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Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, issued a sharp warning to Iran on Wednesday, condemning its actions against neighboring countries and stating that the kingdom may respond with military force if necessary.

Speaking to reporters following a gathering of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, Prince Faisal accused Tehran of refusing to engage constructively with countries in the region and instead attempting to exert pressure on them.

He said that Iran “doesn’t believe in talking to its neighbors”, adding that “it tries to pressure its neighbors” and emphasized that such tactics would not succeed.

“The kingdom is not going to succumb to pressure, and, on the contrary, this pressure will backfire … politically, will backfire, I believe, morally, and certainly, as we have stated clearly, we reserve the right to take military actions if necessary,” he stressed.

Prince Faisal also dismissed Iran’s justification for targeting civilian infrastructure in neighboring countries, calling its explanation—that such attacks are tied to the presence of U.S. military bases—“unconvincing”.

He added that participants at the Riyadh meeting agreed Iran must immediately halt its support for proxy groups operating throughout the region.

According to Prince Faisal, whatever limited trust once remained between Iran and its neighbors has now been completely eroded.

“Iran’s attacks on neighboring countries were premeditated, and what we are witnessing now confirms this,” he said, adding, “I would hope that they understand the message of the meeting today, recalculate quickly and stop attacking their neighbors.”

Following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran, Tehran has carried out a series of retaliatory actions across the region, including against Saudi Arabia.

Among those incidents were multiple attempted strikes on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, including one attack involving two drones that resulted in a small fire and minor structural damage.

A report by The Washington Post, published shortly after the military campaign against Iran began, claimed that President Donald Trump moved forward with the strikes after weeks of behind-the-scenes pressure from Israeli and Saudi leadership.

According to sources cited in that report, the Saudi crown prince held several private conversations with Trump in recent weeks urging military action, even as he publicly promoted diplomacy.

Saudi officials strongly rejected that account, with a spokesperson for the kingdom’s embassy in Washington stating, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been consistent in supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a credible deal with Iran.”

“At no point in all our communication with the Trump Administration did we lobby the President to adopt a different policy,” he added.

In a more recent development, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia has increased direct diplomatic contacts with Iran as part of an effort to prevent further escalation and contain the broader regional conflict.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and indicated that no additional similar operations are expected, while sharply criticizing Iran for retaliating against a Qatari facility.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned Iran’s response to the Israeli action, accusing Tehran of wrongly targeting Qatar after the strike.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen,” wrote Trump.

“Unfortunately,” he continued, “Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

Trump went on to emphasize that Israel would not proceed with further strikes on the site, unless provoked by Iran.

“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar – In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

He added that he is reluctant to authorize such force but made clear that he would act if necessary.

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” concluded the President.

Trump’s remarks came after a Wall Street Journal report indicated that he is seeking to halt further Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following the South Pars attack.

According to that report, officials said Trump had been aware of the Israeli strike ahead of time and backed it as a signal to Iran amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. They added that he now believes the message has been delivered and opposes continued attacks on Iran’s energy sector.

However, those same officials noted that Trump could reconsider that position and support additional strikes on Iranian energy sites, depending on how Iran proceeds in the strategically significant waterway.

{Matzav.com}

Maran Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Dov Landau delivered powerful words of chizuk at Yeshivas Beis Medrash Elyon, marking the close of the winter zeman and concluding a broad chizuk trip across the heichalei haTorah in Eretz Yisroel, during which he visited more than 40 yeshivos.

Addressing the oilam, the Rosh HaYeshiva spoke with clarity about the current matzav, especially in light of the ongoing war.

“Boruch Hashem, the olam haTorah is flourishing. Thousands upon thousands are learning Torah, despite the difficulties, despite the decrees, despite the מלחמות. ‘Shivti b’veis Hashem kol yemei chayai.’”

He emphasized that the protection of Klal Yisroel comes through Torah.

“There is no ספק that Torah is what protects. According to derech hateva, there is no explanation for all the nissim that are happening before our eyes. It is very troubling that there are those who are making it difficult for lomdei Torah. What do they want—to drill a hole in the very ship we are all on?”

The Rosh HaYeshiva stressed the proper perspective a Yid must have during such times.

