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A newly released federal investigation has concluded that the collapse of Florida’s Champlain Towers South was not a sudden event, but rather the culmination of a structural breakdown that had been unfolding for weeks before the building came crashing down and killed 98 people.

The findings, published Monday by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), determined that the 12-story beachfront condominium in Surfside suffered from critical structural weaknesses dating back to its original construction.

According to investigators, the chain of failures appears to have started in early June 2021 when two vital connections between columns in the underground parking garage and the concrete slab supporting the pool deck failed. Because the building’s original design did not comply with accepted engineering standards and decades of alterations further compromised the structure, the remaining sections of the deck were unable to withstand the redistribution of weight.

“When building structures are designed and built to required codes and standards, they have margins against failure, meaning they should be able to support much more load than they are expected to bear,” explained Judith Mitrani-Reiser, an investigation co-lead, in an accompanying video release. “In the case of Champlain Towers South, these margins against failure were too narrow from the start.”

The federal report adds significant detail to the growing body of evidence that emerged after the tragedy, pointing to longstanding design deficiencies and progressive structural deterioration. The building ultimately collapsed at approximately 1:22 a.m. on June 24, 2021, while most residents were asleep inside the oceanfront complex just north of Miami.

Among the 98 victims were members of the local Orthodox Jewish community, as well as relatives of Paraguay’s first lady, including her sister, family members, and their nanny.

The legal aftermath of the disaster resulted in a settlement exceeding $1 billion after a Miami judge approved a class-action agreement resolving numerous wrongful death and personal injury claims.

Mitrani-Reiser said investigators determined that the building failed to meet applicable structural requirements even under the standards in place when it was built in the late 1970s. In addition, portions of the completed structure differed from the original architectural plans. Among the unapproved changes were large decorative planters installed throughout the pool deck area.

Subsequent renovations added substantial weight to the structure. Sand and paving stones installed around the pool increased the load on what Mitrani-Reiser described as an “already structurally inadequate” platform. Investigators also confirmed extensive corrosion in reinforcing steel embedded within the pool deck and parking garage slabs.

Photographs taken in the weeks before the collapse provided further warning signs. Investigators identified a major crack running through a planter wall on the pool deck, along with additional fractures where the planter connected to a structural enclosure. The planter itself detached from the deck less than a day before the building failed.

The report also documented worsening water infiltration in the underground garage. Roughly a week before the collapse, investigators traced a growing leak from the garage ceiling. Witnesses later told officials that the flow had intensified to the point where it resembled a “water faucet” in the hours leading up to the disaster.

As the collapse began, residents reported seeing portions of the pool deck fail before the building itself came down. Mitrani-Reiser said witnesses described the deck collapse as occurring “one bay at a time as if dominoes were falling in a sequential chain reaction.” Others recalled a powerful blast of air moving through the lobby, accompanied by a deafening sound that survivors compared to a “jet engine.”

The tragedy led to major changes in Florida condominium law. In 2022, state lawmakers enacted requirements forcing condominium associations to maintain reserve funds for critical structural repairs and maintenance. After many property owners were hit with steep special assessments to address years of deferred upkeep, legislators later approved additional measures designed to provide associations and homeowners with greater flexibility in meeting the new financial obligations.

Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman was defeated in New York City’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, with former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander emerging victorious in a race that underscored growing divisions within the party over Israel and highlighted the expanding political influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Lander’s victory in New York’s 10th Congressional District marked another success for candidates aligned with Mamdani, whose supporters have increasingly challenged incumbent Democrats as the mayor seeks to reshape the city’s political landscape following his breakthrough electoral success last year.

The loss made Goldman the fifth sitting member of the U.S. House to be unseated in a primary election during the 2026 cycle, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among many Democratic voters with the party’s established leadership.

Goldman had long been viewed as one of the Democratic Party’s emerging figures, gaining national attention for serving as lead counsel during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment proceedings. Since narrowly capturing a crowded primary contest in 2022, he had become a prominent critic of the Trump administration, particularly on issues such as immigration and abortion rights. His campaign also benefited from substantial personal financial resources and support from prominent Democrats, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several influential labor organizations.

Despite those advantages, Goldman faced mounting opposition within a district that stretches into rapidly changing neighborhoods of Brooklyn, where his positions on Israel became a central issue. Goldman, who is Jewish, received support from both the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and J Street, a more liberal pro-Israel advocacy organization that also endorsed his candidacy.

Throughout the campaign, Goldman attempted to present himself as both progressive and supportive of Israel, arguing that criticism of Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and opposition to aspects of the war against Hamas in Gaza could coexist with continued American military support for Israel.

Lander, who is also Jewish, took a markedly different approach. He has sharply criticized Israel’s leadership and its handling of the Gaza conflict, describing the war as a “genocide.” He pledged to support legislation imposing additional limits on U.S. military assistance to Israel and repeatedly highlighted Goldman’s backing from AIPAC in an effort to appeal to Democratic voters who have grown increasingly critical of Israel.

The challenger also benefited from a close political alliance with Mamdani. During Lander’s unsuccessful mayoral campaign, the two forged a partnership that continued into this race. Lander further strengthened his standing among progressives by securing endorsements from prominent national figures, including Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Another key theme of Lander’s campaign was opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. He frequently appeared in federal immigration court to advocate for defendants and drew national attention last year when he was arrested following a confrontation with federal officers. Earlier this month, a judge acquitted him of misdemeanor charges stemming from that incident.

