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A former senior CIA official said a sophisticated deception effort may have played a key role in drawing Iranian forces away from a downed U.S. airman, shedding light on how the high-stakes rescue mission unfolded behind enemy lines.

Dan Hoffman, speaking on “The Sunday Briefing,” described reports that the CIA misled Iranian authorities into preparing for a rescue at sea, while the actual extraction was carried out in mountainous terrain.

A post shared by The Sunday Briefing (@sundaybrieffnc)

According to Hoffman, the agency not only helped obscure the real rescue plan but also actively monitored both the stranded airman and Iranian units searching for him.

“The CIA was there to track [the airman’s] location… And then at the same time, the CIA is tracking Iranian security forces, their movements, their efforts to find and fix the location of our airman. And then, at the same time, running this deception operation, an extraordinary operation.”

He emphasized the difficulty of locating the isolated service member in rugged terrain while under pursuit.

“I’ve heard it referred to as looking for a needle in a haystack. I think it’s more like a needle in a stack of needles. Extraordinarily difficult,” said Hoffman.

The remarks come after the early Sunday rescue of a U.S. Air Force weapons systems officer who ejected from an F-15E fighter jet over Iran and remained concealed for roughly a day and a half before being recovered.

Hoffman noted that the airman’s survival likely depended heavily on training received in the military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) program.

From an intelligence standpoint, Hoffman explained that the deception itself may have been relatively straightforward to execute, relying on known communication channels monitored by Iranian forces.

“The CIA would have looked to find those channels of communication that we know we can exploit that the Iranian security force are listening to. Iran has a… pretty developed cyber capability. And what we would have done is simply supplied some information there, some of it true, to establish the bona fides of the channel that we were using, and then this deception operation would have been run in that channel,” Hoffman said.

{Matzav.com}

Astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission shared a striking image of Earth from deep space as they approached their planned flyby of the Moon, offering a rare glimpse of the planet as a thin crescent against the darkness.

The photo, released by NASA on Sunday, shows only a sliver of Earth illuminated through a window of the Orion spacecraft as the crew continues its historic journey beyond low-Earth orbit.

“One last look at Earth before we reach the Moon,” NASA said in a post on X.

“This view of the Earth was captured on April 5, the fourth day of the Artemis II mission, from inside the Orion spacecraft. The four astronauts will reach their closest approach of the Moon tomorrow, April 6.”

Mission Specialist Christina Koch said the astronauts found a creative way to celebrate while in orbit.

“We wanted to take a minute to commemorate the holiday that we have at this time of year, something that many religions and many cultures hold dear,” Koch said. “It’s a time of emotions such as joy, as well as solemness, honoring what’s going on both in our world and in our religious beliefs.”

The crew took time to recognize a milestone for Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, presenting him with a gold astronaut pin to mark his first spaceflight—a tradition within the astronaut corps.

“We wanted to kick off … by honoring our crewmate, Jeremy Hansen,” the crew said in a video shared by NASA Artemis on X. “We have a longstanding tradition in the astronaut office of the traditional astronaut pin. And when you fly in space, you change from silver to gold. So, we figured today was the perfect day to honor our friend, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, with his flown astro pin.”

Hansen expressed appreciation for the moment and those who made it possible.

“That’s humbling, took a lot of people to make this little representation that we have in the office, this tradition, come to reality for me,” he said. “So a lot of gratitude for all those people. This is a pretty special experience. Thanks for doing this guys.”

Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman pointed to the broader significance of the mission, crediting national leadership for its progress.

“I want to be incredibly clear, we would not be at this moment right now with Artemis II if it wasn’t for President Trump,” Isaacman said. “And we certainly would not have an achievable path now to get back to the lunar surface and build that enduring presence.”

“On my first day on the job during President Trump’s second term, he gave us a national space policy, a mandate to go to the moon with frequency, build the moon base, and do the other things like nuclear power and propulsion so someday American astronauts can plant the stars and stripes on Mars,” Isaacman added.

As the spacecraft approaches the far side of the Moon, mission controllers are preparing for a temporary communications blackout lasting about 40 minutes, during which Orion will lose direct contact with Earth.

Artemis flight director Judd Frieling expressed confidence in the mission’s trajectory despite the expected silence.

“Physics takes over and physics will absolutely get us back to the front side of the moon.”

During the journey, the astronauts are also expected to witness a total solar eclipse from their unique vantage point in space, allowing them to observe the sun’s corona in a way not visible from Earth.

Earlier in the mission, Commander Reid Wiseman shared another image of Earth from orbit, reflecting on the experience.

“There are no words,” Wiseman captioned the photo.

The Artemis II mission marks a major step in NASA’s return to the Moon, with the crew set to complete a close flyby before heading back to Earth.

Iranian state media released images and video on Sunday that it claims show the remains of several American aircraft destroyed by U.S. forces during the operation to extract a downed airman, saying the equipment was intentionally eliminated to keep it out of Iranian hands.

The footage, circulated by Iran’s Fars News agency, appears to depict the burned wreckage of two MC-130J transport planes—each valued at around $100 million—as well as four MH-6 Little Bird helicopters believed to have been used in the mission.

According to reports, the U.S. Air Force established a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at an abandoned airstrip south of Isfahan, operating deep inside Iranian territory while searching for the stranded crew member whose aircraft was brought down on Friday.

