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Apple has changed the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” on Apple Maps for users in the United States, implementing President Donald Trump’s directive to rename the lake within the US geographic naming system.

The company confirmed that Americans using Apple Maps will now see the body of water labeled “Lake America” following the update to the US Geographic Names Information System. Canadian users will continue to see the traditional “Lake Ontario” designation, while users in other countries will be shown both names, Reuters reported.

Apple is following the same geographic-labeling approach it used after Trump directed that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America.

The Apple Maps change comes after Alphabet, Google’s parent company, implemented a similar update on Google Maps for American users late Saturday.

Although Google had said its “Lake America” label would be displayed only to users in the United States, the new designation briefly appeared Sunday on several Canadian websites, including government services.

Trump announced last Thursday that he wanted Lake Ontario to be officially designated “Lake America” in the United States, making the move amid worsening tensions between Washington and Ottawa over trade and other issues.

Sitting at the Resolute Desk, Trump signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to update the lake’s name in the US geographic naming system. The department was given 30 days to carry out the directive, though Trump declared that the change was “official, effective immediately.”

The president also said all necessary parties had already been informed of the decision.

Trump said he had “notified all of the various people that we have to notify. So, we’ve done everything that you have to do.”

The naming dispute comes as economic friction between the neighboring countries continues to intensify. The United States imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian products after trade negotiations broke down, prompting Canada to retaliate with tariffs on $20 billion worth of American goods. The Canadian measures cover products including steel, dairy goods, appliances and agricultural equipment.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed back against Trump’s renaming initiative, emphasizing the centuries-old history behind the Lake Ontario name.

“The name Lake Ontario comes from the Wendat word Ontari’io, which, appropriately, means ‘the lake is beautiful, the lake is big”.”

Carney noted that the name predates the founding of both modern Canada and the United States.

“The name is more than 400 years old, predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America,” added Carney.

The Canadian leader concluded by portraying the dispute as part of broader changes taking place in the United States while insisting that Canadians would continue using the lake’s historic name.

“We know that America is changing. Their trading relationships, their foreign policies, their national monuments, their hydronyms. Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario – then, now and always,” concluded the Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned Tuesday that Israel will retaliate if Britain moves forward with sanctions over Israeli construction in the E1 area, escalating a growing diplomatic clash between Israel and London over development between Yerushalayim and Ma’ale Adumim.

“If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain,” Sa’ar said in an excerpt from a Hebrew-language podcast interview with Ynet.

The foreign minister said Jerusalem is treating the prospect of British punitive measures seriously, while accusing the British government of allowing internal political pressures to drive an increasingly hostile approach toward Israel.

“There is a government there that is systematically acting against Israel. It has already harmed defense exports to us and imposed sanctions on ministers. What guides it is its domestic politics, and at the end of the month the Labour Party conference is convening,” he said.

Pressed on what steps Jerusalem might take against Britain, Sa’ar declined to reveal specifics but indicated that Israeli officials are already preparing possible retaliatory measures.

“Why hint at it? What I’ve said is enough. We are preparing. If they make a mistake, there will be a response,” he replied.

Sa’ar issued the warning shortly after British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told lawmakers that Israel’s plans for E1 amounted to “the crossing of a red line.” According to Miliband, construction in the area would separate territory envisioned for a future Palestinian state and “risks making a Palestinian state unviable.”

“This government will not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution,” Miliband said. “We will act and I will set out a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks.”

Tensions between the two countries have intensified following the publication of a tender covering seven residential compounds in E1, totaling 1,234 housing units. The developments are included among approximately 3,400 housing units that received approval for the area last August.

Miliband swiftly denounced the tender and called on Israel to cancel it. He said he had raised the matter directly with Sa’ar, while the British Foreign Office summoned Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires over the issue.

The British foreign secretary also made clear that London was considering further action against Israel in response to its policies.

“Britain will not stand back and accept the destruction of the two-state solution. In the coming weeks we will set out a comprehensive set of measures to respond to Israeli government policies, protect the viability of the Palestinian state, target sanctions at those who participate in illegal settlement expansion and support a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” the UK Foreign Secretary declared.

Sa’ar rejected the British criticism, taking issue both with Miliband’s position and his choice of language while accusing London of applying a double standard to Israel.

“Britain itself still controls colonial territories thousands of miles from its shores. It is absurd for Britain to lecture the Jewish people about where they may live in their historic tiny homeland, when the Jewish people’s connection and right to this land is the most extensively documented of any people in human history.”

Sa’ar also challenged Britain’s suggestion that the latest tender reflected a new policy decision by the Israeli government, saying the underlying development plan had already been approved last year.

“There have been no new decisions regarding development in E1. The decision was made in 2025. The tender process has been underway for several months, with certain tender documents published only in recent days. The British Foreign Secretary’s statement is entirely one-sided.”

Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has also weighed in on the dispute. During a meeting with Miliband last week, Rabbi Mirvis urged the foreign secretary to reconsider proposed sanctions and trade restrictions affecting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, warning that such measures could damage efforts toward peace while also carrying consequences for Britain’s Jewish community.

{Matzav.com}

Toronto mayoral candidate Bahira Abdulsalam is pledging to make the war in Gaza an immediate focus of her administration if elected, declaring that her first motion at City Hall would include an effort to “open our doors” to families coming from Gaza.

Abdulsalam, a professional engineer who is running for mayor in Toronto’s Oct. 26 municipal election, made the proposal in remarks that began circulating widely online in recent days. The City of Toronto confirms that the 2026 mayoral election is scheduled for Oct. 26.

“So here is my first motion to the city hall, if elected as a mayor of the city of Toronto,” Abdulsalam said.

She then laid out two elements of the proposed measure, beginning with a review of the city’s purchasing practices and suppliers.

“First, disclose, show Torontonians what our city buys, who it buys from and measure this against the international law,” she said.

Abdulsalam then turned directly to Gaza, saying, “Second, we open our doors for families grieving from Gaza and coming here to the city.”

Her comments immediately raised a practical question about how such a proposal could be implemented by a Toronto mayor. Immigration and citizenship are federal responsibilities in Canada, meaning that Toronto City Hall and the mayor do not have the authority to independently admit foreign nationals into the country. The City of Toronto itself identifies “citizenship and immigration” as responsibilities of Canada’s federal government.

Toronto does, however, play a substantial role in helping immigrants and refugees after they arrive. A 2025 federal-provincial immigration agreement specifically recognizes Toronto’s infrastructure and experience in integrating immigrants and responding to large numbers of refugees, while providing for cooperation among the federal, Ontario and Toronto governments.

