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Amid the escalating debate over Israel’s draft law and proposed economic penalties targeting the Torah community, constitutional attorney David Peter has issued a forceful critique of the High Court’s recent ruling, arguing that it undermines fundamental democratic principles while masking itself in the language of equality.

The latest High Court decision marked a significant escalation in the battle over the conscription of chareidim, with justices invoking their authority to act “for the sake of justice” and ordering government ministries to quickly formulate concrete steps to impose broad financial sanctions.

The measures under consideration strike directly at what many describe as the economic backbone of chareidi families, including canceling daycare and after-school subsidies, eliminating discounts on municipal taxes and public transportation, and even denying benefits tied to government housing programs. The judges acknowledged they were acting “with a very heavy heart” but argued that such steps were necessary due to the state’s failure to enforce the law.

Rejecting the court’s underlying assumptions, Peter asserted in a sharply worded statement that “there is no and never has been a general conscription obligation in Israel.” He explained that, under Israeli law, the draft requirement applies only to individuals who receive a personal order from a military officer, and that for years, authorities have exercised discretion not to draft certain minority groups, including Arabs and chareidim.

According to Peter, the High Court created a “legal fiction” by determining that chareidim require specific legislation to be exempt from service, while other minority groups are effectively excluded through administrative discretion. He described the ruling as one that singles out the Jewish minority sector for unequal treatment under the banner of equality.

Peter further argued that the decision reflects a broader breakdown in the legal system’s adherence to its own principles.

He contended that the court effectively invented new sanctions without any explicit legislative basis.

He also accused the judiciary of overstepping its authority by intervening directly in military and law enforcement matters, asserting that by instructing draft officials to issue conscription orders and directing police actions, the court has assumed powers reserved for the executive branch.

In addition, Peter raised concerns about the implications for minority rights, questioning who will defend the Jewish minority’s ability to achieve protections through parliamentary means if such efforts are routinely struck down as violations of majority equality.

In his concluding remarks, Peter also directed criticism at right-wing figures who support the court’s actions because they favor increased chareidi enlistment. He warned that backing what he views as judicial overreach for short-term political gain is a serious mistake, and argued that the right must undergo a “cultural revolution” to recognize what he described as the court’s use of the draft issue as a political tool to undermine democratic norms, independent of the broader debate over military service.

The Yerushalayim community is mourning the passing of Rav Avrohom Moshe Dov Mendelson zt”l, a longtime resident of the Gush Shemonim neighborhood, who was niftar this morning at the age of 82. He was widely known for his daily early-morning tefillos at the Kosel and for his lifelong dedication to children with special needs.

Rav Mendelson was born on 11 Kislev 5704 to his father, Rav Chaim Pinchos Tzvi Mendelson of Pagi–Sanhedria, a respected figure among Yerushalayim’s rabbanim and a close talmid of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. His mother was Mrs. Leah Mendelson a”h.

His father, Rav Pinchos, maintained a deep and enduring connection with Rav Elyashiv for decades, regularly sitting near him in the beis medrash and among the earliest to arrive for his shiurim.

Upon reaching marriageable age, Rav Mendelson married his wife, the daughter of Rav Moshe Aryeh Saks, and together they established a home rooted in Torah and yiras Shamayim.

He was known as one of the earliest to rise each day to serve the Ribbono Shel Olam, making his way to the Kosel on a daily basis. He maintained consistent learning schedules and devoted himself wholeheartedly to helping children with special needs, investing his personal resources and energy on their behalf. Those who knew him describe a life marked by ahavas habriyos and quiet acceptance of hardship, always accompanied by a warm and welcoming countenance.

The levaya was held at his home at 7 Grossberg Street in Gush shemonim, proceeding through the Tel Arza avreichim minyan, and continuing to Har Hamenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Commissioner has issued a nationwide order prohibiting the lighting of bonfires and open flames in the days leading up to Lag BaOmer, citing concerns over wildfire danger and current safety conditions.

The restriction, signed Monday, will go into effect on Sunday and remain in place through Tuesday, as authorities seek to reduce the risk of large-scale fires amid extreme weather and heightened security concerns in forests and open areas.

According to the directive, fires will be allowed only in sites that have been specifically approved in advance by local municipalities, the Nature and Parks Authority, or KKL-JNF.

Any fires lit outside of those designated locations will be considered illegal.

