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Residents across parts of the northeastern United States were startled Saturday afternoon when a meteor exploded high above the region, producing a powerful shockwave that rattled homes and triggered widespread reports of loud booms.

NASA said the meteor broke apart in the atmosphere, generating an acoustic blast that was heard across several states. According to the agency, the energy released by the explosion was roughly equivalent to 300 tons of TNT.

The event occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time in the skies above an area spanning northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

Jennifer Dooren, NASA’s deputy news chief, confirmed the nature of the phenomenon in comments to AFP and stressed that it was not connected to any man-made object.

“This fireball was not associated with any currently active meteor shower, but it was a natural object and not a re-entry of space debris or a satellite,” Dooren explained. “The energy released at breakup is estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which accounts for the loud booms.”

Before breaking apart, the meteor was traveling through Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 75,000 miles per hour. NASA said the explosion took place at an altitude of about 40 miles above the ground.

The sudden blast left many residents confused and concerned as the sound echoed across communities throughout the region. Social media quickly filled with reports from people describing thunderous noises and vibrations strong enough to shake houses and windows.

Many initially believed the sounds were caused by an earthquake, explosion, or military activity before officials confirmed that the source was a meteor disintegrating high above the Northeast.

{Matzav.com}

What is traditionally a brief and uplifting respite for thousands of yeshiva bochurim and kollel yungeleit after Shavuos turned into a weekend marked by fear, uncertainty, and widespread anxiety. Reports of arrests, roadside detentions, and efforts to avoid encounters with authorities dominated conversations across the Torah world, leaving many families deeply unsettled.

Each year, the Shabbos following Shavuos serves as a short break after weeks of intense learning. Thousands of bochurim and avreichim typically use the opportunity to return home, spend time with family, and recharge before resuming the summer zman.

This year, however, the atmosphere was markedly different. Instead of a sense of relief and renewal, many communities reported feelings of apprehension and unease amid a wave of arrests involving yeshiva students and avreichim who were subsequently transferred to military authorities.

Safe Houses and Sleepless Nights

Sources related that fears of unexpected police actions led to an extraordinary outpouring of communal support. Families in numerous neighborhoods, including areas not generally identified with the more insular chareidi communities, reportedly opened their homes to host bochurim for Shabbos.

Residents described a situation in which some families feared that authorities could arrive at their homes during the night. As a result, some bochurim reportedly spent Shabbos sleeping at alternate locations rather than at their registered addresses.

“Parents are simply afraid that military police will knock on their door in the middle of the night and take their sons into custody,” one resident said. “Some bochurim spent the nights in nearby apartments, away from their official home addresses. Every knock on the door startled entire families.”

The concern also extended into the yeshiva world itself. At one prominent Litvishe yeshiva in Yerushalayim, unusual activity was reported shortly before Shabbos as parents arrived in large numbers to pick up their sons directly from the campus. According to reports, students were advised to avoid public transportation and hitchhiking, which many feared had become potential points of detention.

Three Bochurim Arrested While Traveling Home

Those concerns intensified following several arrests that took place shortly before Shabbos and quickly became the focus of discussion throughout the chareidi community.

One incident involved three talmidim from Yeshivas Maalos HaTorah who were attempting to obtain rides home. According to reports, traffic police stopped the students for a routine identification check and discovered that they were listed as draft evaders.

The three were reportedly taken into custody and transferred to military authorities. They spent Shabbos in detention alongside approximately 40 other yeshiva students and avreichim who are currently being held under similar circumstances. Leaders within the Peleg Yerushalmi are reportedly preparing demonstrations and protest activities in response.

Kiryat Gat Arrest Sparks Outrage

A separate incident in Kiryat Gat generated particularly strong reactions and threatened to escalate tensions between the chareidi community and law enforcement authorities.

According to reports, a well-known Belzer chossid and avreich was arrested and transferred to military authorities after being identified as a draft evader.

Witnesses said that the arrest occurred while a crowd had gathered around a local incident. The avreich allegedly approached police officers in an effort to help calm the situation. Instead, officers checked his identification and, after determining his status, placed him under arrest.

The incident prompted unusually sharp criticism within Belz, where many viewed the arrest as crossing long-standing understandings between the chareidi community and law enforcement authorities.

The response was swift. Senior figures in the chassidus reportedly instructed dozens of police volunteers affiliated with Belz, as well as avreichim involved in various enlistment-related processes, to attend an emergency gathering scheduled for Motzaei Shabbos.

Officials involved in volunteer emergency and community organizations expressed concern that the episode could damage trust and hinder cooperation between the chareidi public and police authorities.

At the same time, Deputy Minister and MK Yisroel Eichler, along with leading Belz activists, became actively involved in efforts to secure the avreich’s release. According to reports, significant political pressure was brought to bear on senior figures within the security and law enforcement establishment.

After several tense hours, those efforts proved successful, and the avreich was released shortly before the onset of Shabbos.

Despite that release, tensions remained high throughout the Torah world after Shabbos. Many bochurim and avreichim expressed concern that routine activities once taken for granted now carry a degree of uncertainty and risk.

“The status quo has changed; the game has become dangerous,” one Yerushalayim rosh yeshiva said. “This Shabbos demonstrated that we have entered a new phase, and nobody knows what tomorrow will bring.”