Abdulsalam therefore could use the mayor’s office to advocate for federal action and seek city resources or programs to assist Gaza families admitted by Ottawa, but she could not unilaterally bring Gaza residents into Canada. Toronto’s mayor also serves as a representative of the city in dealings with other levels of government, providing a potential avenue for such lobbying.

The proposal fits into a broader pattern of pro-Palestinian advocacy that has become a prominent element of Abdulsalam’s political activity. Her campaign website includes what she calls a “Palestine Platform,” which calls for a two-way Canadian arms embargo on Israel, greater funding for Gaza relief efforts including UNRWA, and other measures aimed at changing Canadian policy toward Israel and the Palestinians.

Her Gaza remarks also come as Abdulsalam faces controversy over previous social-media statements concerning Israel, Zionism and Hamas.

The Toronto candidate is currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings before Professional Engineers Ontario stemming from complaints over her online political commentary. Among the posts cited in reporting on the case are statements attributed to Abdulsalam describing Hamas as “the Palestinian Resistance and the only military force in the world that is standing up courageously against Israel to defend the Palestinians,” and another in which she wrote that “Zionism is way more cruel than the Nazis.”

In another post cited in the complaint, Abdulsalam wrote, “Hamas is the official government of the Gaza Strip; it is not merely a resistance movement; it is the elected government in Palestine.”

Abdulsalam has strongly contested the disciplinary case and argues that the engineering regulator is improperly attempting to police political speech that she made in her private capacity.

“I am before a discipline tribunal because of what I posted, in my own name and on my own time, about political and social questions, questions of war and peace, of conscience, and of parents and children,” she said in a July statement.

“A regulator’s authority exists to protect the public from unsafe engineering. It was never granted to superintend the political conscience of the people it licenses,” Abdulsalam added. No final disciplinary finding should be inferred merely from the existence of the proceedings.

Jewish organizations have sharply criticized Abdulsalam over her past statements. B’nai Brith Canada CEO Simon Wolle told the Jerusalem Post last month that his organization was “appalled” by posts he said expressed explicit support for Hamas and repeated antisemitic conspiracy theories.

The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation has similarly condemned her rhetoric. Its executive director, Andria Spindel, argued that international conflicts have no place in municipal government and accused Abdulsalam’s statements of fueling “hatred and bigotry.”

Abdulsalam, for her part, has publicly rejected accusations that she engages in collective blame against Jews or other communities. In a recent campaign statement, she said it is unfair to hold all Jews responsible for the actions of a government, just as it is unfair to judge all Muslims or Palestinians based on the conduct of individuals.

This is Abdulsalam’s second campaign for Toronto mayor. She ran in the 2023 mayoral by-election, finishing 14th in a field of 102 candidates. She formally entered the 2026 mayoral contest in May.

{Matzav.com}

Russia has been secretly providing Iran with advanced missile technology aimed at helping Tehran develop weapons capable of striking US Navy aircraft carriers in the Middle East, according to a Financial Times investigation published Tuesday.

The covert partnership reportedly dates back to 2023 and operated under the codename C430L, with Moscow assisting Tehran as it worked to develop increasingly sophisticated missile capabilities.

One of the project’s primary goals was reportedly to create a ramjet propulsion system capable of propelling Iranian missiles at several times the speed of sound. Missiles using such technology, especially when traveling at low altitudes, could leave Western air defense systems with significantly less time to detect and respond to an incoming attack.

The Financial Times reported that the sophistication of the technology involved meant that any transfer would likely have required approval at the highest levels of Russia’s government. The missile cooperation may have been one component of a wider exchange between the two countries, with Iran aiding Moscow’s drone program while Russia provided assistance to Tehran’s missile efforts. The two governments have also developed extensive intelligence ties.

Documents reviewed by the Financial Times reportedly show that work on the arrangement had begun even before it was formally signed in November 2023, approximately one month after the October 7 attack.

According to the investigation, Russian support for Iran remained ongoing during the war with Iran in February and provided Tehran with significant assistance as it carried out attacks against Gulf states.

Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has grown considerably in recent years as both governments have faced increasing Western pressure over their international alliances and activities in their respective regions.

The deepening relationship was on display in April 2025, when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow and met Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Araghchi delivered a message from Iran’s then-Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was later eliminated in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. The message stressed the importance of further strengthening relations between Russia and Iran.

Several weeks after that meeting, Putin signed legislation previously approved by the Russian parliament that expanded bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tehran across multiple areas, including military and security matters.

Iran has also pursued the acquisition of Russia’s advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets as part of its efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. Tehran, however, has voiced frustration over Moscow’s repeated delays in delivering the aircraft.

{Matzav.com}

Something remarkable will take place across Flatbush this Motzoei Shabbos.

Matzav.com has learned that before the first haunting words of Selichos are recited, before Ashrei and the Yud-Gimmel Middos, and before thousands begin the annual journey toward the Yomim Noraim, more than 30 shuls throughout the Flatbush community will open their batei medrash for a community-wide seder limud designed to bring people into Selichos with the zechus and spiritual elevation of Torah.

The sweeping initiative, billed simply as the “Selichos Seder,” has brought together an extraordinary cross-section of Flatbush shuls, rabbonim, kollelim and bnei Torah around a beautifully simple idea: What better way is there to prepare to stand before the Ribbono Shel Olam than by first sitting down and learning Torah?

Under the banner “Elevate Your Selichos — Stand before Hashem with the z’chus of Torah,” participating shuls will hold a seder limud b’chavrusa beginning at approximately 12:10 a.m., followed by Selichos at approximately 12:55 a.m. Individual shul schedules may vary. And organizers have made clear that no one should stay away because he does not have a chavrusa: Those arriving without one will be paired up.

But perhaps even more striking than the concept itself is the scope of the response.

More than 30 shuls have already joined the initiative, with the list still in formation.

