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Visitors to Meron will now benefit from a newly completed restroom complex located near the main entrance to the tziyun of the tanna Rav Shimon bar Yochai, following the inauguration this week of a modern and fully accessible facility designed to serve the hundreds of thousands who visit the site annually.

The project, which took years of planning and construction to complete, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Religious Services under the leadership of Director-General Rabbi Yehuda Avidan. It was carried out in cooperation with the Safra Foundation in Israel, represented by Yair Turnheim, as well as the regional planning authorities and the Committee of Five responsible for overseeing the Rashbi site.

The new structure is part of a broader effort to upgrade infrastructure and visitor services throughout the holy site and is intended to provide a significantly improved experience for the large crowds that travel to Meron throughout the year.

Designed to accommodate the needs of the many visitors who frequent the site, particularly during peak periods, the facility replaces the temporary restroom system that had previously operated near the tziyun. Dozens of spacious, modern, and fully equipped restroom stalls have been installed to provide a more comfortable and dignified experience for worshippers and guests.

As part of the initiative, extensive infrastructure work was carried out and the surrounding area underwent substantial improvements. The project forms part of an ongoing campaign to enhance accessibility, visitor services, and overall conditions at the site.

The location of the new facility was selected following consultation with the late Gaon Rabbi Dovid Shmidel and representatives of Asra Kadisha, who carefully evaluated several potential locations around the holy site before identifying the final location.

Special attention was also given to the needs of kohanim. In addition to the general improvements, the structure was built using a system of kipin al gabei kipin to ensure accessibility for kohanim, and a dedicated pathway was created connecting the facility to the existing route designated for kohanim. Halachic oversight was provided by representatives of Asra Kadisha and members of the Committee of Five headed by Rav Shmuel Rabinovitch, Rav of the Kosel and the holy sites.

The new building was also specifically designed to meet modern accessibility standards, making it easier for individuals with disabilities and those with mobility challenges to visit the tziyun throughout the year.

Officials described the project as another important milestone in the continuing effort to improve conditions in Meron and expand the site’s infrastructure for the benefit of the many mispallelim and visitors who come to the holy site.

{Matzav.com}

A growing debate over how Likud will select its next Knesset slate has placed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the center of a major internal battle, with reports indicating he is considering several significant changes to the party’s candidate-selection process ahead of the next election.

According to a report in Israel Hayom, Netanyahu and senior party officials are currently evaluating three primary options for determining Likud’s future Knesset list, a decision that could reshape the party’s internal balance of power.

Under the first proposal, the traditional primary system would be scrapped entirely and replaced by a selection committee. The committee would reportedly include local government leaders and other prominent figures affiliated with Likud and would be tasked with assembling the party’s candidate list.

A second option would preserve the primary system while substantially expanding the chairman’s authority to reserve spots on the slate for candidates of his choosing. The third alternative would leave the current system untouched, allowing primaries to proceed exactly as they do today.

One senior Likud minister predicted that the party will ultimately retain the primary process, although he believes Netanyahu will seek broader powers to place candidates on the list. “The grassroots won’t easily give up their right to choose,” he said.

Others within the party argue that meaningful reforms are necessary if Likud hopes to strengthen its electoral prospects. According to one senior faction official, “Likud must improve the quality of its candidate roster. Without significant personnel changes, the party could lose valuable votes in the next election.”

The political debate is unfolding alongside a parallel legal dispute over the party’s rules and procedures.

Likud Comptroller attorney Shay Galili has reportedly prepared a draft legal opinion stating that any effort to abolish the primary system would require broad approval from party members.

The draft further suggests that a major expansion of the chairman’s appointment powers could also face legal obstacles. According to the opinion, candidates cannot simply be inserted onto the slate without first participating in the party’s standard selection process.

Meanwhile, concerns regarding organized and financially supported party registrations continue to loom over the discussion. The issue has previously drawn scrutiny from the State Comptroller and remains a source of tension within the party.

Some Likud officials warn that if allegations regarding funded memberships are substantiated, the primary results could be significantly affected and new internal power centers could emerge.

“If the concerns materialize, independent power blocs could develop within Likud,” one party source said. “This is a direct threat to the stability of the faction and to the party’s ability to form and manage a stable coalition.”

{Matzav.com}

MK Meir Porush, chairman of the Shlomei Emunim faction, issued a passionate call Tuesday night for greater unity among the leaders of the chareidi parties, warning that the Torah world is confronting one of the most difficult periods in its history.

Speaking before community leaders in Bnei Brak, Porush described the current challenges facing the chareidi community as unprecedented in the decades since the establishment of the State of Israel.

“Almost no day passes without being worse than the one before it,” Porush said. “The chareidi community has not faced problems this severe since the founding of the state.”

Porush argued that the growing crisis surrounding the status of bnei yeshivah and the Torah world demands cooperation and coordination among all segments of the chareidi leadership.

According to Porush, the attorney general has assumed an outsized role in shaping policy, while government officials continue to follow her lead on key issues affecting the chareidi public.

“The attorney general has taken control of everyone, and they are all being dragged along behind her,” he said. “At a time like this, unity is required. Klal Yisrael is in distress. If we do not know how to unite and take the proper actions, then chas v’shalom what could happen. Our message is simple: let us come together.”

Porush delivered the remarks during a sheva brachos celebration attended by prominent community leaders in Bnei Brak. The event was hosted by the Shlomei Emunim faction in honor of the wedding of the daughter of Deputy Mayor Yossi Yaakovowitz.

The call for unity comes just days after a similar appeal by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, who urged the leadership of United Torah Judaism to establish a joint operations center to coordinate efforts in addressing the ongoing draft crisis affecting the Torah community.

“Let us join hands, establish a joint headquarters, and work together on all the practical steps and the management of this struggle in order to achieve real results for the Torah world,” Deri said in his appeal last week.

Deri proposed launching broad public-relations and advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening support for bnei yeshivah and ensuring that every yeshivah bochur can walk proudly despite the current challenges.

He expressed confidence that the current atmosphere would not last indefinitely.

“What is happening in the streets right now is only a temporary period of hester panim,” Deri said. “Very soon, things will return to their proper place.”

