in the designated team, outlined the emerging plan. “The minister of national security held a discussion with the commissioner and the deputy commissioner who is leading the staff work. A team has been established with a formal mandate, and a work plan was presented under which a dedicated facility will be set up in central Israel, including a hanging cell and a viewing cell. A special unit of prison fighters will be established, and several prison fighters will be assigned so that they will not know who pressed the button, and they will be accompanied by a psychological support system.”

The Knesset gave final approval to the legislation on Monday. The bill, advanced by Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party, passed amid political tensions and disagreements even within the coalition. After the results were announced, coalition members applauded and celebrated, while opposition lawmakers shouted at Netanyahu, who voted in favor, calling out: “A slave of Ben Gvir!”

The law establishes the death penalty for terrorists convicted of premeditated murder carried out as part of terrorist activity. It has become one of the most controversial measures in recent years, with opposition from some figures in the defense and legal systems over possible consequences, while supporters argue it is a key tool for strengthening deterrence.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Aryeh Nadav zt”l, one of the elder gedolei Torah of Yemenite Jewry and the rav of Ramat Amidar, who was niftar at the age of 89.

Earlier this evening, emergency responders were called to his home in Ramat Gan after he collapsed. They carried out prolonged resuscitation efforts, but tragically he was niftar.

The levayah took place tonight, departing from his beis medrash, Tiferes Yisroel, on Hahagana Street in Ramat Gan, and proceeding to the Vizhnitzer beis hachaim in Bnei Brak for kevurah.

The rav was born on the second of Iyar 5696 to his father, Rav Azri Nadav zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Yonah a”h. In his youth, he learned in Yeshivas Ponovezh, where he became closely attached to the roshei yeshiva.

In later years, he was appointed rav of the Ramat Amidar neighborhood in Ramat Gan. There, he became a great mezakeh es harabbim, bringing many back to Torah. Through his efforts, many in the Yemenite community became bnei Torah. He was a beacon of Torah, and many flocked to his derashos and shmuessen, which were renowned, as his words were rich with depth and inspiration.

All his life, he conducted himself with humility, keeping to the sidelines and avoiding honor.

He leaves behind a blessed family. Among his sons is the famed maggid meisharim, Rav Yechiel Nadav, and he also merited sons-in-law who are distinguished rabbonim, including Rav Itamar Machpud, av beis din of Chukas Mishpat in Ashdod.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning against leading global technology companies, accusing them of involvement in assassinations inside the country and threatening retaliatory action.

According to the announcement, 18 companies — including Apple, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Meta — could be targeted beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, in response to the killings.

In its statement, the Revolutionary Guard urged employees of those firms to leave their workplaces immediately “to save their lives,” while also advising civilians living near company offices in the Middle East to take precautionary measures.

“Residents in the vicinity of these companies, in all countries of the region, should also leave their locations within a radius of one kilometer and move to a safe place,” the Iranians warned. “Companies that actively participate in terrorist plans will be targets of retaliation. Starting from 20:00 on Wednesday (Tehran time), their facilities will be subject to attack in response to any assassination within Iran.”

A mohel from Bnei Brak was taken into custody on Tuesday on suspicion of negligent homicide after a baby passed away two weeks following a bris milah.

Police said that investigators from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station launched an inquiry after receiving a report that the infant had died, allegedly as a result of complications stemming from the bris milah performed by the mohel.

According to findings from the investigation, the baby underwent the bris milah earlier this month. An infection later developed at the site, and the infant was brought to a doctor, who immediately directed that he be taken to the emergency room. The hospital subsequently pronounced the child dead.

Authorities stated that the mohel was questioned on suspicion of negligent homicide involving a minor. Following the interrogation, he was detained, and he is expected to be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Erev Pesach, for a hearing.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Tuesday evening ahead of Pesach, declaring that Israel has gained the upper hand in its ongoing war against Iran and Hezbollah and is continuing to deal heavy blows to its enemies.

“On the eve of this Festival of Our Freedom – Israel is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said. “We are systematically crushing the Iranian regime.”

Drawing a parallel to the makos in Mitzrayim, Netanyahu described a series of major strikes delivered against Iran and its allies since the war began.

“The price we exacted from Iran was not just money. Since the beginning of the War of Revival, we have inflicted ten ‘plagues’ on the axis of evil. The ‘plague’ of Hamas in Gaza, the ‘plague’ of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the plague of Assad in Syria, the ‘plague’ of the terrorist organizations in Judea and Samaria, the ‘plague’ of the Houthis in Yemen, and five more ‘plagues’ on Iran: the nuclear weapons, the missiles, the regime’s infrastructure, the forces of oppression, and the ‘plague’ of the firstborn – in our case, the ‘plague’ on their senior officials,” Netanyahu emphasized.

