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Amid growing tensions over the draft of yeshivah students and the widening divide between segments of the chareidi and Religious Zionist communities, Rav Aviad Gadot said the overwhelming majority of the Religious Zionist public does not identify with the harsh rhetoric often directed at Torah learners.

Speaking on the Kol Chai program Tzav Ma’atzar, hosted by Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Gudi Silman, Rav Gadot—who heads the Torat HaLechima and Chotam organizations—discussed the future of the Torah world, relations between the chareidi and Religious Zionist sectors, and the broader struggle over the Jewish identity of the State of Israel.

At the outset of the conversation, Rav Gadot referred to a story highlighted in an earlier broadcast involving the wife of an avreich who has been detained in a military prison. He said the suffering described by the family reflects far more than an isolated personal hardship.

According to Rav Gadot, the issue represents “the pain of the entire Jewish people” and underscores a deeper crisis concerning the relationship between the state and its Jewish character.

Silman noted that some voices within the Religious Zionist community have become increasingly critical of the chareidi public and those dedicated to Torah study. He asked whether those sentiments represent a broad trend within the sector or merely the views of certain groups.

In response, Rav Gadot argued that the phenomenon should not be viewed as representative of the Religious Zionist community as a whole. Instead, he described it as part of a broader ideological process involving the formation of what he called the “faith-based camp,” a movement seeking to redefine and strengthen the Jewish identity of the state.

He said that while tensions sometimes exist between different factions within Religious Zionism, those disagreements do not reflect the views of the entire community.

Expanding his remarks to Israeli society at large, Rav Gadot maintained that there is a growing desire among many Israelis to reconnect with Judaism and Torah values. At the same time, he argued that the country’s educational system and other public institutions have drifted away from their Jewish foundations.

He also voiced criticism of both the judicial system and elements of the security establishment, claiming that flawed underlying assumptions within those institutions have had a broader impact on Israeli society.

Addressing the draft controversy, Rav Gadot said he believes a sustained public campaign surrounding chareidi military service has significantly influenced public discourse, including discussions within the Religious Zionist community itself.

Nevertheless, he stressed that most Religious Zionist Israelis do not embrace the more extreme anti-chareidi rhetoric that has emerged in certain circles.

“Most of the public is not a partner to the extreme voices,” he said.

The discussion also touched on the military service of Religious Zionist soldiers. Rav Gadot argued that tensions have developed in recent years between senior military commanders and leaders of the hesder yeshivah world, creating additional friction within the broader religious community.

As the interview concluded, Rav Gadot called for greater unity among Israel’s various religious sectors, emphasizing that preserving the Torah world and safeguarding the Jewish identity of the state should be viewed as a shared national mission rather than a political dispute.

{Matzav.com}

A revealing interview by the Israeli Yated Ne’eman with MK Moshe Gafni, combined with a week of political drama in Yerushalayim, exposed the growing fractures within Israel’s governing coalition, the escalating battle over the draft law, and the increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the country’s legal and political institutions. From threats of early elections to a dramatic State Comptroller vote and growing tensions between the government and the Attorney General, the past week offered a glimpse into a political system that appears to be moving steadily toward a new electoral showdown. Matzav.com presented portions of the interview, which was conducted in Hebrew.

Speaking shortly after the State Comptroller election, Gafni left little doubt that the relationship between the chareidi parties and their traditional coalition partners has fundamentally changed. During the interview, a Likud staffer approached him to coordinate a vote against an opposition bill. Gafni’s response was telling.

“We’re in the opposition,” he said.

When reminded that he had just voted for Michael Ravilo, the coalition-backed candidate for State Comptroller, Gafni dismissed the suggestion that the vote reflected continued loyalty to the coalition.

“There’s no connection. We’re not part of the coalition bloc and we vote on every issue individually.”

The exchange perfectly captured the current reality facing Degel HaTorah and much of the chareidi political leadership. The automatic alliance with the broader right-wing bloc is no longer being taken for granted.

Gafni confirmed that he supported Ravilo’s candidacy and explained the decision in simple terms.

“He is observant, so it was natural for us to vote for him.”

Asked whether Netanyahu had personally lobbied him before the vote, Gafni denied that any such discussion had taken place.

The conversation quickly turned to the issue dominating chareidi public life: the draft crisis and the growing number of yeshivah students facing possible arrest.

Gafni defended his recent directive instructing chareidi municipal representatives to suspend cooperation with police authorities. He rejected suggestions that the move had been impulsive or emotional.

“This didn’t come to me off the cuff,” he said. “Our representatives have close and productive relationships with police district commanders and local commanders on community matters and issues unique to the chareidi public. The moment the police say that part of their job is to arrest and imprison Torah learners, we will not cooperate with them.”

He stressed that many of the cooperative efforts between local officials and police are performed voluntarily and argued that continuing such relationships under current circumstances would be impossible.

Asked whether the directive had produced tangible results, Gafni suggested that it had.

“First of all, I did what needed to be done. It was a necessity. They attacked me in the Knesset, but I stood my ground. Regarding your question, there has definitely been an impact from the letter I wrote, but I’m not getting into that right now. When everything is finalized, I’ll discuss it publicly.”

According to Gafni, dissatisfaction with the policy extends beyond the chareidi community itself. He claimed that many senior police officials privately oppose the current approach because it damages years of trust-building between law enforcement and religious communities.

Looking ahead, Gafni issued a stark warning about the consequences of continued pressure on the chareidi public.

“They are creating a chareidi uprising,” he said. “That is ultimately what will happen. If you continue restricting the public in every area of life, it becomes a dictatorship, and it will lead to a chareidi uprising. We pay taxes and live here. If we are not allowed to live under all these decrees in every sphere of life, there will be an uprising. That is where this is leading.”

The possibility of early elections also featured prominently in the interview. Gafni made clear that his party sees little value in a Knesset that cannot pass legislation protecting Torah learners.

“As far as we are concerned, elections should happen as soon as possible. If the Knesset does not pass the draft law, then from our perspective it is not worth much. That is why we support early elections, as we were instructed to do.”