Iranian officials have sought to portray the mission as unsuccessful, drawing comparisons to the failed Operation Eagle Claw during the 1979 hostage crisis, despite U.S. confirmation that the rescue concluded without American casualties.

“The so-called US military rescue operation, planned as a deception and escape mission at an abandoned airport in southern Isfahan under the pretext of recovering the pilot of a downed aircraft, was completely foiled,” Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a statement Sunday.

Tehran has also asserted that the aircraft seen in the released images were shot down by Iranian missile systems.

U.S. officials said the F-15E pilot, a colonel, successfully ejected from the aircraft on Friday and landed in a wooded section of the Zagros Mountains.

After reaching the ground, he moved deeper into the mountainous terrain on foot, activated his emergency locator beacon, and managed to avoid capture for roughly 36 hours before being recovered early Sunday.

Reports indicate that at least nine Iranian personnel were killed during a prolonged firefight lasting several hours as U.S. forces carried out the extraction, after which the officer was transported to a base in Kuwait to receive medical care.

{Matzav.com}

A U.S. Air Force colonel who was shot down over Iran managed to survive severe injuries and evade capture for more than a day, trekking up a steep mountain and hiding while enemy forces searched for him before a high-risk rescue operation brought him to safety.

The officer, whose identity has not been released, endured roughly 36 hours in the rugged Zagros Mountains after his F-15E was downed Friday in hostile territory, remaining concealed while Iranian forces and bounty hunters combed the area.

Despite being wounded, the airman climbed approximately 7,000 feet—more than 1.3 miles in elevation—and took refuge in a narrow crevice, avoiding detection even as search efforts intensified around him, according to The New York Times.

“Thousands of these savages were hunting him down,” President Trump told Axios of the harrowing situation.

Armed with only a handgun, the officer waited for help while transmitting an emergency signal from his position early Sunday, CBS News reported.

Initially, U.S. officials feared the signal might have been part of a trap designed to draw American forces into danger.

Before being rescued, the colonel transmitted a brief and unusual message over the radio, according to a U.S. defense official: “God is good.”

“What he said on the radio sounded like something a Muslim would say,” Trump told Axios, referencing the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar,” or “God is Great.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later echoed the same words, posting “God is good” on X following the successful recovery.

The pilot of the aircraft had already been extracted shortly after the jet was brought down, leaving the weapons systems officer alone behind enemy lines.

While the full extent of the colonel’s injuries has not been publicly detailed, officials have described them as serious.

Using intelligence resources, including CIA assistance, U.S. forces were able to pinpoint the officer’s exact location and verify that he was still alive, according to The New York Times.

As part of the effort, the CIA reportedly executed a deception plan by circulating false information indicating that the airman had already been rescued and was being transported out of Iran.

When the rescue operation was launched, it involved a large daytime deployment of aircraft, with MQ-9 Reaper drones establishing a defensive perimeter and targeting hostile forces that approached within two miles of the officer’s position, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Roughly 100 special operations personnel took part in the mission, led by SEAL Team 6, with additional support from Delta Force and Army Rangers, the Times reported.

During the operation, U.S. commandos also clashed with local tribal fighters in the area while securing the extraction.

The mission encountered complications when two aircraft positioned near Isfahan became immobilized, forcing additional planes to be sent in to evacuate personnel and destroy the stranded equipment to prevent it from being captured.

After being rescued, the injured officer was flown to Kuwait for further medical treatment.

President Trump, who publicly confirmed the successful mission, said he will hold a briefing with military officials at the White House on Monday afternoon to discuss the operation.

Signs of growing unease are emerging inside Iran’s leadership, with reports pointing to mounting distrust and internal friction as President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign intensifies.

According to senior Iran analyst Dror Balazada, the current strategy coming from Washington is having a destabilizing psychological impact on key figures in Tehran, creating suspicion and division at the highest levels of the regime.

One of the central concerns reportedly involves senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps figure Ahmad Vahidi, who has been unsettled by Trump’s public assertions that he is communicating directly with Iranian commanders. In response, Vahidi is said to have issued strict internal instructions limiting authorized communication channels, designating only parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to relay messages through Pakistan.

At the same time, suspicion within the regime is reportedly turning toward former foreign minister Javad Zarif and elements of the reformist camp, amid fears that unauthorized backchannel communications may be taking place without official approval.

Zarif, according to the report, is advocating for a sweeping diplomatic arrangement with the United States. The proposal is said to include limits on Iran’s nuclear activity, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, full restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington, and the lifting of all sanctions in exchange for a firm commitment to halt military strikes.

U.S. forces carried out a high-risk and highly coordinated operation deep inside Iran to recover a downed F-15E airman, deploying elite units, intelligence deception tactics, and improvised infrastructure in hostile territory to bring the injured officer to safety.

The complex mission, which unfolded over two days, came after a race between American and Iranian forces to locate the “seriously injured” weapons systems officer near Isfahan. According to a report in The New York Times, the rescue was ultimately executed by top-tier U.S. commandos, who engaged in combat with local militias searching for the airman.

The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was shot down on Good Friday in southwestern Iran and took refuge in the Zagros Mountains. Despite his injuries, he managed to evade capture for roughly 36 hours, climbing to a 7,000-foot ridge and surviving with only a handgun for protection. During that time, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted Iranian forces that approached his location.

