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[Video below.] Vice President JD Vance took on a skeptical panel during his appearance Tuesday on “The View,” forcefully rejecting allegations that the Trump administration has been unfriendly toward minority communities while also defending the White House’s handling of several contentious issues.

Making his first appearance on the daytime talk show, Vance engaged in a series of exchanges with the program’s liberal co-hosts. While the discussion was occasionally tense, the vice president remained composed as topics ranging from race relations to the Jeffrey Epstein files and inflation dominated the conversation.

Whoopi Goldberg challenged Vance over what she characterized as a pattern of actions by the administration that she believes have negatively affected Americans of color.

“What did black people do to this administration that has allowed it to really stigmatize folks of color? And you know how hard it is. You have folks of color in your family. So when you see, you know things, the Emmett Till stuff coming down, or them doing all kinds of removal of information of black heroes, how does that sit with you?” she asked.

Seemingly unsure of the specific allegations being made, Vance responded by seeking clarification.

“What exactly are you talking about?” he asked, drawing audible disapproval from portions of the audience.

Goldberg attempted to elaborate, citing what she described as the removal of historical information from museums and public institutions.

“In a lot of the, uhh, museums, there’s so many I just, you know, where they’re taking down the actual history that happened in this country. Slavery happened, all kinds of stuff happened, and it seems it has been very easy for the administration to remove that, and also to denigrate black folks who have worked their behinds off to get this American dream,” she stammered.

Sunny Hostin then joined the discussion, questioning whether minority communities have a place within the administration’s vision for the country.

“Where do people of color fit into this administration? Because it doesn’t seem like we fit,” she asked.

Trying to better understand the criticism, Vance summarized what he believed Goldberg was alleging.

“So you say that we’re anti-minority or anti-black?”

Goldberg immediately interrupted.

“No, I didn’t say that! I asked — see? Don’t start any stuff with me, man, don’t get me in trouble,” she said, prompting laughter from the audience.

Vance replied that the administration’s political coalition is open to all Americans regardless of race or voting history.

“I think everyone is welcome in our political coalition, even if you didn’t vote for us,” he said.

As evidence, he pointed to crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C., a city with a large Black population and a strong Democratic voting base.

“Look at DC, one of the most Democratic and one of the blackest cities in the US, has seen a radical decrease in violent crimes, …..assaults and murders,” he said, noting the administration has taken the issue of crime seriously in the nation’s capital, “in part because we believe everybody deserves to live in a safe neighborhood.”

Last August, President Trump deployed more than 2,100 National Guard troops to Washington as part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving conditions in the city. Violent crime subsequently fell sharply.

When Hostin argued that Black history was being removed from public view, Vance firmly disagreed.

“black history is not being erased from public spaces. We celebrate black history, we celebrate all American history.”

The audience offered a notably warm reception when Vance entered the studio and took his seat, greeting him with loud applause.

The conversation later shifted to President Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and a recent New York Times report claiming that White House officials held a strategy meeting regarding the release of Epstein-related records.

“I’m frankly kind of a conspiracy theorist on the Epstein stuff, and that story says that,” said the 41-year-old veep, who was appearing in part to discuss his new memoir, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.”

Vance noted that some White House officials have jokingly characterized him that way as well.

“That’s one of the things that’s true, is that some people called me a conspiracy theorist on the Epstein stuff,” he said, naming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles among them.

Despite the label, Vance argued that public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to powerful figures is justified.

“I love Susie, but absolutely she thinks I’m a conspiracy theorist on the Epstein stuff because I think that it’s crazy that you have this guy who is clearly a sex predator who is hanging out with a lot of very wealthy and powerful people, like, that really bothered me,” Vance said.

At the same time, he rejected suggestions that the administration had been reluctant to release information.

“What I disagree with is the idea that the White House wasn’t committed to full transparency. We need to remember, like, I was inside the room when some of these decisions were made.”

He pointed to the release of roughly six million pages of records following passage of the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by President Trump last November.

The vice president also addressed controversy surrounding President Trump’s recent comment about inflation, arguing that critics had misunderstood what the president meant.

“What he said is that he loves the fact that the inflation is going to come down when the war is over. That’s what he said.”

The administration’s ongoing discussions regarding the conflict with Iran received only a brief mention during the interview. President Trump recently declared success in the military campaign before departing for the annual G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.

Goldberg pushed back on Vance’s explanation of the president’s inflation remarks.

“That’s not what he said,” Goldberg chimed in.

Joy Behar then closed the exchange with a joke that drew laughter from the audience.

“Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?” Behar quipped.

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{Matzav.com}

Tensions are escalating across the chareidi community after a military court sentenced a kollel yungerman to two weeks in military prison, a decision that has prompted calls for widespread demonstrations throughout Israel on Wednesday.

Rav Aviel Cohen of Netivot, who was arrested Monday evening at the Gilat Junction, appeared before a military tribunal on Tuesday and was sentenced to 14 days of imprisonment in a military detention facility.

A graduate of Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud and a kollel member in the Kfar Avraham neighborhood of Petach Tikvah, Cohen is described by community members as a well-known and respected figure.

Immediately following the sentencing, his attorney, Shlomo Chadad, filed an urgent appeal seeking either the cancellation or reduction of the prison term while challenging both the legality of the arrest and the judicial process that followed.

Calls for Mass Demonstrations

The ruling quickly sparked outrage among supporters of the Peleg Yerushalmi, particularly within the camp led by Rav Tzvi Friedman.

Representatives of the movement denounced the arrest and imprisonment, describing the case as a “crossing of a red line” and declaring that they would not remain silent in the face of the incarceration of a ben Torah.

Organizers subsequently announced plans for major demonstrations on Wednesday at several key locations around the country. Based on previous protests, authorities expect participants to attempt to block major highways and intersections.

Police and security officials have reportedly begun preparing for the possibility of widespread disruptions.

The Arrest That Triggered the Protests

According to reports, the arrest that ignited the current wave of protests took place Monday afternoon at the Gilat gas station complex near Ofakim.

Military police investigators, who had reportedly been tracking Cohen on suspicion of draft evasion, carried out a surprise arrest while he was traveling with his wife.

