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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a plan to reduce speed limits to 15 mph around all school zones across New York City by 2029, with enforcement expected to apply at all hours of the day, according to sources familiar with the rollout.

The initiative will be carried out through an executive action invoking Sammy’s Law, a 2024 measure that allows the city to set speed limits below the state’s standard minimum. The move fulfills a long-standing demand from street safety advocates.

In addition to the school zone changes, Mamdani said he would like to see the citywide speed limit reduced to 20 mph. However, he stated that such a move would require approval from the City Council, a position that quickly drew criticism from Council Speaker Julie Menin.

Republican members of the City Council also raised objections, particularly over the plan to enforce the lower school zone limits around the clock.

“If this were really about protecting the children, why would it be 24 hours a day?” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens).

“This is just another attempt at picking the pockets of middle- and working-class residents of the outer boroughs, while making it even more difficult to own a car than it already is. Shame on the mayor for using the safety of our children as a front to cover for yet another money grab.”

Currently, the default speed limit across New York City is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

Sammy’s Law—named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was killed by a vehicle near Prospect Park in 2013—grants city officials the authority to impose lower speed limits in designated areas.

Mamdani noted that the law has already been used to reduce speeds in certain school zones.

Under the new plan, approximately 700 school zones will see limits reduced to 20 mph, while 100 additional zones will be set at 15 mph by the end of this year.

By the close of 2026, officials expect 800 more school zones to adopt the 15 mph limit, bringing the total to about 1,300 citywide.

The changes will take effect following a 60-day public comment period, according to city officials.

Looking ahead, the Department of Transportation will expand the reduced speed limits to all 2,300 public and private school locations in the city by the end of Mamdani’s current term, the mayor said.

“I would say that today is a significant step forward in us ensuring that we are extending this safety to far more school children across our city, and that we will extend it to every single eligible school zone by the end of 2029,” he said during an event in Flushing International High School.

Not discussed publicly at the event was that enforcement of the new speed limits is expected to continue 24 hours a day, even when schools are not in session, according to sources.

Mamdani was joined by safety advocates, elected officials, and parents who have long pushed for stricter traffic safety measures aimed at reducing fatalities.

Advocates and officials pointed to data showing that pedestrians hit by vehicles traveling at 25 mph are more than three times as likely to suffer serious injuries compared to those struck at 15 mph. The city recorded 205 traffic deaths last year, the lowest number since records began in 1905.

Families for Safe Streets, an advocacy group founded by the mother of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, also attended the event. During the gathering, Mamdani was pressed on whether he would support lowering the citywide speed limit to 20 mph.

He reiterated his support for that goal but maintained that additional legislative action would be required.

“That’s why we would support the council taking this action,” he said.

City Council representatives responded quickly, suggesting that the administration already has tools at its disposal to act.

“Street safety is a priority for Speaker Menin and the Council,” a City Council spokesperson said.

“While a bill to lower the citywide speed limit has yet not been introduced, under Sammy’s Law, the NYC Department of Transportation already has the authority to lower the speed limit in specific locations.”

Efforts to reduce speed limits are not new. Officials from both parties have backed similar measures for decades, including former Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1999.

Still, opposition has grown in recent years as drivers face additional restrictions such as expanded bike lanes and new tolls, including congestion pricing fees for entering parts of Manhattan.

“Almost everywhere you drive is now in a school zone, so this is essentially lowering the speed limit citywide,” said Councilman David Carr (R-Staten Island).

“This is yet another proposal to punish Outer Borough residents who rely on cars to get around and would make living in New York City even more unbearable and more unaffordable.”

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who has acknowledged receiving multiple speeding tickets, argued that reducing speeds near schools should be a broadly accepted goal.

“I think inconvenience is better than death,” he said, before arguing the speed limits weren’t about punishing drivers with tickets.

“This is not about ‘gotcha,’ this is about the folks that we have lost.”

{Matzav.com}

Reb Meir Wolofsky z”l, a longtime resident of Flatbush who later relocated to Toms River to be near his children and grandchildren, has passed away.

R’ Meir was a man who conducted himself with quiet dignity and a steadfast commitment to Torah and Yiddishkeit. Those who knew him speak of his sincerity, his humility, and the consistency with which he lived a life guided by yiras Shamayim and strong middos tovos. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose presence brought warmth and strength to his family and all those around him.

He was the father-in-law of noted philanthropist R’ Chuny Herzka and the father of Chavy Herzka, among other distinguished children and descendants who continue in his path.

The levayah was held at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel in Lakewood, NJ, followed by additional hespeidim at the Bostoner Bais Medrash in Flatbush.

The aron will be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Sen. John Fetterman sharply criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over her comments on Israel, calling her remarks misguided and historically insensitive, while also predicting she will not run against Sen. Chuck Schumer in a future primary.

In an interview with Sean Hannity, Fetterman took aim at Ocasio-Cortez’s recent statements made during an appearance in Germany, where she accused Israel of genocide.

“To accuse Israel [of] genocide, and you’re sitting in Germany, like, can you talk about tone deaf and just ignorant to the history?” Fetterman told podcast host Sean Hannity, referring to AOC’s disastrous gaffe-prone foreign-policy outing in Munich last month.