“He evaded up a 7k ridge. They’ve been schwackin’ dudes chasing him all day. Was nuts,” a source told Toby Harnden, the veteran war correspondent and author.

To mislead Iranian forces, who had placed a $60,000 bounty on the airman, the CIA reportedly launched a deception effort on Saturday by circulating false intelligence suggesting he had already been rescued and was being transported out of the country.

As part of the rescue, multiple U.S. aircraft landed inside Iran, south of Isfahan—approximately 200 miles from the border. A temporary airstrip was quickly established near the city, which is home to key Iranian military and nuclear assets.

During the operation, two transport planes—believed to be MC-130J Commando II aircraft—became immobilized at the makeshift airfield. Additional aircraft were dispatched to retrieve stranded personnel, and the disabled planes, each valued at around $100 million, were destroyed on site to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.

Images circulating from Iran appear to show the charred remains of several aircraft, believed to be linked to the mission. Reports also indicate that wreckage may include two MH-6/AH-6 Little Bird helicopters used in special operations.

It is believed that U.S. forces provided aerial cover throughout the mission, striking Iranian units that attempted to approach the landing zone.

Around midnight Sunday local time, U.S. intelligence, using the officer’s emergency beacon and additional CIA resources, narrowed his location to a specific mountain crevice, according to CBS News.

A large-scale daytime rescue effort was then launched, involving dozens of aircraft. MQ-9 drones established a protective perimeter and targeted hostile forces that came within two miles of the airman, according to The Jerusalem Post.

A senior U.S. military official told The Times that all personnel involved in the mission, including the rescued officer, returned safely without any American fatalities.

“The US Air Force had to use multiple bombs to blow up all the aircraft they abandoned at that airstrip. And the Iranians shot down 2 MQ-9s Reaper drones,” a US military official familiar with the operation told experienced Middle East journalist Michael Weiss.

“Luckily the U.S. suffered no casualties and we had to use multiple bombs and missiles to blow up IRGC vehicles that tried to drive up the mountain and also those that tried to drive to the airstrip,” the official added.

During the search, U.S. special operations forces also clashed with local tribal fighters in the area.

The wounded airman was transported to Kuwait for medical care, arriving roughly seven hours after the rescue operation began.

The recovery came one day after a separate mission successfully extracted another crew member from the same downed aircraft. In that earlier operation, a U.S. helicopter came under small arms fire but was able to land safely, despite several crew members sustaining injuries.

“WE GOT HIM!” President Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post. “This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour.”

In a subsequent message, Trump added that “this type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to ‘man and equipment.’”

The president said he plans to address the operation publicly alongside military officials at a White House briefing scheduled for Monday afternoon.

{Matzav.com}

Russia signaled on Sunday that it wants to see a reduction in hostilities surrounding Iran, expressing optimism that diplomatic efforts could succeed and urging the United States to shift away from threats and return to negotiations.

The message from Moscow’s Foreign Ministry followed a discussion between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, focusing on the growing crisis and possible paths to calm the situation.

According to the statement, both officials “called for efforts to avoid actions, including in the U.N. Security Council, that could undermine the remaining chances for advancing political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.”

The Russian government added that it supports steps aimed at lowering tensions and stabilizing the region over the long term, emphasizing that such progress would depend in part on Washington changing its approach.

Russia, it said, backed efforts to de-escalate tensions “in the interests of long-term and sustainable normalization of the situation in the Middle East, which would be facilitated by the United States abandoning the language of ultimatums and returning the situation to a negotiating track.”

{Matzav.com}

Rescue crews and Home Front Command forces have been working urgently in recent hours to locate four individuals believed trapped beneath the debris of a residential building in Haifa that was struck directly by a powerful Iranian missile.

The missing include an elderly couple, their son—approximately 40 years old—and a caregiver, all of whom are feared to have been inside the building at the time of the impact.

Home Front Command chief Major General Shai Klapper, who arrived at the scene, voiced grave concern over the situation, stating, “This is an extremely complex site, and there is serious concern for the lives of the missing. We are operating with extreme caution due to the significant engineering and security challenges.”

Officials said the rescue effort is complicated by the possibility that part of the missile, which penetrated the structure and caused three floors to collapse, may not have detonated. While engineering teams have cleared nearby tree-lined streets to allow heavy equipment access, the building’s location on a sloped terrain is making it difficult to safely reach the impact zone.

In response to these hazards, rescue personnel are constructing a specialized “tunnel” using advanced equipment in an effort to reach those trapped without triggering additional structural collapse or any unexploded ordnance that may still be present.

Search efforts intensified after a cellphone belonging to one of the missing individuals was discovered within the wreckage, helping narrow the focus to a specific area. The son, who resides in Herzliya, has not responded to calls, and the family’s vehicles were located in a nearby parking area, reinforcing the assessment that they were inside the building when it was hit.

In the immediate aftermath of the strike, an approximately 82-year-old man in serious condition and a toddler with minor injuries were rescued and evacuated. Several others at the scene were treated for shock.