News of the arrest spread rapidly through chareidi communities in southern Israel. Within minutes, dozens of protesters arrived at the scene and began demonstrating against the detention.

Protesters blocked Routes 25 and 241, creating significant traffic disruptions. During the ensuing confrontations, some demonstrators reportedly lay down near moving vehicles, while police officers physically removed protesters from the roadway before reopening the roads to traffic.

Father Describes Family’s Ordeal

Cohen’s father, who rushed to the kollel where his son studies to inform fellow learners of the arrest, spoke emotionally about the incident.

“My son is a kollel yungerman who sits and learns day and night. They grabbed him for no reason, without any shame, because of Torah learning. He is a righteous young man. His mother is blind, and suddenly they pull him out of the car in the middle of driving and take him away,” he said.

He also described the impact on his daughter-in-law.

“They simply left his young wife there on the side of the road. She doesn’t even have a driver’s license and was left alone, helpless. Is this how they treat a yungerman and a young woman?” he asked.

Following the arrest, Cohen was transferred to the military detention facility at Ir HaBahadim, where he was formally sentenced to 14 days in military prison.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu reportedly sharply criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a meeting of Israel’s restricted security cabinet, accusing the military of making a serious error by publicizing details of a canceled strike on Iran and saying the move embarrassed Israel in front of President Donald Trump.

According to a report by journalist Yaron Avraham on Channel 12 Tuesday evening, Netanyahu expressed anger over a letter issued by Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Tishler, which revealed that a major Israeli operation against Iran had been called off shortly before it was scheduled to begin.

The prime minister reportedly did not hide his frustration, telling Zamir that both the publication of the letter and its contents were damaging to Israel’s strategic interests at a particularly sensitive time, as the United States advances its diplomatic efforts with Iran.

According to the report, Netanyahu said: “His letter was a mistake, a national error. It harmed Israel’s unity, and it is embarrassing in front of Trump.”

The controversy centers on Tishler’s disclosure that a large-scale Israeli strike deep inside Iran had been fully prepared and ready to launch last week in response to Iranian missile attacks, but was canceled just one hour before takeoff following intervention by President Trump.

According to the report, Tishler’s intention was to praise Air Force personnel for their readiness and dedication. However, in political circles, the letter was viewed as a reminder of a diplomatic retreat and sparked anger among senior government officials.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Office declined to comment on reports regarding discussions held during closed cabinet meetings.

In the letter sent to Air Force personnel, Tishler described the dramatic moments leading up to the cancellation of the operation.

“The entire Air Force was prepared to launch a broad attack mission,” the Air Force commander wrote. “Just hours before the order to take off, with hundreds of targets in the heart of Iran, the strike was halted while we were briefing crews in the squadrons, only one hour before departure.”

As previously reported, President Trump requested that Netanyahu cancel the planned strike. The move came amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with the United States seeking to avoid further escalation in the region.

In the same letter, Tishler detailed what he described as the Air Force’s significant achievements during its operations against Iran.

“We severely damaged the Iranian leadership, its defensive and offensive systems, elements of its nuclear program, its economy, its chain of command and expertise, and its military and national industries,” the Air Force commander wrote.

He argued that the operations substantially reduced the threat posed by Iran, prolonged the time required for Tehran to rebuild its capabilities, and preserved Israel’s ability to carry out future operations if necessary.

Tishler also noted that Israel’s defense establishment is closely monitoring diplomatic developments around the world and cautioned that it remains too early to assess their long-term consequences.

“It is too early to know how global developments will affect the security reality.”

{Matzav.com}

A remarkable incident unfolded this week at the court of the Dushinsky Rebbe, where a routine change in protocol led to the discovery of a grape juice bottle produced under the heter mechirah framework, preventing its use at the Rebbe’s table.

According to accounts from the chassidus, the episode took place during the Rosh Chodesh Tammuz seudah held Monday in the Chessed Hall located within the Dushinsky institutions on Shmuel Hanavi Street in Yerushalayim.

As the time for Birchas Hamazon approached, attendants prepared the traditional kos shel berachah for the Rebbe and brought a bottle of grape juice to the table.

Ordinarily, a carefully maintained procedure is followed at the Rebbe’s table. Wine or grape juice is first poured from its original bottle into an ornate silver pitcher, and only then is it poured into the Rebbe’s cup. As a result, the original bottle itself never reaches the table. On this occasion, however, events unfolded differently. For reasons that remain unclear, the silver pitcher was delayed from arriving. Wanting to proceed with the brocha, the attendants placed the original bottle directly on the table before the Rebbe.

After grape juice had already been poured into the cup, the Rebbe picked up the bottle and noticed wording on the label that immediately drew his attention. The wording appeared inconsistent with the standards observed in the chassidus, which adheres strictly to the principles established by the founder of the dynasty, Maran Rav Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky zt”l, who strongly opposed heter mechirah and served as head of the Eidah HaChareidis badatz.

Examining the label more closely, the Rebbe discovered that the bottle clearly stated that the product had been produced “under the heter mechirah of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.”

According to those present, the Rebbe immediately poured the small amount of grape juice that had already been dispensed back into the bottle and firmly declined to use it for Birchas Hamazon. He instructed attendants to bring another bottle carrying the supervision of the Eidah HaChareidis badatz.

Witnesses described a powerful sense of awe in the room as the significance of what had occurred became clear.

“If the attendants had managed to pour the grape juice into the silver pitcher as they do every time, the Rebbe would never have seen the bottle, and he would have made the brocha over heter mechirah wine, chas v’shalom,” chassidim reportedly said after the tish.

Members of the chassidus have since spoken emotionally about what they view as a clear act of Divine Providence, protecting a Rebbe known for his uncompromising commitment to the sanctity of shemittah. In describing the incident, many pointed to a verse they felt captured the moment: “Hashem protects all those who love Him.”

{Matzav.com}

Tensions surrounding the arrest of yeshiva students intensified Tuesday after a kollel yungerman was sentenced to military prison, prompting planned demonstrations across Israel by the Peleg Yerushalmi and a rare large-scale protest organized by the Gerer chassidus.