Fire and Rescue Services officials said they are preparing for widespread enforcement, with hundreds of firefighters set to be deployed across the country to monitor compliance and respond rapidly to any incidents that may arise.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Home Front Command announced that current civilian restrictions in the north will remain in place through Tuesday evening, as tensions continue to rise along the Lebanese border and officials warn of further escalation.

Following a situational assessment, authorities confirmed that the existing defense guidelines will stay in effect until 8:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026. The measures primarily impact northern communities, while no additional restrictions have been imposed elsewhere in the country.

Under the updated directives, gatherings in frontline areas are limited to a maximum of 1,500 people. The same cap applies to the communities of Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa. Officials emphasized that all other aspects of the current safety policy remain unchanged and urged residents to stay informed through official channels.

The continued restrictions come amid renewed escalation with Hezbollah, following expanded IDF strikes in the Beqaa Valley and multiple areas in southern Lebanon. At the same time, figures associated with Hezbollah have issued threats to broaden the range of attacks targeting Israel.

Against this backdrop, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz met with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, delivering a pointed message to both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. Senior defense and military officials also took part in the meeting.

Katz warned that “Naim Qassem is playing with fire, and Aoun is gambling with Lebanon’s future. There will not be a situation of a ceasefire in Lebanon alongside gunfire on our forces and on the communities of the Galilee.” He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he had instructed the IDF “to respond with force against Hezbollah for every violation and attack, and any threat to our forces and to Israeli communities.”

He further cautioned that “Naim Qassem is playing with fire, and the fire will burn Hezbollah and all of Lebanon, just like in the parable of the thornbush.” He continued, “If the Lebanese government continues to shelter under the shadow of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, fire will go out and burn the cedars of Lebanon.”

During the meeting, Katz stressed that the Lebanese government must ensure Hezbollah is disarmed, beginning in areas south of the Litani River up to the so-called “Blue Line,” and eventually throughout all of Lebanon. He added that the IDF stands ready to act and assist if necessary.

The message from Israel remains firm: Israel will not accept a situation in which a ceasefire exists in name only while Hezbollah continues to threaten IDF forces and northern communities. The extension of civilian restrictions, combined with the defense minister’s warnings, reflects a security environment that remains tense, with the possibility of further escalation still very real.

{Matzav.com}

New data from the global betting platform Polymarket suggests a rapid shift at the top of Israel’s political outlook, with Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu overtaking Naftali Bennett just one day after Bennett announced a joint political alliance with Yair Lapid.

According to the latest figures, Netanyahu has climbed to 42 percent, while Bennett has dropped to 39 percent. The numbers indicate that the political move, which was expected to strengthen Bennett’s position, may have had the opposite effect in the eyes of market participants.

The most striking figure in the data relates to Bennett’s new partner. Polymarket currently gives Lapid just a 1.4 percent chance of forming the next government. Gadi Eisenkot is listed in third place, with approximately 14 percent.

The trend marks a notable reversal. Bennett, who had previously approached levels near 60 percent, has seen his standing decline following the formalization of the alliance. Netanyahu, by contrast, has regained the top spot and reestablished a lead.

From a political standpoint, the figures may suggest that Bennett’s partnership with Lapid is not being viewed as a clear advantage. Bennett had spent considerable time cultivating an image as an independent, right-leaning but broadly acceptable alternative capable of attracting both right-wing and centrist voters who were reluctant to back Netanyahu. The alliance with Lapid, based on current Polymarket pricing, may be blurring that distinct positioning.

Supporters of the move continue to frame it as a strategic effort to consolidate forces and prevent fragmentation within the bloc opposed to Netanyahu. Critics, however, see the data as highlighting a deeper concern: while Bennett has gained a prominent political partner, he may have sacrificed part of the unique appeal that initially positioned him as a viable challenger.

It is important to note that Polymarket is not an election poll, but rather a betting market that reflects real-time sentiment among traders. It does not measure seats or determine coalition outcomes. Still, as an indicator of how political developments are being interpreted, the early reaction to the Bennett-Lapid alliance appears far from enthusiastic.

{Matzav.com}

House Speaker Mike Johnson said President Donald Trump requires heightened security following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, pointing to what he described as shortcomings in the event’s security measures.

Speaking Monday on “America’s Newsroom,” Johnson shared his observations of the setup, saying that from what he could tell, security procedures did not appear sufficiently strict.