Although Netanyahu continues trying to advance draft legislation, Gafni indicated that the chareidi parties have effectively stepped back from those efforts.

“He is trying, and I know he is trying. But we are no longer involved, based on the instructions we received. We are not asking him for anything anymore.”

Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Gafni was asked how committed his party remains to the traditional right-wing bloc.

“Quite literally,” he replied. “The bloc, from our perspective, is a bloc of those who uphold Torah and mitzvos and the value of Torah study. Whoever wants can join us. We are not joining anyone anymore.”

The veteran lawmaker also addressed criticism that the chareidi parties made a strategic error at the beginning of the government by prioritizing judicial reform rather than securing draft legislation first.

“There were different circumstances then,” he said. “No one believed or anticipated what would happen with the judicial reform. Perhaps there should have been accompanying measures like an override clause. But that no longer matters. Something like that will not happen again.”

Gafni also expressed concern about what he described as organized efforts to suppress chareidi voter turnout. According to him, outside activists are investing significant resources into campaigns aimed at convincing religious voters that their representatives have failed.

“The number of seats held by Degel HaTorah and by the chareidi parties generally will be critically important,” he said. “Their goal is to harm everything connected to the chareidi public and, of course, to win the elections. They are investing enormous amounts of money and operating through internal channels as well.”

He claimed that some individuals inside the community have been recruited to assist those efforts.

“You can see fingerprints in the posters and videos being distributed. There are internal people who took money and sold themselves. I hope the public will not fall for this campaign.”

Asked whether he fears losing seats, Gafni replied simply, “I very much hope the public will not be persuaded.”

Reflecting on his long political career, Gafni described the current period as the most difficult he has ever witnessed.

“This is the hardest period by far. The public became accustomed, rightly so, to a certain standard of living, and now almost every area is being harmed. Institutions, budgets, daycare centers, education, municipal tax benefits—everything is being affected. There are additional matters we are dealing with that we are not even discussing publicly.”

He also confirmed plans to advance Basic Law: Torah Study, legislation that has sat dormant for years.

“I initiated it. The faction signed it. It remained frozen because people argued it could interfere with the draft law. Now that the draft law is not moving and arrests have begun, I asked whether it should be brought forward. Shas also requested it. The Gedolei Torah instructed me to advance it, and it will be brought next week.”

According to Gafni, the legislation is intended to serve as a counterbalance to legal doctrines centered on equality.

“The law is meant to be a counterweight to the principle of equality as a value in its own right. The Attorney General will probably try to strike it down as well, but we are making every effort.”

Toward the end of the interview, Gafni voiced his strongest criticism yet of the coalition partners who signed agreements with the chareidi parties but failed to deliver.

“They signed coalition agreements. They received everything they wanted. When the time came to fulfill their commitments, not only did they fail to do so, but they cooperated with the Attorney General and the media in ways that made a solution more difficult.”

His conclusion was blunt.

“I am very disappointed in this partnership and in their silence. They are responsible for the fact that there is no law. They should not come afterward with complaints.”

The interview came amid growing criticism of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has become a central figure in many of the government’s political battles. Critics argue that she has repeatedly obstructed government initiatives, including appointments, judicial reforms, and matters related to the draft law.

Those tensions intensified further after the government suffered another setback in its effort to remove her. Meanwhile, supporters of the Attorney General insist she is simply carrying out her legal responsibilities and protecting the rule of law.

Another major political story this week was the dramatic election of Michael Ravilo as State Comptroller.

Initially, former Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron appeared positioned for victory. In the first round of voting, Elron received 60 votes compared to 57 for Ravilo. The opposition needed only one additional vote to secure an outright victory.

But Netanyahu refused to concede defeat.

After personally intervening and lobbying wavering lawmakers, he managed to reverse the outcome. In the second round, Ravilo prevailed by a vote of 61 to 57.

The victory was viewed by Netanyahu’s supporters as proof that reports of the coalition’s collapse may be exaggerated. Critics, however, argued that the election exposed deeper problems involving political pressure and the secrecy of parliamentary voting.

The result also highlighted a broader shift inside Netanyahu’s leadership style.

For years, critics accused him of appointing individuals who later turned against him. Recent appointments suggest he is now determined to place trusted allies in key positions.

Supporters argue that figures such as David Zini, Roman Gofman, Doron Cohen, Shmuel Ben Ezra, and now Ravilo possess the necessary qualifications and experience for their respective roles. Opponents contend that personal loyalty has become a central consideration.

Either way, Netanyahu appears increasingly committed to shaping the country’s institutions with appointments that reflect his worldview.

The political spotlight also remains fixed on the opposition, where Gadi Eisenkot continues to emerge as a potential challenger to Netanyahu.

Polls suggest Eisenkot has steadily gained ground and may eventually surpass Naftali Bennett among voters seeking an alternative to the current government.

His supporters portray him as thoughtful, responsible, and statesmanlike. Yet questions remain about whether those qualities alone are enough to defeat one of Israel’s most formidable political campaigners.

Unlike Netanyahu, whose political career has been defined by relentless campaigning and constant engagement, Eisenkot projects a quieter image. Admirers see maturity and seriousness. Skeptics see a lack of urgency.

That debate is likely to intensify as election season approaches.

Meanwhile, speculation about opposition mergers continues to dominate political discussions. Bennett and Yair Lapid have repeatedly called for broader alliances, while Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman have been more cautious.

Political history offers mixed lessons. While mergers can strengthen parties near the electoral threshold, larger unions sometimes blur ideological identities and drive voters elsewhere.

For that reason, some analysts believe separate campaigns followed by post-election coalition-building may ultimately prove more effective than grand pre-election alliances.

Whatever path emerges, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: Israel’s political system is moving rapidly toward a decisive moment.

The coalition is under strain. The draft crisis continues to deepen. Legal battles are escalating. Political alliances are shifting.

And with elections up ahead, every major player is already positioning for the fight ahead.