{Matzav.com}

Electronic cigarettes were long promoted as a safer substitute for traditional tobacco products, but a major new scientific review is raising fresh concerns about the dangers of vaping. Researchers now say e-cigarettes may significantly increase the risk of serious lung disease, challenging years of claims that they represent a harmless alternative to smoking.

The findings, published in the respected journal NPJ Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, come from a large-scale meta-analysis that combined data from 17 separate studies involving more than 4.3 million individuals. The research identified a strong association between e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive and irreversible illness that causes long-term inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

According to the analysis, people who currently use e-cigarettes face a 47.3% greater likelihood of developing COPD than those who have never vaped. Even more alarming, former users showed a 76.6% increased risk, suggesting that damage caused by vaping may continue long after a person quits.

The study comes amid growing concern over smoking and vaping rates in Israel. While approximately one-fifth of the general population smokes, estimates within the chareidi community are significantly higher, reaching between 30% and 40% in some segments of the population. Health advocates say the widespread availability of vaping devices has further intensified the problem, particularly among yeshivah students and younger users.

In many chareidi yeshivos, vaping has become socially accepted even in batei medrash, including among individuals who would never consider smoking a conventional cigarette indoors.

In response to mounting concerns, a government committee recently recommended introducing tighter controls throughout the tobacco and vaping supply chain. Proposed measures include a licensing framework, a computerized tracking system, and new legislation that would authorize authorities to confiscate illegal tobacco products. Regulators are also evaluating restrictions on the size, appearance, and design of vaping devices.

At the same time, existing anti-smoking laws already empower municipal leaders and local inspectors to enforce smoking restrictions in public areas. Revenue generated through fines is transferred directly to local authorities. As part of a nationwide reporting initiative, municipalities were required to submit enforcement statistics for 2025.

The latest figures show growing participation in the reporting process. Ninety-two local authorities submitted enforcement reports for 2025, compared with roughly 80 for 2024 and just 50 for 2023. Despite the increase in reporting, the total number of citations issued nationwide remained largely unchanged, rising only slightly from 11,605 in 2024 to 11,692 in 2025.

The data also reveal significant disparities in enforcement from one municipality to another. Jerusalem led the country by a wide margin, issuing 4,240 fines through a force of 440 smoking-enforcement inspectors. Haifa and Tel Aviv also ranked among the most active municipalities. Haifa handed out approximately 2,500 fines with only 40 inspectors, while Tel Aviv-Jaffa recorded 1,320 citations during 2025.

By contrast, enforcement in some large cities was far more limited. Rishon Lezion, one of Israel’s largest and wealthiest municipalities, issued just 120 fines, a figure viewed as unusually low relative to its population size.

Several municipalities reported no enforcement activity whatsoever. Ashdod and Ness Ziona recorded zero fines during the year, indicating no meaningful enforcement of smoking regulations. Similar results were reported in Herzliya, Ra’anana, Ramat Hasharon, Mevasseret Zion, and Yokneam Illit. In Rosh Ha’ayin, only a single citation was issued throughout the year, while Rehovot reported just 10 fines.

Public health officials also highlighted persistent exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the data, 28.9% of the Jewish population and 48.5% of the Arab population are regularly exposed to passive smoking.

The human toll remains substantial. On average, 33 Israelis die every day from illnesses linked to smoking, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all deaths nationwide.

A separate study examining smoking-related mortality found that approximately 12,386 deaths in Israel during 2022 could be attributed to smoking, representing about 23% of all deaths in the country. While the overwhelming majority were tied to active smoking, passive smoke exposure also contributed significantly. Researchers noted that the figures represent an increase compared with findings from a similar study conducted in 2014.

{Matzav.com}

A growing dispute has emerged between leading hesder yeshivos and the IDF following the military’s decision to move forward with plans to integrate female soldiers into maneuvering armored units.

Prominent roshei yeshivah from the Religious Zionist community announced that they will no longer recommend service in the Armored Corps for their talmidim, arguing that the planned changes create serious halachic concerns.

For many years, graduates of hesder yeshivos have served in large numbers in combat units, command positions, and frontline military roles, with many paying a heavy personal price during Israel’s recent wars and security operations.

The latest controversy centers on an IDF program, expected to begin in the coming months, that would place female combat soldiers in maneuvering armored units in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

Under the proposed framework, male and female soldiers would serve together in combat roles involving extended operational activity, tank deployment, and missions under demanding field conditions.

In a letter signed by leading roshei yeshivah from major hesder institutions, the rabbanim expressed strong opposition to the initiative.

“We, the heads of hesder yeshivos whose students are serving on the front lines, view with great concern the Supreme Court’s decision requiring the IDF to integrate female combat soldiers into maneuvering armored units. After careful consideration, we have concluded that service in the Armored Corps is prohibited according to halachah, and therefore we will not send our students to serve in the Armored Corps beginning with the next draft cycle.”

The rabbanim stated that concerns and objections had been raised repeatedly with military officials in recent months by both yeshivah leaders and prospective soldiers but, according to them, those concerns were not adequately addressed.

They warned that continued disregard for their position could significantly reduce the number of hesder yeshivah graduates entering the Armored Corps.

According to a senior military official quoted by Ynet, the situation presents a difficult challenge for the IDF.

“From an operational standpoint, the equation created by the Supreme Court ruling is clear: a handful of female combat soldiers each year versus giving up dozens of combat soldiers in every draft cycle. If the rabbis’ threat is carried out, it will be impossible to do both. We have already seen the consequences in the Artillery Corps, and we cannot afford for a similar situation to develop in the Armored Corps while simultaneously meeting the court’s requirements. The Supreme Court has placed us in an impossible position.”

The controversy also drew a sharp response from opposition leader Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party.

“This letter is a disgrace. Women will serve wherever they choose and in every role where the IDF needs them. Everyone will perform full military service, including Religious Zionists and chareidim, and no sector will dictate conditions to the state. The IDF is the national army of the people, not a sectoral militia.”

The remarks prompted a pointed response from MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism, who argued that the Religious Zionist community is now confronting many of the same pressures long faced by the chareidi community.

“Smotrich, Solomon, Rav Meidan, and the entire chorus that has so enjoyed attacking the chareidim over the past period. As I have said many times recently: You are a target exactly like us, if not more. Keep drilling holes in the ship, and afterward don’t come with complaints. Understand that they do not distinguish between ‘chareidim’ and ‘religious.’ We are ‘draft dodgers’ — you are ‘messianics’!”