MDA Senior EMT Shevach Rothenshtrych reported from the scene: “When we arrived at the street, we saw a multi-story building that had been hit, with extensive destruction at the scene. Residents who were there told us there were casualties trapped under the rubble on the lower floors. We managed to move large pieces of concrete with our hands and rescued an 82-year-old man from the debris, who was in serious condition but conscious. We provided him with initial treatment at the scene and evacuated him to the hospital in an MDA mobile intensive care unit ambulance while in serious condition. Large MDA teams at the scene are providing medical treatment to several people in mild condition and are prepared to provide medical care to additional casualties if they are located during the searches”

MDA Paramedic Lamas Salameh added, “This is a 7-story building that sustained a direct hit, causing extensive damage. We arrived at the scene with large MDA teams, including ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and MDA medicycles, and began searching the scenes. During the searches, we located an 83-year-old casualty in serious condition who was injured by the destruction. In addition, we treated 3 other casualties in mild condition, as well as several people suffering from anxiety symptoms. We are continuing to search the scenes to ensure there are no additional casualties and will remain on site as required.”

MDA Senior EMT Tal Shustak also described the response, saying, “Immediately upon receiving the reports at MDA’s emergency dispatch center about a building being hit, we were dispatched in large forces to the scene and saw extensive destruction, including glass, smoke, and concrete scattered across the ground. We rescued an 82-year-old man from the building’s rubble who was in serious condition after being struck by debris. We provided him with medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital. In addition, we treated three people in mild condition – a 77-year-old woman, a 38-year-old woman, and a 10-month-old baby who suffered a head injury. They were injured by shrapnel, and we provided them with medical treatment. We also treated several people suffering from anxiety symptoms at the scene, and we are continuing to search the area.”

{Matzav.com}

Iranian officials struck a defiant tone Sunday, warning they could expand attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to intensify airstrikes and seize control of Iran’s oil resources.

In an interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said Tehran had until Monday morning to accept a proposed deal, or he would consider “blowing everything up and taking over the oil.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with its own warning, saying the regime would escalate strikes against oil facilities and civilian infrastructure if the United States and Israel increase their military actions.

The warning followed Iran’s claim of responsibility for coordinated attacks over the weekend targeting petrochemical facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Kuwait, a close U.S. ally, appeared to sustain the most significant damage, with its Ministry of Electricity and Water reporting that two power plants and one desalination facility were struck and damaged during a 24-hour barrage.

In addition to threatening regional infrastructure, the IRGC said it would specifically increase attacks on American economic interests if strikes against civilian sites in Iran continue.

The statement was seen as a direct response to Trump’s earlier comments on social media, in which he demanded Iran agree to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“There will be nothing like it!!! Open the …Strait, you crazy …., or you’ll be living in Hell. JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” he added in a signed post.

Iranian media outlets reacted sharply to Trump’s remarks. Mizan, a publication linked to Iran’s judiciary, criticized the president’s language and dismissed his warning.

“Iran’s steadfastness and resistance have driven Trump to the brink of madness,” the outlet wrote.

Despite the rising tensions, direct negotiations between the United States and Iran have not yet begun, as regional intermediaries continue efforts to broker talks.

Officials in Oman held discussions Sunday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though there has been no indication of progress toward a breakthrough agreement.

Israeli special forces units reportedly played a role in the dramatic American mission to recover a downed U.S. navigator in Iran, as new details emerge about the complex rescue operation carried out deep inside enemy territory.

According to a report published Sunday by the opposition-linked outlet “Iran International,” IDF commando units Shaldag and Sayeret Matkal were involved in the mission alongside U.S. forces.

Earlier reports from Fox News indicated that Israel supported the operation by providing intelligence and helping suppress Iranian activity in the area while the navigator remained missing.

The mission itself was conducted by American forces operating on the ground within Iran, marking the first known deployment of U.S. ground troops inside the country during the current war.

Details from the report indicate that the navigator relied on his “Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape” (SERE) training to avoid capture after ejecting. He reportedly moved away from the crash site on foot, took cover on higher ground, and activated an emergency beacon, all while armed only with a handgun.

The rescue effort involved U.S. special operations units and additional elite teams, with MQ-9 Reaper drones providing aerial support throughout the operation.

The report also stated that the CIA carried out a deception campaign, spreading false information inside Iran suggesting the navigator had already been located and that American forces were leaving the area—moves that reportedly sowed confusion and aided the rescue.

President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the successful recovery in a message posted to Truth Social, writing: “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.”

He continued: “At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine. This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND! The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies. This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World. GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!”

[Video below.] A scaled-down Birchas Kohanim was held Sunday in Yerushalayim’s Old City under strict wartime restrictions, preventing the usual massive crowds from gathering at the Kosel as Iranian missile threats continue.

The ceremony took place as rabbinic leaders and public figures intensified calls to ease limits imposed by the IDF Home Front Command, pointing to a recent High Court ruling issued on Shabbos that allowed up to 600 participants at a protest in Tel Aviv.

Due to security directives, attendance at the Kosel was capped at just 50 individuals, and the BirKas Kohanim was conducted in a covered area rather than the main plaza, marking a significant departure from the traditional gathering that typically draws tens of thousands.

Among those present were Yerushalayim Mayor Moshe Lion and the Chief Rabbis, Rav Kalman Ber and Rav Dovid Yosef. The vast majority of the tzibbur was unable to attend and instead followed the event through a live broadcast.

Shortly before the ceremony began, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation issued a renewed appeal to the Home Front Command to reconsider the restrictions limiting access to the Kosel plaza.

“I find it difficult to understand why the right to protest is perceived as more important or more urgent than the right to pray,” said Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, head of the foundation.

“The Kosel is the beating heart of the Jewish people,” he added. “If the security reality permits hundreds of people to gather in public squares for demonstrations, all the more so it should allow Jews to assemble at the Kosel Plaza.”