Lander also pointed to his years of experience on the New York City Council and his tenure as the city’s comptroller, arguing that his record in government positioned him to take office immediately and respond to what many Democrats view as an urgent need to challenge the Trump administration.

{Matzav.com}

As thousands of protesters prepare to take part in Wednesday’s large-scale vehicle demonstration against the arrest of bnei yeshivah and yungeleit, new details have emerged about a possible confrontation between organizers and law enforcement over access to Military Prison 10.

According to reports, police officials are considering a dramatic move that would prevent protest convoys from reaching the prison complex near Kfar Yona and instead redirect participants to a parking area outside the city.

The planned demonstration is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., with convoys departing simultaneously from numerous locations across the country before converging on the military prison.

The protest is being organized in response to the ongoing arrests of bnei Torah, and organizers estimate that approximately 2,500 vehicles will participate, making it one of the largest vehicle-based demonstrations the chareidi community has seen in recent years.

Sources familiar with the discussions said that police are also considering issuing traffic citations to drivers who deliberately travel at unusually slow speeds as part of the protest.

Meanwhile, Kfar Yona Mayor Albert Taieb announced that he intends to organize a “human wall” to prevent demonstrators from entering the city.

“This has nothing to do with chareidim,” Taieb said. “The coalition includes chareidim as well. We saw a similar situation during the protests surrounding Sde Teiman. In the name of democracy, you cannot shut down an entire city. We will not allow it.”

The mayor added that municipal officials and residents are prepared to block access to the city if necessary.

“We will block Kfar Yona at the Givat Alonim and Yefeh Nof neighborhoods if protests indeed take place,” he said.

Organizers have designated 19 departure points throughout the country, including Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze’ev, Haifa, Chatzor HaGlilit, Yerushalayim, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Emanuel, Afula, Arad, Tzfas, Kiryat Gat, and Rechovot.

The convoys are expected to merge into a single procession en route to the prison while carrying the slogan: “Enough! There is no path without the path of Torah!”

Earlier reports indicated that the Eidah HaChareidis would officially join the protest following guidance from the Badatz. If confirmed, the development would mark an unusually broad coalition of participation, bringing together Agudas Yisroel, the Eidah HaChareidis, and other segments of the chareidi community in a joint public demonstration.

President Donald Trump cautioned Tuesday that the United States stands ready to return to military action against Iran if Tehran fails to honor the terms of the newly reached agreement, signaling that Washington’s patience will depend on the Islamic Republic’s conduct in the weeks ahead.

Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump praised Iran’s behavior since the agreement was reached but made clear that the situation could change quickly if the regime does not act responsibly.

“Iran has been great – IF Iran is reasonable, IF they’re smart. Otherwise, we’ll have to finish the job,” Trump said at the event.

.@POTUS: "Iran has been great — IF Iran is reasonable, IF they're smart. Otherwise, we'll have to finish the job." pic.twitter.com/PSFh593afe

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 23, 2026

Trump also highlighted what he described as a landmark diplomatic achievement, emphasizing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remained the central objective of the agreement.

“As you know, we just achieved a historic peace agreement with Iran to end the conflict… and most importantly, we are ensuring one thing very importantly- because this is why I did it… Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that.”

His remarks followed a warning issued a day earlier in which he similarly threatened consequences if Iran failed to comply with its commitments.

“If Iran doesn’t live up to their agreement or they’re not behaving, I will do what I have to do.”

Trump also addressed American leverage in the region, particularly regarding the strategic waterway through which much of the world’s energy supply passes.

“As long as they respect us – I don’t want to use the word ‘fear’ because it’s inappropriate – as long as they respect us, we’re not going to have any trouble. We have total control of the strait,” Trump added.

When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon, Trump suggested that he may become involved in the issue and expressed confidence in his ability to broker solutions.

“We are going to take a look at it. I am a problem solver. I can solve problems fast, including with Bibi.”

The comments came after an intensive 18-hour negotiating session concluded early Monday. In a joint statement, Qatar and Pakistan announced that discussions between American and Iranian representatives had ended on a positive note.

According to the statement, the talks were conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere”.

The two mediating countries further reported that “encouraging progress” had been achieved and said a framework had been established to facilitate additional technical negotiations moving forward.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also offered an optimistic assessment of the discussions, crediting the mediators with helping advance efforts to end regional tensions.

“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.”

Araghchi indicated that the next major challenge will involve implementing arrangements related to Lebanon and preventing renewed escalation there.

{Matzav.com}

A storm erupted Tuesday evening within the chareidi political world after senior Shas leader Rav Moshe Maya publicly urged participation in Wednesday’s planned vehicle protest, while a spokesman for the party later declared that Shas would not be taking part in the demonstration.

The protest, organized by broad segments of the mainstream chareidi community, including elements of Agudas Yisroel and other groups alongside the Eidah HaChareidis and Peleg Yerushalmi, is scheduled to take place Wednesday and is expected to be conducted in an orderly fashion through slow-moving vehicle processions.

One of the strongest endorsements of the protest came from Rav Moshe Maya, the senior member of Shas’s Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah. Speaking on a community hotline operated by Itche Dzalovsky, Rav Maya called on the public to participate, describing the demonstration as a religious obligation.