{Matzav.com}

Health officials have expanded Ebola screening measures to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport after federal authorities confirmed that an American physician contracted the virus during the ongoing outbreak in Africa.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that JFK began conducting enhanced health screenings on Friday, becoming the fourth major U.S. airport to implement the program. The airport joins Washington Dulles International Airport, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in screening travelers arriving from affected regions.

The World Health Organization designated the current outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 15.

The outbreak originated in Congo’s northeastern Ituri Province before spreading into neighboring Uganda. According to the latest WHO figures released May 30, there have been 906 suspected infections and 223 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak.

Federal officials said Peter Stafford, a 39-year-old American physician working with the missionary organization Serge, unknowingly performed surgery on a patient infected with Ebola before the outbreak was identified.

Stafford tested positive for the virus on May 24. Authorities subsequently transferred him to a hospital in Germany, where he is receiving treatment.

Over the past week, the United States has redirected travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to designated airports where they undergo enhanced screening procedures aimed at identifying potential exposures.

Under newly revised federal rules, lawful permanent residents who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days may also be barred from entering the United States.

“Public health entry screening serves as one component of CDC’s layered public health approach,” the CDC said in the May 29 announcement.

“These actions are based on current epidemiological evidence, ongoing risk assessments, and the highly serious nature of BVD (Bundibugyo). This order will be in effect for 30 days, effective immediately.”

Travelers selected for screening will be escorted to a designated area, where they will answer questions about their recent travel and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Their temperatures will be checked using non-contact devices, and CDC personnel will observe them for signs of illness.

The CDC continues to classify the immediate risk to the general American public as low. However, officials said they are closely monitoring developments and will adjust policies as conditions change.

In the meantime, the agency is advising anyone traveling to the United States from affected countries to monitor themselves for possible Ebola symptoms for 21 days after departure.

Symptoms associated with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which carries an estimated mortality rate of between 30 and 50 percent, include fever, headaches, muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in advanced cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

The CDC also said it is working to evacuate additional Americans from the region, including Stafford’s wife, Rebekah Stafford, 38, a physician who also treated the infected patient.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump remains in outstanding physical and mental condition and is fully capable of carrying out the responsibilities of the presidency, according to a medical report released by the White House on Friday evening.

The report summarizes the findings of Trump’s six-month physical examination, which was conducted earlier this week at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by Dr. Sean Barbabella.

In the memo, Barbabella concluded that the president continues to enjoy strong overall health.

“President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function,” Barbabella wrote.

The physician also pointed to the president’s demanding workload and active routine as contributing factors to his condition.

“His demanding daily schedule, including multiple high-level meetings, public engagements, and regular physical activity, continues to support his overall well-being,” he added. “Cognitive and physical performance are excellent.

“He is fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.”

Among the findings highlighted in the report was an assessment that Trump’s cardiovascular health is significantly younger than his actual age.

According to Barbabella, the president’s “cardiac age” was estimated to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age.

The report also noted progress regarding a minor medical issue identified during an earlier examination. Barbabella said there had been “improvement” in the mild swelling previously observed in Trump’s lower legs.

In addition, the physician referenced the visible scar on Trump’s right ear resulting from the gunshot wound he sustained during the July 2024 assassination attempt.

The report stated that Trump continues to take two medications to manage cholesterol levels, along with a daily aspirin regimen.

Barbabella explained that the president’s use of aspirin, combined with his frequent public interactions and handshaking, contributes to the bruising occasionally visible on his hand, describing the condition as “common and benign.”

As part of the examination, Trump also completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used cognitive screening test, and achieved a perfect score, answering all 30 questions correctly.

{Matzav.com}

American drivers are seeing some relief at gas stations after prices dropped sharply over the past week, driven by falling oil prices amid renewed diplomatic efforts to extend the ceasefire with Iran and restore commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the decline, fuel costs remain significantly higher than they were before the conflict erupted.

According to AAA, the nationwide average price for regular gasoline stood at $4.356 per gallon on Friday, down nearly 17 cents from $4.529 one week earlier. California continued to have the highest average price in the nation at $6.040 per gallon, while Indiana recorded the lowest average at $3.722.

The decrease in gasoline prices has mirrored a pullback in crude oil markets as investors assess the possibility that oil shipments could soon resume through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Approximately 20 percent of global seaborne oil passes through the narrow waterway.

Iran has largely restricted passage through the strait since fighting with the United States and Israel intensified on February 28. The disruption sent oil prices soaring and pushed the national average price of gasoline from $2.98 per gallon before the conflict to more than $4.50 by mid-May.

On Friday, President Donald Trump met with senior national security officials at the White House to review a tentative proposal that would prolong the current ceasefire and reopen the strait to international shipping. Iranian officials, however, said no final agreement has yet been reached.

Recent declines in Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures have been fueled largely by optimism surrounding the diplomatic talks. Market analysts warn that any breakdown in negotiations could quickly reverse those gains.

Experts say that even if an agreement is finalized, consumers should not expect an immediate return to the lower gasoline prices seen before the conflict began.

“Reopening the Strait fully to oil shipments and nothing less” is what would meaningfully move pump prices, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Newsweek, adding that getting back to prewar levels could take more than a year even after tankers begin moving again.

Denton Cinquegrana, chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service, told the same outlet a return to the prewar $2.98 average could stretch into the second half of 2027.

While oil prices have retreated from recent highs, futures markets continue to reflect concerns about supply. Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial, noted that December 2026 Brent crude contracts are trading near $80 per barrel. That is down from approximately $88 a barrel a week ago but remains well above prewar levels.