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Yosef sharpened his criticism of the High Court, coming a day after his strong remarks against the court’s stance on protests during wartime while access to the Kosel remained restricted.

“The High Court understands lawlessness in the name of freedom of protest,” he said.

“They call it ‘pikuach nefesh,’ nothing less,” Rav Yosef added.

Rav Yosef also voiced support for Rav Rabinowitz’s request that the Home Front Command reevaluate the current security policies governing the Kosel.

“We turn to the professionals who truly understand ‘pikuach nefesh,’” Rav Yosef said. “The High Court does not understand pikuach nefesh, the Home Front Command does, and here we declare that the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Chief Rabbis will act according to the instructions of the Home Front Command, because we know what safeguarding every Jewish life means.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu on Sunday evening joined growing criticism from across the public over the Supreme Court’s decision to permit demonstrations in Tel Aviv, even as access for mispallelim at the Kosel remains limited due to security restrictions.

Opening his remarks, Netanyahu expressed strong disbelief at the situation, highlighting what he described as a clear inconsistency between how protests and tefillah are being treated.

“Unbelievable,” Netanyahu said, pointing to what he described as unequal treatment between demonstrators and worshippers.

“While Jews are restricted from praying at the Wall during the chag, the Supreme Court allowed a left-wing demonstration in Tel Aviv. Freedom of protest is important, but freedom to pray is no less important,” he stated.

Netanyahu emphasized that during a time of war, security decisions must remain in the hands of the appropriate authorities, specifically the Home Front Command. “In time of war, the Home Front Command alone determines security arrangements,” he said, warning that outside intervention—particularly from the judiciary—can create dangerous inconsistencies and potentially compromise public safety.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump disclosed that U.S. officials initially feared a communication from a downed American airman in Iran could have been a deceptive tactic designed to draw U.S. forces into an ambush.

According to Trump, the crew member of an F-15 survived for more than a full day in mountainous terrain despite being injured, before being extracted Saturday in a high-risk special operations mission.

Roughly 200 special operations troops were involved in the rescue effort, Trump said, describing the scale of the operation.

He added that the aircraft had been brought down by Iranian forces using a shoulder-fired missile, saying, “They got lucky.”

In remarks given shortly after confirming the rescue, Trump said that “thousands of these savages were hunting him down,” referring to Iranian military forces, and added, “Even the population was looking for him. They offered people a bonus if they captured him.”

Trump explained that the downed officer took cover in a mountain crevice and was eventually located using advanced U.S. surveillance capabilities.

He said U.S. forces were tracking signals tied to the officer’s location, but concerns arose after a radio transmission suggested he might have been captured and that Iranian forces were “sending false signals” to lure rescuers.

Describing the initial communication, Trump said the officer transmitted a brief and unusual message after ejecting: “He said: ‘Power be to God.'”

A U.S. defense official confirmed the general account but clarified that the phrase was “God is good.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also used the phrase “God is good” in a social media post on Sunday.

Trump noted that the wording of the message raised suspicions at first, saying, “What he said on the radio sounded like something a Muslim would say.”

He added that those familiar with the officer later explained he was religious, making the statement consistent with his personal beliefs.

A defense official supported that explanation, saying, “It was not completely clear early on, but we stuck with it and verified he was alive and not captured. And those who knew him said he is religious.”

Trump also pointed out that the pilot of the aircraft had been rescued earlier, in a daylight mission conducted under heavy Iranian fire.

A U.S. defense official described that earlier operation as “a bold and quick snatch” carried out during the day, while the later rescue took place at night after U.S. forces established a temporary position inside Iranian territory.

“The two crew members were spread apart by a couple miles. Hundreds of IRGC soldiers were everywhere,” the official said.

Trump noted that Israeli forces provided limited assistance during the rescue effort, saying they helped “a little bit.”

A U.S. official clarified that while Israel did not supply precise location data for the downed officer, it did share broader intelligence about conditions on the ground.

Israeli officials added that the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike intended to prevent Iranian forces from reaching the area.

“They have been good partners. They have been great and brave people. We are like a big brother and little brother,” Trump said.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Reva Halpern a”h, who was niftar at the age of 76.

Rebbetzin Halpern was the wife of Rav Binyomin Zev Halpern, rov of Khal Bais Halevi of Lakewood, NJ and stood at his side for decades as a pillar of strength and support in his harbotzas haTorah and kehillah leadership.

She was a daughter of Rav and Rebbetzin Simcha Schustal zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Bais Binyomin of Stamford.

Earlier today, she collapsed and was rushed by Hatzolah to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune in critical condition. Despite the tireless efforts to save her, she was niftar shortly thereafter.

Rebbetzin Halpern a”h was known for her quiet strength, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family and to the needs of others. She embodied true chesed and refined middos, leaving a lasting impression on all who merited to know her.

The levayah will take place tonight at 8:15 p.m. at Khal Bais Halevi, located at 705 Valley Drive in Lakewood, NJ.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

President Donald Trump escalated his threats to target Iran’s infrastructure if it does not open up the Strait of Hormuz, warning the country will be “living in Hell” in an expletive-filled message on social media Sunday. He later suggested that the United States could target “every power plant” in the country.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the … Strait, you crazy …, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

The profane threat, which landed this morning, underscores tensions as there is little sign Tehran and Washington are close to striking a deal to open the vital shipping route that Iran has effectively closed since the attacks began about five weeks ago. Gas prices have risen sharply as Iran limits the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, ramping up the political pressure on Trump to end the conflict he started – and Sunday’s threat heightens earlier warnings that he plans to inflict severe damage if there is no movement.

