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The European Union imposed a 890 million euro ($1 billion) antitrust fine on Google on Thursday, accusing the tech giant of violating the bloc’s digital competition rules by using Google Play and its dominant search engine to steer users toward its own products and services at the expense of rivals.

The penalty marks the latest in a series of aggressive actions by European regulators targeting major technology companies. Brussels has positioned itself at the forefront of global efforts to curb the market power of some of the world’s biggest tech firms, including companies based in Silicon Valley and China.

The crackdown comes despite growing tensions with President Donald Trump, who has sharply criticized the European Union’s digital regulations. His broader disputes with the 27-member bloc have included imposing steep tariffs, threatening to seize Greenland from Denmark by force, and raising concerns about the future of the NATO alliance.

Trump has previously warned that the United States could retaliate if European regulators continue imposing heavy penalties on American technology companies.

The latest decision follows Google’s recent defeat in its appeal against a separate $4.5 billion antitrust fine imposed by the European Union over allegations that it used the dominance of its Android mobile operating system to suppress competition and limit consumer choice.

Announcing the latest penalty, the European Commission—the EU’s executive arm and chief antitrust authority—said its investigation concluded that Google’s practices harmed competition and reduced options for consumers.

“The best products should succeed because they’re better, not because they’re owned by the company running the search engine. And European consumers have a right to be told by app developers where to sign up to the best offers, even when the app store owner does not get a cut,” said Teresa Ribera, the commission’s Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.

Google strongly rejected the ruling. Kent Walker, the company’s President of Global Affairs, denounced the fine as “product degradation driven by a small group of self-serving complainants” and argued that the decision would ultimately hurt both European businesses and consumers.

Walker also criticized the EU’s Digital Markets Act, saying it forces Google “to strip away real-time search features Europeans love — like instant pricing and direct availability for hotels, flights, and restaurants — and dismantle safety protections on Google Play.”

The European Union classifies seven of the world’s largest technology companies as digital “gatekeepers” because of their control over key online platforms. Those companies include Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

Defending the enforcement action, European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said the rules are intended to preserve fair competition and consumer choice across the digital marketplace.

“In the EU, businesses have the right to compete fairly. Gatekeepers have the obligation to ensure a level playing field and consumers the right to choose for cheaper alternative offers,” European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, reported $403 billion in revenue in 2025.

A massive search operation is underway in Ashkelon after a 4-year-old boy disappeared near the city’s Hofit Beach on Thursday, prompting police to launch an intensive land, sea, and air search amid fears for his safety.

Large numbers of Israel Police officers, joined by volunteers, marine police units, divers, and an aircraft from the police air unit, have spent hours combing the area for Yuval Kogan, a 4-year-old Ashkelon resident who vanished near the shoreline. Authorities have classified the case as that of a high-risk missing child and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.

The search began shortly after the child was reported missing early Thursday afternoon, Tishah B’Av. Given Yuval’s young age and the fact that he disappeared near the water, police immediately launched an extensive emergency response, treating the incident as a life-threatening situation.

As the hours passed and concerns mounted, police significantly expanded the search effort, bringing in additional emergency personnel and specialized units. The operation has grown into a large-scale, coordinated effort involving multiple rescue agencies working together to locate the missing child as quickly as possible.

Searches are being conducted simultaneously on land, at sea, and from the air. A police helicopter is surveying the coastline and nearby open areas from above, while marine police officers and specially trained police volunteer divers are searching the water and surrounding beaches using advanced operational and technological equipment to determine whether the child may have entered the sea.

Meanwhile, officers from the Ashkelon Police Station, together with dozens of civilian volunteers, are conducting meticulous searches along the beach, nearby buildings, walking paths, and surrounding public areas. Investigators are also attempting to reconstruct the child’s possible movements and gather any witness accounts or evidence that could provide clues to his whereabouts.

Police have released a description of Yuval in hopes that members of the public will recognize him. He is described as having a slim build with brown hair and was last seen wearing a green shirt.

Authorities stressed that even seemingly insignificant information could prove vital in locating the child and ensuring his safe return.

Israel Police are urging residents of Ashkelon, beachgoers, and anyone who may have been in the area to remain vigilant. Anyone who has seen Yuval, observed someone matching his description, or has any information that could assist in the search is asked to immediately contact the police emergency hotline by dialing 100 or call the Ashkelon Police Station directly at 08-677-1440.

Thousands of Jews have gathered at the Kosel this evening as Tisha B’Av concludes. As the sun sets and the fast is about to end, crowds have joined in singing.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump declared Thursday that any U.S. civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia will move forward only if the kingdom agrees to join the Abraham Accords, making normalization with Israel a key condition for the proposed deal.

In a post on social media, Trump stressed that the proposed agreement would be limited exclusively to peaceful nuclear energy and would prohibit uranium enrichment.

“The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!) being made between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia, which pertains only to non-military use such as the ones that Iran and UAE (and others) already have, will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords.”

Trump also emphasized that the United States has no objection to civilian nuclear energy programs that do not involve enrichment capabilities.

