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A 17-year-old bochur is in serious condition after nearly drowning Tuesday evening in the private swimming pool at his family’s home in Tzfas. Emergency personnel provided life-saving treatment at the scene before transporting him to Ziv Medical Center, where he was admitted in critical condition, sedated and on a ventilator.

Magen David Adom said it received a report at 9:39 p.m. of an unconscious teenager at a residence on Golan Street in Tzfas. Initial indications were that the bochur had lost consciousness due to an apparent medical episode while in the pool. He was pulled from the water before emergency responders arrived.

United Hatzalah medic Yechiel Roshetsky, who was first on the scene, together with fellow responders Yossi Markowitz and Chaim Meir Rothner, said, “Together with additional volunteers, we provided him with initial medical treatment, including respiratory assistance. He was then transported to Ziv Medical Center in Tzfas while sedated and on a ventilator in serious condition.”

MDA paramedic Oren Ne’eman and MDA motorcycle unit volunteer Ronen Hadassi said, “We found the teenager unconscious after he apparently lost consciousness due to a medical episode while in the family’s swimming pool and was pulled from the water. We provided life-saving medical treatment and transported him to the hospital in serious condition.”

The circumstances surrounding the apparent medical episode are under investigation.

{Matzav.com}

A 34-year-old resident of Yerushalayim tragically drowned while swimming at a beach in Limassol, Cyprus. ZAKA’s International Unit is working together with Israel’s Foreign Ministry and local authorities to assist the family and expedite the arrangements to bring the niftar to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.

According to ZAKA, the man entered the water with members of his family, but at some point disappeared beneath the waves. Family members searched frantically along the shoreline and in the water for approximately two hours.

The search came to a heartbreaking end when a powered paraglider flying over the area spotted the man floating in the water. Local rescue personnel recovered him, but were forced to pronounce him dead at the scene.

Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA’s Deputy Director of Operations, said, “This is a devastating tragedy. The deceased entered the sea together with his family, and at some point he disappeared. For about two hours, family members searched for him on the beach and in the water until a powered paraglider flying overhead spotted him floating in the sea. Tragically, local rescue teams had no choice but to pronounce him dead. ZAKA remains in constant contact with the family and, together with the Foreign Ministry, is working with the local authorities to assist the family and bring the deceased to kevurah in Israel as quickly as possible.”

{Matzav.com}

Dozens of extremist protesters rioted Tuesday night outside a recruitment information fair for Chareidi military service tracks in Yerushalayim, assaulting participants, surrounding retired Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, and hurling abuse at police officers. At least one protester was arrested.

The disturbance took place on Yaffo Street, where organizers were holding an informational event for young Chareidim interested in learning about specialized IDF service programs. Protest organizers had circulated calls through anti-draft hotlines urging demonstrators to converge on the location and block access to the event.

According to reports, protesters attempted to prevent attendees from entering the venue while chanting slogans against the gathering. Police officers who arrived to keep the entrance open and restore order were met with shouts of “Nazis” and “murderers” from members of the crowd.

Several violent incidents were reported during the protest. Demonstrators surrounded and blocked a taxi carrying one of the event organizers, attempted to force their way into the vehicle, spat at it, and kicked one participant before police officers managed to extract him safely from the crowd.

Journalist Rafi Perlstein was also identified by protesters, who accused him of promoting enlistment. Demonstrators allegedly chased him and several other participants through nearby streets while subjecting them to verbal and physical abuse. Police intervened to restore order, and at least one suspect was taken into custody.

Perlstein later wrote on X, “Nir the driver, thank you for saving me. I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

He continued, “I’m still trying to process what happened tonight. During the protest I was violently attacked. They grabbed my yarmulke and tried to steal my laptop. The police rescued me into a taxi. From there the situation only escalated. For many long minutes they tore apart Nir’s taxi while his son, a child with special needs, was sitting inside crying and terrified. I heard with my own ears people offering Nir money to throw me out of the taxi. A stack of bills was pulled out, and he chose instead to protect me with his own body.”

Perlstein added, “Thank you to Yehuda Chaimzon, who took painful blows alongside me, as well as spit, filth, and much more. People can disagree, demonstrate, and protest, but anyone who raises a hand against another person, spits, destroys property, and terrorizes a helpless child is not defending the Torah and is not making a kiddush Hashem. Violence must never become a legitimate language. We are truly better than this.”

A primary target of the protesters’ anger was retired Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, who had been invited to address the gathering.

As Winter left the venue following his remarks, dozens of demonstrators surrounded him, shouting insults and denunciations. One protester yelled, “Ofer Winter, there is no forgiveness for you. Inciter and misleader, woe unto you. You are harming the Torah. Hashem will repay you. Heretic, be ashamed. You have no portion in Judaism! Lowly traitor, traitor to the Jewish people.”

Winter, who previously served as commander of the Givati Brigade, commander of the 98th Division, and military secretary to Israel’s defense minister, has advocated integrating Chareidim who are not bnei yeshiva into military service while expressing respect for the Torah world. His name has also been mentioned in recent months as a possible future political candidate.

Responding to the incident, Winter said, “I had the privilege of speaking this evening to dozens of young men from the Chareidi community who are interested in meaningful military service during the service tracks fair. They are wonderful, pioneering young people who represent a significant segment of the Chareidi public. I regret the actions of the delusional extremist fringe of the Jerusalem Faction, which does not represent the Chareidi community and harms the entire Chareidi public. They will not deter me from continuing to help integrate the Chareidi community into the IDF in a manner appropriate for it.”

He added, “The extremists must be dealt with firmly, without harming the Torah world. I respect the Torah world and those who learn Torah, and I am not intimidated by a delusional fringe that, instead of learning Torah, wastes Torah study and harms the Chareidi community. As for those who chased me, I would recommend that the military police draft them tonight. They certainly are not Torah learners.”

The violence quickly drew political reactions. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman sharply criticized the protesters, saying, “Right now in Yerushalayim, dozens of violent draft dodgers are rioting, spitting on, and cursing those who do serve.” He added that under the next government, “draft evaders won’t have time to chase soldiers and law-abiding citizens because they’ll be busy running through basic training.”