Trump’s warning also sowed more whiplash for allies after a week of mixed messages about his plans for the strait. The president, who has previously called on other countries to help open the waterway, suggested in recent days that the U.S. is not responsible for reopening it: “What happens in the strait, we’re not going to have anything to do with,” he told reporters Tuesday. He has also urged allies reliant on oil that passes through the strait to “build up some delayed courage” and “just TAKE IT.”

At an address to the country Wednesday, Trump did not list reopening the strait as one of the United States’ core objectives. He said the U.S. would hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next two or three weeks and assessed that the strait would open up “naturally” after the war ends.

But even after the assassinations of senior Iranian leaders by Israel and the U.S., Iran’s remaining leaders have been emboldened in their efforts to inflict further economic pain, pushing Tehran and Washington further apart in negotiations.

About 20 percent of global oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz each year, and the International Energy Agency in Paris has called Iran’s clampdown the largest energy shock in history. In the U.S., the price of gas surpassed $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 and is about 25 percent higher than it was a month ago, according to data from AAA.

Trump on Sunday told the Wall Street Journal that if Iran does not reopen the strait by Tuesday evening, “they’re going to lose every power plant and every other plant they have in the whole country.”

Human rights experts have warned that attacking civilian infrastructure would violate international law on armed conflict. Power grids, as well as water facilities and bridges, are possible examples of “dual use” infrastructure, which civilians use but which the military may also rely on for operations. While international law restricts militaries from attacking these sites in many cases, the U.S. has increasingly targeted them since the Gulf War, experts note.

Power plants and bridges could either be lawful military targets or civilian objects under the law of war, depending on the facts on the ground, said Brian Finucane, a former legal adviser for the State Department.

“A threat to attack all bridges or power plants or to attack them without distinguishing between lawful and unlawful targets would be a threat to commit war crimes,” said Finucane, now a senior adviser for the U.S. program at the International Crisis Group.

Brett McGurk, a former senior national security official under several presidents, including Trump, said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Trump’s latest Truth Social threat appeared to be an effort to “escalate to try to get a deal.” But McGurk said he was skeptical it would achieve that.

“The president in his national address the other night suggested the Strait of Hormuz is not an objective for us,” McGurk said, and now, he is suggesting it is. “It’s just kind of shifting objectives in terms of what exactly we’re trying to achieve here.”

Rep. Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, in an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” said that the conflict in Iran was inevitable – and that Trump was intervening to stop Iran from being able to “project force against the United States and our allies.” Asked if the Strait of Hormuz can be opened without putting U.S. troops on the ground, Turner said he doesn’t think ground troops are going to be necessary.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) said on “This Week” that “there is no circumstance where U.S. ground troops should be sent over to the Middle East” and called the conflict a “reckless war of choice without any plan, any strategic objectives and no clear exit strategy.”

“This war is already deeply unpopular, for obvious reasons amongst the American people,” he said. “The American people are not going to accept ground troops being put into harm’s way in this war of choice, when there’s no clear evidence that it actually is designed to improve our national security interests.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Hannah Knowles, Mariana Alfaro, Alex Horton 

Emergency crews are continuing intensive rescue operations in Haifa after a powerful Iranian ballistic missile struck a seven-story residential building, leaving significant destruction and multiple casualties.

Medical officials reported that several people were injured in the attack, including an elderly man in critical condition and a baby who sustained light injuries after being pulled from the wreckage. Others at the scene were treated for shock.

The missile, which carried a 400-kilogram explosive payload, was not intercepted and hit the building directly, resulting in extensive structural damage.

The blast caused widespread devastation to both the building and nearby areas. Firefighters and Home Front Command teams remain on site, searching for four individuals still missing: two adults, a child, and a foreign worker.

MDA Senior EMT Shevach Rothenshtrych described the scene: “When we arrived at the street, we saw a multi-story building that had been hit, with extensive destruction at the scene. Residents who were there told us there were casualties trapped under the rubble on the lower floors. We managed to move large pieces of concrete with our hands and rescued an 82-year-old man from the debris, who was in serious condition but conscious. We provided him with initial treatment at the scene and evacuated him to the hospital in an MDA mobile intensive care unit ambulance while in serious condition. Large MDA teams at the scene are providing medical treatment to several people in mild condition and are prepared to provide medical care to additional casualties if they are located during the searches”

MDA Paramedic Lamas Salameh added, “This is a 7-story building that sustained a direct hit, causing extensive damage. We arrived at the scene with large MDA teams, including ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and MDA medicycles, and began searching the scenes. During the searches, we located an 83-year-old casualty in serious condition who was injured by the destruction. In addition, we treated 3 other casualties in mild condition, as well as several people suffering from anxiety symptoms. We are continuing to search the scenes to ensure there are no additional casualties and will remain on site as required.”