“The United States is not opposed to Civil (Non-Enriched) Nuclear Facilities. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he concluded:

The president has repeatedly urged additional Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords, the landmark normalization agreements first brokered during his administration. In May, he again called on more countries in the region to become part of the initiative as negotiations with Iran continued to advance, Breitbart News reported.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, initially brought the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain into formal diplomatic relations with Israel. The coalition later expanded to include Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Sudan.

Trump has specifically encouraged Saudi Arabia and Qatar to take the lead by entering the accords, arguing that nations unwilling to normalize relations with Israel should not expect to participate in any future peace agreement involving Iran.

While attending the G7 summit in June, Trump told Breitbart News and other media outlets that he believes additional Arab countries will soon join the Abraham Accords. He praised the original participants as “very smart countries” and noted that none withdrew from the agreement despite the recent conflict with Iran.

At the same time, several media reports citing anonymous administration officials have indicated that the Trump administration has been exploring a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to a Breitbart News report published Wednesday, those discussions are at “varying stages of approving a deal to share nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia.”

“The Saudi news agency Al-Arabiya reported on various of these claims in American establishment media, including a report by the Wall Street Journal that Trump had already formally approved a nuclear agreement with the country and one by Reuters stating that the Trump administration was planning to seek congressional approval for the deal. The White House at press time has not commented on the reports, nor has the Saudi government,” the outlet said.

A new petition is urging Britain’s Labour government to return a portrait of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to its longtime place inside 10 Downing Street, arguing that the official residence should preserve the nation’s history regardless of the political views of the government currently in power.

The controversy began shortly after Labour won the 2024 general election, when then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ordered the portrait of the Iron Lady removed from the Thatcher Room, the office she used as her study during her years at Number 10.

At the time, Starmer rejected accusations that the decision was politically motivated, explaining that he simply preferred not to work beneath portraits of former leaders. He said he disliked “pictures of people staring down at me” and instead favored landscape paintings. Critics, however, pointed to the fact that Chancellor Rachel Reeves later displayed a portrait of Communist Party of Great Britain co-founder Ellen Wilkinson in her own Downing Street office.

With Starmer having left office after just over two years as prime minister, the Margaret Thatcher Centre says the time has come to restore the portrait to its original location. The charitable organization, which promotes the legacy and principles of Baroness Thatcher, has launched a public petition calling for the painting’s return.

The petition specifically seeks the reinstatement of Richard Stone’s portrait of Thatcher—painted after Britain’s victory in the Falklands War—to the Thatcher Room at 10 Downing Street. It also calls for future governments to adopt a policy ensuring that portraits of former prime ministers remain on display “as a matter of historical record,” rather than allowing them to be removed “according to the preference of the incumbent.”

“Number 10 is not a private residence. It is the working seat of government and a building held in trust for the nation, in which the record of those who have faithfully served is properly displayed. The portraits that hang there are not endorsements of a programme. They are an acknowledgement of office, and of history. Gordon Brown understood this when he commissioned a painting of a Prime Minister drawn from the opposing party,” the centre argued.

The organization further contended that removing Thatcher’s portrait from the very room named in her honor undermines Britain’s historical record and opens the door for future prime ministers to selectively erase the legacy of their predecessors.

“To remove the likeness of the first woman ever to lead this country from the room that bears her name is to treat our history as a matter of personal comfort. It sets a precedent by which any future occupant of Number 10 may quietly edit the record of those who came before. It also denies a new generation the sight of a woman who reached the highest office in the land at a time when no woman had done so before.”

The Centre also emphasized Thatcher’s historic place in British politics, noting that she not only became the nation’s first female prime minister but also served longer than any other prime minister during the twentieth century.

According to the organization, Thatcher’s time in office transformed Britain through major domestic and international achievements.

During her tenure, the Centre said, she “led the country to victory in the Falklands, led this country to victory in the South Atlantic, restored its standing among the nations of the world, and gave millions of families the dignity of owning their own homes, and gave millions more a stake in the economic future of the country through privatisation.”

“She remains one of the towering figures of our national life,” the charity proclaimed.

The petition arrives as newly installed Prime Minister Andy Burnham begins his tenure. Although Burnham has not expressed the same dislike of portraits as Starmer, he has long made opposition to Thatcherism a central feature of his political identity.

In his first national address on Monday, Burnham argued that Britain’s current economic challenges stem from policies enacted by Thatcher’s government during the 1980s rather than from the decisions of more recent administrations.

Even so, the Thatcher Centre pointed out that Burnham has also pledged to improve the tone of British politics and move away from partisan “point scoring.”

“Here is a modest but telling opportunity to do precisely that. Returning the portrait would cost the public purse nothing. It would require no legislation and no inquiry. It would simply affirm that the office of Prime Minister stands above the party that happens to hold it, and that the achievements of Baroness Thatcher belong to the nation rather than to a storeroom,” the charity said.

“We do not ask the Prime Minister to share her convictions. We ask him to honour the office she held with such distinction, and the history she made in holding it.”

The House of Representatives narrowly approved a resolution Thursday seeking to halt U.S. military operations against Iran unless Congress authorizes them, delivering a symbolic rebuke to President Donald Trump as the conflict continues to escalate and uncertainty grows over its ultimate direction.

