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President Donald Trump said Thursday that NATO countries have failed to assist the United States in addressing the situation with Iran, issuing a pointed critique of the alliance as tensions in the Middle East remain at the forefront of global concern.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared: “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran. The U.S.A. needs nothing from NATO, but ‘never forget’ this very important point in time!”

The remarks reflect Trump’s long-held view that the United States carries an outsized share of the burden in defending Western interests, while European allies contribute less than they should.

He has consistently argued that NATO, originally created as a unified defense alliance, has strayed from its intended purpose and become overly dependent on American military capabilities, particularly when dealing with crises outside Europe.

Trump’s latest comments come as the United States has taken a leading role in responding to Iranian threats and attempting to maintain stability in the region.

Although several European leaders have publicly condemned Iran’s actions, observers note that NATO countries have offered limited tangible military or strategic support.

Defense experts have also highlighted that many members of the alliance continue to fall short of agreed-upon defense spending targets, an issue Trump has repeatedly emphasized during his presidency.

Reports indicate that NATO has not acted collectively in response to the situation with Iran, instead allowing individual member states to decide independently how to engage.

Supporters of Trump argue that this lack of a coordinated response underscores the alliance’s difficulty in taking decisive action without strong direction from the United States.

His comments also align with his broader “America First” approach, which prioritizes national independence and questions the effectiveness of international organizations that, in his view, do not provide equal benefits.

Trump’s statement that the U.S. “needs nothing from NATO” may appeal to voters who are wary of foreign commitments and prolonged military involvement abroad.

Meanwhile, many establishment figures continue to defend NATO as a vital component of global security, maintaining that cooperation among member nations serves as a deterrent and helps preserve stability.

Allies of Trump, however, argue that deterrence is weakened when countries within the alliance fail to act during critical moments.

With global tensions remaining elevated, Trump’s call to “never forget” signals that questions surrounding NATO’s responsibilities and the U.S. role within the alliance are likely to remain a key issue in national discussions.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has announced that Sergeant Aviaad Elchanan Volansky Hy”d, 21, of Yerushalayim, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.

Sergeant Volansky served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade.

In the same incident in which Volansky was killed, two officers and two additional soldiers from the 77th Battalion, 7th Brigade, sustained light injuries.

Those wounded were transported to a hospital for treatment, and their families were informed of their condition.

Volansky was the son of Brigadier General Yair Volansky and the grandson of Rav Oded Volansky, a senior rosh yeshiva at Har Hamor Yeshiva.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the full repercussions of the ongoing war in the Middle East remain uncertain, though some analysts are already likening its potential global effects to those seen during the COVID pandemic.

Speaking to business leaders in Moscow, Putin pointed to mounting disruptions across key sectors, saying the fighting is straining global supply chains, transportation networks, and industrial output, while placing heavy pressure on industries tied to energy, metals, and fertilizers.

“The consequences of the conflict in the Middle East are still difficult to accurately predict,” Putin told business leaders in Moscow.

“It seems to me that those who are involved in the conflict cannot predict anything themselves, but for us it is even more difficult.”

“However, there are already estimates that they can be compared with the coronavirus epidemic,” Putin said. “Let me remind you that it has dramatically slowed down the development of all regions and continents, without exception.”

{Matzav.com}

As Pesach approaches, leading figures in the chareidi community are urging authorities to free yeshiva bochurim who are currently incarcerated for avoiding military service, stressing the pain of their absence during the Yom Tov.

Prominent rabbonim and askonim have voiced strong objections to the continued imprisonment of bnei Torah, arguing that it is unconscionable for them to remain in custody, particularly during a time of war and as families prepare for the Seder.

“The call is sharpened ahead of Pesach, Zeman Cheiruseinu, as many chareidi families prepare for the chag while some yeshiva students will be unable to take part in the Seder night with their families,” the Hamevaser newspaper wrote Thursday morning.

The publication emphasized the deep emotional toll being felt throughout the community as Yom Tov draws near.

“In these days, as the chareidi public prepares for the chag, the painful feeling intensifies in light of the fact that there are Torah students who cannot celebrate with their families.

“Against the backdrop of the security situation, as the people of Israel are in the midst of a broad campaign against Iran, the power of Torah is the true protection for the people of Israel, and the yeshiva students devoted to their studies are those who carry the spiritual burden of the nation,” it added.

