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Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced that the country’s skies reopened completely and that standard operations at Ben Gurion Airport resumed beginning Thursday after a ceasefire was reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to the ministry, coordination has been underway with the Israel Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring the country’s main international gateway back to full capacity. Duty-free stores and all terminal services are also reopening as part of the return to normal activity.

Officials said that international airlines and aviation regulators have been formally notified that Ben Gurion Airport is returning to routine operations. Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran on February 28, most foreign carriers had halted flights to Israel.

Even so, the Israel Airports Authority cautioned that the return of foreign airlines will take place in stages, since each airline must receive clearance from its own regulatory bodies before resuming service.

Additional airports are also preparing to reopen. Herzliya Airport is set to resume operations Thursday morning, while Ramon Airport near Eilat in the south is expected to restart flights on Sunday.

The Transportation Ministry added that a decision regarding the reopening of Haifa Airport will be made later in the week, depending on security assessments, particularly given Israel’s position that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.

Since the start of the war, Israel’s airspace has been largely closed to international traffic. In early March, limited flight activity resumed at Ben Gurion Airport through Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, mainly to bring Israelis home and assist those seeking to leave the country.

Israir and Arkia said Wednesday that they are preparing to gradually expand operations at Ben Gurion Airport in the wake of the ceasefire.

Both airlines plan to increase flight frequency and passenger capacity on outbound routes, subject to guidelines issued by the Transportation Ministry and aviation authorities.

Arkia said it will begin operating flights to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, and Budapest, prioritizing passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the war. The airline said it expects to fully restore operations by May 3.

Israir said it is preparing to resume flights to destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Budapest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Rome, Berlin, and Rhodes.

El Al announced a significant expansion of its activity, saying it is preparing to return to near-full operations. Beginning next week, from April 12 through April 18, the airline plans to operate at full capacity to approximately 30 destinations.

Those destinations include Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Batumi, Tbilisi, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Larnaca, Lisbon, Madrid, Moscow, Milan, Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, and London in Europe; Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo in the Far East; and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in North America.

“Due to operational complexity and the reorganization of flight schedules, the return to routine operations cannot happen all at once,” El Al said. “As a result, some flights may still be subject to changes or cancellations in the coming period.”

The airline said passengers whose flights were canceled during the war will be automatically reassigned to the new flights, with details available on its website. After those travelers are accommodated, any remaining seats will be opened to the general public. El Al added that it expects to continue expanding its operations throughout the month until it reaches a full flight schedule.

Reports in Israeli media indicate that Ben Gurion Airport has been preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic as travel resumes.

Foreign airlines are still awaiting final approvals before returning to Israel, and many are expected to take a cautious approach, monitoring whether the current two-week ceasefire develops into a more permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air announced that it is extending its suspension of flights to and from Israel through April 27.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance cautioned Iran that it would be unwise to risk the fragile ceasefire with Washington over disagreements tied to Israeli operations in Lebanon, signaling rising tensions over the scope of the truce.

While Pakistan, which helped broker the agreement, indicated that Lebanon was included in the two-week ceasefire, Vance said the United States never accepted that Israel would halt its actions there.

“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart – in a conflict where they were getting hammered – over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” Vance said as he left Hungary.

“We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice.”

Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi circulated a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the ceasefire and drew attention to the portion referencing Lebanon.

“The Iran-US Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the US must choose – ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite that, President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have maintained that Lebanon was never part of the agreement.

Vance characterized the disagreement as stemming from confusion rather than deliberate deception.

“There’s a lot of bad faith negotiation and a lot of bad faith propaganda going on,” he said. “I think this comes from a legitimate misunderstanding. I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t.”

It remains unclear how such a gap in understanding emerged during sensitive negotiations. U.S. officials have not clarified why Pakistan’s announcement appeared to include Lebanon within the ceasefire framework.

Israel has previously been accused of breaching ceasefire arrangements, including a truce reached with Lebanon in November 2024. Since that time, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have reportedly continued almost daily for more than a year.

On Wednesday, Israel carried out one of its most extensive rounds of airstrikes, launching dozens of attacks that reportedly left at least 254 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Even so, Vance indicated that Israel has signaled a willingness to exercise some restraint.

He said the Israelis have committed “to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon, because they want to make sure” that the US-Iran negotiations are successful.

Fighting in Lebanon escalated sharply in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to prior Israeli strikes and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah has since faced growing criticism within Lebanon, with opponents accusing the group of pulling the country into conflict as part of its alignment with Iran.

At the same time, Iranian officials have made clear they intend to continue backing Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that hostilities could resume if Israel does not halt its actions in Lebanon.

“If the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not stopped immediately, we will do our duty and give a regretful response to the evil aggressors in the region,” it said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of posts on X on Thursday marking forty days since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, describing the event as the “martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He began his message with a verse from the Quran, writing, “Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear victory (Quran 48:1),” and went on to describe the past forty days as following a “dreadful crime” carried out by “enemies of Islam & Iran.”

