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Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Prosecutor Amit Eisman indicated early Monday that they are prepared to explore the possibility of a plea agreement in the legal cases involving Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, responding favorably to a request from President Isaac Herzog.

In her response, the Attorney General noted that the State values the President’s efforts to help bring the cases toward resolution through a negotiated agreement, and said she is willing to enter into meaningful discussions with Netanyahu’s defense team to assess whether such an arrangement is viable.

The letter stated that any talks aimed at reaching a plea deal would proceed without preconditions on either side. It also stressed that these discussions would take place “in parallel” with the ongoing trial and would not interfere with or delay court proceedings.

At this point, officials are avoiding discussion of the logistical and substantive aspects of the potential negotiations, including how the meetings will be structured, who will participate, where they will be held, and which legal issues will be addressed.

The development follows outreach last week by the President’s legal adviser, Michal Tsuk-Shafir, who contacted both the prosecution and defense in Netanyahu’s cases and invited them to engage in “contacts aimed at reaching agreements.”

A statement from the President’s Residence explained that “this process is intended to examine the possibility of advancing understandings and agreements, and constitutes only a preliminary stage before the President holds a discussion on the pardon request itself. The sides were asked to come promptly, in good faith and with proper intentions. It was made clear to the parties that agreeing to the invitation does not imply any consent or approval on their part regarding any disputed matter in court.”

In her communication to the parties, Tsuk-Shafir wrote: “The President of the State, after consulting with me, believes that before considering the exercise of his authority regarding the request submitted in the matter of the Prime Minister, the possibility of holding contacts between the sides in order to reach agreements should be exhausted.”

She added, “It seems there is no dispute over the value of holding a conciliatory dialogue that ends in an agreement. This procedure is considered proper and efficient in the eyes of the courts as well, all the more so in matters at the heart of public debate in Israel. The President has repeatedly expressed his support for dialogue directed at reaching agreements between the parties.”

Tsuk-Shafir invited representatives of both sides to meet at the President’s Residence “in good faith and with proper intentions,” emphasizing that each side “enters the room free of any commitments or preconditions.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States will begin assisting neutral vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, pledging to “guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways” as tensions continue to rise in the region.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said governments “from all over the World” have turned to Washington for help in freeing ships “which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz” even though they have “absolutely nothing to do” with the conflict.

He described the ships as “merely neutral and innocent bystanders.”

“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States,” Trump wrote, “we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out … so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.”

Trump said the initiative, which he called “Project Freedom,” is set to begin Monday morning Middle East time, adding that the United States will “use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments accounting for roughly one-fifth of the world’s supply, has become increasingly unstable in recent weeks. Escalating tensions involving Iran have led to heightened security concerns, rising insurance premiums, and delays in shipping, with some vessels waiting near the strait or avoiding passage entirely.

Industry sources say a number of ships have been left stranded or slowed, holding out for safer conditions or escort arrangements. Trump said conditions on board are worsening, warning that “many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner.”

He framed the operation as primarily humanitarian, calling it “a Humanitarian gesture” intended to assist “people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance.”

Trump also noted that U.S. officials are engaged in “very positive discussions with the Country of Iran,” hinting at the possibility of broader diplomatic progress.

At the same time, he cautioned that any disruption of the effort would be met with a firm response. “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will … have to be dealt with forcefully.”

He added that countries participating in the effort have indicated their vessels “will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting Sunday evening that lasted more than four hours, as Israel closely monitors escalating tensions surrounding Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Members of the restricted security cabinet and senior defense officials have been in continuous consultations since around 6 p.m., conducting a multi-front assessment of the situation. A full meeting of the diplomatic-security cabinet is scheduled for Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Earlier in the day, during the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu instructed ministers to refrain from making public comments about Iran, warning that “this is a sensitive period and words must be chosen carefully,” according to a report by Ynet.

The developments come as Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that Tehran had received a response from the United States, via Pakistan, to its latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict, and that the proposal is currently under review. However, President Donald Trump said in an interview with Kan News that he rejected the offer. “I studied the new Iranian proposal, and it is not acceptable to me,” he said.

Israeli officials are tracking the negotiations but believe the chances of reaching an agreement remain slim, citing Iran’s refusal to meet Trump’s demand to relinquish enriched nuclear material at the outset of any deal.

In a separate statement posted overnight on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I will be reviewing the plan that Iran sent us soon, but I can’t imagine it will be acceptable considering they have not paid a heavy enough price for what they have done to humanity and the world over the last 47 years.” Asked earlier about the possibility of renewed military action against the Islamic Republic, he responded: “There is a chance that could happen.”

According to Israeli officials familiar with the matter and quoted by Ynet, the United States is not only pursuing diplomatic channels but is also preparing for the possibility that fighting could resume, including a significant military campaign that may involve extended ground operations.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli security officials believe Hezbollah may attempt to launch rockets toward the Meron area during the Lag BaOmer hilula this week, raising concerns that even the already scaled-down bonfire events could be called off.

According to a report aired Sunday evening on Kan News, the assessment comes amid heightened tensions surrounding whether any events will take place at the site this year.