Trump predicted on May 11 that gasoline prices would “drop like a rock” once the conflict ended. Energy analysts, however, have repeatedly cautioned that lower oil prices do not immediately translate into lower prices at the pump because of delays throughout the refining and distribution process.

Meanwhile, rising consumer demand is creating additional upward pressure on fuel prices as Americans prepare for summer travel. AAA, citing figures from the Energy Information Administration, reported that gasoline demand climbed from 8.76 million barrels per day to 9.25 million barrels per day over the past week.

Even after the recent decline, gasoline remains considerably more expensive than it was a year ago. As of May 30, 2026, the national average is roughly $1.20 higher than on the same date in 2025, when AAA reported an average price of $3.16 per gallon.

{Matzav.com}

A 21-year-old resident of eastern Yerushalayim has been charged with acting on behalf of a Hamas operative based in Cyprus and allegedly providing sensitive intelligence that could have facilitated a major terror attack at a hotel in central Yerushalayim, according to a report by i24.

Prosecutors allege that the suspect, who until recently worked at the hotel, was in contact with a Hamas handler for several months and supplied information about Israelis, security personnel, and potential targets throughout the country.

According to the indictment, the defendant collected and relayed details about security checkpoints, military and police activity, and various locations in Israel. As part of his job at the hotel, he allegedly documented soldiers and members of the security services who were staying there.

One of the most serious allegations concerns a large group of Israeli Air Force students who were scheduled to stay at the hotel. Investigators say the suspect provided his handler with extensive information about the group, including arrival dates, names, the number of participants, and the room numbers where they were expected to be housed.

The indictment further states that the Hamas operative later asked the suspect whether he would be willing to assist if a terrorist were sent to carry out an attack at the hotel. According to the charges, the suspect replied that he was “prepared to carry out a suicide attack myself.”

Authorities say the alleged attack never moved forward because the group’s planned stay at the hotel was canceled due to the war. During the investigation, the hotel’s manager confirmed that the Air Force students had indeed been scheduled to stay at the facility.

Prosecutors further allege that even after the cancellation, the suspect continued providing information to his Hamas contact. Among the materials he allegedly sent were a photograph of a female soldier’s military identification card and images of two prison guards who had visited the hotel.

{Matzav.com}

A young chareidi man from Mexico who was arrested upon arriving in Israel after being classified as a military draft evader has been released from prison and reunited with his family, bringing relief to members of the Mexican Jewish community.

The young man, who holds Israeli citizenship, was detained upon landing in Israel last Wednesday and transferred to Military Prison 10 after authorities determined that he was listed as a draft evader. His arrest sparked concern among relatives and community members in Mexico.

According to those familiar with the case, the man was married just one month ago and lives permanently in Mexico. He had traveled to Israel in order to spend time with his mother, who is battling a serious illness.

Following his arrest, family members turned to businessman and community activist Aviatar Elbaz for assistance. Elbaz became involved in the matter immediately, contacting the relevant authorities and presenting what he described as the young man’s humanitarian circumstances.

After several days of efforts on his behalf, authorities decided to release the young man from custody. Upon his release, he was reunited with his family.

Speaking to B’Chadrei Chareidim, Elbaz said, “I am happy that the case ended in the proper way and that, in the end, the young man was able to return to his family and his mother. Alongside enforcing the law, it is important to show sensitivity and humanity in exceptional cases.”

Sources said that the young man, who does not reside in Israel, is now working to regularize his status with the IDF so that he can return to his family and to his wife, whom he married only a month ago and who is awaiting his return in Mexico.

According to his family, the young man was unaware that he had been classified as a draft evader, as he has lived outside of Israel and does not reside in the country on a permanent basis.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump sharply criticized a federal judge on Friday after a court blocked his administration’s effort to rename the Kennedy Center and halted plans to shut down the landmark venue for a major renovation project.

The dispute centers on a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who sided with a legal challenge brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board. The decision stopped a proposal that would have closed the performing arts complex beginning July 5 for an extensive two-year overhaul.

Reacting to the ruling, Trump argued that experts had warned of serious structural and safety concerns within the building and accused the judge of disregarding those findings.

“Judge Cooper was given a presentation by leading Building and Construction Experts as to how structurally dangerous the Building is, with rotting beams, parking areas that are subject to collapse, and various other Life and Safety problems, in addition to the fact that it also needs a MAJOR renovation, from an aesthetic standpoint, but he was not ‘swayed,’ and said he wants the Building to, incredibly, remain open and, therefore, dangerous,” the president wrote in a Friday post on Truth Social.

Trump followed up with a direct rebuke of the judge and suggested the ruling could place the public at risk.

“Judge Cooper should be ashamed of himself!” Trump added. “I cannot be involved with a situation where danger to the Public is allowed to flourish in plain and open sight.”

The president also announced that he had instructed the Department of Commerce to take steps that would place responsibility for the institution’s maintenance and future oversight under congressional authority.

In his written opinion, Cooper pointed to federal law governing the Kennedy Center and concluded that any change to the institution’s name would require action by Congress rather than a vote of the board.

“The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so,” Cooper wrote in his ruling.

The renovation proposal is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to modernize prominent federal sites throughout Washington under the banner of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force.