{Matzav.com}

A senior security official in Dubai has drawn widespread attention after publicly voicing unexpected support for Israel, marking a notable shift from his previously critical stance.

Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, who serves as Deputy Chief of Police and General Security in Dubai, made the remarks in a series of posts on X, reflecting sentiments increasingly heard in parts of the Gulf amid continued Iranian missile and drone threats.

“Oh, people of the Arabian Gulf, put trust in Israel. My advice to you: Nothing good will emerge from the countries of the region.”

His comments come at a time when Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, are facing ongoing security concerns tied to Iran, though they have so far avoided direct participation in military operations against it.

Behind the scenes, leaders in the region have voiced support for broadening the American military campaign with the aim of bringing down Iran’s Islamic regime, which many view as a serious and immediate danger to governments across the Arab world.

Tamim is widely known on the international stage for his involvement in the investigation into the 2010 killing of senior Hamas operative Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai. That inquiry uncovered details about the suspects’ movements and prompted accusations pointing toward Israeli involvement.

At the time, Tamim accused the Mossad of carrying out the assassination and called for international arrest warrants to be issued through Interpol against Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and then-Mossad chief Meir Dagan.

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

There is a disturbing trend I’ve noticed recently.

Every time AI comes up, people get defensive. “It’s not as good as humans.” “It can’t replace me.” That reaction is understandable, but it avoids the real issue.

Be honest instead.

You’re not going to lose your job because AI suddenly becomes perfect. You’re going to lose your job if you don’t take AI seriously.

For example:

AI may not replace entire professions, but it will make each role far more efficient. That alone changes everything. A company that once needed two full-time bookkeepers may now need only one. The work still exists, but fewer people are required to do it. The second person is out.

The same applies to copywriters, analysts, designers, customer support, paralegals, and many others. The roles remain, but the headcount shrinks.

This is not a new phenomenon. Before Excel, QuickBooks, and similar tools, bookkeeping departments required large staffs. Tasks were manual, slow, and repetitive. Those tools did not eliminate bookkeeping, but they reduced the number of people needed and raised expectations for speed and accuracy. The people who adapted stayed. The ones who did not were replaced.

AI is the same shift, just faster and broader.

Don’t focus on whether AI is “as good” as a human. That is the wrong question. The real question is whether AI will shrink the job market in your field.  In many cases, the answer is already yes.

That is why this moment requires honesty. Not fear. Not denial.

If your work is mostly executing standard tasks, you are exposed.

The way forward is to move up the value chain.

Build skills that AI cannot easily replace. Judgment. Strategy. Decision-making. Accountability.

A bookkeeper should not remain only a recorder of transactions. Learn financial analysis. Understand cash flow strategy. Advise on budgeting, forecasting, and growth. Move toward a CFO-type role where you are guiding decisions, not just tracking numbers.

A copywriter should not remain only a writer of text. Learn positioning. Understand customer psychology. Build campaigns. Take responsibility for outcomes like conversion and revenue.

A designer should not remain only a creator of visuals. Learn brand strategy. Understand user behavior. Design with a clear objective tied to results.

An analyst should not remain only a generator of reports. Interpret data. Draw conclusions. Recommend action. Influence decisions.

The pattern is the same across fields. Move from doing the task to delivering a strategic outcome.

Another important point:

Be honest with your clients.

If you are using AI to assist your work, it changes the economics. Tasks that once took hours now take minutes. That gap will not stay hidden. If you quietly pocket the difference while charging the same rates, someone else will offer similar output faster and cheaper, and you will lose your clients.

Adjust your pricing to reflect the time needed to deliver the results.

Honesty and transparency will always come out on top in the long run.

Stop denying the changes. Stop being defensive. Accept the new reality and adapt.

Concerned About Your Parnassah

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President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran must agree to terms to halt ongoing U.S. and Israeli military attacks or risk further bombardment, signaling that Washington is prepared to escalate if negotiations fail.

“They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forward,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “We’ll see if they want to do it. If they don’t, we’re their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away.”

His remarks came shortly after a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the U.S. framework to bring an end to nearly a month of hostilities is “one-sided and unfair,” even as diplomatic contacts between the sides remain ongoing.