“A person must know something fundamental—we place our bitachon in the Ribbono Shel Olam. We believe with complete emunah that He watches over us and protects us. Of course, one must be careful and take precautions, but ultimately we are in the hands of Shamayim. There is no reason to live with fear and panic. Nothing is in the hands of man—everything is in the hands of Shamayim. Our tafkid is to increase Torah and tefillah in order to bring more rachamei Shamayim upon those dwelling in Tzion.”

Turning to the upcoming bein hazmanim, he issued a strong call to bnei yeshiva.

“We are now heading into bein hazmanim, which by nature can be a time of weakness in learning. But a true ben yeshiva cannot disconnect from Torah—even during bein hazmanim.”

He added that in the current situation, the responsibility is even greater.

“In times like these, when we need so much rachamei Shamayim, the obligation to increase Torah is doubled and redoubled. Not a single day should pass without several hours of uninterrupted, focused learning. Klal Yisroel needs our protection—the protection of lomdei Torah. If not us, then who?”

The Rosh HaYeshiva also reminded the bochurim of their broader responsibilities.

“Of course, one must fulfill kibbud av v’eim, but always remember our main mission—to increase Torah, to live a life of Torah, and to be mekadesh Shem Shamayim, so that people will say, ‘Ashrei rabo shelimdo Torah, ashrei aviv shelimdo Torah.’”

He concluded with a heartfelt bracha.

“Yehi ratzon that the roshei yeshiva should be zoche to continue increasing their תלמידים for many good years, and that we should all merit the geulah shleimah speedily in our days, amen.”

A wave of curiosity spread through the Knesset and across the country after an unusual and cryptic remark by Tourism and Welfare Minister Chaim Katz, who suggested that Israel may be approaching a breakthrough that could make air-raid sirens unnecessary.

Speaking during a Knesset session, Katz alluded to a developing technological capability that could fundamentally change how Israel handles incoming threats. “I believe we are, hopefully without needing it, approaching a solution where before a launch we won’t need a siren,” he told lawmakers, before quickly adding with a smile, “I said it, and I don’t know if I said too much, but I said it.”

The vague statement immediately sparked widespread speculation among both officials and the public, raising the possibility that Israel is nearing a system capable of stopping enemy projectiles before they even enter Israeli airspace.

Security analysts point to the advanced laser defense system known as “Magen Or” as the most likely candidate behind Katz’s remarks. Developed entirely in Israel, the system has undergone extensive operational testing over the past two and a half years of fighting since the war began on October 7, demonstrating highly effective interception capabilities.

Katz’s comments suggest that this laser technology—possibly combined with other classified systems—could soon render traditional warning sirens obsolete by eliminating threats either within enemy territory or immediately upon launch, before they pose any danger to populated areas.

Despite the cautious optimism surrounding these developments, the reality on the ground remains painful and fresh. While most incoming missiles and drones from the north and from Iran have been successfully intercepted b’chasdei Hashem, the nation still carries the trauma of the deadly strike in Beit Shemesh, where a single interception failure resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, including three children from the Biton family Hy”d. That tragedy continues to underscore the urgent need for a fully reliable defense system that can prevent any breach.

Whether Katz’s statement was an intentional reveal or an offhand remark, it has injected a sense of hope into a public weary of constant sirens and disruptions. A shift from reactive defense—relying on warnings and sheltering—to proactive systems that eliminate threats before impact could mark a turning point in Israel’s security reality. For now, attention turns to whether this hinted-at solution will soon become an operational game-changer.

{Matzav.com}

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is now conceding that progressive calls to “defund the police” and relaxed border policies were mistakes, offering a sharp reassessment of positions he once defended.

De Blasio, who recently found himself confused with another individual sharing his name in a news report, made the remarks during a friendly appearance with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Hannity’s podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.”

“In retrospect, the whole concept of ‘defund the police’ made no sense,” de Blasio said as the Democrat sat with a margarita.

“It made sense to say, `how can we do better?’ It made sense to say, hey—and by the way, a lot of cops told me this. A lot of police leaders told me this—we’ve got to do a lot more for young people to give them positive alternatives, because that’s good for the police too. That’s good safety too.”