Rav Aviel Cohen, a graduate of Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud and a kollel member in Kfar Avraham, Petach Tikvah, was sentenced Tuesday to 14 days in a military prison.

Following his incarceration, the Peleg Yerushalmi faction led by Rav Tzvi Friedman announced a series of protests scheduled for Wednesday at multiple locations throughout the country as part of its ongoing campaign against the arrest of bnei yeshiva.

At the same time, in an unusual move, Ger announced that it will hold a major protest rally Wednesday at 4 p.m. outside Military Prison 10 in response to the arrest of a bochur affiliated with the chassidus.

The gathering is expected to be led by the sons of the Gerrer Rebbe together with prominent rabbonim of the chassidus, and organizers anticipate the participation of thousands of chassidim.

{Matzav.com}

New details from a confidential U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding have surfaced, revealing a far-reaching framework that would broaden the current cease-fire to include Lebanon, permit Iran to oversee the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily ease restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and create a roadmap toward a comprehensive peace accord, according to a report Tuesday by Israel’s Channel 12.

The proposed arrangement, intended to serve as the foundation for wider negotiations between Washington and Tehran, addresses a range of issues including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, regional security, maritime navigation, and the future American military presence in the Middle East.

The 12 provisions were first disclosed by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, who is also affiliated with Channel 12. Earlier reports had characterized the framework as a 14-point agreement.

Under the proposal, Iran, the United States, and their respective allies would halt military hostilities throughout the region, including in Lebanon.

Tehran would once again commit to its longstanding pledge not to develop a nuclear weapon.

American and Iranian negotiators would determine the future disposition of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

The two sides would also begin discussions regarding Iran’s long-term uranium enrichment activities and broader nuclear requirements.

While those talks proceed, Iran would preserve the current “status quo” of its nuclear program, which has been significantly degraded.

In return, the United States would end its naval blockade, refrain from imposing additional sanctions, and avoid deploying further military forces to the region.

Iran would ensure that commercial vessels could pass through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls or interference for a 60-day period.

Once the memorandum takes effect, Washington would release an unspecified amount of Iranian assets that are currently frozen.

Should a final agreement be reached after the 60-day period, the United States would withdraw its military forces from the region within 30 days and eliminate all sanctions on Iran.

The agreement would also establish a mechanism for a $300 billion reconstruction fund aimed at rebuilding Iran’s economy and infrastructure.

In addition, Washington would permit Tehran to resume oil exports through temporary sanctions waivers.

Iran, Oman, and the Gulf states would enter negotiations to develop new maritime security and shipping arrangements for the Gulf region.

According to a senior regional source who spoke with The Post, Oman and Iran have already begun discussions regarding that final provision and are seeking to impose a fee for the maritime “services” they would provide.

{Matzav.com}

Growing tensions within the right-wing coalition have prompted sharp criticism from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s inner circle, where officials are warning that ongoing disputes among the chareidi parties could derail efforts to advance legislation intended to benefit the chareidi community.

At the beginning of the week, Netanyahu’s representatives informed leaders of the chareidi factions, including Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, that the Daycare Law will not move forward before the end of the Knesset’s summer session. According to those discussions, the coalition currently lacks the votes needed to pass the legislation, even if the alternative is the immediate dissolution of the Knesset and elections at a politically inconvenient time for the prime minister.

Beyond the challenge of securing a majority, Netanyahu’s associates reportedly argued that the Daycare Law has come to be viewed publicly as a symbol of draft avoidance and could inflict significant electoral damage in a future campaign.

Instead of pursuing the Daycare Law, the prime minister has proposed advancing a temporary measure that would prevent the arrest of chareidi draft evaders for a one-year period. The arrangement would be tied to the draft legislation currently being prepared in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for its second and third readings.

The plan calls for extending that temporary arrangement alongside the advancement of a Basic Law on Torah study, with the goal of creating a legal framework that could gain acceptance from both the Knesset’s legal advisers and the legal counsel of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

During internal discussions, Deri reportedly expressed concern that the proposal could face serious legal challenges. Nevertheless, after Netanyahu’s team assured coalition partners that a majority could be assembled in the Knesset plenum, a decision was made to move ahead with the initiative.

Coalition officials also noted that the Daycare Law itself was expected to encounter significant legal obstacles and could ultimately have been struck down by Israel’s High Court of Justice.

As for the timetable, intensive discussions are currently underway regarding the precise wording of the temporary order that would halt the arrest of chareidi draft evaders. The coalition hopes to bring the matter before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee this coming Sunday and then present it for a vote in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday.

At the same time, the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study is expected to advance this week with a first-reading vote, with the remainder of the legislative process slated to continue in the weeks ahead.

Frustration within Netanyahu’s camp appears to be growing as disagreements among the chareidi parties continue.

“If the chareidim continue with their unnecessary internal fights, we won’t succeed in passing anything that helps young chareidim. It’s simply intolerable,” officials close to the prime minister warned.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s proposal to replace the White House East Wing with a sprawling new ballroom and expanded underground security complex is drawing fresh scrutiny after a report suggested the true cost of the project may be far higher than figures previously cited by the administration.

Despite the criticism, Trump has repeatedly maintained that the project will be financed entirely through private contributions and will not cost American taxpayers.

During remarks in the Oval Office in late March, Trump outlined his vision for the development, which includes a large ballroom, enhanced medical capabilities, and fortified underground security infrastructure. He emphasized that taxpayers would not be funding the undertaking.

“We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents” for it, Trump said at the time.

The president has publicly estimated the total cost at less than $400 million and said the funding would come from himself and other supporters of the project.

When the White House first unveiled the plan last July, officials described it as a $200 million project to be financed by Trump and “other patriot donors,” while indicating that the U.S. Secret Service would oversee security-related improvements.

However, documents reviewed by the Washington Post reportedly indicate a substantially larger budget estimate from the project’s primary contractor, Clark Construction.

According to those records, a March cost projection placed the overall price of the initiative at approximately $600 million, with financing expected to come from both private donors and federal agencies, including the Secret Service and the White House Military Office.

The administration rejected claims that public funds would be used to pay for the ballroom itself.

“The East Wing Modernization Project is inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement to Newsmax.