Participating shuls include Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, led by Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff; Agudas Yisroel of Flatbush; Agudas Yisroel of Madison, led by Rav Yisroel Reisman; Bais Medrash Avreichim, led by Rav Meir Finkel; Bais Medrash Bais Yeshaya, led by Rav Moshe Yitzchak Fisher; Bais Medrash Torah U’Tefillah, led by Rav Yitzchok Olshin; Bais Mordechai D’Bertch, led by Rav Tzvi Eli Rokeach; Chaim Berlin Alumni-Marine Park, led by Rav Ahron Rapps; Kesser Yisroel Mordechai, led by Rav Meir Platnick; Khal Avrechei Bais Chaim Yisroel, led by Rav Yehuda Friedman; Khal Bais Elazar Faltishan, led by Rav Yonasan Binyamin Katz; Khal Beis Mordechai, led by Rav Boruch Miller; Khal Bnei Avraham Yaakov, led by Rav Moshe Bergman; Khal Bnei Shlomo Zalman, led by Rav Yosef Frankel; Khal Bnei Torah Bais Naftali, led by Rav Bentzion Schiffenbauer; Khal Bnei Torah-Kollel Dirshu, led by Rav Shlomo Cynamon; Khal Talmidei Hayeshivos, led by Rav Binyamin Cohen; Khal Tiferes Avraham-Zidichov, led by Rav Yechezkel Eichenstein; Khal Zichron Mordechai, led by Rav Yekusiel Bitman; Khal Zichron Yakov-Shlomo V’Chava, led by Rav Ezra Rodkin; Knesses Bais Avigdor, led by Rav Aharon Kahn; Kollel B’nei Torah, led by Rav Yosef Eisen; Yeshivas Ohr Yisroel, led by Rav Herschel Zolty; Khal Igud Avreichim, led by Rav Pinchas Frankel; Khal Kollel B’nei Yeshivos, led by Rav Moshe Scheinerman; Khal Kol Torah, led by Rav Lipa Geldwerth; Khal Meshivas Nefesh, led by Rav Noam Rosenzweig; Khal Nachlas Dovid, led by Rav Daniel Osher Kleinman; Khal Premishlan, led by Rav Moshe Ahron Fulop; Khal Sasregen, led by Rav Bentzion Frankel; and Khal Sha’ar Hashamayim, led by Rav Chanoch Posy.

It is difficult to overstate what a scene this promises to create. Motzoei Shabbos before the first Selichos has always possessed a character all its own. There is an electricity in the air as the clock moves toward midnight. Men who have spent an ordinary Motzoei Shabbos at home begin making their way toward shul. The streets fill. The batei medrash come alive. A familiar niggun begins, and suddenly the reality of Elul, of Rosh Hashanah drawing near, feels very real.

This year, across Flatbush, that experience will begin nearly an hour earlier, with the sound of Torah.

In shul after shul, chavrusos will bend over their seforim. The hum of learning will fill batei medrash across the neighborhood. And then, almost simultaneously, those same voices will close their Gemaros and open their Selichos, carrying the zechus of their Torah directly into their tefillos.

There is something especially powerful about the fact that this is not taking place in one building or under the banner of one particular kehillah. It is a Flatbush-wide undertaking. Different shuls. Different rabbonim. Different neighborhoods and constituencies. One community preparing together for the first Selichos.

The first night of Selichos can easily become defined by the atmosphere surrounding it: the late hour, the packed shul, the special melodies and the emotion of hearing Selichos for the first time in nearly a year. All of those things are meaningful. But the Flatbush Selichos Seder seeks to add something before all of them: Torah.

Before asking, learn. Before pleading, toil. Before standing before Hashem and saying Selach lanu, spend time immersed in His Torah.

At 12:10 this Motzoei Shabbos, lights will be burning in batei medrash across Flatbush, pages of Gemara will be turning, and hundreds — perhaps thousands — of Jews will be learning together.

Then, at approximately 12:55, the learning will give way to Selichos.

The same mouths that moments earlier were speaking words of Torah will begin speaking words of tefillah.

And across more than 30 shuls, an entire community will begin the journey toward the Yomim Noraim together — carrying with it the greatest zechus it knows: the zechus haTorah.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Dov Kook of Tiveria remains in serious condition, with his family still awaiting significant improvement in his consciousness and ability to move, his son Rav Gedaliah Kook said in an update while urging the public to continue davening for his recovery.

Speaking with Rabbi Moshe Ben Lulu, Rav Gedaliah described his father’s difficult medical condition and appealed for additional tefillos and spiritual commitments on his behalf. He also discussed a major women’s gathering being organized by Rebbetzin Kook for her husband’s refuah, scheduled for Monday at Hangar 11 in the Tel Aviv Port.

“We are waiting for Hashem’s salvation,” Rav Gedaliah said, asking the public “to daven again and undertake all the spiritual efforts.”

He explained that, according to doctors, the initial months following a stroke and systemic collapse can be particularly significant in determining potential improvements in consciousness, communication and movement. Rav Gedaliah stressed that this represents only the medical assessment, while the family continues to daven and hope for a yeshuah beyond what doctors may anticipate.

Describing his father’s present condition, Rav Gedaliah said, “The Rav has still not gotten up, he does not move a hand or a foot, he cannot move any limb of his body.”

There have, however, been occasional signs of limited communication. Rav Gedaliah said his father has at times responded through slight head movements, particularly when Rebbetzin Kook or leading Gedolei Yisroel are present. He cautioned that these responses are brief and difficult, generally lasting only several seconds.

“He is receiving the best treatment in the world,” Rav Gedaliah stressed.

At the same time, he said there have been significant improvements in several of his father’s bodily systems. The family views some of those developments as “open miracles,” particularly after doctors had previously raised grave concerns about his condition.

The conversation then turned to a major initiative intended to generate additional tefillos for Rav Kook: a massive gathering for women being spearheaded by Rebbetzin Kook.

According to Rav Gedaliah, thousands of women from across the spectrum are expected to attend the event at Hangar 11 in the Tel Aviv Port. The gathering was initially planned for the Caesarea Amphitheater, but the venue was changed after Rebbetzin Kook requested that the security personnel inside the women’s area consist exclusively of women, allowing the event to be conducted in accordance with her standards of tznius.

Rav Gedaliah said the Rebbetzin has asked participants to bring drums and turn the gathering into an evening of tefillah, simcha and anticipation of a yeshuah.

A massive collective recitation of Tehillim is also planned. Organizers intend to divide the chapters among the thousands of women in attendance, allowing the participants to collectively complete the equivalent of approximately 1,500 entire Sifrei Tehillim within a short period of time.

The evening will also feature a musical program. Rav Gedaliah emphasized that the gathering is being organized without any profit motive.

The event is scheduled for Monday at 9 p.m. at Hangar 11 in the Tel Aviv Port. Rav Gedaliah said free transportation has been arranged from various locations around the country, with tickets available through the ticketing systems and contact information publicized for the gathering.

“Please respond to the Rebbetzin’s call, for an evening of simcha, an evening of yeshuah,” he appealed to listeners.

During the broadcast, Ben Lulu also played a recording of Rebbetzin Kook urging women to attend and increase their tefillos for her husband’s recovery and for yeshuos for Klal Yisroel.