“I can tell you from a layman’s perspective, it did look a little lax in terms of, as everyone’s now noted, getting into the building,” Johnson said. “Now, we all came in — Cabinet secretaries of government officials with their own details — we come in the back, so I didn’t see the magnetometers and all that, but it doesn’t sound like it was sufficient.”

Johnson noted that the incident follows multiple prior threats against Trump and said the current situation is unacceptable. He stressed that after three unsuccessful assassination attempts, “this can’t go on.”

“He’s the most attacked, maligned political figure in history,” Johnson said. “He’s very resilient, but he needs greater protection. And I think there’s going to be a reevaluation, a very close reevaluation of how we handle these large events.”

He also said that House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has already initiated a review of the incident and plans to hold a hearing with the Secret Service to examine what changes may be needed, including potential funding or other measures.

When asked about the timeline for the review, Johnson said it would happen “soon,” later clarifying that he expects it to take place “within the next couple of weeks.”

{Matzav.com}

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered sharp criticism of Iran’s conduct in ongoing negotiations, accusing Tehran of humiliating the United States and expressing concern over Washington’s broader strategy in the Middle East, including in remarks directed at President Donald Trump.

Speaking Monday to students in the German city of Merseburg, Merz said Iran’s leadership is “humiliating the United States” by drawing American officials into talks that yield no results.

He elaborated on Iran’s approach, saying, “The Iranians are, of course, very skilled in negotiations—or more precisely, very skilled at not negotiating, by allowing the Americans to travel to Islamabad and then return again without any result.” He added, “An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by what are known as the Revolutionary Guards, and I hope this ends as quickly as possible.”

Merz also voiced skepticism about the direction of U.S. policy, stating that he does not see a clear exit strategy in Washington’s confrontation with Iran. His comments underscore reported tensions between the United States and its European NATO allies, which have also surfaced on other issues such as the war in Ukraine.

Addressing the regional situation, Merz said there is a sense that European powers were not included in consultations prior to the U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran at the end of February. He noted that he conveyed his concerns directly to President Trump afterward, saying, “If I had known this would last five or six weeks and gradually escalate, I would have said it even more forcefully.”

Drawing comparisons to past American military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, Merz warned that the current situation is having economic consequences for Germany. “It is costing Germany a lot of money, a lot of taxpayers’ money and a lot of economic strength,” he said.

He also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, saying there are indications that parts of the area have been mined, and noted that Germany has offered to send naval vessels to assist in mine-clearing operations.

{Matzav.com}

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday introduced a proposed congressional redistricting plan that could hand Republicans as many as four additional seats in the U.S. House, potentially offsetting recent changes in Virginia that favored Democrats.

The draft map would reshape several districts across central and southern Florida, eliminating four areas that have traditionally leaned Democratic and leaving cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and West Palm Beach as solidly Democratic strongholds.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, which first reported on the proposal, DeSantis argued the changes are necessary to correct what he described as an imbalance following the last census. “Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” DeSantis said. “Our population has since grown dramatically, and we have moved from a Democrat majority to a 1.5 million Republican advantage. Drawing maps based on race, which is reflected in our current congressional districts, is unconstitutional and should be prohibited.”

To advance the proposal, DeSantis has called lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a special legislative session set to begin Tuesday, where the new district lines will be taken up for consideration.

{Matzav.com}

The 31-year-old man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents Dinner has been formally charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, appearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., where he spoke assertively as the case against him was outlined.

The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, responded clearly and audibly to the judge during his initial appearance, where prosecutors charged him with attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm across state lines to carry out a felony, and discharging a weapon.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Allen could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Dressed in a blue jail-issued jumpsuit and not restrained, Allen entered the courtroom with a subdued expression. When asked to identify himself, he replied loudly, “Cole Tomas Allen.”

The defendant, described as a graduate of CalTech, also confirmed his age and stated that he holds a “master’s degree.”

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine told the judge Allen “attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”

She added that Allen traveled across state boundaries “carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shot gun,” along with a “.38-caliber semi automatic pistol and three knives.”

The court ordered that Allen remain in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday. The most serious charge carries a potential life sentence.

Authorities say Allen, who had worked as a teacher and studied at CalTech, targeted the high-profile gathering attended by President Trump and senior administration officials alongside members of the press on Motzoei Shabbos.

According to investigators, Allen discharged a shotgun and attempted to force his way through a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton ballroom approximately 20 minutes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump had entered the event.

During the incident, a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire before other agents were able to overpower and detain the suspect.