Despite the broader cancellation of the hilula, police are preparing for the possibility that extremist elements will still try to reach the area and clash with security forces. Authorities are concerned that confrontations could escalate and potentially involve the use of force, including tear gas.

As part of these preparations, police have contacted several bus companies and instructed them not to operate transportation to Meron, warning that vehicles will be stopped and access to the mountain and surrounding areas will be blocked.

At the same time, officials are considering canceling even the three limited bonfires that had been scheduled for Monday, due to severe weather conditions. Forecasts indicate winds could reach speeds of approximately 80 kilometers per hour in the evening, creating a significant safety risk.

Under the current plan, only three bonfires were set to take place, compared to the 19 typically held in a regular year, with participation restricted to about 200 people.

{Matzav.com}

Egyptian authorities have uncovered a massive ancient stone statue believed to represent Ramses II, a powerful ruler of ancient Egypt whom some researchers associate with the Pharaoh described in the Torah’s account of Yetzias Mitzrayim.

The discovery was announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which said the statue was found at the Tel el-Fara site in central Husseiniya, in the Sharqia Governorate of the Nile Delta, northeast of Cairo. Experts believe the statue portrays Ramses II, one of the most prominent and influential kings of ancient Egypt.

Officials described the artifact as having “impressive” dimensions, weighing between five and six tons and measuring over 2.1 meters in length. Despite its size, the statue is in relatively poor condition, with its legs and base missing. Following the discovery, it was transferred from the temple complex where it was unearthed to museum storage facilities in San el-Hagar for urgent conservation and restoration work under strict scientific standards.

Egyptian antiquities officials noted that the statue was likely relocated already in ancient times from the city of Pi-Ramesses to the Tel el-Fara site, formerly known as Imat, where it was repurposed as part of a religious complex. This reuse, they said, highlights the enduring religious and historical importance of the region across different periods.

Ramses II, who lived from 1303 BCE to 1213 BCE, is widely regarded as one of the dominant figures of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Many scholars identify him as a leading candidate for the Pharaoh described in Sefer Shemos, even though his name does not explicitly appear in the Torah’s text. The Torah tells us that that Pharaoh refused Moshe’s demands to release the Jewish people, leading to the ten makkos.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the find is among the most significant archaeological discoveries contributing to the understanding of royal and religious activity in the eastern Nile Delta. It joins a series of recent finds in Egypt, including eight rare papyrus scrolls dating back approximately 3,000 years whose contents have yet to be deciphered, as well as remains of an ancient religious complex in northern Sinai believed to be connected to a biblical city.

Seven long-serving reserve judges in the military court system in Judea and Samaria were elevated last week to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a formal ceremony led by the President of the Military Court of Appeals, Maj. Gen. Orly Markman.

One of those promoted was Lt. Col. (res.) Uriel Dreyfus, who traces his lineage to Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish French army officer whose wrongful conviction for treason became one of the most infamous antisemitic episodes in European history.

The Dreyfus Affair began in 1894, when Alfred Dreyfus, an artillery officer in the French army, was accused of leaking military secrets to Germany. Although the case lacked credible evidence, he was convicted in a widely publicized trial fueled by antisemitism. In a degrading ceremony in Paris, his rank was stripped and his sword shattered. He was then sent to Devil’s Island, a remote penal colony off the coast of French Guiana. Years later, evidence surfaced proving his innocence, and after prolonged legal and public battles, he was cleared of all charges and reinstated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Col. (res.) Uriel Dreyfus reflected on the personal and national significance of the moment. “I stand here today with the weight of two histories meeting in a single moment. One is my family history-the name ‘Dreyfus,’ which for generations symbolized injustice, antisemitism, and the attempt to break the spirit of a Jewish officer. The second is the history we have written and continue to write since October 7.”

He continued, “More than 130 years ago, in a square in Paris, the ranks were torn from the uniform of Captain Alfred Dreyfus. In a humiliating ceremony before crowds, his sword was broken. He was accused of treason he did not commit, solely because he was Jewish. He was sent to Devil’s Island, a place where hope was meant to die. But he did not break. He continued to cry out his innocence.”

“When I entered the IDF induction center as a young soldier, I carried this memory with me,” he said. “I understood that every rank I would receive, every step I would take in the army, would represent a form of historical correction. Today, as I receive the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, I feel that the ranks torn away in disgrace are now being sewn back with pride onto the olive uniforms of the Israel Defense Forces, within a system entrusted with administering justice in the sovereign Jewish state.”

Dreyfus drew a connection between the past and present, stating: “Alfred Dreyfus stood alone against a well-oiled system of lies. Today, the State of Israel stands on multiple fronts, facing threats of missiles, terrorism, and falsehoods in the international arena. The ranks we, the judges, receive today are the answer and the proof that we no longer stand alone. We are not defenseless.”

He also reflected on the toll of recent years. “The past years have been among the most difficult of our lives. We have lost friends, subordinates, and commanders. Within this pain, we must remember the determination of those who came before us. We will endure and prevail because we have no other country and no other army.”

Highlighting the importance of the military judiciary, he said: “Our role in the court system is often invisible to the public eye, yet it forms the backbone of Israeli democracy. My colleagues and I protect a place where words are stronger than bullets, and where truth is the highest authority. This is our professional duty and our moral mission.”