“President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million, which will be a secure and appropriate venue for Presidents for generations to come,” he explained.

Ingle also argued that recent security threats underscore the need for the broader modernization effort.

“The events over the weekend and the foiled attempted attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House proves exactly why the East Wing Modernization Project is severely needed for large scale events, which include drone-proof structures and drone ports among other critical security enhancements,” Ingle added.

According to the Post, internal government records show that administration officials explored the possibility of using federal money for portions of the project tied to security upgrades and site preparation.

One document cited in the report was a July 30 email from Caroline C. Hunter, general counsel in the White House Office of Administration, discussing revisions to contract language.

“We believe this edit is important to comply with fiscal law principles,” Hunter added.

The email reportedly stated that the language was adjusted “to tie the project more closely to security-related issues since USSS [U.S. Secret Service] is providing the funding.”

Trump himself has acknowledged that certain security components connected to the project would be paid for by government agencies.

While touring the construction site in May, the president said the ballroom and security infrastructure should be viewed as parts of a single integrated project.

“This is one well-knit building,” Trump told reporters. “One thing doesn’t work without the other.”

He also noted that some of the surrounding security work would be covered through existing budgets allocated to federal agencies.

“They have a budget in Secret Service and the military to do some of the work that you see right here,” Trump said.

Even so, Trump reiterated that taxpayers would not be responsible for funding the ballroom itself.

“This is a gift to the United States of America,” he said.

The controversy has also spilled onto Capitol Hill, where lawmakers have debated whether federal funds should be used for any portion of the project.

A measure supported by Lindsey Graham that would have provided $400 million for White House security and ballroom improvements ultimately failed after several Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing it.

Among those voting against the proposal was Susan Collins, who said Trump had made a clear commitment regarding the source of the funding.

Explaining her opposition to the measure, Collins told reporters that Trump “indicated that the ballroom was going to be built with private donations.”

“I think that’s the commitment that should be kept,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that they intend to pursue the death penalty against an Afghan national charged with carrying out a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., that left a National Guard soldier dead and another service member critically wounded.

The defendant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, appeared in federal court for a hearing where prosecutors unveiled a sweeping new indictment containing additional charges that could make him eligible for capital punishment if convicted.

According to authorities, Lakanwal is accused of murdering West Virginia National Guard Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously wounding U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during an attack on Nov. 26, 2025.

During Tuesday’s court appearance, Lakanwal was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair and dressed in an orange jail uniform. Observers reported that he frequently blinked, spoke to himself, and at times displayed a wide-eyed, vacant stare.

The updated indictment contains 17 charges, including first-degree premeditated murder of a National Guard member while armed, attempted murder of three additional individuals, assault with intent to kill, transporting a firearm across state lines in furtherance of a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal used a stolen Smith & Wesson revolver to ambush Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, near the Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. Both victims were reportedly shot in the head during the attack.

Lakanwal, a former member of Afghanistan’s special forces who later entered the United States as a refugee, could face execution if he is convicted on the most serious charges.

Authorities say the attack came to an end when two nearby National Guardsmen intervened, shooting and stabbing the suspect before taking him into custody.

Investigators further allege that Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to the nation’s capital with a stolen .357 Magnum revolver specifically to carry out the assault.

The original indictment included murder, assault, and firearms offenses, but those charges alone did not expose him to the possibility of the death penalty.

At the time, prosecutors indicated they planned to seek additional counts that could support a capital punishment case.

Beckstrom had reportedly volunteered to work that day so fellow Guard members with children could spend the holiday with their families.

She succumbed to her injuries the following day, Thanksgiving Day.

Lakanwal has entered a plea of not guilty and remains in federal custody as the case moves forward.

{Matzav.com}

The developing agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to provide Tehran with a major economic boost by allowing the regime to resume oil exports, potentially injecting billions of dollars into the country’s struggling economy.

According to a source familiar with the arrangement, Washington will grant sanctions exemptions enabling Iran to restart oil sales during a 60-day negotiating window that is scheduled to begin following Friday’s signing ceremony for the still-unreleased memorandum of understanding.

The easing of restrictions is expected to be accompanied by a U.S. commitment to end its blockade of Iranian ports, a move that could rapidly restore revenue streams to the Islamic Republic after years of economic pressure.

In addition to permitting oil exports, the agreement reportedly includes provisions allowing access to the support systems necessary to carry out those transactions.

The agreement will also cover “necessary services including banking, transportation and insurance needed to facilitate the sales,” the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

When asked about the reported terms, a senior U.S. official emphasized that any benefits available to Iran would depend entirely on the regime meeting its obligations under the agreement.

Asked for comment on the report, a senior US official said every incentive in the MOU is “performance-based.”

“This is a performance-based agreement,” the senior official said. “Iran can only access any benefits of the MOU if they abide by all of the points they agreed to – including no nuclear weapon, neutralizing its enriched material, and not interfering with the free flow of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The official stressed that Iran’s access to sanctions relief and other incentives would be tied directly to compliance with the commitments outlined in the memorandum, including restrictions on its nuclear program and guarantees regarding maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the war between Russia and Ukraine does not directly affect the United States, aside from American weapons sales, while stressing that he still wants to see an end to the conflict because of the enormous human cost.

Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Trump suggested that although his administration is concerned about the loss of life caused by the war, he does not view the conflict as a central American interest. His remarks reflected his long-held position that European nations should take greater responsibility for a war taking place in their region.

“We have nothing to do with it,” Trump told reporters while discussing the ongoing fighting.

“We sell weapons to them. We don’t even give them. The European Union pays us full price for weapons,” the president said.

Trump also drew a distinction between his policy and that of President Barack Obama, criticizing the extensive financial assistance that had been directed toward Ukraine during earlier stages of the war.

“Obama gave them $350 billion worth of [aid], which was crazy,” Trump said.

The president reiterated that the conflict is taking place far from American shores and argued that its direct effect on the United States is minimal.

“It has no impact on us other than we sell weapons. We’re thousands of miles away,” he said.

Even so, Trump emphasized that he remains committed to pursuing an end to the war.