Former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel also condemned the disturbances, stating, “The violence and persecution of Chareidi young men who merely wanted to learn about military service opportunities is a disgrace that has no place in the State of Israel. Draft evaders receive support, while those who enlist get the cold shoulder.”

He further asked, “Where is the minister of national security? Where is the prime minister? Where is Smotrich, who is afraid of the Chareidi power brokers? Silence is filth.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the transfer of approximately NIS 250 million in funding designated for Chareidi educational institutions and related programs, issuing an interim order that halts the allocations until the court hears a legal challenge to the approval process.

The temporary injunction came one day after the Knesset Finance Committee approved the budget transfers. The petition filed with the court argues that the committee’s deliberations were marred by procedural deficiencies.

In his ruling, Justice Alex Stein wrote that, due to the alleged flaws surrounding the Finance Committee’s proceedings, implementation of all budget transfers approved during Tuesday’s session should be suspended. The only exception is funding allocated for civilian emergency needs, which may proceed.

Justice Stein also directed that the petition be scheduled for an expedited hearing before a three-justice panel. He instructed the respondents to submit preliminary responses to both the petition and the request for a temporary injunction within 48 hours after the hearing date is established.

Until the court issues a final decision, the approved funding will remain frozen.

On Tuesday, following lengthy deliberations, the Finance Committee approved a package of budget transfers totaling roughly NIS 250 million. The funding was designated for a broad range of Chinuch and social welfare initiatives serving the Chareidi community and was intended to address longstanding funding disparities.

Among the largest allocations is a substantial increase in funding for preschool and kindergarten teachers in the Chareidi school system. For the first time, these moros will receive full government funding that reflects their years of teaching experience.

The approved package also includes funding for student transportation in the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school networks, along with subsidies for after-school programs in exempt (mosdos p’tur) and recognized-but-unofficial (mukar she’eino rasmi) educational institutions.

Additional allocations include support for Jewish cultural programming, educational and therapeutic services for at-risk and disengaged youth, assistance for teacher training in Chareidi high schools and post-high school educational programs, as well as funding for a variety of other initiatives aimed at strengthening Torah institutions and the broader Chareidi educational system.

DETROIT — Progressive candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, delivering one of the biggest victories for the Democratic Party’s left wing this election cycle and setting up a high-stakes November showdown against Republican Mike Rogers.

The Associated Press and multiple news organizations projected El-Sayed as the winner shortly before 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday. The outspoken progressive campaigned on a platform that included “Medicare for All,” abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), higher taxes, and ending U.S. military aid to Israel.

With 99% of the vote counted, El-Sayed’s lead stood at fewer than 15,000 votes out of more than 1.5 million ballots cast. The razor-thin margin came as a surprise after several polls released during the final week of the campaign showed him holding a comfortable double-digit advantage.

Campaign spending in the contest topped $80 million, making it the costliest Democratic Senate primary in U.S. history, according to AdImpact.

The victory sends El-Sayed, who lost the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, into the general election against former Congressman Mike Rogers. Democrats view the Michigan seat as critical to their effort to regain control of the Senate next year.

The outcome also marks one of the first major electoral successes this cycle for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing outside its traditional liberal strongholds.

Michigan has long been fertile ground for progressive politics. It was the birthplace of the “uncommitted” protest movement against President Joe Biden during the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries and also backed Sen. Bernie Sanders in the state’s 2016 Democratic presidential contest.

If he wins in November, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim ever elected to the U.S. Senate. During his election night gathering in the Detroit area, where large Arab-American and Muslim communities reside, several supporters were seen performing Islamic prayers.

Rogers argued that the bruising Democratic primary would leave his opponent politically weakened heading into the general election.

“Whoever comes out of it is going to have a coalition problem. Remember, voting starts in about five or six weeks. We’re in an election cycle now,” Rogers told The Post hours before El-Sayed’s primary win.

“We’ve been building toward that day. They’ve been fighting each other and moving further and further to the left.”

Tuesday’s primaries also produced victories for several other progressive candidates, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney, and Bernie Sanders-backed William Lawrence.

One notable setback for progressives came in Missouri, where Rep. Wesley Bell scored a decisive victory over Cori Bush in a Democratic House primary centered in St. Louis.

The Michigan Senate race evolved into a broader ideological battle between the Democratic establishment and the party’s progressive faction, with each side arguing that its candidate offered the stronger path to victory in November.

Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed advocated eliminating co-pays and deductibles under “Medicare for All,” abolishing ICE, publicly financing elections, imposing an arms embargo on Israel, and freezing property tax assessments for homeowners age 65 and older.

Those positions earned him endorsements from left-wing personalities including streamer Hasan Piker and the Democratic Socialists of America. Although frequently associated with the movement, El-Sayed has said he considers himself a capitalist and is not a member of the DSA.

The race frequently turned personal. El-Sayed argued that Stevens could not “string together two coherent sentences” and suggested she had been influenced by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), whose affiliated super PAC spent nearly $30 million supporting her campaign.

Stevens, whose Midwestern accent and slogan, “Stick it to ’em,” attracted widespread attention online, sought to frame the race as one centered on Michigan rather than national ideological divisions, insisting, “It’s a Michigan moment for me.”

Should El-Sayed prevail in November, he could create challenges for Senate Democratic leadership. The Michigan Democrat has previously expressed opposition to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer continuing to lead the party.

Schumer endorsed Stevens during the primary, joining other prominent Democrats, including Whitmer and retiring Sen. Gary Peters, who campaigned alongside her in the closing days of the race.

Supporters of Stevens argued she was the stronger general election candidate. A recent EPIC-MRA survey showed Rogers leading El-Sayed 46% to 43%, while Stevens held a narrow 44% to 42% advantage over the Republican.

Rogers narrowly lost Michigan’s Senate race to Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024, but El-Sayed has repeatedly dismissed concerns about his electability.

“When they say I’m not electable, they’re not talking about me,” El-Sayed told supporters during a rally in Grand Rapids on Saturday.

“They’re saying that you couldn’t possibly be open-minded enough … to elect somebody with a name like mine who prays like I do in a state like ours.”

El-Sayed also enjoyed the full support of members of the progressive congressional “Squad” during his campaign.