{Matzav.com}

MK Yaakov Asher delivered a forceful and unusually candid address at the Bnei Yeshivah Conference organized by HaIchud, declaring that the struggle facing the Torah world is nothing less than a religious battle while emphasizing that the chareidi community will remain firmly guided by Torah principles and the direction of Gedolei Yisroel.

Speaking at the gathering held at Yerushalayim’s Dan Hotel, Asher addressed growing concerns within the chareidi public over the challenges confronting yeshivah students, Torah institutions, and religious education. He stressed that despite the mounting pressure, the community’s response would remain rooted in Torah values and absolute adherence to rabbinic leadership.

During his remarks, Asher sought to reassure attendees who are worried about the future and the direction of current events.

“We are living through a time when people are asking what will be and are genuinely concerned,” he said. “As Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni has said, I do not believe that, in the history of the chareidi perspective, we have ever experienced a period like this. But one thing we do know: what you are doing here, and what is being built through your efforts—the preservation of the Torah world, support for bnei Torah, and strengthening the observance of mitzvos—is the force that sustains us. The war we are facing today is a religious war, and we are not sitting quietly. Not us, not those who bear public responsibility, and not the Gedolei Yisroel, who are concerned about every detail and guide us in the path we must follow.”

Asher went on to outline what he described as the proper framework for the public struggle ahead, insisting that any response must remain within the boundaries established by Torah leadership and rejecting calls for independent or extreme action.

He emphasized that the battle over the future of the chareidi community and its educational system would be fought through spiritual and educational means, without compromising the values that define the Torah world.

“We will wage this struggle in our way—in the way of Torah, in the way of bnei Torah. We will protect our children, we will protect our education, and we will not endanger the education of our children for any goal. We will know how to fight, we will know how to stand up for what is ours, and with Hashem’s help we will also see salvation. But we will do so while preserving the Torah and the image of the ben Torah. We will not become militias, and we will not lose our way. We will proceed exactly as Gedolei Yisroel instruct us, and that is what guides us. This power of Torah, of yiras Shamayim, and of the character of bnei Torah—is the strength from which the Jewish people draw their power. And with Hashem’s help, we will soon merit the fulfillment of the posuk: ‘יָקוּמוּ וְיָפוּצוּ אויְבֶיךָ וְיָנֻסוּ מְשַׂנְאֶיךָ מִפָּנֶיךָ.’”

{Matzav.com}

Residents and bystanders who witnessed Sunday morning’s deadly shooting attack in the Sharon region described scenes of panic and chaos after a terrorist opened fire in broad daylight, killing one person and wounding five others across multiple locations.

One local resident, whose home is near the scene of the attack, said he immediately recognized the sound of gunfire.

“I recently moved to the Sal’it area, and my house is very close to where the attack occurred. I heard shots and realized right away that it was automatic weapon fire,” he said.

According to the resident, the shooting was followed by a massive emergency response.

“There was a tremendous commotion. I looked out my window and saw ambulances everywhere and a lot of chaos. Later I learned that there were casualties in Kochav Yair as well and that another incident was unfolding there. Since then, security forces have been operating throughout the area.”

The resident said the attack confirmed fears that many locals have harbored for years.

“When I heard the gunfire, I felt immediately that this was something highly unusual. On one hand, it was always something we worried about, but it took many years before it actually happened. The security fence around these communities does not always provide a full sense of safety. I regularly travel through the avocado groves nearby and see many Palestinian workers in the area every day. I do not believe the situation is being handled properly.”

Other eyewitnesses described just how close they came to the gunfire.

“I got out of my car and started walking toward Aroma when suddenly I heard shots,” one witness recalled. “At first, we had no idea what was happening. Looking back, I was only about ten meters from the first bullet that struck the man at McDonald’s.”

The witness said he watched another victim collapse moments later.

“I saw a man at the gas station holding his shoulder and then falling to the ground. Unfortunately, the terrorist was in a vehicle, and nobody was able to stop him at that point. I’m left with feelings of fear and anxiety. It’s absolutely terrifying. It was sheer luck that I wasn’t hit by that bullet.”

As previously reported, the attacker, Omar Yassin, who was known to police and had a criminal history, carried out a deadly shooting spree that left one person dead and five others seriously wounded. The attack unfolded across four separate locations in the Sharon region, including Kochav Yair, Tzur Yitzchak, Sal’it, and Route 5533 near Tzur Natan.

כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל כוחות צה”ל בזירת הפיגוע בכוכב יאירצילום: דובר צה”ל

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] As he prepared to travel to the United States on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah, Rav Dov Landau received a special visit from Rav Dovid Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, and shared the personal difficulty he feels about undertaking the demanding journey.

The meeting took place ahead of Rav Landau’s planned departure on Motzaei Shabbos as part of a major fundraising effort aimed at supporting yeshivos and Torah institutions facing significant financial challenges. The two gedolim discussed the mission and the urgent needs confronting the Torah world.

During the visit, Rav Landau made an unusual request, asking Rav Cohen to bentch him with Birchas Kohanim before the trip. Rav Cohen readily agreed and offered heartfelt blessings for a successful journey, good health, and continued strength in carrying the burden of leadership on behalf of Klal Yisroel.

Rav Cohen said, “May Hakadosh Baruch Hu give the Rosh Yeshivah the strength to endure the trip, with health and with vigor, to sustain the Torah world and establish Torah throughout Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Landau responded emotionally, expressing both gratitude and the weight he feels regarding the upcoming mission.

“Amein, thank you very much for the brachos and good wishes. It is very difficult for me, very, very difficult. It is impossible to describe how difficult it is.”

As the conversation continued, Rav Landau spoke more openly about the personal challenge involved in leaving Eretz Yisroel and undertaking the extensive fundraising campaign.

“For me, it is doubly difficult. There is no alternative.”

When Rav Cohen emphasized the importance of strengthening the Torah world during this critical period, Rav Landau replied that despite the hardship, the responsibility leaves him with no choice.

“It is impossible to describe what it means for me personally. And I have no solution. We must do it.”

Those present said the remarks reflected the profound sense of responsibility Rav Landau feels toward the yeshivah world and the future of Torah learning.