The public is asked to continue davening for Rav Kook, whose name for tefillah is Rav Chizkiyahu Dov ben Shoshana.

Mordechai Ben David’s newly released single, “Uvetuvcha Hagadol,” has been more than 23 years in the making — and its surprising history stretches back to Menachem Toker’s wedding, where the song was performed publicly for the first time more than two decades ago.

Composer and arranger Eli Laufer revealed the story during an interview with Toker on the radio program “Zman Avir,” explaining that the song was actually composed jointly by Laufer and MBD in Miami more than 23 years ago. Although MBD considered including it on his album “Efshar Letaken,” the song ultimately remained unreleased until this week.

During the interview, Toker produced a rare recording from his wedding approximately 23 and a half years ago.

“You were there, and you surprised me with a new song, you and Mordechai Ben David on the stage,” Toker reminded Laufer.

Toker recalled that MBD had made a special trip to attend the wedding, which took place approximately a week before Pesach, and that MBD and Laufer performed the newly composed song together.

Laufer initially had difficulty remembering all the details of the evening, although he said he had recently seen footage from the wedding showing himself playing the keyboard. Listening again to the decades-old performance, Toker told him, “I’m listening now to the chords you’re putting in there. You are the gadol hador.”

Laufer then explained how “Uvetuvcha Hagadol” had originally come into existence during a visit to Miami with MBD.

“We were in Miami, and we composed it together with Mordechai. Mordechai said: Now let’s light candles and compose a song. There was a keyboard there,” Laufer recalled.

The two sat together and created “Uvetuvcha Hagadol,” and Laufer said they immediately sensed that they had produced something special.

“Mordechai always wanted to release it, and now there was an opportunity to release it,” he said.

The song, however, came close to reaching listeners many years earlier. Laufer revealed that “Uvetuvcha Hagadol” was considered for inclusion on MBD’s “Efshar Letaken” album, but MBD ultimately decided against putting it on the album. The composition consequently remained on the shelf, despite having already been performed at Toker’s wedding.

Now, more than 23 years after that performance, the song has finally received its official release.

Toker asked whether a composition created more than two decades ago could still resonate with today’s listeners. Laufer said the initial reaction to the single indicates that the melody has lost none of its appeal.

“People are very moved and are complimenting me very much about this song. People are very excited,” Laufer said.

Toker jokingly suggested that evaluating the staying power of an MBD song requires a different standard altogether.

“Mordechai Ben David is always relevant. The question is whether a song is relevant 23 years later,” he said.

Laufer also discussed the credits behind the new release, explaining that he and MBD jointly composed the melody, while Laufer handled the arrangement.

When Toker pressed him to identify which portions of the song had been composed by each of them, Laufer replied, “I don’t remember, together. I think I did most of it.”

After Toker teased him about taking credit, Laufer quickly added, “G-d forbid. Mordechai is a great composer.”

Laufer went even further in praising MBD’s abilities as a composer, saying, “I think he is no less talented as a composer than he is as a singer… There’s nothing you can do, he is the king.”

Shmuel Stern, Laufer noted during the conversation, was responsible for the vocal arrangements on the newly released song.

For Toker, the release brought the story full circle: a song written more than 23 years ago and unveiled at one of the most important moments of his own life has finally become an official MBD release.

“It was released in honor of my wedding 23 years ago,” Toker joked, before offering Laufer the blessing, “A faithful home for me and for you.”

{Matzav.com}

A Chareidi commander serving in a classified elite technological unit of the IDF has left military service after receiving a direct instruction to do so from Rav Avraham Salim, a member of Shas’ Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, according to a report by Kan News.

During a conversation between the two, Rav Salim addressed the commander’s continued service in the IDF and instructed him to leave, citing the ongoing confrontation over the drafting of bnei yeshivos.

“Leave the IDF because it is at war with students of Torah, so that your family will not be harmed because you are a soldier.”

Rav Salim further explained that the commander could continue participating in reserve duty while cautioning him against taking steps that would establish a deeper or more permanent connection to the military.

“You can go to reserve duty, but do not take part in something that would tie you more to the army.”

The commander reportedly told Kan News that when he initially entered the military, and particularly around the time of the October 7 massacre, he had received encouragement and backing from several prominent rabbonim.

That support reportedly changed as the battle over the Draft Law grew increasingly contentious and authorities stepped up enforcement measures and sanctions against bnei yeshivos who had not reported for military service.

As tensions surrounding the draft intensified, the backing the commander had previously received from rabbinic figures reportedly began to diminish, ultimately leading to his conversation with Rav Salim and his decision to leave his position.

{Matzav.com}

Shin Bet Director David Zini paid a visit Tuesday to Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, touring the famed building and taking a particular interest in the yeshiva and its bochurim during a trip to the United States for meetings with American officials.

Zini, who previously served as an IDF major general and has led Israel’s internal security service since October 2025, came to 770 together with security personnel and Chabad community activists. A substantial police presence surrounded the building during his visit.

The Shin Bet chief is religiously observant, a fact that has received considerable attention since he took over leadership of the Israeli security agency.

Zini’s tour began in the WLCC room, the location from which the Rebbe’s farbrengens and other events were transmitted to audiences around the globe for many years. WLCC manager Rabbi Mendel Eisenbach welcomed Zini upon his arrival.

From there, Zini requested an opportunity to visit the main shul and observe the bochurim studying in the 770 Yeshiva.

The security chief displayed considerable curiosity about the yeshiva’s daily learning program and curriculum. He wanted to know how many hours the bochurim spend learning each day, what time their seder begins, and which subjects occupy their studies.

Rabbi Mendy Carlebach, chaplain of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, and Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, an NYPD chaplain, coordinated Zini’s visit. During his time at 770, Zini also spoke with Rabbi Yekusiel Feldman, a mashpia at 770.

Following the tour, Zini stepped onto Kingston Avenue for a short walk. A small group quickly gathered around the visiting Israeli security official, with several people exchanging brief words with him.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed reports that he is attempting to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations with Washington, saying he is satisfied with the United States’ current position as Tehran faces mounting military and economic pressure.

“I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table, as ABC Fake News reported. I couldn’t care less if they sign a worthless, to them, agreement. I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

He followed that message with a direct appeal to Iranians, writing, “They are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”

Trump’s remarks came after the United States launched a new round of strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets inside Iran. Early reports indicated that Qeshm Island and Chabahar were among the locations hit, with explosions reported in both areas.

US Central Command said American forces had completed the wave of attacks against Iranian military infrastructure.