“This is excellent. This protest is an obligation. Perhaps through it we will merit to fulfill our obligation to protest.”

Rav Maya praised the nature of the demonstration, emphasizing that it would not involve road blockages or property damage.

“This is excellent because it does not block roads and does not damage vehicles on the side. As you publicized in the media, it involves driving at a slow speed, and it is the strongest protest with the least amount of harm. It is excellent. Not only is it excellent, it is an obligation. From the very first moment they arrested a yeshivah student and put him in prison, I have not been able to sleep at night. Even today I do not sleep well. How can we remain silent? If we are supposed to protest and do not, then we share responsibility for the same sin.”

Quoting the Rambam, Rav Maya argued that failing to protest would carry serious spiritual consequences.

“The Rambam rules, and I am quoting his exact language, that ‘Anyone who disgraces Torah scholars has no share in the World to Come.’ A person must understand one thing: We believe that our entire World to Come is at stake. If we do not protest properly, it is a sin.”

At the same time, outrage spread among supporters and organizers of the protest after Shas spokesman Asher Medina publicly stated that the party would not participate in the event.

According to journalist Avi Moskoff, Medina said during an interview on Kol Barama radio that despite Rav Maya’s endorsement, both Shas and Degel HaTorah would refrain from joining the protest.

“We will not participate in tomorrow’s protest. Shas and Degel are avoiding participation in such actions at this time, whether they involve vehicles or horses, and we will invoke the name of Hashem our G-d.”

The comments sparked strong criticism from those involved in the protest effort, many of whom viewed the statement as a public contradiction of the position expressed by one of the senior members of Shas’s rabbinic leadership.

Sources familiar with the matter said that the remarks were deeply troubling.

“This is a shocking crossing of a red line. The party spokesman is allowing himself to publicly oppose an explicit directive from the senior member of the Moetzes. If the party chose not to participate officially for its own reasons, then at the very least he should have remained silent rather than issue provocative statements that undermine the honor of Torah.”

The controversy comes as organizers make final preparations for the vehicle protest, which they say is intended to express opposition to the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah students while avoiding the road closures and confrontations that have characterized some demonstrations in the past.

{Matzav.com}

SpaceX shares struggled to regain momentum on Tuesday after briefly slipping below their initial offering price, a symbolic setback for a stock that only days ago was among Wall Street’s hottest stories.

The stock fell as much as 3% in early trading, dropping to roughly $149 after making its public debut on June 12 at $150 per share. While the shares later recovered and climbed about 6% during the session, most of those gains evaporated by the closing bell, with the stock ending the day up less than 1%.

The decline below the offering price was viewed as an important psychological marker, suggesting that SpaceX may be following the same path as several high-profile public offerings that initially surged before retreating beneath their debut levels.

Traders and major shareholders, including large institutional investors, are expected to face increasing pressure to support the stock after its recent slide. Investors are also watching another key threshold: the company’s IPO price of $135 per share.

Even at approximately $150, SpaceX remains only about 11% above its IPO price. From its recent highs, the company has shed roughly $400 billion in market value and is now at risk of falling below the $2 trillion market capitalization mark.

The pullback marks a dramatic shift from last week, when SpaceX soared to a record high of around $225 per share and surpassed both Amazon and Microsoft to become the fourth-largest publicly traded company in the world.

The weakness in SpaceX shares has also spread across the broader space sector, dragging down many companies that had rallied alongside the highly anticipated market debut.

According to Bespoke Investment Group, a basket of space-related stocks had gained an average of 99% for the year as of the close of trading on June 11, the day before SpaceX priced its shares at $135. Since then, those same stocks have declined by an average of 17%.

Another factor weighing on investor sentiment is the approaching expiration of several lock-up restrictions. At the time of its public offering, SpaceX made available just 4.2% of its total float.

Jeff Jacobson, a strategist at 22V Research, told Yahoo Finance that a 20% insider share unlock is scheduled to take place following the company’s earnings report, which is expected in early to mid-August.

Additional unlock events are also on the horizon. A further 10% of shares could become eligible for sale if the stock rises 30% above its IPO price, while separate 7% share unlocks are expected around Aug. 21 and again on Sept. 10, potentially adding more selling pressure in the weeks ahead.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli transportation officials say they are optimistic that a growing dispute involving American refueling operations at Ben Gurion Airport will soon be resolved, potentially averting widespread flight disruptions during the busy summer travel season.

Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben Zaken said he expects a breakthrough in the situation within the next day.

“I believe it will happen within 24 hours,” Ben Zaken said during an interview with Kan Reshet Bet. He noted that Transportation Minister Miri Regev held discussions Tuesday with the Defense Minister and senior security officials. “They also understood that there is a need for at least 24 additional aircraft so that we can enable flights for thousands of ticket holders who are facing the threat of cancellations in July and August.”

Ben Zaken expressed confidence that Israeli travelers will not experience major summer flight cancellations, rejecting more pessimistic forecasts that have circulated in recent weeks.

His assessment stands in contrast to warnings issued by Israel Airports Authority Director General Sharon Kedmi, who has cautioned that millions of passengers could be affected by disruptions stemming from American military activity at the airport.