He emphasized the historical weight of making such claims in Germany, referencing the Holocaust.

“I mean, more than 6 million Jews [were massacred] — you know the Holocaust — and now to accuse Israel during that just war for genocide,’’ he said in the interview, set to air Tuesday.

Fetterman said his criticism was not rooted in a single misstep, but in what he viewed as a deeper issue with her framing of the conflict.

“That’s my issue, not because her answer wasn’t great,’’ Fetterman told Fox News Media’s “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” in a nod to the Democratic Socialist rep’s bungling of her appearance at the time.

Ocasio-Cortez’s participation at the Munich Security Conference had drawn attention as a potential preview of a broader national campaign, with some observers viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate her foreign policy credentials ahead of possible 2028 ambitions.

However, her performance was met with criticism, including factual misstatements such as incorrectly placing Venezuela below the equator, which her detractors cited as evidence that she was not prepared for a larger stage.

The 36-year-old congresswoman, who studied international relations, responded to criticism by arguing that her approach highlighted the importance of pausing to think carefully before speaking.

Fetterman, who said Schumer relies on him at times, dismissed the idea that Ocasio-Cortez would mount a primary challenge against the longtime New York senator.

“She would never run,” Fetterman said when Hannity predicted that Ocasio-Cortez would crush Schumer in a 2028 primary.

He suggested instead that her political future lies elsewhere.

“Either she’ll run for president, or she’ll just kind of continue to rise in” the House of Representatives, the Keystone State senator added.

In another part of the discussion, Fetterman also criticized former Vice President Kamala Harris for describing President Trump as a fascist.

“That’s just not true, and … that forces people to [be] like, ‘Hey, you must be a fascist, too, because you want’” him to win,” Fetterman said of Trump supporters.

He argued that such rhetoric only deepens divisions and makes constructive dialogue more difficult.

“That makes it more difficult to have a better way forward.”

“That’s why I always refuse” to go there, Fetterman said.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sparked backlash Tuesday after invoking Ireland’s history of oppression to draw a comparison to what he described as a “genocide” in Gaza, using a St. Patrick’s Day gathering to criticize what he called widespread silence on the Israel-Hamas war.

Mamdani made the remarks while hosting Ireland’s former president, Mary Robinson, at a breakfast at Gracie Mansion marking the start of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

During his comments, Mamdani reflected on Ireland’s past struggles and framed them as a lens through which to view current global conflicts, praising the Irish tradition of standing in solidarity with oppressed groups. He did not reference conditions inside Iran under its ruling regime.

“Who can better understand those who weep than those who have been made to weep for so long? The story of the Irish, both in Ireland and in New York City, is at one time a story of oppression, of subjugation, and of discrimination,” Mamdani said.

He then commended Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, for her longstanding advocacy on human rights and her vocal support for Palestinians.

“I say this as over the past few years, as we’ve witnessed a genocide unfold before our eyes, there has been deafening silence from so many,” he said.

“For those who have long cared about universal human rights and the extension of them to Palestinians, silence, however, is nothing new, for Palestinians are so often left to weep alone. Yet, former President Robinson has never been silent.”

Mamdani also expressed appreciation to Irish New Yorkers for their role in advancing what he described as a shared pursuit of justice.

The mayor’s comments quickly drew criticism from Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, who accused Mamdani of turning a cultural celebration into a political platform.

“Mamdani is a master of the politics of victimization. He delighted his left-wing Irish friends by saying, ‘The story of the Irish, both in Ireland and in New York City, is at one time a story of oppression, of subjugation, and of discrimination,’” Donohue said in a statement.

“This is the mentality of the Left. He sees oppression everywhere, nicely teeing it up for guys like him to rescue victims from their oppressors.”

Neil Cosgrove, who serves as political education chairman of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, said the holiday should remain focused on Irish-American heritage, even while acknowledging broader global concerns.

“Today is a day to celebrate the Irish-American community. There are 364 other days to go into areas of other politics,” he told The NY Post.

“I think the world needs to hear the message of Saint Patrick — they need to hear it and heed it everyday but certainly we shouldn’t lose that message with other messages on Saint Patrick’s day.”

Robinson, speaking briefly at the event attended by roughly 50 people, highlighted the many ongoing conflicts around the world and suggested that Ireland’s own history shapes how its people view suffering elsewhere.

“We know others are living under the shadow of war and suffering in Iran, in Lebanon, in Palestine, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and Democratic Republic of Congo, and in too many other places,” she said.

“For many Irish people, these realities resonate deeply, as the mayor has said, our own history holds memories of famine, exile, and conflict,” she said.

“Perhaps because of that, many recognize echoes of Ireland’s past within the suffering of others today, in the pain of displacement and the enduring human longing for dignity, justice, and self-determination.”

Mamdani’s remarks came just one day after he met privately with Orthodox Jewish leaders and assured them that combating antisemitism remained a key priority for his administration.

The following morning, before participating in St. Patrick’s Day events, Mamdani again spoke publicly about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He later attended Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where he was seen smiling as New York’s newly installed archbishop, Ronald Hicks, walked past at the start of the service.