Other high-profile redevelopment efforts pursued by the administration have also encountered legal opposition, including plans involving the East Wing of the White House and a separate project focused on renovating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

President Donald Trump took aim at both Pope Leo XIV and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson today after the pontiff welcomed the mayor to the Vatican, criticizing the meeting and calling Johnson ineffective.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned why the pope chose to meet with the Chicago mayor and tied the issue to his broader concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless, and that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump accompanied the post with screenshots from Johnson’s X account that highlighted the mayor’s visit to the Vatican and his meeting with the pope the previous day.

Photos shared by Johnson showed him presenting Pope Leo with a small Chicago flag. Another image captured the two smiling together while holding a Chicago Cubs cap, despite the pope’s well-known loyalty to the White Sox. Leo, the first American pope in history, was born and raised in Chicago.

The president’s latest remarks appeared to further escalate his ongoing dispute with the pontiff, whom he has repeatedly criticized in recent weeks over foreign policy issues and public comments regarding international conflicts.

Trump has previously faulted Leo for remarks critical of the war involving Iran and for what he characterized as a lenient approach to crime. He has also argued that the pope’s positions suggest insufficient opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” he wrote, adding, “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected.”

The president has also contended that the pope’s comments could place both Catholics and others at risk, accusing him of effectively tolerating Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities.

For his part, Pope Leo has rejected suggestions that he should remain silent in the face of political disagreements. Responding to criticism from Trump, the pontiff previously stated that he is “not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”

{Matzav.com}

A New Jersey man is facing federal charges after authorities said he attacked immigration officers during a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, allegedly biting two agents and injuring them badly enough to require hospital treatment.

Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as 26-year-old Brendan John Geier of Madison, New Jersey. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Geier was among a group of anti-ICE demonstrators who blocked a roadway near the detention center Thursday evening. Officers with ICE reportedly ordered the crowd to clear the area, but the group refused to comply.

The Justice Department alleges that tensions quickly escalated, with demonstrators physically confronting federal personnel. Prosecutors said Geier “engaged in a struggle with deportation officers, kicking officers and ultimately biting an officer’s forearm, and another’s knuckle. Both victims received treatment at a local hospital.” Authorities charged him with assaulting federal officers resulting in bodily injury. He appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais.

Commenting on the arrest, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal authorities would aggressively pursue those accused of attacking immigration officers.

“We will not tolerate the vicious attacks on ICE officers we’ve seen in New Jersey the last few days. These riots are clearly not ‘peaceful protests’ as you can see from the photos of these horrific wounds. Assault a federal officer, you’ll be held accountable,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote in a Friday afternoon post on X.

Blanche also shared photographs on social media showing injuries sustained by ICE personnel, including visible bite wounds and bloodied arms.

In a separate statement, Blanche emphasized that federal authorities distinguish between lawful demonstrations and physical violence against law enforcement.

“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers,” Blanche said in a statement. “Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities. With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking. We will not tolerate the vicious attacks we have seen in Newark the last few days, and we will make arrests and hold people accountable for criminal conduct.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed those remarks, pointing to the allegations outlined in the criminal complaint.

“As alleged in the Justice Department’s complaint, this violent rioter savagely bit an ICE law enforcement officer outside of Delaney Hall. The Trump Administration will always stand with our law enforcement officers,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also added in the statement. “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for New Jersey likewise stressed that violence against officers performing official duties would not be tolerated.

“As alleged, this defendant responded to lawful orders from federal officers by kicking one and biting two others who were performing their official duties,” U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey also said in the statement. “Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable. Period. Federal officers must be able to carry out their responsibilities without being subjected to violence, intimidation, or obstruction. This Office will continue to prosecute those who, as alleged here, assault officers and interfere with the lawful execution of their duties.”

Federal investigators also condemned the alleged actions, arguing that the conduct crossed the line from protest into criminal behavior.

“To be clear, peaceful protest does not mean biting, kicking, or punching law enforcement officers,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark added in the statement.

“The repeated assaults on federal officers at Delaney Hall are criminal acts — not protected speech. Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in its commitment to hold those who attack law enforcement fully accountable under the law,” Karabinas concluded.

Demonstrations outside Delaney Hall have now stretched into a second consecutive week, with tensions remaining high around the facility.

By Saturday morning, both anti-ICE demonstrators and supporters of immigration enforcement had gathered outside the detention center. Crowds on both sides continued to grow, while officers on bicycles patrolled the area and maintained separation between the opposing groups.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who visited Delaney Hall on Memorial Day and voiced support for protesters opposing ICE operations, announced Friday that the New Jersey State Police would take over responsibility for security and public safety around the detention center.

Earlier in the week, Mullin criticized Sherrill, accusing her of preventing local law enforcement agencies from working alongside federal immigration authorities. The Department of Homeland Security said federal officers confronting violent demonstrators received little assistance from local police during the unrest.

{Matzav.com}

The United States issued a stark warning today that military action against Iran could quickly resume if diplomatic efforts fail, as President Donald Trump insisted that any agreement with Tehran must meet key American demands, foremost among them preventing Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons.

While the White House has indicated that Trump is nearing a decision on a possible agreement with Iran, officials in Tehran continue to deny that a finalized deal exists to bring the conflict to an end.

According to U.S. officials who spoke with AFP, negotiators had completed work on a framework awaiting Trump’s approval. However, no final decision emerged following a meeting Friday in the White House Situation Room.

Speaking at a defense conference in Singapore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored Washington’s military readiness, declaring today that the United States was “more than capable” of restarting the war.

At the same time, U.S. Central Command emphasized its continued military presence in the region, posting on X that American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region.”