{Matzav.com}

More than two and a half years after the devastating collapse that shocked the neighborhoods of Meah Shearim and Bais Yisrael, the Yerushalayim District Attorney’s Office has filed an indictment against a contractor accused of causing the death of a Mir Yeshivah bochur through negligence.

The indictment, filed Tuesday, charges 49-year-old contractor Iman Hamad of eastern Yerushalayim with causing death by negligence in connection with the collapse that claimed the life of Yitzchok “Itzik” Steinberger z”l.

In a significant development, authorities have simultaneously closed the case against the property owner, concluding that there was no basis for criminal charges and fully clearing him of any wrongdoing in the tragic incident.

Construction Failures Allegedly Led to Disaster

According to the indictment, submitted by attorney Ronit Shentzer Yaakobi of the Yerushalayim District Attorney’s Office, renovation and expansion work at the aging residential structure was carried out in a dangerously negligent manner despite having received the necessary building permits.

Prosecutors allege that the contractor erected concrete forms on only one side of a newly constructed wall, while relying on the old existing wall to support the opposite side of the pour.

As a result, according to the indictment, the aging structure was unable to withstand the enormous weight and pressure of the fresh concrete. The weakened wall ultimately collapsed, sending tons of concrete and debris crashing into an adjacent room.

The tragedy occurred during the month of Teves 5784 at a building on Rechov Baal Shem Tov.

At the time of the collapse, Yitzchok Steinberger z”l, a 25-year-old talmid of Yeshivas Mir, was asleep in his bed.

The wall collapsed directly onto the room, trapping the bochur beneath the rubble.

Rescue Workers Encountered Horrific Scene

Investigators determined that massive quantities of wet concrete and construction materials poured into the room, nearly completely covering the bochur.

Hatzalah, Magen David Adom, and other emergency personnel who rushed to the scene described an exceptionally difficult rescue effort.

According to reports from the time, rescuers were forced to insert their hands into freshly poured concrete in an attempt to reach and extract Yitzchok z”l.

Despite desperate efforts by emergency crews, he suffered catastrophic head injuries and severe crushing wounds. He was later niftar from his injuries at the hospital.

Prosecution Alleges Series of Serious Safety Violations

The indictment outlines what prosecutors describe as numerous significant failures in the execution of the construction project.

Among the allegations is that the contractor failed to properly assess the load created by the concrete pour and neglected to verify whether the existing structure was capable of supporting the added pressure.

Prosecutors further claim that he failed to install proper support forms on both sides of the wall, contrary to accepted construction and engineering standards.

In addition, the indictment alleges that the entire volume of concrete was poured at once and at excessive speed, rather than in stages that would have allowed the structure to stabilize and reduced the risk of collapse.

The tragedy occurred during a complex renovation project in one of Yerushalayim’s oldest and most densely populated neighborhoods, where construction work often requires extraordinary caution due to the age and condition of the buildings.

Warnings Reportedly Issued Before Collapse

According to reports published after the disaster, local residents had raised concerns about conditions at the construction site and had reportedly contacted municipal authorities responsible for dangerous structures.

Those warnings were allegedly issued months before the collapse occurred.

Nevertheless, the work continued until the fatal accident.

The decision to indict only the contractor follows a lengthy investigation lasting more than two years. During that time, several individuals were questioned, including suspects investigated for offenses related to negligence and construction activities allegedly carried out despite concerns raised by professionals.

The case will now proceed in the Yerushalayim District Court.

The tragedy cast a pall over the broader Torah and chesed communities. Yitzchok z”l was the son of longtime ZAKA Tel Aviv volunteer Reb Simcha Steinberger and the grandson of the well-known baal chesed Reb Moshe Steinberger.

{Matzav.com}

The ongoing battle over the draft law, the status of bnei yeshivah, and government funding for Torah institutions spilled into the corridors of the Knesset on Tuesday, as a tense confrontation erupted involving Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and senior chareidi lawmakers.

According to political commentator Michael Shemesh, an unusual incident unfolded when Baharav-Miara was making her way through the Knesset accompanied by security personnel.

In an apparent effort to avoid unnecessary confrontations and allow her to leave the area quickly, members of the Knesset Guard reportedly opened a side exit that is ordinarily closed to the public.

The move drew an immediate reaction from MKs of Degel HaTorah who were present at the scene and who have been among the attorney general’s fiercest critics amid ongoing disputes over issues affecting the Torah world.

According to the report, MK Yitzchak Pindrus noticed the unusual arrangement and shouted toward Knesset security personnel, questioning the decision.

“Who gave her permission to leave through there?” Pindrus reportedly called out.

Moments later, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni joined in with a sharply sarcastic remark reflecting the growing hostility between chareidi political leaders and the attorney general.

“Be grateful,” Gafni reportedly said. “Earlier they brought her through my office, but don’t worry — we washed the place after she passed through.”

The exchange comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between chareidi parties and Baharav-Miara over a range of issues, including the draft status of yeshivah students, legal challenges involving Torah institutions, and broader disputes between the government and the attorney general’s office.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced that a joint operation carried out in northern Gaza last Sunday successfully eliminated two senior Hamas operatives who played central roles in the terrorist group’s financial infrastructure.

According to Israeli officials, the strike targeted Khader Jamasi, who oversaw Hamas’ money-transfer apparatus, along with his deputy, Muhammad Harazin. Both men were deeply involved in managing and distributing funds on behalf of Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip.

Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that during the course of the war, the pair facilitated the movement of tens of millions of dollars to Hamas’ military wing through an extensive network of currency exchange businesses operating across Gaza.

The transferred funds were used to sustain Hamas’ terrorist activities, including paying operatives, maintaining the organization’s military capabilities, and financing attacks against both IDF personnel and Israeli civilians.

The two operatives are the latest members of Hamas’ financial leadership to be eliminated. Over the past year, Israeli forces have also targeted and killed other key figures involved in the organization’s monetary operations, including senior operatives Firas Mashharawi and Ihab Khrizim.

Following the operation, the IDF emphasized that measures were taken to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties during the strike.

“Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.”