{Matzav.com}

An emergency gathering of leading rabbonim and roshei yeshiva took place Sunday evening in southern Israel, where gedolei Yisroel spoke out forcefully against Israeli military recruitment programs aimed at chareidi young men, warning that they are deceptive and spiritually dangerous.

The event, organized by the Ezram U’Maginam organization, came in response to increased efforts by military officials and program operators to promote tracks such as “Kodkod” and “Ma’alot Tzur” within the chareidi community. Organizers said these programs attempt to attract bnei Torah through financial incentives and other inducements, while concealing their true nature as full military enlistment.

Participating in the gathering were senior rabbinic leaders, including members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, along with rabbonim and roshei yeshiva from Be’er Sheva, Ofakim, Netivot, Yerucham, Tifrach, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Arad, and Dimona. Among those present were Rav Aviezer Piltz, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tushiya in Tifrach; Rav Aryeh Levi, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Sechar Sochir; Rav Shmuel Betzalel, rosh yeshiva of Porat Yosef; and Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein, rosh yeshiva of Yad Aharon.

Ahead of the event, sharply worded letters from gedolei Yisroel were circulated, strongly opposing these recruitment tracks.

Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch wrote: “All of these tracks are an integral part of the army, and one who goes there places himself under the authority and control of the military government and becomes a full-fledged soldier, and there is absolutely no basis for leniency.”

av Dov Landau added in his own handwriting: “Beyond the disaster he brings upon himself and his household, others may be drawn after him, and his sin is too great to bear.”

In a separate letter, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman wrote: “The protective wall has been breached by those whose inclination has overtaken them, who come in disguise and through deception to establish special tracks such as Kodkod and the like, luring people with respectable livelihoods and similar promises, blinding their eyes, for through this they become subjugated to the authority of the army.”

Rav Chaim Feinstein also warned: “One who goes there places himself under the authority and control of the military government, whose purpose is the uprooting of religion, and he accepts upon himself a yoke that is the opposite of the yoke of Heaven. In doing so, he removes from himself the yoke of Heaven and places himself in clear danger of casting off the yoke of Torah and mitzvos in the gravest ways.”

Speakers at the gathering warned that these programs pose a serious threat to the integrity of the chareidi community and urged bnei Torah and their families to avoid them, describing the initiatives as misleading attempts to draw them into military frameworks under the guise of opportunity.

The U.S. Air Force announced Friday night that it has completed upgrades and testing on a Boeing 747 provided by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One, with plans for President Donald Trump to begin flying on the aircraft later this summer.

In a statement, the Air Force said the plane is currently being repainted in red, white, and blue as part of its conversion for presidential use.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft last year, despite scrutiny over the propriety and legality of receiving such a high-value gift from a foreign government, along with concerns related to security and intelligence risks. Trump has argued that accepting the plane would reduce costs for taxpayers.

Trump has indicated he will not continue using the aircraft after leaving office, saying instead that it would be transferred to a future presidential library, similar to the Boeing 707 flown by President Ronald Reagan, which was later retired and placed on display.

According to Air Force officials, the jet will serve as a temporary solution until Boeing delivers two new presidential aircraft, now projected to arrive in 2028.

The current Air Force One fleet has been in service for nearly 40 years, and Trump has made replacing them a priority. During his first term, he showcased a model of a redesigned jumbo jet in the Oval Office, featuring a paint scheme similar to that of his personal aircraft, with red, white, and dark blue accents.

Boeing has been working to convert 747s that were originally built for a now-defunct Russian airline, but the effort has been plagued by years of delays. Challenges have included the bankruptcy of a key subcontractor and ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers who can obtain the necessary high-level security clearances.

Completion of the new aircraft is not expected until late in Trump’s term. He has described the situation as “a total mess,” and has complained that the current Air Force One planes do not compare favorably with those used by certain Arab leaders.

The Qatari aircraft, valued at roughly $400 million, has been characterized as a “palace in the sky,” featuring high-end amenities and luxury finishes.

Even so, officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority in presidential travel. The existing Air Force One planes were constructed toward the end of the Cold War and are designed to withstand extreme scenarios, including a nuclear blast. They are outfitted with advanced defensive systems such as missile countermeasures, along with an onboard medical facility. The planes also have the capability for midair refueling, although that feature has never been used with a president aboard.

It remains unclear what specific security systems have been installed on the former Qatari jet. The Air Force has not disclosed the cost of the modifications, though members of Congress suggested last year that expenses could exceed $1 billion.

To prepare crews for the aircraft, Air Force officials said they leased a 747-8 cargo plane from Atlas Air between October and February for training purposes. The U.S. has also acquired two jets from the German airline Lufthansa to be used for parts and additional training. Boeing ended production of the 747 in 2023.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that a newly submitted proposal from Iran does not meet U.S. expectations, stating clearly that he has dismissed the plan after reviewing its contents.

In an interview with Kan News, Trump said: “I studied the new Iranian proposal, and it is not acceptable to me.” He added that “the campaign is progressing very well.”