He went on to highlight the financial and strategic toll on Tehran, asserting that years of investment aimed at harming Israel have been wasted. “The ayatollah’s regime has spent almost a trillion dollars over the years in a massive effort to destroy us. The trillion has gone down the drain. The regime in Iran is weaker than ever, and sooner or later we foresee its fall.”

Netanyahu also said that Israel’s actions have reshaped global awareness of the Iranian threat and strengthened international cooperation. “In addition, we have awakened the world to the danger that Iran poses to all of humanity. Today, there is no one who does not understand the magnitude of the danger. In the past, we fought alone, today we fight shoulder to shoulder with the US and create new alliances in the region against the Iranian threat. I hope that I will soon be able to tell you about these alliances.”

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear major arguments this week over President Trump’s restrictions on birthright citizenship, the justices may sidestep the broader constitutional issue altogether.

Much of the focus ahead of Wednesday’s hearing has centered on whether Trump’s policy aligns with the 14th Amendment. However, the Court could instead take a narrower route by ruling that the policy violates an existing federal law from 1940.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order limiting birthright citizenship for children whose parents do not have citizenship or lawful permanent status. The policy has not yet taken effect, as it has been tied up in litigation for more than a year. Lower courts have repeatedly found that the order conflicts with the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, which grants citizenship to those born in the United States and “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”

Legal scholars have spent months debating the meaning of that key phrase. The upcoming arguments are expected to clarify how broadly the justices interpret it.

The administration argues that “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” applies only to individuals who owe allegiance to the United States, meaning that children of those in the country illegally would not automatically receive citizenship.

This position challenges the long-standing interpretation of the amendment, which has recognized only limited exceptions, such as for children of diplomats or foreign military forces.

Still, the Court may not need to resolve that debate.

Years after the 14th Amendment was adopted, Congress enacted a law in 1940 that defined citizenship using nearly identical language. That statute was later reaffirmed in 1952 and remains in effect today.

Opponents of Trump’s policy argue that even if the executive order were found to be consistent with the Constitution, it would still conflict with that federal law.

This approach offers the justices a way to rule against the policy without addressing the constitutional question — a path that may appeal to the Court.

“If it is not necessary to decide more to dispose of a case, then it is necessary not to decide more,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote as he famously did not join the majority opinion fully overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022.

He described this as a “fundamental principle” of judicial restraint. The Court also generally seeks to avoid interpreting laws in a way that would render them unconstitutional.

Although the statutory language closely mirrors that of the 14th Amendment, challengers argue it should be interpreted based on how it was understood at the time it was enacted.

They contend that even if the current Court adopts the administration’s interpretation of the Constitution, that was not the prevailing understanding when Congress incorporated similar language into federal law in 1940 — and that original understanding should govern.

“At that time—as the government all but concedes—Congress understood that the Clause’s ‘jurisdiction’ language incorporated the English common-law rule and exceptions, with the sole additional exception of Native American tribal members,” they wrote in court filings.

The Trump administration disputes that view, pointing to historical legal developments such as Jim Crow-era statutes.

In filings, Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to consider a hypothetical law from a century ago guaranteeing “equal protection of the laws.” At the time, lawmakers might have intended it to permit segregated facilities, but modern courts would interpret it to prohibit segregation, he argued.

Sauer said the same reasoning should apply to the 1940 citizenship statute.

“Because that statute echoes the Citizenship Clause’s language, it is best understood to codify the Clause’s objective meaning, not a late-arising misunderstanding of the Clause,” Sauer wrote in court filings.

Those challenging the policy have indicated they would be satisfied if the Court simply rules that the executive order violates federal law, which would prevent it from taking effect.

Such a ruling, however, would leave open the possibility for Congress to step in and repeal or amend the 1940 statute.

So far, lawmakers have not taken that step, despite years of proposals to limit birthright citizenship.

Republican lawmakers, including former Rep. Steve King, have introduced similar measures over time, including during Trump’s earlier term, but those efforts failed to gain traction.

The current legislative push is being led by Rep. Brian Babin of Texas, who has long advocated for changes to birthright citizenship.

Support for his bill has grown alongside Trump’s renewed focus on the issue. A 2021 version had 31 co-sponsors, increasing to 37 in the following Congress.

The latest version now has 82 co-sponsors, with additional lawmakers joining in recent weeks as the Court prepares to hear the case. New supporters include Reps. Cory Mills, Matt Van Epps, and Scott Perry.

Even so, the proposal has not advanced beyond committee, and its future remains uncertain.

During earlier proceedings in the case last year, Justice Brett Kavanaugh reflected on Congress’s difficulty in passing legislation.

He suggested that this has led presidents from both parties to “push” with “good intentions” to expand their authority through executive actions rather than pursue new laws.