Democrats currently must gain four Senate seats to reclaim the chamber’s majority.

“We have a real shot to take the majority of the United States Senate,” Peters told reporters while campaigning for Stevens on Sunday. “That’s become increasingly likely as every month goes by. But it doesn’t happen if we lose Michigan.

“This state is absolutely critical.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

• The first “Torah-24” center is in Yerushalayim

• 11 Kollelim with 163 avreichim will be learning at “Torah-24” every day

• Nigleh, Nistar, Chumash and Halacha – All under ONE ROOF

• Talmud Bavli / Yerushalmi – Kabbalah & Zohar – Rambam, Shulchan Aruch & Poskim, Zeraim – Taharos 

• The following SIX kollelim – Kollel Hashkomas Haboker, Kollel Yerushalmi, Kollel Bavli, Kollel Choshen Mishpat/Even Haezer, Kollel Erev Shabbos, Kollel Kabbalah B’Chatzos (Tikun Chatzot, Etz Chaim, Zohar, Tehillim) – are fully operational

• 24 hour תורה learning cycle – 6:00 am to 6:00 am – is divided into different shifts

• Each kollel shift has its own program, Rosh Kollel and avreichim

• Detailed monthly and annual tests – written and oral – for all avreichim 

• Already there are 77 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

“Torah-24 תורה” – where the voice of Torah is not absent from within the walls of the kollelim, not even for a minute…

“The idea … of day and night shifts of non-stop kollelim… the full range of subjects of the Torah… the derech of the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakodosh and Hagaon Reb Chaim of Volozhin.”

– Nasi Maran Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l

“All who donate to and support “Torah-24 תורה” will merit all the brochos of the Torah, including those for refuos, yeshuos, parnossa tova and nachas from all their descendants, Amen”

– Maran Rosh Yeshivas Ponevez, Hagaon Harav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l

At “Torah-24 תורה”, exceptional avreichim do not pause for a moment while studying all the areas of the holy Torah, with a shift of remarkable scholars studying the holy Zohar and the recitation of Tikun Chatzos at midnight. 

All who donate and support this holy endeavor of “Torah-24 תורה” should see brocha and success … children and grandchildren immersed in Torah and mitzvos… fulfillment of all the hopes of their hearts for good and with brocha. 

– Maran Hagaon Harav Moishe Sternbuch, shlit”a 

I join the esteemed Rabbanim and Gaonim, shlit”a, in endorsing the illustrious “Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” designated for outstanding talmidei chachomim, masters of Torah and yiras Shomayim, who spend their nights in Beis Hashem, engaging deeply in the concealed dimensions of Torah during this auspicious time of Divine Favor…

I hereby call upon my generous brethren to support this endeavor with significant sums, for through this they will attain the great merit of the hidden Torah studied at night. May you all be blessed by Hashem with many blessings in accordance with the greatness of the endeavor that you are supporting!

– Maran Hagaon Hamekubal, Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter, shlit”a

“Support ‘Torah-24 תורה’ where the sound of Torah – nigleh and nistar – all hours of the day and night; and be blessed from shamayim that the Torah should never cease from your mouth; children bnei Torah; abundant parnassa and good health”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Badani, zt”l
Rosh Kollel Torah V’Chaim, Member Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah

“Torah-24 תורה” – groups of talmidei chachomim geonim in different shifts, delve in the subjects of Torah learning without interruption – Bavli, Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbala, Midrash, Tana”ch and more.  “Torah-24 תורה” is in actuality a wonderful continuation of the heichalei hakodesh and battei midrash of our holy Rabbonim – the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh and the Nefesh Hachaim, zy”o. Who would not want to be part of this historical and amazing project “Torah-24 תורה”, and the greatness of its holy impact in both the supernal and lower realms?  “My brocha to all who support “Torah-24 תורה” – You should merit great abundance in both the spiritual and the material – supernal light, peace of mind, tranquility of the soul and bodily health. Only goodness and kindness should pursue you all the days of your lives, and you should dwell securely for your length of days.

– Maran Hamashpia Hagadol, ‘Reb Meilech’ Biderman, shlit”a

“Your kesher with ‘Torah-24 תורה’ will be a true ובהם נהגה יומם ולילה – and we will delve in them by day and by night”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shraga Steinman, shlit”a – Orchos Torah

 

“Talmidei Chachomim of ‘Torah-24 תורה’ delve into all sectors of Torah – Bavli and Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbalah – Nistar”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Gallai, shlit”a – Bnei Brak

 

Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” is a precious link in the golden chain of the glorious Torah empire “Torah-24”… bringing tremendous delight to the Ribbono shel Olam. Fortunate are all those who take part in this great and holy endeavor.

– Maran HaMekubal Rav Abish Zehnwirth, shlit”a

 

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is sounding the alarm over what he believes is a dramatic ideological shift within the Democratic Party, arguing that it has been overtaken by communists and warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country.

Appearing Tuesday on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Cruz singled out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example of that transformation.

“Comrade Mamdani in New York is a full-on communist,” Cruz said on “Rob Schmitt Tonight.” “He’s not a socialist. He is a communist.

“If you look at the candidates he endorsed … they embrace communism, they embrace Islamism, and they openly hate America,” Cruz said. “Trump Derangement Syndrome, I think, is a real medical condition. They hate [President] Donald Trump so much that it is driving them to crazy town.”

Cruz said some Republicans view the Democrats’ leftward shift as a political advantage, but he rejected that outlook, saying he is deeply concerned about the long-term consequences for the nation.

“Some Republicans are celebrating saying: ‘OK, good. They’re so extreme. We’re going to win the general election,'” Cruz continued. “I actually don’t put myself in that camp, because I don’t want one of our two major parties to be absolutely frigging nuts.”

According to Cruz, the growing influence of socialism and communism within the Democratic Party is harmful to the country, regardless of its political implications.

Cruz called what he described as the takeover of the Democratic Party by socialists and communists “bad for America.”

“Eventually, these lunatics will win,” Cruz said.

The Texas senator also pointed to Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, noting that the progressive contender has received the endorsement of left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker.

Cruz, who said that Piker blames America for the 9/11 attacks, lamented that this is where the “heart and energy and base” of the Democratic Party has gone.