“US forces struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets including air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine laying capabilities, and communications sites,” CENTCOM said.

“The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members,” the command added.

Trump had earlier said the military operation was launched in retaliation for Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz as well as a previous missile attack targeting a US military installation in Jordan. He also warned Tehran that any response to the American operation would trigger significantly stronger US attacks.

“The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines (They have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our Military Base in Jordan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president then issued an even more severe warning about what could follow if Iran retaliates.

“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!” he added.

{Matzav.com}

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These aren’t just expenses. They’re part of becoming a chosson. They’re part of His Moment.

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Today, Zichron Mattel assists more than 620 chassanim each year — and the need continues to grow.

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

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A Chareidi schoolgirl in Tiveria was fined 20 shekels after a button on her clothing was left open, prompting a sharp response from Israel’s Education Ministry and renewed scrutiny over the use of monetary penalties as a disciplinary measure in schools.

The incident reportedly occurred at an educational institution affiliated with Karlin-Stolin, where the open button was deemed a violation of the school’s tznius regulations.

The institution has not issued an official response to the report. The Education Ministry, however, strongly criticized what occurred, saying, “This is a serious incident that should not have happened.”

According to the ministry, its examination of the matter determined that the document setting out the fine was not a recently approved school policy and had been distributed by a staff member without authorization.

“The ministry’s inquiry found that this was an old document that was distributed by a staff member without the knowledge or approval of the school administration. Following the incident, the procedures were clarified to the staff, and the supervisory authorities will ensure that it does not happen again,” the Education Ministry said.

The controversy is not the first time the Education Ministry has been asked to address the practice of educational institutions imposing financial penalties on students for disciplinary infractions.

A 2024 report by Israel’s Public Complaints Commission detailed a case involving a Chareidi seminary that charged students 25 shekels for lateness and absences. Students who requested an additional opportunity to take an examination were also charged 30 shekels.

At the time, the seminary explained that the money was intended in part to cover the costs of staff members who prepared and reviewed assignments given to students as a consequence of their lateness or absences.

The matter was referred to the director of the Education Ministry’s Chareidi district. Following an investigation, the ministry determined that collecting the payments was “improper and illegal.”

The seminary’s administration was subsequently informed of the finding, and the institution discontinued the practice.

Under Israel’s Compulsory Education Law, education provided under the law is generally free, although certain exceptions allow schools to collect specified payments from parents. Disciplinary fines are not included among the categories of payments that educational institutions are permitted to collect.

{Matzav.com}

More than 3 million passengers are expected to pass through Israel’s airports and land border crossings during September and the Tishrei Yom Tov season, with Ben Gurion Airport alone preparing to handle approximately 2.5 million travelers during what is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel periods on record.

The Israel Airports Authority has completed extensive preparations for the surge, including significant increases in staffing at Ben Gurion Airport and the country’s land crossings. Additional managers will also be stationed throughout the terminals during the busiest portions of the holiday season.

According to Airports Authority projections, approximately 2.5 million passengers will travel through Ben Gurion Airport, while Ramon Airport is expected to handle roughly 81,000 passengers and Haifa Airport another 60,000. An additional 500,000 travelers are projected to use Israel’s land crossings with Sinai and Jordan.

The anticipated volume continues a sharp rise in passenger traffic. Approximately 2.65 million passengers traveled through Ben Gurion Airport during August, and the Airports Authority has expanded its workforce to accommodate the heavy traffic expected throughout September.

Special flights carrying travelers to Uman ahead of Rosh Hashanah are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 6, and continue through Thursday, September 17.

The busiest travel days during the Tishrei period are expected to be September 10, September 17, September 22 and September 25. On those peak days, Ben Gurion Airport is preparing to accommodate approximately 100,000 passengers and some 600 flights each day.

More than 100,000 international passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport on September 10 ahead of Rosh Hashanah. The most popular destinations during the Tishrei season are expected to include Greece, Cyprus, the United States, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.

Israel’s land border crossings are also preparing for approximately half a million passengers during September and the Tishrei Yomim Tovim. The Yitzhak Rabin crossing in the Arava is expected to handle approximately 190,000 travelers, while some 153,000 are projected to use the Allenby crossing. Approximately 100,000 passengers are expected at the Menachem Begin crossing, with another 55,000 at the Jordan River crossing.

Ahead of the anticipated congestion, the Airports Authority issued several recommendations aimed at helping passengers move through the airports more efficiently. Travelers are advised to confirm in advance which terminal their flight will depart from, complete check-in before arriving at the airport, and print their luggage tags at self-service stations.

Passengers traveling exclusively with carry-on luggage who have already checked in independently are encouraged to use the expedited route in Sector W at Terminals 1 and 3. The Airports Authority also issued a special reminder to IDF reservists and members of the security forces to carefully inspect their bags before traveling to ensure that ammunition or ammunition components have not inadvertently been left inside.

“At the Israel Airports Authority and throughout all of the Authority’s facilities, we are working around the clock to ensure that every passenger’s experience is safe, efficient and pleasant. The joint efforts of all parties are reflected in the professional and comprehensive preparations we are carrying out, including preparations and reinforcements at all Israel Airports Authority facilities,” the Airports Authority said.

Shas CEO and MK Chaim Biton dismissed polls showing his party falling to seven seats, insisting that Shas has repeatedly outperformed surveys on Election Day, while declaring that the party remains committed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but will demand legislation protecting the status of yeshiva bochurim before joining the next government.

In an extensive interview with Kikar HaShabbat’s Yishai Cohen, Biton also rejected claims that Shas’s performance during the outgoing Knesset term amounted to a failure. He blamed the judicial system and the war for blocking many of the party’s initiatives and defended Rishon LeTzion Rav Yitzchok Yosef amid the controversy over the cancellation of an event commemorating his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef.

Discussing the political landscape ahead of the elections, Biton made clear that Shas intends to remain aligned with Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc. At the same time, he laid down what he described as a critical condition for participation in the next coalition.

“We will not enter a government before there is a draft law that regulates the status of yeshiva students,” Biton said.

Biton was equally dismissive of recent surveys predicting that Shas will win only seven Knesset seats. He argued that similar polls have consistently underestimated the party, which ultimately won 11 seats in the last election. He also brushed aside recent criticism from Degel HaTorah MK Moshe Gafni, saying, “He’s having a difficult time in the internal Chareidi arena; he has to come out with some kind of showmanship.”

Turning to the controversy over the memorial event for Rav Ovadia Yosef, Biton said Shas is pursuing legal avenues to reverse the decision preventing the event from proceeding as planned.