Questions surrounding the prospects for a deal intensified this week after U.S. forces struck Iran’s port city of Bandar Abbas, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran.

Iran’s IRNA state news agency reported today that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed a drone “belonging to the US-Zionist aggressor enemy,” citing a military statement.

Despite the escalation, diplomatic contacts continued. Negotiators have also been discussing the conflict in Lebanon, which Iranian officials insist must be addressed as part of any broader settlement. Those talks continued even as Israeli forces advanced further into Lebanese territory and military representatives from both countries held meetings at the Pentagon.

Trump reiterated that any agreement would require Iran to permanently abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and would also involve reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines,” a White House official told AFP, adding: “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”

Iran rejected what it viewed as U.S. dictates. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded that the Islamic Republic “said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago.”

Baqaei acknowledged that communications between the two sides remain active but stressed that “no final agreement has been reached.”

In a social media post, Trump asserted that Iran would agree to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and reopen the waterway with “no tolls,” while the United States would end its blockade.

Trump also said both nations would work together to remove and destroy Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, adding that “no money will be exchanged, until further notice.”

Iranian media quickly challenged those claims. The Fars news agency quoted sources who said Tehran is demanding “the immediate release of $12 billion” before advancing to the next stage of negotiations.

Those same sources disputed Trump’s characterization of the Hormuz arrangements, saying “no such clause appears in the text of the agreement,” while Trump’s claim regarding the destruction of Iran’s nuclear materials “is fundamentally baseless.”

Adding another layer of uncertainty, Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted parliament member Alireza Salimi as saying legislation “to implement Iran’s management and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz will soon be approved by parliament.”

Meanwhile, the Tasnim news agency reported that the U.S. naval blockade remains in effect, claiming American vessels “are receiving warnings from CENTCOM to stop and not cross the blockade line.”

Conflicting narratives from both governments have left many observers uncertain about the true state of negotiations.

“Both sides are speaking in a way that keeps their supporters satisfied. It’s not clear who is telling the truth,” Ali, from Tonekabon north of Tehran, told AFP.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the northern border community of Shtula today and used the occasion to call for a far more aggressive military response against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Speaking during the tour, Ben Gvir pointed to what he described as Hezbollah’s ongoing breaches of ceasefire arrangements and argued that Israel should target Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, a major Hezbollah stronghold, with overwhelming force.

“The Dahiyeh needs to be flattened,” he said. “I opposed the previous ceasefire, and I say today – we must flatten it. The IDF is doing amazing work; 600 Hezbollah terrorists have been eliminated in recent weeks, but that is not enough. What hurts them is the Dahieh, and we need to go after the Dahieh – flatten it, flatten it, and flatten it again.”

The minister said he has repeatedly raised the issue in discussions with Israel’s leadership and continues to advocate for the move during high-level security meetings attended by members of the Cabinet.

“I say this both here and to the dear Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu: I love you and appreciate you, but this is the time to flatten the Dahieh. There is respect for [US President Donald] Trump, and we need to thank him for the partnership, but the red line is harm to our soldiers and civilians – and the Dahieh must be flattened.”

{Matzav.com}

Northern Israel faced a heavy wave of rocket attacks from Lebanon today, with more than 25 launches recorded throughout the day. Among the strikes was a rocket aimed at the Meron region for the first time, while another hit a commercial complex in Kiryat Shmona.

Warning sirens echoed across several northern communities as the attacks intensified. Residents of Nahariya heard rocket alerts for the first time in three weeks. Later, sirens sounded once again in Kiryat Shmona and were activated in Karmiel for the first time in over a month.

Earlier, the IDF warned of the possibility of incoming fire, stating: “The IDF is preparing for the possibility of fire from Lebanon, specifically toward northern Israel, following the advancement of IDF operations in southern Lebanon, and in accordance with the situational assessment.”

The military added: “The IDF emphasizes that, at this stage, the public should remain vigilant, act responsibly while continuing to adhere to the Home Front Command’s protective guidelines. As of now, there is no change in Home Front Command guidelines. Should there be any change, the IDF will update the public in an orderly manner.”

Following the activation of the sirens, the IDF Spokesperson reported that one rocket fired from Lebanon was intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, while another landed in an open area. Additional rockets launched toward Nahariya and nearby communities were also intercepted, while others fell in uninhabited areas.

Later in the evening, rockets headed toward Kiryat Shmona and Karmiel were successfully shot down. Earlier in the day, around 3:30 p.m., residents across the Western Galilee endured nearly ten consecutive minutes of sirens amid fears of a hostile drone infiltration.

Military officials said that since midnight, more than 25 rockets had been launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Aside from a rocket that struck Kiryat Shmona overnight and a drone that impacted a military zone near Shomera, all of the projectiles were either intercepted or landed in open areas. No injuries were reported.

MSNBC host Al Sharpton sharply criticized plans for a UFC event at the White House, arguing Friday that the spectacle reflects an effort to romanticize periods of American history marked by slavery and racial injustice.

Speaking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Sharpton contended that celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary should focus not on the nation’s shortcomings but on those who fought to expand freedom and equality beyond what existed at the country’s founding.

Sharpton noted that many Americans were excluded from basic rights at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The fact is that 250 years ago, when they signed the Declaration of Independence, we were enslaved. Women couldn’t vote; only white male landowners could. So if we want to celebrate something, celebrate the people that corrected. Right. The, the insidious behavior of some of the Founding Fathers who extolled the right virtues but didn’t practice them for all people at all genders. I think that we have to do that very loudly, very boldly and unapologetically.”