According to Kedmi, between two and three million Israelis may receive notices this summer informing them that their flights have been canceled because of operational constraints tied to the American presence at Ben Gurion Airport.

Kedmi has repeatedly warned that the airport is operating under severe limitations, claiming that approximately 70 percent of its normal activity has been curtailed due to ongoing American military operations.

“We are using only one-third of the airport’s operational capacity. We are at the very limit of our capabilities. There will be flights that, in the coming days, we will announce are being canceled, and airlines will not be able to return at the pace they want. There will also be delays in departures from abroad.”

Despite those concerns, transportation officials maintain that efforts are underway to expand capacity and prevent large-scale disruptions, expressing hope that additional aircraft and improved coordination with security authorities will allow airlines to meet expected summer demand.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed back against growing criticism of his administration’s agreement with Iran, arguing that even some of his closest allies do not fully understand the advantages of the deal and need to take a closer look at the facts.

Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked how he would respond to supporters such as Sen. Ted Cruz, who has emerged as one of the most vocal Republican critics of the agreement.

Trump suggested that opposition to the deal stems largely from a misunderstanding of the leverage the United States currently holds over Tehran.

“Because we have Iran in a position that nobody’s ever had,” Trump continued. “This should have been done for 47 years by other presidents.”

The president argued that Iran has been left significantly weakened and enters negotiations from a position of unprecedented vulnerability.

“And we have Iran in a position where their military has been totally wiped out, their leadership has been wiped out, their radar has been wiped out. Everything has been wiped out. They have not a good negotiating position.”

Earlier in the exchange, Trump made clear that he believes even longtime allies who oppose the agreement have failed to appreciate the strategic circumstances surrounding the talks.

“Anybody that’s been critical” of the Iran deal “has to be educated, even if they’re friends of mine.”

Trump’s remarks come as debate continues within Republican circles over the administration’s diplomatic outreach to Tehran, with supporters arguing that Iran has been weakened to the point where a favorable agreement is possible, while critics contend that the regime cannot be trusted and should face continued pressure rather than negotiations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Tuesday that Tehran’s missile program is completely excluded from its understanding with the United States and insisted that the issue will never be open for negotiation.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian addressed ongoing contacts between Tehran and Washington as well as questions surrounding Iran’s military capabilities, according to Reuters.

The Iranian leader stated that the country’s missile arsenal was not included in the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States and emphasized that it “will never be,” part of any negotiations, Reuters reported.

Pezeshkian further stressed that Iran has no intention of discussing its defense infrastructure with any foreign government, maintaining that the country’s military capabilities are not subject to bargaining or diplomatic compromise.

He also outlined Tehran’s view of regional diplomacy, saying that Iran believes “regional peace and stability can only be achieved through honest dialogue and intra-regional cooperation.”

During the appearance, Pezeshkian praised relations between Iran and Pakistan, describing the neighboring nation as a close ally whose ties with Tehran extend beyond ordinary diplomatic relations.

According to the Iranian president, Pakistan is “not only a neighbor, but a brother and sincere companion,” and recent events, he said, have demonstrated the depth of trust and cooperation shared by the two countries.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran emerged from the recent conflict with severe economic and military damage, while highlighting what he described as encouraging signs for global energy markets and ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran.

Addressing supporters at an event in Pennsylvania, Trump argued that the war had inflicted long-term harm on Iran’s economy and defense sector.

“The Iran economy has been crushed and the defense industrial base has been damaged so severely that it’ll take many years to rebuild, many, many years,” Trump told the crowd.

Despite that assessment, Trump indicated that his administration remains focused on pursuing a negotiated resolution with the Iranian regime.

“And now we’re trying to work out a deal that’s fair. And we also want to work out a deal,” Trump added.

The president also pointed to recent economic developments in the United States, citing stock market performance and energy prices as evidence that conditions are improving.

“You know, the stock market hit a new high today again. And oil, for the first time in months, hit $70 a barrel,” Trump said.

Emphasizing the significance of the figure, Trump argued that lower oil prices would ultimately benefit consumers and the broader economy.

“Think of it, $70 a barrel. And that equates to a very low price.”

He predicted that energy costs would continue to decline in the coming months, producing a ripple effect throughout the economy.

“That number is going to come charging down. And with oil comes everything else,” Trump said.

Trump also touted what he called “a historic peace agreement” involving Iran and efforts to restore stability in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

As part of those remarks, the president pointed to what he described as record-setting oil shipments moving through the waterway.

“Yesterday, 19 million barrels of oil flowed out of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said. “That’s the most oil in the history of the Strait.”

Highlighting the scale of the exports, Trump told supporters that the volume was unlike anything previously seen.

“You’ve never seen anything like that. It’s called oil production,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem called Tuesday for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, insisting that no Israeli forces remain on Lebanese soil following the ceasefire reached amid the new U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the broader regional conflict.

In remarks broadcast on Lebanese television and cited by The Times of Israel, Qassem said the ceasefire now requires full implementation on the ground.

“We now have a ceasefire,” Qassem said on state TV, according to The Times of Israel.

The Hezbollah chief argued that Israel must leave all Lebanese territory according to an established timetable and without maintaining any presence whatsoever.

“The withdrawal must take place according to a timetable. Israel has no choice but to fully withdraw from all Lebanese territory, without retaining an inch,” he added.