He then joined the city’s annual parade up Fifth Avenue alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, though he left early to attend a luncheon with Hicks.

After the Mass, Mamdani was asked to clarify his comparison between Irish history and the Palestinian situation. He said his remarks were rooted in admiration for Ireland’s historical stance against injustice.

“What we’ve seen time and time again is that it has been the Irish who have been standing up whenever there’s been a person or people oppressed, whether it has been being the first Western government to ban South African goods during apartheid, or it has been this very former president (Robinson) that we honored today standing up in support of Palestinian freedom,” he said.

Mamdani added that Irish immigrants to the United States often faced discrimination themselves, referencing signs that once read “Irish Need Not Apply.”

“It is truly a testament to the Irish spirit of perseverance, of struggle and solidarity that we are here in the city today,” he told reporters.

“I always take inspiration from the Irish.”

A day earlier, Mamdani appeared uncertain when asked about his position on Irish unification — the proposal to bring all 32 counties of Ireland under one independent government — despite confirming his participation in the parade.

“I gotta be honest, I haven’t thought enough on that question,” he said.

His response contrasted with that of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who offered a clearer position while marching in the parade.

“I believe in unifying the Irish people, of course,” Hochul told The NY Post while marching in the parade.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, said Tuesday that Israel has effectively secured victory in its war against Iran, though he made clear that military operations will continue and declined to offer any timeline for when the conflict might conclude.

At a press briefing, Sa’ar explained that Israel’s goal is to eliminate what he called “existential threats,” but did not spell out how officials would determine when those threats had been fully neutralized.

“One must be patient,” he said, referring to the 18th day of fighting in a war that has left more than 2,000 people dead across multiple countries, including Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and parts of the Persian Gulf.

Israeli leaders, including Sa’ar, have repeatedly said their broader objective is to significantly degrade Iran’s capacity to strike Israel over time, while also creating internal pressure that could eventually lead to political change within Iran.

At the same time, Sa’ar acknowledged that any effort to bring down Iran’s leadership would ultimately have to come from within the country itself, indicating that such an outcome does not appear imminent.

According to the Israeli military, its forces have been targeting Iran’s ballistic missile systems, including launch sites as well as storage and manufacturing facilities. Strikes have also been carried out against locations tied to Iran’s nuclear program, along with security infrastructure.

“We have already won,” Sa’ar said, asserting that Iran has been severely weakened and is no longer the same power it was before the war began on Feb. 28 with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes.

“This is clear for us and for our neighbors, but we will continue until the point that the mission is complete,” he said.

Despite those claims, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles toward Israel on Tuesday, underscoring that it still retains the ability to carry out long-range attacks more than two weeks into the war.

Messages from Washington about the duration of the conflict have varied, with President Donald Trump at times suggesting it could end soon while also indicating that operations remain ongoing. Israeli officials have similarly avoided committing to a timeline, and the military has said it is prepared for several more weeks of fighting and beyond.

“We are doing a very important job,” Sa’ar said, shortly after Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces had killed senior Iranian security figure Ali Larijani.

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has destabilized the broader region, with Israel also engaged in combat with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, while Iran has launched strikes targeting Gulf Arab states.

Iran has also effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows, fueling rising energy prices and concerns about inflation.

Several American allies have declined President Trump’s request to deploy naval forces to help escort commercial tankers through the strait, with some criticizing the U.S. and Israel for initiating the conflict without broader consultation. Sa’ar condemned Iran’s actions in the waterway, calling them “modern piracy” and warning that the issue affects the entire international community.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who appeared alongside Sa’ar, indicated that his country could consider joining a U.S.-led effort to reopen the vital shipping route. However, he said Washington would first need to clearly outline its goals and specify what kind of assistance it is seeking.

{Matzav.com}

The war with Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, pushing oil prices sharply higher and leaving American drivers paying the most for gasoline in nearly two and a half years.

New data from AAA shows that the national average price for a gallon of regular gas climbed to $3.79 on Tuesday, a steep increase from $2.98 before the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Prices have now reached levels not seen since October 2023.

Consumers across the country are already feeling the impact.

“It’s pretty hard. I mean, times are tough for everybody right now,” Amanda Acosta, a Louisiana resident, told The Associated Press while filling up her car’s tank this week.

“I’m getting way less gas and paying way more money.”

Her frustration reflects a broader trend, as higher fuel costs have become one of the most immediate economic consequences of the conflict. The price of crude oil, which is the key component in gasoline, has jumped and fluctuated significantly in recent weeks due to disrupted supply chains and reduced output from major Middle Eastern producers.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, surpassed $102 per barrel on Tuesday, up sharply from about $70 just weeks earlier. U.S. benchmark crude has also surged, approaching $96 per barrel.

Attention has increasingly turned to Washington. Before the outbreak of the war, President Donald Trump had touted his record of keeping gas prices down. Since then, however, he has shifted his messaging, suggesting that higher oil prices benefit the United States.

In a social media post last week, Trump wrote that because America is now the world’s leading oil producer, “when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.”

While energy companies stand to gain from rising prices, consumers are left shouldering the burden. The latest spike comes at a time when many households are already grappling with elevated living costs.