According to Trump, approximately 25,000 people are being killed each month in the conflict, a level of bloodshed he described as deeply disturbing.

“I don’t like to see 25,000 young people die every month,” Trump said. “Young people — they’re just starting their life. They go to this front, and they get blown up.”

Trump disclosed that he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday and met Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He added that another conversation regarding the conflict was scheduled later in the day.

The president said he had initially expected the Russia-Ukraine war to be among the simplest international disputes to resolve.

“I settled eight wars,” Trump said. “This was the one I thought was going to be the easiest to settle. There’s a lot of dislike between the two leaders.”

His remarks underscored continuing disagreements between Washington and several European governments, many of which have advocated for a more active American role in helping broker a settlement.

Leaders attending the G7 gathering have continued to push Ukraine as a top priority, despite growing international attention on the administration’s developing diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Trump indicated that negotiations involving Iran have occupied much of his attention in recent weeks.

“We were focused on Iran,” he said. “That’s going to be in the rear-view mirror.”

While stopping short of announcing any expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Trump said he intends to keep encouraging negotiations, arguing that the scale of casualties demands a resolution.

“I’m going to do whatever I can,” he said. “The whole thing is ridiculous.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal authorities disrupted an alleged terrorist plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House, arresting five suspects and preventing what officials described as a potentially catastrophic attack, sources told The Post on Tuesday.

Investigators say the scheme involved several coordinated phases. According to officials, the attackers allegedly planned to launch drones carrying explosives at structures near the event, triggering panic among spectators and causing crowds to flee into areas where armed snipers were positioned to open fire.

Authorities said a further stage of the operation allegedly called for an assault on the White House perimeter after the initial attacks created confusion and chaos.

The alleged conspiracy was “stopped cold” on June 10 when federal agents carried out a search warrant in Cincinnati, leading to the first arrest in the case, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.

Officials said some members of the group later traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 as part of preparations connected to the planned attack.

A review of one suspect’s iPhone uncovered evidence that at least 23 individuals communicating through the encrypted messaging platform Signal had participated in discussions concerning details of the alleged operation.

According to investigators, one suspect claimed the intended targets included “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who received money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel later wrote on X praising the coordinated law enforcement effort.

The UFC event, one of the highest-profile sporting spectacles held in Washington this year, coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including roughly 1,200 active-duty military personnel.

Beyond the event itself, officials estimated that between 80,000 and 85,000 spectators gathered at a ticketed viewing party on the Ellipse, located just south of the White House. Thousands of additional fans assembled on the National Mall in hopes of watching the seven-bout fight card on large outdoor screens.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Iran could eventually gain access to as much as $300 billion in reconstruction-related investment from Gulf nations that were attacked by Tehran during the recent war, provided the regime fulfills its commitments under a newly signed memorandum of understanding with the United States.

“That’s the sort of thing they could have access to, funded by the Gulf Coast Coalition, so long as they honor their end of the obligation,” Vance told CBS News on Monday, when asked whether the US-Iran memorandum of understanding electronically signed Sunday allowed for a “$300 billion reconstruction fund.”

Vance emphasized that any financial assistance aimed at rebuilding Iran would be contingent on Tehran meeting strict conditions. Nevertheless, skeptics remain unconvinced, noting that the agreement itself has not been made public and Iranian officials have not publicly acknowledged any requirements tied to the proposed funding.

“We absolutely are open to the Gulf Coast countries investing in the reconstruction of Iran, but only if Iran ends their nuclear program, ends their enriched stockpile of material, and is really open to an inspections and enforcement regime that gives the American people confidence they’re never going to have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.

Appearing separately with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Vance reiterated that the money would remain off limits unless Tehran dramatically alters its conduct. He stressed that the “Iranians don’t get a dime unless they behave and change their behavior” and will “never get a dime of American taxpayer money. Ever. Full stop. Not even close.”

Among those voicing concern is Sen. Lindsey Graham, who questioned the wisdom of such a massive economic package. Writing on X last week, the South Carolina Republican argued that the “idea of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, given who is in charge of Iran, seems to be tone deaf. It would be akin to a Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge.”

Graham said Monday that he is waiting for the administration to publish the full agreement so lawmakers can evaluate it directly rather than relying on what he called “Iranian propaganda reports.”

At the same time, Graham indicated that if the administration’s description of the deal proves accurate, it could dramatically reshape the Middle East. He said that “the proposal as envisioned by the Vice President and the Trump Administration to end the Iranian conflict would be transformative for the region and a major achievement, leading to broader peace.”

The diplomatic effort follows months of hostilities that began after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded by targeting several Gulf nations hosting American military assets, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Although the agreement remains under wraps, officials say its immediate objective is to restore maritime commerce and regional stability by reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the American naval blockade. More complex negotiations involving Iran’s nuclear program are expected to follow.

The reconstruction proposal is only one element of the broader US-Iran understanding that was finalized electronically behind closed doors on Sunday.

According to a senior American official, Iran could also secure sanctions relief, regain access to frozen assets, and reconnect with the global economy if it demonstrates behavior consistent with what Washington considers that of a responsible nation.

“The more they behave like a normal country, the more that they show they’re willing to be a good partner, then we’re going to be willing to be extraordinarily generous in opening up their economy and opening up the sanctions relief that the deal contemplates,” the person said.

Officials said the agreement envisions a phased easing of sanctions, a gradual end to economic restrictions that currently cost Iran an estimated $14 billion each month, and access to frozen funds held abroad.

In return, the United States expects Tehran to satisfy undisclosed denuclearization benchmarks and potentially discontinue support for terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Should the arrangement move forward, Washington would also be relinquishing one of its most powerful tools against Tehran: extensive economic pressure.

“The blockade was incredibly effective towards causing financial stranglehold on them. Economic Fury was also incredibly effective on them, and we saw that all over,” the second official said, referring to the Treasury’s efforts to pressure Iran. “I think that led us to this dialog.”

Administration officials stressed that economic incentives would be released incrementally and only after Iran meets a series of benchmarks that remain confidential.