He went on to point to the civil rights movement as an example of how progress was achieved through sacrifice and struggle rather than through political rhetoric alone.

“I mean, we’re going to Washington on the anniversary of the March on Washington, 63 August 28 this year. We need to bring out that yes, we went from slavery to a President of the United States of color, but it was bloodshed, it was nights in jail, it was beatings. It was all kinds of things that got us there. Let’s celebrate how we grew and the people that paid the price for it, and that are continuing to pay the price now, because when we’re dealing with this redistricting, Trump and others are trying to bring us back to an America that we struggled to get out of. So there is a connection of why that they’re having these fights on the White House lawn, the UFO, whatever they call UFC, and all that because they’re trying to go back to that when, you know, they’d watch people have these fights, for the slave masters, and they’d be entertained, but they’re literally going back to that.”

Sharpton also renewed criticism of Trump’s admiration for President Andrew Jackson, arguing that the symbolism reflects a desire to return to a darker chapter of American history.

He recalled that one of the first actions Trump took after entering the Oval Office in 2017 was prominently displaying a portrait of Jackson.

“When Donald Trump first was elected in 2016, in 2017, when he went to the Oval Office, one of the first things he did was hang a picture of President Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson was the slave owning president who nominated Judge Roger Taney to the Supreme Court. Taney became the Chief Justice that saw the Dred Scott decision passed. Why didn’t anybody ask Trump why Andrew Jackson? I don’t even remember reading about him in elementary school. Why Jackson? That’s the kind of country he wants us to go back to Andrew Jackson. And we must resist that with all we have.”

{Matzav.com}

A senior Russian official issued a stark warning to European citizens on Friday after a Russian drone crashed into a residential building in Romania, claiming that European governments have effectively entered a conflict with Moscow and cautioning residents to prepare for the consequences.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a former Russian president, delivered the message in a post on X following reports that a Russian drone involved in overnight attacks on Ukraine struck an apartment building in eastern Romania, wounding two people.

Addressing citizens across the European Union, Medvedev wrote: “Citizens of EU countries, You should realize your authorities have unilaterally entered into a war with Russia.”

He followed that warning with an ominous message about what Europeans should expect going forward.

“So be vigilant and don’t be surprised by anything. The peaceful sleep is over. But you know who to ask why.”

The incident drew a sharp response from NATO, which condemned the drone strike in Romania, a member of the alliance, and reiterated its commitment to protecting member states from external threats.

Following a conversation with Romanian President Nicușor Dan, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance’s determination to strengthen its defenses.

“We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte wrote on X after speaking with Romanian President Nicușor Dan.

Rutte also accused Moscow of endangering civilians and expanding the reach of the war beyond Ukraine’s borders.

“Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”

The latest exchange followed earlier threats from Medvedev aimed at European diplomatic personnel stationed in Kyiv. Those remarks came after Russia warned of a major attack on the Ukrainian capital and urged foreign nationals to leave the country.

Earlier this week, Medvedev criticized the European Union for maintaining its diplomatic presence in Kyiv despite Moscow’s warnings.

“The EU has said it will maintain its diplomatic presence in Kiev unchanged, despite Russia’s warnings. Well, apparently they’ve got diplomats to spare and need to trim the headcount,” Medvedev wrote Tuesday on X.

The rhetoric comes as Russia has intensified its military campaign against Ukraine, carrying out increasingly heavy missile and drone strikes in recent weeks.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a large-scale barrage launched last weekend resulted in dozens of deaths across Ukraine.

Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts between Washington and Moscow have continued despite the escalating violence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, during which the two discussed the ongoing war and broader regional developments.

The crash in Romania has renewed concerns about the possibility of the conflict spilling into NATO territory, even as both Russia and Western governments continue to exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the course of the war.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump spent roughly two hours Friday meeting with top advisers in the Situation Room to review a proposed agreement with Iran, but emerged without approving a final deal, according to a senior administration official cited by The New York Times.

The official, who spoke anonymously, said the administration believes a breakthrough is within reach but acknowledged that several key issues remain unresolved. Among the sticking points still under discussion is the question of releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Earlier in the day, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was heading into the Situation Room to make what he described as a final determination on a possible agreement with Tehran.

In the same post, the president laid out the conditions he believes must be included in any deal.

“Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers.”

Trump went on to say that Iran would be responsible for clearing any remaining mines and indicated that the U.S. naval blockade in the region would come to an end.

“Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many!). Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’”

The president also described a plan under which the United States would participate in removing and destroying Iran’s remaining enriched uranium stockpile, which he referred to as “Nuclear Dust.”

“The enriched material, sometimes referred to as ‘Nuclear Dust,’ which is buried deep underground with virtually collapsed mountains, caused by our powerful B2 Bomber attack 11 months ago, sitting on top of it, will be unearthed by the United States (which, it is agreed, is the only Country, along with China, with the mechanical capability of doing so!), in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED. No money will be exchanged, until further notice. Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to.”

Iranian officials quickly disputed portions of Trump’s description of the negotiations. Iran’s Fars news agency, citing what it described as informed sources, characterized the president’s remarks as a “mixture of truth and lies.”

The sources specifically challenged Trump’s assertion that Iran had agreed to guarantee toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Trump claimed that Iran was obligated to open the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, even though no such clause appears in the text of the agreement,” the sources told Fars.