Officials said the injured agent survived due to wearing a protective vest.

President Trump, the first lady, and other senior officials were quickly removed from the venue. The dinner, an annual event honoring members of the Washington press, was canceled and is expected to be rescheduled about a month later.

Investigators revealed that Allen sent a disturbing message to family members roughly 10 minutes before the shooting began. The contents were serious enough that his brother contacted police in New London, Connecticut.

In the message, Allen referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and indicated that he intended to target senior figures within the Republican administration, while noting he did not plan to harm FBI Director Kash Patel or other law enforcement officials.

“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” Allen wrote, in an apparent reference to Trump.

The message also included criticism of what Allen described as weak security measures at the hotel, claiming he was able to enter the building without detection despite carrying weapons.

“Like, the one thing that I immediately noticed walking into the hotel is the sense of arrogance. I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat,” he wrote.

Authorities also noted references in his writings to “the Wide Awakes,” a Civil War-era youth movement aligned with the Republican Party that supported anti-slavery positions.

Allen, who holds an engineering degree from Caltech along with a master’s in computer science, had been employed by the tutoring firm C2 Education, where he was recognized as “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024.

Backers of a proposed California tax targeting billionaires say they have collected enough signatures to place the measure on the November ballot, setting the stage for a high-stakes debate over whether the state should impose a one-time 5% tax on its wealthiest residents.

According to individuals familiar with the effort who spoke to The Wall Street Journal, more than 1.5 million signatures have been gathered. While county officials must still validate the petitions, supporters are confident they will surpass the approximately 875,000 signatures required to qualify.

The proposal was spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West, a labor group representing over 120,000 healthcare employees. The union says the tax is intended to offset anticipated funding shortfalls in healthcare tied to President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation.

“When our growing coalition files these signatures, David will have won the first round against Goliath,” Suzanne Jimenez, a spokeswoman for the Billionaire Tax Now coalition, said in a statement Sunday.

Under the plan, the tax would apply to individuals who resided in California as of January 1 and whose net worth reaches at least $1 billion by the end of the year. SEIU-UHW estimates that roughly 200 people would be affected.

Before appearing on the ballot, the measure must still receive official certification and then secure majority support from voters. Critics are expected to argue that the proposal would penalize financial success, encourage wealthy individuals to relocate, and worsen existing economic challenges in a state already dealing with high taxes, elevated living costs, and population outflows.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom opposes the measure, warning that it could drive high-net-worth residents out of the state. Prominent business leaders and billionaires have also voiced concerns, describing the proposal as harmful to innovation and economically risky.

Opposition groups, including efforts backed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, have invested tens of millions of dollars into competing ballot initiatives designed to block key aspects of the tax. One such proposal seeks to prohibit retroactive taxation and prevent new taxes on personal assets such as retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, and intellectual property.

Despite the criticism, the plan has gained backing from progressive Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Ro Khanna of California. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has also expressed support, stating he is “perfectly fine” with the proposal.

SEIU-UHW President Dave Regan argued that looming Medicaid reductions could have serious consequences unless new funding sources are found, including job losses in healthcare, declining public health outcomes, and rising insurance costs.

“This did not start as a political statement about rising inequality — we are simply trying to solve a huge and immediate and practical problem,” Regan said in a statement.

A recent poll conducted by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Government Studies found that 52% of likely California voters are inclined to support the measure, while 33% oppose it and 15% remain undecided.

Supporters estimate the tax could generate approximately $100 billion in revenue, asserting that California’s economy will continue to produce new wealth even if some billionaires choose to leave.

Opponents dispute those projections. An analysis by the California Tax Foundation estimated that the measure could actually reduce annual state revenue by between $3.53 billion and $4.49 billion “due to billionaire departures and their economic spillover effects.”

The state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office has offered a more cautious outlook, saying the tax would likely generate “tens of billions” in one-time revenue, while potentially leading to ongoing losses of “hundreds of millions of dollars or more” each year if some billionaires relocate.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s High Court of Justice has granted the government an additional period of approximately two months to formulate a framework for investigating the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, instructing officials to provide an update by July 1, 2026, just months before upcoming elections.

The decision reflects the court’s continued reluctance to issue a definitive ruling on the matter, following a contentious hearing last week during which the justices suggested that the question might ultimately be left to voters.

In their ruling, the judges emphasized that “there is no dispute” regarding the need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation, pointing out that more than two and a half years after the events, no suitable investigative mechanism has been established. “This state of affairs is unacceptable and raises significant legal concerns,” they wrote.