Trump said that Iranian representatives are engaged in discussions with the United States and portrayed them as eager for an agreement, an assessment that officials in Tehran have rejected.

At the same time, he referred to Iranian negotiators as “great negotiators” and said his goal is to reach a deal that would ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while curbing Iran’s military capabilities.

Still, Trump indicated uncertainty about whether an agreement will be reached. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that,” he said of the prospects for a deal. I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”

{Matzav.com}

The Shatz-Ashdod Rebbe, who serves as head of the Shatz Badatz and the international SKS kashrus organization, is urging the chareidi public to think carefully before traveling through Sinai, citing troubling experiences of harassment at Sharm el-Sheikh airport and the Taba border crossing.

Speaking from personal experience, the Rebbe—who has traveled extensively around the world for over four decades, including in many Muslim countries—described the airport in Sharm el-Sheikh as an especially difficult environment for religious Jews. According to his account, Egyptian security personnel show no tolerance for visible religious practices or even brief moments set aside for prayer.

“At the airport in Sharm, it’s forbidden to stand even for a minute for Shemoneh Esrei, and forget about putting on tefillin,” the Rebbe said. He recounted an incident in which three security officers approached a yeshiva student who had begun to daven Maariv, shouting at him until he fled to the restroom to avoid being detained. The Rebbe added that security staff insist on the removal of a yarmulke during inspection and strictly prohibit photography in the area. “Anyone who doesn’t absolutely need to go through this experience should avoid it,” he warned.

Similar reports have emerged regarding the land crossing at Taba Border Crossing, where travelers have described deliberate mistreatment of official documents. Testimony obtained by a Hebrew-language outlet detailed an incident in which an Egyptian official forcefully handled a traveler’s passport, tearing a page in half and forcing the individual to later obtain a replacement passport in Israel.

According to reports, officials at Israel’s Interior Ministry are familiar with such cases. In the incident described, the traveler was immediately asked upon arrival whether the damage occurred at the Taba crossing, suggesting a recurring pattern. Observers say this may reflect a quiet but consistent form of harassment directed at Israeli citizens, despite the longstanding peace agreement and steady tourism between the countries.

Dear Matzav Inbox,

It’s that time again.

The carts are full. The aisles are jammed. The conversations revolve around menus, meats, wines, and which brand of this year’s overpriced everything is “worth it.” Homes are being turned upside down in a frenzy of cleaning, kashering, and preparation for zman cheiruseinu.

And in the middle of all this noise, something is being buried.

Not the chometz. Our conscience.

Because while we are obsessing over every crumb, there are people among us who are drowning financially.

Not hypothetically. Not in some faraway community. Right here. In our shuls. In our neighborhoods. Sitting next to us, nodding politely, saying “Gut Yom Tov” as if everything is fine.

It isn’t.

But they won’t tell you that.

They won’t show up at your local distribution. They won’t sign up for assistance. They won’t let their name be whispered in the right ears. They still have too much dignity for that.

And we, if we’re being honest, are relying on that.

We hide behind the comforting fiction that “the organizations are taking care of it.” That “no one falls through the cracks.” That “there are funds, drives, and campaigns.”

Let’s stop pretending.

There are cracks. Wide ones. And people are disappearing into them quietly, respectfully, and completely unnoticed.

Because they don’t scream.

And we don’t look.

We have built a system that responds beautifully—to those who ask. But what about those who don’t? What about the family that will cut corners on food, on clothing, on basic dignity, just to avoid becoming “a case”?

Do they not count because they suffer silently?

Or is it just more convenient that way?

We pride ourselves on being a community of chesed. We tell ourselves that we take care of our own.

Do we?

Or do we take care of the ones who make it easy for us to take care of them?

Because real chesed is not reactive. It is not a response to a flyer, a campaign, or a publicized need.

Real chesed is uncomfortable. It requires noticing. It requires asking. It requires stepping into spaces we would rather not enter, because doing so shatters the illusion that everything around us is fine.

And maybe that’s the real problem.

It’s easier to scrub a kitchen for hours than to confront the possibility that someone you know—someone you respect—is quietly breaking under the weight of Yom Tov.

It’s easier to check lettuce three times than to check on a neighbor or friend once.

We search our homes with candles and flashlights, hunting down the smallest trace of chometz.

But we somehow miss the most obvious thing of all: people who are struggling to make Pesach with even the most basic sense of dignity.