The Iranian outlet also rejected Trump’s claim that Washington and Tehran had agreed to cooperate in eliminating Iran’s enriched uranium reserves.

Responding to Trump’s assertion that the US and Iran would coordinate on destroying Iran’s enriched uranium, the agency said, “Well-informed sources emphasized that not only does this not appear in the memorandum of understanding, but this claim is fundamentally baseless.”

Despite the disagreements, both sides continue to signal that negotiations remain active. While administration officials maintain that a deal is close, Friday’s meeting underscored that significant differences still separate Washington and Tehran as talks continue over the final shape of a potential agreement.

{Matzav.com}

Authorities have arrested and charged a second suspect in connection with two shootings that targeted synagogues in the Toronto area earlier this year, marking another development in an investigation that has heightened concerns about antisemitic violence in Canada.

Toronto police announced Friday that a 17-year-old from Waterloo, Ontario, was arrested Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in nearby Cambridge.

The charges stem from two separate shooting incidents that occurred on the night of March 6. The first attack took place shortly before midnight at Congregation Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto in Vaughan. Roughly 20 minutes later, police received reports of gunfire at Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue in Toronto, near the intersection of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue.

Investigators determined that both buildings were struck by bullets, causing damage to the exterior of the properties. No one was injured in either incident.

Because the accused is a minor, Canadian law prohibits the publication of his identity. Police said he has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.

The teenager’s arrest follows the earlier apprehension of an 18-year-old man whom investigators have identified as a key figure in the alleged plot. That suspect was taken into custody earlier this month.

Following the announcement, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto issued a joint statement commending law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

“We thank the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and all supporting units, including Waterloo Regional Police, involved in this extensive joint investigation for their continued work to identify and apprehend those responsible. These investigations are complex, and the coordination between forces reflects the seriousness with which these attacks are being treated.”

The organizations emphasized that the allegations go far beyond property damage.

“The nature of the charges laid in this case – including conspiracy and weapons trafficking offences – underscores the gravity of what occurred. These were not acts of vandalism or mischief. They were targeted acts of violence directed at Jewish houses of worship,” the two organizations added.

The groups also expressed alarm that one of the suspects is a minor, warning that extremist ideologies are increasingly influencing young people.

“The fact that the accused is a youth is deeply troubling. It underscores growing concerns about the radicalization of young people and the normalization of hate online and in our communities. Hate, extremism, and political violence are increasingly reaching younger audiences, with real-world consequences for public safety and community security.”

They called for a firm legal response to acts of antisemitic violence.

“Strong and consistent enforcement of the law is essential. The Jewish community, like all Canadians, must have confidence that acts of violence and intimidation will be met with serious consequences.”

The organizations further cautioned that repeated attacks on Jewish institutions pose a threat beyond the Jewish community itself.

“Multiple shootings targeting synagogues represent a dangerous escalation, not only for the Jewish community, but for the broader safety and social cohesion of our country. We will continue working with partners at all levels to ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and to address the conditions that allow hate to take root.”

The statement concluded with a message urging vigilance and continued cooperation with law enforcement.

“As the Jewish Security Network (JSN) continues to work closely with law enforcement, we encourage community members to stay aware of their surroundings and report any concerns. We remain committed to protecting Jewish life in Canada and confronting the growing normalization of hate and violence wherever it appears,” the statement concluded.

The arrests come amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Toronto and surrounding communities since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Just days before the March 6 synagogue shootings, gunfire struck Temple Emanu-El in North York while congregants were celebrating Purim. No injuries were reported, though the building sustained damage.

In another incident in late April, a man allegedly attempted to force his way into an Orthodox synagogue in Thornhill and assaulted an individual before fleeing.

The following day, a rock was thrown through the window of Aleph Bet Judaica, a Jewish bookstore and gift shop that had already been targeted twice before.

Three weeks ago, Toronto police arrested and charged an 18-year-old suspect in connection with two drive-by shootings directed at visibly observant Jews in the city, adding to growing concerns over a surge in anti-Jewish attacks throughout the region.

{Matzav.com}

The United Arab Emirates quietly joined military operations against Iran during the recent conflict, carrying out dozens of airstrikes in coordination with the United States and Israel, according to a report published Friday by The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper reported that Emirati aircraft struck a range of Iranian military and energy-related targets throughout the war, with operations continuing even after a ceasefire had been announced.

According to the report, the UAE adopted a far more confrontational posture toward Iran than neighboring Saudi Arabia, exposing significant disagreements between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders reportedly differed sharply over how aggressively to confront Tehran and manage the broader regional crisis.

The Wall Street Journal had previously disclosed that the UAE was directly involved in attacks on Iranian infrastructure during the conflict, marking a major escalation in Abu Dhabi’s role in the war.

One of the most notable operations reportedly carried out by the UAE targeted an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf.

Sources cited by the newspaper said the strike was conducted in early April, around the same time President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire following a month of sustained aerial attacks.

The operation reportedly caused extensive damage.

The aerial assault reportedly ignited a massive fire at the facility and successfully disabled a significant portion of the refinery’s production capacity.

The report comes against the backdrop of repeated Iranian attacks on the UAE during the war. Tehran targeted the Gulf nation on multiple occasions, including one incident in which two waves of cruise missiles were launched at Emirati territory.

That missile attack left three people injured and underscored the growing risks faced by Gulf states that became involved in the conflict.