“I think that might be the why,” he said.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the ongoing war in Iran may soon conclude, pointing to what he described as strong U.S. military progress on the battlefield.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump expressed confidence that the conflict is winding down. “We’re doing great. And it’s coming to an end,” the President said.

Earlier in the day, Trump told the New York Post that the campaign against the Iranian regime is not expected to continue for much longer, emphasizing the intensity of U.S. operations.

“We’re not going to be there too much longer. We’re obliterating the s-t out of them right now, it’s a total obliteration,” Trump said. “But we won’t have to be there much longer – but we have more work to do in terms of killing their offensive, whatever offensive capability they have left.”

Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he anticipates the critical shipping route will reopen on its own once the fighting ends, while also suggesting other nations should take responsibility for restoring access.

He said he expects the waterway to “automatically reopen” and added that “the countries that are using the strait, let them go and open it.”

According to a report published Monday in The Wall Street Journal, administration officials said Trump has indicated privately that he is prepared to bring the military operation to a close even if the strait remains largely blocked.

In recent discussions, Trump and his advisers concluded that a direct effort to force the passage open could significantly extend the conflict beyond the planned four-to-six-week timeframe, the report said. Instead, the focus has shifted to achieving core objectives — weakening Iran’s naval forces and missile capabilities — before scaling back combat operations while applying diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore normal shipping activity.

If those diplomatic efforts do not succeed, U.S. officials said Washington may look to European and Gulf allies to take the lead in reopening the strategic waterway.

A federal judge in Philadelphia ruled Tuesday that the University of Pennsylvania must comply with a subpoena issued by a U.S. civil rights agency seeking information related to Jewish students, faculty, and campus organizations, as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitism.

U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert rejected arguments from the university, along with affiliated faculty and student groups, that complying with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s request would effectively force the school to produce “lists of ‌Jews,” which they claimed would violate constitutional protections and potentially endanger individuals.

In his ruling, Pappert emphasized the legitimacy of the federal inquiry, writing that the EEOC “has an important interest in investigating the charge of discrimination and the subpoena is substantially related to that interest.”

He also criticized comparisons made by the university and its supporters, stating it was “unfortunate and inappropriate” to liken the EEOC’s investigation into antisemitism to the Holocaust or to the Nazis’ creation of “lists of Jews.”

The judge directed the university to turn over the requested information, though he specified that it must not include details identifying any employee’s affiliation with particular organizations. He noted that the EEOC had already withdrawn its request for information about ties to Jewish campus groups.

Neither the EEOC nor the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the faculty and student organizations involved, immediately issued a response to the ruling.

According to court filings, the EEOC said the university had refused to provide key materials, including complaints filed by Jewish employees, rosters of Jewish-affiliated campus groups, and the identities of individuals connected to the school’s Jewish Studies program.

The agency argued that without this information, it cannot effectively reach individuals who may have experienced antisemitic conduct or evaluate whether the university responded appropriately.

The EEOC also noted that while the university employs roughly 20,000 people and did provide some materials, it turned over only three complaints from Jewish faculty members dating back to November 2022, citing confidentiality concerns for withholding additional records.

Penn, for its part, said it had already submitted nearly 900 pages of documentation and offered to notify employees about the investigation and how they could contact federal officials. However, it maintained that it would not release personal information about Jewish employees without their consent.

The investigation is part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to scrutinize colleges and universities it says are promoting “woke” ideologies, including criticism of Israel and support for transgender rights.

In a separate matter, Penn agreed in July to prohibit transgender women from competing in women’s sports and to remove records and titles they had earned, resolving another federal discrimination inquiry.

Last year, the Justice Department established a multi-agency task force to investigate antisemitism on college campuses, and the U.S. Department of Education has opened probes into alleged antisemitic harassment at five institutions.

The EEOC, which recently shifted to a Republican majority after the Senate confirmed a Trump nominee to a vacant seat, has played a role in several of these cases, including an investigation into Columbia University that resulted in a $200 million settlement. Columbia denied any wrongdoing.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation that sought to rename Phoenix’s State Route 202, also known as Loop 202, in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last year.

In explaining her decision, Hobbs condemned the killing, calling it “tragic and a horrifying act of violence,” and stressed that political disagreements should be settled through elections rather than acts of violence. Kirk was shot and killed in September during a rally at Utah Valley University.

Hobbs said the proposal failed to meet the standard of keeping government functions free from political influence. “I will continue working toward solutions that bring people together, but this bill falls short of that standard by inserting politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan,” she wrote to state lawmakers.

She further argued that the proper procedures were not followed in advancing the renaming effort. “Any renaming of a highway must follow the current process through the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic names and not be circumvented by the Legislature,” she added.