What exactly are we so busy removing, if not the very sensitivity that Pesach is supposed to awaken?

We speak about cheirus. About freedom. About what it means to leave Mitzrayim.

Tell me: What kind of freedom is it when a family sits at their Seder table with forced smiles, knowing that no one thought of them, knowing that they have growing credit card debt?

What kind of redemption is that?

We didn’t forget them.

That would be too innocent.

We chose not to see them.

And until we are willing to admit that—to let it bother us, to let it disrupt us, to let it cost us something—then all the cleaning, all the preparations, all the talk of zman cheiruseinu is just noise.

Because a community that prides itself on seeing every crumb, but refuses to see its own people, has missed the point entirely.

This Pesach, the question isn’t whether we got rid of our chometz.

The question is whether we got rid of our blindness.

L. G.

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Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey is delivering a blunt message to aspiring homeowners: getting into the housing market is still possible, but not without first tackling overwhelming personal debt.

In a recent interview on Fox Business, Ramsey argued that many younger Americans have been put at a disadvantage by rising debt levels across the board.

“I’m afraid I have to tell you the truth, and that is that corporate America has screwed you,” Ramsey said.

He pointed to record-breaking debt burdens weighing on younger generations. “Car debt is at an all-time high… Student loan debt is at an all-time high… And of course credit card debt, thank you to the big banks, is at an all-time high,” he continued. “When you’re drowning in personal debt, you can’t afford to buy a house!”

Recent data from Experian underscores his point. As of November 2025, the average Gen Z borrower carried $34,328 in debt, while millennials owed an average of $132,280.

Ramsey placed much of the blame on large institutions and policymakers, arguing that multiple forces have contributed to the financial strain facing these age groups. “That’s what’s happened. We’ve had these big companies, the car companies, the banks, and Congress with the student loan debt screwing these two generations [millennials and Gen Z] at a record like never before.”

Despite the bleak outlook, Ramsey said younger buyers are not shut out of the market entirely, but only if they make significant financial changes.

“What we’re finding is lots of Gen Zers, lots of millennials able to buy a home when they fight through and sell the stupid car and get rid of these debts. Our message to Gen Z and to millennials…is clear this debt, get rid of the stupidity, chop up the cards, and work your way through it,” Ramsey said. “Once you do that, you can get there.”

Still, he acknowledged that personal debt is only part of the problem. Broader market forces are also making it difficult for first-time buyers to break in.

“We’re still recovering from this huge spike in house prices following Covid,” he said. “We had the most unrealistic real estate market in 100 years following Covid.”

Ramsey noted that once pandemic restrictions eased, buyers rushed into the market, taking advantage of initially lower prices. That surge in demand ultimately drove prices sharply higher.

“Now we’ve got a shortage of inventory,” Ramsey continued. “Supply-demand has not allowed those prices to come back down. We’re seeing these spikes in prices, and that’s pushed this age [group] out.”

A senior Iranian naval commander who ordered the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz was killed Thursday in an Israeli airstrike, Israeli officials confirmed, marking the latest in a series of high-level eliminations.

Alireza Tangsiri, who led the naval division of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in a strike targeting the port city of Bandar Abbas along the strategic waterway, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Tangsiri, 64, joins a growing list of top Iranian figures recently killed, including IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini, senior regime figure Ali Larijani, and Gholamreza Soleimani, known for his role in suppressing protests.

Beyond authorizing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — Tangsiri had pledged to enforce the blockade following directives from Iran’s current leadership under Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

“In response to the order of the commander-in-chief, we will deliver the harshest blows to the aggressor enemy while maintaining the strategy of closing the Strait of Hormuz,” he had said.

The disruption to oil shipments has sent energy markets into turmoil in recent weeks, with political leaders and industry officials urging that the waterway be reopened. Earlier this week, Brent crude was reported at $100 per barrel.

Iran has also issued broader warnings, signaling it could escalate further by targeting another key maritime chokepoint — the Bab al-Mandeb Strait — if U.S. forces move against Kharg Island, a small but vital hub responsible for the majority of Iran’s oil exports.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, carrying approximately 12% of global oil supplies.

“If the enemy wants to take action on land in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands or to inflict costs on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman,” Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported, citing IRGC sources.