As the meeting drew to a close, Rav Cohen once again offered words of encouragement and blessing.

“Hashem should help that the Rosh Yeshivah have the strength, that there be success, that it be beneficial, and that there be siyata d’Shmaya.”

Rav Landau thanked him warmly for coming.

“Amein, thank you. I appreciate that you took the trouble to come and bentch me.”

WATCH:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VIDEO-2026-06-07-02-13-52.mp4

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump declared that any agreement ending hostilities between the United States and Iran would include the removal and destruction of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, emphasizing that Washington will ensure the material is eliminated regardless of Tehran’s level of cooperation.

Speaking during an appearance on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Trump said that if relations improve through a negotiated settlement, the two countries could jointly oversee the dismantling of Iran’s uranium reserves.

“If we make a deal that now we’re friendly, we’ll all go together. It’ll be our equipment. We’ll take it out and destroy it,” Trump told NBC News’s Meet the Press. He added that the material could be destroyed either on-site or after being removed.

The President made clear, however, that the uranium would be dealt with even if Iran refused to participate in the process.

“And we will go with them, or without them. But we won’t have people shooting at us,” he said. “Now, if we don’t make a deal, then we’re going to take them out militarily very harshly.”

Trump indicated that negotiations have made substantial progress and suggested that the two sides are nearing a final understanding. Nonetheless, he said he remains focused on tightening the language of the agreement to ensure Iran is permanently barred from obtaining nuclear weapons.

According to Trump, Iranian officials have already agreed that they will not possess nuclear arms. He said his concern centered on broadening the restrictions to cover every possible avenue by which Iran might seek to acquire such capabilities.

“I want to put the word, if they buy, purchase, or acquire,” Trump said. “They don’t have the right to develop or purchase, acquire or buy.”

Trump noted that Iranian negotiators were initially reluctant to accept those additional provisions but ultimately agreed to the expanded wording.

The President also highlighted the extensive surveillance capabilities available to the United States, saying Washington is fully capable of monitoring Iran’s nuclear facilities through sophisticated technology.

“You know, we have cameras on it, all over it,” he said. “These are cameras up in space. It’s pretty amazing technology.”

Addressing the American military presence in the region, Trump said U.S. forces would remain in place for the foreseeable future. He argued that now is not the time for a withdrawal and expressed confidence that current conditions do not place American troops in immediate danger.

“I would say it would be foolhardy” to withdraw them now, Trump said, adding that troops would remain “until such time as we have a completion.”

Asked about Iran’s new leadership following recent upheaval in the country, Trump said he views the current regime as more pragmatic than its predecessor and would be open to direct communication with the nation’s supreme leader.

“I would if he’d like to,” Trump said. “But I have not spoken to him directly.”

Trump further stated that Iran should not expect immediate access to frozen assets as part of any future agreement. He said financial concessions would come only after Iran demonstrates compliance and responsible conduct.

“That comes after,” he said. “Yeah, if they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking.”

While discussing the broader confrontation between the two countries, Trump argued that military actions have significantly reduced Iran’s capabilities. Nevertheless, he stressed that the overriding objective of American policy remains preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“The main thing is we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “Can’t do it. And we won’t do it.”

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani renewed his call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that the agency’s practices are fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed through reforms.

Speaking on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Mamdani was asked about reports that detainees at New Jersey’s Delaney detention facility had launched a hunger strike to protest conditions inside the center.

Co-host Eugene Daniels raised the issue by asking, “Just over the river here in new Jersey, there’s the Delaney facility. There are folks there that are on hunger strike over the conditions. What’s your reaction? And I guess, more importantly for New Yorkers, what prevents a facility like that from opening here in New York?”

Mamdani responded by expressing concern over the conditions reportedly faced by detainees and said the situation reinforced his belief that ICE should be dismantled altogether.

“I think there are a few things. One is a reaction of pain and seeing what people have to go through in these kinds of facilities. And these are conditions that they offend the conscience of so many, not just here in New York City but frankly, across the country. This is partially why I have put forward a vision alongside so many others to say that ICE should be abolished, that there is no way to reform this kind of cruelty that we’re seeing endemic in the way that immigration is being enforced across the country. When it comes to our city, we are proud of our sanctuary city policies. We are proud of the policies we’ve put forward, and also the executive orders we’ve put forward to ensure that every single agency is complying with those policies.”

Mamdani also defended New York City’s sanctuary-city policies, saying city leaders remain committed to limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts and ensuring local agencies follow those directives.

Daniels then questioned whether calls to abolish ICE could hurt Democrats politically, noting that some party leaders in Washington have warned against using such rhetoric.

“What do you say to people who say language? And there’s Democrats in DC who say language like, abolish ICE or unhelpful for the political health of the Democratic Party?”

Mamdani dismissed those concerns, arguing that Democrats should embrace a clearer and more aggressive ideological vision.

“I think if we we’ve listened to them before and look where we are. I think it’s time to develop a new vision for this party, one that is unflinching in its beliefs and also uncompromising in its principles.”

The remarks place Mamdani among the most outspoken progressive voices on immigration policy, as debates continue nationwide over border security, detention facilities, sanctuary-city policies, and the future role of ICE under President Trump’s administration.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu used the opening of Sunday’s Cabinet meeting to address the deadly terror attack in the Sharon region, while also outlining Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. He praised the security personnel who responded to the attack and emphasized that Israel continues to wage an aggressive campaign against terrorist threats on multiple fronts.

Referring to the shooting attack that left one Israeli dead and several others wounded, Netanyahu said Israel’s security forces work constantly to thwart terrorist activity, even though not every attack can be prevented.

“We are fighting terrorism on all fronts. In Judea and Samaria and along the seam line, the IDF, ISA, and the Israel Police foil hundreds of attacks every year, though unfortunately not all of them. This morning, an abhorrent terrorist set out, reached Kochav Yair, and unfortunately managed to murder an Israeli citizen and wound others before being neutralized. First and foremost, I praise the rapid-response teams that acted immediately against the terrorists. I praise the officers of the Israel Police who neutralized the terrorist and also apprehended his accomplice,” Netanyahu stated.