The president also used the interview to again call on Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that Netanyahu should not be distracted during wartime. “He is a prime minister during wartime. Israel would not have existed without me and Bibi, in that order. You need a prime minister who can focus on the war and not on nonsense,” Trump stated.

Shortly before Trump’s remarks, Iran announced that it had received Washington’s response to its proposal and said it was “reviewing it.”

Earlier Sunday, a report by Al Jazeera outlined the details of Iran’s 14-point proposal, which is aimed at ending the conflict permanently within a 30-day timeframe.

According to that report, the plan was sent through Pakistan in reply to a U.S.-supported nine-point framework and seeks a full resolution rather than extending the current ceasefire. It includes demands for guarantees against future attacks, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, and the removal of longstanding sanctions.

The proposal also calls for the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, as well as compensation in the form of war reparations. In addition, Iran is seeking a complete halt to regional fighting, including hostilities in Lebanon, as part of a broader de-escalation effort.

One of the key elements of the proposal is the creation of a new system to regulate the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Control and access to the strait remain a major point of disagreement.

Iran is also requesting formal guarantees of its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, placing the issue at the center of any final agreement.

The proposal comes after weeks of stalled negotiations, despite a ceasefire that began on April 8. While Iran has been pushing for a permanent end to the war, the United States has continued to insist on conditions related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump said a day earlier that he was reviewing the proposal but voiced skepticism about its chances, warning that military action could resume if Iran takes further hostile steps.

Earlier diplomatic efforts have included multiple competing proposals, including prior Iranian plans and a U.S. draft that called for a temporary ceasefire during negotiations. Although recent discussions have shown some flexibility, significant gaps remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear activities and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Al Jazeera report noted that the latest proposal reflects an attempt to move from a temporary truce to a lasting agreement, even as tensions between the sides continue.

{Matzav.com}

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the downfall of Spirit Airlines can be traced to decisions made under the Biden administration, pointing specifically to the blocked merger with JetBlue as a turning point that led to the airline’s collapse.

Duffy criticized his predecessors for derailing the proposed deal, saying on ABC’s “This Week”: “Spirit tried to merge with JetBlue. The Joe Biden-Pete Buttigieg administration and DOJ tanked that deal,” Duffy told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “Immediately after that, they filed for bankruptcy.”

He added that the airline’s struggles had been building for some time, noting: “This was in the works for some time. I’m proud of the American airlines that have stepped up to take care of the passengers of Spirit, making sure they get home.”

Spirit Airlines ceased operations early Saturday, a move that resulted in roughly 17,000 job losses. President Donald Trump had considered providing a $500 million bailout to keep the airline afloat, but the proposal ultimately did not materialize.

The roots of the airline’s financial troubles stretch back several years. In 2024, a federal court supported the Biden administration’s Justice Department in blocking the $3.8 billion merger between Spirit and JetBlue, a decision that left Spirit struggling to stabilize its finances before eventually entering bankruptcy proceedings later that year.

Duffy was not alone in assigning responsibility to the prior administration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also pointed to the Justice Department’s role in stopping the merger as a key factor in the airline’s demise.

“This is just more of the mess we inherited from the Biden administration,” Bessent told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “The reason we were here was because the Biden administration opposed the merger. We shouldn’t have been here in the first place.”

Some figures connected to the previous administration have begun reconsidering that decision. Neera Tanden, who served as an adviser to President Joe Biden, raised questions about whether blocking the merger was the right course.

“Given the news today that Spirit Airlines is shuttering and thousands of people are losing their jobs, I think we should honestly assess whether the Garland DoJ stopping the JetBlue merger with Spirit Airlines was the right call,” Tanden wrote in a viral post on X.

“Perhaps it was, but any analysis must consider as part of the equation the loss to so many families to decide.”

Duffy also rejected suggestions that rising oil prices tied to the conflict with Iran were the main cause of the airline’s failure, arguing that the company had been struggling long before.

“Spirit was in dire straits long before the war with Iran,” the Transportation secretary argued during a press conference on Saturday. “Multiple times, they filed for bankruptcy. Their model wasn’t working.”

“They couldn’t get to fiscal health, so this was not the impetus. The war was not the impetus for Spirit.”

A spokesperson for former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushed back on Duffy’s claims. Sean Manning dismissed the criticism and instead blamed current policies.

“Everyone knows that skyrocketing fuel prices from Trump’s war against Iran led to the end of Spirit,” Manning. told The post. “Deep into their second year, Trump and Sean Duffy are still blaming their predecessors, even while their own policies make life in America more expensive.”

Duffy has repeatedly taken aim at Buttigieg, who is widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, over his tenure leading the Transportation Department.

Last year, Duffy pointed to reporting that the department under Buttigieg distributed more than $80 billion in funding over four years toward diversity, equity, and inclusion-related initiatives.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning a trip to Italy this week that is expected to include a meeting with Pope Leo, according to a Vatican source, as President Donald Trump’s public criticism of the pontiff has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum.

The anticipated meeting, which would mark the first face-to-face discussion between Pope Leo and a member of the U.S. Cabinet in close to a year, is slated for Thursday, a senior individual familiar with the pope’s schedule said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

In recent weeks, Pope Leo has adopted a more assertive tone, becoming a vocal opponent of the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, following earlier criticism of the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.