Khamenei claimed that, in contrast to historical precedents, supporters of his father did not falter but instead “rose up to confront falsehood” and held firm. He added that during this period, followers have behaved “like balls of fire on the heads of the Pharaohs.”

Referring to what he called the “Third Sacred Defense,” Khamenei asserted that “the heroic nation of Iran” is “the definite victor in this battlefield.”

Turning to Iran’s neighbors in the region, he said they were “witnessing a miracle” and urged them to “stand on the right side” by rejecting what he described as “false promises of the devils,” an apparent reference to Israel and the United States. He also stated that Iran is waiting for “an appropriate response” from those countries and suggested that future relations would hinge on their willingness to “renounce the Arrogant Powers.”

Khamenei further warned that Iran would not allow “criminal aggressors” to avoid consequences, saying the country would seek “full reparations for all damages caused,” along with compensation for those killed and injured.

He reiterated Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the country intends to move its management “to a new phase,” while emphasizing that Iran does not seek conflict but will not “relinquish” what he described as its rightful claims.

In closing, Khamenei said Iran would continue pursuing what he called justice for the deaths of his father and others, adding that the country remains committed to the path of the “Resistance Front” and to standing “against the Front of Disbelief and Arrogance.”

However, the posts appear to conflict with multiple reports citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence, which claim that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in Qom, about 87 miles south of Tehran, and in a serious “semi-comatose” or “critical condition” that leaves him unable to make decisions. He has not been seen in public, and some reports have suggested that videos circulating online may be generated using artificial intelligence, with indications that the IRGC is effectively controlling the country.

Israel’s Security Cabinet has secretly authorized the creation of 34 new communities in Judea and Samaria, in what would mark one of the largest single approvals of its kind, according to a report published Thursday.

The decision was reportedly handled with strict confidentiality in order to avoid pressure from the United States while Israel remains engaged in its campaign against Iran.

If fully implemented, the move would significantly expand the number of approved communities. Until now, 69 communities had been authorized through various decisions; with this latest approval, that figure is expected to rise to 103.

The planned locations for the new communities are spread across wide areas, including some deep in Areas A and B, where the IDF operates infrequently. Establishing and securing these locations would require extensive military preparation and resources.

Among the sites included in the plan is Noa, located south of Ganim and Kadim near Qabatiya, as well as Emek Dotan, which is intended to create a territorial link between Sa-Nur, Homesh, and Shavei Shomron.

Officials who spoke with i24NEWS said the IDF Chief of Staff, who attended the cabinet meeting, did not object to the initiative on a diplomatic level. However, he raised operational concerns, particularly regarding limited manpower and the challenges of defending additional communities.

The military reportedly recommended implementing the plan gradually over time to allow for proper security arrangements, but that approach was ultimately rejected, and the cabinet moved forward with full approval.

The secrecy surrounding the decision was largely driven by a desire to prevent significant diplomatic backlash from Washington, especially given the ongoing tensions related to Iran.

In addition, the report noted that the cabinet approved the development of basic infrastructure—including energy, water, and electricity—before the formal completion of land authorization processes. This represents a notable policy shift aimed at speeding up the establishment of the communities and ensuring they can be sustained from the outset.

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, sharply criticized Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday after the minister accused Israel of genocide and described it as “evil and a curse for humanity.”

Leiter responded on social media, taking issue with both the rhetoric and Pakistan’s role in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. “The Ayatollahs chanted ‘Death to Israel’ – and now a so-called ‘mediator’ is echoing the same language,” he wrote. “You are not a mediator Mr. Asif, you are the problem. Even if it is to your dismay, Israel is here to stay. That’s not for negotiation,” he added.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also issued a forceful response, condemning the Pakistani minister’s statements. “Israel views these blatant antisemitic blood libels very gravely from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace,'” Sa’ar said.

He further warned about the implications of such language, stating that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.”

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar vowed.

The Prime Minister’s Office also weighed in, denouncing the remarks as unacceptable. “Pakistan Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.”

A Pakistani national has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges after admitting he planned an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at Chabad’s 770 headquarters in Brooklyn, targeting the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” a 21-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to attempting to carry out acts of terrorism across national borders. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2026, and could face life in prison.

Court filings show that Khan began spreading ISIS propaganda in November 2023 and soon moved toward planning a terrorist attack inside the United States. He shared details of the plot with two individuals he believed were collaborators, but who were in fact undercover law enforcement agents. During those conversations, Khan repeatedly urged them to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and knives, telling them to “slit their throats.”

Although he initially considered targeting “Israeli Jewish chabads” in another American city, investigators say Khan later shifted his focus solely to Brooklyn by August 2024. He told the undercover agents that New York would be the “perfect” location due to its large Jewish population, adding that “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” He also sent an image of the enclosed space inside 770 where he intended to carry out the attack and claimed that a successful operation would be “the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”

Senior law enforcement officials condemned the plot following Khan’s plea. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the plan was carried out “with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible.” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton called it a “horrendous attack on a venerated Jewish center,” stressing that “terrorism and other hate-based violence have zero place in New York City.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch highlighted the joint effort with federal authorities that stopped the “dangerous plot before it could become a devastating attack.”