Qassem further stated that responsibility for security in southern Lebanon should rest solely with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“Israel withdraws, and the Lebanese army deploys exclusively south of the Litani River.”

The demand comes after the Lebanese government announced in 2025 that it had completed the deployment of its military throughout southern Lebanon and had disarmed Hezbollah forces operating in the area as part of a ceasefire arrangement.

Despite those commitments, Hezbollah subsequently resumed attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon, raising questions about the effectiveness of the agreement and the extent of the group’s continued presence in the region.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his administration’s approach toward Iran, declaring that no previous American leader had been as willing to challenge hostile nations and international bad actors, while arguing that Tehran’s military and nuclear ambitions have been dramatically curtailed.

Speaking at an economy-focused event at Mack Trucks in Pennsylvania, Trump pointed to what he described as a remarkable turnaround in global affairs over the past year and a half.

“Right from a year and a half ago, nobody’s ever seen anything like this with the hottest country anywhere in the world by a lot,” Trump told the audience.

The president then broadened his remarks, saying his administration has taken a tougher stance against nations and entities he views as exploiting the United States and destabilizing the international order.

“But I stood up to the trade cheaters and abusers and violators of the world like no president has ever stood up before,” he added.

Trump specifically highlighted Iran, insisting that preventing the regime from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central objective of his foreign policy.

“And now I’m standing up again because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, if that’s okay,” he said.

The president contrasted his approach with that of previous administrations, arguing that Iran had long operated without facing meaningful consequences.

“We had 47 years with the president and other people, other countries too, not the only one, that never did anything.”

Trump went on to describe Iran as the dominant destabilizing force in the region before claiming that its military capabilities have been severely degraded.

“They were the bully of the Middle East. And now we’re leaving Iran with no navy, no air force, no anti-aircraft, no missile capability, no nuclear program. We’re leaving them without any nuclear capacity. And they’ve agreed to that.”

The Trump administration has relaxed certain travel limitations on Iran’s national soccer team during the World Cup, allowing players and staff to arrive in Seattle earlier than previously permitted ahead of Friday’s crucial Group G matchup against Egypt, according to a report by Politico.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman confirmed that the Iranian delegation will be allowed to enter the United States two days before the match. Previously, team personnel had been restricted to arriving no more than 24 hours before kickoff.

Officials emphasized that the broader security framework governing Iran’s participation in the tournament remains unchanged. Under current rules, members of the Iranian delegation must still depart the United States on the same day their match concludes.

“The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”

The adjustment comes as President Donald Trump continues pursuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran, even as Iranian officials have publicly criticized the restrictions imposed on their team during the competition.

Before the tournament began, Iranian authorities complained that some members of the delegation were denied visas. Reports also indicated that Iran considered withdrawing from the World Cup after hostilities erupted between Israel and Iran.

Ultimately, the team chose to remain in the tournament but relocated its training operations from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after receiving an invitation from Mexican officials.

Mohammad Reza Gilani, a cultural affairs adviser at Iran’s embassy in Mexico City, praised the reception his country’s delegation received in Mexico.

“Infrastructure matters. Stadiums matter. Security also matters,” Gilani said. “But history shows that great hosts are remembered for something deeper: Being able to make the world feel welcome.”

Iran currently sits in second place in Group G after opening the tournament with draws against Belgium and New Zealand.

A victory against Egypt on Friday could secure Iran a place in the Round of 16, where the team could potentially find itself facing the United States in one of the tournament’s most highly anticipated matchups.

{Matzav.com}

In a significant rebuke to the administration, the Republican-led U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to approve legislation aimed at halting American military involvement in Iran, according to Reuters.

The practical consequences of the measure remain unclear, however, as President Donald Trump’s administration continues efforts to finalize a peace agreement with Tehran.

The resolution passed the Senate by a narrow 50-48 margin after previously winning approval in the House of Representatives earlier this month.

While the vote largely followed partisan lines, four Republican senators broke with their party to support the measure alongside nearly all Democrats. Two Republican lawmakers did not participate in the vote.

Under the resolution, the president would be directed to remove U.S. forces from ongoing hostilities involving Iran. Despite its passage, many observers view the measure as largely symbolic and unlikely to alter administration policy.

Because the legislation was introduced pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973, it does not require presidential approval and therefore will not be sent to Trump for his signature.

The White House has already dismissed the effort, maintaining that Congress lacks the authority to impose such restrictions on the administration through this mechanism.

Administration officials argue that the resolution is unconstitutional and carries no binding legal force over the president’s conduct of military and foreign affairs.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pushed back Tuesday against criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, insisting that his positions on Judea and Samaria have not changed and accusing his political rivals of misrepresenting his views.

The dispute erupted after excerpts from Bennett’s interview on the Kan News podcast “HaManganon” sparked backlash from Smotrich and other right-wing figures over Bennett’s comments regarding illegal construction in Judea and Samaria.

Addressing reporters while outlining his vision for a future government, Bennett was asked about the controversy and reiterated his longstanding positions.

“I oppose a Palestinian state, oppose territorial concessions, and support legal construction in Area C. And like every government, wherever there is illegal construction or construction on private land, of course it should be removed.”

Bennett then turned directly to Smotrich, who had criticized him a day earlier, and delivered a sharp response.