Hannity responded, “We’re not disagreeing, right? This is amazing.”

De Blasio responded, “So far we’re doing good. We’re doing—so defund was a mistake. And I understand where it came from, but it was a mistake.”

During another portion of the discussion, de Blasio also acknowledged that President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border had fallen short.

“We’re going to have some common ground. Are you ready?” de Blasio teased Hannity.

“I’m shocked,” Hannity said.

“OK – I don’t like what Biden did with the border,” said de Blasio, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2021.

Hannity asked him, “Why didn’t you say it then?”

“Because honestly,” de Blasio said, “I didn’t think it was as bad as it was. And then, when I saw it during Biden’s time, that he was able to reverse course in that final year and tighten up the border—no, I mean, that’s the irony.”

Hannity pushed back, arguing that Biden acted too late and should not be credited for tightening border enforcement after the situation had already escalated, which he said led to a surge of migrants arriving in cities like New York.

“Something changed. Obviously, something changed,” de Blasio said.

“So we better drink more of your margarita,” Hannity joked. “This is going to get tougher.”

De Blasio then confesses, “We, as Democrats, rightfully deserve that critique.”

The comments drew reactions from conservative figures in New York, some of whom welcomed the shift while noting it came long after de Blasio left office.

“Even a stopped clock is right twice a day,” quipped state Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar.

“Unfortunately, de Blasio didn’t say this when he had the power to make a difference. But I’m glad he’s admitting he’s wrong.”

Kassar added that de Blasio could have seen the scope of the migrant crisis firsthand by visiting areas such as the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, which was used temporarily as a shelter.

While in office, de Blasio did not explicitly embrace the slogan “defund the police,” but he did back a major reduction in police funding during the unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020.

The City Council ultimately approved an $88.1 billion budget that redirected roughly $1 billion away from the NYPD.

At the time, de Blasio defended the move, saying he believed the city had reached the proper balance.

“We are reducing the size of our police force by not having the next recruit class,” he said at the time. “We are reducing our overtime levels. We’re shifting functions away from police to civilian agencies.”

However, less than a year later, in April 2021, de Blasio reversed course and approved $105 million for the construction of a new NYPD precinct in Southeast Queens, responding to strong demand from local residents and reversing an earlier decision to scrap the project amid pressure to cut police spending.

{Matzav.com}

With Pesach approaching and ongoing security concerns affecting air travel, El Al announced on Wednesday that it is canceling a large number of scheduled flights, impacting approximately 25,000 tickets for departures between March 21 and March 27.

The cancellations come in response to operational restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport, which have significantly limited flight activity. As a result, a wide range of destinations will not be serviced during this period.

The affected cities include Tbilisi, Budapest, Zurich, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Batumi, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Heraklion, Krakow, Larnaca, London Luton, Lyon, Marseille, Bucharest, Paphos, Prague, Chisinau, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Salzburg, Podgorica, Tirana, Tivat, Venice, and Vienna.

Regarding other destinations, the airline stated that “updates will be provided בהתאם להתפתחויות ולהנחיות הגורמים הרשמיים – according to developments and the instructions of the official authorities.”

El Al also clarified that, at this time, it is unable to offer alternative flights to passengers whose trips have been canceled. Instead, customers are being given the option of a full refund or a credit voucher for future use on El Al flights. The company emphasized that it is operating under strict limitations and that passenger safety remains its top priority.

In a related development, as previously reported, Channel 12 said that Israel’s Ministry of Transportation is considering reducing the number of passengers permitted on outgoing flights, following recent damage to aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport.

{Matzav.com}

A pall of mourning fell over the Gerer community on Wednesday with the passing of Mrs. Esther Weitz a”h, the esteemed sister-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe, who was niftar at the age of 72 following a serious illness in recent weeks.

Mrs. Weitz was the wife of R’ Yissachar Dov Yeshaya Weitz, one of the respected members of the Gur chassidus in both Haifa and Ashdod. She was widely known as a woman of refinement and chesed, whose life reflected deep emunah and quiet strength.