The measure passed by a 214-208 margin and requires congressional approval before further military action can proceed. The Senate was expected to consider similar legislation later Thursday. Although the resolutions are unlikely to become law, Democrats said they are intended to send a clear message that support for the war is eroding on Capitol Hill as lawmakers from both parties increasingly question the administration’s long-term objectives.

Arguing in favor of the measure on the House floor, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict.

The war has had “no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal,” said Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat who led the resolution on the House floor.

The resolution succeeded after a small number of Republicans joined Democrats in voting to curb the military campaign. Most Republicans, however, opposed the measure, backing the continuation of the war and supporting Trump’s authority to direct military operations.

Trump has maintained that the ongoing U.S. strikes against Iran do not represent a return to a prolonged war or an open-ended military campaign.

American airstrikes have continued despite little visible progress in diplomatic efforts. At the same time, both Washington and Tehran have remained entrenched in their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane that remains largely closed.

The continuing conflict has also fueled concerns over the global economy, driving fuel prices higher as the United States heads toward this fall’s midterm elections.

During Wednesday evening’s House debate, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., honored the 18 American service members who have been killed since the conflict began by reading each of their names aloud.

“To belittle this mission is to belittle and demean the very service these members gave their life for,” Mast said. “Their sacrifice was not meaningless. This operation is bringing reckoning for the hundreds of times Iran has attacked and killed people of the United States of America.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, countered that presidents have an obligation to seek congressional approval before taking the nation to war.

The service members who died made the ultimate sacrifice for “an illegal unauthorized war that the American people don’t want,” Meeks said.

As lawmakers in both chambers prepared to vote on the war powers resolutions, the United States continued launching waves of airstrikes against Iranian targets amid the ongoing struggle over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict’s economic toll has continued to mount. Gasoline prices have climbed once again, while War Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators during Tuesday’s hearing that the United States has spent approximately $37.5 billion on the war to date. On Wednesday, Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base to receive the remains of four American service members during a dignified transfer ceremony.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Democrat leading the Senate’s war powers effort, argued that the mounting casualties and financial costs make congressional oversight increasingly urgent.

“I do think the combination of the hearings, plus the fact that we are in this new escalatory phase where Americans have been killed, and Americans are experiencing the rising costs — I think it’s important that people be held accountable,” said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat who is leading the Senate effort on Thursday. “And this is a very unpopular war.”

{Matzav.com}

CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently held a high-level meeting in Washington with newly appointed Mossad Director Roman Gofman to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and diplomatic efforts surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program, according to two sources familiar with the discussions cited by Axios.

The visit was Gofman’s first to the U.S. capital since taking over as head of Israel’s intelligence agency in June. It took place just before tensions in the Strait of Hormuz sharply increased and renewed fighting erupted across the Middle East.

According to the Axios report, a key purpose of Gofman’s trip was to coordinate with the White House on negotiations aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran. During his visit, he met not only with Ratcliffe but also with senior White House officials, the sources said.

The report added that Ratcliffe had emerged as one of the leading skeptics within President Donald Trump’s administration regarding the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran. Before the agreement was finalized, Ratcliffe reportedly cautioned that Tehran might interpret several of its provisions differently than Washington, particularly those concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Axios reported that neither the CIA nor the Mossad responded to requests for comment regarding the meeting.

Gofman officially became director of the Mossad on June 2 after legal challenges delayed his appointment. During the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gofman’s primary mission would be to ensure Iran no longer posed a threat to Israel and declared that the Iranian “regime of terror will pass from this world.”

The reported intelligence meetings come as Trump and Netanyahu continue evaluating their next course of action in the confrontation with Iran.

Axios also reported Wednesday that Trump and Netanyahu have discussed the possibility of meeting in the Oval Office next week, although no final decision has been made. Netanyahu is expected to be in Washington to attend the funeral of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., creating the possibility that the trip could include White House discussions.

According to Axios, American and Israeli officials are currently weighing two principal options: pursuing a renewed ceasefire initiative designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or expanding joint military operations against Iran should diplomatic efforts collapse. Israeli officials told the outlet they are preparing for the possibility of a wider conflict but would join military operations only if Iran attacks or if the United States formally requests Israel’s participation.

The White House has not confirmed any plans for a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu. Axios added that both the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Israel’s Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the report.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is significantly increasing the American military footprint across the Middle East, broadening the range of options available for potential action against Iran as the conflict enters its fifth month and Tehran continues threatening international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the deployments, the United States has either dispatched or placed on heightened alert additional special operations forces, fighter aircraft, long-range bombers, aerial refueling planes, and more than 150 medical personnel throughout the region.

The expanded military posture comes in the wake of the deaths of four American service members in recent Iranian attacks and amid ongoing discussions within the Trump administration over possible additional military operations.

On Wednesday, U.S. Central Command announced that it had completed a twelfth straight day of strikes inside Iran, saying the operations are intended to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten civilian vessels and commercial shipping in regional waterways.

The Pentagon declined to comment on specific force deployments, citing operational security concerns, while the White House emphasized that Trump “always has all options at his disposal.”