“Smotrich, what are you talking about? He himself evacuated 107 illegal outposts, and rightly so. Do you know why? Because there is law and there is private property. If someone comes and builds a house on land that does not belong to him, is that okay? No.”

Speaking separately at the JNS Conference, Bennett expanded on his current political outlook and rejected claims that he had drifted from the ideological right.

“My ideological positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are clear. I am a right-wing person. I have not changed my views, but I am not extreme and I am not irresponsible.”

According to Bennett, being politically right-wing does not mean abandoning practical considerations or legal standards.

“Being right-wing means standing up for our national interests. Not giving up territory. Not allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Standing strong and determined. But that does not mean being stupid.”

The controversy began after Bennett, who previously served as director-general of the Yesha Council, stated during his interview with Shaul Amsterdamski that he would continue enforcing the law against unauthorized construction in Judea and Samaria.

“From my perspective, legal construction in Area C, on state land that is not privately owned by Palestinians, is welcome. Construction that is illegal, or not in Area C, or on private land, is not legitimate.”

Bennett further argued that property rights and the rule of law must be respected regardless of political considerations.

“I live in Ra’anana. I would not allow you to suddenly build a house on land that belongs to me. What is illegal will not remain.”

At the same time, Bennett emphasized his support for expanding lawful Jewish communities in Area C, which he believes should ultimately become part of the State of Israel.

“I support legal settlement in Area C because, in my view, Area C will ultimately become part of the State of Israel, while Areas A and B will remain part of Palestinian autonomy.”

{Matzav.com}

A profound sense of loss has descended upon the Torah and kabbalah world with the passing of the venerable mekubal Rav Rachamim Attiya zt”l, one of the elder rabbinic figures of the Aram Tzova community, a distinguished sage of Yeshivas Nahar Shalom, father-in-law of the former Rishon Letzion Rav Yitzchok Yosef and a disciple and confidant of the holy mekubal Rav Mordechai Sharabi zt”l. Rav Rachamim was niftar at Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim at the age of 95.

The levayah will take place this evening, departing from Yeshivas Porat Yosef on Yosef Ben Matityahu Street in the Geulah neighborhood of Yerushalayim and proceeding to Har Hamenuchos, where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Rebbetzin Shoshana a”h, who was niftar sixteen years ago on Chag HaShavuos.

Rav Rachamim was born on the 22nd of Av, 5691 (1931), in Aram Tzova, Syria, to his father, Rav Yitzchok Attiya zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Jamila a”h.

For decades, he was known throughout Yerushalayim as one of the city’s most revered and righteous mekubalim. He served as the baal korei in the beis medrash of the holy mekubal Rav Mordechai Sharabi zt”l, who was known to select only individuals of exceptional refinement and self-mastery for positions such as baal korei and shaliach tzibbur, particularly those who were meticulous in avoiding anger.

Rav Rachamim enjoyed an especially close relationship with Rav Mordechai Sharabi, who learned kabbalah with him and held him in extraordinary esteem. It was said that Rav Sharabi remarked that the Name of Hashem was visibly etched upon Rav Rachamim’s countenance. Detached from the distractions and vanities of this world, he devoted himself to Torah and avodas Hashem with remarkable diligence day and night.

In later years, Rav Rachamim became the mechutan of Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, longtime leader of Sephardic Jewry and president of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, when his daughter married Rav Yitzchok Yosef. Maran Rav Ovadia held him in exceptionally high regard, reportedly sending people to him for pidyon nefesh due to his ability as a mechaven, and would show him special honor whenever they met.

Throughout the day, prominent rabbanim and Torah leaders visited the family home to pay their respects, including Chacham Moshe Tzedakah and the Tolados Aharon Rebbe, among many others.

His brother was the renowned dayan, Rav Yeshua Attiya zt”l, one of the great masmidim of Yeshivas Porat Yosef in Yerushalayim.

Rav Rachamim leaves behind a remarkable family and a legacy of Torah and holiness. He is survived by 13 children, and hundreds of descendants following in his path. Among them are his son, Rav Avrohom Attiya, author of the seforim Peninei Beis Levi, and his daughter, the rebbetzin wife of Rav Yitzchok Yosef, president of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

Yehi zichro boruch. Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

The world of Chabad and Jewish music suffered a tremendous loss on Tuesday with the passing of the legendary baal tefillah and chazzan, Reb Berel (Berel’e) Salzman z”l of New Jersey, at the age of 92. Renowned for a voice that stirred countless hearts, Rav Berel lived a life of extraordinary mesirus nefesh, operating an underground yeshivah in Soviet Samarkand under the watchful eye of the KGB and later meriting to serve as baal tefillah for the Rosh Hashanah Mussaf in the presence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe at 770.

A living symbol of Jewish resilience behind the Iron Curtain, Rav Berel devoted his life to preserving Yiddishkeit under Communist oppression. His remarkable musical gifts became a powerful instrument for spreading the light of Chassidus and inspiring Jews who had been cut off from their heritage.

He was born in 1934 in Kharkov, Ukraine, to his father, Reb Avrohom Salzman, a member of a distinguished family known for its deep roots in chazzanus and Jewish music.