Authorities ultimately disrupted the plan on September 4, 2024, when Khan was stopped near Ormstown, Canada—about 12 miles from the U.S. border—while attempting to cross with the assistance of a smuggler. He was later extradited to the United States in June 2025.

In its official statement, the Justice Department also included a clarification for readers, noting that “‘Chabad’ is a branch of Hasidic Judaism, as well as a movement that operates Jewish religious and educational institutions around the world.”

Senior IDF officials told lawmakers in a classified Knesset session that Iran’s emerging leadership is more hardline than the previous regime, even as Israel has achieved notable military gains in its recent operation.

During the closed discussion held by the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, military representatives presented an updated assessment of developments in Iran, delivering a mixed message. While highlighting operational successes, they emphasized that Israel is not seeing any moderation in Tehran’s leadership—rather, a shift toward greater extremism. According to the report, officials told lawmakers that “the Iranian regime that is now taking shape is more extreme than its predecessor,” stressing that this change carries direct implications for future security and regional dynamics.

At the same time, IDF officials underscored that the latest operation produced “very significant military achievements,” aimed at degrading the enemy’s capabilities and limiting its operational freedom. However, they also noted signs that Iran is beginning to recover from the initial blow, pointing to new leadership appointments and actions taken in other arenas, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the briefing, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth warned that “there is a possibility that the campaign could resume in the coming days,” adding that he views the current situation as only an interim stage rather than a conclusion.

The overall message from the discussion was clear: Israeli officials are not treating recent developments as an endpoint. While the IDF is reporting substantial operational success, lawmakers were also presented with a more cautious outlook regarding the direction of Iran’s leadership and the likelihood that hostilities could flare up again in the near future.

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, delivered an emotional message during a Chol Hamoed tish, expressing deep pain over those who rush to bakeries immediately after Yom Tov to purchase chametz, urging instead that people cherish the lingering kedusha of Pesach. Following his remarks, the well-known Vizhnitzer bakery announced a change to its longstanding post-Pesach practice.

During a tish on Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe addressed the phenomenon of people hurrying out right after Yom Tov ends to buy fresh bread and other chametz items.

At the tish on Sunday, the Rebbe asked for the microphone and spoke with visible emotion: “I want to speak about something that pains me very much and has been bothering me for years. I have heard that there are people who run immediately at nightfall to the bakeries and grab the foods that we do not even mention during Pesach. What is the rush? Can’t one wait a little?” the Rebbe cried out from the depths of his heart.

He continued by emphasizing the importance of holding on to the spirit of the Yom Tov, saying, “One should rejoice that it is still possible to live a little longer with Pesach, like it was by my grandfather, the Imrei Chaim,” and went on to describe how Pesach and the Seder night were observed in his grandfather’s home.

In response to the Rebbe’s words, the owners of the Vizhnitzer bakery—led by Rabbi Yechezkel Cohen, who was present at the tish—decided to alter a long-established custom and delay opening sales of fresh bread to the general public after Yom Tov. Instead of opening immediately at the conclusion of the Yom Tov, the bakery first supplied stores and wholesalers, with retail sales to individuals beginning only later.

Rabbi Cohen announced that despite the expected financial loss, the bakery would remain closed to individual customers right after Yom Tov. During those initial hours, workers would continue operating only to produce and distribute goods to retail networks, while the bakery doors would open to the public at a later time.

{Matzav.com}

In a powerful shmuess delivered during Chol Hamoed amid the ongoing war with Iran and its proxies, Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch issued a strong warning against relying on human efforts and advanced defense systems, urging the tzibbur to recognize that everything comes solely from the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Speaking in the beis medrash of Darchei Ish in Bnei Brak, Rav Hirsch addressed at length the responsibility resting on the public during this time, emphasizing the spiritual danger inherent in placing confidence in technological advancements such as air defense systems and interceptions.

He opened with a striking historical account from World War II, when the threat of destruction loomed over the Jewish yishuv in Eretz Yisroel as Nazi forces advanced toward Egypt: “It is known that in 1943 or 1944, the Nazi enemy was ממש in Egypt, on the way to enter Eretz Yisroel, and, chas v’shalom, destroy all those here. And there was a very, very strong tefillah from the public, and in a miraculous way he decided not to enter and turned back. And the Chazon Ish said then that we see here the power of tefillah, and if this is the power of tefillah—what a shame that we did not know this earlier! We did not know everything that was happening in Europe. If we had davened then like we davened now, it could be that all the destruction of Europe would not have happened—that is what the Chazon Ish said.”

Building on that, Rav Hirsch continued with deep pain: “Regarding our situation here, there is a feeling that there is a lack in the ציבור in the power of tefillah—we are not feeling it enough. I think the reason people do not feel so much that tefillah helps is because a person does not see with his eyes each time that tefillah works immediately. In truth, if a person would really feel that if we daven with all our strength it would prevent anything from happening—then our tefillah would look completely different. We do not see among most of the ציבור a fundamental change in the way we daven now. Shemoneh Esrei should be much longer, there should be a fundamental change in the entire form of tefillah, and we do not see that. And that is what I wanted to speak about—to strengthen ourselves, because what we actually need now is tefillah! There are things happening, there are also nissim, but we need tefillah, and there is a lack of tefillah.”