Trump also warned that the United States would retaliate forcefully if Iran targets ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that America would destroy “one bridge or power plant” for every attack carried out by the Islamic Republic against maritime traffic.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by warning that any U.S. strike against Iranian infrastructure would provoke a “powerful and decisive response.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio likewise cautioned Iran against attempting to dominate one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.

“If we create a precedent … where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and if you don’t pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent,” Rubio said during a summit in the Philippines.

The Journal reported that the expanded American military presence could also strengthen operations against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, who have recently threatened to blockade Saudi shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Those concerns intensified Wednesday after two Saudi oil tankers were reportedly struck by projectiles near the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint, highlighting the growing risks facing global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, Congress moved to reinforce the military effort by advancing additional defense funding. The Republican-controlled House approved a $95 billion budget framework that allocates approximately $73 billion for military and intelligence programs while also passing its version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the conflict has so far cost an estimated $37.5 billion.

Despite the mounting financial burden, Trump and senior administration officials have maintained that sustained military pressure is essential to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s traded oil normally passes.

Likud MK Moshe Saada said Thursday that Israel appears to be drawing closer to a military strike against Iran, suggesting that an operation could begin as soon as this weekend, as government agencies and municipalities intensified preparations for a possible security escalation.

Speaking during a live interview on Channel 14, Saada addressed the growing tensions with Iran and said military action may be imminent.

During the interview, he said: “We all know that we’re approaching a strike on Iran-perhaps even this weekend. Those are the current assessments.”

As concerns over a potential confrontation mounted, several municipalities announced they were opening public bomb shelters in anticipation of possible developments. At the same time, the Health Ministry said Israel’s healthcare system is fully prepared to respond to any scenario resulting from a deterioration in the security situation.

The ministry stated that it continues to conduct regular situational assessments while closely monitoring events. It also reported that the National Hospitalization Authority met on Thursday to review preparedness measures and ensure that hospitals and the broader healthcare system are ready for any escalation. Coordination with hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) across the country is ongoing.

The Health Ministry stressed that it remains in close coordination with the Home Front Command, the defense establishment, and all relevant healthcare bodies to guarantee uninterrupted medical treatment and the continued delivery of healthcare services regardless of how events unfold.

Officials added that any new directives or public updates will be released as necessary and urged Israelis to follow only official instructions issued by the authorized authorities.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli intelligence agencies have uncovered and foiled an Iranian plot to smuggle a terrorist cell into Israel to assassinate senior government officials, according to a Mossad announcement made Thursday. The operation was disrupted through a joint effort involving the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and multiple foreign intelligence services.

The Mossad said the attempted operation was orchestrated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, which sought to establish an operational terror cell inside Israel that would ultimately carry out assassinations of high-ranking Israeli officials.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the plot was stopped through close cooperation between the Mossad, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and intelligence and security agencies from several allied countries.

The Mossad said Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, together with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has spent years directing a worldwide terror campaign against Israeli and Jewish targets. The agency noted that those efforts have intensified in recent months, with an increased focus on carrying out attacks within Israel itself.

The intelligence agency further revealed that dozens of terror cells tied to Iran have been dismantled in recent years. It also said investigators have uncovered multiple attempts over the past two years by the Iranian regime to recruit Israeli citizens to perform missions on its behalf.

According to the statement, the terror scheme depended on criminal proxy organizations that recruited individuals who could legally enter Israel, initially to collect intelligence and later to carry out terrorist attacks. International intelligence cooperation ultimately exposed both the network itself and the Iranian intelligence officers directing the operation.

The Mossad identified Thérot Ozkor, who used the alias “Philip” and had been residing in France, as the individual chosen to establish the operational terror cell made up of foreign nationals and facilitate its infiltration into Israel. According to the agency, he was recruited by two criminal intermediaries—Baba Mahu-Zadeh Haji Jafan, known as “Babak,” and Mahmat Nadim Yiğit, known as “Nadim”—both of whom live in Iran and operate under the supervision of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

Investigators determined that “Philip” traveled to Iran on several occasions, where he met directly with his handlers and was paid for advancing the operation. International intelligence efforts also traced Babak and Nadim to senior officials within Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, identifying their handlers as Asadollah Behzad Oskhari, Vahid Matzoumi, Mohammad-Hossein Zoghi, and Hamid Ghasemi.

According to the Mossad, Behzad Oskhari was a key figure in directing Iranian terrorist operations against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide. The agency said he was killed during Operation Rising Lion.

The statement also disclosed that French authorities expelled “Philip” because of his involvement in planning the terrorist operation. Meanwhile, Babak and Nadim remain in Iran and continue to be sought by intelligence agencies around the world.

The Mossad and Shin Bet concluded by reaffirming their commitment to working alongside international partners to identify and prevent terrorist and espionage operations targeting Israeli and Jewish interests, both inside Israel and abroad, while pursuing all those responsible.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli was wounded today in the second stabbing attack to strike Samaria in a single day, as a terrorist stabbed a man near Ganim before being shot dead by Israeli soldiers.

The victim sustained a moderate leg injury in the attack, which occurred near Ganim in northern Samaria on Thursday afternoon. Security forces at the scene neutralized the assailant shortly after the stabbing.