Because neither Washington nor Tehran has published the actual text of the agreement, speculation has exploded across political and media circles. Iranian outlets have highlighted what they portray as major gains for the Islamic Republic while largely ignoring potential concessions.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” the second official said. “… What you’re seeing now is that the hardliners on both sides — in the Iranian system that are protesting [the deal] and we have certain people in the American system who say there’s no deal you could ever do with Iran ever — are obviously making a lot of noise.

“But all the details of the agreement have not been put out yet,” the person added, noting that “technical discussions” with Iran will begin later this week.

Vance said the delay in publication is due to “diplomatic protocols” and repeated President Trump’s statement that the agreement is expected to be released by Friday.

Administration officials said the proposed reconstruction initiative would not involve direct cash transfers. Instead, Gulf nations would provide investment capital through infrastructure and development projects coordinated with US support.

However, Iran would not automatically receive those investments. Officials said Tehran must first become a viable destination for foreign capital by demonstrating long-term stability and compliance.

“That only happens if they make themselves investable, when they make themselves a country where you can really see that there’s not going to be snapback [sanctions for] pursuing a nuclear weapon or playing these games in the shadows,” a second official explained.

The official added that Iran would first have to make several undisclosed concessions before becoming eligible for the investment opportunities.

While Iranian state media has portrayed the proposal as reconstruction assistance, US officials insist the money would flow through investment ventures rather than direct aid.

“The hardliners in the Iranian system will overemphasize the benefits that Iran gets, while underemphasizing all the things that they have to concede, and all the things they have to provide, in order to get these benefits,” Vance said.

After more than three months of conflict and over two months of economic restrictions on its ports, Iran faces severe financial strain and is seeking quicker sources of relief, regional officials told The Post.

One potential avenue involves frozen assets held overseas. Unlike sanctions relief, which could take weeks or months to implement, releasing frozen funds could provide Tehran with immediate financial assistance.

US officials said those assets could potentially be unlocked as soon as Iran fulfills certain undisclosed requirements.

“We really do want to get to a place where we can unsanction a lot of the Iranian economy, where we can unfreeze these assets, but it requires Iran to do some of the things that they’re promising to do,” the first official said.

It remains unclear whether those benchmarks have already been defined, whether they will be finalized before Friday’s signing ceremony, or whether they will emerge from technical negotiations scheduled for later this week.

The memorandum also includes a US commitment to gradually end the maritime blockade that administration officials say has been costing Iran approximately $500 million per day.

In exchange, Tehran would permit unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing transit tolls.

Even after restrictions are lifted, officials cautioned that shipping traffic will take time to normalize.

“It takes a little bit of time because you have lines in the straits, you have ships that have different risk tolerances — some crews are ready to go down [now] … some crews want to see a little bit more stability for the next couple of days, maybe the next couple of weeks,” the official said.

“… That will ramp up slowly over time.”

Sanctions relief is also expected to be tied broadly to Iranian conduct rather than any single action, officials said.

“Sanctions relief is not tied specifically to any particular conduct, it’s tied generally to them behaving more appropriately,” the first official said. “Obviously the thing that we care the most about is the nuclear program, and making progress on … ensuring they don’t rebuild [nuclear facilities].”

Although officials declined to detail the exact conditions, they indicated that any easing of sanctions would be linked primarily to dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions and curbing support for terrorist groups.

Iran is also reportedly exploring additional revenue sources beyond the initial 60-day negotiation period.

According to a regional source, Tehran is working with Oman to establish mandatory charges for “birthing, insurance and other ancillary services” connected to maritime traffic after the negotiation window concludes.

The idea follows Iran’s earlier proposal to impose tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, a plan rejected by the Trump administration and widely viewed as inconsistent with international law.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagahei described the new fees as compensation for Iran and Oman’s role in “maintaining the environment,” though critics argue the plan is effectively an attempt to collect payments from vessels without formally calling them tolls.

While the United States has firmly opposed direct tolls, officials have not yet clarified whether the memorandum allows Iran and Oman to impose such service-related fees once the 60-day period expires.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Vice President JD Vance said Monday that President Donald Trump is fully prepared to take military action against Iran again if the regime fails to comply with the terms of its agreement with the United States, signaling that Washington is keeping all options on the table.

Speaking during an interview with Sean Hannity, Vance said America’s allies in the Gulf remain cautious about Iran’s intentions despite hopes that the agreement could pave the way for greater regional stability. He noted that many countries in the region remain skeptical of Tehran’s long-term commitments.

“They don’t believe anything either,” Vance said of U.S. allies in the Gulf. “They’re not certain. They’re not going to predict what the Iranians are going to do five years from now, but they see real opportunity.”

Vance added that the administration intends to test whether Iran is serious about following through on its promises. “So, we’re going to walk down this pathway. We’re going to see how serious the Iranians are.”

Asked about the consequences if Iran violates the agreement, Vance stressed that Tehran would forfeit any economic or diplomatic benefits offered under the deal.

“If they don’t do what they promise they’re going to do, they don’t get any benefits of the bargain, and as the president would say, we have all the cards,” Vance said.

He argued that Iran’s struggling economy remains heavily dependent on relief measures tied to the agreement and warned that those advantages could quickly disappear.

“Their economy will still be in very tough shape if they don’t get the relief that they need to get in order to make progress.”

Emphasizing Washington’s leverage, Vance continued, “We have the cards, and if they don’t honor the commitment, we’ll figure out what to do when we get there.”

The vice president indicated that one possible response could be a return to military operations against Iranian targets.

“I’ve known President Trump for a long time. I would say that means go back and resume bombing. It could. It could be, and he would. I don’t think he would hesitate,” Vance said. “It could mean the blockade goes back on, Sean.”

Vance also sought to clarify the administration’s broader objective, saying the White House is not pursuing regime change but rather a fundamental shift in Iran’s conduct.

“He wants Iran to be a normal country,” Vance said. “They’ve got to act like it.”

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism from some of President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters after agreeing to appear on Megyn Kelly’s program, sparking a backlash among segments of the MAGA movement.

News of Vance’s scheduled appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show” prompted a wave of reactions on social media Monday, with several Trump allies questioning why the vice president would sit down with Kelly following her recent disputes with the president over the Iran conflict.