“It is currently before an appeal to the attorney general and in preparation for a petition to the Central Elections Committee or the High Court, whatever is necessary to solve this problem. We cannot give up on this. Ultimately, there is the Maran Law, which was established by law, a law that passed unanimously.

“Usually, in his case, until now we were accustomed to unanimity across the Israeli consensus, because everyone knows — the million people at the levayah — Rav Ovadia is a consensus figure. Now there is something new: they dared, how should I put it, to dismantle the consensus on this issue, and to decide that the gathering that was established and funded under this law, which is essentially an event organized by the Religious Services Ministry and the Yerushalayim Municipality — and this is not the first year since the law was passed — cannot take place because they are turning it into something political.

“Even though I say unequivocally: I checked it. We are not involved in it, but I checked. There was no involvement and no connection at the event linking Rav Ovadia to Shas, despite the fact that it was his party.”

Asked whether Shas had agreed that its politicians would refrain from speaking at the memorial events so they could remain focused solely on Rav Ovadia’s Torah legacy, Biton said the rules governing such publicly funded events were already clear.

“First of all, it is not our agreement. It is obvious that there are very clear procedures for holding such an event, and even if there were additional procedures that they wanted to establish regarding this specific event. They simply disqualified it! They didn’t come and say, ‘We approve it if…’ Even though in the work plan prepared by the Religious Services Ministry and the municipality, it is clear from the outset.

“By the way, regardless of elections — when a government ministry and the Yerushalayim Municipality organize an event, there is no authorization to turn it into a political event. It is never a political event, and last time it was not a political event either. Let’s put it on the table: everything, everything the Chareidi sector wants… Yishai, do you know how many High Court petitions there are now and how many things? Everything, everything is being held up and stuck because anything connected to us gets stopped.”

Asked about the chances of successfully challenging the decision in court, Biton, who has a legal background, expressed limited confidence in the judicial process.

“Yishai, I happen to be a jurist, and I can tell you that when someone comes to me and consults with me about whether something will be approved or not, I can give my opinion. In this particular case, we are doing this because it is our obligation to do so. We hope that they will indeed come to their senses. But unfortunately, with everything recently, they always say: You know how you enter a courtroom; you don’t know how you will leave. Unfortunately, we already know how we will leave.”

Biton also defended Rav Yitzchok Yosef after the Movement for Quality Government called for a criminal investigation over his harsh comments concerning the attorney general.

“Come on, really. This is just a continuation of the idea that anything is legitimate for them, that they can do whatever they want. It is easy for them to do whatever they want. Everyone knows who Maran Rav Yitzchok Yosef is. This is his way of speaking; this is who he is. They are hurting his father! What do you expect? When someone attacks our Maran… To all of us, he is the father of us all, and to him, he is literally his father. What do they expect him to say: ‘Yes, give us some more blows and we’ll remain silent’? There are limits.”

The interview then turned to widespread frustration within the Chareidi community over the outgoing government’s record. During the term, the community has faced a succession of measures affecting daycare subsidies, yeshiva and kollel funding, housing programs and draft-related sanctions.

Biton acknowledged the difficulties but rejected the suggestion that Shas should be apologetic about its record.

“First of all, I have to say two things. One, there is some kind of situation where we are seemingly in a position of apologizing for this term. I am not saying this was the most successful term in the world. Certainly, there were complexities, and the entire legal situation was very complicated. We are not saying, ‘Come on, everything was smooth and everything was fine.’

“But there is one thing to say: first of all, because of the situation that existed, throughout this entire period, everything we put forward was blocked — Ofek Chadash, the draft law, everything. We saw what we were just talking about regarding the memorial event; it is proof happening right now. This simply happened throughout the entire term. They had one unequivocal objective: to dismantle this government, which, by the way, contrary to reality — survived until its final day.”

Biton said Shas had also failed to adequately publicize what its ministers and MKs accomplished and promised that the party would now begin highlighting those achievements.

“We also did not publicize the good things, and now we will. Get ready. A lot of material is about to come out — not because there are elections, but because we have no choice, we have to — and first of all, these things can no longer be disqualified because they were already accomplished. A great deal of material will now come out showing, first of all, what we did during this term. Six ministers in government ministries, many MKs who did amazing work. You will see it presented in such a way that you will no longer ask the question in this way.

“You will ask a question, and your question about the decrees is correct — yes, there were decrees, yes, the decrees were difficult, and yes, they harmed our community. But to your question, the clear answer is: So what? What do you want us to do?”

Asked directly whether the term should be considered a failure for Shas, Biton rejected that characterization.

“It is not a failure for Shas. It was… a complicated, difficult term, and we don’t only hope… You know, elections come around again every time, and I ask myself the question, because this is the question you really want to ask: ‘Wait, if you failed…’ I ask your question: So what is there to do there? If the thinking really is that this is it, then let’s leave politics for the rest of our lives.”

Biton was then pressed about voter frustration and surveys showing Shas at approximately seven seats. He said the party has seen the same phenomenon before, with polls significantly underestimating its eventual showing.

“If we are talking about polls, I ask you, Yishai: You have been around this arena for many years already. Let’s look for a moment. Open your phone, use GPT, whichever one you want. In election campaigns, two months beforehand, we were at seven seats. We were always at seven to nine, and we finished with 11. So mathematically, we are perfectly fine. If we are talking about the polls — fine. But let’s talk for a moment about the real question you are asking me: Is there some concern? First of all, it is not a matter of fear; it is a matter of concern, okay?”

Biton acknowledged that many Chareidi voters had expected considerably more from their elected representatives.

“The public expected more. We are also in an era when the public is very, very connected and knows everything — who knows that better than you? People want things, they hear things, they know things, and they also have the right to make demands. I agree that there is complexity. I am simply not afraid for one reason — you used the word fear: I believe in the public. I trust its intelligence and that it understands the situation. It understands that ultimately, in order to get what you want, you need to be part of a process. We are part of that process. You cannot look at one particular period of time.

“And take into account that we had a very difficult war during this period that completely diverted us. Our budgets as well, most of our budgets… Who knows better than you? Ofek Chadash had already begun on the ninth; a month before the war, they had already paid. The war stopped everything, they took the money, and petitions began. Obviously, if there had not been a war now, there would have been a different draft law, because everything changed.”

Biton also addressed the new HaTzibur HaChareidi party and speculation that left-wing interests may be financing its campaign. He stopped short of making a direct accusation but questioned where the party’s substantial campaign funding was coming from.