Economists warn that higher fuel prices could also feed into persistent inflation, at least in the near term, and potentially weigh more heavily on the broader economy if the trend continues. That, in turn, could increase pressure on the Trump administration as voters remain focused on affordability.

“I just want all of it to end. I just want to get out of there, out of Iran,” said Meghan Adamoli, a New Jersey resident who was among customers filling up at a Multani station on Tuesday.

Adamoli added that while she personally can manage the rising costs, she recognizes that many others are struggling far more.

Truck driver Dan Bradley of Pennsylvania said the increases have hit both his business and personal expenses. Alongside gasoline, diesel prices have also climbed significantly, with the national average exceeding $5 per gallon on Tuesday, up from about $3.76 before the war began.

“It sucks when you’re filling up,” said Bradley. “What are you going to do, not get gas?”

Not everyone views the surge negatively. Clay Plant, who lives in Lubbock, Texas, said higher oil prices are boosting economic activity in his area, where drilling has ramped up.

“It’s kind of a good sign for us in west Texas,” Plant said. “I look at it as my friends and family get to eat and they get to go to work.”

Although the United States has become a net exporter of oil, global pricing dynamics still affect domestic costs. Regions that rely heavily on Middle Eastern imports, particularly in Asia, have been hit even harder by the disruption, but Americans are not insulated from rising prices.

Oil is traded on a global market, and much of the crude produced in the U.S. differs from what domestic refineries are optimized to process. As a result, the country continues to rely in part on imports, leaving it exposed to international supply shocks.

The outlook remains uncertain, with the potential for further price increases if the conflict continues. Iran has effectively shut down most tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

This disruption has forced some regional producers to scale back output, as their oil cannot reach global markets. At the same time, strikes by Iran, Israel, and the United States have targeted key energy infrastructure.

These developments have triggered a scramble among nations to secure alternative supplies.

In response, the International Energy Agency announced plans to release 400 million barrels of oil from member countries’ reserves.

After previously minimizing the need to draw from emergency reserves, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would contribute 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of the coordinated effort.

The administration also said it would temporarily allow Russian oil to re-enter global markets despite existing sanctions tied to the war in Ukraine.

Still, analysts caution that these measures offer only temporary relief. Because refineries purchase crude in advance, it takes time for additional supply to filter through to consumers.

While crude oil prices are the primary driver of current increases, seasonal factors are also playing a role.

Gas prices often rise this time of year as travel increases and refineries switch to producing a more expensive summer fuel blend.

Regional differences also remain significant. On Tuesday, California posted the highest average price at more than $5.54 per gallon, while Kansas had the lowest at around $3.21.

Experts warn that sustained increases in fuel costs could ripple through the broader economy.

As households spend more on essentials like gasoline, many—especially those with lower or middle incomes—will need to cut back in other areas, said Francesco D’Acunto, a finance professor at Georgetown University.

Higher transportation costs also affect the price of goods and services, from food delivery to utility bills.

The combination of inflationary pressure and uncertainty tied to wartime conditions can also dampen consumer confidence.

These conditions, D’Acunto noted, may lead people to delay major financial decisions such as purchasing a home or vehicle.

“So potentially even that will have such an effect on the overall economy.”

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country stands ready to assist the United States in countering Iran, pointing to Ukraine’s extensive battlefield experience dealing with Iranian-designed Shahed drones during Russia’s ongoing war.

Speaking in multiple interviews with international outlets, Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine has gained practical knowledge that could be valuable in protecting American forces and allied assets as tensions intensify in the Middle East.

His remarks followed a call by President Donald Trump urging other nations to help safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil transport, after the U.S. initiated “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iran.

Iran has since issued warnings toward vessels seeking to navigate the strategic waterway.

“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 14.

Despite that appeal, several countries, including Australia, Japan, and Italy, have reportedly opted not to participate in the effort.

In an interview with the New York Post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine responded swiftly when the U.S. began its military action against Iran.

“Whenever it is possible for us to help defending civilians or U.S. nationals, without second thought we sent our teams,” he explained, adding that Ukraine hopes to assist the U.S. military with its experience against Shahed drones.

He added that Ukrainian specialists with expertise in Iranian drone systems have already been deployed to the Middle East.

In a separate message posted on social media, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine should not be seen merely as a recipient of foreign assistance.

“I would like the U.S. not to perceive Ukraine as a country that merely asks for help,” he wrote on X. “That is not the case. Ukraine is defending interests and values.”

“Of course, the U.S. is right when it says it is farther from this war than Europe,” Zelenskyy continued. “That is understandable. But we see U.S. allies in the Middle East, and we see what – and who – threatens them.”

Zelenskyy also proposed a broader partnership, suggesting Ukraine could play a major role in drone production.

“We could build the world’s biggest drone factory,” he suggested. “The United States would provide production and financing. Ukraine would provide the technology and experience.”

“We can use it to defend American soldiers on bases,” the Ukrainian leader offered.

In additional comments to i24NEWS and The Jerusalem Post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has effectively served as a proving ground for Iran’s drone capabilities.

“Ukraine was kind of an experiment place for these drones in the end,” Zelenskyy told The Jerusalem Post. “You can’t even compare the first class [of] Shahed, what was at the very beginning of the war, and today’s Shahed.”