She was born on 24 Tammuz 5713 to her father, R’ Yeshayahu Wexelman z”l, a prominent Gerrer chossid in Haifa who served as chairman of Agudas Yisroel in the city.

In her youth, she married her husband, R’ Yissachar Dov Yeshaya Weitz, a distinguished figure within the chassidus. He is the son of Rav Menachem Mendel Weitz z”l, who served as a maggid shiur in Yeshivas Chiddushei HaRim and was the father-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe.

For many decades, the couple built a home in Haifa rooted in Torah and chassidus. Her husband is known as a yerei Shamayim who worked in kashrus supervision and also served as a baal tefillah, leading the davening in the main Gerrer Bais Medrash in Yerushalayim.

Those who knew her describe a true tzadekes, whose Tehillim was never far from her hands. Her days were filled with acts of kindness and devotion. Each Erev Shabbos, she would distribute Shabbos candles throughout the city of Haifa, enabling many to bring in Shabbos with light and kedusha. Over the past year, she and her husband relocated to Ashdod to be closer to their children.

She leaves behind a large and beautiful family, including 12 children, along with grandchildren and descendants who continue in the path of Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

As global attention remains fixed on missiles and airstrikes, a quieter but critical front is unfolding beneath the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, where the United States is preparing for the possibility of a massive Iranian naval mine threat that could disrupt a major portion of the world’s oil supply.

According to U.S. defense officials, Iran is believed to possess an arsenal of up to 6,000 naval mines capable of severely impacting international shipping routes. While no active mines have yet been confirmed in the water, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the Pentagon is operating under the assumption that the threat is real and immediate. U.S. Central Command chief Vice Admiral Brad Cooper revealed that American forces have already carried out preemptive strikes, destroying Iranian storage facilities believed to house these weapons.

At the center of the U.S. response are the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships—aging but highly specialized vessels designed specifically to operate in mine-infested waters. Built using wood and fiberglass rather than traditional metal, these ships are able to avoid triggering the magnetic sensors used by many modern naval mines. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, they can detect underwater threats and deploy devices that simulate acoustic and magnetic signatures, causing mines to detonate harmlessly at a distance.

Alongside these older vessels, the U.S. has deployed more modern warships, including the Canberra, Santa Barbara, and Tulsa, which incorporate advanced mine countermeasure systems. These platforms rely on a combination of autonomous underwater vehicles capable of identifying and neutralizing mines without risking human lives, as well as Seahawk helicopters outfitted with laser-based detection systems that can identify shallow-water mines and eliminate them with precision.

The strategic stakes are enormous. Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most critical maritime chokepoints on the planet. Iran has long relied on asymmetric warfare strategies, using relatively inexpensive mines as a way to threaten far more valuable naval assets and disrupt global trade. Recent tensions have already pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.

In response, the United States is implementing a layered approach that combines legacy systems with cutting-edge technology to secure the waterway. President Trump has also taken steps to ease pressure on energy markets, including temporarily suspending aspects of the century-old Jones Act to facilitate the movement of oil.

Military officials indicate that the coming phase of the conflict in the Gulf may not be defined by large-scale naval battles, but rather by a methodical and largely unseen effort to detect and clear mines, ensuring the continued flow of global commerce. For Israel, the extensive American presence and operations in the region provide a significant layer of strategic support in the broader confrontation with Iran.

{Matzav.com}

The FBI has launched an investigation into former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent over allegations that he disclosed classified material, a probe that became public shortly after his resignation Tuesday in protest of the war with Iran, Semafor reports.

According to four individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to Semafor, the inquiry centers on claims that Kent improperly shared sensitive intelligence during his time in office.

Kent stepped down this week, issuing a resignation letter in which he sharply criticized the administration’s approach to Iran, asserting that the country “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and accusing President Donald Trump of launching the conflict because of “pressure from Israel.”

People with knowledge of the case said the investigation was already underway prior to Kent’s departure, with one source describing it as having been in progress for several months. Following news of his resignation, Trump allies and aides quickly labeled him a leaker.

In his resignation letter, Kent reiterated his position, stating that Iran poses “no imminent threat to our nation” and alleging that Trump initiated the war “due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

{Matzav.com}

Access to Meron was sharply restricted on Wednesday, Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, as authorities closed the main entrance to vehicles due to the heightened security situation in the north during Operation Shaagas Ha’Ari, leaving those determined to reach the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai with only one option: arriving on foot.