Preliminary findings indicate that the attack took place at a recently established post in the Ganim area, where preparations are underway for the re-establishment of the permanent community in the near future.

Authorities said the terrorist drove to the location during a logistical operation taking place at a nearby outpost. After stabbing the Israeli victim, two soldiers on the scene opened fire, killing the attacker.

The incident marked the second terrorist stabbing in Samaria on Thursday. Earlier in the day, an Israeli was seriously wounded in a stabbing attack at Avraham Farm near Elon Moreh while helping extinguish a fire that had broken out in the area.

President Donald Trump says he is weighing what could become the largest US military strike against Iran to date, warning that Tehran has not yet suffered enough consequences while also threatening severe retaliation if Iran’s Houthi proxies resume attacks on commercial shipping.

Speaking to Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, Trump said he is seriously considering a military operation that would eclipse any previous action taken against Iran.

“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump said.

Trump also revealed that Israel would participate in the operation if he requested its involvement, though he emphasized that the United States is fully capable of carrying out the strikes on its own without Israeli assistance.

Commenting on renewed efforts to restart negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, Trump dismissed the prospect of diplomacy for now, arguing that the Iranian regime has not “received enough pain yet.”

Earlier in the day, Trump also issued a stern warning that Iran would be held directly accountable if the Houthi terrorist organization resumes attacks on civilian shipping.

“A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships. Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He concluded with a direct warning to Tehran, making clear that any future Houthi attacks would trigger a military response against both the terrorist group and its Iranian backers.

“Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart,” he said.

Maran Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch offered guidance to yeshiva bochurim who find it difficult to connect with the recitation of Kinnos on Tishah B’Av, recommending a balanced approach that preserves the traditional practice while encouraging greater understanding.

The guidance was given during a visit by Rav Aharon Yitzchak Berenzweig, a rosh mesivta at Yeshivas Mir and head of the Mevakshei Hashem organization, who came to consult with Rav Hirsch on several questions relating to the upcoming bein hazemanim period.

One of the primary issues raised concerned the lengthy recitation of Kinnos on Tishah B’Av. Rav Birntzweig described a challenge faced by many bochurim.

“On Tishah B’Av, there are bochurim who ask: Saying the Kinnos is very difficult for them. It takes a long time in the morning, and they don’t feel connected to it. Is it better to say only a few sections of the Kinnos with concentration after studying them beforehand, or is it preferable to read all of them even without understanding them? Which is better?”

After pausing to consider the question, Rav Hirsch responded by recalling the writings of Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l.

“I just saw an article by Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l in which he wrote that even if one does not understand the Kinnos, the very fact that everyone sits on the floor together and recites them brings a person into the state of mourning.

“It may be that this is true. There are people for whom the very experience of Tishah B’Av—sitting on the floor and saying Kinnos, even if they understand only a sentence here and there—is beneficial.

“But it is possible to make a compromise. To give up saying the Kinnos altogether—that certainly not. However, one can shorten the Kinnos somewhat. Take several Kinnos and really know them well. There should be two parts: some Kinnos that he studies carefully, and in addition there can be Kinnos that he does not understand, but he does not need to say all of them.

“That is the compromise I would suggest. Just as all of Klal Yisroel sits on the floor even without understanding everything, that too has value. But one should reduce the amount and instead devote that time to learning the Kinnos.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has rejected long-standing media reports claiming he is estranged from his eldest daughter, Noa Rothman, saying the two remain in regular contact and continue to meet during holidays and family occasions. Speaking in a rare discussion about his personal life, Netanyahu also said his grandchildren know him and see him from time to time.

The remarks came during an interview on the Hakol Patuach (“Everything Is Open”) podcast hosted by Avi Shushan, in which Netanyahu addressed questions about his relationship with his eldest daughter from his first marriage. According to a report published Tuesday by Walla, there were efforts to remove that portion of the interview before it aired.

During the interview, Netanyahu was asked directly whether reports of a complete family rift between him and Noa were accurate. The prime minister firmly denied those claims, saying they remain in touch on an ongoing basis.

Asked when they had last spoken, Netanyahu replied that it was “a few weeks ago.” He added that they also see each other during Yomim Tovim and family gatherings, depending on circumstances and Israel’s security situation.

“There were several chagim. It depends on her, and it also depends on the situation. When there’s a war, it’s a little different,” Netanyahu said.

He also addressed his relationship with his grandchildren, making clear that they know who he is and that they meet occasionally.

After the interviewer noted the sharp contrast between Netanyahu’s description of the relationship and repeated media reports portraying a complete estrangement, the prime minister sharply criticized the coverage.

“I can’t be responsible for all the lies that are preached against me. It’s an industry,” Netanyahu said.

He continued by accusing the media of engaging in a relentless campaign against him.

“Every evening they’re preaching, every single evening. You turn on Kol Yisrael in the morning, you open the newspapers, and you see the industry of lies. The great wonder is that we’re winning.”

A significant portion of the interview focused on Noa’s decision to become religious and live in a chareidi community. Netanyahu said he was aware of her religious journey before it became public.