President Trump repeatedly targeted the pope on social media in April, at one point calling him “terrible,” remarks that drew significant attention while the pontiff was traveling through four African nations.

Rubio’s last encounter with Pope Leo took place in May 2025, when he attended the pope’s inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square alongside Vice President JD Vance. The two also held a private meeting with the pope the following day.

The pope is set to mark one year in his role on Friday.

Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera reported earlier Sunday that Rubio would be in Italy this week for a series of meetings, including talks with the Vatican’s top diplomat, Pietro Parolin, though they did not confirm whether an audience with the pope was planned.

Officials from the U.S. State Department, the Vatican press office, and the Italian government did not immediately respond to inquiries about the visit.

According to the Italian reports, Rubio is also expected to meet with Italy’s foreign and defense ministers, with the visit aimed at calming tensions between Washington and Rome after Trump sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni last month, despite her status as one of his closest European allies.

It remains unclear whether Rubio will meet directly with Meloni during the trip.

The visit comes shortly after the Pentagon announced on Friday that it would reduce its troop presence in Germany by 5,000 personnel, a move that has added strain to already tense relations between the United States and Europe amid disagreements over the Iran conflict and trade disputes.

Italy remains one of the largest hosts of U.S. forces in Europe, with nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops stationed across six bases as of the end of 2025.

{Matzav.com}

As Lag BaOmer approaches, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Yosef issued a strong warning regarding the dangers in northern Israel and attempts by some individuals to evade police restrictions in order to reach the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron in defiance of official directives.

The rabbi made clear that such actions should not be viewed as religious devotion, but rather as a direct violation of Torah principles. He dismissed claims that traveling to the site under dangerous conditions constitutes “mesirus nefesh” on behalf of the tzaddik.

He explained that the Torah instructs “and you shall live by them,” emphasizing that mitzvos are meant to preserve life, not endanger it. When security authorities are united in determining that a situation poses a threat, he said, halacha requires that their guidance be followed.

“A person must not put himself in danger claiming ‘God will protect me.’ What is that supposed to be? What kind of claim is that – people have lost their senses over these matters. They are not thinking logically… In the Shulchan Aruch, when a doctor determines that a patient must eat on Yom Kippur, he must follow the doctor’s ruling. So will he then say he is observant of the commandments…? Me, for the sake of Yom Kippur… If something happens to this man, not only will he not die sanctifying God’s name but he will lose his life, plain and simple,” warned the Rabbi.

He added that the risks increase significantly when large crowds are involved, noting the potential for chaos and tragedy. “All the more so here: when there is a larger group of people and, heaven forbid, something happens, first there is a greater chance they will be harmed as I said, and second the public will not be able to escape and they will trample one another and the disaster will return again; therefore one who guards his life should distance himself from this, not to ascend to Meron under any circumstances,” he concluded.

Spain’s government is pressing Israel to free one of its citizens who was detained following the interception of a flotilla headed toward Gaza, after an Israeli court approved extending his detention by two additional days.

Saif Abu Keshek, who lives in Barcelona, was brought before a court in Ashkelon on Sunday alongside Brazilian national Thiago Ávila. Their court appearance came several days after Israeli forces stopped a group of vessels attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza.

The flotilla included dozens of boats carrying activists from various countries. Israeli officials said more than 170 people were taken off the vessels, with Abu Keshek and Ávila among those transferred to Israel for questioning.

Attorneys representing the two men reported that the court granted a two-day extension of their detention despite no formal charges being filed.

A representative of Spain’s Foreign Ministry told The Guardian that Spain’s consul in Tel Aviv was present at the hearing and described Abu Keshek as being “held illegally.” The official added that another court session is expected Tuesday and emphasized that Spain is demanding his immediate release.

The legal group representing the detainees said its attorneys met with both men at Shikma prison in Ashkelon. According to their account, Ávila alleged that he was subjected to harsh physical treatment during the interception, including being dragged and beaten. He also claimed he was later placed in isolation and blindfolded.

The same group said Abu Keshek was restrained and blindfolded from the time he was taken into custody until he arrived in Israel. Both detainees have reportedly begun a hunger strike in protest over the conditions of their detention.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has linked the two activists to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the United States has designated as connected to Hamas.

In an earlier statement, the ministry said: “Saif Abu Keshek, a leading member of the PCPA – an organization designated and sanctioned by the United States as a Hamas front – and Thiago Ávila, who operates with the PCPA and is suspected of illegal activity, have arrived in Israel. They will be transferred for questioning by law enforcement authorities. Both will receive a consular visit from the representatives of their respective countries in Israel.”

The ministry further alleged that Abu Keshek serves as an intermediary for Hamas figures and helps facilitate financial transfers for the group. It also referenced prior detentions in Egypt and Tunisia connected to similar activities.

Spain and Brazil released a joint statement condemning the interception, characterizing it as the abduction of their citizens in international waters and calling for their immediate return.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also criticized the incident, saying Spain would stand up for its citizens and uphold international law while continuing to demand the detainee’s release.