The controversy intensified after Kelly announced that Vance would join her Tuesday to discuss his new book, “Communion.” Conservative activist Laura Loomer quickly responded on X, expressing disbelief over the decision and criticizing the choice to appear on the show.

“Why would our Vice President go on Megyn Kelly’s show? Megyn Kelly is constantly bashing President Trump and she recently said MAGA is dead and that Trump is ‘losing his mind,’” Loomer wrote on Monday. “I find this to be insane. Megyn Kelly has been condemned by Trump and she accused him of being ‘owned’ by Israel… in addition to defending Candace Owens’s vicious attacks on [Erika Kirk].”

Loomer continued her criticism by pointing to several controversies she associates with Kelly’s commentary.

“Megyn Kelly has entertained the lie that the Trump administration killed Charlie Kirk and she has insinuated Trump is covering up for Jeffrey Epstein. Not a good look.”

Despite her frustration, Loomer suggested there was still a possibility Vance could use the appearance to confront Kelly directly. She argued that the host is “truly out to destroy President Trump” and described the interview as “terrible optics,” adding that she could not “believe this [was] real.”

She concluded with a warning directed at the vice president’s advisers. “Wow. Whoever told our VP this was a good idea is leading him astray,” she concluded. “I say this in the most respectful and sincere way. Who thought this was a good idea?”

Loomer was not alone in voicing concern. Conservative commentator and activist Chris Loesch also criticized the planned appearance, suggesting it sent the wrong message at a time when Trump is facing attacks from political opponents and critics.

“He goes on the show of someone who has lambasted this administration,” he wrote, “who has befriended and defended the people dogging on Trump and this administration worse than progressives? This is signaling. The President needs people watching his back.”

Other critics went further, speculating that Vance may be positioning himself for a future presidential campaign. One commenter argued that the vice president was making a strategic mistake by engaging with a host who has repeatedly criticized the administration.

“Megyn Kelly has been ripping the Trump administration for months, and JD Vance has been silent. And now he rewards her by going on her show. If Vance is betting on the Woke Reich’s vote in 2028, he’s not going to get it, and real Republicans are not going to allow it.”

Another detractor offered an even harsher assessment, branding Vance “Brutus” and urging President Trump to publicly address the matter.

Not everyone in Trump’s orbit viewed the interview negatively, however. Some supporters defended Vance and argued that the vice president’s actions likely have the president’s approval.

“There’s always a plan though you may not know what it is, Laura. You think Trump doesn’t know what JD is doing or where and why he’s going? How many more things does Trump need to do until you realize there’s always a plan and he knows exactly what he’s doing?”

The White House did not immediately provide a response when contacted for comment regarding the controversy, according to TheWrap.

Vance’s interview is scheduled to air today at noon Eastern Time on SiriusXM Channel 111 as part of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” with the full conversation expected to be posted to Kelly’s YouTube channel later that day.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican candidate sharing the same name as Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan has been removed from the state’s Senate primary ballot after election officials concluded that his campaign appeared intended to mislead voters and undermine the integrity of the election.

In a decision issued Monday, Alaska Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher ruled that Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy could not proceed, determining that it appeared to have been filed for the purpose of creating confusion among voters. In a formal letter, Beecher wrote that the campaign seemed to be “filed with a purpose to confuse or mislead and to thereby compromise the ballot’s fairness or neutrality.”

Dan J. Sullivan, a retired educator who entered the race as a Republican despite having no previous ties to the party, retains the right to challenge the decision through the appeals process, according to Beecher’s ruling.

The move follows weeks of criticism from Republican officials, who alleged that the late-entry candidacy was orchestrated to deceive voters by placing another “Dan Sullivan” on the ballot shortly before the filing deadline. GOP leaders argued that the effort amounted to a political maneuver designed to siphon votes away from the incumbent senator.

Under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, both Dan S. Sullivan and Dan J. Sullivan could have advanced from the primary to the general election if they finished among the top four candidates in August.

The race has attracted national attention as Democrats seek to capture a seat they view as one of their few possible pickup opportunities in the upcoming midterm elections. Sen. Sullivan is seeking a third term and is expected to face former congresswoman Mary Peltola, a Democrat who entered the race with support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Beecher’s decision cited multiple factors that she said raised doubts about whether Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign was a legitimate effort conducted in “good-faith.”

According to the ruling, the candidate sought to appear on the ballot simply as “Dan Sullivan,” despite being registered to vote under the name “Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr.” Beecher also noted that at one point he attempted to use the same middle initial as the incumbent senator.

“‘S’ is Senator Sullivan’s middle initial, not yours,” Beecher wrote.

The elections director further pointed to the fact that Dan J. Sullivan was not registered as a Republican before launching his Senate campaign. She also said that the design and branding of his campaign website closely resembled that of the incumbent’s campaign.

Beecher additionally referenced the candidate’s ties to Amber Lee, a Democratic political consultant in Alaska who has previously worked in support of Peltola. Earlier reports noted that metadata associated with the campaign’s launch identified Lee as its author.

“This consultant’s work on your behalf is, in isolation, innocuous,” Beecher wrote. “Alongside the other facts I have catalogued in this letter, however, it suggests a determined effort and a deliberate attempt to use the similarity of your name to confuse Alaska voters in the upcoming primary election.”

Representatives for Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.

The incumbent senator has repeatedly accused his challenger of participating in a coordinated Democratic effort to manipulate the race, previously describing him as a “far-left liberal” involved in an attempt to “rig” the election.

“Is Schumer or Gillibrand and their staffs or the DSCC or the staff at the DSCC — were they aware? Were they coordinating, orchestrating?
I mean, if that’s the case, that would be a huge scandal,” Sullivan told Fox News Digital last week.

Democratic officials have denied having any role in Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee celebrated the ruling after previously urging state election officials to examine the circumstances surrounding the campaign.

“Alaskans saw right through Chuck Schumer and Mary Peltola’s tricks to confuse and deceive them with a sham candidate,” NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia said in a statement. “Nobody delivers for Alaskans like Senator Dan Sullivan, which is why Alaska Last Democrats like Mary Peltola are stooping so low.”

The controversy has also drawn strong reactions from Senate Republicans, who view Sullivan’s seat as a key battleground and have vowed to defend it aggressively.