Petitioners argued that the court should immediately order the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, which they say is the only legally recognized body capable of examining a failure of this magnitude. The attorney general supported that position.

The government, for its part, stated that it also sees a clear need to investigate the events and present findings to the public as soon as possible, but believes the process should be conducted under a framework established through special legislation and broad agreement. According to its position, neither a government-appointed review panel nor a formal state commission would enjoy sufficient public trust.

The justices made clear that the court does have the authority to hear petitions related to the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, based on longstanding legal precedent under Section 15(d)(2) of the Basic Law: The Judiciary, but noted that this is an area where the government is granted particularly broad discretion.

In light of that, the court decided to allow the government additional time to develop an agreed-upon plan, “in the hope that an appropriate framework will soon be found… one that will receive broad public support.”

The judges also stressed that their decision does not take a position on any potential legislation or its contents, and that further consideration of the petitions will follow once the government provides its update.

{Matzav.com}

Yossi Deitch, the government-appointed coordinator of the Lag BaOmer hilula at Meron, has announced that he is stepping down from his role following new restrictions ordered by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu that significantly scale back this year’s celebration.

In an interview with Bechadrei Chareidim, Deitch explained that he cannot oversee an event under such limitations, saying, “I don’t know how to manage a closed and sad Meron. I know how to manage a joyful and open Meron. When people leave their homes with simcha, come to celebrate by Rabi Shimon, and return home with simcha — I don’t know how to run a partial event.”

He added that the logistical and operational limitations make the event unmanageable from his perspective: “When you don’t have Compound 89, you don’t have hadlakos, you have restrictions — I don’t know how to do this. You can’t decide who is allowed up and who isn’t. I cannot limit it to 1,500 people.”

Asked to explain his decision to resign, Deitch said the entire planning process had been based on expectations of a fully open event. “We worked the entire time with the police on an open Meron, and I said this in every meeting: I will not be part of a closed Meron. Last Sunday there was a meeting with the police commissioner — Home Front Command said there were no restrictions. Plans were approved, everything was in place, there were no limitations for the weekend — and suddenly everything flipped.”

When asked who would take over management of the event, Deitch said he does not know, suggesting that authorities may be operating with information not shared with the public. “I don’t know who will manage it. Maybe they know things we don’t know. But the public doesn’t understand — just like they didn’t understand on Pesach why the Kosel was closed, and now they don’t understand why Meron will be closed. I’m not in a position to explain or justify to the public why they shouldn’t come. I have no way to explain it. Maybe they know things we don’t know?”

He also questioned the consistency of the restrictions, pointing to recent large gatherings. “Look, just this past Shabbos there were 10,000 people in Meron, and suddenly on Lag BaOmer you limit it to 1,000? People will walk tens of kilometers to get to Meron at any cost.”

Deitch compared the situation to events elsewhere in the country, noting, “In Haifa, missiles fell no less than in the Meron area, and this past Shabbos there was a game there with 25,000 people. It could be that Meron is dangerous, but I cannot run a closed event — I don’t know how to handle it. Rav Porush also told this to the Prime Minister.”

Referring to previous years, he recalled that even under more severe conditions, attempts to limit access had failed. “Take, for example, the year 5784, when the situation was worse — they thought that if they closed Meron, no one would come, and we failed. The situation was more dangerous then — missiles fell in 89, they fell in Burma, there was greater danger in all the forests around Meron — and despite everything, people went with mesirus nefesh through all the forests. Of course, I’m not saying to do that — we must follow instructions.”

Looking ahead, Deitch struck a reflective tone. “I’m in a time of personal soul-searching — why during times of simcha do they shut things down for us? Why does this happen to us? Both on Pesach and in Meron, our celebrations were stopped. I’m not in a place of fighting or shutting down simchos. May it be the will that the zechus of Rashbi protect us.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump called on ABC and its parent company, Disney, to dismiss late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after the comedian made a controversial comment about Melania Trump during a recent monologue ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized the host, writing, “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.”

The president also took issue with content aired on Kimmel’s show, adding, “Kimmel, who is in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings, made a statement on his Show that is really shocking. He showed a fake video of the First Lady, Melania, and our son, Barron, like they were actually sitting in his studio, listening to him speak, which they weren’t, and never would be.”