Asked whether he supported her decision and whether he believed it had benefited her, Netanyahu replied, “That’s her choice. Of course it has been good for her. She wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t been good for her. That’s obvious.”

Netanyahu was also asked why he has rarely spoken publicly about his daughter over the years. He said the decision was not his own but reflected her personal wish to remain out of the public eye.

“There are people… it’s their choice. Families have that choice,” Netanyahu said.

He added that public life places tremendous pressure on relatives of politicians, explaining that he tries to shield his family whenever possible.

“It’s not that my sons want me to talk about them, but the media targets them, and then you have to protect them as much as possible, and it’s not easy. They receive SLAPP lawsuits and all kinds of threats—these are difficult lives,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is preparing a months-long campaign to push for sweeping tax increases at both the state and city levels, with plans to lobby Albany for higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations while reviving efforts to overhaul—and potentially increase—New York City’s property taxes, according to sources familiar with the strategy.

Sources told The New York Post that the campaign is expected to begin shortly after Labor Day with a large rally designed to build momentum ahead of the 2027 legislative session in Albany. The effort is also timed to coincide with the final months of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s re-election campaign.

According to those familiar with the discussions, Mamdani and his allies hope to secure “tax the rich” legislation as soon as lawmakers return to Albany, with proposals expected to include higher income taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and expanded taxes on corporations.

At the same time, the mayor is reportedly revisiting his proposal to increase revenue from city property owners as part of a broader effort to reform New York City’s long-criticized property tax system—an issue that has long been viewed as politically difficult because of its potential impact on homeowners across the city.

“Property tax reform has been a third rail for mayor after mayor because it is essentially a massive tax increase for many Black and brown homeowners,” an incredulous Democratic insider said.

“The fact that Mamdani is looking to go ahead with this plan is just further proof that his base and his background do not understand the historic economic struggles of those communities, nor apparently care about their vote.”

Sources said many of the mayor’s specific tax proposals are still being developed and have not yet been finalized.

The renewed push comes even after Albany recently approved measures that provided financial assistance to New York City while also giving Mamdani a policy victory by approving a pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in the city.

Earlier this year, after Mamdani called for higher taxes on wealthy residents, he also floated the possibility of increasing citywide property taxes by nearly 10%, a proposal that quickly drew criticism from several prominent minority elected officials.

Among the most outspoken critics was Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who this week accused members of the Democratic Socialists of America of promoting “white supremacy.”

Mamdani ultimately closed New York City’s $126 billion budget through a combination of temporary revenue measures and relatively modest spending reductions, though critics argue that doing so left significant financial challenges for future budgets.

According to sources, the mayor’s broader tax strategy has two principal objectives. The first focuses on persuading Albany to approve higher income and corporate taxes.

Those sources said Mamdani intends to press Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to advance legislation raising taxes on high-income earners, while allowing legislative leaders to determine the specific details of the proposals.

His administration also plans to rely on extensive grassroots organizing—including support from Democratic Socialists of America volunteers—to increase political pressure on state lawmakers as the legislative session begins Jan. 1, according to the sources.

The effort could further strain relations between Mamdani and Hochul, who has thus far resisted calls from progressive activists and the mayor to approve broader tax increases on wealthy New Yorkers.

One individual described as a close Mamdani ally predicted tensions between the mayor and governor are likely to grow if Hochul continues rejecting those proposals.

Responding to the expected pressure campaign, a spokesperson for Hochul said the governor’s decisions would not be driven by ideology or political activism.

“Governor Hochul doesn’t make decisions based on ideology or political pressure,” the spokesperson said. “She makes decisions based on what’s best for New Yorkers. When additional revenue is necessary to solve a real problem, she’ll consider every responsible option.

“But she doesn’t believe higher taxes are a goal in themselves, and she won’t support policies that make it harder for families, workers, or employers to stay and succeed in New York.”

The second part of Mamdani’s agenda is expected to focus on reforming New York City’s property tax structure, an issue that has been debated for decades by officials across the political spectrum.

Critics of the existing system argue it produces inconsistent tax burdens, often favoring single-family homes over apartment buildings, assigning lower effective tax rates to expensive Brooklyn brownstones than to similar homes in Queens, and benefiting many homeowners in predominantly white neighborhoods.

At the same time, reforming the system has proven politically difficult because any significant changes would inevitably shift tax burdens among neighborhoods, including many with large Black populations.

According to the report, the proposed restructuring alone would not generate additional revenue, leading Mamdani’s team to also consider higher taxes on residential and commercial properties.

A Latina Democratic insider said many minority elected officials remain concerned that the mayor and his allies underestimate the effect such proposals could have on their communities.

“Clearly the mayor is still learning what his job is and what he has the legal authority to do, but I’ll make it simple for them: he can’t raise property taxes on New Yorkers without the approval of the City Council and he can’t raise income and corporate taxes without the approval of the governor,” a Latina Democratic insider said.

“He isn’t gonna get either. But good to know he continues to be focused on screwing over black and brown New Yorkers, who would be hit the hardest by property tax increases.”

{Matzav.com}

Shock spread through the Torah world after Rav Eliyahu Meir Feivelson was interrupted by a group of extremists while delivering a Tishah B’Av talk in Yerushalayim earlier tonight. The disturbance occurred as the rosh yeshiva was speaking about the Churban.