He went on to argue that positions he views as mainstream—such as securing the southern border, prosecuting criminals, preventing transgender women from competing in women’s sports, and opposing gender-transition procedures for minors—have become unacceptable to much of today’s Democratic Party.

“That’s just an indication just to show how ridiculous it’s gotten. … They [Democrats] now stand for letting criminals go, letting murderers go, letting rapists go, letting child molesters go,” he said.

Cruz concluded by cautioning Republicans against becoming complacent, emphasizing that political power inevitably shifts over time and warning of the consequences if Democrats regain control while, in his view, embracing increasingly radical positions.

“You shouldn’t celebrate it, because this country is a pendulum,” Cruz added. “We swing back and forth. Democrats are going to win again.”

“I don’t know if it’s going to be in this election cycle or the next, but they will win again,” Cruz said. “And if they’re all insane, if they’re all like this, the country is in deep trouble.”

{Matzav.com}

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday that Mayor Zohran Mamdani should consider staying away from this year’s 25th anniversary commemoration of the September 11 terrorist attacks if his attendance would add to the anguish of victims’ families, arguing that the day should remain centered entirely on those affected by the tragedy.

Speaking on Newsmax’s “Bianca Across America,” Giuliani, who earned the nickname “America’s Mayor” for his leadership in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks, said the emotions of the families who lost loved ones must take precedence over everything else.

“I think Mayor Mamdani has to take into consideration that the most important thing here, to me at least in terms of the human part of it, are the feelings of these people that went through an indescribable experience,” Giuliani said.

His remarks come as some relatives of those killed on September 11 have publicly voiced opposition to Mamdani’s participation in this year’s memorial ceremony.

The president of the Catholic League has likewise urged Mamdani not to attend, pointing to concerns over the mayor’s previous remarks regarding radical Islam and the September 11 attacks.

Despite the criticism, Mamdani announced last week that he intends to be present at the ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks, even as a petition circulated by some victims’ family members calls for his exclusion.

“I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 commemoration,” Mamdani said.

Giuliani suggested the controversy could be avoided if Mamdani voluntarily chose to remain away from the event as a gesture of respect toward grieving families.

“It could easily be decided that he, as a gracious act, decides, ‘I wasn’t really involved in this,'” Giuliani said. “He may say ‘they misunderstand what I say.’ I don’t think they do, but I’m sure he says that. ‘But out of deference to their feelings, I’m not going to make that day more difficult for them.'”

He emphasized that the annual observance exists to remember the victims and support the loved ones who continue to bear the pain of their loss, not to become a source of additional controversy.

“There is no point in evoking hurt on them,” Giuliani said. “This day is not about [him]. This is about these people who went through an indescribable loss.”

During the interview, Giuliani also reiterated his belief that the September 11 attacks were committed in the name of radical Islam, saying the terrorists themselves made that clear through their own words and actions.

“I know these people were killed in the name of his religion,” Giuliani said of Mamdani, a Muslim.

He acknowledged that many people interpret Islam differently but said the attackers repeatedly shouted “Allah Akbar” while carrying out the attacks.

Later in the conversation, Giuliani reflected on a recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV during the Canticle of Peace prayer gathering held in the Vatican’s Pontifical Gardens.

Describing the encounter as “very emotional,” Giuliani said the meeting carried special significance because of the renewed role his Catholic faith has taken in his life.

He explained that although he was deeply religious in his youth and even studied for the priesthood, he later drifted away from the Church. The events of September 11, personal losses, and more recent health struggles—including receiving last rites several months ago—ultimately drew him back to his faith.

“I’ve become much more spiritual,” Giuliani said. “I spend much more of my time reading about it, studying it, debating it.”

Before meeting Pope Leo, Giuliani said he made a lengthy general confession so he would be “in the proper state of grace,” explaining that he wanted to be spiritually prepared for what he viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Giuliani said the pope’s humility left the strongest impression on him.

“The first thing you come away with is, what a nice, regular man he is,” he said. “He is the Vicar of Christ. He’s the successor of Saint Peter … and he talks to you like you want to talk to him.”

He concluded by saying he hopes to have the chance to spend more time with Pope Leo in the future.

“I would just really enjoy having a half hour or one hour sitting with him and asking him a lot of questions,” Giuliani said. “I think he enjoyed it, too.”

{Matzav.com}

A North Miami woman has been charged with multiple felonies after police say she targeted a Jewish man in an unprovoked antisemitic attack inside the Starbucks at a Target store in North Miami Beach, allegedly striking him with a cellphone, attempting to hit him with a metal chair, and shouting, “I hate them.”

Authorities identified the suspect as 43-year-old Chyvonne Juanita Palmer. According to North Miami Beach Police, the incident unfolded Sunday afternoon at the Target located at 14075 Biscayne Boulevard. Palmer was taken into custody at the scene before later appearing in bond court.

Investigators said the victim was seated inside the Starbucks wearing a yarmulke, or kippah, when Palmer unexpectedly got up from her seat and approached him without any apparent provocation.

According to police, Palmer began yelling at the man before allegedly hitting him twice with her cellphone. Officers said she briefly returned to where she had been sitting, but the encounter was not over.

Police allege that Palmer soon stood up again, grabbed a metal chair, lifted it as though she intended to strike the victim, and repeatedly screamed, “I hate them.”

Before the chair could allegedly be used, two bystanders stepped in to stop the confrontation, investigators said. One of the witnesses escorted the victim into the men’s restroom to keep him safe until officers arrived.

Target condemned the incident in a statement released Monday evening.

“We’re deeply saddened by this incident, as the safety of our guests and team is Target’s top priority,” the company said in a statement. “We do not tolerate this kind of behavior in our stores and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”

The alleged attack has heightened concerns among members of the local Jewish community.

“I would say nowadays, it’s very strange because we want to be free,” said Alex Klein, a Jewish customer who was sitting at the same Starbucks on Monday, although he did not know the victim personally.

Klein said episodes like this highlight the importance of responding with compassion and unity.

“We need to spread more light to the world and kindness,” he said.

Palmer has been charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with prejudice, and disorderly conduct.

At her initial court appearance, a judge ordered that Palmer be transferred into the custody of Southern Winds Hospital in Hialeah for a mental health evaluation.