The revelations provide new insight into the extent of the regional coalition aligned against Iran during the war and suggest that the UAE played a far more active military role than had previously been publicly known.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu visited the northern front on Friday, where he met with senior military leaders and troops operating against Hezbollah, praising the IDF’s progress and declaring that Israeli forces are inflicting significant damage on the terror organization throughout Lebanon.

Joining Netanyahu during the visit were Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai. The delegation toured positions of the IDF’s 36th Division near the northern border and received operational briefings from Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division commander Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin.

The Israeli leaders were updated on ongoing military activity in Lebanon and held discussions with brigade commanders currently overseeing combat operations in the field.

Addressing troops and commanders, Netanyahu emphasized the determination he witnessed among those serving on the front lines.

“I came here today with the Minister of Defense, with the Deputy Chief of Staff, with the Commander of the Northern Command, with the Division Commander, with the commanders you see here, and with the soldiers in the field. I spoke with the brigade commanders who are currently in the field,” Netanyahu said. “I hear them, and I also hear the soldiers, some of whom are standing here behind me; there is an immense fighting spirit. From here, the battle against Hezbollah in the north is being managed.”

The prime minister pointed to what he described as substantial military achievements, saying Israeli forces have expanded their operational reach and established control over strategic areas.

“And I must tell you that there are very impressive results here. Our forces have crossed the Litani; they have advanced to controlling positions. We are operating in Beirut, in the Beqaa, across the entire width of the front, and we are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow,” the Prime Minister said.

Netanyahu rejected any suggestion that the assessment was exaggerated, saying battlefield reports from both commanders and soldiers reflected the same reality.

“When I say this, it is no empty statement. The brigade commanders tell me, as do the soldiers, that in every contact with them, in every encounter, we are both eliminating Hezbollah and causing them to flee,” Netanyahu continued.

He attributed the military’s successes to the determination and morale of the troops engaged in combat operations and praised both the soldiers and their leadership.

“And it is this spirit that brings us these achievements. I salute you. You are lions. You have commanders who are lions, and you are proving the strength of the spirit of the Israel Defense Forces. Keep going, with great success, until the very end,” he concluded.

The visit comes as Israeli forces continue operations against Hezbollah positions throughout Lebanon, with military officials maintaining pressure on the terror group across multiple sectors of the northern front.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] Blue Origin suffered a major setback Thursday when its New Glenn rocket exploded during a ground test at Cape Canaveral, Florida, sending a huge fireball and plume of smoke into the sky and dealing another blow to Jeff Bezos’ efforts to compete in the rapidly evolving commercial space industry.

Videos captured the dramatic blast as spectators watched in disbelief. The towering rocket was engulfed in flames moments after the test began, producing a massive explosion that prompted onlookers to exclaim, “Oh no!” and “Oh my God!”

Blue Origin later acknowledged the incident in a brief statement posted on X, describing the event as an “anomaly” and confirming that “all personnel have been accounted for.”

The accident adds to a growing list of challenges facing Bezos’ aerospace company as it attempts to establish itself as a major player in the race to dominate space transportation and exploration.

At the time of the explosion, the New Glenn vehicle was not conducting a launch. Instead, engineers were carrying out a standard static-fire test, a procedure in which the rocket’s engines are ignited while the vehicle remains anchored to the launch pad.

The failed test is particularly significant because New Glenn is expected to handle a wide range of future missions, including deployments of Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband satellites, NASA cargo, and commercial payloads. No flight had been scheduled when the explosion occurred.

Bezos addressed the incident on social media, emphasizing that investigators are still working to determine what went wrong.

“It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it,” Bezos wrote on X.

“Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”

Standing 98 meters (321 feet) tall, New Glenn is Blue Origin’s flagship launch vehicle and a central component of the company’s long-term strategy to challenge Elon Musk’s SpaceX, whose Starship rocket program continues to advance.

Musk responded to news of the explosion with a brief message expressing sympathy for the setback, describing the mishap as “most unfortunate.”

The latest failure follows another recent problem for New Glenn. Only weeks ago, the rocket fell short during a mission intended to place a communications satellite into its designated orbit, triggering a formal review.

Although the mission successfully recovered and reused a booster stage, the uncrewed flight was unable to deploy a satellite for AST SpaceMobile into the planned orbit.

Following that mission, the Federal Aviation Administration directed Blue Origin to undertake a “mishap investigation,” a review process that concluded earlier this month.

In comments released last week, the company said regulators had accepted its findings.

“The FAA has approved our NG-3 report, and corrective measures have been implemented,” Blue Origin said last week, explaining that thermal conditions caused one of the rocket’s engines to not achieve its full thrust, causing it to miss its target orbit.

Florida Congressman Mike Haridopolos, whose district includes Cape Canaveral, said he had been in communication with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman after the explosion.

“I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted quickly,” Haridopolos said.

The explosion comes as Blue Origin continues working with NASA on technology intended to support future Artemis lunar missions, including the development of a lunar landing system.

Isaacman confirmed that NASA was monitoring the situation and stressed the difficulty of building powerful new launch vehicles.

“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” he wrote on X.

“We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near-term mission impacts, and get back to launching rockets.”

NASA’s current plans call for testing orbital rendezvous operations involving lunar landers in 2027, with a crewed mission to the Moon targeted before the end of 2028.

Whether those goals can be achieved on schedule remains uncertain. Both Blue Origin and SpaceX still face major technical hurdles, and many analysts in the aerospace industry have repeatedly questioned whether either company can meet the ambitious timelines required for upcoming lunar missions.

{Matzav.com}