Supporters of the bill pushed back on the veto. State Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican who backed the measure, accused Hobbs of abandoning a longstanding approach in the state. “Arizona has never required political agreement to recognize someone’s contribution to public life,” he said in a statement. “We’ve recognized impact, service and people who’ve shaped conversations and encouraged others to participate.”

Petersen warned that the decision signals a shift in how recognition is granted. “This veto makes it clear that standard has changed,” he added. “It tells people that recognition now depends on political alignment, not contribution. That’s not how Arizona has ever approached these decisions, and it’s a disappointing shift for our state.”

Efforts to commemorate Kirk have extended beyond Arizona. According to an Associated Press review of legislative activity, lawmakers in more than 20 states have introduced dozens of bills in his honor, many proposing memorial days or naming public places after him.

On the federal level, Reps. Abe Hamadeh of Arizona and August Pfluger of Texas introduced legislation in the House shortly after Kirk’s death that would place his likeness on up to 400,000 coins. The proposal has been referred to the House Financial Services Committee.

The veto comes as legal proceedings continue in the case surrounding Kirk’s death. Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, 22, who is charged in connection with the killing, have argued that the bullet recovered does not match the rifle linked to their client, citing inconclusive findings from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and ongoing FBI analyses.

Robinson’s legal team has requested a six-month postponement of a hearing scheduled for May to allow time for further review of the evidence. They indicated that the final report from the ATF could influence whether they present testimony from a firearms analyst as evidence in the case.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered an immediate stop to construction of the planned White House ballroom, siding with a preservation group that argued the project was moving forward without proper legal authorization.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail, stating in his decision that “no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have.”

The ruling places a temporary freeze on the project, though Leon delayed implementation of the injunction for 14 days to give the White House an opportunity to challenge the decision. The Justice Department is expected to file an appeal.

“I will therefore delay enforcement of the injunction for fourteen days,” Leon wrote, adding that the administration intends to pursue immediate review by a higher court.

The case was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which contended that the ballroom project could not proceed without prior approval from Congress.

In his opinion, Leon indicated that construction could move forward if lawmakers explicitly authorize the project or allocate funding, underscoring Congress’s control over federal property and expenditures.

President Donald Trump responded sharply to the lawsuit in a post on Truth Social, referring to the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a “Radical Left Group of Lunatics” and defending the project as “under budget” and “being built at no cost to the taxpayer.”

“The National Trust for Historic Preservation sues me for a Ballroom that is under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World,” the president wrote.

Trump had previously shared renderings of the proposed ballroom on Truth Social last month, showing a large structure featuring Greco-Roman columns and covering approximately 90,000 square feet, according to a White House statement.

The ballroom project is part of a broader push by Trump to overhaul and enhance key sites in Washington, D.C., including planned construction at the Trump-Kennedy Center later this summer and recent efforts to restore the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.

As fuel prices in Israel climbed past 8 shekels per liter amid the war with Iran, the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry urged the public on Tuesday to consider switching to electric vehicles — a proposal that some say is out of touch with the financial reality of many households.

In its statement, the ministry noted that approximately 230,000 drivers in Israel are already insulated from rising fuel costs thanks to their use of electric cars.

“The transition to an electric vehicle is an available, cost-effective and accessible alternative that allows households to save thousands and even tens of thousands of shekels per year,” said Nachum Yehoshua, head of the Clean Transportation Division at the Energy Ministry. “The rise in fuel prices illustrates the economic cost of dependence on oil and its direct impact on every citizen’s pocket.”

According to ministry data, an average family could save about 8,000 shekels annually on fuel alone by using an electric vehicle, with savings in more remote areas potentially reaching as much as 20,000 shekels per year. Additional savings of several thousand shekels can come from reduced maintenance and servicing costs.

Fuel prices have jumped sharply over the past month, rising by 1.03 shekels per liter to 8.05 shekels for self-service — one of the steepest increases in years. The surge has been driven by a roughly 49% spike in global gasoline prices, fueled by the ongoing conflict with Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry also pointed to increasing affordability in the electric vehicle market, saying that by 2026, average prices for electric cars have reached parity with — and in some cases dropped below — comparable gasoline-powered models. The secondhand EV market has also expanded, offering a broader range of vehicles at more accessible prices.

At the same time, charging infrastructure across Israel continues to grow rapidly, with more than 10,000 charging points now installed nationwide. The cost of setting up a home charging station has also declined significantly, with some solutions now available for just a few hundred shekels.

Officials further noted that recent studies indicate electric vehicle batteries typically last as long as the cars themselves, strengthening the economic case for making the switch.

Despite these arguments, some members of the chareidi community criticized the recommendation as impractical. “An average chareidi family with many children cannot afford to buy a new electric vehicle, even if it is cheaper than gasoline,” one commenter said. “We buy older, used cars — not new ones.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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