The decision followed tightened Home Front Command guidelines and new limits on public gatherings in areas near the northern front. As a result, both private cars and public transportation were barred from entering the moshav, effectively preventing the usual large crowds from reaching the site by vehicle.

The timing is especially significant, as Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan is considered an eis ratzon, a particularly auspicious time for tefillah, similar in many ways to Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul. Each year, large numbers travel to Meron on this day to daven at the kever of the tanna Eloki Rav Shimon bar Yochai, pouring out their hearts for yeshuos and for the coming geulah.

This year, however, the ongoing conflict has reshaped the reality on the ground. With concerns that large gatherings could become targets amid escalating tensions from the north, officials moved to limit access in order to reduce risk.

Despite the restrictions, many are still making the journey. Reports from the area indicate that pedestrian access remains open, and numerous visitors have chosen to climb the mountain by foot rather than miss the opportunity to be at Meron on this special day.

Security officials continue to urge the public to strictly follow all instructions from police and Home Front Command personnel stationed in the area and to remain alert given the ongoing developments along the northern border.

{Matzav.com}

An Iranian missile attack in the West Bank late Wednesday night left three Palestinian women dead and 13 others wounded, marking the first time Iranian fire has caused fatalities in the territory—and the first Palestinian deaths—since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The strike hit a hair salon in the town of Beit Awwa, located southwest of Hebron, the Palestinian Authority’s official WAFA news agency reported. Among the injured, one person was listed in serious condition.

Israeli military officials said their initial assessment indicates the missile carried a cluster munition warhead, which disperses multiple small explosive bomblets over a wide area upon impact.

The attack occurred at a time when West Bank streets have been especially crowded, with families shopping for treats and gifts ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the conclusion of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, a man was killed in central Israel after what first responders believe was the impact of a cluster munition during Iran’s latest ballistic missile barrage, with the fatal strike reported at Moshav Adanim. Emergency services from Magen David Adom said they treated the victim, identified as a 30-year-old foreign worker, who suffered severe shrapnel wounds. Medics later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.

As tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East and attention is on Tehran, a powerful and deeply emotional account emerged in the “Akhbar Kikar” studio, shedding light on the suffering of an entire population living under Iranian rule for nearly a century. Hamid Montasher, chairman of the Ahwazi Liberal Party, a teacher and former political prisoner who survived multiple assassination attempts, spoke in an exclusive interview with hosts Moshe Aryeh and Chaim Shegev, offering a rare glimpse into a reality largely unknown to many in Israel.

The oil- and gas-rich Ahwaz region, which serves as a backbone of Iran’s economy, was taken over by Persian forces in 1925. Since then, Montasher described what he called a brutal system of “apartheid,” including a complete ban on the Arabic language, executions of young people for wearing traditional clothing, and systematic exploitation of natural resources used to fund Hamas and Hezbollah, while the local Ahwazi population struggles with severe poverty.

During the interview, Montasher made a biblical comparison, saying, “I love Netanyahu very much, I always liken him to Moses who fought Amalek. Today Netanyahu is fighting the Amalek of the palace in Tehran. Israel is not waging a security war, but a war of liberation for the entire region. Your brave army is cutting off the head of the snake, and we pray for the safety of your pilots and soldiers.”

He also sharply criticized Arab countries, saying, “For a hundred years the Arabs have abandoned us and swallowed the Iranian bait. They support what they call the ‘Palestinian cause’ only to exhaust Israel and hide the real issue—the Iranian occupation in Ahwaz. Hamas and Hezbollah are arms of the devil that loot us, while the Arab world remains silent.”

The interview was made possible through the efforts of Tom Wagner, CEO of the Middle East Peace Center, who has been working to build connections between the Jewish people and liberal elements in Arab countries and Iran. Wagner facilitated the complex coordination between the “Akhbar Kikar” team and the Ahwazi leadership, driven by the belief that exposing the truth is a necessary step toward genuine regional peace.