The military also stressed that Israeli forces remain positioned in the area under the terms of the ceasefire arrangement and will continue responding to security threats as necessary.

“IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.”

{Matzav.com}

Tensions are rising ahead of anticipated demonstrations by Peleg Yerushalmi supporters, as organizers prepare for renewed protests surrounding the military trial of yeshivah bochur Dovid Petrov, the son of Rav Eliezer Petrov, rosh yeshivah of Maalos HaTorah and a prominent figure within the movement.

As preparations intensify, an audio message distributed through the movement’s emergency hotlines reveals unusual concern among organizers and includes a series of strict instructions aimed at maintaining control of the demonstrations.

A central theme of the message is a forceful effort to distance the movement from last week’s incident in which protesters blocked railway tracks near the Ganot Junction area.

In the recording, organizers stress that entering the tracks was not an organized action and warn participants in the strongest possible terms against repeating such behavior.

“Anyone who thinks it is permissible to go down and block Israel Railways tracks should know that this is certain death. Under no circumstances should anyone go onto the tracks.”

Organizers also reportedly instructed participants not to film or circulate footage of similar incidents, expressing concern that such material could cause significant damage to the protest movement.

The emergency directives come amid heightened scrutiny following several controversial incidents in recent weeks, including the break-in at the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, which drew widespread condemnation, including from chareidi political leaders.

‘Golden Rules’ for Demonstrators

Beyond the warning regarding railway tracks, organizers distributed what they described as a series of “golden rules” for those planning to participate in upcoming protests.

Participants were instructed not to attend demonstrations alone and instead to arrive in organized groups.

The guidelines also urged protesters to avoid confrontations or provocations involving police officers or civilians and encouraged participants to carry recording devices and cameras.

“Our strength is in our unity,” organizers declared in the concluding message, while emphasizing that demonstrators should follow only the directives issued by the Vaad LeHatzalas Olam HaTorah.

The instructions appear aimed at preserving discipline within the demonstrations and preventing incidents that could escalate into uncontrolled violence while police closely monitor developments.

In recent weeks, Peleg Yerushalmi supporters have held a series of protests over the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah students in military facilities. Demonstrations have included gatherings outside Prison 10 and protests at major intersections across the country, some of which ended in clashes with security forces.

Focus Turns to Petrov Trial

The immediate catalyst for the expected demonstrations is Wednesday’s military court hearing involving Dovid Petrov, who is facing proceedings on charges related to draft evasion.

Many observers view the case as another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between the Torah world and the defense establishment, raising concerns that additional protests could follow the court’s decision.

Several high-profile incidents have already occurred in recent days. Authorities arrested three suspects in connection with a break-in at a police station in Beit Shemesh, while a chareidi avreich was recently detained at the Tunnels Checkpoint on suspicion of involvement in demonstrations outside Justice Sohlberg’s home.

Police officials have repeatedly stated that they will not tolerate attacks on state institutions or symbols of government authority.

At the same time, leaders of the Vaad LeHatzalas Olam HaTorah have made clear that the protest campaign will continue until what they describe as the persecution of lomdei Torah comes to an end.

Nevertheless, the unusually detailed instructions issued to demonstrators suggest that organizers are increasingly concerned that uncontrolled incidents could undermine the broader protest effort.

With police on heightened alert and the Petrov ruling expected Wednesday, attention is now focused on whether the coming days will bring a wider wave of demonstrations or a more restrained and carefully managed response.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday that additional American military action against Iran could be imminent, warning that Tehran will “have to pay the price” for what he described as prolonged delays in reaching a peace agreement.

During a phone conversation with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said he is “getting close to ordering new strikes against Iranian power plants and bridges,” indicating that critical infrastructure could soon become a target.

The president also accused Iran of failing to negotiate in good faith, alleging during the call that the regime was “tapping the United States along when it comes to the negotiating process.”

The remarks came shortly after Trump issued a forceful message on Truth Social, where he vowed retaliation following Monday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

“They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!” Trump wrote in a thunderous post Wednesday morning, after stating that the country’s military infrastructure and leadership were in disarray.

He continued by portraying Iran’s armed forces as severely weakened.

“Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore – They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! ” he added.

Trump also shared additional details from the dramatic helicopter incident, describing the survival of the two Apache pilots as a “miracle.”

According to the president, an Iranian drone struck the helicopter and became wedged between the two aviators. Although the drone ignited, it did not detonate.

Repeating Trump’s account, Yingst said, “And these pilots very quickly, within seconds, because they’re flying very low, take the helicopter down into the sea,” Yingst explained, recalling what the president told him.

In what officials described as a first for the U.S. military, the pilots were reportedly recovered roughly two hours later by an unmanned maritime drone, according to U.S. Central Command.

The helicopter’s destruction prompted a swift American military response. On Tuesday evening, U.S. forces launched what officials called “self-defense strikes” against Iranian targets.

According to Fox News, Trump said he authorized overnight attacks aimed at airfields, radar installations, and air-defense systems that Iran had attempted to restore during the recent ceasefire period.

The network reported that U.S. forces “took out about 55% of what they [Iran] were even able to rebuild,” the outlet said, citing Trump.

Iran responded Wednesday by launching drones and missiles at military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, broadening the regional confrontation.

Despite the escalating exchanges, Trump had maintained until Wednesday that diplomacy remained possible, saying negotiations with Tehran were in their “final throes” and that an agreement could potentially be reached within “two to three days.”

Iran, meanwhile, appealed to neighboring Gulf states to help halt the American and Israeli military campaign, warning that further attacks could follow if they failed to act.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry argued that regional governments bear responsibility for preventing their territory from being used in operations against the Islamic Republic.

According to CBS News, Iranian officials said those countries have a “legal and moral responsibility … to prevent the US military and Israel from using their territory or facilities to plan, organize, execute or support hostile actions against Iran.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump disclosed striking new information about the survival of two U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilots who escaped death after an Iranian attack drone became embedded in their aircraft during a mission over hostile territory.

In comments relayed by Fox News on Wednesday, Trump described the incident as nothing short of miraculous. According to the president, an explosive-laden drone struck the helicopter and became lodged between the two pilots while the aircraft was flying at low altitude. Although the helicopter burst into flames, the drone failed to detonate.