He then explained the יסוד of true tefillah, drawing from the words of the Rishonim and Acharonim: “There is a fundamental condition in tefillah, and everyone agrees to it. The essence of tefillah is submission and ביטול before the Creator, and strengthening the recognition that a person has nothing and that his entire existence depends on the Borei Olam, and he feels himself like a poor and lost person who awaits to receive from Hashem. This is written in the Maharal and the Mabit—the foundation and condition of tefillah is that a person comes to Hashem and says: ‘I am nothing! I have nothing and everything is from You, every single thing is from You!’ And therefore I ask only in this way. Someone who just asks casually—that is not tefillah. Tefillah requires the feeling that I am nothing and everything is from Hashem and therefore I ask.”

At this point, Rav Hirsch delivered his central warning, directly addressing the reality of modern technology: “There are many levels to how much a person truly feels this. Imagine that suddenly some machine would be discovered that could certainly prevent everything—that every missile or cluster bomb that is launched would be stopped in the middle of its path and nothing would reach anywhere—everyone would feel ‘Baruch Hashem, very good.’ But how many would feel that the Ribbono Shel Olam performed a nes here and we must thank Him, or, chalilah, would there be a feeling that naturally we are now saved?

“There is a lack of importance and recognition that everything—everything—is from Hashem! There is a certain feeling that there is a ‘natural way’ that helps us, that all the developments and interceptions we have—that is what helps, that is what is good, and people do not attribute it to ‘Baruch Hashem that Hashem created this reality that we can intercept.’ A person must feel that everything is Hashem! Even if one does not say it out loud, he must feel it. Every small internal feeling that is not connected to Hashem, that we rely on something that is not Hashem—this weakens the כוח of tefillah! The power of tefillah must come from the fact that we are nothing. Nothing. And if Hashem does us a chesed that there are things that help in a natural way—Hashem did that! The moment there is a feeling that now ‘it is easier for us’ in a natural way, and therefore I am ‘not as close’ to Hashem—that itself is a tremendous חסרון in tefillah.”

Rav Hirsch concluded with a heartfelt call to action: “Tefillah must be strong, מתוך a feeling that it is what helps. Tefillah must be with the sense that nothing good happens except through Hashem. Everything that is called ‘natural,’ supposedly because of scientific advancement—that is not really scientific advancement, it is nothing! Everything is Hashem! Hashem did us a chesed that there is some level of advancement so that we do not need open miracles, but everything is from Him.

“If we feel that we depend only on Hashem, that without Him we have nothing, and we daven with all our strength and all our כוח—then, im yirtzeh Hashem, there will be success, there will be no harm, and everything will be good for us. But we must strengthen ourselves in tefillah! To strengthen and feel that everything is from Hashem and we have nothing besides Him, and then siyata d’Shmaya and tefillah will help.”

{Matzav.com}

The levayah of Mrs. Leah Yocheved Singer a”h took place Thursday in Yerushalayim after she was killed in a tragic accident while returning from the kever of the Pele Yoetz in Bulgaria.

During the emotional hespeidim, her husband revealed that just weeks earlier, she had shared a dream in which she saw herself being killed in an accident.

Mrs. Singer, 36, was niftar on Monday, Chol Hamoed Pesach, while traveling back from the kever of the Pele Yoetz. Her aron was brought to Eretz Yisroel earlier Thursday morning on a private plane, following a complex effort led by Eli Pollak, deputy CEO of United Hatzalah, who coordinated all the necessary logistics, approvals, and arrangements.

A large crowd participated in the levayah, which began at the Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim. Rav Shimon Shisha of Yad Avraham delivered brief opening remarks, noting that the nifteres had volunteered for 12 years at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, where she was involved in countless acts of chesed.

The levayah then passed by the Breslover shul on Rechov HaChoma HaShlishit, where additional hespeidim were delivered. Rav Moshe Bransdorfer, Gavad of Heichal Horaah, addressed the crowd and explained that although the month of Nissan is not a time for formal hespeidim, words meant to inspire are permitted. He described the nifteres as an extraordinary woman devoted to chesed, bringing comfort and joy to families during difficult moments in the hospital.

Her husband, Reb Chaim Singer, spoke with deep emotion and shared that in the past month, his wife had told him about a dream in which she was killed in an accident. At the time, he had dismissed it as “chalomos shav yedabeiru,” but tragically, the dream proved true. He also described how she davened daily with tears to be zocheh to children, and despite her personal struggles, she never showed pain outwardly, instead strengthening and uplifting everyone around her.

Her father, the well-known baal chesed Reb Chaim Cohen, chairman of Linas Hachesed, also delivered a powerful hesped. He noted that she was born while he was returning from the kever of the Noam Elimelech in Lizhensk, and now was niftar while returning from the kever of the Pele Yoetz—at the age of 36, the same age as the Pele Yoetz at his petirah. He urged the tzibbur to take upon themselves a kabbalah tova of achdus and to increase ahavas Yisroel for the next 40 days.