The controversy stems from a segment on Thursday night, when Kimmel offered a satirical take on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and delivered remarks about the first lady, saying: “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

Earlier Monday, Melania Trump also issued a strong response, condemning Kimmel’s comments and calling for action by the network. She described him as a “coward” who “hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him.”

She continued her criticism in a post on X, writing, “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?”

First lady Melania Trump sharply rebuked late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after he made a controversial remark about her during his show, calling him a “coward” and accusing him of spreading harmful rhetoric.

In a post on X, Trump condemned the comedian’s comments, writing, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America.”

The backlash intensified following a shooting late Motzoei Shabbos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman attempted to breach a security checkpoint in an effort to target President Trump and members of his administration. A Secret Service agent sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Kimmel had mocked the event during his Thursday night monologue, delivering a satirical version of a speech in which he said: “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

In her response, the first lady also criticized ABC, the network that airs Kimmel’s program, accusing it of shielding the host from accountability and allowing his conduct to continue unchecked.

“A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him,” she wrote.

She went on to call for action from the network’s leadership, adding, “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is not expected to make a near-term decision on Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s request for a pardon, and is instead exploring the possibility of initiating mediation aimed at reaching a plea agreement in the long-running corruption case against the prime minister, according to two senior Israeli officials cited by The New York Times.

In a statement, the president’s office indicated that Herzog views an “amicable solution between the parties” as serving the broader public good, adding that any eventual decision on the pardon request will be made in accordance with Israeli law and “the best interests of the state of Israel.”

Although the presidency in Israel is largely ceremonial, it includes the authority to grant pardons. Officials said Herzog sees his position as one that can help bridge divisions, and believes that mediation may be the most viable route to reducing tensions surrounding the ongoing trial.

Under the approach being considered, informal negotiations would take place under the auspices of the president’s office, with representatives from the state prosecution and the attorney general participating on one side, and Netanyahu’s legal team on the other. A similar effort previously broke down in late 2021 and early 2022.

The legal situation surrounding a potential pardon remains unclear.

An opinion issued last month by the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department concluded that there is no legal justification for granting a pardon unless Netanyahu admits guilt, steps down from office, or is convicted. The department also noted that broader considerations, such as national security, fall outside its purview.

At the same time, Herzog is reviewing a separate legal opinion submitted on behalf of the government by Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu of the Otzma Yehudit party, which contends that the president has the authority to take wider historical and national factors into account.

The president’s office is also awaiting guidance from its own legal advisers before moving forward.

Netanyahu, 76, submitted his formal request for a preemptive pardon in November while his trial was ongoing, arguing that bringing the case to an end would help ease divisions within the country and allow him to focus on governing.

He has not indicated any willingness to acknowledge wrongdoing or withdraw from public life—steps that many legal experts and political opponents say would be necessary for any plea deal to materialize.

The trial, which began on May 24, 2020, encompasses three interconnected cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, including claims related to gifts from wealthy individuals and regulatory actions in exchange for favorable media coverage.

Netanyahu has consistently denied all allegations, describing the proceedings as a “witch hunt.” Under Israeli law, a bribery conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, while fraud and breach of trust each carry potential penalties of up to three years.

Calls for a pardon have largely come from Washington. During an address to the Knesset in October, President Donald Trump directed remarks to Herzog, saying, “Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon?”

He later reiterated that position in a letter sent in November and has since referred to Herzog as “disgraceful” and a “weak and pathetic guy.”

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, told the Times that “Netanyahu knows the option of a plea bargain is always available to him,” and that an “admission of guilt, expressing remorse and agreeing to leave or not to run for office would be the essence of any plea bargain.”

National elections in Israel are expected to take place within the next six months.

According to individuals close to Herzog, he does have the authority to grant a pardon, but any such move would likely face scrutiny and potential review by the Israeli Supreme Court.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk is advancing plans to roll out X Money, a built-in payments and banking system for his social media platform, as part of a broader effort to transform X into a hub for both communication and everyday financial activity, according to Bloomberg.

The initiative, which has been under development since Musk acquired Twitter—now rebranded as X—in October 2022, represents a major shift from the platform’s original role as a social network into a more expansive digital ecosystem.

Users who have tested early versions of the service report features such as roughly 3% cash back on select purchases, a savings yield approaching 6%, and free peer-to-peer transfers. That interest rate stands far above standard U.S. bank offerings—about 15 times higher than what most banks provide—though X has not clarified whether those rates will remain in place long term.