Court records show that Palmer had posted bond by Monday night and was no longer being held in custody. Police said the investigation into the incident remains active.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has dismissed a sweeping lawsuit accusing George Washington University of allowing rampant antisemitism on campus, ruling that the complaint was far too lengthy to comply with federal court rules. While the case was thrown out on procedural grounds, the plaintiffs have been given 30 days to file a shorter version.

The decision, issued July 31 by a federal magistrate judge, rejected the lawsuit against the Washington, D.C.-based university, which alleged that school officials failed to address what the complaint described as “pervasive and severe” antisemitic conduct on campus, JNS reported.

The ruling did not address whether the allegations themselves have merit. Instead, the court found that the filing violated procedural requirements governing the format and length of civil complaints, while allowing the plaintiffs an opportunity to refile.

The lawsuit was originally filed in May 2025 by two former George Washington University students together with Compliance, Accountability, Policy, Ethics-Ed, an advocacy organization representing students, alumni, and other members of the university community. The plaintiffs argue that the university failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from a hostile campus environment.

In his opinion for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Trevor McFadden concluded that the nearly 200-page complaint, which contains more than 1,000 numbered paragraphs, does not comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8. The rule requires plaintiffs to provide “a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.”

McFadden wrote that “Much of its length stems from excessive narrative,” while also recognizing “the serious nature of the allegations at issue.” He gave the plaintiffs 30 days to submit a revised complaint that satisfies the federal court’s procedural standards.

George Washington University is one of numerous American colleges that have experienced a surge in antisemitic incidents following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel, including anti-Israel demonstrations and campus encampments.

Among the incidents cited during that period was an anti-Israel protest in which a demonstrator was photographed holding a sign reading “Final Solution,” the same term used by the Nazis for their plan to exterminate the Jewish people.

In another highly publicized episode, anti-Israel protesters staged a mock tribunal at the university and called for a “guillotine” to be used against university President Ellen Granberg and other school administrators.

{Matzav.com}

Ireland’s newly acquired $61 million government aircraft is entering service without an advanced landing system designed for poor weather after the country declined to purchase Israeli-made equipment, a decision that has drawn scrutiny given Ireland’s notoriously foggy climate.

The new Dassault Falcon 6X, which will serve as the primary aircraft for transporting Ireland’s senior leadership, was delivered without the FalconEye navigation system. The equipment, typically installed in the aircraft’s nose, enables pilots to land safely in low-visibility conditions such as heavy fog and mist, according to Irish outlet The Journal.

Sources cited by the publication said the FalconEye system is manufactured by Israeli defense company Elbit, making it incompatible with the Irish government’s policy of avoiding Israeli products.

The policy traces back to remarks made in 2024 by Ireland’s current Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, when he was serving as the country’s foreign minister. At the time, Martin stated that the Irish government would not purchase products made in Israel.

The omission is especially notable because Ireland is well known for its damp, overcast weather, with fog and low cloud frequently affecting air travel throughout the country.

The Republic receives only about 1,100 to 1,600 hours of sunshine each year, placing it among Europe’s cloudiest nations.

Cork Airport, the country’s second-largest airport after Dublin, records approximately 99 foggy days annually, underscoring the potential value of an advanced low-visibility landing system.

Built by Dassault Aviation SA, the Falcon 6X can accommodate up to 14 passengers and is intended primarily to transport the Taoiseach, Ireland’s prime minister, along with other senior government officials on official travel.

The aircraft entered service at the end of 2025, replacing the Irish government’s aging Learjet.

Despite Dublin’s stance against purchasing Israeli products, the report noted that Ireland’s newly acquired Air Corps helicopters are equipped with Israeli-made flight systems because those aircraft cannot operate without the technology.

Relations between Ireland and Israel have deteriorated sharply since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza.

In recent years, Ireland has supported international legal proceedings accusing Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice. The Irish government has also formally recognized a Palestinian state and imposed entry bans on senior Israeli officials.

The diplomatic dispute has continued to escalate, with Israel ultimately closing its embassy in Dublin, citing what it described as the Irish government’s policies and hostile rhetoric toward the Jewish state.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued one of his strongest warnings yet to Iran, declaring that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk a devastating American military response. While emphasizing that diplomatic talks are underway, Trump made clear that the military option remains on the table if negotiations fail.

Speaking during an interview with Fox News that aired Tuesday night, Trump said the United States is engaged in discussions with Iran but insisted he is fully prepared to use force if Iran refuses to allow shipping through the strategically vital waterway.

“Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. They already can’t, but it’s going to be formal. The Strait’s going to be open very soon, or they’re going to get hit very hard, and then the Strait’s going to be open,” said the President.

.@POTUS on Iran: "The Strait is going to be open very soon — or they're gonna hit very hard, and then the Strait is going to be open." pic.twitter.com/Phexz39YE8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2026

Trump said the situation had previously come dangerously close to erupting into an unprecedented military confrontation before Iran reached out in hopes of avoiding war.

“We were going to a tremendous attack, the biggest since World War II. And they called me and said, very politely, ‘Please, can we talk? Can we talk?’ They didn’t want [an attack]. And I said, ‘Yes, we can talk. Let’s get it done. Finally, let’s get it done.’”

He argued that the crisis should have been resolved decades ago and said previous American administrations failed to confront the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“this should have been done by other presidents for 50 years. Other presidents or other countries should have been able to do this. And I did something that I had to do, because if they had a nuclear weapon, this whole world would be a different place.”

Trump also maintained that diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran are progressing, despite repeated public denials from Iranian officials.

He said the two sides are “having very good discussions” and continued, “They don’t like to admit that, but you know it’s a little bit disconcerting. You tell people ‘we’re having wonderful discussions’ and then some guy will come out of Iran and say ‘We have not met.’ It’s a lie. They want to make a deal.”

When asked how long he is willing to wait before concluding diplomacy has failed, Trump suggested he is in no rush to make that determination.

“I have plenty of time.”

The interview followed remarks Trump made on Monday indicating that he is ready to authorize a major military campaign against Iran if necessary, though he stressed that he hopes a diplomatic agreement can still prevent such a conflict.