MDA Senior EMT Tal Shustak also recounted the response: “Immediately upon receiving the reports at MDA’s emergency dispatch center about a building being hit, we were dispatched in large forces to the scene and saw extensive destruction, including glass, smoke, and concrete scattered across the ground. We rescued an 82-year-old man from the building’s rubble who was in serious condition after being struck by debris. We provided him with medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital. In addition, we treated three people in mild condition – a 77-year-old woman, a 38-year-old woman, and a 10-month-old baby who suffered a head injury. They were injured by shrapnel, and we provided them with medical treatment. We also treated several people suffering from anxiety symptoms at the scene, and we are continuing to search the area.”

Rav Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council and a prominent mashpiach, issued a strong warning about attempts by Iranian intelligence to recruit operatives from within the chareidi community, urging the public not to cooperate under any circumstances.

Rav Cohen, who heads Mosdos Yabia Omer, released a public message cautioning against engaging with Iranian operatives, including requests to photograph locations or assist in any activity.

In his remarks, Rav Cohen said: “Dear brothers and sisters! Recently, security officials approached me and told me that within our chareidi community, which observes Torah and mitzvos, we are harming ourselves. This is happening because the Iranians are seeking spies; they are asking people to photograph locations, to move weapons from place to place, and, chas v’shalom, there are those who are tempted by them.

“I beg you, there is no greater chilul Hashem than when a Jew who observes Torah and mitzvos is seen betraying his own people. This is a betrayal of our nation. They want to kill scientists, they want to strike us measure for measure, they want to harm the most precious people—the Jewish people, the souls of Jews. Even photographing a location is dangerous. They can direct their missiles to those places.

“I ask you, have mercy on your lives. It is a chilul Hashem. There is also the matter of arrest—it destroys lives. It is detention as security prisoners; it is the Shin Bet that arrests those collaborators, and they sit in prison with security terrorists. A person can end up in the darkest places in Jewish history.

“Please, my dear brothers, my beloved ones! Do not cooperate, not intentionally and not unintentionally. If, chas v’shalom, you receive a message in any way from Iranians asking you even for a photo—even to photograph a park—do not touch it! Do not go near them! And report it immediately to the police.”

He concluded with a bracha, saying: “And with Hashem’s help, Hakadosh Boruch Hu will grant you the desires of your hearts for good and for blessing, salvation and comfort. Amein, may it be His will.”

{Matzav.com}

At a special gathering for bnei yeshivos in Ramat Elchanan, leading gedolim addressed practical questions relevant to bein hazmanim, including how much mussar a bochur should learn and how to structure his time during the break.

The event brought together hundreds of bochurim at the Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim Chashukei Chemed, where the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, delivered words of chizuk ahead of Pesach. Also in attendance were prominent rabbonim, including Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Rav Yehuda Silman, Rav Masoud Ben Shimon, and Rav Menachem Tzvi Berlin.

Before Rav Landau’s arrival, a question-and-answer session was conducted with Rav Zilberstein, during which questions submitted by bochurim were presented.

The moderator opened: “With the permission of our rabbonim shlit”a, we have a few minutes before Rabeinu shlit”a enters the beis medrash, and I asked the mara d’asra to use the time to address several questions relevant to bochurim and bein hazmanim.”

One question raised was whether a bochur should attend a yeshivah bein hazmanim in another neighborhood or remain in his local area to strengthen the local kol Torah.

Rav Zilberstein responded: “One should go where there are more talmidei chachamim. When there are more talmidei chachamim, there is more Torah, and their answers are more superior. A person should seek out the place where the greatest number of talmidei chachamim are found.”

The moderator quipped: “So the Rav is saying they should stay in Ramat Elchanan…”

The discussion then turned to the importance of mussar during bein hazmanim.

The moderator asked: “In yeshivah, there is a set seder mussar each day. We would like to hear from the Rav how important mussar is during bein hazmanim, whether there is an obligation, and how much time should be dedicated daily.”

Rav Zilberstein answered: “Learning mussar in our times is Yiddishkeit—it is not just mussar. In the past it was only mussar, but today it is Yiddishkeit. A person who walks in the street and sees newspapers and inappropriate things loses everything and becomes like an animal. Today, learning is about upholding the religion. When a person sits and learns mussar, he grows, and today there is greater siyata d’Shmaya.”

When asked how much time to devote, he replied: “In the yeshivos, they established half an hour. Presumably, if the gedolei olam established half an hour a day, then half an hour—and one should not deviate from it. [And one must know that the sefer Shaarei Teshuvah—every word is a priceless jewel.]”

Rav Masoud Ben Shimon added: “Shlomo Hamelech said, ‘Hold fast to mussar, do not let go; guard it, for it is your life.’ If it is your life, then certainly it applies during bein hazmanim as well.”

Another question addressed whether bochurim should focus on reviewing their masechta or invest time in learning the halachos of the Yom Tov.

Rav Zilberstein responded: “This depends on each individual—there is no single answer. Every bochur is a world, every bochur is a treasure, and each one requires his own guidance. In yeshivah, the Rosh Yeshiva is the expert who determines what and how much one should learn.”

A final question focused on how bochurim can best benefit from living in a neighborhood filled with talmidei chachamim, whether by regularly approaching rabbonim with questions or simply observing them.

Rav Yehuda Silman answered: “I want to reiterate the words of the mara d’asra, which serve as one answer to all the questions asked here. Regarding what to learn, there is a Biur Halachah that brings from the Rishonim a preference for learning the halachos of the Yom Tov. But in general, when asking what to learn, where to learn, and what to do, it is clear that the inclination of the heart determines it.