The platform is also expected to roll out a debit card connected to user accounts, along with an artificial intelligence-based system designed to monitor spending, categorize transactions, and provide personalized financial insights, functioning much like a digital financial assistant.

Musk’s aim is to keep users engaged within the app not only for social interaction, but also for handling their financial lives.

If successful, the platform would merge social networking and financial services in a way no major U.S. company has yet accomplished on a large scale.

Musk has repeatedly emphasized that payments are central to his long-term vision for X, telling employees he wants the platform to play a key role in how users send, spend, and store money in their daily lives.

Despite that ambition, industry analysts and payments experts remain cautious.

Some highlight gaps in the current system, particularly the absence of a seamless one-click checkout feature, which is widely viewed as essential for building a competitive e-commerce platform.

Without that capability, critics say X may struggle to convert user engagement into significant transaction volume.

As Richard Crone, founder of Crone Consulting LLC and longtime payment sector analyst, put it: “He [Musk] doeson’t have a one-click buy — and he needs that or e-commerce on his site will lag.”

Others point to trust as an even greater hurdle.

While users may quickly adopt simple peer-to-peer transfers, persuading them to rely on X as a primary financial account presents a far more difficult challenge, requiring strong regulatory compliance, reliability, and confidence in how funds are managed.

The rollout has already encountered regulatory obstacles.

Launching a nationwide payments system requires licensing across all 50 states, and although X has secured approvals in 44 states so far, it is still working to obtain authorization in several key areas. In some states, lawmakers have raised concerns related to oversight and consumer protections.

Even with those challenges, Musk enters the space with a significant advantage: a massive user base.

X already serves hundreds of millions of users, including content creators who receive payments through the platform, many of whom are expected to transition to X Money and help establish initial usage.

Early testers have already used the system to send payments through profiles and direct messages, indicating that the core infrastructure is already functioning.

Important details—including pricing, the full scope of services, and the timeline for a full national rollout—have yet to be finalized.

Still, the direction is clear: Musk is betting that integrating financial tools into a social platform will drive deeper user engagement and unlock new revenue opportunities.

If adoption grows, X Money could quickly evolve from a supplementary feature into a central component of both the platform and how many Americans manage their finances.

{Matzav.com}

The United Arab Emirates demanded that Pakistan repay billions in outstanding loans, a move widely seen as linked to Islamabad’s efforts to mediate in the Iran conflict and one that placed significant strain on Pakistan’s already fragile financial position.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the UAE issued what was described as a “shock request” for repayment of $3.5 billion at a time when Pakistan was grappling with severe economic challenges and depending on a $7 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan went on to return approximately $3.45 billion, a step that threatened to deplete nearly 20 percent of its foreign currency reserves, which stood at about $16 billion, based on various reports.

Although Pakistani officials publicly characterized the move as a “routine financial transaction,” analysts and regional experts argue that the timing suggests a political motive rather than a standard financial procedure.

Officials in Abu Dhabi are believed to have been displeased with Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a neutral intermediary in the U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran, an approach the UAE reportedly viewed unfavorably.

“There’s no neutrality in this,” said Neil Quilliam of Chatham House, noting the UAE sees the conflict in stark terms, with little room for middle-ground diplomacy, Financial Times reported.

From the Emirati perspective, efforts at mediation may be interpreted as a lack of clear alignment.

The Times of India noted that the repayment highlights how closely Pakistan’s financial stability is tied to shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The loans in question were first extended in 2019 and had routinely been rolled over, making the sudden demand for repayment particularly destabilizing.

The repayment also risked complicating Pakistan’s commitments under its IMF agreement, which requires the country to raise its reserves beyond $18 billion.

Economic analysts caution that without new inflows of capital, the move could weaken the Pakistani rupee and further exacerbate the country’s financial instability.

At the same time, broader tensions within the Gulf region may have played a role in the development.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have cooled in recent years, including disagreements over the conflict in Yemen.

Pakistan’s increasing alignment with Saudi Arabia, including a mutual defense agreement signed last year, has reportedly added another layer of tension with the UAE.

In response to the financial pressure, Saudi Arabia moved quickly to support Pakistan, depositing $3 billion and offering an additional $5 billion facility.

While this assistance allowed Pakistan to meet immediate obligations, it also underscores a growing reliance on Saudi backing—one that experts warn could become problematic if Riyadh faces economic constraints of its own.