“At any moment it could have exploded,” Trey Yingst told the network after speaking with Trump, who called the harrowing incident “a miracle.”

Yingst recounted the president’s description of the ordeal, saying, “And so we’re trying to take down the helicopter with the drone lodged into this gunship without it exploding. There was a lot of heat inside the cockpit of this helicopter, and ultimately these two pilots were able to take it down into the sea,” he said, quoting the president.

Despite the severe damage, the crew successfully ditched the approximately $40 million helicopter in the water, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic explosion.

The rescue that followed marked a historic first for the U.S. military. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the stranded pilots were located and assisted by an unmanned maritime vessel.

The craft, identified as a 24-foot AI-powered Saronic Corsair autonomous surface vessel, located the aviators after they spent roughly two hours in the waters off the coast of Oman.

The robotic boats are capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,000 pounds and can travel at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

Military officials said the pilots were eventually transferred to safety, where a rescue helicopter later hoisted them from the vessel and completed the extraction.

Following what Trump described as Iran’s “unjustified” downing of the helicopter, the United States launched a series of retaliatory military operations against Iranian targets, raising tensions and putting pressure on the fragile ceasefire that had been in place for roughly two months.

While emphasizing that Washington was not seeking a broader war, Trump told an ABC News reporter that a response was necessary.

“This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is,” he said.

U.S. Central Command characterized the operation as a defensive action rather than an escalation of the conflict.

“CENTCOM forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter,” the combatant command said Tuesday.

”The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” it added, suggesting that the operation is limited and is not intended to spark a return to daily war with Tehran.

Sources familiar with military planning told The Post that the American strikes are expected to concentrate on facilities and assets near the Strait of Hormuz, including locations believed to be used for launching or storing drones and other weapons systems.

Iran, however, has disputed suggestions that the helicopter was intentionally targeted. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iranian officials maintained that the aircraft was not “deliberately” shot down.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a central figure in ongoing diplomatic negotiations, indicated that the incident may have been accidental.

{Matzav.com}

A deeply emotional scene unfolded this week in Kibbutz Be’eri as demolition crews razed the final remaining house in the community’s Kerem neighborhood, the longtime home of the Sharabi and Askapa families.

The demolition marked another painful chapter in the ongoing effort to rebuild communities devastated by the October 7 massacre. Heavy machinery moved into the neighborhood on Sunday and brought down the last structure still standing in the area.

Before the Hamas attack, the neighborhood had been a peaceful and vibrant corner of the kibbutz, surrounded by greenery and family life. In the aftermath of the massacre, however, it became a landscape of destruction, with piles of broken concrete, twisted metal, and debris serving as reminders of the devastation left behind.

Among those present was Eli Sharabi, who has become a symbol of resilience and loss in the wake of the tragedy.

On October 7, Sharabi’s wife, Lianne, and their daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were murdered in their home during the Hamas assault. During the same attack, his brother, Yossi Sharabi, was kidnapped and taken to Gaza. After weeks in captivity, Yossi was ultimately murdered by Hamas terrorists.

Standing beside the ruins, Sharabi watched as bulldozers destroyed the last physical remnant of the home where his family had lived. It was a final farewell to the walls that had once held the memories, laughter, and warmth of his loved ones.

Photographer Yarden Rokach documented the emotional moments and later shared a series of powerful images from the demolition.

“On Sunday, they demolished the last house in the Kerem neighborhood of Be’eri — the home of the Sharabi family and the Askapa family. A green paradise that became ruins of broken concrete and dust. Memories filled with light mixed with profound darkness. It was a day when the air ran out of my lungs. And yet, as always, the one who gave all of us strength was the one and only Eli.”

The photographs quickly resonated across Israel, drawing an outpouring of emotion from people throughout the country.

Singer Hanan Ben Ari was among those who reacted to the images.

“Eli, your tears break my heart, and Yarden’s photographs capture these moments in an extraordinary way.”

Many others flooded social media with messages of support, encouragement, and prayer.

Commenters praised Sharabi’s strength and dignity despite the unimaginable losses he has endured, expressing hope that he will find comfort and healing in the years ahead.

Others voiced prayers that, from the ashes of destruction and heartbreak, Sharabi will be able to rebuild his life and experience renewed blessing, while the memory of his wife, daughters, and brother continues to accompany him always.

{Matzav.com}

A growing dispute has erupted between the Bnei Brak municipality and Israel Police over planned road closures surrounding the city during a series of major concerts by singer Omer Adam at nearby Ramat Gan Stadium.

City officials sent an urgent letter Tuesday to the commander of the Dan District Police, demanding that authorities find immediate transportation solutions rather than shutting down key access routes leading to the Soferim neighborhood.

The confrontation comes as tens of thousands of concertgoers are expected to arrive at the stadium each evening over the coming days. According to estimates, roughly 40,000 spectators are anticipated nightly, prompting police to implement extensive traffic-control measures throughout the area.

Under the traffic plan released by police, major roads surrounding the neighborhood will be subject to extensive closures during both the arrival and departure periods of the events.

According to the published guidelines, numerous thoroughfares will be closed between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., with additional restrictions imposed from 10:30 p.m. until midnight as crowds leave the stadium.

Among the roads expected to be affected are the Mivtza Kadesh Bridge, the Raul Wallenberg–Shitrit intersection, portions of Shitrit Street, the Em HaMoshavot corridor, and sections of Maccabim Street in Bnei Brak. Additional closures are planned at the Abuchatzira–Lehi intersection in Bnei Brak and along Ben-Gurion Boulevard in Ramat Gan.

Municipal officials argue that the closures would effectively sever the primary routes leading into the Soferim neighborhood, leaving hundreds of local families with severely limited access to their homes.

Residents have expressed particular frustration because the transportation difficulties come just days after the inauguration of a new bridge that was intended to prevent exactly this type of disruption.

The recently completed bridge, which connects Derech Em HaMoshavot with Rechov Lehi in Bnei Brak, was designed to provide a direct transportation link for the Soferim neighborhood and ease congestion during large events at the stadium.

However, despite the public dedication ceremony and official announcements surrounding the project, the bridge has not yet been opened for regular vehicular traffic due to unresolved issues involving outside agencies.