President Trump, however, brushed aside the proposal from Kyiv.

“We don’t need help,” Trump told NBC News. “The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the ongoing war with Iran is progressing successfully, emphasizing that Tehran now recognizes it cannot obtain nuclear weapons.

“We’re doing very well, I will say. We’re knocking them for a loop. They can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they now understand that very strongly,” Trump said during an appearance alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

He continued by pointing to American military strength, saying, “But we have a great country, and we have an unbelievable military. We have the most powerful military in the world, and people see that,” he added.

TRUMP COMMENTS ON IRAN

“We're doing very well, I will say. We're knocking them for a loop. They can't have a nuclear weapon, and they now understand that very strongly. But we have a great country, and we have an unbelievable military. We have the most powerful military in the… pic.twitter.com/tIb0cEw6A2

— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) March 17, 2026

Speaking a day earlier, Trump told reporters that the conflict is unlikely to conclude within the week, though he expects it to end in the near future, describing it as something that will be “wrapped up soon”.

Later Monday, NBC News reported that U.S. military planners have already developed a range of options that could allow Trump to bring the war to a close, should he choose to act on them.

The report noted that, as of now, Trump has not made a decision to move forward with any of those plans.

In related developments, the United States over the weekend launched a significant round of airstrikes against Iranian targets on Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports. Trump has also indicated that additional strikes could be directed at the island’s energy infrastructure.

A separate report by Axios on Sunday said Trump is considering a more aggressive step—taking control of Iran’s main oil storage facility on Kharg Island—if tankers continue to be stranded in the Persian Gulf.

{Matzav.com}

Two elderly residents were killed early Wednesday in Ramat Gan when missiles fired from Iran struck the area, part of a barrage that included submunition warheads and caused damage and injuries in multiple locations.

The victims, a man and a woman in their 70s, were discovered inside a fourth-floor apartment in a residential building. It is believed they were unable to reach a protected space in time. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Preliminary findings suggest that one of the victims had a physical limitation that may have prevented them from reaching shelter quickly.

MDA paramedic Inbar Green and MDA medic Naftali Halberstadt, who arrived at the scene in Ramat Gan, reported, “We saw smoke rising from a building with extensive damage, shattered glass. Among the debris, we found two unconscious victims, without a pulse and not breathing, with severe injuries to their bodies. We conducted medical assessments, but they showed no signs of life, and we had no choice but to pronounce them dead at the scene. Along with additional MDA teams, we are continuing to search for other injured individuals and are prepared to provide further medical treatment if needed.”

In addition to the fatalities, four individuals sustained minor injuries from the missile strike involving submunitions. In Bnei Brak, emergency teams treated a 25-year-old man who suffered shrapnel wounds to his hand and transported him to Ichilov Hospital. In Kafr Qassem, three others were treated for light injuries.

Rail service in the Tel Aviv area was disrupted after shrapnel struck near the Savidor Center station, damaging sections of the platforms. Israel Railways suspended train operations in the area and arranged for shuttle buses to run between Herzliya, Tel Aviv Savidor Center, and Ben Gurion Airport. No injuries were reported at the station, and crews are working to repair the damage and resume normal service.

The escalation followed an earlier round of attacks Tuesday evening, when Hezbollah fired at least 40 rockets toward northern Israel. Many of the projectiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported.

Residents in the north reported hearing powerful blasts and identified several impact points in open areas. One structure in Karmiel sustained a direct hit.

The rocket fire targeted communities ranging from the Upper Galilee down to the Chadera region. Additional launches aimed at central Israel were also detected, though those attempts appear to have failed.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a message to the people of Iran on Tuesday from the Israeli Air Force command center at the Kirya, expressing support and encouragement as they mark the festival of Nowruz.

Speaking alongside senior Israeli defense officials, Netanyahu described recent military actions against top Iranian figures and emphasized Israel’s continued operations. “I’m here with Israel’s Defense Minister, our Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the Chief of Air Force, our senior commanders. In the past 24 hours, we knocked out two of the terrorist chieftains, the top terrorist chieftains of this tyranny,” Netanyahu stated in reference to the assassination of Ali Larijani and the commander of the Basij.

He said Israeli forces are actively targeting operatives across various locations in Iran, framing the strikes as part of a broader effort connected to the holiday. “Our aircraft are hitting the terror operatives on the grounds, in the crossroads, in the city squares. This is meant to enable the brave people of Iran to celebrate the Festival of Fire,” he said.

Netanyahu concluded his remarks with a message directed to the Iranian public. “So celebrate and Happy Nowruz. We’re watching from above”, the prime minister concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Russia has been providing Iran with satellite intelligence and drone-related technology to help the Islamic Republic strike American military assets, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The report states that Moscow is interested in extending the conflict and stands to gain from its continuation. As part of its support, Russia has reportedly shared satellite imagery and assisted in enhancing the communications capabilities of Iran’s shaheed suicide drones—technology similar to that used by Russian forces in Ukraine.

According to a diplomat and a military official cited in the report, the intelligence being shared includes detailed information on the locations of U.S. forces stationed throughout the Middle East.