The final maspid was Rav Eliezer Berland, head of the mosdos of Shuvu Bonim, who called on those gathered to learn from the nifteres’s lifelong dedication to chesed. He said that her petirah served to sweeten harsh decrees and protect Klal Yisroel, declaring: “One can see that immediately after she passed away, the war stopped.” He urged everyone to engage in cheshbon hanefesh and to strengthen themselves, particularly in avoiding lashon hara.

Following the hespeidim, the large crowd accompanied the levayah on foot to Har HaZeisim, where she was laid to rest.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that his campaign pledge to make buses free citywide will not be implemented this year, marking a significant shift from one of the central promises of his run for office.

Instead, the mayor said he is now focusing on reviving a scaled-down version of a fare-free bus pilot program, confirming that New Yorkers will not see the full rollout of no-cost bus service in the immediate future.

Despite the change in timeline, Mamdani maintained that he remains committed to the broader goal. “We’re encouraged by the conversations we’re having with the governor and legislative leaders to take action on that in 2026 as a first step,” he said.

He added, “Both legislative houses included language within their one-house budget proposals in support of bringing back a free bus pilot program. That is something that we are encouraged by, and it continues to be part of budget negotiations.”

Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers are currently in the midst of budget talks, where the idea of reinstating a limited free bus program is under discussion, according to state Sen. Michael Gianaris.

Gianaris and Mamdani, then a Queens assemblyman, previously worked together in 2023 to launch a pilot program offering free bus service in parts of Queens as part of that year’s state budget.

The program’s success led Mamdani to advocate for expanding the concept across all five boroughs the following year.

However, efforts to broaden the initiative were halted after a dispute with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who removed the proposal from the budget following disagreements over an unrelated housing issue, according to sources.

Mamdani later ran for mayor in 2025, highlighting the Queens pilot as a model and pushing for a citywide expansion of fare-free buses under the MTA.

Gianaris said the current proposal under consideration would provide free service on three bus routes in each borough at an estimated cost of $45 million.

The idea has received mixed reactions in Albany, with some skepticism from state leaders, including Hochul, who had expressed reservations about the plan even before Mamdani took office.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber has also criticized the proposal, suggesting it is underdeveloped and could end up costing significantly more than projected.

It remains uncertain whether even a limited version of the program will be included in the state’s $263 billion budget, which is already past its deadline.

Sources indicated that a narrower pilot similar to the earlier Queens program could still be included in the final agreement, despite Hochul’s reluctance to commit additional funding after allocating $1.5 billion to support New York City over the next two years.

Speaking at a separate news conference in Manhattan, Hochul said that housing initiatives and proposed auto insurance reforms are taking priority in the budget discussions over transit changes.

“We’re working on those right now,” she said, adding, “Certainly we have had conversations on some accommodation on the cost of buses.”

MTA officials declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to the governor’s office, which did not respond.

Mamdani’s revised stance on free buses is the latest in a series of policy adjustments during his early months in office.

Last month, he appointed a Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, opting to establish a smaller agency rather than moving forward with his earlier proposal to overhaul how the city handles mental health emergency calls through a new department.

A City Hall spokesperson said the administration remains committed to the long-term goal. “Mayor Mamdani is committed to delivering fast and free buses by the time he leaves office, full stop,” the representative said. “His First Deputy Mayor is in active discussions with the Governor’s office regarding fare free buses. In the meantime, the Mamdani administration will continue to work with our partners at the state and local level to make commutes faster and our transit system more affordable for all New Yorkers.”

A wave of drone attacks struck multiple countries across the region Thursday night, with explosions reported in Dubai and strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

According to reports from the Iraqi “Sabereen” channel, which is affiliated with pro-Iranian militias, explosions in Dubai were the result of a drone attack on U.S. targets in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, there were reports that air defense systems were activated in several locations inside Iran.

Kuwait also confirmed that it was under drone attack, stating that its air defense systems had been deployed. While authorities have not officially blamed any party, Iran has carried out multiple attacks on Kuwait during the course of the war.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti military said: “Air defense systems are dealing with hostile drone attacks that penetrated the country’s airspace and struck several vital infrastructures.”

Meanwhile, a Saudi Energy Ministry official told the kingdom’s state news agency that a number of oil and gas facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, and power stations were targeted in repeated attacks attributed to Iran. The strikes hit areas around the capital Riyadh, eastern regions of the country, and the port city of Yanbu on the Red Sea.

The official also confirmed that an oil pipeline connecting production fields to the port of Yanbu was struck, resulting in a loss of approximately 700,000 barrels of exports per day. In addition, two oil wells were damaged, reducing output by about 600,000 barrels per day.

As Israel prepares to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day alongside the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, new figures show that 109,286 Holocaust survivors and related groups are currently living in Israel, with an average age of 88.