The prime minister also provided an update on the war against Hamas, asserting that Israeli forces are steadily increasing their control over territory throughout Gaza while continuing to target the terror group’s leadership and military infrastructure.

He also revealed that Israel is continuing to expand its control over the Gaza Strip. “In the Gaza Strip, we are squeezing Hamas from all sides. We currently hold over 60% of the Strip’s territory, and we will soon reach 70%. We are not allowing them to rearm or harm us, and we are also eliminating their senior commanders.”

Turning to the northern front, Netanyahu highlighted recent military successes against Hezbollah, saying Israeli forces have inflicted significant losses on the terror organization and uncovered major underground facilities used for terrorist operations.

Regarding Lebanon, the Prime Minister stated: “Our forces have eliminated 350 terrorists in the past week alone. They captured the Beaufort Ridge, where they discovered a massive underground infrastructure. We are completing the elimination of the terrorist villages adjacent to our border. We are striking them very hard, and we know that Hezbollah is on the run. We will not allow firing at our territory or our communities, and we will act accordingly.”

{Matzav.com}

One person was killed and five others were wounded in a deadly shooting spree across the Sharon region, as Israeli security forces launched a large-scale manhunt and ultimately neutralized a terrorist believed to have carried out the attacks. The shootings occurred at several locations, including Kochav Yair, Tzur Yitzhak, and the area near Tzur Natan, triggering a massive emergency response.

The violence began at a gas station near Kochav Yair, where two men in their 30s were shot. Magen David Adom teams rushed to the scene and provided emergency treatment before evacuating the victims for further care.

Minutes later, reports emerged of another shooting in Tzur Yitzhak, where a 31-year-old man was wounded. MDA paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to Beilinson Hospital in moderate condition.

As emergency crews responded to the unfolding situation, additional casualties were reported at other nearby locations, raising concerns that all of the shootings were connected.

MDA Paramedic Lior Zilberberg said: “We received reports at MDA’s 101 Emergency Dispatch Center regarding several casualties at different scenes, including reports of people injured in a shooting. At the scene at a gas station near Kokhav Yair, we began providing medical treatment to a man approximately 50 years old who was in serious condition, and to a man approximately 30 years old who was in moderate condition. At another scene in Tzur Yitzhak, we provided medical treatment to a man approximately 30 years old who was injured in his hand. At an additional scene on Route 5533, we treated another man in critical condition, as well as an additional casualty who was evacuated in serious condition. We continue to provide medical treatment at the various scenes.”

Another paramedic, Eyal Drori, described the extensive emergency operation that followed the attacks.

“We arrived at several scenes after calls were received at MDA’s 101 dispatch regarding shooting incidents at multiple locations. Large numbers of MDA responders were quickly dispatched to the various sites, and at each of the scenes, we reached the injured and immediately began providing medical treatment to stabilize their condition. We continue to operate at the scene and provide medical treatment to the casualties.”

Zilberberg, who manages MDA’s Kfar Saba station, said the response teams had been participating in a nearby training exercise when the first alerts came in.

“We were in a large training exercise in a nearby community when we received reports via the MDA 101 dispatch center about gunshot casualties at several scenes close to us. We immediately stopped the exercise and set out with intensive care units and ambulances to the gas station in Kochav Ya’ir, Tzur Yitzhak, and Tzur Natan. At the gas station, MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical treatment to two injured individuals who were evacuated to hospital in serious and moderate condition. At the entrance to Tzur Yitzhak, we saw two casualties: a man in his 30s who suffered a gunshot wound to his arm, and a 61-year-old woman who was in a vehicle and was injured by gunfire to her upper body. We provided both of them with medical treatment, and they were evacuated in MDA mobile intensive care units to hospital in moderate condition. I continued driving toward Tzur Natan, where we received reports of active gunfire. During the drive, civilians signaled me to stop and called me to provide medical treatment to an unconscious casualty inside a vehicle. He was pulseless and not breathing, with gunshot wounds to his body, and after medical assessments we were forced to pronounce him dead. Near the vehicle, another injured person was lying conscious, suffering gunshot wounds to the upper body. After initial medical treatment at the scene, he was evacuated in an MDA mobile intensive care unit to hospital in moderate-to-severe condition.”

As security forces swept the area, another victim was discovered along the road connecting Tzur Natan and Sal’it.

One of the victims who had initially been listed in critical condition later succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead.

The terrorist fled following the attacks, prompting police and security forces to launch an intensive search operation. Authorities later announced that one suspect had been neutralized, while efforts continued to determine whether an additional assailant had been involved.

The IDF stated: “Following reports of multiple shooting incidents, IDF soldiers, in coordination with the security forces, were dispatched to the areas of Sal’it and Tzur Yitzhak a short while ago. The terrorist was neutralized at the scene. The soldiers, together with additional medical personnel, began extensive searches for additional terrorists and are providing medical treatment to the injured. Additional soldiers are on their way to the scene.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal appeals court appeared unconvinced Friday by the Trump administration’s argument that courts lack the authority to halt construction of the new White House ballroom, even if the project were ultimately found to violate federal law.

During a hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, two judges repeatedly questioned administration attorneys over their claim that the project has advanced too far to be stopped, particularly after the demolition of the East Wing and the commencement of large-scale construction.

Judge Patricia Millett pressed government lawyer Yaakov Roth on whether there were any limits to the administration’s position.

“When did it become a fait accompli?” Judge Patricia Millett asked. “If this were complete lawlessness by the government … it couldn’t be stopped?”

Roth responded bluntly.

“On these theories, I think that’s right,” replied Yaakov Roth, a Justice Department attorney.

Millett continued to challenge the administration’s reasoning, questioning whether the government could effectively shield any project from judicial review simply by acting quickly enough.

“If the government decides, very quickly, to bulldoze the Statue of Liberty — the people whose ancestors that was the first thing they saw coming to this country, but the government moved too fast — nothing can be done?” the judge asked.