The incident took place at Rav Feivelson’s bais medrash, Pischei Olam, where he was delivering a shiur and speaking about the destruction of the Batei Mikdash.

According to sources, several extremists disrupted the gathering by shouting loudly and hurling insults while Rav Feivelson was in the middle of his address. Video from the scene appeared to show the rosh yeshiva visibly pained as the shouting continued.

Witnesses said the demonstrators continued yelling even after the shiur had concluded.

Educators who spoke following the incident expressed deep concern, saying the latest disruption follows an earlier confrontation in Modiin Illit in which Rav Feivelson was reportedly physically assaulted.

Several mechanchim described the incident as crossing every acceptable boundary and constituting a serious affront to the honor of Torah. They said the public harassment of a talmid chacham and rosh yeshiva—particularly on Tishah B’Av, the day commemorating the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash—demands a firm response. They warned that remaining silent in the face of such incidents could embolden further attacks against talmidei chachamim.

Many voiced concern over what they described as an escalating pattern of increasingly aggressive conduct by extremist elements. They said such actions bear no connection to genuine yiras Shamayim and pose a serious educational challenge.

Earlier this week, the publication Chadashos HaPargod reported that two individuals identified as having played leading roles in a campaign against Rav Feivelson several years ago later experienced severe personal tragedies while still in their 40s. According to that report, one suffered a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed, while the other died in a tragic fall from a rooftop.

During a recent visit by Rav Feivelson to the home of one of Gedolei Yisroel, the senior Torah leader greeted him by quoting the posuk, “For all the men who sought your life are dead.” According to the report, the gadol remarked that such events serve as a powerful reminder of Chazal’s warning: “Be careful with their burning coals,” highlighting the obligation to show proper respect to talmidei chachamim.

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/VIDEO-2026-07-22-16-13-19.mp4 https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/VIDEO-2026-07-22-15-51-54.mp4

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism after issuing a Tishah B’Av message to the Jewish community, with opponents arguing that his well wishes ring hollow in light of his repeated criticism of Israel and his past positions on the Jewish state.

In a post published this evening, the Muslim socialist wrote: “Wishing a peaceful Tisha B’Av to Jewish New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

“From sundown tonight until tomorrow, mourners will pause and reflect on the history and resiliency of the Jewish people.

“May all observing have a safe and meaningful fast.”

The message quickly drew attention online.

Among those responding was conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who challenged the mayor’s characterization of the day.

“Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples, located on the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, Israel. You know, historic and current Jewish territory. Thanks for your best wishes.”

The exchange reignited criticism from many of Mamdani’s political opponents, who argue that his Tishah B’Av message is difficult to reconcile with his long record of anti-Israel rhetoric and activism.

Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes, has supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, has called for economic pressure on Israel, and has been a vocal critic of Israeli military operations. He has also drawn criticism from Jewish organizations and pro-Israel leaders over statements regarding Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critics also pointed to Mamdani’s recent pledge to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant. Mamdani has repeatedly referred to Netanyahu as a war criminal and has argued that city officials should cooperate with efforts to detain him.

{Matzav.com}

US intelligence agencies are investigating whether Russia helped Iran carry out recent drone attacks against CIA facilities in the Middle East by providing targeting intelligence or advanced drone technology, according to a Reuters report citing multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

Reuters reported that American intelligence officials are examining whether Moscow supplied Tehran with information identifying CIA sites or technology that increased the effectiveness of the drone attacks. The report, based on four people familiar with the matter, said both possibilities remain under active review.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation, stressed that no final conclusions have been reached. However, they said intelligence analysts are scrutinizing the precision of the strikes and Russia’s longstanding military and technological partnership with Iran to determine whether Moscow played a supporting role.

According to Reuters, two CIA facilities were struck in March, including the agency’s station inside the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and another CIA location in eastern Iraq. Several of the sources said additional CIA sites were also targeted, although they declined to identify them.

A Western intelligence assessment reviewed by an official with access to the document reportedly concluded that Russia likely helped identify CIA facilities for the attacks. Two Western officials familiar with intelligence findings said analysts believe the strike on the Riyadh embassy involved two Russian-enhanced versions of Iran’s Shahed drones. According to those officials, the first drone breached a vulnerable section of the embassy’s exterior, allowing a second drone to pass through the opening before detonating. No casualties were reported.

US investigators are also looking into whether Russian targeting data was used during the embassy attack. At the same time, some intelligence officials cautioned that Iran may have intended to strike the embassy itself, with the CIA station being hit unintentionally.

The Reuters report added that Russia has supported Iran’s drone program for years and may have significantly improved the accuracy of the Shahed-136 by providing the Kometa-M satellite navigation system, which experts believe is more precise and more resistant to electronic jamming than Iran’s existing navigation technology.

The White House referred questions about the report to the CIA, which declined to comment. Iran’s mission to the United Nations, the Russian Defense Ministry, and the Saudi government also did not respond to requests for comment.

Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, told Reuters that any cooperation between Moscow and Tehran aimed at targeting CIA facilities would be consistent with the strategic alliance between the two countries.