“It is written in the sefarim that there is a great advantage for a person to choose a specific mitzvah and invest in it throughout his life. But which mitzvah to choose depends on one’s inclination—some are drawn to chesed, others to Torah and teaching Torah. Each person should follow where his heart leads, because that is where he is most likely to succeed.

“And by the way, even in learning sefarim of mussar, which is very important as was said here, it is clear that the sefer with which you will succeed the most is the one your heart is most drawn to, because you will invest more effort and be more immersed in it, and there will be greater siyata d’Shmaya.”

{Matzav.com}

A request has been submitted to police to hold a demonstration at the Kosel during Chol Hamoed, citing a recent High Court ruling that permitted a large protest in Tel Aviv under current wartime conditions.

The appeal comes after the court approved a gathering of up to 600 participants at a protest in Habima Square, despite Home Front Command restrictions. In response, the organization B’Tzalmo is now calling for similar authorization to hold a demonstration at the Kosel during the Yom Tov period.

In a letter addressed to Police Commissioner Danny Levy and the Yerushalayim District commander, the group wrote: “Following the High Court ruling issued today regarding the holding of mass demonstrations during the war (contrary to the position of the Home Front Command), approval was given to hold a demonstration in Habima Square with the participation of no fewer than 600 people.”

The organizers stated that they are requesting permission “to approve the holding of a demonstration at the Western Wall for six hundred people. The demonstration will be a protest over the exile and a demand that the situation of the Jewish people improve and that we merit, soon, a complete victory over all our enemies and, of course, a complete redemption.”

They emphasized that the event would be conducted in full compliance with police guidelines and public safety requirements, with coordination among all relevant authorities and appropriate logistical planning to ensure order.

The group asked for prompt approval of the request, along with any necessary instructions to carry out the event legally. The proposed date for the demonstration is Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, with organizers requesting alternative dates if that time is not approved.

After ousting two of his highest-profile Cabinet members from their posts, President Donald Trump is considering making more changes to his administration’s top leadership, according to advisers – a decision that would accelerate the once-slow pace of his second-term staff departures.

But Trump, who sought to avoid high-profile departures during the first year back in the White House – often publicly standing by Cabinet members even as they faced scrutiny – is also reluctant to engage in a large-scale shake-up of his Cabinet, and in some cases has pushed to counter reporting that he has soured on certain officials.

On the heels of news of the firing Thursday of his attorney general, Pam Bondi, Trump wanted to make a “very strong” statement reaffirming his support for another official rumored to be on the chopping block, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to a White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations. As a result, his rapid-response account on X posted a statement from Trump’s communications director saying that the president “has total confidence” in Gabbard, “and any insinuation otherwise is totally fake news.”

Gabbard, who has a long history of criticizing U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts – specifically the notion of a war with Iran – has continued to brief the president on intelligence, even as Trump earlier this week told reporters that Gabbard was “a little bit different in her thought process than me” on Iran.

Gabbard is “safe” in her role for the time being, the White House official said.

Two others in his Cabinet may be less secure. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have both been under Trump’s scrutiny for a possible exit, according to the same official and a second White House official.

Chavez-DeRemer, who is facing misconduct allegations that include an alleged affair with a staffer and drinking in her office, has so far remained in her role despite top officials in her agency resigning amid the scandal. And Lutnick’s style of freelancing policy ideas and deals without prior approval has long prompted eye rolls from aides and others in the White House, according to people close to Trump, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues.

Trump has discussed letting both of them go, according to the first White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, but he hasn’t made a final decision, and their departures aren’t necessarily imminent.

“Reports of him wanting to do a massive shake-up are overblown,” the official said. The firings of Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, the official contended, were each isolated cases after Trump spent time considering moving them out of their roles over issues with their respective job performances. He had been slow to give the edict for both, doing so after conversations over months.

In a statement to The Washington Post, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said Trump has “the most talented cabinet and team in American history,” and referred to Gabbard, Lutnick and Chavez-DeRemer as “patriots” who are “tirelessly implementing the president’s agenda and achieving tremendous results for the American people.”

“They continue to have the president’s full confidence,” Ingle said.

The president isn’t looking far to fill Bondi’s role once she leaves the Justice Department. Trump has already tapped Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as acting attorney general upon Bondi’s departure – and it’s “very likely” Blanche will be the one to run the department for the long term, the White House official told The Post on Friday.

Trump has floated others for the role, including Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, whom he met with at the White House on Tuesday. Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, has been pushed by influential MAGA commentators this week as the person Trump should tap for the role.

A White House official told The Post that while Trump “really respects” Dhillon, she is not a top contender for attorney general.

As for Blanche, the official said, “right now, the president is happy.”

Trump had told Bondi a day before firing her that her “time is ending” in the role, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. The two spoke Wednesday as Bondi traveled with the president to hear Supreme Court arguments in his administration’s birthright citizenship case.

Bondi asked the president to keep her in the role for longer, and Trump said he would consider the request, the person said. Within hours, however, news of her imminent departure had spread. Trump, who remains fond of Bondi personally, had been weighing her ouster for months and was dissatisfied with Bondi’s failure to prosecute his political foes and her handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which dominated news for much of last year, said two people with knowledge of the president’s thinking.

A month earlier, Trump fired Noem after a similar months-long probationary period in which he was unhappy with her performance and the negative headlines drawn by her agency, his advisers told The Washington Post.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Natalie Allison