As a result, residents remain dependent on the older roads that are now scheduled to be closed, adding to growing frustration throughout the neighborhood.

Municipality: ‘We Stand Shoulder to Shoulder With Residents’

Bnei Brak officials issued a forceful statement backing the residents’ complaints and insisting that alternative arrangements must be found.

“The municipality stands shoulder to shoulder with the residents in their justified struggle,” city officials said.

“We are working intensively with all relevant authorities to bring about the full and immediate opening of the new bridge as quickly as possible, and we will not accept road closures that harm the quality of life of Bnei Brak residents and turn them into hostages.”

The dispute highlights the increasing tension between the logistical and security requirements involved in managing a massive public event and the needs of local residents seeking normal access to their homes.

Attention is now focused on whether police and transportation officials will develop an alternative traffic plan that can accommodate the large crowds expected at the concerts while minimizing disruption to residents of the Soferim neighborhood.

{Matzav.com}

By Efraim Mendelson

I’ll get straight to the point. Our neighborhoods have become more dangerous. We are facing a public safety emergency. And no, this isn’t about crime, although that’s worrisome too.

Not long ago, being on the sidewalk didn’t require constant alertness for fast-moving vehicles whizzing by. But times have changed. Today, people of all ages are zooming down sidewalks and streets on electric scooters and bikes, many with little to no experience operating them.

Everyone understands why driving a car has a minimum age requirement and only comes after training, testing, and licensing. This ensures competent drivers, safe roads, and adherence to traffic laws. But when it comes to e-scooters, it’s the wild west. Though sidewalk use is prohibited under New York law, and there are official speed limits, the regulations are weakly enforced. This creates a menace to pedestrians and turns our walkways into danger zones.

Aside from frequently crashing into pedestrians on sidewalks, e-scooters pose other hazards as well. Bumps, potholes, and broken asphalt can all cause loss of control and falls. Even when using designated bike lanes (which are mostly one-way), riders sometimes travel against traffic. This can lead to collisions with pedestrians crossing the street who aren’t expecting bikes or scooters from the wrong direction. Others leave designated areas and weave through traffic, endangering both themselves and motorists. Sadly, many adults ride recklessly as well and also get into accidents, but the risk is greater among children, who are even less prepared to operate these vehicles safely.

Yes, the pressure is real. Your child may beg for that scooter, insisting that all of his or her friends have one. But would you give your toddler a knife or allow them to cross the street alone, even after repeated cries and pleas? This is no different. A parent’s first obligation is safety, which often requires tough love. Also, bear in mind that if a child on an e-scooter injures themselves or someone else (or worse, G-d forbid), the parent who purchased it or permitted its use bears the ultimate moral responsibility.

If your child already has one, you need to ask yourself some tough questions about their safety and your role in it. If you’re an adult who rides on sidewalks or disregards designated lanes and traffic rules, you need to take a hard look in the mirror. Pikuach nefesh comes before the entire Torah. Repeatedly jeopardizing one’s life and the lives of others, or allowing a child to do so, can lead to devastating consequences, and calls into question one’s entire frumkeit.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to start taking responsibility. Act now, before an accident leads to a lifetime of regret!

———- Practical suggestion:
You may wish to avoid using a bike or scooter in the article’s header image so that the title encourages curiosity without giving the whole thing away immediately. Seeing a picture of a scooter may lead some riders to skip the article outright before even starting to read. Instead, you may wish to use an image of a more general “caution” or “danger” sign on a sidewalk. {Matzav.com}

The chairman of Israel’s Central Elections Committee, Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, ruled Tuesday that a campaign video featuring Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu may no longer be distributed, finding that it improperly used a state-owned facility for political purposes.

The decision came after the committee accepted a petition filed by the organization Lawyers for Good Governance, which challenged the use of the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv as the backdrop for political campaign material.

At the center of the case was a video published on May 19, 2026, through the prime minister’s personal social media accounts. The footage was filmed inside the historic Ben-Gurion House, located within the heavily secured Kirya military compound.

The petitioners argued that the production violated Section 2A of Israel’s Election Propaganda Law, which prohibits candidates and political parties from using government or public property to gain a political advantage during an election campaign.

‘Attempt to Influence Voters’

Justice Sohlberg sided with the petitioners, determining that the content of the video clearly crossed the line into political campaign activity.

In his ruling, Sohlberg wrote that the video highlighted the prime minister’s achievements and performance in the diplomatic and security arenas in a manner designed to influence voters ahead of the election.

According to the decision, the message presented in the video was intended to showcase Netanyahu’s leadership and accomplishments for electoral purposes, placing it squarely within the category of prohibited campaign material.

Sohlberg further emphasized that Ben-Gurion House within the Kirya is a state-owned public asset that exists solely for the official duties of the prime minister.

As such, he ruled that neither the facility itself nor its historic symbolism may be used to advance a personal or party political campaign.

Exclusive Access Violated Principle of Equality

Another factor cited in the ruling was the unique location of the filming site.

The court noted that Ben-Gurion House is situated inside a closed military base that is inaccessible to other candidates and political parties.

Because only the sitting prime minister could gain access to the facility, Sohlberg concluded that the filming created an unfair advantage over competing candidates.

The ruling described the situation as an improper exploitation of exclusive access to a restricted military installation, undermining the principle of equality that is meant to govern election campaigns.

As a result of the decision, a temporary injunction previously issued in the case was converted into a permanent order.

Netanyahu and the Likud Party are now prohibited from continuing to publish or distribute the video on any media platform.

In addition, the prime minister and Likud were ordered to jointly pay 7,500 shekels in legal costs to the organization that filed the petition.

{Matzav.com}

As Israel’s political system increasingly shifts into election mode, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reportedly working behind the scenes to engineer a renewed partnership between Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich, amid growing concern that Smotrich’s party may fail to clear the electoral threshold.

According to a report Tuesday evening by Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal, Netanyahu fears that if Smotrich’s faction falls short of the minimum vote requirement, a significant number of right-wing votes could be lost, potentially costing the right-wing bloc its parliamentary majority and jeopardizing his ability to remain in power after the next election.

The report states that Netanyahu has been promoting a plan under which Ben Gvir and Smotrich would once again run together on a joint list, while receiving guaranteed spots for their representatives on the Likud slate.