Montasher also issued a strong warning regarding Iran’s future and opposition movements abroad, stating, “The son of the Shah represents a legacy of blood. His grandfather and father slaughtered us in the name of ‘racial superiority’ and were national Nazis. Khomeini is a religious Nazi. They are two sides of the same coin. We will not allow one occupation to be replaced by another. Israel must understand that its true partners are the 85 million non-Persian peoples waiting for the moment when Israel will cleanse the cities of Basij militias.”

He concluded with an emotional appeal: “Our fate is shared. We are your cousins—you are descendants of Isaac and we are descendants of Ishmael and Abraham. We are waiting for the moment to rise up and overthrow this monster called Iran.”

At the close of the interview, host Moshe Aryeh shared a brief reflection connected to the weekly parsha, Vayikra, noting that as Israel faces conflict on multiple fronts, the source of its strength lies in the words “Adam ki yakriv mikem”—that true sacrifice and strength come from within, from unity and heartfelt connection. He emphasized that victory depends not only on military power, but on genuine achdus and love among the Jewish people.

New York City will stop issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders and cyclists for minor traffic violations, marking a significant policy shift under Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration that officials say is intended to ease the burden on delivery workers, many of whom are immigrants.

Beginning March 27, the NYPD will no longer bring criminal charges against riders for infractions such as ignoring stop signs or riding on sidewalks. Instead, those violations will be handled through civil tickets, similar to how motorists are treated for comparable offenses, according to City Hall.

“By ending criminal summonses for low-level traffic offenses, we’re ensuring cyclists and e-bike riders — including those who deliver our food and groceries — are treated like others on the road,” Mamdani said in a statement.

Under the revised policy, enforcement will remain in place, but penalties will be handled through civil channels rather than criminal court, aligning bicycle and e-bike enforcement with standard traffic violations issued to drivers.

The move is the latest step by Mamdani aimed at shielding delivery workers, a workforce largely made up of immigrants, whom he has argued are being taken advantage of by app-based companies.

This change effectively rolls back enforcement measures put in place during the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, which had introduced criminal summonses in response to growing complaints about dangerous riding behavior on city streets and bike lanes.

Progressive members of the City Council had opposed the earlier enforcement strategy, warning that criminal penalties could lead to severe consequences, including license suspensions or even deportation for undocumented workers.

“Ticketing cyclists more aggressively than drivers never made sense. Kudos to the Mamdani administration for reversing this,” Councilman Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn) posted on X after Wednesday’s sudden announcement.

“It is important that everyone follow the rules of the road – but a delivery worker missing a stop sign shouldn’t get swept up in deportation proceedings.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who has remained in her position from the prior administration and has openly disagreed with the new mayor on some issues, has consistently supported stricter enforcement against e-bike violations, even when challenged by council members concerned about its impact on immigrants.

“This is not a war on e-bikes, this is a response to very real concerns that are widely held across virtually every borough, every New Yorker in this city,” Tisch said last year during a council hearing when pressed by Mamdani’s lefty comrade Tiffany Cabán.

“A person who is more likely to be a person of color may end up in deportation proceedings, It’s not just right,” Cabán had argued.

Tisch also authored an opinion piece defending the prior enforcement approach.

“When vehicle drivers fail to respond to a traffic summons, their licenses can be suspended,” she wrote, “but e-bikes do not require any license, so their operators can simply ignore a traffic summons with virtually no meaningful repercussions.

“Now, we’re closing that loophole by issuing c-summonses —the only real option available under the law to hold reckless e-bike operators accountable.”

Notably, Tisch was not included in the official announcement detailing the rollback, which was issued by City Hall rather than the NYPD.

not all officials agree with the change. Queens Councilman Phil Wong criticized the move, saying the city should be increasing enforcement rather than reducing it.

“This is exactly the wrong direction. If there are no real consequences for reckless e-bike riders and cyclists blowing through red lights, it will only make our streets more dangerous for pedestrians and drivers alike,” he told The ny Post.

City data indicates there were 15,000 reported e-bike and bicycle crashes in 2024. After enforcement measures were introduced the following year, that number dropped to 7,100 incidents.

The easing of penalties for cyclists is part of a broader trend in the city toward reducing criminal consequences for certain offenses.