Holocaust Remembrance Day this year is being observed against the backdrop of Operation “Shaagas HaAri,” while commemorations around the world are marking eight decades since the Nuremberg Trials, which laid the groundwork for justice following the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Ahead of the memorial day, the Authority for the Rights of Holocaust Survivors in the Prime Minister’s Office released updated data on the final generation that experienced the Holocaust firsthand. The total includes Holocaust survivors, refugees, victims of antisemitic persecution during World War II, and those who suffered disabilities as a result of the war against the Nazis.

This group represents about 34% of all individuals recognized by the authority since its establishment in the 1950s, with a total of 322,997 people acknowledged over the years. More than 50 Holocaust survivors were recently impacted by missile attacks from Iran and Lebanon and were evacuated to hotels or to stay with family members.

The authority currently provides services to three main groups: Holocaust survivors (36,752 individuals) who directly endured the horrors of the Holocaust; Holocaust refugees (38,934 individuals), primarily from the former Soviet Union who immigrated in the 1990s; and victims of antisemitic persecution during World War II (33,521 individuals). Among the latter group are 21,476 people from Morocco and Algeria who faced discrimination and restrictions under the Vichy regime, and 12,045 individuals from Iraq who experienced the Farhud riots in Baghdad.

Additional groups assisted by the authority include 79 individuals recognized as war-disabled due to injuries sustained while fighting the Nazis, whether as part of Allied forces or resistance groups such as the partisans. The authority also supports widows and widowers of Holocaust survivors and war-disabled individuals, providing monthly stipends; currently, 16,190 such beneficiaries receive these payments.

Demographically, approximately 62% of Holocaust survivors in Israel are women (67,555), while about 38% are men (41,652). The proportion of women increases with age, accounting for about 60% of those in their 80s, 65% in their 90s, and roughly 75% among those over 100.

Roughly 70% of survivors are in their 80s, about 29% are in their 90s, and around 1% are over the age of 100. The average age stands at approximately 88, with the youngest group—those aged 80—numbering 775 individuals, and the oldest group—those aged 105—numbering 48.

About 52% of survivors are widowed, while approximately 35% are married. Marriage rates are higher among men than women, at about 69% compared to 31%, while widowhood is more common among women, accounting for 80% compared to 20% among men.

In terms of country of birth, 40,657 were born in the former Soviet Union (about 37%), 18,957 in Morocco (about 17%), 12,045 in Iraq (about 11%), 11,817 in Romania (about 11%), 5,083 in Poland (about 5%), 4,598 in Tunisia (about 4%), 2,987 in Bulgaria (about 3%), 2,780 in Libya (about 2.5%), 2,542 in Algeria (about 2%), and 1,468 in France (about 1%).

Some 96% immigrated to Israel after the establishment of the state. About 30% arrived during the major immigration wave between 1948 and 1951, and roughly 26% came during the 1990s. Since the beginning of this year, three new immigrants in their 80s have arrived in Israel.

The cities with the largest populations of Holocaust survivors include Haifa (7,244), Yerushalayim (6,969), Tel Aviv (5,766), Ashdod (5,513), Netanya (5,452), Beersheva (4,494), Petach Tikva (4,483), Rishon Letzion (4,429), Bat Yam (3,692), and Cholon (3,444).

Regarding health status, about 73% of survivors are classified as requiring nursing care at varying levels. Among those, approximately 75% receive additional support—either nine extra weekly caregiving hours or increased monthly payments—due to higher levels of dependency.

Ronit Rozin, head of the Authority for the Rights of Holocaust Survivors, said: “The rising antisemitism and the threats to the State of Israel in these days remind us every day of the danger that hatred of Jews led to in the past. The authority is committed to caring for Holocaust survivors here and now, and to ensuring that the story of their revival and legacy of hope will never be forgotten and will continue to guide us as a state and as a society.”

House Republicans on Thursday stopped Democrats from advancing a measure aimed at ending U.S. military operations against Iran, continuing to resist efforts to place limits on President Donald Trump’s war powers.

Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey presided over a brief “pro forma” session and adjourned it before Democrats were able to attempt passage of the resolution through unanimous consent.

In recent months, Democrats in both chambers of Congress have repeatedly tried—and failed—to pass war powers resolutions that would require Trump to obtain legislative approval before initiating military action, including in situations involving Venezuela and Iran.

Concern among Democrats intensified after Trump warned earlier in the week that “a whole civilization will die,” prompting dozens of lawmakers to call for his removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians.

“Threatening genocide is not a negotiating tactic,” Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said at a press conference outside the Capitol following the pro forma session, which was held while Congress is out of Washington during a two-week Easter recess.

Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, doing so less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe strikes on its civilian infrastructure.

The White House has defended Trump’s actions, saying they are lawful and fall within his authority as commander-in-chief to order limited military operations to protect the United States.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. The Trump administration has described the conflict as a decisive success, even as the top U.S. military officer said American forces remain ready to resume fighting if needed.

Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, have largely united behind Trump and backed his policies.

While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, that requirement does not apply to short-term military actions or situations involving an immediate threat to the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a temporary halt in fighting in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, stating that Russian forces would pause combat operations from Saturday afternoon through the end of Sunday and calling on Kyiv to adopt a similar approach.