According to Segal, Netanyahu has offered two reserved positions as part of the proposal, though the arrangement could come at the expense of places previously expected to be allocated to allies of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Under the reported plan, Sa’ar ally Ze’ev Elkin would have to compete for his place on the list rather than receive a guaranteed slot.

The proposal reportedly calls for what Netanyahu describes as a technical merger only, allowing Ben Gvir and Smotrich to campaign together in order to maximize right-wing votes while retaining the option of separating again after the election.

Under the framework being discussed, each party leader would receive a guaranteed placement within Likud’s broader electoral structure, while an additional representative from their camps would be included on the list of what is expected to remain the largest party in the right-wing bloc in the next Knesset.

The effort reflects mounting concern within the coalition over recent polling that has shown uncertainty regarding Smotrich’s ability to cross the electoral threshold on his own. Should his party fail to enter the Knesset, the loss of those votes could significantly damage the right-wing camp’s chances of forming the next government.

While neither Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, nor Smotrich has publicly confirmed the details of the reported proposal, the initiative highlights the increasingly intense political maneuvering taking place as parties begin positioning themselves for a potentially high-stakes election campaign.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Attorney General has reportedly authorized the Israel Tax Authority to conduct a covert investigation into UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf, who previously served as Minister of Housing, according to a report Tuesday evening by journalist Avishai Grinzeig of i24NEWS.

According to the report, a review conducted by the Tax Authority found that Goldknopf declared ownership of 13 real-estate properties as of 2022. However, investigators allegedly identified at least three additional properties that were not included in the reported holdings.

The report further claimed that the Tax Authority examined several unusual transactions involving Goldknopf and members of his family.

Among the transactions cited was the sale of a large apartment by a Bais Yaakov-affiliated nonprofit organization identified with Goldknopf to his granddaughter at a price allegedly below market value. According to the report, investigators are examining claims that the family relationship was not disclosed during the transaction. The report further alleged that the granddaughter later transferred ownership of the apartment to her parents as a gift.

Another transaction highlighted in the report dates back to 2015. According to the allegations, Yisrael Goldknopf, a son of Yitzchak Goldknopf, transferred half ownership of an apartment to his father as a gift. The report states that Goldknopf later sold the property.

The report also alleged that Tax Authority officials examined claims of unpaid taxes related to certain transactions, asserting that payment was allegedly made only after the matter was identified by authorities.

In addition, questions were reportedly raised regarding the sources of funding used to purchase some of the properties. However, according to the report, investigators did not reach a definitive conclusion on that issue.

Grinzeig further reported that intelligence information reviewed by authorities included allegations that, while serving as Housing Minister, Goldknopf raised issues during professional meetings with municipal officials concerning kindergartens operated by the educational network he previously founded and managed, and which is currently run by his son.

According to the report, those discussions may have conflicted with the terms of Goldknopf’s conflict-of-interest arrangement.

Despite the findings outlined in the report, it was stated that the Attorney General has not instructed authorities to question Goldknopf under caution at this stage.

Both the Israel Tax Authority and the Attorney General’s Office declined to comment on the report.

In response, the office of UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf said that several of the allegations had already been published and examined in the past, and that no wrongdoing had been found.

Goldknopf’s office further stated that the apartment in question belongs to his granddaughter and has no connection to him, while dismissing the allegations involving his son Yisrael as entirely baseless.

The statement also rejected claims that taxes were paid late, asserting that no inquiry had ever been received from tax authorities regarding the matter.

Regarding the financing of the properties, Goldknopf’s office said that all purchases and funding sources were fully documented and conducted in accordance with the law.

Addressing allegations related to discussions involving the Bais Yaakov network, Goldknopf’s office dismissed the claims outright, describing them as “complete nonsense.”

{Matzav.com}

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith launched a sharp attack on President Trump Tuesday, criticizing the extensive security measures and traffic disruptions surrounding Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and mocking the president over videos that appeared to show him dozing off during the game.

Trump attended the highly anticipated matchup at MSG, where he was seated in a luxury suite alongside Knicks owner James Dolan. Footage that circulated on social media appeared to show the president sitting with his eyes closed during portions of the contest.

Addressing the videos on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith ridiculed the president’s appearance and questioned why he attended the game if he was not actively watching it.

“And guess what he was doing during the game, ladies and gentlemen. Go online, look at the videos,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “I’m not going to accuse him of snoring because I wasn’t in earshot. The brother wasn’t awake.”

Smith then compared the images to Trump’s long-running criticism of President Joe Biden, arguing that the president opened himself up to the same kind of ridicule.

He pressed on, saying that if it was so important for the president “to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn’t you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe’? Well, what should we call you. Because you weren’t awake.”

The veteran broadcaster also jokingly blamed Trump for interfering with the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA championship since 1973, noting that the president, a lifelong New Yorker from Queens, understands how much such a title would mean to the city.

“He knows exactly what New Yorkers have been through and he didn’t care,” Smith continued.

Smith also focused on the logistical headaches caused by the presidential visit, describing widespread complaints from fans and residents who encountered road closures and heightened security around the arena.

The New York Police Department had announced enhanced security measures before the game because of Trump’s attendance.

“From 6th Avenue to 9th Avenue, you had people complaining about how hectic it was, because this barricade, this blockage, this wall that was being built by folks for the garden because of the climate that existed,” he said. “Somehow, some way, it was there to protect him.”

The remarks came one day after Trump responded to Smith during a postgame exchange with reporters. Trump was asked about Smith’s earlier joking claim that he would blame the president if the Knicks lost the game.

While describing Smith as a “nice guy,” Trump suggested the commentator lacked the intellectual credentials necessary for a presidential campaign and argued that Smith did not possess a “high IQ.”

Smith responded forcefully on Tuesday, challenging Trump’s assessment and accusing the president of avoiding a direct conversation with him.

“You wanna talk about IQ,” Smith said the following day. “I could put my IQ against yours. I got something even better — I could ask you why you been running from me for the past year since I asked you to talk to me. I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude. We could go a myriad of ways.”

Despite his criticism, Smith acknowledged Trump’s earlier compliment and suggested that the president’s comments had crossed a line.

He added that he appreciated Trump calling him a “nice guy, till you tug at me a little bit, then after that I’ve got to show my other side.”