From a young age, his extraordinary talent was impossible to miss. In the clandestine shul where his family quietly maintained Torah life despite the harsh Soviet regime, worshippers predicted that the gifted youngster was destined for greatness in the world of niggun and tefillah.

As he grew older, Rav Berel became a well-known figure in Soviet public life, performing as a popular classical and contemporary vocalist on state radio networks. Yet even as his fame grew, his true passion remained the spiritual survival of his fellow Jews.

He later married his wife, Chaya Esther, daughter of Rav Yehuda Butrashvili zt”l.

Alongside his public career, Rav Berel became deeply involved in the Chabad underground. For several years, he hosted a secret yeshivah in his home in Samarkand, placing himself at enormous personal risk while operating under the noses of Communist authorities.

For fourteen years, he served as a chazzan and baal tefillah in underground batei knesses, using his powerful voice and mastery of Chassidic niggunim to inspire and reconnect countless young Jews who had become detached from their roots.

Later, he was appointed chief chazzan of a major shul in one of the Soviet Union’s principal cities. He was even offered the prestigious position of chief chazzan of Moscow’s Great Synagogue, but declined, fearing that accepting the role would jeopardize his efforts to leave the Soviet Union.

After five long and difficult years of battling Soviet bureaucracy, Rav Berel finally received permission to leave the country in 1971.

Together with his wife and six children, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of reaching Eretz Yisroel, leaving behind decades of sacrifice, hardship, and persecution.

That same year, before the Yomim Noraim, he traveled for the first time to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

A devoted Chabad chossid through even the darkest years of Soviet oppression, Rav Berel was granted the extraordinary privilege of leading the Rosh Hashanah Mussaf at 770 at the Rebbe’s direction.

Those who were present never forgot the awe-inspiring tefillah. His stirring voice reverberated through the walls of the packed beis medrash and left an indelible impression on thousands of chassidim.

Following that unforgettable Tishrei, Rav Berel received numerous offers to remain abroad and serve as chazzan in prominent and affluent Jewish communities. Nevertheless, he followed the Rebbe’s guidance and settled in Nachalas Har Chabad in Kiryat Malachi, where he established his home among fellow chassidim.

In 1980, once again acting on the Rebbe’s instruction and recognizing the tremendous need to reach Russian-speaking Jews, he relocated to the United States. He began working extensively with Soviet Jewish immigrants in Los Angeles, where he quickly became a beloved and revered figure.

In 1992, Rav Berel and his wife moved to Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where they founded the Bris Avrohom community for Russian Jews. There, they continued spreading Chassidus, ahavas haTorah, and a love for heartfelt tefillah.

Rav Berel leaves behind a remarkable legacy of Chassidic music, unwavering faith, and total dedication to ensuring Jewish continuity even during the most difficult periods of Jewish history.

He is survived by a beautiful generation of children, grandchildren, and descendants continuing in his path: his son Rav Yosef Yitzchok Salzman, a Chabad shliach in Toronto; his son Rav Boruch Mordechai Salzman, founder and menahel of Yeshivas Or Temimim in Toronto; his son Rav Menachem Mendel Salzman, Chabad shliach in Fair Lawn; his daughter Mrs. Shaindel Braud, wife of Rav Shraga Feivel Braud of Crown Heights; his daughter Mrs. Rivkah Sirota, wife of Rav Aharon Sirota, Chabad shliach in Denver; his daughter Mrs. Sterna Sarah Kanelsky, wife of Rav Mordechai Kanelsky, who works extensively with Russian Jewish communities through Bris Avrohom; and his daughter Mrs. Rochel Matusov, wife of Rav Menachem Mendel Matusov, a Chabad shliach in Calgary.

The levayah was held today at 770 Eastern Parkway, the world headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch, on its way to Montefiore Cemetery in Queens for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch. Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

A newly released book in the United States claims that President Donald Trump unleashed a furious verbal attack on Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu during a tense phone call held just days before the public announcement of an agreement to end the war in Gaza and weeks before a hostage deal was finalized.

According to a report by Ynet, the book—written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan—recounts a heated conversation involving Trump, Netanyahu, Jared Kushner, and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff.

During the call, Trump allegedly lashed out at Netanyahu, telling him, “Everyone is sick of you, Bibi. All the Jews are sick of you. Even the two Jews on this call are sick of you.”

The conversation reportedly took place during the United Nations General Assembly in September, as Trump was advancing a 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza war that erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack.

The authors describe the two weeks leading up to the agreement as one of the most strained periods in U.S.-Israel relations during the negotiations. According to the book, tensions escalated significantly after an Israeli strike targeting senior Hamas officials in Qatar, which took place one day after Kushner, Witkoff, and Ron Dermer met in Miami to discuss plans for postwar Gaza.

According to the account, Kushner and Witkoff were enraged by the operation and concluded afterward that “Dermer lied to us.” The book further claims that Kushner privately vented his frustration to associates, saying, “I’m out, the Israelis are crazy.” The authors say he later changed his position after realizing that the dispute could be used to pressure Netanyahu into accepting a broader agreement.

During the UN meetings, Kushner and Witkoff reportedly met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and presented him with a draft of the American proposal. According to the book, Al Thani personally edited portions of the document, which later became the basis for Trump’s peace plan.