Analysts told the Journal that Iran has demonstrated greater effectiveness in targeting American military positions in the current conflict than it did during the 12-Day War in June 2025, noting that its methods closely resemble tactics employed by Russia in Ukraine.

Earlier in the conflict, The Washington Post reported that Russia was already supplying Iran with intelligence aimed at facilitating attacks on U.S. forces in the region.

That report added that since the outbreak of the war, Russia has transferred information to Iran identifying the positions of American military targets, including naval vessels and aircraft.

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Tuesday evening that Israel is bracing for significant rocket and missile fire from Lebanon, while simultaneously carrying out operations aimed at disrupting and preventing such attacks by striking Hezbollah positions.

Defrin also referenced the targeted killings of senior Iranian figures, including acting leader Ali Larijani and top Basij commanders, describing the developments as part of a broader escalation against Tehran. “We are in the midst of a very significant day in the war. With each passing day, we deepen the damage to the Iranian regime. We will reach all Iranian leaders, anywhere and at any time.”

Addressing speculation surrounding Iran’s newly named supreme leader, Defrin said Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly in recent days and has remained silent. He stressed that Israel intends to track him down regardless of his location. “Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen recently and we have not heard from him. In any case, he is not immune – we will pursue him, find him and eliminate him.”

{Matzav.com}

President Isaac Herzog met Tuesday with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna during the minister’s visit to Israel, expressing appreciation for Estonia’s show of support during the ongoing war and highlighting the close relationship between the two countries.

Herzog thanked Tsahkna for coming to Israel at a time of conflict, saying the visit reflects the strength of ties between the two nations.

During the meeting, Herzog addressed recent strikes targeting senior Iranian figures, including the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. “It seems that Ali Larijani was removed and incapacitated, and so was the Commander of the Basij. This is a very important step, because the people of Iran need to have the lid open so that they can protest.”

He went on to recount Larijani’s alleged role in past regional conflict, pointing to events surrounding the Second Lebanon War. “I will remind people about Ali Larijani. In 2006 there was the Second Lebanon War. How did it start? By the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers who were doing their patrol on the border. Ali Larijani, that morning took a flight out of Lebanon. He was there as head of the National Security Council of Iran – he came to plan with Nasrallah this operation, give him the okay, because that’s how they operate with proxies. And that was one of the most brutal wars we had. That was the first in a series of wars.

“So, Ali Larijani spread terror and hate in the worst kind of decision making processes throughout the history in the last generation. And so is the head of the Basij. I hope, sincerely, that the Middle East will see a new horizon out of this conflict. And I hope that also the benefit of the world and Europe will be the same,” the President concluded.

{Matzav.com}

A federal oversight body in the United States is broadening its inquiry into suspected connections between employees of a United Nations aid organization and Hamas, including potential involvement in the October 7 massacre.

The Office of the Inspector General for the now-closed U.S. Agency for International Development is reviewing more than 100 staff members from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency amid concerns that some may have ties to Hamas or may have taken part in the October 7 attack, according to individuals familiar with the investigation.

According to a report by The New York Post, investigators have already flagged at least 14 UNRWA employees for alleged links to Hamas. Two others have been recommended for debarment, a step that would prevent them from receiving U.S. funds, while one former staffer has already been permanently barred from federal support.

Officials say the probe remains active, with the number of individuals being examined continuing to rise. The deputy inspector general of USAID is expected to brief members of Congress on the findings, emphasizing the continued importance of the oversight office even after the agency’s shutdown and amid discussions about transferring its functions to the State Department.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that while many U.S. allies support Washington’s actions against Iran, they are unwilling to take part militarily, renewing his criticism of NATO and other partner nations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that several allied countries have expressed agreement with the U.S. campaign but are declining to join the fighting. “The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

Trump said he was not taken aback by the response, arguing that the alliance has long placed a disproportionate burden on the United States. He pointed to the scale of American defense spending and accused partner nations of failing to reciprocate in moments of crisis. “I am not surprised by their action, however, because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street – We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need. Fortunately, we have decimated Iran’s Military – Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar is gone and perhaps, most importantly, their Leaders, at virtually every level, are gone, never to threaten us, our Middle Eastern Allies, or the World, again!” he stated.

He went on to say that the United States does not require assistance from its allies, citing what he described as significant battlefield gains against Iran. Trump extended that point beyond NATO to include key U.S. partners in Asia as well. “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” his Truth Social post concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Dozens of Americans who were evacuated from Israel through the nonprofit Grey Bull Rescue have come forward to defend the organization after a viral social media post accused it of misconduct, with many describing their experiences as positive and expressing strong appreciation for the group’s efforts.

Grey Bull Rescue, a donor-supported organization led by military veterans, specializes in extracting Americans from dangerous environments. The group says it has carried out 808 missions and helped rescue 8,739 people. It reports experience in areas such as special operations, counter–human trafficking, evacuations from war zones, and hostage situations. The organization was established by combat veteran Bryan Stern.

The controversy began after Dr. Lauren Hofstatter, known online as @theorthodoxtherapist, posted a video describing her daughter’s evacuation experience with Grey Bull. In the video, she alleged that her daughter’s group was left stranded in Jordan unless their parents could raise $1 million.