“We will open other fronts for them as a surprise so that their action will not only be of no benefit to them but will also double their costs.

“The Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world’s strategic straits, and Iran has both the will and the ability to create a completely credible threat against it.”

The warning came after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Central Command had carried out a major strike on Kharg Island, describing it as having “executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”

According to reports, Iran has bolstered its defensive posture around Kharg Island, deploying additional air defense systems and laying naval mines amid concerns over a possible invasion.

U.S. allies are said to be uneasy about the prospect of American ground action, with fears that Iran would retaliate forcefully.

An Israeli source cautioned that any such move could result in American casualties, noting that Iran is likely to respond with drone attacks, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post.

“The hope is that they won’t take that risk and will instead fire at the oil fields, but there is no way to know,” they said.

{Matzav.com}

Russia has begun transferring drones to Iran in recent weeks and is expected to complete a staggered delivery of the equipment by the end of the month, according to a report citing Western intelligence assessments.

The Financial Times reported that, in addition to the drone shipments, Moscow is also supplying Iran with food and medical aid.

While Russia has already been assisting Tehran with intelligence sharing and satellite imagery, the delivery of drones marks the first instance of direct weapons transfers from the Kremlin to Iran since the conflict began on February 28.

Responding to the report, a Kremlin spokesperson dismissed the claims, saying, ““There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true — we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership,” according to FT.

The report also noted that Russia has been producing drones based on Iranian designs for use in its war in Ukraine since 2023. The current shipments are believed to be aimed at strengthening Iran’s military position and helping stabilize its government.

Recent Israeli strikes targeting sites near the Caspian Sea were reportedly intended to interfere with logistical links and transfers between Russia and Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Israel Defense Forces Staff Sgt. Ori Greenberg, 21, was killed in action fighting Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon, the military announced on Thursday morning.

Greenberg, from the central Israeli city of Petach Tikvah, served as a combat soldier in the in Golani Infantry Brigade’s Reconnaissance Battalion, the IDF said, adding that his family was informed.

The death toll among Israeli troops since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border terrorist massacre now stands at 928, according to IDF figures.

“My wife and I, together with all the citizens of Israel, share in the deep sorrow of the family of Golani Reconnaissance Unit fighter Sgt. Ori Greenberg, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in Southern Lebanon,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ori’s family. He fought with bravery and courage to defend our northern border,” added the premier, “May his memory be for a blessing.”

On Wednesday, two troops were seriously injured in separate attacks on forces operating in Lebanon, the military said.

One soldier was wounded by mortar fire. In an earlier incident, a reserve soldier was seriously hurt by an enemy rocket.

Both soldiers were evacuated to hospitals, the military said, adding that the family of one of the men had been notified.

IDF chief visits wounded soldiers

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Wednesday visited soldiers wounded in fighting in Southern Lebanon as part of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the army said.

During a tour of the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Zamir met with wounded troops and their families, praising their determination and resilience. He also thanked the medical staff and military support teams for their work treating the injured.

Zamir said the IDF remains committed to supporting soldiers wounded in combat, calling it a “moral and ethical responsibility.”

Hezbollah began firing rockets and suicide drones at Israel on March 2, in retaliation for the Jewish state’s targeted killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of “Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury” against the regime on Feb. 28.

In response to the terrorist organization’s violation of the U.S.-brokered Nov. 27, 2024, truce agreement with Lebanon, Jerusalem launched an aerial campaign against Hezbollah and ordered IDF troops to advance and take control of additional areas in Southern Lebanon to halt cross-border attacks. JNS

Delta Air Lines announced that it will continue to suspend its flights from New York and Atlanta to Tel Aviv through September 5, citing security concerns tied to the ongoing conflict in the region.

The airline said the decision was made as conditions remain unstable. “Delta is extending its pause of service to Tel Aviv (TLV) as we continue to closely monitor conditions in the region and prioritize the safety of our customers and employees,” the company stated.

The routes had already been halted earlier this year after Israel closed its airspace on February 28, when fighting broke out between the United States and Iran. At that time, Delta initially suspended service to Tel Aviv through May 31, while flights connecting Tel Aviv and Atlanta were later postponed until August 4.

Passengers booked on the affected non-stop flights from New York’s JFK Airport and Atlanta will be formally notified of cancellations on March 28, when the airline processes the changes in its system.