Trump also encountered a mixed reception from the Madison Square Garden crowd. During the playing of the National Anthem, some fans could be heard booing as the president appeared on arena screens.

Later, speaking with reporters, Trump brushed off the reaction and offered praise for the league despite acknowledging its political leanings.

He said he considers the NBA “a little left-wing,” but added that it remains “great entertainment.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks will have little time to dwell on their Game 3 defeat, as they are scheduled to host the Spurs once again Wednesday night in a crucial NBA Finals rematch in New York.

{Matzav.com}

Canada is preparing to join a growing list of countries moving to restrict social media access for minors, with the federal government expected to introduce legislation in the coming days that would prohibit many children under the age of 16 from using major online platforms.

The proposed measure, which is expected to be presented in the House of Commons this week, would place Canada among a number of nations tightening regulations on youth access to social media amid mounting concerns over mental health, online safety, and harmful digital content.

According to a government official who spoke anonymously to the National Post, the Canadian approach is expected to be somewhat more flexible than the model adopted by Australia, which has emerged as a leading advocate of strict age-based social media restrictions.

The official said the legislation will “include provisions that allow platforms to seek exemptions should they demonstrate an ability to keep the youngest Canadians safe while using their products online.”

Unlike some recent proposals aimed at emerging technologies, the forthcoming legislation is not expected to impose a similar prohibition on artificial intelligence chatbots.

“The legislation is not expected to include the same type of ban for AI chatbots, but will establish a set of responsibilities platforms need to meet,” the National Post added.

Reports indicate that the bill would also establish the framework for a new oversight body tasked with enforcing the restrictions and addressing various forms of harmful online content.

When asked Tuesday about the proposal, Culture Minister Marc Miller declined to discuss specific details but confirmed that stronger online regulations remain under serious consideration by the government.

“It’s clear that a ban or a moratorium on social media by kids, who we do need to protect. It can be an important element, but it can’t be the only one,” he said.

Miller acknowledged that age-based social media restrictions have gained significant public support in many countries. However, he cautioned that Australia’s experience has shown mixed results, with many young users finding ways to circumvent verification systems designed to enforce the ban.

According to Miller, such restrictions appear to be “perhaps 50 percent or more effective.”

Similar concerns were raised by Kaitlynn Mendes, a professor at Western University, who argued that policymakers should focus more heavily on changing how social media platforms operate rather than relying primarily on enforcement efforts directed at young users.

She suggested that governments should encourage companies to “change their design,” rather than assigning regulators to “regulate and monitor young people, and try to chase them off these platforms, which we know doesn’t work.”

Mendes also advocated for increased corporate transparency and greater scrutiny of platform features that may expose children to harmful material or encourage unhealthy behavior patterns, including functions such as automatic video playback.

Canada previously attempted to address online safety concerns for minors in early 2025 during the administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. That legislation stopped short of banning social media access for children and instead required technology companies to implement safety measures and regularly report their progress to government officials.

The proposal ultimately failed to advance through Parliament before the legislative session ended.

Since then, two developments have significantly altered the debate. The first was Australia’s decision to begin enforcing its social media restrictions in December 2025, followed by a number of other countries announcing similar policies throughout 2026.

The second was growing concern over online content and artificial intelligence following a mass shooting in British Columbia in February carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Relatives of the eight victims later accused OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman of failing to implement adequate safeguards within ChatGPT to prevent dangerous interactions with troubled users.

Reports indicated that ChatGPT’s safety team identified Van Rootselaar’s fixation on violence and murder and eventually terminated his account. However, he reportedly created a new account and continued using the chatbot while planning the attack.

The issue has fueled renewed calls for stricter oversight of digital platforms throughout Canada.

Last week, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced support for restrictions targeting both social media platforms and AI chatbots for younger users.

“These are highly addictive tools that are monetizing the attention of our children and causing mental health harms in the process,” he said.

Similar concerns have been voiced in Ontario. In April, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra suggested that provincial officials should consider additional limits on cellphone and social media use within schools.

“I think the evidence is becoming more and more clear that cellphone use in our schools, elementary and our secondary schools, anywhere on site, has become a problem,” he said.

Momentum for a nationwide policy increased further in April when Canada’s governing Liberal Party approved a non-binding resolution supporting a countrywide ban on social media access for children under 16.

The proposal, however, generated opposition from some younger delegates attending the party’s convention, who complained that they were not given an adequate opportunity to voice concerns about the measure.

Among the objections raised were worries about personal privacy, data collection, and the possibility that age-verification systems could expose sensitive information to security breaches.

{Matzav.com}

The State Department is preparing to roll out a new premium visa service that will allow certain foreign travelers to secure visa interview appointments at participating U.S. embassies and consulates within days rather than months—for a substantial additional fee.

Under the new initiative, business and tourist visa applicants will be able to pay an extra $750 to gain access to expedited interview scheduling at selected diplomatic posts overseas. The fee will be charged in addition to the standard $185 visa application cost.

According to a notice expected to appear in the Federal Register this week, applicants who opt into the program will be eligible to schedule an interview within 10 days of making the payment. The Associated Press first reported details of the upcoming program.

The State Department plans to launch the pilot initiative on July 1, with the trial scheduled to continue through Dec. 31. Officials could extend the program beyond that date if demand proves strong.

The list of embassies and consulates participating in the expedited service is expected to be released before the program begins.

Officials believe the new option could help ease lengthy backlogs for visa interviews, which have persisted as the Trump administration has implemented broader changes to visa vetting and enforcement procedures.

In recent years, federal authorities have expanded screening requirements for foreign applicants. Among the measures introduced are visa bonds of up to $15,000 for applicants from certain countries with high visa-overstay rates, as well as expanded disclosure requirements covering years of personal information, including social media activity.

Those enhanced screening procedures have contributed to longer processing times in many parts of the world, leaving some applicants waiting months for interview appointments.

While payment of the new fee will not increase an applicant’s chances of obtaining a visa, it is expected to significantly shorten the wait for an interview, particularly for travelers from countries that do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, where appointment delays can stretch for several months or longer.

The State Department has emphasized that the premium service affects only the speed at which an interview can be scheduled and does not alter the standards used to determine whether a visa is ultimately approved.

{Matzav.com}