Meanwhile, The South China Morning Post reported that public opinion in the UAE shifted sharply against Pakistan during the Iran conflict.

Social media criticism questioned Islamabad’s stance, with users asking, “Where do you stand?”

Such reactions are widely viewed as reflecting deeper dissatisfaction at official levels.

Despite the tensions, both governments have attempted to minimize the perception of a lasting dispute.

Pakistani officials have insisted there is “no gap” in ties, while commentators in the UAE have suggested that relations could stabilize over time.

Still, the episode serves as a clear reminder that Pakistan’s economic stability remains heavily dependent on external partners, leaving it exposed to geopolitical pressures during times of crisis.

{Matzav.com}

MK Yoav Ben Tzur launched a sharp attack Monday on Naftali Bennett, arguing that Bennett’s newly formed political partnership with Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid is unlikely to succeed and will ultimately lose significant support at the polls.

Speaking in an interview with Kol Berama Radio, Ben Tzur dismissed Bennett’s political standing, saying, “Bennett has no voter base – he’s neither right nor left, has no stance on core issues, is not security-minded, and does not understand economics or welfare,” Ben Tzur said in an interview with Kol Berama Radio.

He went on to argue that Bennett’s early momentum in surveys has historically faded, adding, “Throughout the years, Bennett starts with a big bang in the polls, with around twenty seats, and then drops to below double digits. Throughout his entire political career, he crossed into double digits only once, and that was when he was first starting out. He is not a gifted or talented politician, and he has not a single achievement to his name.”

Reviewing Bennett’s political trajectory, Ben Tzur pointed to what he described as a pattern of inconsistency, stating, “He hasn’t stopped zigzagging. In 2013 he ran with Jewish Home. In 2015 he got 8 seats. In 2019 he led the New Right, which didn’t pass the threshold. Then he ran with Yamina and got seven [seats]. In the 25th Knesset elections he fled in shame and didn’t run. Now, in this ‘Beyachad’ list, polls give him over twenty seats?”

He further accused Bennett of repeatedly shifting allegiances and abandoning his principles, concluding, “He didn’t just change his positions over the years – he switched [between] five parties, replaced all his partners, and sold all his values. I don’t want to attack him personally, but would you make a deal with someone like that? Can an unstable person run a country?”

{Matzav.com}

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met Monday afternoon in Yerushalayim with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert, pressing for immediate international steps to address Hezbollah’s ongoing operations conducted in close proximity to UN forces stationed in Lebanon.

During the meeting, Sa’ar stressed that Hezbollah has continued to breach the ceasefire in a consistent and deliberate manner, arguing that these actions advance Iranian objectives rather than serving the interests of Lebanon itself.

The foreign minister also presented figures outlining the extent of recent hostilities, noting that since March 2—when Hezbollah entered the conflict under pressure from Tehran—roughly 10,000 missiles, rockets, and drones have been launched toward Israel.

He further pointed out that many of these attacks originated from areas located near UNIFIL positions and installations.

“We are seeing an increasingly dangerous pattern: Hezbollah systematically deploys its terrorists and assets next to UNIFIL stations, taking advantage of UNIFIL’s presence for its hostile actions. Hezbollah is using these positions for surveillance against IDF forces and is moving its terrorists in vehicles identical to those of UNIFIL,” Sa’ar stated. “The Government of Lebanon must act decisively against Hezbollah and its terrorists, including through financial measures targeting its sources of funding.”

{Matzav.com}

Three Yidden were attacked in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood by a man reportedly wearing a shirt displaying the Iranian flag, according to a report by the New York Post.

The incident occurred Friday evening, shortly before the onset of Shabbos, and involved victims ages 48, 38, and 21.

.@NYPD90Pct with the help of @WSPUShomrim arrested a perp with a Iranian flag on his shirt on Throop Ave & Bartlett St, he assaulted 3 people which was treated by Hatzolah on Harrison Ave & Middleton St. pic.twitter.com/460d471Ok4

— WILLIAMSBURG NEWS (@WMSBG) April 26, 2026

Authorities identified the suspect as Andrzej Wnuk, 41, who is accused of punching the victims in the upper body, including the head and face, while yelling “[Curse] Jews.”

Emergency responders from Hatzalah provided medical treatment to those injured at the scene. Wnuk was subsequently taken into custody and later arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court, where he faces charges of assault and committing a hate crime. Bail was set at $5,000, and he remains in custody.

{Matzav.com}