In addition, Delta has put plans for a new Boston-to-Tel Aviv route on hold. The service had been scheduled to begin in late October, but the airline said the launch is now delayed indefinitely.

{Matzav.com}

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday for the first time since his arrest, as he moves to have the drug-trafficking case against him dismissed.

Maduro, 63, is arguing that U.S. government actions are undermining his defense in the narcoterrorism case, saying sanctions have prevented the Venezuelan government from paying for his legal representation.

His attorney, Barry Pollack, who previously represented Julian Assange, said the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control had initially granted permission for Venezuela to fund the defense, but later withdrew that authorization.

Federal prosecutors counter that Maduro has access to personal resources that could be used to pay legal fees, though he maintains that he lacks the means to do so.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, have remained in custody at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn since their arraignment in January. Flores is also expected to be present at Thursday’s hearing.

During earlier proceedings, Maduro told the court: “I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.”

The couple was charged with narcoterrorism following a dramatic operation in which U.S. forces removed them from their residence in Caracas and transported them to the United States.

According to the indictment, Maduro is accused of leading a “corrupt, illegitimate government,” which “leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking.”

A date for the trial has not yet been determined.

[Video below.] Comments by commentator Tucker Carlson comparing Western nations unfavorably to societies governed by Muslim Sharia law have ignited sharp criticism.

The remarks came during a recent episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, where Carlson painted a bleak picture of Western cities. In the segment, he says: “There’s not a single Western city that’s thriving… They’re all in moral and physical decay because of self-hatred and a lost will to live.”

He then drew a direct contrast, stating: “Sharia Law has made Islamic societies more advanced than the West.”

“I think Sharia law is much better than western civilization. But please refer to me as a right-wing American patriot.” https://t.co/tR7Mu4i5N5

— liel leibovitz (@liel) March 23, 2026

Carlson expanded on his views by referencing his travels in the Middle East, describing what he sees as a stronger sense of identity and cohesion in those societies. “I travel a lot in the Middle East. It’s amazing. They’re Muslims. Countries governed by Sharia law.

“And you go there and it’s incredible to be in a place that has pride in itself, that believes in its religion and culture, that thinks ‘we’re on to something.’ That kind of self-confidence is what creates stability… and hospitality.”

The comments quickly drew pushback, including from figures aligned with the MAGA movement. Laura Loomer criticized Carlson, accusing him of “romanticising” jihadist societies and pointing to what she described as a pattern in his views. She also reiterated her claim that Carlson had effectively “converted to Islam” or become a foreign-influenced “Qatarlson” figure.

Carlson’s recent connections to Qatar have also drawn attention. He traveled to Doha several months ago to attend the Doha Forum, where he conducted an interview with the country’s prime minister. While speaking at the event, Carlson said he was considering relocating, noting his appreciation for the city and explaining that he was acting as a “free man” in deciding where he might choose to live.

{Matzav.com}

As the winter zman came to a close, Rav Tzemach Mazuz delivered a forceful address to his talmidim, connecting recent global events to the koach of Torah learning while sharply criticizing Israel’s attorney general over the ongoing draft controversy.

Speaking at Yeshivas Kissei Rachamim ahead of bein hazmanim, Rav Mazuz focused on current developments, pressures facing the עולם התורה, and areas he felt required strengthening.

At the outset, he addressed the reported elimination of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, presenting it as part of a broader spiritual reality and attributing success to Torah study. He illustrated this with a parable.

“Last week, people came to tell me big news. What was the news? That, baruch Hashem, we merited to destroy and eliminate one of the great figures of the Iranians, and there was tremendous celebration. I saw that they wrote that the prime minister made a celebration. Can someone explain to me why he celebrated?”

“I’ll tell you,” he continued. “Because he was the brain behind all the missiles, all the attacks, and all the evil done to the Jewish people. And when that head is cut off, then with Hashem’s help the situation will improve. Just like with Haman—when Haman was killed, the Jewish people celebrated Purim, and we celebrate Purim until today.”

Expanding on the idea, Rav Mazuz compared the situation to a machine, explaining that the visible output depends on a hidden driving force.

“And I say this as a mashal. What is the lesson? Like every year, I went to visit the machine matzah bakery connected to the yeshiva. Someone who stands there sees how the machine works and the matzos come out within minutes. But what drives it all? The engine! Without the engine, there would be no matzos that we eat on Pesach. Everything has a driving force behind it.”