“They share an interest in trying to reduce or eliminate US influence altogether in their self-designated spheres of influence,” Hoffman said.

{Matzav.com}

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at restricting stock trading by members of Congress and their immediate families, but the measure’s inclusion of a voter ID requirement divided lawmakers and is expected to face significant obstacles in the Senate.

The “Stop Insider Trading Act” passed by a vote of 232-198, with every Republican voting in favor and 13 Democrats joining them.

The Democrats who supported the legislation were Reps. Kathy Castor of Florida, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Susie Lee of Nevada, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Darren Soto of Florida, and Derek Tran of California.

Many Democrats opposed the legislation because it included a provision requiring voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot.

That addition has significantly reduced the bill’s prospects in the Senate, where most legislation must overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster threshold.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sharply criticized the measure, arguing that Republicans had combined two unrelated issues into a single bill.

“Republicans are trying to pull a trick this week. They say we are voting on an ‘insider trading’ bill, but have snuck in massive SAVE Act-style voter suppression measures to it,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) declared. “This is a GOP effort to sabotage national mail-in voting, disguised as a trading ban.”

“I’m voting NO.”

Despite the controversy, the legislation represents one of Congress’ most significant efforts to curb concerns about lawmakers profiting from stock transactions since passage of the STOCK Act in 2012.

If enacted, the bill would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual publicly traded stocks while serving in office, with limited exceptions for certain investment funds.

The legislation would also require lawmakers and their immediate family members to provide between seven and 14 days’ advance notice before selling stocks. Those who violate the requirement could face financial penalties and ethics investigations.

Opponents, however, argue the proposal stops short of a true ban because lawmakers would still be permitted to sell stocks they already own.

Data compiled by Quiver Quantitative identifies several members of Congress whose households conducted the largest volume of stock trades during the past year, although exact totals are difficult to calculate because federal financial disclosures report transactions in broad value ranges.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) topped the list, with his household recording 4,772 trades totaling approximately $65.9 million. The investments spanned a wide range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, finance, and health care.

Khanna has insisted that he personally neither owns nor trades individual stocks.

“I do not own or trade stocks and have led the fight to ban stock trading,” Khanna claimed on social media last month.

“My household’s only investments are in a trust that my in-laws set up before marriage, managed independently by a third party trustee in full compliance with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and House Rules.”

Khanna also published a lengthy explanation of his family’s finances on Substack, writing that his “household’s compliance has been independently verified by the watchdogs who track congressional trading.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also remains closely associated with congressional stock trading because of investments made by her husband, Paul Pelosi.

According to Quiver Quantitative, Pelosi’s household completed approximately $52.5 million in stock transactions across 21 trades during the past year.

Responding to questions about the transactions, Pelosi spokesman Ian Krager said, “Speaker Pelosi does not own any stocks and has no knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions.”

Although Pelosi now supports restrictions on congressional stock trading, she previously defended the practice.

“We are a free market economy. They should be able to participate in that,” the former House speaker told a reporter five years ago when pressed on the fortune her husband has amassed trading stocks while she’s in office.

Retiring Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, ranked among the largest traders, with his family’s accounts recording roughly $48 million in transactions across 980 trades.

McCaul’s office has previously said that his wife’s investments are independently managed.

His staff noted that his “wife has assets she solely owns, and a third-party manager” makes purchases “without her direction.”

Most of the family’s investments appear to be diversified among financial, technology, and health care companies.

Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.) reported approximately $25.9 million in transactions spread across 19 trades, much of it involving technology stocks.

Although Wied voted for the legislation, he argued that Congress should have adopted broader ethics reforms.

“I plan to support this symbolic gesture when it comes to a vote, but let’s be real — insider trading is already entirely illegal,” Wied told The Post.

“If my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were serious about solving the actual problem, we would have gone much further with this legislation and addressed the real issue plaguing the swamp: career politicians using their connections and insider knowledge to enrich themselves as lobbyists and federal contractors after leaving office.”

Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) and his family reported approximately $12 million in transactions through 1,128 trades involving investments in technology, industrial, and health care companies.

Cisneros emphasized that professional advisers—not he or his wife—manage the family’s investments.

“My wife and I have always employed outside financial advisors who have a fiduciary responsibility to maintain a diverse portfolio,” Cisneros told The Post. “We do not manage the day-to-day trading of our investment portfolio, nor have we ever suggested a trade while serving in Congress or at the Department of Defense.”

He added that he has “always complied with all rules and regulations regarding stock trading and financial disclosures” and supports stronger ethics safeguards.

Quiver Quantitative also listed Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) among Congress’ most active traders, though Roy’s office has disputed that ranking, saying it resulted from an error in his financial disclosures.

The remainder of Quiver Quantitative’s top 10 list of lawmakers with the highest trading volume last year included Reps. Cleo Fields (D-La.), Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Kevin Hern (R-Okla.).

Responding to questions about McClain’s transactions, House GOP Communications Director Joe Buccino said, “Chairwoman McClain’s investments are a matter of public record. They have been made in line with all House rules and applicable laws.”

{Matzav.com}