“I think that’s right, yes,” Roth responded.

The dispute stems from President Trump’s ambitious White House renovation plan, which includes construction of a large ballroom that has become one of the administration’s highest-profile building projects. While a federal district judge temporarily blocked the work in March, the D.C. Circuit later suspended that ruling, allowing construction to proceed while the legal battle continues.

Friday’s arguments highlighted the administration’s aggressive defense of the project, which Trump has repeatedly championed as part of a broader effort to reshape and modernize portions of Washington’s most iconic buildings.

Millett was not alone in expressing concern. Judge Bradley Garcia also appeared skeptical of the administration’s sweeping legal arguments.

Judge Neomi Rao, meanwhile, focused much of her questioning on whether the lawsuit should be allowed to proceed at all. Rao suggested the National Trust for Historic Preservation may lack standing, particularly given the administration’s contention that the ballroom serves important security functions in addition to hosting events.

Roth argued that preservation concerns raised by opponents pale in comparison to the security considerations involved in the project.

“The balance of harms and public interest are so lopsided in favor of this project,” Roth said. “It’s an architectural preference on one hand and the safety and security of the president of the United States on the other hand.”

The administration also maintained that courts should not intervene even if the project were eventually determined to be unlawful. According to Roth, any corrective action would need to come from Congress rather than the judiciary.

“Congress can figure out how to deal with that, given the fact that we have these national security imperatives,” Roth said. “It’s well along. They’ve installed like 3 million pounds of steel rebar. … Congress would be the appropriate entity to decide: How do we balance these considerations at this juncture?”

Attorneys for the National Trust for Historic Preservation argue that the White House grounds are part of a federally protected national park and therefore cannot be substantially altered without congressional approval. They contend that the administration lacks authority to make such sweeping changes on its own.

“They just don’t want to go to Congress,” the trust’s attorney, Tad Heuer said, stressing that, under the Constitution, “Congress controls federal property.”

Heuer acknowledged that smaller additions to the White House over the years—including recreational facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools—may also have been installed without explicit congressional authorization. However, he argued that the ballroom project is fundamentally different because it required the complete removal of the East Wing.

President Trump has repeatedly mocked the lawsuit and questioned the legitimacy of those challenging the project.

In a social media post, Trump claimed the lawsuit was “brought by a woman walking her dog, who has absolutely No Standing to bring such a suit.”

The National Trust, however, says its legal standing is based on historian and retired professor Alison Hoagland, who has served on preservation boards and frequently visits the White House area.

Notably, Hoagland’s sworn court declaration makes no mention of a dog.

The case now presents a significant test of executive authority, judicial oversight, and congressional control over federal property, as construction of Trump’s signature White House ballroom continues while the courts weigh whether it was authorized in the first place.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers or damaged government property during the January 6 Capitol riot should never have been pardoned and should not receive any financial compensation.

Speaking during an appearance on HBO’s “Real Time,” Pence discussed the events of January 6 with host Bill Maher and drew a distinction between those who were simply present that day and those who engaged in violence or criminal conduct.

Maher suggested that Americans might be able to find common ground regarding the events at the Capitol.

“OK, so, I mean, it seems like we could, so many of these things we could come to some agreement with the middle, like January 6, like, Trump, pardon everybody. Could we say that, yes, some people were there just for reasons of who knows, they weren’t exactly tourists, but they weren’t t having horrible intent. Other people? Can we say some bad people were here, like the ones who wanted to hang you? Can we say those were bad people?”

Pence responded by reiterating a position he has expressed before, saying he did not object to pardons for some individuals caught up in the day’s events, but strongly opposed clemency for those who committed violent acts or attempted to interfere with the constitutional process.

“Bill, I made it clear I had no problem with the president pardoning people who got caught up in that day. But for anyone who assaulted a police officer, anybody that violated and vandalized the seat of our government and sought to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes, those people never should have been pardoned, and they should never get a dime.”

Maher then shifted the conversation to the threats directed at Pence during the riot, asking, “So, no ill feelings about the hanging thing?”

Pence replied, “You know, I get, you know…”

Maher followed up by pressing him on whether he feared for his life as the situation unfolded.

“Did you ever fear for your life? Do you, did you actually fear that they would, that that could happen?”

Pence answered by emphasizing his determination during the crisis rather than any personal fear.

“Well, to be honest with you, I never felt a greater sense of resolve any day in my life than on January 6.”

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

With the New York Knicks preparing to host their first NBA Finals game in nearly three decades, Madison Square Garden is implementing heightened security measures ahead of Monday night’s pivotal Game 3.

The organization announced a series of special protocols for fans attending the matchup, including a strict ban on bags and enhanced screening procedures modeled after airport security checkpoints. Officials are urging spectators to arrive well ahead of the 8:30 p.m. tip-off to avoid delays and ensure they are seated before the opening quarter begins.

“A strict no-bag policy will be in effect, and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum,” the team wrote. “Fans should expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA-style screening procedures. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow additional time for screening and entry.”

In addition, attendees have been advised to review the U.S. Secret Service’s list of prohibited items before arriving at the arena.

Under normal circumstances, Madison Square Garden permits small bags that fit beneath a seat and do not exceed 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, according to arena guidelines. Those rules will be significantly tightened for Monday’s contest.

The increased security comes as President Donald Trump is expected to be among those in attendance for the highly anticipated game.

After reports surfaced this past week that Trump planned to attend the Finals at Madison Square Garden, the president later confirmed the plans himself.

The visit will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game.

“[The Knicks] find a way to do it,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “They’re really great, a great team. I’m happy for [Knicks owner] Jim [Dolan] because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also welcomed the president’s attendance, noting Trump’s longstanding ties to New York and his history as a Knicks supporter.

“We’re seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team,” Silver said this week.

The Knicks enter Game 3 riding tremendous momentum after victories in the first two games of the series, giving them a commanding 2-0 advantage over the Spurs. New York now stands just two wins away from capturing its first NBA championship since 1973—and will attempt to take another major step toward ending that 54-year title drought on its home floor Monday night.