He then identified Torah learners as that driving force. “We are living in a very special time, we are literally seeing miracles and wonders… and who is the engine behind all these successes? You should know the truth—it is you! Israel is saved by Hashem with an eternal salvation. You sit and learn Torah.”

Turning to internal challenges, Rav Mazuz addressed the draft crisis and delivered a sharp critique of the attorney general.

“This legal adviser is constantly working on how to draft yeshiva students. In my humble opinion, she is from the ערב רב, she is not from the Jewish people! She wants to break the Jews by taking yeshiva students into the army—a place filled with very difficult spiritual challenges—and then, chas v’shalom, there is no protection for the Jewish people.”

Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the endurance of Torah, drawing from history.

“But with Hashem’s help we will overcome this as well—we have already gone through more difficult things than this. What did the Romans think when they combed the flesh of Rabbi Akiva with iron combs? They thought that would stop Torah learning. But no! The Romans are gone, and the Torah of Rabbi Akiva is alive and enduring. In the merit of the small group of yeshiva students, we are alive and we merit victories.”

As Pesach approached, Rav Mazuz urged his talmidim to remain committed during bein hazmanim.

“When a person is responsible, he does not abandon his role. You are protecting Eretz Yisroel and the entire Jewish people—do not leave your post. Bein hazmanim is meant to rest and regain strength, but one must continue to learn during these days as well. Someone who is careful about this returns to yeshiva with momentum, and the Gemara remains part of his life.”

He concluded by encouraging greater attention to kibbud av v’eim during the break and reminding his audience of the mitzvah of biur maasros and viduy maasros applicable this year, before awarding certificates to students who were tested on the halachos of amira l’nochri.

Iranian officials are pushing back against reports questioning the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei, insisting the country’s supreme leader is healthy and actively leading, despite continued speculation following a deadly Israeli strike.

Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, rejected claims that Mojtaba Khamenei had been killed or was seriously ill. Speaking in an interview with India Today, Baghaei said the Iranian leader is in stable condition and functioning normally.

He added, “We are pleased that the regime is operating efficiently, our armed forces are acting according to Iran’s defense plans, and most importantly, our people are united in the face of these aggressive and brutal actions.”

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father, was wounded during an Israeli airstrike targeting his father’s compound in February 2026. That attack killed multiple members of his immediate family, including his father, mother, wife, and daughter.

Days earlier, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, also sought to dismiss concerns, stating that Mojtaba Khamenei is “in excellent health,” “fully in control of the situation,” and carrying out his responsibilities as expected. The same assurances were echoed by the state-affiliated Mehr News Agency.

Even so, questions persist. While several official statements have been released in Mojtaba Khamenei’s name since the strike, there has been no recent visual confirmation of his condition, and he has not been heard speaking publicly.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has indicated in recent conversations with close associates that he is aiming to avoid a drawn-out war with Iran and is working toward bringing the conflict to a close in the near future, according to a report published Wednesday.

As the fighting approaches the one-month mark, Trump has privately told advisers that he believes the campaign is nearing its conclusion. He has encouraged them to remain aligned with the four-to-six-week timeframe he has previously outlined publicly, people familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal.

Officials at the White House have also been preparing for a mid-May meeting in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, operating under the assumption that the conflict with Iran will be resolved before that summit takes place, according to individuals briefed on the planning.

One source told The Wall Street Journal that Trump expressed concern that the war is pulling attention away from other key priorities on his agenda.

Another individual who recently spoke with the president said Trump appears eager to move on to his next major initiative, though he has not specified what that will be.

“President Trump is extraordinarily skilled at multi-tasking and works on multiple challenges at the same time,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “The President is laser focused on fully achieving the military objectives against the terrorist Iranian regime. The president’s sole focus is always victory.”

According to the report, one proposal Trump has discussed with advisers involves securing U.S. access to portions of Iran’s oil resources as part of a potential agreement to end the conflict. A senior administration official said, however, that no formal planning is currently underway for such an arrangement.

While Trump has not ruled out deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Iran, he remains hesitant to take that step, in part because it could prolong the war. Officials told The Wall Street Journal that he is also concerned that American casualties could rise if the conflict continues.