Hofstatter said her daughter called her Friday morning, just before the conflict with Iran escalated, expressing fear. Hofstatter then booked her on a Motzoei Shabbos flight to the United States, but the flight was canceled once Iranian attacks on Israel began.

According to Hofstatter, her daughter departed Yerushalayim on Tuesday at midday with roughly 150 people in the Grey Bull group. She said they were told they would travel through Jordan and then fly to Europe, from where they would arrange their own return home.

Hofstatter claimed that upon arriving at the airport in Amman Tuesday evening, the group waited until 3 a.m. for a flight that never came. She said they returned to a hotel and tried again the next day, but still were unable to leave.

Hofstatter told the Jerusalem Post that she later received a heter from a rabbi allowing her daughter to eat bread in Jordan, and subsequently another ruling permitting her to fly on Shabbos if necessary.

She added that on Motzoei Shabbos, several boys on the trip contacted their parents, who then used connections to reach the State Department, prompting Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun to get involved.

“I don’t think her safety was compromised, but I do think she was held hostage, and I do think it is embezzlement and extortion,” Hofstatter alleged.

Grey Bull founder Brian Stern dismissed Hofstatter’s claims, describing them to the Post as “silly” and “wildly debunked.”

He explained that a chartered flight had already been arranged and funded, but missile attacks caused delays that resulted in the group missing its departure window. By the time arrangements could be reset, Shabbos had begun, and religious members of the group could not travel, leading to a decision to remain in place and resume efforts afterward. During that time, the group stayed in a five-star hotel in Amman under heavy security, including 60 armed guards and Jordanian special forces.

“When you dissect her statements, if you go data point by data point, they’re either misrepresented or patently false,” he told the Post. “She says on there that I asked everyone for a million dollars for a plane. That’s not what happened.”

Stern emphasized that no one was required to contribute funds, explaining that he simply informed participants about the financial needs of arranging flights.

“It’s kind of strange to see someone say, how dare you get my daughter out of the war zone, keep her safe, feed her kosher food, which you can’t do in Jordan. There’s no kosher food in Jordan. I’m the first and only person to establish a kosher kitchen in Jordan.”

The Post reviewed a video of Hofstatter’s daughter stating she “felt so safe the entire time” and describing Grey Bull as “taking care of everything and was organized.” She was also seen eating kosher food.

Despite the criticism, most accounts gathered were strongly supportive of Grey Bull’s work. One individual said, “My brother was on that mission. Brian was in charge of a group of [seminary] girls. He was not asked for any money; he said it was excellent.”

Another parent emphasized the outcome, stating, “At the end of the day, they all came back, safe, happy, healthy, and no parent had to spend a penny for it. There is no merit to creating a slap in the face that completely denies the work, networking, and hustling that went in on behalf of Greybull to make this whole thing work. Nobody was happy that it took days, however OUR KIDS ESCAPED A WAR ZONE IN A WAY THAT’S ALMOST ABOVE NATURE. Also, the reason why GreyBull started fundraising was because of mounting costs of purposely delaying the flight so that the airplane can take off without danger as the airspace opens.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu released a video message on his X account Tuesday evening to dispel widespread online rumors claiming he had died, appearing alongside U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who confirmed the prime minister’s condition.

During the recorded meeting, Huckabee relayed that he had been sent to personally verify Netanyahu’s wellbeing, saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, I want you to know the President asked me to come and make sure you were okay.”

Netanyahu responded directly to the speculation, stating, “Yes, Mike. Yes, I’m alive.”

Huckabee added that he had confirmed the situation himself, remarking, “I checked that, and I’m happy to see that. But he wanted to make sure because, you know, you guys get along too well,”

The conversation then shifted to recent Israeli operations targeting senior Iranian figures, with Netanyahu using the moment to allude to ongoing efforts against the regime. He said, “I know, and we shake hands with five fingers in each hand, you know. But I have to tell you, I’m alive, but I have this card. And yeah, don’t read it. So it’s a punch card. Today I erased two names on the punch cards, and you see how many more to go on this batch.”

Emphasizing the continued campaign, Netanyahu concluded with a blunt statement regarding Iran’s leadership: “We’re wiping them out.”

{Matzav.com}

A recent federal court decision may entitle millions of Americans to receive tax refunds after determining that late penalties were improperly imposed during the COVID-19 emergency period.

Under Section 7508A(d) of the tax code, filing deadlines are required to be delayed when a federal disaster is declared, with the postponement lasting for the duration of the emergency plus an additional 60 days.

In a ruling issued last November in Kwong v. United States, the US Court of Federal Claims expanded the understanding of this provision, concluding that federal tax deadlines should have been pushed off for the entire span of the pandemic—from Jan. 20, 2020, through May 11, 2023—along with an extra 60 days.

As a result of that interpretation, deadlines for filing taxes for the years 2019 through 2022 should have been extended until July 10, 2023. This means that taxpayers who submitted returns before that date but were assessed late penalties or fees could now qualify to recover those amounts.

Although the IRS is expected to challenge the decision, individuals and businesses have only a limited period to act. Those who believe they were affected are encouraged to review their filings promptly and determine whether they are eligible to seek a refund.