{Matzav.com}

The $2 bill remains one of the most unusual pieces of American currency, and despite being legal tender, many Americans rarely encounter one. While some collectors prize certain versions for their rarity and value, anyone hoping to obtain a freshly printed $2 bill this year is likely to be disappointed.

Although the denomination has been produced on and off for more than 160 years, federal officials have decided not to print any new $2 bills this year.

Despite their reputation as a rarity, $2 bills are far from extinct. An estimated 1.8 billion are currently circulating throughout the United States. By comparison, there are roughly 2.4 billion $10 bills and approximately 3.7 billion $5 bills in circulation.

Federal Reserve figures indicate that the current supply of $2 bills is the largest seen in the past two decades, helping explain why no additional notes are being ordered.

As a result, the Federal Reserve’s printing request for $2 bills this year falls within a range of zero to zero, meaning none will be produced.

This is not the first time the denomination has faced a lengthy pause. Between 1966 and 1976, federal authorities stopped printing $2 bills altogether. At the time, demand had fallen sharply, and officials hoped that suspending production for a decade might renew public interest in the note.

The strategy produced mixed results. When the bills returned in 1976, many people chose to save them rather than spend them. Some collectors even had the newly issued notes postmarked on April 13, the day the U.S. Postal Service offered commemorative stamps marking the denomination’s return.

While those commemorative bills may hold interest for collectors, other rare $2 notes have become far more valuable, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

The decision about how much currency to print each year originates with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which receives annual estimates of how many notes are needed to satisfy domestic and international demand. Those calculations take into account existing supplies, spending habits, and the number of worn-out bills that need replacement.

According to a 2017 episode of the U.S. Currency Education Program podcast, replacing damaged notes is generally the primary reason new currency is printed. The program also noted that the $2 bill is unique because it does not require annual production.

In recent years, federal officials have repeatedly chosen not to order new $2 bills. No new notes were requested in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020, or 2023, largely because previous production runs had already supplied more than enough bills to meet demand.

With between 307.2 million and 416 million new $2 bills scheduled for production in 2025, the absence of a new printing order this year comes as little surprise.

One reason the existing supply lasts so long is that $2 bills change hands less frequently than other denominations. Many cash registers do not even have designated slots for them, and people often save them as keepsakes, gifts, or collectibles instead of spending them. Because they experience less wear and tear, fewer notes need to be replaced.

Think back to the last time you saw a $2 bill. If you encountered one at all, chances are it was being saved, collected, or given away rather than actively circulating through stores and banks.

The notes are also relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Each bill costs roughly two-tenths of a cent to print, significantly less than the nearly four cents it once cost to produce a penny before the one-cent coin was discontinued last year.

Although collectors will not be able to obtain newly printed 2026 $2 bills, there will still be several new currency items attracting attention this year.

Among them are special quarters and other commemorative coins—including pennies—celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Collectors may also encounter paper currency bearing President Trump’s signature, as well as continued discussion about a potential $250 bill featuring Trump.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

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​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

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Former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak has broken his silence over the vandalism and unrest outside the home of Justice Noam Sohlberg, issuing a sharp condemnation of the protesters and warning that verbal attacks on judges can quickly escalate into physical violence.

In an interview with Kan News, Barak said the disturbances at Sohlberg’s residence represent a dangerous trend that threatens the independence of Israel’s judiciary and the rule of law.

“Once you feel free to engage in verbal bullying inside a courtroom, afterward you can also engage in verbal violence against the judge,” Barak warned. “Verbal violence quickly becomes physical violence—against his property, against his home, and against the judge himself.”

Addressing the protest outside Sohlberg’s home, which was sparked by anger over issues related to the military draft and the courts, Barak argued that the demonstrators crossed a clear line.

“People whom we call chareidim, but who have no fear of G-d in their hearts,” he said.

Barak emphasized that while public demonstrations are a legitimate part of a democratic society, he believes the events outside Sohlberg’s home went far beyond lawful protest.

“A normal protest is certainly legal, and every person has the right to demonstrate. But this is not a normal protest. This is a protest that is a criminal offense. It is directed at the home of a judge in Israel, and not merely at his home, but at his rulings—it is intended to influence his judicial decisions.”

When asked who bears responsibility for the growing hostility directed at judges and public officials, Barak said the problem extends beyond any single group.

“It doesn’t begin with the chareidim and it doesn’t end with the chareidim,” he said. “It begins with the person who blocked my vehicle and continues with those who riot in courtrooms.”

Nevertheless, Barak also directed criticism toward Israel’s political leadership, arguing that past failures to condemn such behavior contributed to the current atmosphere.

“Not everything is Netanyahu, but in the end everything also leads to him. Because the bullying directed at me, for example, he did not condemn. I am pleased that in the case of the bullying against Noam Sohlberg he did say it was wrong and that it should be dealt with within the framework of the law. I hope that this time it will help.”

Barak was also asked about a previous incident in which right-wing activist Mordechai David blocked his vehicle. The retired jurist said the experience did not frighten him.

“You get used to every trouble and wait for the next one that is worse. I was not afraid. As my mother used to say: ‘If we survived Hitler, we will survive this too.’”

Concluding the interview, Barak called on law enforcement authorities to respond forcefully to acts of intimidation and harassment.

“We must not come to terms with this bullying. It is contrary to the law,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

New details have emerged regarding last week’s violent disturbances outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, with a report indicating that police intelligence had received advance warning that a protest was being planned but failed to identify the precise location in time to prevent the incident.

According to a report by Ynet, police intelligence officials received credible information as early as Wednesday afternoon indicating that activists were organizing a demonstration. However, authorities were reportedly unable to determine where the gathering would take place.

The apparent intelligence failure prevented police from deploying sufficient forces before the situation escalated into a major disturbance. Responding to questions about the issue, a police source said only that “the matter is being examined.”

As previously reported, dozens of protesters arrived outside Justice Sohlberg’s residence, where they allegedly smashed windows, destroyed flower pots, and caused significant damage to both the property and the judge’s vehicle.