Organizers behind the flotilla said the interception took place far from Gaza and claimed that equipment was damaged during the operation. Israeli authorities have not responded to those allegations.

A new report by Al Jazeera states that Iran has presented a 14-point proposal to the United States aimed at bringing the ongoing conflict to a permanent close, including a provision to settle all outstanding issues within 30 days.

According to the report, the proposal was conveyed through Pakistan as a response to a U.S.-supported nine-point framework. Rather than extending the current ceasefire, Iran’s plan focuses on achieving a comprehensive and lasting agreement. It calls for firm assurances against future military strikes, the removal of American forces from regions near Iran, and the elimination of longstanding sanctions.

The proposal further demands the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets and compensation in the form of war reparations. Tehran is also pressing for a full cessation of hostilities across the region, including an end to fighting in Lebanon, as part of a wider effort to reduce tensions.

A major element of the plan involves creating a new system to regulate the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. Control and access to the strait remain among the most disputed issues between the two sides.

Iran is also seeking formal recognition of its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, positioning the matter as a key component of any final agreement.

The proposal comes after several weeks of stalled talks, despite a ceasefire that began on April 8. While Iran has been pushing for a permanent settlement, the United States has continued to emphasize conditions tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restricting Iran’s nuclear program.

President Donald Trump said he is currently reviewing the proposal but voiced skepticism about its viability. He also cautioned that military operations could resume if Iran takes further hostile steps.

Previous rounds of diplomacy have produced multiple competing proposals, including earlier Iranian initiatives and a U.S. draft that envisioned a temporary ceasefire while negotiations continued. Although recent discussions have shown some signs of flexibility, significant disagreements persist, particularly over Iran’s nuclear activities and authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Al Jazeera report indicated that the latest proposal reflects an effort to move beyond a temporary truce toward a permanent resolution, even as tensions between the parties remain unresolved.

{Matzav.com}

Growing uncertainty surrounds the upcoming Lag BaOmer events in Meron, as authorities signal that the traditional celebration will not proceed as usual due to the security situation, while tensions on the ground continue to escalate.

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Miller, one of the organizers of Lag BaOmer events currently in Meron, delivered a sharp critique in an interview, warning that attempts to tightly control attendance could backfire. “Those who want to come with a sense of ‘mesirus nefesh’ will find a way, even through the forests,” he said. “Instead of creating a limited framework that draws fire, the state should completely shut down transportation and withdraw forces from the mountain.”

In a typical year, Meron would already be bustling with activity and final preparations at this stage. This year, however, uncertainty hangs heavily over the hilula of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai. While police have announced that the event will not take place in its regular format due to security concerns, the atmosphere on the ground is increasingly tense.

Speaking from Meron, Rabbi Miller described what he called an unprecedented situation. “We are seeing something we have never seen before — infrastructure is constantly being assembled and dismantled,” he said. Although the current plan allows for bonfires with up to 200 participants — an increase from just 30 attendees last year — Miller argued that trying to “manage” the event in a limited format is a strategic mistake that could carry serious consequences.

“Don’t drag us into a disaster,” he warned, explaining that enforcing a reduced-capacity plan within the village itself is likely to create unnecessary friction and endanger lives. “The location is dangerous, there is no argument about that. But one must understand that for a large segment of the public, going up to Meron is not a ‘festival’ — it is a religious event rooted in the teachings of the Arizal. There are people who will come at any cost, by any means, even under fire.”

Miller placed responsibility on decision-makers, questioning the current approach. “Why endanger thousands of police officers? They are stationed at exposed routes, without protective barriers, just to try to stop a handful of people. If the state truly fears a disaster, it should completely shut down public transportation and the distant access roads, and turn off the lights on the mountain. The moment any official framework exists, it draws people to come.”

Asked whether violent confrontations between police and those attempting to reach the site could erupt again, Miller expressed concern. “Right now, that’s how it looks. Those who came with mesirus nefesh over the past three years will try again this year. If the police continue with the current approach of confrontations in the village, we may return to the difficult scenes we have witnessed in the past.”

He called on police and the Minister of National Security to take responsibility. “Do not place 19-year-old Border Police soldiers in an impossible situation מול a believing ציבור. The mountain should be cleared of heavy police presence within the crowded areas, and access should be prevented at earlier stages along the intercity roads.”

Despite his criticism, Rabbi Miller concluded with an appeal to the public to follow Home Front Command instructions that are meant to save lives.

{Matzav.com}

Security forces in Yerushalayim disrupted an effort last Friday by a group attempting to carry out a Korban Pesach on Har Habayis, stopping suspects who allegedly tried to bring a young goat into the area.

According to authorities, Yerushalayim District police together with Border Police spotted several youths approaching one of the entrances. Members of the group were said to be holding a goat intended for the offering, along with a knife used for slaughter.

The group reportedly moved past a police checkpoint and reached a nearby area, where they attempted to push their way onto Har Habayis. Officers intervened before they could enter, blocked their advance, and detained or arrested 21 individuals for questioning.

Those taken into custody were later brought before the Magistrate’s Court, which ruled that they be released. The decision stood even after police filed an appeal with the District Court.