“I think we’re going to maybe get something, but I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump stated. “Very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens, but it’s a very, very tough thing to do.”

Trump reiterated that, despite ongoing military planning, he would rather resolve the standoff through negotiations than by launching a large-scale attack.

“I think I’m very proud of the fact that I will give people a chance,” Trump said. “This is a big move to do an attack that big on a country. I’d rather not do it.”

Earlier Tuesday, Trump sharply criticized Iran after its government publicly denied that negotiations with the United States are taking place, accusing Tehran of saying one thing privately while presenting a different story to the world.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said Iranian officials had requested a meeting and that talks were already underway, with additional discussions expected soon.

“Iranian leadership is unbelievably duplicitous! They ask for a meeting, some would say ‘beg,’ talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman,'” Trump wrote.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is intensifying his push to make daylight saving time permanent, personally urging Republican senators to remove procedural roadblocks and send legislation to his desk after the measure cleared the House of Representatives.

In a lengthy Truth Social post Tuesday evening, Trump announced that the House had approved the Sunshine Protection Act and said the bill is now awaiting final action in the Senate. Calling the twice-yearly clock changes unnecessary and outdated, the president appealed directly to Senate Republicans to allow the legislation to move forward.

“For many years, the vast Majority of Americans have asked to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but no Administration has been able to get it done, until now. I am proud to announce that the House of Representatives has passed the Bill, and it has now gone to the Senate for final approval,” Trump wrote.

Trump argued that Americans have grown weary of changing their clocks every spring and fall, describing the current system as wasteful, inconvenient, and harmful.

“People are sick and tired of having to change their clocks twice a year. It is foolish, inconvenient and, in some cases, very costly. For Cities and States with Watchtowers, and hard to reach places, it costs Millions of Dollars,” he wrote.

The president also cited what he said were medical, economic, and public safety benefits of keeping daylight saving time in effect throughout the year.

“A recent case was made that it is also bad for your health in the anxiety it creates. Leading Medical, Crime, and Economic Studies have now shown that ceasing the biannual time change, giving us one extra hour of natural sunlight in the evenings, will help Decrease Robbery and Murder Rates, Reduce Car Accidents (especially those involving Pedestrians!), Lower Risk for Cardiac Issues, Stroke, and Seasonal Depression, Make It Safer for Children to Walk Home from School, Increase Time with your Family, Strongly Support Extracurricular Activities, Boost the Sports, Fitness, Tourism, Retail, and Restaurant Industries (and more!), and Save Money on Energy Bills, because everyone will be enjoying an EXTRA HOUR OF DAYLIGHT.”

He added that the legislation would simply preserve the current time setting year-round.

“In other words, leave it as it is now, and never change again.”

Trump concluded by framing the proposal as a rare bipartisan issue and called on Republicans to break the Senate impasse.

“This is an issue that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can unite behind. I am asking Republican Senators to release their holds, and allow the hotline to clear on the Republican side. LET’S PASS THE SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT, ASAP. Thank you to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The House approved the legislation in July despite opposition from members of both parties, sending it to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Trump has made permanent daylight saving time one of his signature quality-of-life initiatives and has devoted considerable personal attention to lobbying lawmakers to support the measure.

The proposal, however, faces resistance from several influential Senate Republicans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has opposed previous efforts to make daylight saving time permanent, while Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has also been a longtime critic of the change.

Support for the bill has been especially strong among lawmakers from Florida, where tourism, outdoor recreation, restaurants, golf, and other businesses are expected to benefit from longer evening daylight. Opponents, particularly those representing agriculture-heavy states, have warned that later sunrises could complicate farming operations and create concerns over darker mornings, particularly for schoolchildren, commuters, and sleep patterns.

With the House having already acted, the fate of the Sunshine Protection Act now rests in the Senate, where Trump is hoping his direct appeal will persuade enough Republicans to clear the procedural hurdles and bring the bill to a vote. If approved by the Senate, the legislation would permanently end the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the United States.

{Matzav.com}

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told a group of faith leaders that the Trump administration is working to ensure the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization becomes a lasting reality across all 50 states. Blanche also indicated that new limits on mail-order abortion pills are under consideration as the administration continues advancing its pro-life agenda.

Blanche made the remarks during a private conference call last week organized by the White House Faith Office and Intercessors for America, according to Politico.

“We will have victory, and victory will be soon, and it will be permanent,” Blanche said.

He acknowledged that efforts to restrict abortion in states where it remains legal have moved more slowly than administration officials had hoped.

According to Blanche, the Justice Department is coordinating closely with federal health agencies, the White House, and President Donald Trump’s team to achieve those objectives.

Blanche also suggested that the administration intends to curb the distribution of abortion medication through the mail.

“If states have said, ‘We are going to protect the unborn and we’re going to protect every life from the moment of conception,’ we’re putting practices and policies in place so that other states and other organizations can’t attack that,” Blanche said. “They can’t do things like they’re doing with mailing in mail-order drugs.”

He did not specify whether the administration plans to rely on the Comstock Act, an 1873 federal anti-obscenity statute that some conservatives have argued could be used to prohibit the mailing of abortion pills and certain medical equipment.

The Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion and returning authority over abortion laws to individual states.

Despite that ruling, the overall number of abortions nationwide has continued to increase, driven in part by the expansion of mail-order abortion medication and “shield laws” adopted by several Democrat-led states that protect abortion providers from prosecution.

The Biden administration permanently removed the requirement that patients obtain mifepristone in person in 2023, allowing the abortion drug to continue being distributed by mail. The Trump administration has not reversed that policy.

Meanwhile, Blanche moved a step closer Tuesday to winning Senate confirmation as attorney general after clearing a key procedural hurdle.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination by a 12-10 party-line vote, advancing President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney to consideration by the full Senate. Blanche has served as acting attorney general since succeeding Pam Bondi in April while helping implement the administration’s priorities.

The committee vote followed an agreement reached Sunday between Blanche and Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had previously threatened to oppose his nomination over the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS concerning the release of the president’s tax returns.

Cornyn and Tillis ultimately backed Blanche after the Justice Department provided written confirmation that it would not proceed with a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies who contend they were prosecuted for political reasons, a provision that had been announced as part of the settlement.