According to USA Today, anyone—whether an individual filer or a business—who incurred penalties or interest on late tax submissions between Jan. 20, 2020, and July 10, 2023, may be entitled to reimbursement.

One example cited is Western Digital, a company specializing in digital storage, which filed a lawsuit against the federal government in February seeking to recover part of the $53.6 million it paid in taxes in August 2023.

The company contends that it should not have been charged nearly $21 million in interest because its filings occurred during the period covered by the disaster-related extensions.

The deadline to submit a claim for a refund is July 10, 2026.

Generally, refund requests are subject to a statute of limitations of three years from the time a return is filed or two years from when the tax is paid, whichever period is longer.

Based on the November ruling, the adjusted filing deadline would have been July 10, 2023. Applying the three-year window means that taxpayers have until July 10, 2026, to submit claims, according to the report.

To determine eligibility, taxpayers should review their records to see whether any penalties or interest were applied during the pandemic period, or consult with a tax professional to examine their filings.

Taxpayers can obtain their transcripts through the IRS website, request copies by mail online, or call the agency at 800-908-9946 to receive them.

These transcripts can then be used to submit a claim for relief, either directly or through a tax advisor acting on the taxpayer’s behalf.

When filing, taxpayers or their representatives should note that the submission is a protective claim connected to the Kwong v. United States case, which allows the claim to remain pending while the legal process, including any appeals, continues.

{Matzav.com}

Joe Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down from his position on Tuesday, stating that he could not continue in the role while supporting the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran.

In a message posted on social media, Kent explained his decision, writing that he “cannot in good conscience” support the war effort. He further argued that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Kent, who had been confirmed to the post last July by a 52-44 Senate vote, led the agency responsible for evaluating and identifying terrorist threats to the United States.

Before joining President Donald Trump’s administration, Kent had mounted two unsuccessful bids for Congress in Washington state. His background also includes extensive military service as a Green Beret, with 11 deployments, followed by work at the CIA.

His confirmation drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who highlighted his associations with controversial right-wing figures and promotion of conspiracy-related claims.

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent compensated Graham Jorgensen, identified as a member of the Proud Boys, for consulting services. He also maintained close ties with Joey Gibson, who founded the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and received backing from a range of right-wing activists.

At his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent declined to clearly reject claims that federal agents played a role in instigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as well as assertions that Trump defeated former President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Lawmakers also questioned Kent about his involvement in a Signal group chat used by members of Trump’s national security team to exchange sensitive military information.

Despite the controversy, Republicans pointed to Kent’s national security credentials in supporting his nomination, emphasizing his background in both military and intelligence roles.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a speech on the Senate floor that Kent had “dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel will continue its campaign against Iran’s leadership, indicating that additional actions are planned following the recent elimination of key figures in the regime.

His remarks came in response to the reported killing of senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij forces, which he described as part of Israel’s broader effort to weaken Tehran’s grip on power.

In a statement, Netanyahu detailed the operation and its targets: “”This morning, we eliminated Ali Larijani. Ali Larijani is the boss of the Revolutionary Guards, that group of gangsters that effectively runs Iran. Alongside him, we also eliminated the commander of the Basij – they are the gangsters’ assistants who are terrorizing the population in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities. We are operating there as well; operating from the air with Air Force jets and UAVs.”

He explained that Israel’s strategy is aimed at eroding the regime’s stability over time. “We are undermining this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people an opportunity to remove it. It will not happen all at once, and it will not happen easily. But if we persist, we will give them the chance to take their destiny into their own hands.”

Netanyahu also pointed to close coordination with the United States in confronting Iran, describing ongoing joint efforts. “At the same time, we are helping our American friends in the Gulf. I spoke at length with President Trump on this matter yesterday. There is cooperation between our air forces and navies, between myself and President Trump and his staff. We will assist both through indirect attacks, which create immense pressure on the Iranian regime, and through direct actions. There are many more surprises. ‘By stratagems, you shall make war.’ We will not reveal all the stratagems here, but as I told you, there are many.”

Highlighting what he sees as the key to success, Netanyahu stressed the role of resolve at every level. “The most important thing for winning a war is determination: Determination, determination, determination. The determination of the leaders, the determination of the commanders, and the determination of the people. We are determined to win, and we will achieve these goals.”

Turning to the Israeli public, he urged citizens to remain confident and not be swayed by pessimism. “I ask you to simply ignore the ‘channels of gloom.’ We are achieving historical milestones. With G-d’s help, we have reached a point where, after October 7, when we were on the brink of an abyss, we are now a formidable power, almost a global one, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with our friend, the global superpower. This is already a massive achievement in the face of all the threats coming our way. What other country has these capabilities? They are all under attack. Who else has these strengths of ours – the alliances, the IDF, the Air Force, and a strong nation? So, stay strong.”

He concluded by pledging continued government support for citizens affected by the ongoing situation. “We will also help you. Regarding everything related to compensation, I have instructed that the framework be presented to you and that it be expanded. We will help the North, and we will help everyone in need, just as we did previously in Operation Rising Lion and during COVID-19. We will do it even more vigorously this time,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}