“All you need is for people to have intelligence. I ask you a question: Any reasonable person can look, understand how much a billboard costs and multiply that by a party that finds itself… I pay for these things; I am a party CEO. Do you know how much a campaign costs? Millions upon millions! I don’t know if… I am only raising the question. I have not determined anything; I have not said anything. Ask yourself. Let the public ask itself where so much money suddenly comes from.”

Asked whether HaTzibur HaChareidi could still damage Shas and United Torah Judaism by drawing 40,000 or 50,000 dissatisfied Chareidi votes even if it fails to cross the electoral threshold, Biton was skeptical.

“How many did you say? Forty thousand votes? Do you know what 40,000 votes are? I don’t want to give you examples. Many times, you know, there was never an election when there wasn’t someone — I don’t want to mention names right now, okay? People who broke away from Shas, various people throughout history — they always talked about enormous numbers, and in the end they didn’t even scrape together, you know, 5,000, 7,000, 8,000 votes.

“I’m not saying… In the end, disappointed people, you know, I’m not sure whether they will go to someone else or not vote; it’s the same thing. I repeat again: I don’t dismiss anyone. At the same time, everyone understands where home is, where there is a place with the ability and strength to change things. And when they see the list of what we changed, then, you know, things will calm down a little.”

Biton was also asked about the composition of Shas’s electorate and how many of its voters are strictly Chareidi compared with its traditional Sephardic constituency. He estimated that roughly two-thirds of the party’s support comes from one group and one-third from the other, although he acknowledged that the precise breakdown remains a matter of debate within Shas itself.

“Look, I’ll tell you: Studies are not… this isn’t polling. Research is in-depth research into what is happening among the public and an attempt to analyze the matter. It is clear that Shas is not entirely Chareidi. It is clear that there is a percentage… You know what, it is even an argument inside the room where we debate one this way, one that way. But we are talking roughly, let’s say, about a two-thirds, one-third situation, okay? Three or four seats, something like that.”

Asked how Shas manages the competing expectations of Chareidi voters and its broader traditional constituency, some of whom favor military service, Biton said that tension has always been part of the party’s identity.

“You have to understand that this is the only party in the State of Israel that is inside this conflict, and not only now. It stands out a little more now because there has seemingly been an escalation in society between the Chareidi public and the general public, an escalation that has separated and divided them somewhat. But we… I think this is my 14th or 15th election campaign in the movement. Every time again… But there was always the question of whether the sign displayed in Bnei Brak can be the same sign displayed in Tel Aviv. The real Shas truly has both. I came from a home where my father is Chareidi and all his brothers are secular. And that is almost the story of every family.”

Biton insisted that Shas’s declaration that it will support only Netanyahu is genuine and is not simply intended to reassure its more traditional right-wing voters.

“Genuine! You have to understand that as difficult as the last campaign was for us, the truth has to be said: It was difficult with the legal departments, it was difficult with the High Court petitions. Likud themselves were fine. Netanyahu did almost everything so that the law would pass. Obviously, he bears responsibility that the law did not pass.”

Asked whether Shas would refuse to enter a Netanyahu-led government even if the right-wing bloc secures 61 seats unless a draft law protecting yeshiva bochurim is first enacted, Biton said that is currently the party’s direction.

“I am careful with my general wording. It is currently on the table, that is the direction, and it seems to me that is where it will go. We will not allow it, because we have to finish this matter.”

Biton was also asked whether Shas might negotiate with another political bloc if Netanyahu fails to secure a 61-seat majority. He dismissed the scenario as hypothetical and predicted that the country’s right-wing majority would ultimately come together.

“It is hypothetical right now to discuss a situation in which Bibi will not be there. You have to understand one thing: The right-wing public is the majority of the country. Various divisions have been created and different population groups have separated, and suddenly Lieberman is no longer right-wing and suddenly this is no longer right-wing — but most of the public, numerically, even according to the harshest polls, is right-wing.

“Therefore, I believe that ultimately there will be a right-wing alliance, and that alliance will allow us to give our public what it wants. Our public also wants right-wing policies; that needs to be discussed. It wants right-wing policies, it wants to give this public what it has. And there is also an opportunity in the next term for us to make the changes that we want to make.”

Finally, Biton responded to a recent remark by Degel HaTorah’s Moshe Gafni, who said his party represents those who are “the most Chareidi,” while pointing to its rise in the polls. Biton suggested Gafni’s comments reflected pressures within Degel HaTorah’s own constituency.

“Look, Rabbi Gafni is an older and experienced man. I respect him; I have always respected him. By the way, I have to say that I worked with him a lot in my role as a minister in the Education Ministry, and we had a great deal of interaction. Every time he has… he has to come out with some kind of showmanship where he says something. Remember that last time he said seminaries would be opened. Every time he does something new. Fine, I’m not angry with him. It’s internal, it’s internal… Listen, it’s difficult for him, his internal Chareidi situation.”

{Matzav.com}

A man was arrested in Crown Heights after allegedly threatening to kill Jewish children, making antisemitic remarks and ordering his dogs to attack three Jewish victims during a frightening encounter early Friday morning.

Crown Heights Shmira was alerted at approximately 1 a.m. after the three victims encountered a man walking two dogs near Albany Avenue and Lefferts Avenue. The man allegedly positioned himself in their way, preventing them from continuing down the street.

During the confrontation, the suspect began directing antisemitic abuse at the victims and threatened their children, while also warning that he would use his dogs against them.

“You dirty Jews, your kids are always blocking the street, next time I see them I will kill them,” the man allegedly told the victims.

The three managed to get away from the initial confrontation, but the suspect allegedly followed them and instructed his dogs to jump on them. One of the dogs then leaped onto the chest of one of the victims.

Despite their continued efforts to leave the area, the victims were allegedly pursued for another block. The man repeatedly used the dogs to obstruct their path while continuing to threaten them, according to Shmira.

The ordeal finally came to an end near Lefferts Avenue and Kingston Avenue when Crown Heights Shmira members arrived at the scene. Shmira volunteers secured the area and contacted the NYPD.

Police subsequently took the suspect into custody. He was charged with aggravated harassment and menacing, with both offenses classified as hate crimes.

In an unrelated incident, Crown Heights Shmira and the NYPD are searching for a suspect accused of breaking into a Crown Heights residence on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone who sees the wanted individual is asked to immediately contact Crown Heights Shmira at 718-221-0303.

{Matzav.com}

Representatives of Agudas Yisroel’s four factions held a highly charged meeting in Yerushalayim on Tuesday, their first such gathering since the bitter municipal elections nearly three years ago, with Shlomei Emunim and Belz leveling serious accusations against representatives of Ger and Vizhnitz.