According to a Kremlin statement, “In connection with the approaching holiday of Orthodox Easter, a ceasefire is declared from 1600 on 11th April to the end of the day of 12th April.”

The statement added, “We proceed on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation.”

The directive was transmitted through Russia’s military command structure, with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov instructing Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov “to stop for this period military action in all directions,” while also emphasizing that Russian forces should remain prepared “to eliminate all possible provocations by the enemy as well as any aggressive actions.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded early Friday, indicating that Ukraine would act in line with the proposed Easter truce.

“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for reciprocal steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holiday this year and will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram after the Kremlin ordered troops to observe a 32-hour ceasefire.

He added, “People need an Easter without threats and a real move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to attacks even after Easter.”

The announcement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues into its fifth year. Similar ceasefire efforts during religious holidays in the past have largely broken down, with both sides accusing one another of violating the terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu expressed frustration over how the results of Operation Shaagas HaAri are being presented to the public, saying the achievements are not being clearly communicated.

During a meeting of the security cabinet, Netanyahu turned to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and urged him to improve the military’s public messaging about the operation. “The complex matters need to be simplified,” he said, emphasizing that the public is having difficulty understanding the depth of the accomplishments.

According to sources who were present, other ministers joined in the criticism and called on the IDF to present the results of the operation in a clearer and more organized manner.

Amid these concerns, a special meeting is scheduled for next week with the participation of the chief of staff, IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The meeting is expected to focus on forming a unified messaging strategy and improving how the operation’s achievements are conveyed to the public.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan on Thursday, warning that the initiative is unconstitutional, deeply divisive, and likely to face significant resistance.

During an appearance on the Newsmax program “Wake Up America,” Malliotakis argued that the proposal reflects what she views as a consistent pattern of race-focused policymaking rooted in socialist ideology.

“Obviously, with everything with Mamdani, it’s always about socialism,” she said. “It’s always pitting people against each other based on race. And it’s awful, actually.”

She contended that the plan—which seeks to incorporate race-based benchmarks into decisions on city spending, policy direction, and allocation of resources in sectors such as housing, education, and economic growth—resembles historical strategies used to divide communities and strengthen political control.

“Look, this is what communists do, what socialists do,” she said. “They always pit people against each other, whether it’s class warfare or racial warfare, dividing the community.”

Malliotakis emphasized her belief that the proposal runs counter to constitutional protections.

“We’re going to push back on this,” she said. “Obviously, it’s unconstitutional.”

“We’ve seen the Democrats do this,” Malliotakis added. “They are constantly using race to force their socialist agenda.”

She cited ongoing political disputes, including controversies over voter identification requirements and redistricting efforts, as part of what she described as a broader push to inject race into public policy decisions.

“Whether it’s denying voter ID for the American people, whether it’s trying to redraw lines like they tried to do … based on race, now trying to tax people based on race,” Malliotakis said. “I mean, you can’t get any more unconstitutional and un-American than that.”

The congresswoman also argued that such policies are contributing to economic strain in New York City and accelerating the departure of residents.

“The bottom line here is not just minorities are being forced out of our city. It is everybody that’s in the middle class, working class,” Malliotakis said. “They’re being pushed out of our city regardless of race, because of these socialist policies and this high taxation.”

Malliotakis said she intends to ensure that the public is made aware of the plan and its implications.

“We’re going to make sure the public knows about it,” she said.

She further suggested that action by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump could be appropriate if the city moves ahead with the proposal.

“If DOJ needs to take action, if they want to go down this unconstitutional route, I believe they should,” Malliotakis said.

President Donald Trump has explored the possibility of reducing the American military presence in Europe, voicing frustration over NATO allies’ lack of support in securing the Strait of Hormuz and stalled efforts related to Greenland, a senior White House official told Reuters on Thursday.

According to the official, no formal decision has been reached, and the Pentagon has not been instructed to begin drafting specific plans for a troop withdrawal. The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions.

Even so, the fact that such talks are taking place highlights a deepening strain between Washington and its European NATO partners. It also indicates that Wednesday’s White House meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did little to ease tensions, which are now being described as the most serious since the alliance was established in 1949.

The United States currently maintains a force of over 80,000 troops across Europe, continuing a decades-long role as a cornerstone of the continent’s security since World War II. Of those forces, more than 30,000 are based in Germany, with additional large deployments in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

NATO has not issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the reported discussions.

The White House official did not provide details on which countries could be affected or how many troops might ultimately be withdrawn if Trump moves ahead with the idea.

Trump’s relationship with NATO has long been marked by friction, as he has repeatedly criticized European nations for failing to meet defense spending commitments. However, the past three months have seen a particularly sharp escalation in tensions.

In January, Trump reignited controversy by again raising the prospect of annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, sparking backlash across the Atlantic.

Since the outbreak of war with Iran on February 28, Trump has also expressed strong dissatisfaction that NATO members have not stepped forward to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments that has remained largely shut despite this week’s fragile ceasefire.