The incident unfolded while Justice Sohlberg, his wife, children, and grandchildren were inside the home and witnessed the destruction firsthand.

According to the report, 62 suspects were arrested following the unrest. The detainees reportedly spent much of the night aboard the bus in which they were apprehended after allegedly attempting to leave the area following the disturbance.

Large police forces intercepted the bus shortly after the vandalism and mass arrests followed.

The suspects were scheduled to appear before the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court, where police planned to seek extensions of their detention. Investigators are reportedly requesting lengthy remand periods for some of the suspects due to the seriousness of the allegations.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Israel’s political spectrum.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said he “strongly condemns the violent riot against Justice Noam Sohlberg” and stressed that “law enforcement authorities must pursue the rioters to the fullest extent of the law.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also denounced the violence, saying, “The freedom to protest is a fundamental right, but it does not include the freedom of anarchy. I strongly condemn the small group of extremists who threw stones, engaged in violence, and disrupted public order outside Justice Sohlberg’s home.”

He added, “This is not the way of the Torah, and it is not the way of a democratic state.”

The leaders of Israel’s chareidi parties—Aryeh Deri, Moshe Gafni, and Yitzchak Goldknopf—issued a joint statement shortly after midnight condemning the violence while also criticizing what they described as the judiciary’s ongoing treatment of Torah students.

“We are pained and shocked by the ongoing persecution and trampling of Torah learners by the judges of the Supreme Court,” the statement said. “We warned time and again that these measures would lead to radicalization and anarchy, and unfortunately we are now seeing those fears materialize.”

At the same time, the party leaders emphasized, “We strongly condemn any act of violence, of any kind. Violence is contrary to the way of the Torah and utterly unacceptable.”

The statement also called on right-wing political leaders to denounce what they described as continued persecution of yeshiva students.

“We demand that the leaders of the right-wing parties, who rightly rushed to condemn this incident, also condemn the ongoing and cruel persecution of Torah learners and yeshiva students. The blood of Torah learners is not hefker,” they wrote.

Supreme Court President Justice Yitzchak Amit and Court Administrator Judge Tzachi Ouziel issued an unusually forceful statement to judges and court employees across the country, describing the incident as a direct assault on the judicial system.

“This is the crossing of a red line, behavior that goes far beyond the boundaries of legitimate protest and constitutes an attempt to undermine the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their families,” the statement read.

Amit added, “Attempts at intimidation will not deter us. Israel’s judges will continue to rule without fear.”

The unrest followed a controversial court ruling issued earlier in the week that overturned restrictions on Red Cross visits, a decision that sparked intense anger among segments of the chareidi public and helped fuel the protests that later erupted outside Justice Sohlberg’s home.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Barack Obama Presidential Center this weekend, ridiculing the massive Chicago project with a satirical AI-generated image and continuing a long-running series of jabs aimed at the future library and museum.

The Obama Presidential Center, an $850 million complex under construction on Chicago’s South Side, is scheduled to open on Juneteenth. The project has faced scrutiny over delays and rising costs during its development.

On Saturday, Trump shared an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform depicting the center towering over a low-income Chicago neighborhood with an enormous trash bag draped across the roof.

“The Barack Hussein Obama Library, in 10 years, when fully matured!” Trump trolled on his Truth Social platform.

The post marked the latest in a string of social media attacks targeting the Obama Center.

Just one week earlier, Trump posted another digitally altered image portraying the facility as a giant trash can standing in a parking lot beneath the caption “The Obama Presidential Library.”

Trump has also criticized the project publicly while discussing plans for his own presidential library.

Speaking to reporters at the White House in March while unveiling conceptual renderings for a planned presidential complex in Miami, Trump contrasted his vision with that of the Obama Center.

“I don’t believe in building libraries or museums … like the Barack Hussein Obama one in Chicago,” Trump told reporters at the White House in March, when he unveiled the renderings for his in Miami.

During those remarks, Trump offered a colorful description of what he envisioned for his own project.

Trump said his presidential library was “most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath and a 747 Air Force One in the lobby.”

The latest exchange highlights the continuing rivalry between Trump and former President Barack Obama, with the president frequently using social media to mock projects and initiatives associated with his predecessor as construction on the Chicago center moves toward completion.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri declared that the longstanding partnership between the chareidi parties and Israel’s right-wing bloc will remain intact despite the ongoing tensions surrounding the military draft issue.

Speaking in an interview on Channel 14’s program “Sicha” with Oded Harush, Deri firmly dismissed suggestions that the draft controversy could lead Shas or United Torah Judaism to sever ties with their political allies on the right.

“It won’t happen,” Deri said when asked whether the dispute over military service could bring an end to the partnership.

Addressing the contentious draft legislation, Deri argued that the chareidi parties have never sought blanket exemptions for all chareidim.

“We have never promoted a law saying that someone who is chareidi does not go to the army,” he said. “Remember, in every law, throughout all the years, we have always said that only someone whose Torah is his occupation—meaning someone who is actively learning—should continue learning.”

Deri was also asked about chareidim who are not engaged in full-time Torah study. He responded that one of the primary goals of the chareidi parties is to ensure that the military can accommodate those recruits without compromising their religious standards.

“I tell them that we are working to achieve something that has not existed for decades—that the army will guarantee that whoever enters as a chareidi will leave as a chareidi. That is our responsibility, and I hope that at long last we will succeed.”

The Shas leader criticized the military’s historical approach toward religious soldiers, arguing that the issue has not received sufficient attention.

“For years, the army dismissed this,” Deri said. “They didn’t want them. Just as they don’t like the soldiers from the religious Zionist community. They change everything for them there. They don’t like their officers and they don’t like their soldiers.”

At the same time, Deri acknowledged that the current security situation has increased the military’s need for additional manpower and suggested that the army is now showing greater willingness to address the concerns of religious recruits.

“But despite everything, there is no doubt that the army today needs more combat soldiers, and therefore it is taking this more seriously, is prepared to invest more, and not only because the political leadership is pressuring it, but because it also understands the need,” Deri concluded.

{Matzav.com}