The meeting, held at Agudas Yisroel’s offices on Peres Street in Yerushalayim, brought together representatives of Ger, Shlomei Emunim, Vizhnitz and Belz in an attempt to address longstanding internal disputes that have continued to divide the party.

Relations between the factions deteriorated sharply during the last municipal elections, when Ger and Vizhnitz representatives worked against Agudas Yisroel-backed candidates in several municipalities. The most prominent confrontation took place in Elad, where they supported Yehuda Butbul for mayor instead of Yisrael Porush.

According to sources, representatives of Shlomei Emunim and Belz used Tuesday’s meeting to air deep grievances over what they described as a recurring pattern of Ger and Vizhnitz acting against their Agudas Yisroel partners. They charged that ahead of elections, the two factions seek reconciliation and ask that previous disputes be put aside, only to once again turn against their partners after Election Day.

One Shlomei Emunim representative confronted them directly, saying, “You want us to forget everything? How do you expect the communities in Elad to forget? They suffer every day because of you. What has been done cannot be undone. This is damage to the Chassidish community for generations.”

The discussion reportedly became heated, with shouting and angry exchanges between participants. Another major source of contention was control over Agudas Yisroel’s finances, with Shlomei Emunim and Belz accusing Ger of exercising control over party funds without properly taking the other factions into account.

Representatives of Shlomei Emunim and Belz told the meeting that unless what they called the “theft” involving the bank account holding the party’s funds comes to an end, “there is no point in talking at all.”

A senior Agudas Yisroel official said that Ger had transferred Agudas Yisroel’s party funding into a new bank account for which only Ger representatives have signing authority. According to the official, the arrangement runs contrary to an arbitration ruling that had been conducted at the direction of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah.

“Even if they promise to stop doing this, who guarantees us that it won’t happen again?” the senior official asked.

The timing of the meeting comes as Agudas Yisroel faces another consequential political battle ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. According to the report, Ger initiated the outreach to Shlomei Emunim and Belz because it wants their assistance in negotiations with Degel HaTorah.

At issue is the composition of the joint Chareidi electoral slate and, specifically, an effort to prevent Vizhnitz from losing its position on the combined list. The request for cooperation has now forced the factions back to the negotiating table, even as the bitter disputes stemming from the municipal elections and the battle over party finances remain unresolved.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu sought Tuesday evening to put an end to the controversy surrounding comments made by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, declaring unequivocally that he does not believe there was any “betrayal” behind the failures of Oct. 7 and insisting that his wife never made such an accusation.

Netanyahu released a video addressing the growing furor after Sara Netanyahu raised questions about Democrats chairman and retired IDF Maj. Gen. Yair Golan’s early arrival in southern Israel on the morning of the Hamas attack.

“I’ve already been asked several times. I said: I do not think there was a betrayal on October 7. There was a major failure. All the signs were there, and they decided, based on a miscalculation, not to anger Hamas — not to wake me up and not to attack in advance. That was a failure, but it was not a betrayal, and my wife also did not say there was a betrayal. That is simply nonsense,” Netanyahu said.

His comments came after a Channel 12 report Tuesday evening alleged that Sara Netanyahu’s remarks were not an inadvertent slip but instead part of a calculated political campaign connected to the prime minister. The report further alleged that the dissemination of conspiracy theories surrounding the war was part of that effort.

According to the Channel 12 report, a Likud source claimed the strategy was intended to distance Netanyahu from responsibility for the failures surrounding Oct. 7. The source told the network that the objective was “to create disinformation and distance Netanyahu from responsibility for the October 7 massacre — at any cost.”

Netanyahu, meanwhile, made a separate allegation during an Instagram livestream Tuesday evening, asserting that senior IDF officials deliberately chose not to wake him as the attack unfolded.

“And why didn’t they wake me up? Because they knew that I, as prime minister of Israel, would have immediately given instructions to put the entire army on its feet,” Netanyahu said.

The controversy erupted following Sara Netanyahu’s interview with Channel 14 on Monday night. Discussing Golan’s actions on Oct. 7, when the retired general traveled to the Gaza border communities and helped save lives, she questioned how he had been able to arrive there so early.

“When you are a military man of such a high rank, claiming that you fought on October 7, you were already there early in the morning, already dressed and ready, at a very, very early hour, when others did not know, such as the prime minister,” Sara Netanyahu said.

Golan responded by demanding that Sara Netanyahu issue an unequivocal public apology within 24 hours and arrange for financial compensation to be donated in full to survivors of the Nova music festival. He warned that if those demands were not met, he would file a defamation lawsuit against her.

Sara Netanyahu rejected Golan’s demands, according to N12, and issued demands of her own. She reportedly called on Golan to publish a public apology and clarification within 24 hours and pay NIS 100,000 in compensation within 48 hours.

The report said Sara Netanyahu further threatened that if Golan refused to comply, she would seek NIS 1 million in damages from him.

{Matzav.com}

The management of a missionary-affiliated café in Yerushalayim is considering ending its Shabbos operations following more than six weeks of demonstrations, confrontations and disturbances outside the establishment, according to a report Tuesday evening by Channel 12 News.

No final decision has yet been made regarding the future of “Cafe BaSimta,” but closing the café on Shabbos is reportedly under serious consideration. Concern over further escalation, together with the emotional toll that the prolonged confrontations have taken on those operating the establishment, has prompted some within its management to favor ending the weekly clashes and restoring normal operations.

Protests outside the café have continued for more than six weeks and have at times become highly contentious. During that period, eggs and stones have been thrown toward the establishment, tables have been overturned and protesters have attempted to enter the café. In one incident, glue was placed inside the lock of the café’s door, while in another, feces were reportedly thrown toward the premises.

At the same time, the demonstrations have prompted supporters of the café to rally around it. Local residents, activists and elected officials have visited the establishment, and dozens of customers have arrived each Shabbos. On one occasion, patrons formed a human chain across the café’s entrance as police dispersed protesters using force and stun grenades.

“Cafe BaSimta” is operated by “Jews for Jesus,” a missionary organization that promotes Christian beliefs among Jews. According to individuals close to the café’s management who were cited in the report, officials within the organization are now questioning whether it is worthwhile to continue a battle that has transformed the establishment into a recurring flashpoint.

Management is expected to reach a decision within the coming days. Should the café ultimately halt its Shabbos operations, the move would come after more than a month and a half of weekly demonstrations outside the establishment.

{Matzav.com}