Earlier this week, Trump announced a temporary halt of five days on “any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure” in order to allow space for diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. He added that the United States is in contact with “very solid” figures inside Iran.

Reports that followed suggested that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was involved in representing Iran in discussions with the U.S., though Ghalibaf publicly denied that any negotiations were taking place.

Speaking Wednesday night in Washington, Trump said he believes Iran is interested in reaching an agreement but is unwilling to acknowledge it openly.

“I’ve never seen anything like we’re doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” the President stated.

He added a pointed remark about Iran’s leadership, saying, “There’s never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran. We listen to some of the things they say, we hear them very clearly. They say, ‘I don’t want it, we’d like to make you the next supreme leader. No thank you, I don’t want it.'”

{Matzav.com}

The United States has crossed a significant threshold in its ongoing military campaign against Iran, with more than 10,000 strikes carried out since late February, according to a senior U.S. commander, as the conflict continues to intensify both on the battlefield and across global economic systems.

In an update posted Wednesday, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads United States Central Command, said American forces reached the 10,000-strike mark nearly four weeks into Operation Epic Fury.

Cooper reported that U.S. operations have exceeded that number since the campaign began on Feb. 28, adding that forces remain “on plan or ahead of plan” in efforts aimed at dismantling Iran’s capacity to project power beyond its borders.

He said that sustained U.S. precision attacks have “overwhelmed Iranian air defenses,” created “tangible effects,” and significantly reduced Iran’s ability to target American forces and allied nations, noting that continued combat sorties are eroding Tehran’s offensive capabilities.

According to Cooper, U.S. strikes have crippled Iran’s naval strength, with roughly 92% of its largest vessels rendered inoperable. He also said that Iran’s use of drones and missiles has dropped by more than 90% following coordinated U.S. and allied operations.

He further stated that more than two-thirds of Iran’s facilities tied to missile, drone, and naval production—as well as key shipyards—have been hit or destroyed, while U.S. forces have maintained control of the skies and conducted over 10,000 combat flights throughout the campaign.

Cooper praised the role of long-range B-52 bombers and the involvement of more than 50,000 U.S. troops, saying they “embody the courage and resilience” of American service members.

Despite the scale of U.S. operations, Iran has continued launching retaliatory strikes, firing missiles and deploying drones at Israeli territory as well as U.S. and allied installations across the Middle East.

Several Iranian barrages have struck sites throughout Israel, including residential areas and civilian infrastructure. One such attack on March 1 resulted in the deaths of at least nine Israeli civilians.

Thousands of Israelis have been wounded in the attacks, with total injuries surpassing 4,000.

Iranian strikes have also reached U.S. bases and allied facilities in Gulf countries, with missiles crossing regional airspace and causing structural damage. In some instances, drone attacks have struck U.S. Embassy compounds, leading to minor damage.

By mid-March, U.S. officials reported that at least 13 American service members had been killed in the conflict, with approximately 232 wounded. More than 200 of those injured have since returned to duty.

Earlier casualty reports had placed the U.S. death toll at six, though subsequent updates reflected a higher number as the campaign progressed.

Beyond the battlefield, the conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy and shipping markets.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued warnings that effectively shut down commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a steep drop in maritime activity.

At least a dozen commercial vessels sustained damage during the crisis, and one tugboat was sunk. Traffic through the strait initially declined by about 70% and, at times, came to a near standstill.

The disruption has affected roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply, along with significant shipments of liquefied natural gas, forcing major shipping companies to halt operations or reroute along significantly longer paths.

Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices climbing past $100 per barrel and reaching highs of approximately $126.

The dual impact of sustained military conflict and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up war-risk insurance premiums for shipping and contributed to broader economic strain, including supply chain disruptions, rising commodity costs, and increased inflation in energy-dependent economies.

While U.S. officials maintain that Operation Epic Fury is steadily weakening Iran’s military capabilities and limiting its ability to conduct external attacks, Tehran’s ongoing retaliation continues to cause casualties and damage to Israeli and American interests throughout the region.

At the same time, Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has underscored the far-reaching global consequences of the conflict, particularly in energy markets and international trade.

U.S. military leaders continue to express confidence that Iran’s offensive capacity is diminishing as American forces sustain air superiority and press forward with the campaign.

{Matzav.com}