Blanche’s nomination now heads to the full Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority and are expected to have the votes needed for confirmation.

However, his recent comments on abortion could complicate support from Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both of whom have broken with their party on abortion-related issues in the past.

Even if Collins and Murkowski vote against the nomination, Republicans could still confirm Blanche as long as no more than two GOP senators oppose him, assuming Sen. Mitch McConnell is absent and all senators aligned with Democrats vote no.

{Matzav.com}

A beloved South Bend, Indiana family and the broader Torah world are reeling after a devastating boating accident on Lake Michigan claimed the lives of two siblings, Chana Malka Zweig, 21, and her brother, Yosef Yehuda Zweig, 18.

The tragedy occurred Tuesday while the siblings were out boating on Lake Michigan. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after reports that the two had drowned. Both were pulled from the water and transported to a nearby hospital, where medical teams fought to save their lives. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, both Chana Malka and Yosef Yehuda were pronounced dead.

The victims were the daughter and son of R’ Yehoshua and Hadassah Zweig of South Bend.

Chana Malka and Yosef Yehuda were also the grandchildren of Rav Yochanan Zweig, the esteemed rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva V’Kollel Beis Moshe Chaim in Miami Beach.

Officials have not yet released additional information about the circumstances that led to the drowning.

Levayah arrangements have not yet been announced.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim. {Matzav.com}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth forcefully rejected a CNN report Tuesday claiming the U.S. military’s missile stockpiles have been significantly depleted by the conflict with Iran, accusing the network of spreading false information and publicly rebuking its coverage.

The dispute centered on a CNN on-screen headline aired during anchor Kasie Hunt’s program that read: “Sources: U.S. has used nearly 80% of key missile interceptors in Iran war, top commanders warn stockpiles ‘dangerously low.'”

Responding on X, Hegseth flatly denied the report.

“That banner is NOT TRUE,” wrote Hegseth. “Shame on you. We don’t hate the Fake News media enough.”

CNN’s accompanying report, written by Zachary Cohen, Jim Sciutto, and Haley Britzky, cited multiple sources familiar with Pentagon assessments who said the United States has exhausted a substantial portion of its missile inventory during the war with Iran. According to the report, the U.S. has used nearly 80% of its THAAD missile interceptors and roughly half of its Patriot missile stockpile, prompting senior military leaders to warn the Trump administration that inventories have become “dangerously low.”

The report also noted that those concerns were raised before President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he intended “to hold off any attack” because “the perimeters of a deal ha[ve] been agreed to,” while also warning, “The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II.”

Separately on Tuesday, Reuters published its own report citing multiple sources who said the U.S. has expended “virtually all” of its stockpile of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) during the conflict.

The White House disputed those claims, telling Reuters that the United States possesses “far more munitions than anyone in the world” and “far more than we need.”

The administration delivered a similar response to CNN. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the U.S. military “has more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles to serve all of President Trump’s strategic goals and beyond.”

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Rashida Tlaib easily defeated two challengers in Tuesday’s Democratic primary in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, securing the nomination for another term in Congress and reinforcing her standing as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent progressive voices.

With roughly 31.6% of the expected vote counted Tuesday night, Tlaib was projected the winner after capturing a commanding 67.9% of the vote.

According to the preliminary results, Tlaib received 31,062 votes, well ahead of challenger Shanelle Jackson, who garnered 10,940 votes, or 23.9%. Byron Nolen finished third with 3,730 votes, representing 8.2%.

Although an estimated 99,000 ballots remained to be counted, the margin was large enough for news organizations to project Tlaib’s victory.

Tlaib, who has represented the Detroit-area district since 2019, remains one of the most recognizable members of the progressive “Squad” in Congress. Throughout her tenure, she has championed left-wing priorities including Medicare for All, environmental initiatives, criminal justice reform, and expanded social welfare programs.

She has also become one of Congress’ most outspoken critics of Israel, particularly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Her repeated calls for a ceasefire, accusations against Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, and criticism of U.S. military aid have made her a polarizing figure both within the Democratic Party and nationally.

Unlike several other progressive lawmakers who have faced well-funded primary challenges in recent election cycles, Tlaib entered this year’s race as the clear favorite and maintained a substantial lead throughout the campaign.

With the Democratic nomination now effectively secured, Tlaib will move on to the November general election. Given the heavily Democratic makeup of Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, she is widely favored to win another term in the House of Representatives.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell secured victory Tuesday over former Rep. Cori Bush in Missouri’s Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District, prevailing in the state’s most expensive primary race of the year. Bell’s win sets him up for a strong position heading into November in the heavily Democratic district.

The Associated Press projected Bell as the winner shortly after 8 p.m.

Bell will now advance to the general election, where he is expected to face the winner of the Republican contest between Paul Berry III and Andrew Jones—neither of whom has established a fundraising committee—as well as Libertarian candidate Tom Schmitz.

Both Bell and Bush rose to political prominence in the aftermath of the 2014 Ferguson protests, which became a defining moment in the national conversation on race and policing. In recent years, however, the two have found themselves on opposite sides of one of the nation’s most contentious issues: Bell has been a strong supporter of Israel, while Bush has become one of Congress’ most outspoken advocates for the Palestinian cause.

Bell’s pro-Israel positions attracted substantial financial backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and allied political action committees, allowing his re-election effort to far outspend Bush’s campaign.

Overall, candidates and outside organizations poured roughly $8.4 million into the race, making it Missouri’s costliest candidate primary this election cycle. Approximately $7.2 million of that total was spent in support of Bell.

Over the past two years, Bell’s campaign has spent nearly $3 million, including about $864,000 on television advertising leading up to Election Day. Bush’s campaign spent nearly $1.2 million overall, with only about $66,400 devoted to broadcast advertising.

AIPAC once again played a major financial role in Bell’s campaign, investing approximately $3.1 million on his behalf. That included roughly $1.5 million in television advertising through its affiliated political action committee, United Democracy Project. Another outside organization, New Democrat Majority, added approximately $1.1 million in support of Bell.

The latest spending follows AIPAC’s heavy investment in Bell during the 2024 election cycle, when the organization and allied groups spent more than $8 million backing his campaign as part of a broader effort to defeat some of Congress’ strongest critics of Israel, including members of the progressive “Squad,” of which Bush was a member.