An Egyptian journalist is warning of what he describes as an unprecedented level of Israeli intelligence penetration inside Iran, suggesting that Israel’s ability to locate, eliminate, and even confirm high-level assassinations before Iranian authorities themselves reflects a depth of infiltration that is causing concern throughout the region.

Ahmed Mansour said the scope of Israeli intelligence activity inside Iran is unlike anything seen in modern conflicts. According to him, “The Israeli intelligence penetration into the Iranian government is unprecedented, Israel not only reaches leaders and kills them, but confirms the assassinations before Iran itself, as if its spies are in every corner of the country.” He added that his concerns extend beyond Iran alone, saying, “I am afraid this is not only the case in Iran, but in all countries in the region.”

At the same time, Iranian officials formally confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a central figure in the regime, hours after Israel announced his elimination in an airstrike. Larijani, a member of a prominent religious family, held numerous senior roles over the years, including serving as speaker of parliament for more than a decade, heading the state broadcasting authority, and playing a key role in the security establishment. He was deeply involved in sensitive matters such as nuclear negotiations, regional relations, and internal crackdowns.

Amid these developments, conditions inside Iran remain tense. BBC correspondents who spoke with residents in Tehran and other cities reported a constant sense of fear and uncertainty. “Going outside is a gamble on our lives, we are just trying to survive,” residents said. According to their accounts, leaving home has become a real danger, with civilians caught between external strikes and the heavy presence of regime forces in the streets. Some interviewees also questioned whether the ongoing conflict justifies the toll it is taking.

Israeli officials believe the series of targeted eliminations of senior Iranian figures and military leaders is creating significant disruption within the regime’s leadership. A senior Israeli intelligence official told CNN that following the elimination of Ali Larijani and top Basij commanders, further instability in Tehran’s decision-making structure is expected.

According to the official, the regime is under pressure far greater than during Operation “Am K’Lavi,” which lasted 12 days in June 2025. “They are struggling to formulate policy, make decisions and pass orders between the military and political ranks. We are seeing chaos, and the situation is expected to worsen,” he said.

Israeli sources also noted that public appearances by senior Iranian officials have become a vulnerability. Larijani, who was targeted after being seen in central Tehran, was struck shortly after appearing in public. “Every time they appear in public it is an advantage for us. The goal is to make them understand that there is no safe place,” the official said.

{Matzav.com}

A display window in central Salzburg was vandalized with neo-Nazi symbols, including a swastika and Palestinian flags bearing the message “Boycott apartheid,” in an apparent act targeting the local Chabad House located in the same building.

Deputy Mayor Kay-Michael Dankl condemned the incident, stating: “There is no place in our city for antisemitic acts involving swastika graffiti. Jews must not be blamed for the policies of the Israeli government – this is unacceptable and leads to increased attacks on Jewish communities worldwide.”

City council member Lukas Ropasht described the incident as “a shocking incident to the depths of the soul” and called for a swift and thorough investigation. “In our society, there is no place for antisemitism or trivializing Nazi symbolism,” he said. He also warned of growing social polarization and urged unified political action against hatred and extremism.

Rabbi Menachem Grozman of Chabad Salzburg said the Nazi symbols were apparently placed during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday and noted that this was not the first such incident. According to him, the building’s entrance window had previously been damaged, and his home had also been marked with a swastika. “We are not afraid, we will continue our activities,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A 30-year-old Israeli man was killed on Wednesday in a serious car accident in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in an incident that also left two other Israelis injured.

Initial reports received by ZAKA indicated that several Israeli citizens were involved in the crash, during which one of them was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional individuals sustained injuries, including two Israelis who were transported to a local hospital for treatment, one of them listed in moderate condition.

Boruch Nidam, head of ZAKA 1223’s international division, said that upon receiving the report, he immediately made his way to the scene to oversee the response and ensure the situation was handled promptly.

He added that ZAKA is coordinating with the Israeli Foreign Ministry to arrange for the transfer of the niftar and the injured back to Israel as quickly as possible.

The Israelis involved in the accident had been traveling on their way to Uman, Ukraine. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

{Matzav.com}