Police said they “will continue to act decisively to preserve public order, security, and the fabric of life in the Old City and especially at the holy sites, while firmly enforcing the law against any attempt to disrupt order.”

The “Lama Nigara” (“Why Should We Be Excluded”) movement, whose members took part in the incident, issued a statement saying: “This day symbolizes the call of our ancestors who were impure during the first Pesach and longed to offer the Second Korban Pesach. In these days, the call of ‘Why should we be excluded’ is renewed – we too want to offer the Passover sacrifice and sacrifices in general. We strengthen the detainees; the time has come to return to the Har Habayis in its entirety and rebuild the Bais Hamikdosh.”

The activists were represented by attorneys Nati Rom and Daniel Shimshilashvili of the Honenu legal aid group. Shimshilashvili said: “Absurdly, the investigative unit chose to request an extension of our clients’ detention by no fewer than five days, using arguments that, after the Simchas Torah massacre, have no place in our society. The court accepted our arguments, and the claim that the entire Middle East would burn because Jews seek to exercise freedom of worship in our country did not impress the court, which ordered our clients’ release and even unusually rejected the police request to delay implementation of the decision.”

Rom added: “Regarding Har Habayis activists, I find it puzzling that the police consistently come to court with exaggerated requests while knowing that the court will completely dismiss them.”

{Matzav.com}

OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack delivers a shiur at the OU Kashrus Conference

For many kashrus agency professionals, the annual OU Kashrus Conference is more than a collegial gathering; it is a rare opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, and to connect with colleagues who understand the unique experiences and challenges of kashrus certification. This year, that connection carried added meaning, as attendees paid tribute to a leader who built and grew that community and expanded access to kosher food worldwide. After 45 years of transformative leadership at the helm of OU Kosher, Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack will celebrate his retirement this summer.

“The conference was especially meaningful as we celebrated Rabbi Genack’s remarkable career and achievements,” says OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who will succeed him. “The legacy he leaves is that of the largest kashrus certification agency in the world, built from the ground up with uncompromising standards. He also assembled an exceptional staff — a group of rabbanim, all talmidei chachamim, representing every corner of the Jewish world.”

Now in its 32nd year, the two-day conference at New Jersey’s Hilton Parsippany drew 200 participants, including OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinators (RCs) and Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFRs) from North and South America, Israel, and Europe, as well as representatives of over 20 international kashrus agencies.

An additional 100 friends and relatives of Rabbi Genack, along with Orthodox Union lay and professional leaders, attended a special tribute banquet that included a video retrospective and the presentation of two books published in his honor. OU President Mitchel Aeder, OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, and Rabbi Genack’s daughter, Shira Schiowitz, shared reflections, and Rabbi Genack offered words of gratitude and bracha.

“The friendships that have developed over the decades mean a great deal,” says Rabbi Genack. “OU Kosher has been the foundation for the growth of the OU and its many important programs — educationally, in kiruv, supporting people in need, and across so many areas. That mission has been central from the very beginning.”

Under his visionary leadership, OU Kosher became the world’s largest and most widely recognized kashrus certification agency, certifying 1.5 million products manufactured in 15,000 plants across 108 countries.

In the 1980s, Rabbi Genack laid the foundation for OU Kosher’s modern infrastructure by assembling a professional team of RCs to oversee kashrus operations from its New York headquarters. In the 1990s, he launched the annual OU Kashrus Conference, creating a forum for RCs and RFRs to share expertise, exchange ideas, and address challenges together in a structured setting.

“As our staff expanded, both at OU Kosher headquarters and internationally, the conference gave, and continues to give us, the opportunity to interact in person — to put faces to names and to brainstorm collectively about how to advance the OU Kosher program,” he says. “It also helps mashgichim understand the halachic basis of kashrus issues and stay current with developments. The conference is essential to OU Kosher’s continued growth, both in maintaining standards and in strengthening our cohesiveness.”

Rabbi Michael Morris, OU Kosher’s director of field operations, logistics ombudsman, and manpower and routing director, helps organize the annual conference in partnership with colleagues. He notes that it provides rare in-person interaction for professionals who typically work independently.

“Many of our RFRs work in relative isolation in remote areas of the world,” he says. “This is a once-a-year opportunity to gather with colleagues in person, whom they interact with daily.”

Rabbi Elefant adds, “Despite working closely together, RCs and RFRs rarely have the opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting. When we get together, there is achdus and a shared mission to serve Klal Yisroel and uphold the highest standards of kashrus.”

Kosher SA (South Africa) Managing Director Rabbi Dovi Goldstein and OU Kosher RC Rabbi Mordechai Starashefsky at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session.

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Shoshan Ghoori oversees OU Kosher certification and business development across Latin America — specifically Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and to a lesser extent, Colombia and Mexico. His role includes visiting companies, certifying new companies and plants, and managing client relationships throughout the region. He also helps oversee the mashgiach teams in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, together with Rabbi Yitzchok Gutterman, the RC for Latin America. This is Rabbi Ghoori’s 15th year attending the conference, and he appreciates the sense of connection and achdus that prevails each year.

“Meeting colleagues face-to-face refreshes and strengthens the relationship in a way that remote communication cannot,” he says. “Being together reignites the connection and reinforces a shared sense of purpose. It strengthens the feeling that we are part of one coordinated effort.”