Bell was one of AIPAC’s largest-supported candidates nationwide during the 2024 election cycle. The organization, founded in the 1950s, has drawn criticism from progressive Democrats and some Middle East scholars, who argue it consistently supports military escalation and prolonged Israeli control of disputed territories.

Bell rejected that characterization of the organization.

“What they focus on is a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship,” Bell told The Independent in June. “I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the current (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not a fan at all, but what I know about that group is that no matter who’s in charge, they’re going to support a strong US-Israeli relationship.”

Since arriving in Congress, Bell has been appointed to both the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Department of Defense, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which handles issues involving U.S. foreign policy and national security.

Despite serving on committees with significant international responsibilities, Bell said his foremost priority remains the needs of his district.

“We have to focus on regional growth and development,” he said, “because I believe this region is a sleeping giant.”

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is preparing to extend a temporary waiver to the century-old Jones Act in an effort to ease gasoline prices for American drivers, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The move comes as President Donald Trump intensifies his criticism of oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron, accusing them of earning excessive profits while consumers continue paying high prices at the pump.

The Jones Act requires cargo transported between U.S. ports to travel on vessels that are built in the United States, owned by American companies, and staffed by U.S. crews.

By temporarily relaxing those requirements, the administration hopes to make it easier to transport fuel across the country, reducing shipping bottlenecks and increasing supply in regions facing higher prices.

Industry leaders had anticipated that the waiver would be renewed before the end of July. Instead, administration officials have continued negotiations with maritime industry representatives and members of Congress over possible revisions that would preserve flexibility for moving critical fuel supplies while narrowing the waiver’s scope, according to three people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The existing waiver is scheduled to expire on Aug. 16. If renewed, it would continue what has already become the longest suspension of Jones Act requirements since the waiver program was established.

Government figures show the exemption was invoked nearly 200 times during the four-and-a-half-month period ending in late July.

With the November midterm elections approaching, the administration is searching for additional ways to reduce gasoline prices, which remain above $4 per gallon on average nationwide.

In recent months, the White House has pursued several strategies to ease fuel costs, including boosting oil supplies and providing regulatory flexibility. Trump also publicly increased pressure on Exxon and Chevron this week, saying the companies should return more of their profits to consumers through lower prices at gas stations.

Neither Exxon Mobil nor Chevron responded to requests for comment.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday in Brownsville, Texas, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the waiver has already helped bring down fuel prices in California and along the East Coast, adding that another extension appears likely.

Wright predicted gasoline prices would continue falling over the next several weeks.

“President Trump believes in markets and he believes in capitalism. But he’ll use every tool he has, including the bully pulpit, to try to encourage and put pressure to lower energy prices for Americans,” Wright said at a press conference when asked about Trump’s comments on Exxon and Chevron.

Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, said the most powerful tool available to any U.S. president would ordinarily be encouraging Saudi Arabia to increase oil production. However, he noted that option is currently limited because exports remain constrained by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz stemming from the conflict involving Iran.

McNally said other proposals—including a windfall profits tax, government-imposed gasoline price controls, or legal action against major oil companies—would either be politically difficult, economically risky, or unlikely to produce meaningful price reductions.

He added that while extending the Jones Act waiver would increase the number of tankers available to move fuel domestically, its overall impact on gasoline prices would likely amount to only a few cents per gallon.

Opponents of extending the waiver are urging the administration to impose tighter geographic restrictions and conduct closer reviews of each shipment permitted under the exemption.

Sources said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, and members of the White House Energy Dominance Council have all participated in ongoing discussions about the future of the waiver.

No final decision has been reached, and officials cautioned that the details could still change before an announcement is made.

Several senior Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have urged the administration to limit the waiver’s reach, arguing that frequent exemptions could weaken the U.S. merchant fleet and undermine the national security objectives behind the Jones Act.

A White House official said the administration continues to evaluate how the waiver is being used and that discussions remain active. The official added that any decision will be announced directly by the president or the administration.

Maritime organizations have intensified their campaign against another extension, with the American Maritime Partnership resuming television advertisements on CNBC and Fox News while also launching a digital advertising campaign alongside the American Waterways Operators.

AMP President Jennifer Carpenter argued that the waiver has primarily benefited foreign shipping companies and major energy firms rather than American consumers.

“The waiver has shifted routine domestic commerce to foreign operators, including entities linked to China and Russia, while undermining the U.S. maritime industrial base,” Carpenter said.

Sen. Rand Paul said Tuesday that the U.S. military campaign against Iran has ultimately left America in a weaker strategic position, arguing that diplomacy—not continued military action—is the only realistic way to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He also warned that the conflict is exposing growing divisions within the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

During an appearance on MS Now’s Morning Joe, the Kentucky Republican described the conflict as unnecessary and said he never would have supported launching it.

“This is a war of choice, and it wouldn’t have been my choice,” Paul said.

Paul acknowledged that U.S. forces inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military but argued that the broader consequences have outweighed those battlefield successes.

“I think if you look at it objectively, one step forward, we decimated their military, but two steps backward in that they militarized the Strait (of Hormuz). The Strait has never been militarized. By any objective viewing, we are worse off than we were before the war.”

Asked by co-host Willie Geist what outcome would best serve U.S. interests, Paul answered that ending the conflict as quickly as possible should be the priority.

“The sooner the war ends, the better.”

Although Paul said eliminating Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium would be “a noble goal,” he argued that military force alone cannot accomplish that objective.

“The only way you’ll do that is you have to negotiate,” he said.

Paul’s remarks highlight the growing debate within Republican ranks over the administration’s approach to Iran. While many GOP foreign policy hawks have supported military action, others within President Donald Trump’s political base have voiced deep reservations about the United States becoming entangled in another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

That divide could create political challenges for Republicans as the midterm elections approach, with party leaders seeking to maintain support for the administration’s national security policies while addressing concerns among voters who favor a more restrained foreign policy.

Paul has become one of the leading Republican advocates for pursuing negotiations with Iran, maintaining that diplomacy offers the best chance of achieving a lasting agreement and preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons without extending the military conflict.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}