“Even by Chuck Schumer’s low standards, this was an outrageous attempt to trick Alaska voters and rig the election,” Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Monday.

{Matzav.com}

California Governor Gavin Newsom alleged Monday that President Donald Trump is weaponizing federal law enforcement against him, after federal agents reportedly questioned individuals connected to both the governor and his wife.

While the precise nature and scope of the federal inquiries remain uncertain, Newsom’s office said investigators have recently contacted a number of people within the couple’s personal and professional circles. According to aides, part of the scrutiny appears to involve Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife, with former staff members and individuals linked to her nonprofit organizations among those interviewed by federal agents.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that several federal investigations involving the governor are currently active, including one examining financial matters related to Mrs. Newsom. However, the source rejected the governor’s accusation that the inquiries are politically driven, saying the investigations originated with federal law enforcement personnel in California rather than officials in Washington. The source spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Newsom, a Democrat frequently mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender, portrayed the investigations as an effort to uncover wrongdoing where none exists. He claimed agents have been combing through extensive records and contacting people close to the family in search of evidence tied to an unspecified offense.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Mr. Newsom said in the video. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.” He added, “To get me, he’s coming after my wife.”

According to the governor’s office, multiple individuals associated with the Newsoms have been approached by federal authorities over the past week. Newsom’s aides also suspect that investigators may have obtained banking records through subpoenas, although they acknowledged they have not seen any formal documentation confirming that action.

Federal officials have declined to discuss the matter publicly. Representatives for both the FBI and the Justice Department refused comment, while the White House directed all inquiries to the Justice Department.

The developments come as Newsom continues to emerge as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent national figures, setting the stage for what could become a significant political and legal confrontation in the months ahead.

{Matzav.com}

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced pushback during a Monday morning television interview after criticizing President Donald Trump over rising fuel costs while discussing the administration’s recent agreement with Iran.

Appearing on “Good Day New York,” Jeffries argued that the conflict with Iran had imposed a financial burden on Americans and pointed specifically to fuel prices. “It was a reckless war of choice that has obviously cost the American people significantly, particularly as it relates to skyrocketing gas prices in an environment where the cost of living was already too high,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries then shifted the conversation toward domestic concerns, stressing the need for policymakers to focus on issues at home. However, co-host Rosanna Scotto responded by noting that gas prices had also climbed sharply during the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

“Gas prices were up under Obama too. And Biden, right?” Scotto said.

As Jeffries began to respond, Scotto pressed further, asking, “Didn’t we have gas prices over $5?”

Attempting to explain the spike, Jeffries replied, “Well, there were gas prices in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic situation…”

Scotto then pointed to broader inflation concerns that affected consumers during that period. “And I remember eggs were like $12 a dozen,” Scotto said.

The discussion soon moved away from economic issues and turned to the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory, with Scotto and Jeffries discussing the team’s title run.

Fox News Digital later sought comment from Jeffries’ office regarding the exchange but reported that it had not received an immediate response.

National gasoline prices reached a record average of $5.02 per gallon in June 2022 during the Biden administration.

At the time, many Democratic officials attributed the increase to economic disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, frequently referring to the surge as “Putin’s price hike.”

Gas prices under President Trump climbed above $4.50 per gallon last month but have declined in recent weeks as the administration continues negotiations with Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Border Czar Tom Homan said Monday that a substantial majority of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have either been convicted of crimes or are facing criminal charges, arguing that the agency’s current enforcement figures reflect a successful approach.

Appearing on Newsmax TV’s “Carl Higbie Frontline,” Homan said the percentage of ICE detainees with criminal records or pending charges has declined slightly from earlier levels but remains strong.

According to Homan, ICE classifies criminals as individuals who have already been convicted or who are currently facing charges and were located while being held in custody.

“The bottom line is, we say a criminal is those who have a criminal conviction or pending criminal charges, which means we found them in the jail cell, locked in a jail cell, which means they’re probably not a choir boy, right?”

Homan noted that roughly 70 percent of ICE arrests previously involved individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges, while the current figure is somewhat lower.

“So, it was about 70%. Right now, I think we’re about 64%. But you know what? That’s a good number. For the people who say, well, you need to arrest everybody. I tell them, look, let’s say 60, 40, I think 60% criminal, 40% non-criminal is a good mix. I think it’s better than 40% criminal and 60% non-criminal. But everybody’s on the table.”

He emphasized that while individuals with criminal backgrounds remain the primary focus of enforcement efforts, ICE is not limiting its operations exclusively to that category and retains the authority to take action against anyone in the country illegally.

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the community of Karmei Tzur when six-year-old Daniel Klapholtz was killed in a horrific traffic accident near the entrance to the community. The heartbreaking incident occurred just two days after his family moved into their new home.

Daniel was identified as the young child who lost his life in the accident on Route 3515 near the entrance to Karmei Tzur. Despite extensive efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy became even more painful after it emerged that the Klapholtz family, formerly residents of Beitar Illit, had relocated to Karmei Tzur only days earlier and had moved into their new residence just two days before the fatal accident.

The first emergency call was received by Magen David Adom at 6:21 p.m. Medics and paramedics rushed to the scene and immediately began intensive resuscitation efforts on the child, who had suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save him and were forced to declare his death at the scene.

Volunteers from ZAKA’s Judea and Samaria District, along with teams from Beitar Illit and Gush Etzion, responded quickly to the scene and spent many hours handling the aftermath of the accident and ensuring the dignity of the deceased.

According to ZAKA volunteers who were present, preliminary findings indicate that Daniel was riding a small ride-on toy down the street when he apparently collided with the rear section of a bus near an intersection and was pulled beneath its rear wheels. Emergency personnel determined that his injuries were unsurvivable.

Hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors, and local residents gathered shortly after midnight Monday to accompany the young boy on his final journey. The funeral procession departed from the Gush Etzion Regional Cemetery at midnight, where Daniel was laid to rest amid scenes of profound grief and mourning.

The Klapholtz family is sitting shivah at their new residence on Einav Street in Karmei Tzur.

Umacha Hashem simah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}