The authors claim that Trump first presented the framework to Arab and Muslim leaders before sharing it with Netanyahu. Concerned that Netanyahu might try to persuade Trump to abandon the proposal, Kushner and Witkoff allegedly stayed on the line when the Israeli prime minister called the White House.

According to the book, Trump immediately began shouting once he joined the call, telling Netanyahu, “You can’t back out of this. I am the best friend Israel has ever had. Everyone hates you, and I stood by your side.”

Trump reportedly argued that the agreement was good for Israel, and the book claims Netanyahu ultimately agreed to support it.

Two days later, Trump and Netanyahu jointly unveiled the initiative at a press conference, even though the agreement had not yet been formally signed.

According to the authors, the deal was officially finalized on October 8, and shortly afterward the remaining 20 living hostages held in Gaza were released.

The new allegations add to other claims contained in the book regarding the relationship between the two leaders. In additional excerpts, the authors allege that Trump referred to Netanyahu as a “crook” and said that the Israeli prime minister never truly wanted to achieve peace.

{Matzav.com}

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett disclosed Tuesday that Israel had covertly worked to bring thousands of Starlink internet devices into Iran in an effort to assist anti-regime activists, but claimed the initiative was abandoned after his government left office.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Yerushalayim, Bennett said he launched a covert effort aimed at preserving internet access for Iranian dissidents during government-imposed blackouts.

He told attendees that he had initiated a “process of acquiring and smuggling into Iran tens of thousands of Starlink receptors ⁠that would allow continuity of the internet and social networks.”

Starlink, the satellite internet network operated by SpaceX and owned by Elon Musk, provides internet connectivity through satellites rather than traditional telecommunications infrastructure. Iranian officials have previously accused Israel and the United States of secretly introducing Starlink equipment into the country as part of efforts to weaken the regime. Although the service does not have official authorization to operate in Iran, Musk has stated in the past that Starlink is functioning there.

According to Bennett, the objective was to give demonstrators the ability to communicate, organize, and challenge the ruling regime even when authorities attempted to shut down internet access.

“Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that,” he said. “And when the protest happened, that infrastructure was not there.”

Officials in Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Bennett’s claims. SpaceX also did not provide a response outside normal U.S. business hours.

Iran has repeatedly imposed internet restrictions during periods of political turmoil. Authorities have shut down or severely limited online access during major waves of unrest, including nationwide protests earlier this year and throughout the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel that erupted at the end of February.

Previous reporting by Reuters indicated that some Iranian citizens relied on Starlink equipment to stay connected during government-imposed internet outages.

Bennett, who currently leads a right-wing political faction and is widely viewed as a potential challenger to Netanyahu in elections expected by October, said he would pursue a more aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime if he returns to power.

He argued that efforts to weaken Tehran should extend beyond direct military action and could include economic pressure, industrial disruption, and other measures designed to destabilize the government and ultimately bring about its downfall.

{Matzav.com}

The Western world may have only a short window to prepare for a coming wave of artificial intelligence-driven cyberattacks, according to a stark new warning from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which says hostile nations are rapidly developing AI capabilities that could soon threaten governments, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

In a joint alert cited by the Financial Times, senior cybersecurity officials from the Five Eyes partnership warned that the threat is approaching much faster than many policymakers and organizations realize.

“The timeline is not years, it is months,” the officials said in a rare joint communiqué.

The Five Eyes alliance brings together the intelligence agencies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Its roots trace back to Allied codebreaking efforts during World War II, and the partnership was formally established through the UKUSA Agreement in 1946. Today, it is considered the most extensive intelligence-sharing arrangement in the world.

The warning highlights mounting concern among Western security officials that adversarial nations such as China, Russia, and North Korea are aggressively integrating advanced AI technologies into their cyber warfare programs.

Although alliance officials believe Western countries currently hold an advantage due to access to cutting-edge commercial AI systems and broader adoption of AI across defense and intelligence sectors, they cautioned that this lead may not last.

The alert follows reports that the United States recently directed AI company Anthropic to limit access by foreign nationals to some of its most powerful AI models because of national security considerations.

Evidence suggesting that AI-enhanced cyber threats are already emerging has begun to surface, cybersecurity experts say.

In May, the Google Threat Intelligence Group revealed that it had disrupted an attack in which artificial intelligence was allegedly used to identify a previously unknown software flaw and convert that discovery into an operational cyber weapon.

Investigators indicated that individuals linked to Russia were suspected in the incident, while similar techniques have also been associated with hacking groups connected to China and North Korea.

According to the Five Eyes assessment, the next generation of so-called frontier AI systems could radically reshape the cyber battlefield for both attackers and defenders.

“Frontier AI models are anticipated to exceed current industry expectations, fundamentally transforming both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities,” the cyber chiefs said.

Alliance officials urged private companies and infrastructure operators to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered defensive technologies, warning that organizations that fail to modernize their cybersecurity systems could become increasingly vulnerable as foreign adversaries deploy more advanced digital weapons.

The warning also reflects the intensifying race between the United States and China to dominate the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

American officials have repeatedly maintained that preserving U.S. leadership in AI is essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for military strength, national defense, and the protection of vital infrastructure.

For the moment, Five Eyes leaders believe the West still possesses the upper hand. However, they stressed that the opportunity to strengthen defenses before the next generation of AI-powered threats emerges may be disappearing faster than many expect.

{Matzav.com}