NATO diplomats have said Washington has not clearly communicated whether it expects any operation in the Strait of Hormuz to take place during the conflict or after it ends. They have also noted that the United States has not outlined what specific roles or capabilities it expects from individual alliance members.

A report in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday indicated that senior officials had discussed relocating American troops within Europe, potentially moving them away from countries whose leaders have criticized the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran and toward nations that have shown stronger support.

However, the White House official told Reuters that Trump’s current focus is on bringing troops back to the United States rather than redeploying them to other European countries.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran must not impose charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping activity remains sharply reduced following the outbreak of war and the waterway’s effective closure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed reports that Tehran may be seeking to collect fees from tankers navigating the critical passage. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump wrote.

He followed with a direct warning, stating, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”

Speculation has grown in recent days that Iran is considering introducing tolls for ships using the strait, a move that has been firmly rejected by Western officials who oppose paying for passage.

According to a report published Wednesday by the Financial Times, an Iranian official indicated that Tehran intends to require payment in cryptocurrency from ships in order to maintain its grip on the strait during a temporary two-week ceasefire with the United States.

In another message posted Thursday, Trump hinted at developments in global energy flow but did not provide details, writing, “you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran.”

Earlier this week, Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran, following prior threats in which he warned of catastrophic consequences for the country.

Despite the ceasefire, maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz remained at less than 10% of typical levels on Thursday. Reuters reported that Iran has continued to assert control over the area, instructing ships to remain within its territorial waters as they transit the route.

Fresh doubts about the durability of the newly arranged ceasefire have emerged as Iran signals it does not intend to fully comply with the agreement, heightening concerns over stability in one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

The truce, which took effect Wednesday after talks spearheaded by President Donald Trump, was meant to calm weeks of hostilities and allow maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to normal.

Trump had underscored that the deal would restore “free trade across the Strait of Hormuz,” presenting it as a move to stabilize international supply chains.

Yet as the ceasefire went into effect, Tehran appeared to be adjusting its terms to suit its own interests rather than honoring the intent of the agreement.

Officials involved in mediation efforts, along with shipping experts, say Iran has made clear it will only permit a restricted number of vessels to transit the strait each day.

On Wednesday, just 12 cargo tankers were allowed to pass through the narrow waterway.

That figure stands in stark contrast to conditions before the conflict, when more than 100 ships could move through the corridor daily without obstruction.

These limitations have triggered serious concern in global energy markets, which rely heavily on uninterrupted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the region.

Adding to the tension, Iran is reportedly imposing charges on ships seeking passage, effectively converting the international waterway into a tightly controlled and revenue-generating bottleneck.

Those fees, which can climb as high as $2 million for large oil carriers, are reportedly arranged ahead of time and paid using alternative methods such as Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency.

International observers have criticized the move, arguing that it violates long-established maritime rules that guarantee freedom of navigation.

Under widely accepted international conventions governing waterways, nations are not allowed to levy fees for transit through natural chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, Iran’s conduct is being viewed not only as a violation of the ceasefire but also as a broader challenge to global legal standards.

Despite public messaging suggesting a willingness to pursue calm, Tehran appears to be using the pause in fighting to deepen its control over the strait.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has assumed a leading role in regulating maritime traffic, requiring ships to coordinate their passage directly with its naval units.

Broadcast warnings directed at vessels in the area have reinforced the risks, with Iranian forces cautioning that ships attempting to pass without approval could be targeted.

Only a small number of vessels made it through on the first full day of the ceasefire, marking one of the lowest levels of traffic seen in recent weeks.

The reduced volume has effectively prolonged the disruption caused by the conflict, preventing a meaningful return to normal commercial activity.

Although the ceasefire remains in effect on paper, conditions on the ground indicate that free navigation is still severely limited, with Iran dictating access and pricing.

Oil-producing nations in the Gulf have voiced strong objections to any arrangement that requires payments to Tehran, warning that such a system could establish a dangerous precedent.

They argue that allowing these practices would legitimize economic pressure tactics and erode the rules-based global order.

Analysts say Iran’s approach reflects an evolving strategy, using its geographic position to exert influence rather than relying solely on military force.

By controlling the strait, Tehran gains immediate leverage over global markets, particularly the pricing and flow of oil.

This influence is significant given that roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow channel.

Even limited disruptions can cause sharp price swings, with far-reaching consequences for economies worldwide.

Shipping firms are proceeding cautiously, wary of resuming normal operations amid uncertainty about enforcement and safety conditions.

Many companies are holding vessels back, waiting for clearer direction before committing to regular transit schedules.

U.S. officials have acknowledged the complications arising from Iran’s actions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that tolls would be both illegal and dangerous.

He stressed that stopping such measures would likely require a coordinated international effort, especially from nations that rely heavily on the strait.

At the same time, the United States has not yet laid out a specific plan for enforcing compliance.

For now, the ceasefire remains nominally in place, but questions about its effectiveness continue to grow.

As long as restrictions and fees remain, the agreement falls short of delivering the open and secure passage it promised.

With Vice President JD Vance scheduled to hold direct talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on Friday, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can restore genuine freedom of navigation or whether tensions will escalate once again.