This year’s sessions centered on the future, with a focus on technology, food industry innovation, developments in food science, and AI’s kashrus applications. Topics included Boilers without Borders: Remote Starters in Halacha; Behind the Scenes in Engineered Milk and Engineered Meat; How Kashrus Agencies Are Evaluated; and What’s Brewing: The Latest in Beer and Alcohol, among others.

Additional conference highlights included a dedicated chavrusa/networking session with OU and OU Kosher lay leaders, senior administrators, and colleagues; a shiur by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter on Stam Keilim Aino Ben Yomo; Daf Yomi; and the recognition of Rabbi Binyomin Kaplan and Rabbi Yitzchok Friedman for their 25 years of dedicated service to OU Kosher.

Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) Rosh Yeshiva and OU Posek Rav Hershel Schachter at the OU Kashrus Conference

A key theme throughout the conference reflecting a principle long championed by Rabbi Genack was collaboration among kashrus agencies.That initiative was on full display at the conference, where the second day was opened to kashrus professionals from outside the OU, who also led sessions.

“We work very closely with other agencies that uphold high standards, and it’s important to collaborate and build together,” reflects Rabbi Genack. “I truly appreciate their participation in the conference.”

OU Kosher Managing Director of Marketing Rabbi Ei Eleff notes, “Kashrus is a communal effort, and the only way for it to thrive is through collaboration with other agencies. One of the nicest aspects of the conference is that it enables people from the same industry to network, meet one another, and share best practices. There is something to learn from everyone. When there is diverse knowledge-sharing, everyone wins.”

Rabbi Ghoori echoes this sentiment, valuing the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other kashrus agencies who are all working toward the same objective.

“There is mutual respect and an understanding that, while each agency serves its own clients, we are all ultimately providing a service to the broader kosher world,” he says. “That includes both the Jewish community and the wider kosher-consuming public, which today extends well beyond Jewish consumers.”

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Abish Rand and OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack at an OU Kashrus Conference chevrusa/networking session

OU Kosher RFR Rabbi Saadya Kaufmann has attended the OU Kashrus Conference for the past 16 years, and enjoyed this latest one the most.

“The conference was probably one of the best that I have attended,” reflects Rabbi Kaufmann, who oversees plants manufacturing everything from candy and salsa, to aluminum foil and chemicals, throughout Texas, Mississippi, Northern Mexico and El Salvador. “The sessions were all very relevant and interesting.”

However, celebrating Rabbi Genack and his pioneering achievements at OU Kosher was particularly memorable.

“The highlight was being able to pay tribute to Rabbi Genack,” he says. “It was especially meaningful and inspiring in light of Rabbi Elefant’s observation that everyone present was hired to work for OU Kosher by Rabbi Genack. It reflected a shared sense of hakaras hatov for all he has accomplished for Klal Yisroel.”

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu outlined a new national defense strategy on Sunday, describing a plan focused on strengthening Israel’s military capabilities while ensuring long-term independence in its security posture.

Opening his remarks, Netanyahu stressed Israel’s current strength and the need to maintain a decisive advantage over its adversaries. He said: “Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies. Therefore, I believe in two principles: military buildup and independence.”

As part of the initiative, Netanyahu revealed that Israel will acquire two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to bolster the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force.

Highlighting the importance of the procurement, Netanyahu stated that “these aircraft strengthen Israel’s overwhelming air superiority – superiority that was demonstrated both in ‘Rising Lion’ and now in ‘Roaring Lion.’ Our pilots can reach anywhere in Iranian airspace, and they are prepared to do so if required. We have tremendous aircraft, and we have tremendous pilots.”

{Matzav.com}

With just two days remaining until the Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron, police have begun closing off access routes to the area, even as uncertainty continues over how — or if — the annual event will take place this year in any way, shape or form.

Despite recent changes in Home Front Command guidelines, the site has not been officially declared a closed military zone. However, authorities have not issued entry permits to the mountain, and no public transportation is operating to the location.

Even with those restrictions in place, an estimated 20,000 people were present in Meron over Shabbos. Since the area has not been formally designated as a military zone, officials currently lack the legal authority to evacuate those already there.

Security officials are now preparing to block additional arrivals by shutting down surrounding roads and preventing buses from reaching the site. At the same time, there are concerns that many people will attempt to access Meron on foot through nearby forests — a scenario that has previously led to clashes and unrest. It remains unclear how police intend to handle such developments.

According to a notice circulated to drivers on Motzoei Shabbos, “National traffic police have set up checkpoints on all roads leading to Meron — including Ein Zeitim, Gush Chalav, and the area between Parod. Passage is permitted only to Meron residents or those with special authorization. Pedestrian entry into Meron and to the kever of Rashbi is still allowed without restriction.”

Meanwhile, residents of a nearby moshav have expressed anger over what they say is a new police policy preventing even approved guests from entering. According to residents who spoke with local media, individuals who had rented vacation units in the area were turned away at roadblocks despite the moshav having submitted an organized list of approved guests to authorities. Locals say the decision is causing significant financial losses.

{Matzav.com}